Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 30th May 2023

IN BRIEF

Third earthquake in two weeks

Battery goes live

By Tanya Steele

A 108 kilowatt battery has been installed at the Healesville Community Link as part of the Active Energy Precints Project, in collaboration with Yarra Ranges Council, Monash University and Birdwood Energy.

Yarra Ranges Council’s Energy resilient communities officer Amy Gregorovich said once the battery has passed all its checks it will be commissioned into use.

“We’ll hopefully soak up all of the excess solar on top of the library and apply the financial benefit to the building when needed, but then also could be a part of a future microgrid moving forward,” she said.

The project aims to explore how a microgrid - a small-scale electricity system operating independently off the main power grid - can best meet the needs of communities in Healesville and Yarra Junction.

“During consultations in 2021 and 2022, energy resilience was a key priority for the majority of residents, with 53% of respondents reporting that power outages had major implants on their daily lives,” she said.

Ms Gregorovich said that the research team has really wanted community engagement to be a priority throughout the whole project, and individuals and groups like Healesville CORE have been pivotal in helping them shape what would be appropriate in both Healesville and Yarra Junction.

“People have expressed interest in being involved in taking something off the ground even looking at community ownership or governance models, which is really exciting,” she said.

Yarra Ranges Council Ryrie ward Councillor, Fiona Mcallister said the installation of the battery will help strengthen community resilience and reduce the impact of future natural disasters.

“With the frequency and intensity of storms and bushfires, it’s vital that we look at developing energy resilience solutions to protect our communities during extreme weather events,” she said.

“These microgrid will do the kind of things that really help communities keep together during power outages and natural disasters. It’s a beacon of light, both figuratively and literally, in times of need.”

Karen Roberts, President of Healesville CoRE said that they are absolutely excited that the microgrid is progressing,

“We’ve already been part of the focus group, part of the development and our role in the future moving forward will be in community engagement,” she said.

The feasibility reports are due to be publicly available in May 2023, summarising findings, and recommendations for the next steps.

A public webinar will overview this information, with the recording being made available on Yarra Ranges Council’s website.

A feasibility study for a microgrid centred at theYarra Junction Recreation Reserve is also being conducted simultaneously.

The Bowls Club andYarra Centre there have pre-existing battery and solar arrays in place already.

“I think if something like this were to come to fruition, it would really be something that the community are really involved with and delivers as many benefits as possible,” Ms Gregorovitch said.

Eildon’s election promises in limbo

By Callum Ludwig

The Victorian Government has promised it will deliver on all of its 2022 election promises in this year’s State Budget. Labor candidates did not win in Eildon or Evelyn but four promises had been made for community groups in the electorates. In Eildon, $55,000 was pledged to support the YAVA Gallery and Arts Hub, $50,000 to support the projects of Yarra Valley ECOSS and $60,000 to support the Healesville Core. In Evelyn, $5 million was allocated for an upgraded pavilion including female-friendly changerooms at the Seville Recreation Reserve. Confirmation that the Seville Recreation Reserve was announced by Member for EasternVictoria Harriet Shing.

“Seville’s Cricket, Football and Netball Clubs are such a massive part of their community.OurinvestmenttoupgradetheSeville Recreation Reserve will be a boon for Seville’s local sports clubs and for the local community,” Ms Shing said in a media release.

A Victorian Government spokesperson said every single one of Labor’s election commitments for the development of community sport infrastructure have been funded in this Budget.

“More than $200 million has been announced in the recent Victorian Budget 2023/24 to deliver new and improved community sport and active recreation infrastructure across the state.”

In Eildon, which is covered by the Northern Victoria region in the Upper House, uncertainty remains about the funding announced. Executive Officer at Yarra Valley ECOSS Chelsea McNab said she had contacted Eildon’s Labor candidate for Eildon Jane Judd to try and find out about their funding.

“She put us through to her email correspondents and they couldn’t help and so we contacted several different areas in the Labor Party who said it would take between eight to ten weeks to get a response, and it’s been

about that time,” she said.

“We’re at a bit of a loss now on what to do, we keep reaching a dead end, so we’re hoping that we get the money because it was in a media release and we’d begun to factor in that it was real.”

Jane Judd was only announced as a candidate mere weeks out from the election date and announced the funding for Yarra Valley ECOSS in person on 18 November 2022. Ms McNab said she would like to hope all organisations who were promised money get it, especially not-for-profits.

“We rely mainly on project grants and we had lots of ideas, and it would’ve been something that would enable us to invest in either growing our social enterprise here or be something that would financially underpin our future activities,” she said.

“It would be a big downer on morale not to receive it, and would have a big impact because $50,000 is very hard to come by.”

Residents of outer east Melbourne have felt the earth move for the third time in the last two weeks as a 3.8 magnitude earthquake with a depth of around 2km hit the region at 11.40pm on Sunday 29 May.

As of 1.30am, 20,732 ‘felt’ reports had been made by the community via the Earthquakes@ GA website.

Most of the reports centred around Melbourne, but there were some as far north as Bendigo and as far south as Hobart.

Two minor magnitude 2.0 earthquakes occurred on Monday 22 May and Tuesday 16 May. Both were felt up into the Dandenong Ranges.

Senior seismologist Hugh Glanville at Geoscience Australia said they were quite small quakes and not uncommon.

“Currently, we have a magnitude 2.0 for the one on 22 May, which may get revised up or down slightly,” he said.

Mr Glanville said the shake on 16 May was very similar to the one on 22 May and both had quite a shallow depth of around two kilometres.

“That’s quite normal for the area and it’s a very small earthquake, it was only felt locally, not throughout Melbourne, so it was a very small, very minor earthquake,” he said.

Mr Glanville said they were generally random and that occasionally there may be foreshocks but that these events were not that common.

“You do get, correlations in place and times that you will have little sequences of earthquakes,” he said.

Geoscience keeps watch on areas that are more seismically active to be alert for patterns of activity ahead of larger events.

“There are lots of earthquakes in the Wheatbelt inWA, so around areas like that they have earthquake swarms, where they have hundreds of small magnitude earthquakes in months or years in the same location,” said Mr Glanville.

“You want to continue to analyse these to see if these are precursors to my activity or major events,” he said.

“When they’re under-populated areas, people feel it, but even out of town a bit you might not get any felt reports,” Mr Glanville said.

“So the more information we get in, the more we can verify the models of how far shaking is expected to travel and how strongly it’ll travel,” he said.

Woolies recall store brand ice cream sandwiches

Woolworths is recalling their Woolworths branded Cookies and Cream Classic Ice Cream Sandwiches.

These products were sold in Woolworths Supermarkets and Metros in VIC, NSW, QLD, and ACT.

Woolworths is recalling these products due to the products having been identified as containing metal that may cause injury if consumed.

Consumers should immediately cease using the product and return it to their nearest Woolworths Supermarket or Metro store for a full refund.

The recall applies to the above product with the best before date: 2.11.2024.

Tucked into the back of the Healesville Community Link, a tiny but capable battery has been installed for the town. From Left: Amy Gregorovich, Cr Fiona Mcallister, Karen Roberts and Sharni Steel.

Pressure eased on rates

By Callum Ludwig

The cost of living continues to hurt some of our struggling local residents in the Yarra Ranges, but Council have made a slight amendment to help support ratepayers in need.

At the Tuesday 23 May Council Meeting, amendments were made to Council’s Financial Hardship and Rate Recovery Policy, following changes to the State Government’s Local Government Act (1989).

Director of Corporate Services at Yarra Ranges Council Andrew Hilson said the State Government amendments will provide more flexibility for people who are struggling to pay their rates, and standardise Victorian Councils’ approach to helping people experiencing financial hardship.

“These changes will provide more options for relief for people experiencing financial hardship, sets the amount of interest that can be charged for late repayment, and clarifies when council can commence formal collection proceedings through the court system for long-overdue rates.”

“In addition, we’ve made small changes that will clarify how we manage hardship agreements and payment plans, including giving longer deferment periods for paying rates (from 12 to 24 months) for people on Hardship Agreements and setting timing for payment plans (weekly, fortnightly or monthly). We think these changes will help people to find options that work for them, if they’re experiencing financial hardship.”

The State Government’s Local Government Legislative Amendment (Rating and Other Matters) Act 2022 was given Royal Assent in August last year, following recommendations made following the Local Government Rating System Review and the Victorian Ombudsman’s Investigation.

Mr Hilson said rates income helps to fund

almost everything Council does.

“We always try to strike a good balance in our annual budget between providing value for money to our ratepayers, while ensuring we can provide more than 120 services to people in 55 towns each year,” he said.

“We know that paying rates on time can be difficult for some in the community, especially navigating the current cost of living crisis.”

