Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 9th May 2023

Skydiving Scot

By Mikayla Van Loon

There’s no slowing down an 89-year-old skydiving Scotsman who recently took the plunge over the Yarra Valley to tick an item off his bucket list, wearing a kilt.

Lilydale Aged Care resident Bob Craig joined the home’s lifestyle coordinator Maureen Hincksman on 30 April to have an experience like no other.

Admitting to being a bit of an adventurous soul, Mr Craig said he enjoyed every moment of falling through the air.

“It was fun, it really was. I wasn’t the least bit nervous. I’ve always lived very close to the edge,” he said.

“My wife used to say to me, ‘for God’s sake, would you slow down’ but it’s just the way I am.”

A character both in and out of the sky, Ms Hincksman said she will often find Mr Craig knocking at her door dressed in costume.

“I sit here on the computer and next minute I hear bang bang on the door and I go over to the door and it’s Charlie Chaplin,” she said.

“A couple of days later, I’ve got Wally there or I’ve got Sherlock Holmes. So he dresses up and joins in. He’s our Father Christmas. He also takes the mail around and he does really enjoy a chinwag with the new people.”

So when the opportunity to skydive came up, Mr Craig took it as a chance to have an adventure.

Not having a moment to feel scared, Mr Craig said the view over the Yarra Valley was breathtakingly beautiful.

“It was just tremendous. You could see all the dams and they were all full and paddocks and the fields that had been planted, all laid out, it was like a patchwork quilt and it was gorgeous,” he said.

In a tribute to his wife, Mr Craig wore the kilt she bought for him before she died almost a year and half ago.

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Continued

Bob Craig, 89-years-old, skydived in a kilt at the end of April, fuelling his adventurous soul.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Road review fears

By Mikayla van Loon

A review into some of the country’s biggest infrastructure projects has been ordered by the Federal government with the potential to include the proposed Canterbury Road works.

Upgrades to the Montrose end of the major thoroughfare were committed in 2016 with $20 million of funding approved by the then Coalition government.

Widening of Canterbury Road and a new signalised intersection in Montrose was on the cards as part of the upgrade.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King announced the 90-day review of the Infrastructure Investment Program on Monday 1 May, stating it would allow the government the opportunity to reassess how best to deliver the projects in the pipeline.

“A properly functioning infrastructure investment pipeline means projects can be delivered with more confidence about timeframes and budgets,” she said.

“Easing the pressure on the construction sector will help drive inflation lower and deliver more predictable investment and delivery outcomes from governments.”

Australia’s infrastructure pipeline is worth $120 billion and has 738 projects, 162 of which have a government commitment of $5 million or less, compared with 146 when Labor was last in government 10 years ago.

Ms King claims the Coalition government over-promised and under-delivered in what she termed “press release projects”, something

that “clogged pipeline has caused delays and overruns in important, nation building projects”.

The Department of Infrastructure would not confirm which projects have been included in the review.

Casey MP Aaron Violi has written to Ms King asking for clarification on which section of Canterbury Road may be reviewed, with multiple projects totalling $44.5 million meant to be completed.

Concerned that further road funding cuts to the Yarra Ranges region could come within this review, Mr Violi has pleaded with the Federal government to refrain from imparting another blow.

“The government has a track record of cutting vital road funding from our community, and I’m deeply concerned that the Canterbury Road upgrade could be next on Labor’s chopping block,” he said.

In the 2022/23 budget, the Federal government made $1 billion worth of cuts to infrastructure funding, including the Roads for Community program, a road sealing initiative through Yarra Ranges Council.

Knowing the high traffic movement on Canterbury Road, Mr Violi said it would be detrimental to pull funding from an upgrade particularly in Montrose.

“We’ve all been there, sitting in slow-moving traffic trying to get through the Montrose roundabout. It’s the nightly ritual for so many residents of the Yarra Ranges and Outer East

who use this road to commute for work and leisure,” he said.

“It would be absolutely devastating to see the Canterbury Road upgrade for Montrose cut or pulled completely by the Albanese Labor Government, particularly given it was slated to start just months from now.”

Ms King confirmed projects already under construction would continue as planned but all other projects would be assessed by the independent panel led by Reece Waldock AM, Clare Gardiner-Barnes and Mike Mrdak AO.

“This process will allow all levels of government time to consider the projects that are actual priorities and assess their cost and deliverability in the current climate,” Monday’s statement said.

“Australia should have a pipeline of land transport infrastructure projects that are genuinely nation-building, economically sustainable and resilient to our changing climate.”

Ms King said the review hopes to understand how communities can benefit from “shorter and safer travel, more liveable cities, suburbs and regions” while the economy recovers.

Mr Violi has called for the government to think of the long term impacts of road funding cuts in the Casey electorate.

“I’m calling on the Labor Government to stop axing vital road upgrades in our community. Pulling these critical projects will only result in more gridlock, unsafe roads and less time at home with family at the end of the day.”

Skydiving Scotsman lands bucket list

From page 1

“She said ‘Bob, I’m gonna buy you a kilt’. I used to play in pipe bands back in Scotland and I used to wear a kilt a lot. She said ‘We’ve been married for 66 years and I’ve been dressing you for that long’.

“She said, ‘I know I haven’t got long but when you eventually join me, I want you to be presentably dressed’, so hence the kilt when you’re skydiving 15,000 feet up in the air, I thought I better wear my kilt in case I don’t have a soft landing.”

Although having lived in Australia since the 1960s, Mr Craig is still a proud Scotsman at heart, recalling all the years spent playing in pipe bands as a drummer.

“I started playing in pipe bands when I was 10 years of age. I was very keen on drumming and I played in a juvenile band and it was the top juvenile band in Scotland.”

When Red Hackle Whisky formed their own pipe band with the intention of going international, Mr Craig, at the age of 18, was selected to compete in the world championships three years in a row before being called up for national service.

“Highlight, in 1953 the year Queen Elizabeth was coronated, we, the Red Hackle Pipes and Drums, were invited up to the Bal-

moral Highland Games to play for her.”

With one item crossed off the list, Mr Craig is looking ahead to the next challengegetting over to Perth.

“I have two great grandchildren who live over in Perth and I haven’t cuddled them yet,” he said.

“I’m going to go over some time before my 90th birthday in a couple of months’ time and meet Harrison and Emily Grace and give them a cuddle.”

Making residents’ dreams and wishes come true is all part of Ms Hincksman’s role,

something she’s loved doing for the 40 years she’s worked in aged care.

“I haven’t done anything else. I don’t know how to do anything else. This is what I consider my calling, I’ve loved every minute of lifestyle,” she said. Ms Hincksman is currently organising motorbike rides, nights at the zoo and fast laps for residents, something that has been made easier with the support of Allity and fellow staff.

“It’s just about making their day here and doing something that they want to do,” she said.

Rings returned, remarkable find

A remarkable recovery of a woman’s wedding rings has been achieved after she lost them on a beach.

Thanks to the help of a metal detector and social media, the rings were gratefully returned to their rightful owner in an exchange at Mooroolbark Police Station.

In January, Alice was at Sullivan Beach, Sorrento when she lost her engagement and wedding rings.

She reported the rings lost and shared posts on local community Facebook pages. Alice received a Facebook message request from Colin a couple of weeks later, saying he’d found her rings - Colin had been camping on the foreshore and stumbled across Alice’s rings using a handy metal detector.

With the assistance of Sorrento and Mooroolbark Police, Alice, Sam (Alice’s husband) and Colin met at Mooroolbark Police Station, and Alice was reunited with her rings.

Barista Bros Recall

Coca-Cola Europacific is recalling Barista Bros Double Espresso, Iced Chocolate, Espresso and Mocha (500ml and 700ml bottles), best before 30 September 2023 onwards.

The recall is due to a potential packaging fault leading to a possible contamination risk.

These products were available for sale nationally at Woolworths, Coles, Metcash/IGA grocers, Aldi, Independent retail stores and vending machines.

Lifeblood pop up

One in three people in Lilydale will need blood during their lives and without amazing locals donating, that blood may not be there at the crucial moment.

Lifeblood will be popping up at the Lilydale Baptist Church between Monday 8 May and Friday 19 May.

Worksafe warning

WorkSafe is urging employers to address the risk of crush injuries in their workplace as new data highlights their dreadful toll on workers. Eight people died after being crushed in Victorian workplaces last year, while the first workplace fatality of 2023 was a worker crushed between a boom lift and a roof purlin.

WorkSafe accepted 461 claims for crush injuries in 2022 – well in excess of one a day. Three-quarters (341) of the incidents involved an injury to the hand or wrist. Manufacturing was the most crush prone industry, accounting for 127 claims, followed by construction.

Colin, Alice and Sam met at Mooroolbark Police Station to meet and return Alice’s wedding rings. Picture: YARRA RANGES EYEWATCH

Dress in a kilt, Mr Craig prepared for take off.

RBA cash rate rises back

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) returned to a cash rate rise in May after last month’s pause.

The cash rate has risen by 25 basis points, from 3.60 to 3.85 per cent.

RBA Governor Phillip Lowe said in a media release that inflation in Australia has passed its peak, but at 7 per cent is still too high and it will be some time yet before it is back in the target range.

“Given the importance of returning inflation to target within a reasonable timeframe, the Board judged that a further increase in interest rates was warranted today,” he said.

“The Board held interest rates steady last month to provide additional time to assess the state of the economy and the outlook.”

The most recent monthly indicator of Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation in March sat at 6.3 per cent, down from 8.8 per cent in February and 7.4 per cent in January.

Mr Lowe said while the recent data showed a welcome decline in inflation, the central forecast remains that it takes a couple of years before inflation returns to the top of the target range (2-3 per cent).

“Inflation is expected to be 4½ per cent in 2023 and 3 per cent in mid-2025. Goods price inflation is clearly slowing due to a better balance of supply and demand following the resolution of the pandemic disruptions,” he said.

“The Board’s priority remains to return inflation to target. High inflation makes life difficult for people and damages the functioning of the economy. And if high inflation were to become entrenched in people’s expectations, it would be very costly to reduce later, involving even higher interest rates and a larger rise in unemployment,”

“Medium-term inflation expectations remain well anchored, and it is important that this remains the case. Today’s further adjustment in interest rates will help in this regard.”

A survey of 1010 Australians conducted by Compare the Market in April 2023 revealed almost half of Australians aren’t equipped or ready to go into a recession, with more than a quarter saying they aren’t prepared and are barely getting by, while 14 per cent said they’re not prepared at all and will face financial setbacks if a recession occurs.

Compare the Market’s General Manager of Money, Stephen Zeller, said the Board’s deci-

sion to raise the cash rate for the eleventh time in 12 months was a necessary evil.