As part of Council’s amendments, the minimum requirements for a Payment Plan or a Hardship Agreement have also been altered. Payment Plans no longer have a penalty interest rate, so more ratepayers may opt for a plan

than a Hardship Agreement, which always had no penalty interest rate. Payment Plans have a slightly higher minimum payment requirement.

Deputy Mayor and Melba Ward Councillor Sophie Todorov spoke to the motion and said the amended policy gives Council flexibility to still consider hardship provisions, deferral or waiver of rate payments, and to provide referrals for further support.

“No ratepayers, including ourselves, enjoy receiving their rates in the first place, let alone under hardship. However, we know that they’re essential for Council’s financial

viability and meeting long-term community needs,” she said.

“The policy may pose potential costs to Council of approximately $450,000, but it still provides more avenues of support for the community and reducing financial pressure on those who need that the most.”

As of 31 March 2023, 1493 Payment Plans and 860 Hardship Agreements are in place.

Council encourages anyone who is concerned or struggling to pay their rates to get in touch on 1300 368 333 to talk about what options are available for them.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Yarra Ranges Council has amended its Rate Recovery and Financial Hardship Policy. Picture: ON FILE

Solid start for fires group

By Tanya Steele

Core stakeholders in the Healesville Community Emergency Group (HCEG) sub-group for Bushfire management met on Wednesday 17 May to begin the development of a bushfire fuel management plan for the community in earnest ahead of the next fire season.

Graeme George is a long time resident of Healesville and a key member of the group and said the group will develop a landscape management plan to reduce the impact of fires that may occur in the hills on the area.

“We can manage the risks by intervening in the landscapes and make the risks of a fire starting or spreading, or doing a lot of damage, less than it would be if we didn’t take any action,” he said.

Representatives from CFA, the Healesville

Sanctuary, theYarra Ranges Council and widely experienced members of the community met at the council committee meeting room in Healesville.

“We’ve got a lot of talent to work with,” Mr George said.

The group is starting with starting point existing fuel management plans from the townships of Monbulk and Kalorama, Mr George said they are reviewing those and taking a slightly different approach by looking at assets that need protecting at three different levels.

The three pronged approach will be key to developing a fuel management plan for Healesville.

“The built landscape, which includes the town centre, plus all of the dwellings and other buildings and infrastructure, the modified

landscapes such as the farmlands, and the agricultural practices and finally the open natural space,” Mr George said.

“it’s more than just protecting more than just protecting the township of Healesville,” he said.

Mr George said they hope to mitigate and reduce the chances of a large event fire starting and taking getting hold.

“It’s slowing down the speed of it, and reducing other impacts, like ember attack and things like that,” he said.

HCEG has now got two separate sub-groups operating in the planning and emergency space - the Hub group and the Bushfire one.

The planned Hub will activate in times of emergency, while the Bushfire sub-group is based around preparation.

The Bushfire sub group is supported by the community wellbeing team at Yarra Ranges Council and DEECA’s Safer Together program and hopes to continue meeting and further planning.

Mr George said the group will use the latest science on fire behaviour and risk minimisation to develop their plan then distribute it to landholders in the community before the next fire season.

“We’re preparing for the contingency of fire to minimize the impact that such a fire might have on the town, the other assets in our area and the natural environment,” he said.

Any interested members of the community are welcome to attend these future meetings, the Healesville Community Emergency Group currently has am operational Facebook page.

Eastern Health commits to new Indigenous policy

By Callum Ludwig

Eastern Health announced its 2023-2026 Aboriginal Workforce Plan earlier this month, seeking to create a supportive and positive outcome for Aboriginal staff and patients.

Currently, Eastern Health has 21 Aboriginal employees.

Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer Team Leader Tanya Ellard said it’s extremely important for Eastern Health to support its Aboriginal Workforce Plan.

“It ensures that we commit and stand by our policies and procedures, helping us give back to the community and keeping Eastern Health accountable for what we need,” she said.

“The plan will support Aboriginal members of the workforce by stating what our future entails and how Eastern Health, as an employer, can offer a culturally safe environment during one’s career path. This also gives

our Aboriginal community surety that they will be listened to and are welcomed into a culturally safe environment, free of prejudice and full of understanding.”

The plan aims to help make Eastern Health an employer of choice for Indigenous Australians, and get closer to the expected number of 61 Indigenous staff members at Eastern Health based on the Eastern Metropolitan Region (EMR) population.

Ms Ellard said it is so important to the Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers (AHLO’S) to see this plan in place, because it keeps Eastern Health accountable for the future.

“From my perspective it’s crucial that we have a welcoming environment for both employees and community. Aboriginal staff incorporate local community knowledge into their work every day, and by cultivating a culturally safe environment that is welcoming, gives us all a sense that we will be in safe hands,” she said.

Senator Linda White

Eastern Health’s overall employment goal for Aboriginal team members is to reach parity with the expected number based on the Victorian population as of the 2021 census: 110.

Ms Ellard said the role of an Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer is to be that ‘friendly face’ whilst on one’s journey of healthcare.

“Our consumers are typically referred by an Eastern Health employee or make a selfreferral, which allows us to get in contact and explain how we can support them,” she said.

“This could include providing cultural support in hospital or during outpatient visits at home, offering transport to and from appointments, referrals to external services and liaising with medical staff and speaking up for what our consumers need during their healthcare journey.”

YOUR VOICE IN THE AUSTRALIAN SENATE

As a Labor Senator, my office is available to assist you with any Federal Government issues.

Eastern Health’s Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer Team Leader Tanya Ellard.

Picture: EASTERN HEALTH

The Bushfire sub group want to minimise fuel in the event of a larger scale bushfire event.

So, what’s next for sport?

By Callum Ludwig

The Eastern Region Group of Council’s first Melbourne East Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy (MERSRS) was brought to life in 2016 and has since helped deliver a number of sport and recreation projects and initiatives for the Yarra Ranges.

A recent update to the strategy has been undertaken to ensure it continues to reflect the sport and recreation needs of the local area and was endorsed at the Tuesday 23 May Yarra Ranges Council meeting.

Deputy Mayor and Melba Ward Councillor Sophie Todorov moved the motion and said the strategy has done a really good job through its four strategic priorities.

“The first one is a balanced network of facilities, on a regional, eastern regional scale, we need to really carefully plan and advocate for investment in our region in our infrastructure,” she said.

“The next pillar is knowing and understanding this region, the odds play, analysis, priorities and data, which provides quite an insightful view on what the needs are of our community,”

“A really important piece also being inclusion and diversity and most importantly, the other area was in relation to collaboration, between not only Council but other stakeholders partnerships, including the Department of Education and land managers.”

The 2016 MERSRS was previously influential in the development of the AFL Centre of Excellence at the Kilsyth Recreation Reserve and the Eastern Region Trails Strategy and the planning and development of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination (WMBD).

Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister seconded the motion and said it is a great approach for regional planning for sports communities, not divided along council boundaries.

“It really is about, ‘What is the highest need, what’s the best place to put it, and how do we get the best return on investment without infrastructure,” she said.

“We’re not duplicating, we’re not creating

We’re removing level crossings on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 70 already gone.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Belgrave and Lilydale lines 8.30pm 6 June to 8.30pm 9 June

From 8.30pm 9 June to 11 June

Ringwood to Lilydale

Blackburn to Belgrave and Lilydale

parochial infrastructure all over the place and we end up with great outcomes for the community.”

The review of the MERSRS has identified the delivery of the WMBD, a potential Urban

Aquatics Facility, advocating for a privatelyowned Yarra Ranges Regional Equestrian Park and a multi-purpose regional sports precinct which will cater to multiple sports including cycling.

The AFL Centre of Excellence at Kilsyth Recreation Reserve. Picture:

Wesley gets quality care

By Tyler Wright

A sick koala is receiving veterinary care at a Mount Evelyn based wildlife shelter after being found in the greater Woori Yallock area on Saturday 20 May.

Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter operator Emma Cash said she found the koala, now named Wesley, huddled on the ground at around midnight after a group of young children reported seeing the animal.

Ms Cash said the creature was displaying “really abnormal behaviour”.

“It had been raining...when I went to get him, he didn’t respond to me at all, which, again, is not a great sign,” Ms Cash said.

“We never recommend people touch koalas because they can be quite vicious. They’ve got claws that are designed to climb up trees and you can imagine what that would do trying to climb up your leg.”

Rescuers picked Wesley up in a towel, before he was put into a specialist koala carrier and taken to the shelter, where he is now receiving veterinary care.

Results will determine whether he can return to full health and be released back into the wild, or if he will live out his days in the care of wildlife carers at the shelter.

“We gave him some fluids really carefully... we let him lap some water up, which he readily did, which for most other animals wouldn’t be a massive concern, [but] for a koala, that’s really big warning bells going off,” Ms Cash said.

“They don’t generally want free water, they get a lot of their water concentration from the gum leaves that they eat.”

Ms Cash said the shelter does not often rescue diseased koalas, with many instead found with end-stage renal failure.

“As a shelter, we’ve been running the shelter now for just on 17 years, and we probably get a koala in every two years,” she said.

“It’s actually a really good sign that our population is stable.”

The shelter is looking for eucalyptus trees with fresh new growth from properties in the surrounding suburbs of Mount Evelyn, Montrose, Kalorama, Silvan and Seville to feed Wesley.

“He’s super active when the fresh browse goes in. He loves looking around to see what there is, and it’s really important for him to have stimulation while we wait on these test results and see if we can get some weight back onto him, so if we can release him, then we can get him out in the healthiest condition that he can be,” Ms Cash said.

According to Ms Cash, there are pockets of koala populations around the Yarra Ranges, with residents able to plant native trees and bushes to create habitat for various types of native species.

“It’s super important that if someone does see a koala on the ground or on their property that they get their dogs away because it can be catastrophic, the attacks that occur with koalas and any species of animals.

“If there’s a possum on the ground, don’t let your dog go play with it. If there’s a kangaroo that’s coming to your backyard, bring your dogs in and just let them keep going. That’s the golden rule for any of our native wildlife.”

Wesley the Koala was rescued from the greater Woori Yallock area on Saturday 20 May, and is now receiving veterinary care at the Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter in Mount Evelyn. Picture: SUPPLIED

Sawmillers cut to quick

From page 1

“We’ve got people’s livelihoods at risk now in terms of what they do for work going forward, it was a very tough night to sleep because I was worried about every single employee that works in the industry.”

Powelltown Sawmill employees were called for a team meeting as soon as the news was confirmed on Tuesday morning prior to the release of the budget and Mr Pote said tears were shed. The Powelltown Sawmill has been in operation for over 100 years.

Mr Pote said they have employees who’ve been in the industry 30 to 40 years and know they are going to find it difficult to transition.

“2030 allowed us originally to have enough time to properly transition a business with infrastructure innovation, the right skill set, the right training, now all of a sudden to fast track that to six months or seven months, I don’t know any business that can transition that fast,” he said.

“There is support, but at the moment, we haven’t seen any of that support and we’re trying to understand exactly what the business will get and what the employees will get too.”

Legal injunctions from the Warburton Environment case, as well as two cases heard together from Environment East Gippsland and Kinglake Friends of the Forest which ruled VicForests’s methods for surveying for Greater Gliders and Yellow-Bellied Gliders were inadequate, created supply issues for mills.

“The rapid phase out of subsidised native forest logging will create a more even playing field that doesn’t disadvantage growers of plantation timber,” President of Kinglake Friends of the Forest Sue McKinnon said in a statement.

“In a climate emergency we can’t just keep converting the most carbon dense forests in the world into cardboard.”

Forest contractor workers are set to be tran-

sitioned into the forest management field, working in bushfire risk reduction. The Free TAFE program will support workers in retraining, with an additional $8000 in retraining vouchers to be supplied for retraining, TAFE or exterior.

Local Member for Eastern Victoria and Minister for Regional development Harriet Shing said the news has been extremely tough for people who have made a living in forestry for generations.

“Workers and businesses around the state have been unable to operate for many months and this has been incredibly difficult for many families and communities,” she said.

“The impact of bushfires and litigation has brought forward the transition, and we are

working across government to provide intensive support over the coming days, weeks and months.”

Timber industry workers will be referred to local mental health service providers for support, with out-of-pocket costs covered. Native timber mills like the Powelltown Sawmill are eligible for a voluntary transition package, or can receive investment support through the Timber Innovation Fund if they choose to persevere.

Ms Shing said the decision is also about mental health support, engagement, and resources in each affected community.

“Workers and businesses will be provided with one on one case management and community support to have the information and

resources they need to make the choices that are right for them,” she said.

“Whether that’s retooling, moving to a new industry, or taking a job in public land management, people will be supported.”

Business that rely on the supply of local hardwood will also be eligible for the Supply Chain Resilience Package to transition away from native timber.

The Victorian Government will also have to undergo land management works on 1.8 million hectares of public land previously slated for timber harvesting, which will expand Victoria’s state forest. An advisory panel will determine opportunities to qualify that forest for expanding National Parks, land management by Traditional Owners and recreation opportunities.

The decision could spark a greater push for the Great Forest National Park proposal. Pictures: ON FILE

The endangered greater glider was a key reason for the court action against VicForests.

SHORTEST LUNCH Winter wine fest returns

It’s time to gather your friends, family and even fur babies, because the beloved winter wine festival, Shortest Lunch, is returning to the Yarra Valley next month.

On Saturday 17 June and Sunday 18 June, nine members of the Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries will open their boutique, family-run cellar doors and sheds for wine-lovers to enjoy two days of tastings, carefully curated bites, fire pits, stunning views and live music. The unique festival experience showcases some of the best-kept secrets of the Yarra Valley, and introduces patrons to a delightful world of small-batch, minimal-intervention wines that represent the region at its purest.

A decadent and diverse selection of meals will be available at each participating winery, with menu offerings ranging from homemade apple pies and cheese platters to classic Italian fare and American-style BBQ. Kids and those with dietary requirements won’t miss out either, with most wineries catering for both.

There will be glasses and bottles of wine to purchase, as well AS exclusive Shortest Lunch cellar-door specials only available that weekend.

A percentage of proceeds from this year’s Shortest Lunch event will go to local community groups, with the event having raised over $97,000 shared amongst local schools and organisations like Make AWish since its inception.

For just $35 for a single day, or $50 for a weekend ticket, patrons will have access to the festival on both days and receive a souvenir wine glass to keep.

For information on tickets, menus and wineries, visit shortestlunch.com.au

favourite Yarra Valley winter wine festival is back to bring you two days of premium wine, delicious bites, great times & live music!

Enjoy a treat at Yarra Valley Shortest Lunch.

Wind down with a winter wine.

All smiles for the Shortest Lunch.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Opportunities like this don’t come along often...

We know this to be true, after more than a decade in the administration of the Healesville Greyhound Association, Cynthia O’Brien has announced that she will be retiring from her position as General Manager. We are now looking for someone to take the lead.

Weekly race meetings, premier race meetings and special events will fill your days. Reporting to the Board of Directors at the Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association, your primary duties will include:

• Accountability for general administration and finance aspects of the Club;

• Management of all aspects of weekly race meetings and trialling sessions, and coordination and promotion of all major racing events

• Developing the Club’s future plans including a Strategic Plan, Business Plan, Marketing & Community Engagement Plan and Capital Works Plan.

• Planning and oversight of Club’s non-racing activities including functions, community and fundraising events with a strong focus on growth in this area;

• Driving initiatives to engage with the local community to attract new patrons, sponsors and community partners by implementing effective marketing and promotional campaigns;

• Ensuring the maintenance and renewal of all Club facilities, race track and equipment to both industry and community standards;

• Responsible for the governance and reporting requirements as required by Greyhound Racing Victoria and Greyhound Clubs Victoria;

• Providing leadership and supervision to the small team of Club employees and contractors.

From charity fundraising to running the business as usual, Healesville Greyhound Association is an exciting step in your career. You may be an event planner/ manager extraordinaire looking to step into more of a general role, or perhaps you are after a general management role closer to home, ‘Seek’ us out or email for more information healesville@grv.org.au

Healesville Greyhound Racing Club General Manager

An exciting opportunity is now available for an experienced manager to lead a highly regarded and long-established greyhound racing club in the picturesque Yarra Valley.

Track and Facilities Manager

The Track and Facilities Manager leads a small but capable team responsible for the preparation and presentation of the race track, maintenance of the facilities.

Pallas vows on promises

By Parker McKenzie

The 2023Victorian state budget has focused on reducing spending in the shadow of ballooning debt across the state, as the government has funded election promises, while slashing jobs in the public sector and introducing additional taxes for multi-million dollar businesses and multiple property owners.

Treasurer Tim Pallas said the government would deliver on every promise made on the campaign trail ahead of the 2022 state election.

“Build better hospitals, back our incredible healthcare workers with thousands more nurses and paramedics, build new schools and expand free TAFE, train thousands of workers so SEC can provide cheaper, cleaner energy,” he said.

“Reform taxes, including changes to stamp duty, help Victorians beat the rising cost of living and responsibly address our Covid debt within 10 years, by 2033.”

The 10-year Covid-Debt Levy will see payroll tax increases of .5 per cent for businesses with more than $10 million in national payroll, which Mr Pallas said is around 5 per cent of businesses, and 1 per cent if the business has

a national payroll over $100 million. Between 3000 and 4000 public sector jobs will be lost in an effort to save $2.1 billion.