“Even though we can see these aggressive rate increases have had some effect on inflation, we’re still nowhere near the target range of 2-3 per cent, although it was a necessary evil for the greater good, many borrowers are going to be in a world of pain,” Mr Zeller said.

“A person with a $600,000 mortgage could

be paying $1,351 more each month than they were at the start of May 2022, so it really does pay to do your research and be prepared for that fixed rate cliff. There’s a number of cashback offers available right now that are attached to competitive rates, if you’re not on a competitive rate, it’s time to consider switching – you could be saving thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.”

Unsafe workplace costs Kilsyth company

A Kilsyth metal fabrication company has been convicted and fined $25,000 after a worker had four fingers partially amputated while using an unguarded guillotine.

Collins Metal Fabrications Pty Ltd was sentenced last Thursday in the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court after being found guilty of failing to provide a working environment that was safe and without risks to health and failing to provide or maintain plant or systems of work that were safe and without risks to health.

The company was also ordered to pay costs of $3,756.

The court heard that in February 2022, the worker’s fingers slipped and came into contact with the guillotine blade as he tried to free a piece of metal that had become stuck.

The tips of the worker’s pointer and middle finger on each hand were amputated. The worker underwent emergency surgery but has permanent damage to his fingers.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer said the worker’s life had forever changed due to the failure of his employer to install the required guarding.

“Installing and maintaining safety guarding on machinery is an absolute nonnegotiable because without it, terrible and life altering outcomes, as in this case, can result,” Dr Beer said.

“There is absolutely no excuse for an employer failing to protect workers from dangerous machinery and WorkSafe will not hesitate to prosecute those who do.”

To manage risks when working with machinery and plant, employers should:

Identify hazards, assess the risks associated with them, and eliminate or control those risks by isolating them or using an alternative.

Train staff in the safe operation of machines and equipment and provide written procedures in the worker’s first language.

Develop and implement safe operating procedures in consultation with employees and health and safety representatives.

Ensure safety guards and gates are compliant and fixed to machines at all times. Regularly service and inspect machines and equipment.

Place signs on or near a machine to alert employees of the dangers of operating it.

$25,000

Collins Metal Fabrications in Kilsyth has been fined for an employee’s near loss of fingers.

Picture: GOOGLE IMAGES

The cash rate has risen to 3.85 per cent.

Picture: ON FILE

Crackdown on vaping

By Callum Ludwig

The Australian Government has made a big budget commitment dedicated to stamping out the use of vapes and discouraging a switch to smoking as lung cancer continues to kill more than any other cancer in Australia.

$737 million has been allocated in 2023/24 Federal Budget to fund new measures to restrict importation and sales and improve the quality and packaging of vaping products.

Associate Professor Johnson George of Monash University Centre for Medicine Use and Safety and Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences said there is no place for vaping as an evidence-based smoking cessation strategy in the management of nicotine dependence.

“Efforts should be directed at improving access to subsidised smoking cessation treatments in combination with behavioural counselling,” he said.

“Prescription and non-prescription smoking cessation medications currently available are safe, efficacious and cost-effective. Other approaches should not be considered until such options have been exhausted.”

Vaping is particularly prevalent among younger people and due to the highly addictive nature of nicotine, concerns have been raised in recent years about the potential for lifelong addiction.

A Yarra Ranges school that wished to remain anonymous said they acknowledge that vaping is a significant community concern, especially amongst young people.

“We strongly support measures to reduce access and availability of e-cigarettes. There is clear evidence now that vaping has significant long-term health risks, not dissimilar to smoking,” they said.

“We have been educating our students over the past couple of years on the dangers of vaping in the hope they will make good choices about their future health outcomes.”

In an effort to quash the black market for illegal vapes, the federal and state governments will be stopping the importation of non-prescription use vapes and banning all single-use disposable vapes, restricting colours, flavours ingredients and nicotine volume and enforcing pharmaceutical-like packaging.

Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care

Mark Butler said vaping is creating a whole new generation of nicotine dependency in our community.

“It poses a major threat to Australia’s success in tobacco control and the Albanese Government is not going to stand by and let this happen,” he said.

“Australia needs to reclaim its position as a

One in three Victorian ambulances take too long

By Mibenge Nsenduluka, AAP

Ambulance response times continue to lag in Victoria, with new data showing it takes more than 15 minutes to respond to one in three Code One incidents.

Victorians continue to face long ambulance wait times as it takes more than 15 minutes for paramedics to respond to one in three critical dispatches.

New data released by the state government showed while there was a slight improvement in ambulance response times from January to March, the health system was still buckling under pressure.

Paramedics were called to 92,413 Code One cases in the January-March quarter and responded to 65.2 per cent within 15 minutes.

Despite a five per cent improvement on the previous quarter, this was still significantly lower than the 2014 response rate of 73 per cent.

The Victorian government previously said the Covid-19 pandemic was to blame for soaring demand for health-care services.

Premier Daniel Andrews said there was still room for improvement.

“It’s a long journey to repair and rebuild,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

“Covid is not over from a hospital point of view.

Ambulance wait times improve slightly but still well below the average. 303384

On average, nearly 54 Ambulance Victoria staff were furloughed every day because of Covid between January and March.

The state government has spent billions of dollars to improve the system, including a $26 million package to add 40 mobile intensive care paramedics across the state, increasing the total to 640.

It has also spent $1.5 billion on a Covid-19 catch-up plan, which enabled 46,548 patients to undergo surgical procedures in the past quarter.

world leader on tobacco control.”

The changes will be supported by the proposed national tobacco control legislation announced in November 2022 and help achieve the goals of the National Tobacco Strategy 2023–2030 also released on Tuesday 2 May in reducing daily smoking prevalence to less than 10 per cent by 2025 and at or under 5 per cent by 2030.

Mr Butler said these reform measures will help protect the health of Australians, while reducing the pressure on our health system.

“Vaping was sold to governments and communities around the world as a therapeutic product to help long-term smokers quit. It was not sold as a recreational product - especially not one targeted to our kids but that is what it has become,” he said.

“Young people who vape are three times as likely to take up smoking. So is it any wonder that under 25s are the only cohort in the community currently recording an increase in smoking rates?”

Funding will also deliver a public health information campaign on the dangers of smoking and vaping to discourage new smokers and urge current smokers to quit, supported programs in nicotine cessation education and health practitioner training, a 3-year additional 5 per cent tax on tobacco on top of normal indexation, alignment of tax on loose-leaf tobacco products and a new national lung cancer screening program.

“The rest of us are getting about our lives and we have kind of normalised this, but we still have more than 300 patients that are in hospital.

“Some of them are very unwell, and that still does put pressure and a burden on our staff.”

Ambulance Victoria said a drop in its staff furloughed because of Covid-19, and across the health system, helped slightly improve response times.

“This helped speed up the handover of patients at hospitals and allowed us to get back on the road quicker to attend more life-threatening emergencies,” Ambulance Victoria Metropolitan regional director Ian Hunt said.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Health Minister Mark Butler announced the Federal Government will work with the states and territories to shut down the sale of vapes in stores. Picture: LUKAS COCH/AAP

Students grow on Kokoda

By Mikayla Van Loon

Hiking through vast jungle, trekking rocky terrain and seeing breathtaking views is what two students from Cire Community School Mount Evelyn have just experienced on the Kokoda Trail.

The adventure saw senior school students Cammy and Rhylie depart Melbourne for Papua New Guinea on 17 April to begin the gruelling eight day trek along the iconic trail.

“It was intense. There were a lot of emotions at the beginning, especially on the plane. Both of us didn’t like taking off, there was a lot of fear in that,” Cammy said.

“There was a little bit of delay in the hotel before we actually got on the track, so it was all up in the air at the start and you just dive into it. You don’t really have too much time to stress about it.”

Rhylie said because of a public holiday, it delayed the first day because some of the guides weren’t able to fly to the meeting point which meant they were making up time throughout the whole trek.

Luckily with the experience and guidance of the porters, trackmasters, trek leaders and some locals, Rhylie said they were able to get going halfway through the first day.

“We had five trackmasters. There’s normally six groups and one trackmaster for each group, but because this was the first trek that’s happened since Covid, we had all five trackmasters with us,” he said.

“One of the trackmasters ended up going to find some local boys that he had done it with before to take us for like the first two days until our boys could get over there.”

This was just one of the highlights for Rhylie, getting to learn from the locals about their culture.

“They have so much less than us but they have so much more joy in everything. As soon as you start talking to them they’ve got a smile on their face,” he said.

“Getting to learn their culture and getting to learn a bit about them, to learn a bit about the language, matches with actually just walking the track.”

For Cammy, being amongst the wilderness was the best highlight, even if only getting glimpses every now and then while walking, the view at the top was always worth it.

“It’s incredible. You feel like an ant and everything there is so much bigger than it is here, I think because it grows so wildly and organically. It’s just so cool,” she said.

From glowing moss forests to fireflies, the Papua New Guinean environment pulled out all the stops, leaving a lasting impression on both Cammy and Rhylie.

“One minute you could be walking through some dense bush going uphill or downhill and if you get to the bottom of the hill next minute you’re walking through swampland,” Rhylie said.

“You get to a point where you’re just automatically walking and then next minute you look up out of nowhere and it’s just breathtaking.”

This experience was made possible for

Cammy as the inaugural recipient of the Cowey-Selman Kokoda Award, a joint initiative between the 39th Infantry Battalion (1941-43) Association, Mount Evelyn, Monbulk and Lilydale RSL sub-branches.

Having applied alongside Cammy, Rhylie always had a dream of one day walking the Kokoda Trail and because of his enthusiasm, the school community rallied behind him to fundraise for him to join Cammy.

“Being a kid, having one of those dreams, I never really thought I could go. I love learning about the war and all sorts of stuff that has happened in our history,” he said.

With the support of his teacher KP Skidmore (Skids), the dream became a reality, with a GoFundMe set up and the Yarra Junction

campus pitching in donations from cafe purchases.

“Rhylie, since he’s been at our school we’ve just seen this amazing determination to grow and to change and just to take the opportunities that have been given to him,” Skids said.

“Watching how seriously he took the research and scholarship…[it was about honouring] that process, his determination and his commitment to the process and also commitment to his own life and development.”

Extremely proud of both Cammy and Rhylie for putting their hands up to take on the challenge of applying and completing the Kokoda Trail, Skids said it is also great to see them being reflective of what they have experienced.

“I love the fact that they’re both reflec-

tive and they have both taken what they’ve learned…I feel like there is going to be more beauty in this world as a result of them stepping up and being courageous,” she said.