Mr Pallas said the government borrowed $31.5 billion during the pandemic “pay for the tools to confront the emergency.”

“All up, the Covid-debt Levy will raise 8.6 billion in Covid-debt offsets over four

years,” he said.

“We will use the Growing Victoria Future Fund to help manage the Covid-debt over the next 10 years.”

The threshold for land tax, which only applies to multiple property owners, is being lowered to $50,000 from $300,000.

In a statement, Shadow Treasurer Brad

Rowswell said the budget would inflict more pain on Victorians already experiencing the unprecedented cost of living pressures.

“It’s the wrong budget at the wrong time. Labor wants to blame Covid, the Reserve Bank and the Federal Government for this brutal budget but only it can take responsibility for this debt-driven disaster,” he said.

The budget forecasts a $4 billion deficit for 2023/24, shrinking to $1.1 billion in 2024/25 and projects a $1 billion surplus in 2025/26 and a $1.2 billion surplus in 2026/27.

Despite the new Covid-debt levy, the state’s total debt will continue to rise, forecasted to reach $171.4 billion in 2026/27.

Premier Daniel Andrews said at last year’s election, the Labor government put a positive plan for theVictorian people and “promised to keep doing what matters.”

“It was a plan to keep removing level crossings, to build the hospitals, schools and roads Victorians need for now and the future, and keep supporting jobs with our big build,” he said.

“It was a plan to keep investing in renewables, help families install solar panels and batteries, and bring back the SEC.”

Healthcare budget holds promise for next-gen nurses

By Tanya Steele

The state budget was handed down last week with the nursing and midwifery sector receiving a much needed bonus towards training and expanding the nursing workforce.

The entire healthcare sector will receive a $201 million boost in a number of initiatives for healthcare workers.

Health Ministe r Mary-Anne Thomas said the government was doing what matters.

“We’re building hospitals and recruiting thousands of healthcare workers – so Victorians can get the care they need, where and when they need it,” she said.

A welcome $37 million in sign-on bonuses will also be available for new nursing graduates to encourage them to enter the public system.

Thestategovernmentannouncedlastyear that future nurses and midwives undertaking an undergraduate degree in nursing and midwifery will study for free, providing they join a public health service upon completion and stay for two years, additionally, former nurses and midwives will be able to update their qualifications for free to re-enter to the workforce. and current enrolled nurses will be able to become registered nurses for free.

Mt Evelyn student registered nurse Chenaye has just started her nursing training at Swinburne and welcomed the news last year that the training would be free.

“I am really enjoying it and I’ve always wanted to be a nurse,” she said.

Nurses and Midwives are the largest

health professional cohort in Australia and as of 2020, there were 350,000 registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Chenaye said that her classmates were a mixed bunch and many of them were not just out of high school, but instead coming to the career in later years.

“A lot of people I’ve spoken to have said they’ve decided to do nursing because it’s free and obviously there will be more job opportunities,” she said.

Other welcome additions to the nursing workforce include $34 million to improve midwife-to-patient ratios on night shifts in

maternity services to provide more skilled care.

Nursing is a highly diverse profession and Chenaye said she hasn’t ruled out midwifery as an option but wants to wait until she has done clinical placements to figure out what direction she will take.

$73 million has also been pledged towards putting more nursing staff in intensive care, high-dependency and coronary care units, which would in turn improve the skill sets of critical care staff in hospitals.

Other benefits will include $6.1 million to employ an additional 30 nurses to provide residential in-reach services for olderVictori-

ans and $4 million to create centralised portals for education and employment checks.

The state government’s investment in its nursing and midwifery workforce will hopefully yield results and provide a secure environment for graduates and established workers to learn and thrive.

Chenaye said it is nice that the profession has been recognised and looks forward to working in the sector.

“I think they probably should have done it earlier but with Covid, I think it opened everyone’s eyes up as to how important nurses are and I think that is a really good thing,” she said.

The announcement of funding towards the next generation of Victoria’s nurses will boost the profession after the pandemic. Picture: UNSPLASH

Treasurer Tim Pallas handed down his budget speech on Tuesday 23 May.

Picture: PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA

Business gets Covid onus

By Callum Ludwig

The Victorian Government’s 2023/24 Budget released on Tuesday 23 May is aiming to pay off some of the state’s debt, with the introduction of a Covid Debt Repayment Plan,

A large part of the plan is set to be funded by the introduction of a temporary Covid Debt Levy; businesses with a national payroll over $10 million will be charged a rate of 0.5 per cent, with an additional 0.5 per cent for businesses with national payrolls above $100 million.

Treasurer Tim Pallas said in his message that during the pandemic, the Victorian Government used its strong balance sheet to protect household budgets and businesses.

“We did this to buttress our state from the worst health and economic shock our state has experienced since World War II,” he said.

“But global conditions have changed, and we now must confront our situation squarely and repay the impact of the spending that kept Victoria moving during the pandemic. That’s why this Budget includes a Covid Debt Repayment Plan.”

The additional rates are expected to raise $3.9 billion over four years, with the Victorian Government estimating they will be able to pay off $31.5 billion of debt, including interest, over 10 years through all of the Covid Debt Repayment Plan.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra said in a statement the Government continues to hit business with the bill for the debt incurred throughout the pandemic.

“The Government says this is the plan to pay off the‘COVID credit card debt’ but they’re doing that by using medium to large businesses and property owners as an ATM over the next 10 years,” he said.

“It’s certainly a departure from the ‘all in it

together’ approach taken throughout the pandemic and this will directly impact jobs and investment in Victoria.”

A medium-sized business is classified as one with between 50 and 249 employees, and

a large business is 250 employees or more.

One of the other aspects of the Covid Debt Levy is a landholdings component, with the decision to reduce the tax-free threshold for general land tax rates from $300,000 to $50,000

from the start of next year. This only applies to owners of multiple properties, with the family home exempt from land tax.

Media representative from the Property Owner’s Association of Victoria (POAVic) Phil Spencer said he believes the levy is going to decrease the amount of tenancy available even further.

“Suddenly, these property owners are getting hit with a $500 bill every year, and for someone who has bought property in the last three years and rented it out, unless they bought very well, they’re in real trouble,” he said.

“Those people will be selling or the owner will be acting on the recommendation of an agent on a rent increase and if the market rent can’t be afforded by the tenant, it shouldn’t be the owner who has to pay.”

Property owners who pay land tax will also face an additional fixed charge of $500 for landholdings between $50,000 and $100,000 or $975 for above. General and trust taxpayers will have an additional 0.1 per cent tax rate increase for holdings above $250,000 and $300,000 respectively.

In total, the landholdings component is expected to raise $4.7 billion over four years. With subsequent concerns that landlords could pass on the cost of the tax to renters, CEO of Tenants Victoria Jennifer Beveridge said rent increases are a strong concern for tenants right now.

“We will be monitoring any flow-on from new measures in the State Budget that may affect renters,” she said.

“Tenants Victoria strongly urges the government to introduce a ‘fairness formula’ to regulate rent increases at a fair level. This approach is working well in the ACT and should be considered as part of the upcoming National Cabinet discussions to strengthen renters’ rights.”

Social housing support not expected to help Ranges

By Tyler Wright

The Yarra Ranges is not expected to see the benefits of a funding boost to social housing announced in the recent state budget, a local service says.

It was announced in the 2023/2024 budget, released on Tuesday 23 May, that $134 million will be provided access to housing and homelessness support, with $67.6 million for Housing First responses and supports set to deliver permanent supportive housing responses to people formerly sleeping rough.

But Holy Fools CEO Neal Taylor said the government’s Big Housing Build; a $5.3 billion package set to provide 12,000 social housing properties over four years, will not be seen the Yarra Ranges.

“The problem is that there is no crisis accommodation or emergency accommodation in the Yarra Ranges at all, even if there was, I would say that it would be full all the time. because it’s very difficult for people to move on out of emergency accommodation,” Mr Taylor said.

Mr Taylor said local services are seeing a big strain for goods including food, clothing and blankets, with Holy Fools often referring those in need to housing support service Anchor.

“Anchor itself has only got so much of a budget, I think it’s $160 a day, to house someone, and that’s whoever turns up for them the day,” he said.

“It’s ridiculous.”

According to the Council for Homeless Persons, the wait time for public housing in 16 and a half months for those on the priority wait list.

Mr Taylor said the reality is that wait times are “a lot longer”.

“There are a lot of people that we know who have been on the list, some of them going on 20 years now, waiting for a property,” Mr Taylor said.

However, homelessness services are set to receive $35.9 million in 23/24 as part of the government’s budget spend.

“The other positive was including the funding for services to women and young people and additional health and drug and alcohol support, particularly for those in crisis, but there was no indication in there of any big bills apart from the big housing bill,” Mr Taylor said.

“There was no new revelations about the big housing build, which was disappointing.”

Mr Taylor said Holy Fools is seeing more people are sleeping in cars and at friend’s houses, with people with jobs losing their homes due to rent hikes, injury or sickness.

“There’s a stack of kids who couch surf after having a big argument with mum and dad.That’s a form of homelessness, but when you talk to them, they don’t identify as being homeless,” he said.

“They see that as being the typical old man in the city being on the side of the street as being homeless and not them, and we know that’s now stretching to other people too, who end up in their car and they don’t think they’re homeless.”

Mr Taylor said all levels of government need to work with the community to

end homelessness, with this budget only “scratching the surface”.

“It doesn’t seem a commitment to ending this...when you see the budget sort of bit of a lacklustre response to it, it saddens me, but it also frustrates me because then people don’t see it as a priority.

“If the government’s not going to do it, we really need to step up and do it ourselves.... whether that’s some of the community members in the greater Yarra Ranges saying ‘hey, listen, I’ve got a house that that we could start to use for for emergency accommodation.’”

Picture: ERIC WARD ON UNSPLASH

The State Government has introduced a Covid Debt Levy to help reduce the impact of Covid-19 pandemic borrowing. Picture: ON FILE

Garden clubbers to dig in

By Callum Ludwig

Members of the Upper Yarra Valley Garden Club (UYVGC) headed out to Warburton Primary School on Monday 22 May to get a look at their gardening program.

Students took their visitors around the school, showing off their bush tucker garden, sweet and sour orchard, ‘The Patch’ and the Harvest Cafe kitchen.

UYVGC Vice President Jenny Perkins said the visit was suggested by Kelly Frost, who is a committee member and the coordinator of the school’s sustainable garden program.

“We thought it was a terrific idea, we have a garden walk once a month on a Monday and it was an eye-opener for us, I think that we should be able to make a commitment to the school that we help them as far as horticulture is concerned,” she said.

“The Upper Yarra Valley Garden Club is primed to give them a hand, I mean who better to give them a hand than the garden club, some of the older members are very wellversed in horticulture. ”

With guidance from teachers and UYVGC members, students demonstrated their ability to harvest a cauliflower from their garden.

Ms Perkins said UYVGC members were very impressed with the school’s plans to upgrade the garden, shared with them by principal Nathan Van Der Monde.

“He said our members could come and help plant and donate any native plans we can, as it’s mainly a native garden. It’s going to be a new rejuvenated garden done by professionals, and we can be the help,” she said.

“The kids are just excited to have visitors and show us what they’ve done, it’s local, it’s Warburton, it’s our patch and we will get as much out of it as the school so it will be a good relationship if we can keep connected.”

Some garden members even learnt some-

thing new themselves, taking note of the use of direct composting in the school’s produce garden as something to implement in their own.

Young mums social group coming to Woori Yallock

By Callum Ludwig

A new social group is starting up inWooriYallock for Mums of young kids.

Women’s Health East and the Woori Community House will team up to provide Mum’s Social Group in Term 3, open to all local mums of babies, toddlers and kinder-aged kids.

Health Promotion Coordinator at Women’s Health East Vanessa Czerniawski said they wanted to provide an opportunity for mums to come together in a social setting, with an early-years educator there to supervise the children.

“We did a bit of research a couple of years ago around women’s mental health, particularly women that had had babies or young children during Covid, and there was a real need for the social connection they missed out on,” she said.

“After discussion with the Woori Community House and the Yarra Ranges Council, we felt the Woori Yallock region was an area where women were a bit more disconnected.”

A survey has been opened up for potential members of the group to provide input as to what they’d like to see provided: www. surveymonkey.com/r/Y72WWMSor.

Ms Czerniawski said they want the mums involved to help co-design the program.

“It’s important for us to hear what they want and what’s going to be useful for them so that we can design something that’s really going to have an impact or that they want to attend, they can tell us days, times or if they need further support like transport arrangements,” she said.

“We’re also looking to have workshops, which could be on health and well-being issues, or childhood issues, or some fun, like arts and crafts or yoga or meditation, as well as the informal opportunity to chat and get to know each other.”

TheWoori Community House is located at

1385 Healesville - Koo Wee Rup Road.

Ms Czerniawski said respite time is incredibly important for mums with young children.

“Certainly from the research we’ve done

around mental health in general, but especially for women that have young children, being able to have that time to connect with other adults is really important,” she said.

“I have an almost six-year-old myself, and

I know how getting together with other people, getting out of the house and sharing conversation with people in your local community that have kids of similar ages and similar experiences is really important.”

Year Five Tarryn and Shirley harvesting a cauliflower from the school produce garden ‘The Patch’.

UYVGC members take in what students have been growing in ‘The Patch’. Pictures: SUPPLIED

The Woori Community House is hosting a Mum’s Social Group for Term 3.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Empowering Success: NaturescakesA Woman's Dream Fulfilled

In a world of boundless dreams, one woman turned her cake shop dream into reality. Naturescakes is more than a cake shop; it’s a testament to women’s strength and creativity in business.

Nestled in our community, Naturescakes is known for mouthwatering cakes with unique flavour. We use fresh ingredients, including donated fruits and vegetables, reflecting our spirit of togetherness.

Excellence extends beyond cakes. We proudly serve locally sourced coffee from Silva Coffee Roasters, celebrating regional flavour.

As a family business, Naturescakes showcases the strength of family bonds. Each member plays a crucial role, from the skilled carpenter father to the chai-mixing sister and uniform-sewing mother. My brother, a talented graphic designer, and my son, the technical guru, contribute their expertise to keep our operations running smoothly.

Naturescakes is the result of years honing baking skills. It’s therapy for the soul and a reminder that women can succeed in any field. Sharing our food brings immeasurable joy. Each cake carries our passion and love, creating memorable moments.

Experience Naturescakes’ sweet indulgence, celebrating a woman’s business success. Join us in savoring empowerment, one treat at a time.

faith@naturescakes.com

naturescakes.com

We are specialists in lingerie fittings

Located in Lilydale, on the main street, and established for over 40 years.

La Donna Lingerie has been servicing people of the Yarra Valley and beyond. We specialise in quality lingerie, sleepwear, shapewear, swimwear, hosiery and breast forms.

Karen purchased La Donna Lingerie in 2014, inspired by her desire to help members of her local community.

All staff are professionally trained in bra and breast form fittings therefore we can help you feel properly supported, comfortable and confident in your underwear choices. Karen has 8½ years’ experience, Donna & Kerrie 18 months and Bernadette has over 20 years’ experience. Our expertise ensures ladies receive a personal fitting service to ensure they choose not only the correct fitting bra but also the right style for them, we take the stress and pain out of shopping for bras and make it a positive experience from the minute you walk in the door! Whether you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother, a fitness fanatic, attending a special event or recovering from surgery we will ensure you get the most comfortable fit.

An area we are passionate about is supporting women facing the challenging ordeal of breast cancer.

“Our mission is to support breast cancer survivors with a caring, discreet fitting service to ensure they have access to the perfect breast form, this helps restore self-esteem and get ladies well on the way in their recovery.” said Karen.

We offer choices of Breast Forms, bras and swimwear. www.ladonnalingerie.com.au

Find us on facebook and instagram

Hours: Monday – Friday 9.30-5.00 Saturday 9.30-1.30

323 Main St, Lilydale 9739 6667

12607425-RR22-23

Red Relish Café in Main Street

Yarra Junction, has established itself as one of the ‘must visit’ café’s in the Yarra Valley. Owner Sue Cordina will be celebrating six years in business come November. Many hours of hard work, time and patience, has seen the business flourish. With a solid local following and an ever-increasing tourist trade, Red Relish is busy. “Our focus is on good food, made fresh from local ingredients. It makes a difference. Everything is made in house by our fully qualified Chef. Our range of cakes, biscuits and slices are highly sought after, as well as our award winning pies”.

“It’s a pleasure to see the same faces everyday, catching up over a coffee or a meal. It confirms to me we are a welcoming space that people enjoy and feel at home in”.

Red Relish is open 7 days a week serving breakfast and lunch. The café has also established a solid reputation for their catering. Whether it’s a private or corporate function, birthday, baby shower or other special occasion, we can help.

“I’m proud of what we have achieved. Our success has also enabled us to give back to our community through sponsorship of our local sporting clubs, supporting the local schools and community groups. Of course none of this would have been possible without our customers. I am so grateful for your continued support”.

0412 823 161 Faith Samuel Shop 1/232 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville

2/2465 Warburton Hwy Yarra Junction PH: 5967-1628

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

A serving of Celtic magic

By Tanya Steele

Homegrown Healesville magician and dancer Anthony Street returned to his hometown this week to perform electric and dazzling live shows with his troupe in “Celtic Illusion: The Magic Returns” at The Memo on Thursday, May 25.