Learning her ability to push through when things get tough is a lesson Cammy has taken away from the trek, while Rhylie learnt the mental trick of telling yourself you can achieve something.

“You break through different mental barriers and you knock down a wall. When things get really tough [on the track], you can’t just sit down and relax because every second that you have walking counts,” she said.

“So you have to keep just keep going and then you start pushing yourself a lot more than you thought you were capable.”

“Everyone might have one thing that they desire but they might not think they can do it. It’s not about that. It’s about having that desire and then believing that you can do it because the more you believe you can do it, the more chances you have of being able to do it,” Rhylie said.

Grateful to have been supported by such an “amazing, extremely patient, kind and gracious” group of locals, Cammy and Rhylie are keen to head back to Kokoda again to experience it all once more.

Brigades pump it up in large water volume training

By Tanya Steele

Coldstream CFA along with many other local CFA groups hosted a pumping training event at their local winery Domaine Chandon on Sunday 30 April, with great success.

The training was designed to simulate setting up and transporting large volumes of water in the event of a larger fire event and to practice setting up and laying the hoses.

“The day went really well,” said Sean Bethell, CFA Captain in Coldstream.

“A lot of planning went into the lead up for this,” he said.

Lilydale, Heasleville, Chirnside, and Socresby brigades assisted with moving water on the day and Yarra Glen, Healesville and Badger Creek were also in attendance.

Some brigades from further afield in Kinglake and District 13 brought along spe-

cialised equipment for the training.

Mr Bethell said there were about 15 different types of fire trucks and crew carrier-type vehicles involved overall and at least 50 firefighters.

“There was a number of brigades there and all had roles in helping us set up and

pack up at the end of the day,” he said.

The training involved practising hose layout, familiarising pump operators with how to move larger volumes of water and giving new volunteers an insight into larger operations.

“You might have dams a kilometre away from the building and we’re able to relay water

long distances in large quantities to give them knock that fire down,” Mr Bethell said.

The event used a 100ml hose from the Scoresby Hose Layer which is a specialised fire truck from the Scoresby brigade, a normal firefighting hose is only 38ml.

“100ml is really specialised for moving large amounts of water, its capable of moving 3,500 litres per minute,” said Mr Bethell.

The training pumped water from the bottom dam at Domaine Chandon and Mr Bethell said the winery was left in good condition with all the vines still standing.

“They’ve been really supportive of the brigade,” said Mr Bethell.

Leading into summer the CFA units will continue with seasonally appropriate training.

“We try to run different scenarios and mix it up a bit,” Mr Bethell said.

Cammy and Rhylie hiked with a group of locals, trackmasters and tour guides to reach the Kokoda Archway on day eight.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Rhylie and Cammy had the experience of a lifetime trekking through the Kokoda Trail. 331738

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The view at the top was always worth the pain throughout the day.

The landscape would change regularly but every minute was lush and green.

Many brigades joined in on the training. Pictures: CFA CHIRNSIDE PARK

Large water volume pumping involves specialised equipment and training.

Sustainability recognised

By Mikayla van Loon

Two Lilydale high schools have been named in the finalists for Sustainability Victoria’s ResourceSmart Schools Awards, recognising their commitment to the environment.

Mount Lilydale Mercy College (MLMC) has been put forward in two categories for the second year, with nominations for Teacher of the Year (Secondary) and ResourceSmart School of the Year.

Lilydale Heights College (LHC) also gained a nomination in the Curriculum Leadership category for a secondary school.

LHC sustainability leader Shannon Sargeant said the environment became a focus within the school’s curriculum around six years ago, with the vision of being a ResourceSmart school.

“We want to become a ResourceSmart school and be as sustainable as we possibly can and be a bit of a showcase for other schools in the area,” she said.

To complete the modules and actions required every year, like the waste and biodiversity audits, Ms Sargeant said it seemed easiest, most efficient and educational to include those things within the curriculum.

“For sustainability to be sustainable, I thought it needs to be embedded in the curriculum,” she said.

“It doesn’t naturally go in every aspect of the curriculum but there’s certainly spots where it does fit.”

For one unit, science and humanities has combined for students to learn about the scientific and human aspects of ocean plastic waste, while Year 9 students learn about climate change and biodiversity loss in ‘there’s no planet B’.

“I feel like we’re doing some really cool, different things by integrating that and giving the kids a bigger picture and understanding by looking at it from more than one perspective,” Ms Sargeant said.

Ms Sargeant said the student engagement with such classes and programs has been excellent, especially when there are positive outcomes that can be derived from brainstorming actions they can take on a personal level like writing to parliamentarians.

For MLMC’s sustainability leader Andrew Feher, who has been nominated as teacher of the year, the recognition is an honour but humbly said it is a culmination of all the work the school has done to achieve a range of sustainable initiatives.

While waste and biodiversity are major focuses for the school, Mr Feher said over the last year including Indigenous practices into their approach has become a

“We’re looking at putting in a native food garden just so the kids have a real spot to see as opposed to something on a PowerPoint or on a video,” he said.

“They can actually see it, they’ll plant it and hopefully in a few years time, we’ll be able to harvest food from it and we can make some meals out of it.”

With strong ties to William Barak, Mr Feher said MLMC is looking to “extend those connections” further and engage Koorie staff and students in learning.

Propagating and planting remains high on MLMC’s agenda, with much of the school’s cohort participating in some shape or form.

“That’s probably been a highlight for me is getting virtually half the school’s curriculum, in some form involved in activities in and around the school or directly by getting their hands dirty, or just doing some theory work in regards to sustainability,” Mr Feher said.

Inching closer to being a five star school, Mr Feher said one area that is bringing them down is the ratio of students to waste but hopes to combat that with further waste saving initiatives.

Mr Feher said everything he and the entire school is working towards is the longevity of sustainability practices beyond the current teaching and student cohort.

“We’re now tapping into the junior students so that we’ve got a progression of students

willing to put their hand up over the next few years,” he said.

MLMC is also engaging with local primary schools to run classes and sessions on the environment to keep it carrying over into the next generation.

Another exciting project, Mr Feher said is a new five acre ‘outdoor classroom’ leased by Melbourne Water to the school to rehabilitate.

“We’re looking at putting in bird nests to observe the increased animal life that we’ll get when we put in lower storey plants. It’s really going to change that area, which was pretty well a weed infested tip.”

Both schools have visions for what is next to achieving more sustainable outcomes, with Ms Sargeant wanting to gain the waste star and get more students actively involved, while Mr Feher is working on bringing down MLMC’s carbon footprint.

“The student voice part for me is next, we’ve done quite a lot of work on curriculum but we’re getting that student action team to be bigger and stronger and running more things. That’s probably my main focus this year,” Ms Sargeant said.

Both schools will be attending the awards ceremony on 15 June held at the MCG.

Mount Evelyn stroke survivor awarded for her courage

By Mikayla van Loon

Mount Evelyn’s Nicole Gallacher has taken home the Courage Award at this year’s Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards after being nominated by her husband.

Her incredible determination to get back to living an active and healthy life after experiencing a stroke and stillbirth in early 2019, while sharing a message of hope with others, shone through at the award ceremony on 4 May.

“What an honour, I was so humbled and it was incredible to hear all the stories, of which there were many, of the other nominees,” Ms Gallacher said.

“It was so inspiring to hear what others have accomplished. On a personal note it was touching to have everything we’ve been through recognised and even more touching to know it was my husband who nominated me.”

Among the nominees there was someone putting together a book of stroke survivors stories, a parent finishing their Masters degree while minding a toddler and a little boy

creating a podcast of bedtime stories so no child has to go to sleep without one.

Ms Gallacher’s story is one of heartbreak at the loss of her and her husband Dave’s first

child Ned but also one of joy at the birth of their son Angus.

Reliving her story through someone else’s words was challenging to hear but Ms Gallacher said it was also encouraging.

“It was very emotional receiving the award and hearing my story again, even the presenter was holding back tears telling it,” she said.

“Holding Gus in my arms just reaffirmed how far I’ve come and although what happened was utterly heartbreaking and I’d give anything for Ned to be here, I’m also incredibly lucky as I have the most beautiful family and am so grateful for Dave, Gus and our dog Lassy.”

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy congratulated each of the winners for their remarkable efforts.

“The Stroke Awards shine a light on the amazing people in our community who are making life better for survivors of stroke, and reducing the burden of stroke in our community,” Dr Lisa Murphy said.

“The calibre of winners at this year’s event

demonstrates the passion, care and dedication we have in our community.

That includes survivors of stroke, carers, family members, volunteers, health professionals and researchers.”

For Ms Gallacher, she remembers her outlook on life just after her stroke and thinking it was going to be hopeless, something she doesn’t want others to feel.

“I remember being in hospital and feeling like my life was over and not knowing what things would look like but thinking the future would be pretty bleak.

“Fast forward just over three years and the best thing that has ever happened to me, happened post stroke and although I hope to keep recovering there are so many wonderful things in my life and the future now looks quite bright.

“I guess my message to everyone, particularly fellow stroke survivors, is follow your dreams because with hard work, determination and hope anything is possible and I’m living proof of that.”

MLMC’s sustainability leader Andrew Feher, Environmental Prefect Sophie Morris and Yea Landcare’s Chris Coburn handing over nesting boxes for Landcare to install.

Picture: MLMC

Lilydale Heights College students (back row) Patrick, Anastasia and Reegan, (front row) sustainability captains Lachlan and Jack at the veggie garden. 332783

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Mount Evelyn stroke survivor Nicole Gallacher, her husband Dave and son Gus at the Stroke Awards for 2023. Picture: SUPPLIED

FICE gets Bella on the job

By Mikayla van Loon

Gaining employment had always been a long term goal of Bella O’Hara’s, something she’s now been able to achieve with a little bit of support from Cire and the First Impressions Clothing Exchange (FICE) team.

Although living with a learning disability, Bella hasn’t let that stop her from achieving a qualification and taking every opportunity to prepare her for employment.

Starting her pathway to work via the Reconnect program, coordinated by Cire Services, Bella said she was willing to give everything a go and learned a lot of different skills.

“It built up my confidence to get a job. If I didn’t have those skills, I wouldn’t be working at Montrose Bakery as I’m doing right now. I’ve gained a lot of friendships at Cire and advice as well,” she said.

From taking a cooking class to learning about resume writing, Bella set her sights on achieving as much as possible, while also growing socially.

Volunteering one to two days a week at FICE, first in Mooroolbark and now at the new Lilydale store, Bella learnt the art of starting general conversation with a customer, while also learning the ins and outs of helping coordinate a clothing store.

Starting her position as a cleaner at the bakery in April, Bella said she has felt extremely supported, with room to grow in the future, potentially to a customer service role.