The shows were a spectacular blend of Irish dance and stage magic, fused in an unlikely combination of rhythm and wonder, Street has made a career from combining the two in a fantastical show experience which has toured worldwide.

Street said his favourite section to perform is a fiddle piece which is accompanied by a levitation illusion.

“It’s an original piece, it was written especially for this show and it’s just a really, really, really beautiful part to watch,” he said.

The energy of the performance was upbeat and Street said the cast has a great time on stage, with dancers and musicians all smiles throughout,

“The great thing is that when you see them enjoying it, then the crowd enjoy it more,” he said. Street said when he performs in Healesville, family, friends, old teachers and classmates often say hello after the show and his recent performances were no exception.

“I saw the “Fireman” Mr Chuck last night and I always get a surprise when they come through,” he said.

Performance is in the family, Street’s grandfather is also a country western singer and Street said he used to go along to a lot of gigs and carnivals with him as a kid.

He saw magic for the first time at a Lilydale show and was entranced by a local magician’s act, months later Santa astutely delivered a magic kit for Christmas and it became a hobby.

“Magic came first, I was eight years old and I’d never seen it before, I was just intrigued,” he said.

Later when Street was 14, he came across Riverdance in his Nanna’s house.

“I was secretly watching the video, I thought it was the most interesting thing I had ever seen,” he said.

He started dance classes in Healesville and by age 19 was offered his first professional tour as a dancer.

He began a career and was the first Australian to perform the lead role in Michael Flatley’s widely acclaimed Lord Of The Dance.

He later began to think about creating his own show with the concept of Celtic Illusion born out of his passion for both magic and dance and he said it is definitely a bizarre combination.

“I had dreams to have a magic show and I had dreams to have a big dance show,” Street said.

“I thought I may not have time in my life to do both shows and fulfil both these dreams, so I thought I’d put the two together and have a show that has both those hobbies that I was so passionate about.”

Street said the show has grown from small theatres to massive arenas since its start in Geelong in 2011.

“It’s grown and grown and grown from nothing in the last 11 years,” he said.

Street loves coming back to Healesville and actually was one of the last people to perform at The Memo when it was still a town hall.

“I made just a little experimental Irish dance show which was mostly traditional, with a live band and a few dancers,” he said.

“It’s always good to return back to my hometown and to perform where it all started as well.”

Street and his troupe love bringing a larger spectacle show out to regional centres.

“People get to experience a big show with so much excitement, I really enjoy doing the regional areas,” he said.

Like a jig at a steady 120 bpm, the performer shows no signs of slowing down and is always trying to improve the show.

“I’ve been doing this for 20 years and it is not just a job,” he said.

Anthony Street grew up in the Healesville region and has made a career by combing two of his childhood passions.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The show features a range of illusion magic that audiences can enjoy.

The show featured a blend of Irish dancing mixed with magic.

The fiddle player Rennie Pearson and singer Georgia Hurford from the show meet with young Irish dancer Elsie from Kilsyth after their performance for a chance to say hello and get a photo.

Erinne from Kilsyth was excited to meet Anthony and Georgia May after the evening show finished at The Memo.

Mothering in the global context PASSION FOR

Get Wild with circus

Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change, by Filipino-American author Angela Garbes, is recommended to our readers by Seattle UNESCO City of Literature.

In mid-2018, Garbes achieved nationwide fame in the U.S. with her book Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy. Praised as a “required reading for mothers and double-required for everyone else”, the book explores the physiology, biology and psychology of pregnancy and motherhood. Then the Covid-19 pandemic hit and Garbes, like so many of us around the world, found herself struggling at home over the physically and mentally draining work of meeting the bodily and emotional needs of her two young children. She began to ponder an important question: what is mothering and what can it mean in a global context?

Note the vital difference here between “mothering” and “motherhood”, as the terrain of mothering is neither defined by gender nor limited to those who give birth to children. Rather, Garbes focuses our attention on CARE WORK as the action of mothering, which includes anyone who is engaged in “the practice of creating, nurturing, affirming and supporting life”.

PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

The history of mothering – including but not limited to the invaluable contributions made by mothers/parents, nurses, caregivers and domestic workers – has long been seen as “naturally female, which is to say invisible and undervalued”. For too long, and especially in wealthy countries, these people have been doing our most important work for free or at poverty wages.

In Essential Labor, Garbes not just acknowledges the role of care in our society but advocates for the radical power of caregiving. In her words: “When you become a mother, you engender life, endless possibilities. Mothering is creative in a very literal sense – it is cultivating

all that potential, bringing a small person into consciousness.”

More profoundly, Garbes contends that “if we were to think about work in terms of our humanity – making people feel dignified, valued, and whole – then caregiving is the most important work we can do with our time on earth”. This is a sobering note in our world today that increasingly values work in terms of how much we produce and how efficiently we can do it. A timely book that is meditation, memoir and manifesto at once, Essential Labor is an essential read for anyone who dares to imagine what a compassionate, equitable and caring community looks like.

Garbes invites us to believe in our ability to forge a future that is better than the present we currently inhabit.We are urged to think of ourselves as actively helping to cultivate future community members and leaders who will never think less of someone based on their age, their physical and/or intellectual capabilities, or the colour of their skin.

Because our lives are intimately linked to the lives of others, it is critical that our everyday labour of care is treated with the reverence and respect that it truly deserves. That, as Garbes argues, is positive social change.

Engaging performances, striking drama

Gaia

Starring Monique Rockman, Carel Nel and Alex Van Dyk

Rated MA15+

3.5/5

Better Than The New Age Streaming Service.

Gaia is a 2021 South African sci-fi horror film with powerful yet derivative visuals and a scattershot plot.

Gabi (Monique Rockman) and Winston (Anthony Oseyemi), two forestry workers, encounter a pair of cultists and a deadly fungal organism in the wilderness.

Gaia has engaging performances and draws strong suspense from its characters. Barend (Carel Nel) is a fatalistic scientist who worships the sentient fungus in the forest (and has a phenomenal monologue in the second act), and his son Stefan (Alex Van

Dyk) is a stolid young man with a gentle, curious streak.

The film has several shocking but strangely beautiful scenes of body horror, with multicoloured, richly-textured fungi growing from its victims’ bodies. Gabi’s body-consuming infection grows alongside Barend’s nihilism and cruel intentions, with

both threads culminating in a taut climax.

But even with the solid personal tension, Gaia has a meandering pace and vague world-building. The fungus-covered creatures in the forest rarely pose a threat, and their design is blatantly ripped off from the video game The Last of Us’s Clickers, even down to the rasping and clicking noises they make.

Gaia also relies too heavily on dreams for atmosphere, despite the film’s mostly grounded biological horror. There are even two contrived instances of Gabi waking up from a dream within a dream.

A horror film with compelling drama and striking imagery surrounded by murky themes and plagiarised monsters, Gaia is available on DVD and to rent or buy on iTunes.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

Kemp’s curtain call

Burrinja Theatre

Get Wild – 2023 Ruccis Student Production

Burrinja Circus Festival

Ruccis goes wild for their 2023 student production. Their eccentric tour guides will take you on a wild adventure through the natural world. Get Wild is a chance for family and friends of Ruccis Students to see what they’ve been working on thought the year.

· Saturday June 24 at 9.30am; Saturday June 24 at 2pm; Saturday June 24 at 6.30pm; Sunday June 25 at 10am.

Winter Circus Carnival

Burrinja will transform into a big top as Ruccis hosts a day or free drop-in workshops, get your face painted, conquer the obstacle course, enjoy free circus performances throughout the day, plus competitions, games, and crafts and so much more.

When: Sunday June 25 noon – 4pm. Park at Burrinja.

Jugg Life Throw Catch Collective

Jugg Life is an explosive fusion of dynamic live percussion and relentless energy with the breathtaking skills of Australia’s best jugglers and a combined 30 years of performing experience.

Recommended for ages five to adult.

· Sunday June 25 at 1.30pm.

· Preschool Circus – 2-5 years

· Tuesday June 27, Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 at 10am · 1812 Theatre.

Running for your health

Running is awesome! You won’t find many greater advocates for the benefits of running than myself. As a physiotherapist, I love promoting running for all its health benefits and stand firm in my belief that everyone can run. Running is great for your cardiovascular fitness, musculoskeletal strength and mental health. It’s beneficial for younger and older folk. You don’t need a gym membership, you can do it anywhere and you don’t have to be coordinated.