“The staff are very lovely. They said, ‘Bella, ask for help if you get stuck’. I struggle a little bit asking for help, I just want to try and do it on my own,” she said.

“I have a disability but I can work in a team and I want to work somewhere where they’re supportive and welcoming and supportive of people with a disability.

“I work at a slow pace, but I do get there. My

brain remembers everything now since I’ve worked at the bakery because I know what I have to do.”

FICE coordinator Renee Cooke said seeing how far Bella has come to achieve her goal of employment makes her very proud.

“Bella’s growth has just been truly amazing. From the first time she came to FICE at the Mooroolbark store she was a little bit shy and timid and unsure of herself and probably didn’t have the best self confidence but her progress today has just been amazing,” she said.

“She’s put in a lot of hard work and everything we’ve offered her or thrown at her she’s taken on board and given it a go.”

With big dreams of using her story and voice to help others, Bella is part of the Yarra Ranges Council Disability Advisory Committee and the Montrose Township Group.

“I really want to be a voice for women and tell them my story, spread my awareness. I love helping people, always have and it makes me feel good about myself.

“I can be a voice for young people…You’re not alone.Whatever you’re going through, take it day by day, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for you. You’ve got so much potential.

“You may be in pain right now, but it does get better. I’ve had bad mental health and I got the help I needed.”

Renee said she can absolutely see Bella using her voice for good, to make change and become a representative of some kind for others.

“I can see Bella doing amazing things… This job is just a stepping stone. I can see her working more in the advocacy space and being a champion for people living with disabilities like she’s doing.”

The goal of FICE is to empower women, getting them back into the workforce or finding the support they need and Renee said Bella is proof the approach works.

Grateful to have had a range of incredible women in her life throughout her whole process, from school to being at Cire, Bella said each one of those people have contributed to the person she is today but in particular, her mum.

“My mum is my biggest supporter and she’s always going to be my biggest supporter no matter what. She always supports me, guides me, lifts me up and tells me you’re a superstar,” Bella said.

“I’m grateful to be part of Cire and I think what they want for young people and people my age and people older, they just want you to succeed, find a job, find something you love, or just be yourself really.”

Bella O’Hara started a job at the Montrose Bakery in April after volunteering at FICE and boosting her skills in Cire’s programs. Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Renee Cooke (right) is extremely proud of Bella’s growth and sees great things for her future.

Guiding marks 60th year

Mooroolbark Girl Guides celebrated a belated 60th birthday on the last weekend of April bringing together former and current members of the guiding way.

As a group that fosters confidence, while empowering girls to learn skills and socialise with like minded young people, the Mooroolbark branch has been committed to that approach for decades.

From camping to trivia nights, Girl Guides provides a safe, welcoming space for girls to grow and experience new things.

With dedicated leaders to teach and guide them, the Mooroolbark group has contributed over many years to the success of girls from the region.

In a cross generation moment, former Guiding Leader Elsie cut the cake with a young member Lizzie at the community celebrations on Saturday 29 April.

As memories flooded back to people seeing Elsie’s photo on social media, stories of the good old times arose.

“I was with Lilydale Guides why back in the ‘80s. I remember Elsie testing me for my badges back then, knitting, needlework etc, beautiful lady,” one person wrote.

“Elsie I am so glad you were such an important part in celebrating Mooroolbark Guides 60th birthday. Elsie is a true inspiration in our community. I enjoy all our conversations we have had over the years. Her kindness and consideration for others is outstanding,” another person said.

Here’s to another 60 more years of Mooroolbark Girl Guides.

Mid-year MEYVAS exhibition opens at the Waterwheel

By Mikayla van Loon

The Mount Evelyn and Yarra Valley Arts Society (MEYVAS) has just opened its mid-year exhibition called Retrospective at the Warburton Waterwheel Art Gallery.

Displaying a range of artworks from the society’s members, president Bev Hardidge said it has quite the variety.

“There’s 15 artists and it’s a big variety because you can imagine that with 15 people there’s lots of different styles and types of art. So it’s a pretty decent exhibition and we’re pretty proud of it,” she said.

The gallery space took a full day to transform and curate given the large range of works, which include paintings of various sizes, sculptures, jewellery, ceramics, cards and unframed works.

“Thankfully, the gallery is such a lovely big gallery now and we expected we would get quite a few works submitted, but I guess we didn’t quite expect as many [as we got],” Ms Hardidge said.

“In the last couple of years we discovered the Waterwheel and we found that to be very convenient and good.”

Ms Hardidge said the exhibition is a combination of both old and new works produced by members, many of which have been influenced by the local environment or classes MEYVAS has undertaken.

The Society has been giving artistic people

an opportunity to explore their craft, while socialising, for many years now.

“Nearly everyone is an artist of some description, whether they’re just beginners or more advanced, or really advanced,” Ms Hardidge said

“We’ve got a variety of abilities, I suppose you could say but usually, the reason why they’re joining is because they’re already arty and interested in that sort of thing.”

Retrospective will be the last formal exhibition as a society, with members looking to explore new pathways, away from the formalities of an incorporated group.

Ms Hardidge said, however, MEYVAS will still be a place for creatives to get together and paint or craft on days out in the Valley.

In the meantime, she hopes people come to enjoy the beautiful and outstanding work of some of the Yarra Valley’s lesser known but esteemed artists in their own right.

“We’ve got such a variety of artwork there. Anyone who loves art would find something that they like there. There’s something for everyone really, whether you like modern art or more traditional.”

The exhibition will be on display until 12 June.

The Mount Evelyn and Yarra Valley Arts Society has opened its Retrospective exhibition at the Warburton Waterwheel.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The exhibition features a range of artworks, from watercolour to acrylic paints each made by society members.

Sculpture and ceramics have also been included in the display.

Two generations of Girl Guides, in Elsie and Lizzie, cut the birthday cake.

Pictures: TRACY DE Casey MP Aaron Violi in conversation with Elsie.

Memorabilia and photographs of Guiding in Mooroolbark from the 60 years were on display.

Current Girl Guides were part of the celebrations.

Stories of guiding in Mooroolbark were shared in the community celebration.

A wedding in aisle seven

By Mikayla van Loon

It may be a unique way to get married but one celebrant is looking to bring a wedding to a Lilydale supermarket before she retires from the practice.

Founder of Julia’s Celebrant Agency, Julia Handford, will be putting up her feet after completing her 1000th wedding in November.

With two wedding spots left to fill, Julia said she hopes one of them can tick an item off her bucket list by hosting a ceremony in the Lilydale Woolworths supermarket.

“It’s been one of my bucket list things to marry a couple in a supermarket and another thing that I had on my list was I really wanted to marry a couple in a hot air balloon,” she said.

“I was actually fortunate enough to do the hot air balloon wedding last year and I thought well, before I retire this year, I have to get this supermarket wedding done.”

Looking for a willing couple to accept the offer, Julia said it has been approved by management at the supermarket and she will be doing it for a cheap price given the location.

“It might suit a couple that has been engaged for a long, long time and they just needed a kick up the bum to just be like let’s just

get married, who don’t want all the bells and whistles, that are happy to just get married in a supermarket,” Julia said.

“Or it might be a couple who just absolutely love Woolies to death and who couldn’t think of a better place to get married.”

As a former staff member of Woolworths when she was in her early teens, Julia said it was there that she really built up her business, so the wedding was somewhat of a way of giving back.

“I left there when I was maybe just shy of 20 and I got my first wedding clients that way and I’ve actually married quite a few staff members from Woolies over the years.

“It was just such a nice kickstart to my career because of all the customers that would come in like they really supported me in this new venture and I thought now that I’m tying things up, it would be nice to do a wedding where it all began.”

With 16 weddings to officiate before finishing up in November, Julia said it’s bittersweet but after 1000 weddings she is ready to take on a new challenge and find a new path.

If interested in a Woolies wedding, contact Julia on 0402 916 245 or by emailing hello@ jcacelebrants.com

Marrying friends and colleagues has been a dream for the many, many years Julia has been working in the industry.

Julia was lucky enough to marry some of her colleagues from Woolworths.

Julia Handford is hanging up the wedding celebrant boots but not before she completes one final bucket list item. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Local projects in doubt

Victoria is bracing for a horror State Budget on 23 May. Plagued by record debt that the Andrews Labor Government forecasts will reach a whopping $165 billion by 2025, and Big Build projects hitting $30 billion in budget blowouts, at least, the Labor Government has already foreshadowed troubling funding cuts to health (including community health), education, infrastructure projects, and plans to axe around 5000 jobs.

State debt is crippling, costing $10 million a day in interest repayments alone. That’s $10 million a day less to spend fixing the health crisis, funding more nurses or hospital beds, more teachers or police, more mental health services or crisis accommodation, or fixing dangerous roads.

Not only does Victoria have the highest

CARTOON

From my desk

Bridget Vallence Evelyn MP

debt than any other state in Australia, Victoria is also the highest taxed state in the nation. As cost-of-living pressures hit households and local businesses hard, the Andrews Labor Government has refused to rule-out hiking taxes further. Since 2014, the Labor Government has added 44 new or increased taxes, doubling its

Australians in Antarctica

A review of Ice Bound: The Australian Story of Antartica by Joy McCann

Ice Bound: The Australian Story of Antarctica is aninformativeandengagingaccountofthehistory of Australia’s connection with Antarctica.

Written by renowned environmental historian Joy McCann, this is a superb read for all who are mesmerised by the “vast, solitary snowland, cold-white under the sparkling star-gems; lustrous in the radiance of the southern lights; furrowed beneath the icy sweep of the wind” as described by Australian expeditioner Douglas Mawson.

No less fascinating than Mawson’s own book The Home of the Blizzard (1915), Ice Bound utilises “stories of exploration and adventure, exploitation and conservation, culture, science and governance” to examine Australia’s relationship with Antarctica.

The book also contains more than 200 historical images from the National Library of Australia, plus precious landscape photographs and documentary images captured by scientists. It is intellectually stimulating and visually stunning.

The comprehensive storytelling begins with the “heroic era” featuring prominent Australian and international explorers such as Mawson, Borchgrevink, Davis, Hurley, Scott and Shackleton. In sharp contrast are depictions of the gruesome fur and oil-harvesting business that drove Macquarie Island’s seals and penguins to near distinction.

Following the founding of the Australian Antarctic Division in 1948, Australia consolidated its sovereignty in Antarctica by building a permanent presence on the frozen continent. Mawson research station was set up in 1954, while Davis station was established in 1957 as part of its scientific program during the International GeophysicalYear.

The ensuing “scientific era” was a remarkable proof that nations could indeed put aside their contest for territory in pursuit of coordinated scientific research that would yield benefits for the whole world. The 1959 Antarctic Treaty further demilitarised the continent, ensuring that

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

it is dedicated to peace and science.