Unfortunately, running is associated with a high risk of short-term injury, primarily because running is considered a high-impact activity. While our bodies are fundamentally built to run, they need time to adapt to the loading patterns of running. Most running injuries occur when we train beyond the current capacity of our muscles, tendons and bones. Even though running has a high risk of injury, the common myth that running is bad for your knees and the long-term health of your joints is wrong. In fact, the truth is quite the opposite: lifelong recreational runners have consistently been shown to have a lesser risk of developing lower limb osteoarthritis than non-runners. The most important aspect to consider when getting into running fitness is to build up your training slowly but consistently. You should also change up each run with variables such as speed, intensity, duration and terrain, to reduce the risk the risk of overuse injuries. Good footwear is important, but not the most important thing. Lastly, you need to enjoy it to stick at it – so run with friends or somewhere scenic to keep it interesting. There are a lot of great places to run around here!

Ben Croxford is a Physiotherapist and leads the team at Form & Practice Mt Evelyn, Olinda and Chirnside Park.

PUZZLES

No. SUDOKU

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Constructs (6)

4 Rant and rave (8)

9 Traditional English sponge cake (7)

11 Imbricate (7)

12 Knick-knacks and souvenirs (11)

13 Firearm (3)

14 Arduous (8)

16 Capital territory of India (5)

19 Regal (5)

20 Influenza strain (5,3)

22 Phone program (3)

24 Reciprocal (11)

26 Annoying (7)

27 Deviate (7)

29 Accurate shooters (7)

30 Stylish (6)

DOWN

1 Cadge (3)

2 Compensation (9)

3 Less wet (5)

5 Greek god of music, poetry, etc (6)

6 Girls’ name (9)

7 Forced labour camp (5)

8 Outlay (11)

10 Collections of songs or photos (6)

12 Prioritising material possessions (11)

15 Rocks containing silica (9)

17 Exaggerated self importance (9)

18 Mount (6)

21 In ancient architecture, a horizontal design (6)

23 Metal rod for stirring a fire (5)

25 Celestial being (5)

28 Speak (3)

DECODER WORDFIT

79 64 37 34

3

9-LETTER WORD

R

18 words: Good 27 words: Very good 37 words: Excellent Today’s Aim: 3 LETTERS ADO APE ATE BEE ERA FEW FOE GAL ICE IFS IRE IRK KEN MOP NEE NIT OLD ORE PRO ROW SUE TIP VIA 4 LETTERS ABLE ALSO ARTS CAST CENT DANK EVIL ICON JETS OFFS PERT SANG SOLE WEPT WOOD 5 LETTERS ACORN AHEAD ALLOT AORTA ARISE ASHEN BALDS BASIC BUFFS CLASS COSTS COVES CRANE CRASH EATEN ENSUE FAIRY FINAL FLEES GREAT HALES HARSH HERDS IDEAL JAUNT NAVEL OPENS OUSTS OVENS ROAST ROTOR SCENT SELLS SLEET SLYER SMART SMELT STAKE STEER STRUT SWIRL TIGER TREAT ULTRA USUAL VIRAL 6 LETTERS CASINO ERECTS IRONIC STRINE 7 LETTERS COASTER ENIGMAS FOCUSED POSTAGE ROOSTER ROWBOAT 8 LETTERS FRESHEST NARRATOR ROMANTIC TIRESOME 11 LETTERS DIFFERENCES NECESSITATE 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 S G K R T D N C V H Z A Q X Y O E U M B I J P F W L 02-06-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 523486719 918543627 189327465 897135246 752618394 375964182 461279538 634792851 246851973 easy medium hard 927136845 593684271 719468523 481275639 678312954 836521497 365849712 142957368 254793186 516389247 639814572 872451963 784162359 157926834 945638721 293745618 428573196 361297485 1 14 7 20 2 15 8 21 3 16 9 22 4 17 10 23 5 18 11 24 6 19 12 25 13 26 FL HERITAGE & HERITAGE FUNERALS Lilydale 9739 7799 Healesville 5962 1600 HERITAGE PIONEERS CHAPEL 1414 Healesville/Koo Wee Rup Road, Woori Yallock 5964 6500 Head Office: 733 Boronia Road, Wantirna 9800 3000 info@ heritagefunerals.com.au www.heritagefunerals.com.au

A Y P R S R B E

DISCOVER A QUIRKY MID-CENTURY FUSION

STEP into a world of character and charm with this unique mid-century fusion home, boasting a delightful 90’s twist. Nestled in the heart of Healesville, this weatherboard gem with timber lined ceilings in the living area, is a testament to timeless design. With its brick feature wall, high ceilings, and open plan living, this property offers a truly captivating atmosphere.

As you enter, you’ll be greeted by the warm and inviting ambiance of the open living space, bathed in natural light. The kitchen is practical and includes gas cooking and a dishwasher. Unwind in the family bathroom, complete with a spa bath for indulgent relaxation, or take advantage of the convenience of the smaller bathroom off the main bedroom.

Experience year-round comfort with the natural gas ducted heating and reverse cycle split systems, ensuring that you stay cosy during the winter months and cool during the summer. This home embraces both style and functionality, providing a comfortable haven for you and your loved ones.

Creative possibilities await as this property presents an added bonus-a bungalow waiting for your personal touch. With a little love and repair, you can transform this space into a creative sanctuary, an inspiring home office, or a cosy retreat for guests. The carport with a roller door provides secure parking, and the covered verandah at the front offers the perfect spot to relax and watch life go by.

Embrace the Ideal Location as it is

HOME ESSENTIALS

situated within walking distance to town, you’ll have easy access to charming cafes, vibrant wine bars, and beautiful parks. Everything you need is right at your doorstep, making this property a perfect choice for both weekend getaways and permanent living. Immerse yourself in the vibrant community of Healesville and enjoy the convenience of city amenities in a serene and picturesque setting.

Set on a well-planned and landscaped block of approximately 667sqm, this property offers the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living. Relax in the tranquil garden oasis, host gatherings with friends and family, or simply enjoy the serenity of your own private sanctuary.

Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of Healesville’s unique charm and create a home that reflects your individuality. Contact us today to arrange a private tour and discover the endless possibilities that await you in this captivating property. ●

Address: 3/9 Elamo Road, HEALESVILLE Description: 3 bedrooms, 2

Contact: Jane Nunn 0432 375 940, email: jane@integrityrealestate.com.au,

A FAMILY RETREAT ON ALMOST 1.5 ACRES

WELCOME to ‘Harmony’ – a family retreat on almost 1.5 acres.

If privacy and serenity is what you are craving then look no further than this beautifully built family home nestled on almost 1.5 acres.

Designed to offer complete seclusion away from neighbours, every inch of this property has been lovingly created so that you can enjoy the stunning gardens, lush lawns areas and discreet entertaining areas in total solitude.

The well-built brick home is presented to perfection and offers 4 bedrooms, master with modern ensuite, 2 separate living zones, ducted heating, wood fire, split system heating/cooling and a gorgeous garden view from every window.

The sealed driveway leads to a double carport plus there is another storage shed & separate workshop. The gardens offer colour all year round plus there is also a veggie patch, chook pen, bluestone firepit, woodfire pizza oven, fully fenced yard plus there is a remote gate on entry.

Tucked away in a great location and surrounded by many walking trails that lead to Emerald Lake Park – this is truly a property that offers it all.

Call today to inspect this magnificent lifestyle property. ●

HOME FOCUS

HIDDEN GEM ON 10 ACRE RETREAT

If you’re seeking a permanent residence or tranquil weekend retreat, this property is ideal, being only minutes to the township of Healesville and approx. 1 hour from Melbourne. The solid brick construction home has a warm sense of style throughout and comprises 2 bedrooms plus large study/2nd living room, 2 bathrooms, spacious open plan living, kitchen and dining area.

The home comprises high ceilings, large double glazed French doors and windows throughout to soak up the surrounding natural bush setting.

Further features include Selectronic solar power system, 130,000lt water tank, solar hot water with gas back up, fully fenced vegetable and citrus garden, 2 solid wood heaters with enough wood on the property to last all year round and separate underground fire shelter.

HOME ESSENTIALS

Sit back and relax on the expansive terraces and verandah outside where you can entertain family and friends in the peaceful setting that looks out towards the mountains and townships of the Yarra Valley. Enjoy the privacy and tranquillity of this home on 10 acres (approx.) where you can delight in the wildlife visitors and songs of the Lyre birds.

285 Lowes Road, HEALESVILLE Description: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Price: $900,000- $990,000 Inspect: By appointment Auction: For Sale via Online Auction Contact: Mark Gunther, 0448 62 3030, mark@markgunther.com.au, MARK GUNTHER FIRST NATIONAL, HEALESVILLE, 5962 3030

Healesville 15MondaAvenue

Thissingle-levelbrickhome,seton16acres(approx) offers3bedrooms,allwithoutstandingviews.The well-planned floorplanconsistsofafamilyroomwith wood fire,centralbathroom,diningarea,&kitchen withfreestandingcooker.Theentertainingpoolarea isperfectforgatheringwithfamily&friends.The propertyincludesmachinerystorage&severalsheds.