The “resources era” witnessed the introduction of other important international conventions aiming to protect Antarctica from exploitation and pollution.Today, the AntarcticTreaty System reflects public attitudes towards valuing the unique polar environment at the southernmost end of our planet as the impacts of climate change and population increases are felt.

As the book reveals, generations of Australian scientists, researchers and environmental activists have made considerable contributions to our understanding and caring of Antarctica. Unsurprisingly, there are also countless moments throughout this history when humans became acutely aware of their own insignificance and fragility in this majestic yet merciless land.

But this is also a land of imaginative possibilities, where “one felt this instantaneous fear at the first sight of it, that it would annihilate one; but this was overcome straight away by the sense of wonder in it” as observed by Australian artist Sidney Nolan.

Hence, in McCann’s words, a voyage to Antarctica is “not just a physical encounter with a hostile environment, but an inner journey of personal reflection and spiritual transformation”. Still, those of us who are unlikely to make this voyage in our lifetime can be content with Ice Bound.This splendid book is a must read for all who want to experience the intimate link between the “Gondwanan cousins” that are Australia and Antarctica.

tax take over its nine years in office, with tax revenue increasing a further 14 percent over the next three years.

Victorians are paying more tax than ever before and getting less for it. For example, we pay more in car rego, yet the roads around our state are in a woeful condition. Road maintenance and upgrading dangerous roads remains vitally important.

Excuses are wearing thin for the Andrews Labor Government after sitting for 4 years on $20 million in federal funding to upgrade Maroondah Highway Coldstream, including the dangerous Killara Road intersection. Just fix it!

Further, the government must reverse the savage $230 million cut from the annual road maintenance budget if it is serious about saving lives. The road toll is unacceptably high

with tragic fatalities on Yarra Valley roads this year, and some roads seemingly have more potholes than bitumen. So, it makes no sense for Labor to have gutted the road maintenance budget year-on-year. It’s time there was a transparent process to identify the most dangerous state roads, such as Warburton Highway Seville East, or Clegg Road at Wellington Road Wandin North, and ensure funding is guaranteed to fix them.

Our community needs and deserves safer local roads, better health services, upgraded school facilities, upgraded emergency services facilities, and duplication of the Mooroolbark to Lilydale railway, amongst other things. Sadly, a culture of waste and mismanagement will make it even harder for the Evelyn electorate to receive its fair share.

Getting involved at the 1812

The 1812 Theatre

Waiting for God

Season: 18 May to 10 June.

All your favourite characters from the original series are reimagined for the stage, facing challenges that come with growing old disgracefully in the era of the silver surfer.

At Bayview RetirementVillage, battle-axe ex traordinaire DianaTent conspires with new res identTom Ballard to give the conniving manager his comeuppance through an hilarious plot with unexpectedly heart-warming results. The production of a play at the 1812 Theatre involves far more people than just the actors on the stage.

No production is complete without the set on the stage. The building of the set involves design, painting, carpentry, furniture restoration and electrical work. Experienced chippies. electricians, artists, designers are always welcome along with people who are eager to learn and willing to get their hands a bit grubby. While the sets are being built the costumes are designed and made. Working with the director this involves machine and hand sewing and fitting of outfits on the actors.

This involves the changes made to the sets on stage during the live performances. This could range from providing an empty cup to

Kemp’s curtain call

an actor at a critical time before they go on stage to changes between acts while the lights are down.

The face of 1812, you could be greeting our patrons at the door, guiding them to their seats and making sure the audience refreshments between the acts and after the performance are ready to go when needed.

The designers choreograph the lighting and sound as part of the preproduction of the play. The technical crew and bio box operate the sound and lighting. With a wide range of lighting and sound equipment available, working in time with actors on stage, it’s a great experience to be the one bringing the stage alive with massive claps of lighting and rumbling thunder or the soft chirp in a lush forest scene.

STILL INTERESTED RING 1812 on 9758 3964 or email admin@1812theatre.com.au

Vol 3 is best Guardians and MCU movie in ages

Guardians of The Galaxy: Volume 3

Starring Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper and Chukwudi Iwuji

Rated M 4/5

Guardians of The Galaxy: Volume 3 is an outstanding conclusion to the Guardians series.

After his friend Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) is mortally wounded, space gunslinger Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and his team must confront the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), a megalomaniacal scientist, to save Rocket’s life.

Guardians of The Galaxy 3 features moving pathos, bright and creative art direction, well-shot action and far more organic humour than Ant-Man 3 or Thor 4.

Present-day Rocket is incapacitated for much of the movie, but a series of heartwrenching flashbacks explore his tragic origins as a science experiment. These flashbacks keep us deeply invested in Rocket’s survival and highlight the exploitative cruelty of the High Evolutionary, and as the quest to save Rocket progresses, the well-paced plot delivers more intrigue and obstacles.

In the previous films, the Guardians’ adversarial bond and mean jokes could get tiring or even toxic, so writer-director James Gunn gives them a more supportive dynamic and more opportunities to succeed as individuals. To that end, Mantis (Pom Klementieff) is less of a comic-relief punch-

ing bag, and fierce Nebula (Karen Gillan) and burly Drax (Dave Bautista) each show an unexpected gentle side.

The film’s highlight is an inventive second-act set piece with a Fantastic Voyage aesthetic, in which the Guardians infiltrate a fleshy space-station grown from organic matter.

Quill’s efforts to reconnect with old friend Gamora (Zoe Saldana) feel extraneous. Will Poulter is fun but superfluous as Adam Warlock, a living weapon who doesn’t like hurting people, and the amusing thirdact setting of a nineties Earth-style planet populated by anthropomorphic animals are sorely underused.

A vibrant adventure that spins a genuine tearjerker story from a talking raccoon, Guardians of The Galaxy:Volume 3 is one of the best MCU movies in years, and is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar 3 Meadowgate Drive

CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway

CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar 158 Nangathan Way

CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar 11 The Mall

KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Churinga SC, Russo Place

KILSYTH Kilsyth News & Lotto 520 - 528 Mt Dandenong Road

KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette87 Colchester Road

KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Canterbury Road Kilsyth

KILSYTH TSG Tobacco Churinga Shopping Centre Mt Dandenong Road

LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC 33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC 51-59 Anderson Street

LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Castella Street & Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre 7 Hardy Street

LILYDALE Eastern Laundries. 2/4 Williams Street East

LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre 1 Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station 473 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale 346 Main Street

LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths 31 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway

LILYDALE Shell Service Station 469 Maroondah Highway

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

LILYDALE Coles Express 469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe 251 Main Street

LILYDALE Round Bird Can’t Fly 170 Main Street

LILYDALE The Lilydale General 110 Beresford Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery 96 Main Street

LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe 178 Main Street

LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe 222 Main Street

LILYDALE Gracious Grace Castella Street

LILYDALE Melba Coffee House 33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies 7/75 Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE The Mustard Tree Cafe 3/28 John Street

LILYDALE Freda’s Cafe 2 Clarke Street

LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate 164 Main Street

LILYDALE Stockdale & Leggo Real Estate 281 Main Street

LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate 111-113 Main Street

LILYDALE Grubs Up 1 Industrial Park Drive

LILYDALE Olinda Creek Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street

MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket 916 Mt Dandenong Road

MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road

MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street

MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent

MOUNT EVELYN Red Robin Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent

MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road

MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale 138 York Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket 15 Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar 38 Bellara Dive

MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart 108 Hayrick Lane

MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark 103 Cardigan Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Express 2 Cambridge Road

MOOROOLBARK Mooroolbark Coin Laundrette28 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real Estate Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK L J Hooker Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

After school fun upgrade

By Callum Ludwig

After school entertainment can be hard to organsie 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 3.40–5pm for eight-13 years old.

The Yarra Glen and District Living and Learning Centre at 12/14 Anzac Avenue, Yarra Glen hosts a Tuesday session from 3.40–5pm for eight-13 years old.

The Chirnside Park Community Hub at 33 Kimberley Drive Chirnside Park sessions are on Thursdays, one from 3.40–5pm for eight-13 years old and from 5–6.30pm 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 showed kids that their Community Hubs were 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.”

L-R: Chelsea, Elliott and Grace were keen for pizza. Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG

Logan got hands-on with his after school fun.

L-R: Phoebe, Emma and Charis got started on a Minecraft world.

ENTERTAINER’S PARADISE

IT’S very much a case of more than meets the eye in this spacious home that just keeps showing you more and more. Every window frames ever-changing garden vistas with seasonal bursts of colour amongst intense greens. No wonder the birds and wildlife love visiting here, there is even a pair of Tawny Frogmouths that are long term residents. The current owners have treasured living here for 40 years and now move on for new adventures, but Menzies Creek will always have a special place in their heart.

***CLOSING DATE FOR OFFERS 5pm

TUESDAY, 17 MAY*** (Unless sold prior)

The Residence Features:

4 bedrooms, the main with luxurious ensuite, private deck and WIR

· Spacious dining area and a lounge room with cathedral ceilings

· Stunning timber kitchen, leadlight windows and a meals area that captures the essence of the home, the indoors welcoming the outdoors to your chairside

· The main family bathroom and laundry are both updated

An entry foyer and study nook complete the interior

Gas central heating system, cosy wood heater, plus a split air conditioning unit.

6.5 KW solar

Studio/Work from Home?

The studio will be the most ‘Zen’ space you have ever worked in, looking out over the lush garden. You may even choose for this to be a yoga/meditation room. Perfect for artistic pursuits or even a teenagers chill out zone.

HOME ESSENTIALS

Outdoors:

You can be quite self-sufficient here, the vegetable garden is thriving, there are fruit trees, berries, and many herbs as well. The setting of this home is hard to put into words, the beautiful gardens, fabulous entertaining options, the courtyard, deck, and spa area, they all come together to

create a wonderful place to live.

Also, off-street undercover parking for 2+ vehicles plus ample space for a caravan, boat, truck and a large utility shed.

Location:

Menzies Creek is delightful, a great community, supportive and active. There are both senior and primary schools nearby.

Puffing Billy chugs through town and is always a comforting sound. Lysterfield Lake and Cardinia Dam are also close by. Wellington Rd is at the end of the road and takes you into the city in less than an hour (depending on traffic). Both Monash and Eastlink freeways run off Wellington Rd. It’s 10 minutes to both Belgrave and Emerald by car. ●

TICK ALL THE EXTRA BOXES OF ‘HILLS’ LIVING

SPACE for the family, pets, cars, and everything else you need to bring.

This home offers space for everyone and everything, multiple living spaces, including a kitchen meals area, a separate study area off the second living space, family room with a wood fire whilst ducted heating keeps you warm on those cold nights. The home consists of 4 bedrooms (or 3 and a study) including the master with walk through robe to ensuite.

The small loft space is also a great place to hide out or use for storage! Easily entertain with access to the paved area outside from the kitchen/meals area.

Outside is amazing with a home office/ studio or maybe an extra room for the kids/ teenagers, the shedding is fantastic with a 9m x 9m barn with an extra mezzanine level, 6m x 9.8m garage and a large carport that could potentially house six cars.

Enjoy the low-maintenance gardens and extra garden sheds.

There is so much to love about this house and Cockatoo in general, with its beautiful parks and gardens, fabulous local shops, schools, eateries, sporting clubs and with Emerald only a 7-minute drive away and Melbourne under an hour, you really will want this to be your new home.

Spaceforthefamily,pets,cars,andeverythingelseyouneedtobring!Thishomeoffers multiplelivingspaces,akitchenmealsarea,aseparatestudyareaoffsecondliving area,masterwithwalkthroughrobeandensuite,awood fire,ductedheating,asmall loftspace,pavedareaforentertaining,outsidehomeoffice/studio,9mx9mbarnwitha mezzaninelevel,6mx9.8mgarageandalargecarportthatcouldpotentiallyhousesix cars,low-maintenancegardensandextragardensheds.‘Hills’livingatit’sbest!

Situatedbehindasecuregate&awayfromtheroad,themainresidenceisastunning architecturallydesignedhomethatcapturesamplenatural lightintoitsuniqueopen-style planwhichfeaturesawallofglasslookingoutontoafull-lengthdeck.Includesadouble garage/workshop,landscapedgardenswithvariousfruittrees&vines,alargefenced-off vegetablegarden,chickencoop,watertanks&solarpanelsprovidefreeelectricity.The one-bedroomfullyself-containedunitisidealforextendedfamilyorasarentalpotential.

GrantSkipsey 0418528102

VACANTLANDFORSALE

IMMACULATE COTTAGE ON LARGE BLOCK

MEANDER down the driveway away from the hustle and bustle into your own private oasis of green grass, mountain views and privacy. This super cute cottage complete with bullnose verandah is pristine and you will literally walk in and pop the kettle on.

With your living, meals and kitchen at the front enjoying the mountain views, with cosy wood heater and split system its just gorgeous! A good size laundry, separate toilet and updated bathroom and both bedrooms with robes complete this package. Outside its fully fenced, raised garden

beds ready to grow, wood shed with plenty of storage, old chook shed that is now also storage plus workshop with parking for 1 car, with power, concrete floor and wood heater to complete the man cave.

Only a a few minutes walk to Upper Yarra Secondary College, a few more to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and an enjoyable walk to the main township with all it has to offer including shopping, medical, public transport, Warburton Rail Trail and Yarra River. Call now and get in quick. ●

43WoodspointRoad,Warburton$580,000-630,000

Stylishlivinginaconvenientlocation.

Youwillbepleasantlysurprisedwhenyouenterthishome!Spaciouslivingareaswithanuptodate stylethroughoutcompletewithkitchen,bathroomsandcolourpalettetomatch.Comprising3 bedrooms,2bathrooms,3toiletsandopenplanlivingwithextralargewindowstoseethemountains!

Stepoutontoyourfulllengthverandahalongthefrontandputyourfeetupasyouwatchtheworld goby.Withwoodheatingforambienceandsplitsystems–allyearroundyouwillcomfortable. Outsideyouhave flatgrassedareaforequipmentforthekids,singlegarage,storage,extraparking andevenbetterviewsfromthebackyard.IntheconvenientlocationofWarburtonthereissomany optionsandpossibilitieshere-theyareendless.Callnowforinspectionanddon’tmissoutonthis Warburtongem!

eahBannerman M 0448924266

7RupertRoad,EastWarburton$660,000-$700,000

Awonderfulplacetocallhome-Charm filledcountryescape

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

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068 Inspection: Sun1-1.30pm

3OldWarburtonRoad,Warburton$200,000-$220,000

Vacantlandoverhalfanacre

LookingforapicturesquepieceofparadiseintheheartofWarburton?Looknofurtherthanthis vacantblockofland!Withoverhalfanacreofprimerealestateandatranquilcreekrunning throughit,thispropertyistheperfectcanvasforyourdreamhomeorweekendretreat.Locatedin oneofthemostpopulartouristdestinationsinthearea,thislandissurroundedbystunningnatural beautyandisjustastone’sthrowawayfromalltheamenitiesthatWarburtonhastooffer.With amplespacetobuildyourdreamhomeSTCA,you’llhaveplentyofroomtodesignaspacethat trulyreflectsyouruniquestyleandvision.Whetheryou’reanavidhiker,anatureenthusiast,orsimply lookingforaquietplacetorelaxandunwind,thispropertyhasitall.

TonyFanfulla M 0419870513

nspection: yAppointment

SamanthaPrice M 0438795190

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

PeaceandPrivacyinapicturesqueLocation

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

DavidCarroll

M 0419539320

Inspection: Sat1-1.30pm

SOLID HOME ON SCENIC ACREAGE

IF you imagine yourself at an acreage merely minutes from the convenience of bus transport and Belgrave township, this property is the perfect find. An immaculately presented all-original home on a terraced 4,271sqm (approx.) allotment with 2 single carports, rain water tanks, veggie beds, and pathways through lush landscape, there are infinite options of how this property will work for you.

Quality brick construction and a versatile interior ensures new owners immediate comfort and endless possibilities. The leadlight accented front door leads into a generous foyer that enjoys a sightline through to the leafy backdrop this dwelling is surrounded by. The hub of the home is the open plan family room and dining area with wood fire that is overlooked by the bright kitchen with breakfast bar. Vaulted timber ceilings, timeless cork flooring, and access to the wrap-around covered deck create a welcoming home with an inviting indooroutdoor flow.

On this upper level, there are also 3 generously proportioned bedrooms, a classic bathroom with skylight and separate tub and shower, and a family-sized laundry.

On the lower level with separate entry is the expansive rumpus room with exposed bricks, plenty of space to have a designated sleeping area, an updated shower bathroom, and abundant storage.

This sturdy home steps from Black Hill Reserve is a superb investment for astute investors. Don’t delay, plan your inspection today.

4,2711sqm (approx.) property with covered parking, terraced garden areas, rain water tanks, and picturesque pathways

Quality constructed brick home with vaulted timber ceilings, skylights, timber walls, and a blend of cork and carpet floors

· Open plan family room and dining area with wood fire and access to the wraparound deck with leafy hillside outlooks

Bright kitchen with inviting breakfast bar

3 upper level bedrooms with ample storage

· Adaptable lower level 4th bedroom/ large rumpus room with updated shower bathroom ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Thisuniquepropertyoffersanoutstandingopportunityforinvestorsandbuyerssearching formulti-generationalspace.Boastingasprawling8,586sqm(approx.)allotmentwith2tiles, 3dwellings,andpotentialtosubdivide(STCA),thisisaone-offchancetosecureamultiresidencepropertyofimpressiveproportions.

ContactBradforaninspectiontoday!

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

ThischarmingHillscottageresidesonaconvenient1,042sqm(approx.)blockwithinwalking distanceofBaynesPark,MonbulkAquaticCentre,andMainRoadcafesandshopping. Idealasafirsthomeorfabulousweekenderamongstthegumtrees,thispropertyisbursting withappeal.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

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

STYLISHSPLIT-LEVELHOMENEARPARKLANDANDTRANSPORT 3 A 1 B 2 C

Thisimpressivehome’stree-linedaspect,terracedlandscape,andtoplocationbacking ontobeautifulBirdslandReservewillprovidenewownerswithawonderfulwayoflifeinthe DandenongRanges.

Thecoveredverandahwithleafyoutlooksleadsintothewarmandwelcomingsplit-level interior.Bookendedbyvaultedceilingsandtimber floors,theopenplanlowerlevelisbright andbeautifullypresented.

BradSuzie

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

SuzieBrannelly

M 0490506910| E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

5GriffithsRoad,UPWEY $1,150,000-$1,195,000

FANTASTICFAMILYHOME 5 A 2 B 4 C

ThisFabulous5-bedroomrenderedbrickresidenceistheperfectfamilyhomeandhas acharmingMediterranean flavorinsideandout.Superblylocatedonacornerblockof aquiet,leafy,andhighlysought-afterstreetbetweenUpweytowncenterandGlenfern ValleyBushlandReserve,thehouseiswithinwalkingdistancetoBirdslandReserve/ Lysterfield,1000-steps,localprimaryschools,andUpweyHighSchool,trainstothecityand theshops,gym/wellbeingcenter,restaurantsandcafesofthetown.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

HOME FOCUS

GORGEOUS HILLS HOME IN A PRIVATE LOCATION

THIS comfortable, spacious, and charming 2 storey home offers the epitome of Hills living.

Relax and unwind in this cleverly solar passive designed home. With three robed bedrooms and two recently updated bathrooms upstairs, the master with a balcony – the perfect place to relax with your morning coffee and take in the view over the natural bushland. Upstairs there is also a study and a landing where the kids can have their own space for TV or craft. The ground level is all about entertaining and enjoying the sunlit rooms and beautiful, private views from every window with a spacious lounge, big enough to entertain the masses. For year-round comfort and convenience there is toasty under floor heating downstairs and a large wood heater which comfortably heats the whole home in the winter months. Add to all this a well-appointed kitchen, with gas hob cooktop, 2nd toilet downstairs, an open plan dining/meals/family room and exposed rafters and pitched ceilings which all add to this home’s character and warmth.

Outside there is a single+ car port which has been converted to a workshop and can easily be returned to a carport if you desire, 3 garden sheds for storage or hobbies and of course the relaxing crazy paved outdoor entertaining area, adjacent to the fully compliant and registered spa which is relocatable/removeable if desired. There is also a large wood shed & plentiful wood supply. A bonus is plenty of flat parking for family and friends and an electric gate which can be controlled remotely on your phone.

Enjoy the park like surrounds of the home with its fully fenced backyard and terraced garden beds for vegetables/herbs. Enjoy the sounds of nature whilst being minutes from the amenities of Emerald, Avonsleigh and Cockatoo or take a stroll through the private track 100m from the property for a peaceful walk or ride to Emerald Lake Park and through to Emerald for your coffee on Sunday. This home is also close to local primary and secondary schools. With the added bonus of having a brand new modern and efficient heat pump/ water heater recently installed.

This property has it all so don’t miss outcall to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Perfecthomeforwalktotownconvenienceandlowmaintenanceliving!

Thisgorgeous3bedroom,2bathroomhomeismoveinready.Withabitumendriveway&DLUGwith entrydoortothehome,thefrontyardislandscaped&lowmaintenance.Themasterbedroomhasa ceilingfan,&WIRaswellasanensuite.ThefurthertwobedroomsbothhaveBIRs.Thekitchenisfully equippedwithalargeislandbench,electricoven,gasstovetop,&stainless-steeldishwasher.Being openplanwiththeloungeroomforseamlessentertaining,&therearetwoslidingdoorsfromthe loungeouttotherearentertainingareaordirectlytothebackyard.Relax&unwindinthelounge roomasyouenjoythewood fireplace,orusethesplitsystemairconditionerorductedgasheating that’spresentthroughoutthehome.Thereisalsoastudyforyourworkfromhomeconvenience.This propertyisashortstrolltoalltheamenitiesofGembrookmainstreet.

CuteasaButtonCottagewithaBigShed&ApprovedPlans&Permitsfora NewBuild!

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

Movein&relaxwiththisgorgeous4bedroomfamilyhome!

Thisimmaculatelypresentedbrickhomewith4bedrooms,&2bathrooms,offersalargelounge roomwithsplitsystemairconditioner&wood fireheater,thatleadstothemodernkitchen,withgas stovetop,electricoven,&dishwasher.Thereisalight filleddiningroomwithprivateviewsoutonto thereardecking.Themasterbedroomisluxuriouswithplushcarpet,asplitsystemairconditioner, ensuite&WIR.ThefurtherthreebedroomsallenjoyBIRs.Comfortismaintainedthroughoutthehome withevaporativeductedcooling,&gasductedheating.Thesunnyentertainingreardeckoffersa fantasticplacetoenjoythetranquility&viewsacrosstheprivate,fullyfencedbackyard.Withtwo staircasestothe flatlawnedareaortoaccesstheextensiveunderhousestoragewhichhaslighting &power.Thishomehasaseptictreatmentplant&mainselectricity,water&gas.

GorgeousHillsHomeinaPrivateLocation–WalktoEmeraldLake!

Thiscomfortable,spacious,&charming2storeyhomeofferstheepitomeofHillsliving!With3robed bedrooms&2recentlyupdatedbathrooms.Thereisalsoastudy&alandingwherethekidscan havetheirownspace.Foryear-roundcomfortthereisunder floorheatingdownstairs&alargewood heaterwhichheatsthewholehome.Withawell-appointedkitchen,2ndtoiletdownstairs,anopen plandining/meals/familyroom&exposedrafters&pitchedceilingsofferingcharacter.Outside thereisasingle+carportwhichhasbeenconvertedtoaworkshop,3gardensheds,acrazypaved outdoorentertainingarea,adjacenttothefullycompliant&registeredspa.Thereisalsoalarge woodshed.Enjoytheparklikesurroundsofthefullyfencedbackyardandtheterracedgardenbeds forvegetables/herbs.AllwhilstbeingminutesfromtheamenitiesofEmerald,Avonsleigh&Cockatoo.

19Gembrook-LaunchingPlRd,Gembrook$760,000-$830,000

37BellbirdCrescent,Emerald$930,000-$1,020,000

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No. 5836 26 7 726

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Fraudulent schemes (5)

4 Traditional (9)

9 Reason (5)

4 Give way (4)

5 Extremely greedy (10)

6 Moodily (7)

7 Traditions (7)

8 Unlikely winner (4,4)

one’s

918 71 2 8579

10 Gluttony or sloth for instance (6,3)

11 Famous people (6)

12 Guests (8)

14 Brotherhood (10)

15 Savoury cracker biscuit (3)

17 French word for “me” (3)

19 Synchronous (10)

23 Asset (8)

24 A spice (6)

26 Antiquated US car manufacturer (9)

27 Confuse (5)

28 Heights (9)

29 Dollars (colloq) (5)

DOWN

1 Pick (6)

2 Sharp-cornered (7)

3 Old type of trombone (7)

easy 25 36 2 475 3 63 94

7164 84 87

41 54 6518

DECODER WORDFIT

hard

34 637 1 46 2

51 7 7 315 89

medium 72 48 6 92 41

9-LETTER WORD

9

words: Good

14 words: Very good

F

E

fine, finite, genii, gibe, ignite, tent, tine, tinge

feint,

befit, BEFITTING, begin, being, bent, betting, binge, bite, bitten, feign,

Cave Hill

No. 132

No. 132

No. 132

Small Job Specialist

SPORT

Barkerette Walsh braces for her 100th

By Peter Stephenson

Homing in as partners

The Healesville Greyhound Association (HGA) has announced an exciting crossspecies racing partnership with its sponsorship of the Croydon Homing Pigeon Club and the Croydon Classic.

This one-of-a-kind partnership aims to foster camaraderie between the two sporting communities while nurturing the development of pigeon racing as a competitive and esteemed pursuit.

The Croydon Classic, one of Victoria’s most prestigious pigeon racing events, will take place on Sunday September 10, 2023, and will feature more than 800 birds. Starting in Mildura, the birds will fly throughout the day to their respective lofts located across metropolitan and regional areas including Croydon, Dandenong, Morning Mist, Geelong, Wallan and Melton.

Winners will be determined by their velocity, based on the distance travelled per minute, with each loft and liberation point having GPS coordinates to calculate the flying time and distance. The prize money, which totals $15,000, will be divided across the first 10 finishes.

HGA general manager Cynthia O’Brien is excited about the new collaboration and looks forward to cultivating a culture of mutual support and camaraderie between the two livestock sporting communities.

“Pigeon racing and greyhound racing have long been cherished activities that bring joy to communities and promote a deep bond between humans and animals,” Ms O’Brien said.

“We are delighted to collaborate with the Croydon Homing Pigeon Club and support the growth of this exciting sport in Victoria. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to supporting local sports clubs and promoting sportsmanship in our community.”

In addition to backing the Croydon Classic, HGA will provide its premises to the Croydon Homing Pigeon Club to host its presentation day and to hold club meetings and events throughout the year.

Croydon Homing Pigeon Club president Steve Aquilina said the partnership would benefit the club financially and contribute to the overall development and recognition of pigeon racing as a sport.

“It is great that two livestock racing identities have connected,” Mr Aquilina said.

“The Croydon Homing Pigeon Club is really hoping we can have a partnership with the HGA for many years to come as this race is enhanced and grows over time.”

Mr Aquilina said the Covid-19 pandemic and its restrictions had caused pigeon racing to take a back seat. Despite being an outdoor sport, the five-kilometre radius restriction imposed during lockdowns meant pigeon racing was put on hold for almost two years.

“Pigeon racing is not just a sport, it’s a passion,” Mr Aquilina said. “We are thrilled to be finally racing again. It’s a great experience to watch these beautiful birds take flight and showcase their natural abilities in a competitive setting.”

A mild but drizzly Friday night at the Kennel saw the first ever meeting of Barkerettess and Mentone, in round three of Women’s State 3 South. Barkers were looking to get back on track after a 1-3 loss at home to Gippsland United, and were poised to give debuts to more juniors, in Chloe Hartshorn and Alizah Jones. Striker LisaWalsh was playing her 100th game.

The first 25 minutes were uneventful but then Mentone broke away and scored against the run of play. However, the linesman flagged for offside, so Barkers could breathe again. They took advantage of the reprieve on 35 minutes when Amy D’Ortenzio found herself with only the keeper to beat. As usual, she calmly did just that with a shot beyond the keeper’s reach. Half-time arrived with Barkers 1-0 up.

As in the previous game against Gippsland, Barkers improved in the second half as they overran a tired Mentone, who had no bench. Eleven minutes in, D’Ortenzio hit a low shot wide of the keeper, who up until then had stopped almost everything thrown at her, to make it 2-0 to Barkers.

The Barkers’ youngsters were giving the Mentone defence a torrid time and, with less than 20 minutes to go, Walsh’s moment finally came. Barkers attacked down the right, and a stunning cross into the box saw Walsh head home from close range to celebrate her milestone – 3-0 Barkers.

At the other end, keeper Ashleigh Fraraccio was having a quiet night and looked set to finally break the clean sheet record. Barkers defender Jordyn Clausen, however, had other ideas and on 78 minutes, handled the ball as she fell, conceding a penalty which was duly converted – 3-1 Barkers.

With five minutes left, Walsh almost scored her fourth corner of the season (surely some sort of record), but it was handled at the near post, andWalsh herself converted the spot kick to give Barkers a comfortable and deserved win. Full-time: Mooroolbark 4-1 Mentone.

This was, in the end, a straightforward victory over a limited opponent. However, it would be remiss not to mention the Mentone goalkeeper, who played a blinder, and must be wondering how she copped four goals. Next for Barkers is a trip to Beaumaris.

Barkers men down narrowly to Mazenod

By Peter Stephenson

A cold, wet Saturday at Glen Waverley’s Brandon Park Reserve saw Barkers (4th) visit Mazenod (2nd) in round 7 of Men’s State 2 South-East, Barkers made one change (Brett Tronconi in for Maxim Solovyev) to the team that lost 1-3 at Moreland in midweek.

The first 15 minutes were largely stalemate with few clear chances. Then Mazenod gained the upper hand. Stuart Edgar broke down the right and crossed towards Jeremy Alleaume, but a Barker beat him to the ball. Then Jack Palazzolo hit a low shot which keeper Mark Naumowicz saved at full stretch.

Barkers’ first threat came three minutes later when the ball fell kindly for Marcus Watson, who smashed a volley wide. However, then Mazenod countered and had men spare. Alleaume’s shot rebounded back out for Jesse Gorsovski, whose shot produced a flying save from Naumowicz at his near post. Then on 19 minutes, S.Edgar was in space and stooped to head narrowly wide. Respite was provided by Watson when he found Eddie Clark free on the left, whose angled shot was saved by home keeper James Edgar.

Then the decisive moment on the half hour. Barkers gave away a free kick just outside the area and Palazzolo curled the ball over the wall and beyond Naumowicz into the net for 1-0 Mazenod. Five minutes before the break

he almost did it again but hit the post in a let off for Barkers. Three minutes before half time, Barkers constructed a neat move when Paul McEvoy found Liam Seaye on the right. His cross was headed back by Clark to Watson, whose header was saved comfortably by J.Edgar. Half-time: Mazenod 1-0 Mooroolbark, with the hosts good value for the lead.

The second half began in a similar vein. On 51 minutes, Mazenod worked the ball through the middle, and Gorsovksi ran at the Barkers defence. Although one defender slipped, Gorsovski couldn’t take advantage and shot wide.

On the hour, Mazenod’s Jayson Gucciardo ran down the left and crossed for D.Flanders, who almost sneaked in at the far post. Then S.Edgar broke down the right, but his touch let him down and the ball went wide. On 67 minutes came the most dangerous chance of the half when S.Edgar latched onto a curling ball totally unmarked, but he headed wide.

The last 15 minutes saw Barkers finally gain some momentum in a bid to force an equaliser. On 74 minutes, Seaye crossed from the right and found Geordie Scott’s head, but there wasn’t enough power in it to trouble J.Edgar. Then Cooper pinged a superb long ball out to Solovyev. The keeper slipped and Solovyev was forced wide, but we won only a corner. The corner found Watson’s head, and the ball went back to Ahren Angulo, whose shot was

blocked. Finally in stoppage time Barkers came closest of all. A corner was cleared out to Sam Klepac, and he hit a bullet through a crowded penalty box but was denied by the post. Full-time: Mazenod 1-0 Mooroolbark.

Possibly some fatigue from the cup tie, but it would be hard to state a case for a Barkers win today. Maybe it’s just that Mazenod are our bogey team. Speaking of which, we visit North Caulfield next week – oy vey.

The reserves finally had something to smile about. Sam Klepac’s experience aided a dominant performance, with a Jack Buglass penalty just after the break settling the result. Well done too, to young keeper Nick Di Crea with a debut clean sheet. Full-time (reserves): Mazenod 0-1 Mooroolbark.

In other games, the Men’s over 35s lost 0-8 at home to Mount Martha, while the Men’s thirds visited Brighton Old Boys (result not available). This week’s junior winners were Boys’ under 12 Kangaroos (5-0 v Box Hill United), Girls’ under 15 (4-1 v Old Scotch), Girls’ under 13 (8-0 v Maccabi Caulfield) and Girls’ under 12 (3-1 v Malvern City).

Next week’s senior fixtures see both men and women play on Sunday. The men are at North Caulfield (Caulfield Park, Caulfield North, 1pm and 3pm) while the women visit Beaumaris (Beaumaris Secondary College, Beaumaris, 4pm). See you down the Kennel!

Some of Steve Aquilani’sr racing pigeons.

Lisa Walsh celebrates her 100th game with a goal to make 3-0.

Picture: MOOROOLBARK SOCCER CLUB

Lilydale hoops three wins

By John Thomson

On Monday 1 May, the Lilydale Section 1 team played host to the team from Kew.

With the Kew team sitting on the bottom of the ladder, Lilydale were keen to make it two wins in a row.

In the doubles the Kew team jumped out of the blocks and had the first 3 hoops before Lilydale was able to get on the board. Kew were playing superbly and were not letting Lilydale get into the game at all. Kew winning 7 hoops to Lilydale 2 hoops.

In the first of the singles games Lilydale’s Glenn Crook was playing. He had beaten his Kew opponent in recent times and was looking forward to doing the same again, but this time his opponent was out to make amends for her previous losses and went on to beat Glenn 7 hoops to Lilydale’s 4 hoops.

In the next singles Lilydale’s Murray Howlett had a real battle on his hands as both sides went hoop for hoop. Eventually Murray was able to get a break and take the win 7 hoops to Kew 5 hoops.

At lunch Kew held the upper hand. Kew 2 games 19 hoops, Lilydale 1 game 13 hoops.

Glenn Crook was determined not to let his next game and the match slip away. The game was close but Glenn was able to get the upper hand late in the game and win 7 hoops to Kew 5 hoops.

With both teams on 2 games each it was down to this last singles game to decide the match.

Murray Howlett was up against Kew’s best player in this game but was not going to let her dominate the game and held his nerve and after 12 hoops the score was 6 all, with the 13th hoop to decide the winner of the game and match. This hoop was hard fought with both sides not giving their opponent an opportunity to run the hoop until Murray seized on a chance and was able to win the game, 7 hoops to Kew 6 hoops.

The final score for the day, Lilydale 3 games 27 hoops to Kew 2 games 30 hoops.

A fantastic result for the Lilydale team. That makes it two wins in a row and moves them up to third on the ladder with one round to play.

The Lilydale Section 2 team was playing away to Kew’s Section 2 team.

The first game is the doubles and Lilydale’s pair of Alan Jones and Craig McCracken started well and played a great doubles game winning 7 hoops to Kew 2 hoops, complimenting each other’s game.

In the first of the singles John Thomson of Lilydale played a steady game running some nice long hoops. Lilydale 7 hoops to Kew 4 hoops.

In the next singles Craig McCracken played the perfect game (if there is such a thing).

Craig did not let his opponent get near the hoops, which put pressure on the Kew player who then started to make mistakes. Lilydale 7 hoops Kew 0 hoops.

With only 2 games to play after the break Lilydale had won the day, 3 games 21 hoops to Kew 0 games 6 hoops.

After lunch, John Thomson got off to a good start and was leading his opponent 6 hoops to 3 hoops. A couple of bad errors let the Kew player back into the game and after 12 hoops it was all tied up at 6 hoops a piece with the 13th hoop to decide the winner. Both players’ approach shots were short of the hoop which led to negative play by both players, John finally had a chance to win the game but missed the hoop which then let his opponent in to run the hoop. Kew 7 hoops Lilydale 6 hoops.

The last game was another tight game with both players going hoop for hoop. Again after 12 hoops the scores were 6 hoops a piece, with the 13th hoop to play. Lilydale’s Alan Jones was able to make the most of his opportunities and win the game 7 hoops to Kew 6 hoops.

The final score, Lilydale 4 games 34 hoops Kew 1 game 19 hoops.

This win keeps Lilydale on top of the ladder with two weeks to play.

On Thursday 4 May, the Lilydale Handicap team travelled to Monash where the top two teams fought it out for top spot on the ladder.

Lilydale’s captain Glenn Crook was first to hit off. Glenn is in good form having won the Monash Open Tournament a couple of weeks ago.

He won the first 2 hoops, his opponent, who had 3 extra turns was using them well to keep her in the game, but once she had used them Glenn held on to the lead and won 7 hoops to Monash 5 hoops.

The first of the doubles saw Lilydale’s Alan Jones and Mick Crawley team up. These two have not played a lot of doubles together.

This game was close all the way through with the Monash pair having 2 extra turns to

help them. After 12 hoops had been played the score was 6 hoops a piece, so the 13th hoop had to be played to decide the winner. This hoop was a battle with both teams trying to get a clear hoop running shot. Eventually Alan Jones cleared the opposition ball away to give Mick Crawley a shot at the hoop which he was able to complete. Lilydale 7 hoops to Monash 6 hoops.

In the next singles John Thomson was playing his first game of the day. John started by running the first hoop but his Monash opponent used her extra turns well and was able to take the lead and aided by some poor hoop running by John was able to win the game. Monash 7 hoops Lilydale 3 hoops.

In the second doubles game the regular pairing of Glenn Crook and Mick Crawley teamed up for Lilydale. Glenn and Mick started well but the Monash pair were using their 4 extra turns to keep them in the game but once they had used them up Lilydale were able to win the last 2 hoops to win the game 7 hoops to Monash 5 hoops.

At the lunch break the scores were Monash 1 game 23 hoops to Lilydale 3 games 24 hoops, with 2 games to come after lunch and only 1 hoop difference either team could win the day.

After lunch Alan Jones played in the last singles and although he was giving away 2 extra turns, Alan played very well and had a comfortable win, 7 hoops to Monash 3 hoops.

The last game was the doubles and Glenn Crook and John Thomson paired up for Lilydale.

Although John and Glenn were giving away a total of 6 extra turns they did not let their opponents settle into the game at all and had a 7 hoop to Monash 2 hoop win.

The final score for the day Monash 1 game 28 hoops to Lilydale 5 games 38 hoops.

This win secures Lilydale into top spot on the ladder for the home and away season with one game to play next week and then it is the finals.

Yarra Ranges athletes lap up Lakeside road races

By Jamie Strudley

Round 2 of the Athletics Victoria XCR season took place at a wet, cold Albert Park where over 1200 athletes from throughout Victoria raced in the Lakeside:10 Road Race. Open and Under 20 athletes all raced over 10km while the Under 14, 16 and 18 age groups raced over 3km.

The out and back course meant athletes had to navigate a cold wind on the return journey. The standout results came from our female athletes with an excellent win to Brigitte Rice in the Women’s Under 18 3km. Zoe Clarke also returned to racing form with a fifth place finish in the Women’s Under 16 3km.

Olivia Twining carried her track season form on to the road with a club record for a Road 10km recording 36.35. Maddie Laven was also in fine form storming to a third place in the Women’s Under 20 10km and leading the team to a Women’s Under 20 team win.

We also welcomed 3 athletes on the XCR debut, all in the Under 14 age groups. Ryder Holland showed he has a bright future finishing 8th while Lily Clarke and Brienna Coffey crossed the line together in 10th and 11th place.

Full Results are:

Women Open 10km

OliviaTwining 22nd 36:35; Abi Hyndman 81st 40:03; Katrina Winger 105th 42:21; Georgia

Laven 124th 43:27; Grace Muller 134th 43:49; Elisabeth Coffey 194th 50:05;

Women Under 20 10km

Madeline Laven 3rd 39:12; Rori Jones 9th 46:50;

Women Under 18 3km

Brigitte Rice 1st 10:10

Women Under 16 3km

Zoe Clarke 10:43; Kristina Nackovski 13:42;

Women Under 14

Lily Clarke 12:48; Brienna Coffey 12:48;

Men Open 10km

Max Savill-Bentley 24th 30:45; James Laven 121st 33:26; Ashley Bennett 233rd 35:37; Chris Grundy 280th 36:47; Jared Byrne 296th 37:02; Michael Clarke 330th 37:53; Logan Dutton 441st 40:47; Graham Coutts 500th 43:14; Bryan Ackerly 572nd 50:09; Craig Hewitson 588th 53:25

Men Under 20 10km

Ky Harris 23rd 38:59;

Men Under 14 3km Ryder Holland 8th 11:00

Saturday morning cross had an excellent turnout despite the very cold and wet conditions. This week we were at Elizabeth Bridge Reserve in Kilsyth where underfoot was wet and slippery providing fun conditions for all the athletes.

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 us, 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!

Glenn Crook running a hoop.

Max Savill-Bentley was top finisher for Yarra Ranges athletics running 30.45.

Lily and Brienna in the Under 14 three kilometre.

Graham Coutts returns to racing for Yarra Ranges. Pictures: SUPPLIED

BEST PRICE, BEST TANKS WITH A LIFETIME GUARANTEE

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Concrete tanks built correctly will last a lifetime!

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

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

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

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