Healesville 21RutterAvenue

Seton1105m2(approx)cornerblockwithdual access,isthisclassichomewithseparatestudio.The mainhousefeaturesalargelivingarea,kitchento dining,3bedrooms,familybathroomwithseparate toiletplusashowerroom.Theopenplanstudiowith kitchenetteincludessplitsystemairconditioning, ensuite&bifolddoorstodecking.

$780,000-$820,000 FORSALE

556MarysvilleRoad

0407595113

EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE

POSITIONED in one of Marysville’s most desirable streets, 10 Kerami Crescent brings together a unique design and manicured gardens on 2300 sqm. Its spectacular elevated location, only 650m walk from the bus stop in the centre of town, delivers you a lifestyle second to none, with sweeping views and spectacular sunsets.

The home’s design provides options for dual occupancy, separate living, or Airbnb. It is principally designed with 3 bedrooms plus a study, 2 bathrooms and 2 toilets (including en suite to master).

The formal living area maximises natural light with floor to ceiling windows facing the view. The kitchen/meals area extends onto a spacious patio with protective blinds, maximising enjoyment of the fine weather. Adjacent to the kitchen, the laundry offers significant storage space and external access. However, if you wish to separate the tenements, the master bedroom, with ensuite and adjacent study, is large enough to be treated as its own quarters. Furnished with its own external access, it allows for a discrete lockable separation of the living zones.

Heating and cooling are provided for with a Coonara wood heater, Fujitsu reverse cycle air conditioner and double glazed windows in all 3 bedrooms. The home is sensibly oriented northwest, with a view of Mount Gordon to the west. You can even see Keppel’s Lookout from the fire pit. The property enjoys dual access from Kerami Crescent and Red Hill Road, with extended driveways and double-entrance access on Red Hill Road. The property provides a car port and a Colorbond shed, with power, for storage.

Of this property’s assets, the gardens are its showpiece. Meticulous care has created a garden filled with landscaped beds of tree ferns, grasses, banksias and snow gums attracting many native birds. Raised garden beds provide blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. Every metre of the 2300 sqm block has been carefully considered, with walkways through crepe myrtles, gingkoes, rhododendrons and camellias giving access to different areas and levels. Full fencing makes the property secure for pets and protected from vermin. The external wash-trough is serviced by hot water for convenience.

The location on the edge of town gives immediate access to scenic bushwalking trails and dark skies for stargazing with close proximity to Marysville township, the mountain bike trails of Lake Mountain and the wider network of walking and cycling trails. Living in the heart of the Yarra Ranges - what could be better. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

3 YEAR OLD FAMILY HOME IN YARRA JUNCTION

NESTLED in the charming neighborhood of Yarra Junction, this delightful 4 bedroom home is the ideal haven for your growing family. Designed with your comfort and convenience in mind, this property offers a wonderful blend of spacious and bright open plan living and quiet separate areas.

The well-appointed kitchen features sleek countertops, ample storage space, and modern stainless steel appliances. With four generously sized bedrooms, there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy their own personal retreat. The master bedroom boasts a private ensuite bathroom and walk in robe while the remaining bedrooms have their own built-in robes.

Outside, you’ll discover a large backyard on a spacious 611 square metre block. Let your little ones run and play freely in this safe and secure environment while you relax in the yard, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

This home offers easy access to a range of amenities, including schools, parks, shopping centre, sporting facilities and much more all within a short walk, ride, or drive. Embrace a vibrant community and take advantage of the nearby natural beauty, with the picturesque Warburton Rail Trail and stunning mountain views just moments away.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to make this house your forever home. Experience the joy and comfort it provides, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 4 Pauls Close, YARRA JUNCTION Description:

CAPE COD CHARACTER

THIS charming home has so much to love, with gorgeous features and functionality for a family. Full of warmth and character, this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sits on a fully fenced allotment with great shedding and a secure space for the kids and pets to roam.

A beautiful living room showcases a gas log fire and creates a relaxing zone to gather and then dine in your adjacent meals area. The galley style kitchen has a stunning SMEG freestanding oven and offers ample counter space and storage providing functionality and a stylish warmth. Throughout the home you will enjoy stunning plantation shutters that not only provide an elegant touch, but also allow for natural light to flood the space, making it bright and welcoming.

The 3 bedrooms all have private Juliet balconies to sit out on, read a book and enjoy the mountain views and the master bedroom provides a walk in robe, and a gorgeous ensuite. The main bathroom is a

HOME ESSENTIALS

feast for the eyes and soul with a beautiful claw foot bath to soak the day away after hitting the trails.

With its picturesque setting in Millgrove, this location offers the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience. Imagine being able to step outside your front door and explore the stunning natural beauty of the Yarra Valley or spend the day hitting the mountain bike trails and enjoying all that this location has to offer. Millgrove offers not only easy access to the local shops and Yarra River, but also only minutes away from Warburton’s best local cafes, restaurants, and shopping! So you can enjoy all the amenities you need while still being surrounded by nature.

This is the perfect opportunity to create the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of or turn this into a wonderful weekend retreat. Contact us today to schedule a viewing and see all that this amazing location has to offer. ●

Stylishmodernlivingwithawarmcountryatmosphere.

Beautifullypresentedinsideandoutthisoutstandingpropertywillexciteyoutheminuteyouarrive. Offering3bedroomswithbuiltinrobesplusanoptional4thbedroom/study/office,fabulousopen planfamily/livingareaswithplentyofspaceforthegrowingfamilywithwoodheatinganda splitsystem.Thekitchenwillimpresswithqualityappliancesand fixturesboastinggreatbench andcupboardspace,entertainoutsideinstyleallyearroundwithacoveredentertainingarea overlookingthepicturesqueterracedbackyardwithplentyofspaceforthekidsandpetstoenjoy. Animpressiveentrancewithsealeddrivewaysandplentyofcar,boatortraileraccommodation withadoublecarportandaseparatelockupgarage.Anexceptionallywellpresentedandwell maintainedpropertyofferingapicturesqueandrelaxedlifestyleinaconvenientlocation.

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.

18SurreyRoad,Warburton$690,000-$755,000

SurreyRoadaddresswithbrickhomeonover1000sqm!

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

3yearoldfamilyhomeinYarraJunction

NestledinthecharmingneighbourhoodofYarraJunction,thisdelightful4bedroomhomeistheideal havenforyourgrowingfamily.Thewell-appointedkitchenfeaturessleekcountertops,amplestorage space,andmodernstainlesssteelappliances.Withfourgenerouslysizedbedrooms,there’splentyof spaceforeveryonetoenjoytheirownpersonalretreat.Themasterbedroomboastsaprivateensuite bathroomandwalkinrobewhiletheremainingbedroomshavetheirownbuiltinrobes.Outside, you’lldiscoveralargebackyardonaspacious611squaremetreblock.Thishomeofferseasyaccess toarangeofamenities,includingschools,parks,shoppingcentre,sportingfacilitiesandmuchmore allwithinashortwalk,ride,ordrive.Don’tmissthisincredibleopportunitytomakethishouseyour foreverhome.Experiencethejoyandcomfortitprovides,creatingmemoriesthatwilllastalifetime.

4PaulsClose,YarraJunction$700,000-$770,000

THE PERFECT PROJECT WITH GREAT VIEWS

OVERLOOKING what could be considered one of the most spectacular views in the area, with mesmerizing sunsets that seem to stretch on forever, this two storey ‘ready to renovate’ home sits in an ideal location with easy access to both Upper Ferntree Gully and Upwey townships.

An exciting opportunity to own a property in such a sought after pocket does not come around too often and this property certainly delivers on ‘wow’ factor.

The large wrap around verandah takes in those amazing views, whilst inside, three bedrooms, open plan, split level living and stunning raked timber lined ceilings with exposed beams can be found on the top level of this well designed home.

The updated kitchen boasts stainless steel cooktop and under bench oven plus a good amount of bench space whilst downstairs, a versatile rumpus room could double as another bedroom or home office. A loft style, mezzanine area plus excellent cupboard space creates great storage options and temperature control includes gas ducted heating throughout plus a charming open fireplace with brick feature wall plus an air-conditioner unit.

A single garage sits at the top of a sealed driveway and allows for easy access to the home.

A perfect starter with perfect views – This is the perfect project! ●

Sittingprivatelyonalmost2acres,surroundedbyacombinationofgreenlawns,colourful gardenbeds,nativescrubandastunningassortmentofmaturetrees,thisclassic1950’S familyhomeisthequintessential,hillslifestyledream.Staringouttoamesmerisingview thattakesinthedistantWarburtonRanges,thebeautifulweatherboardhomeboastsnot onlythreespaciousbedrooms,studynookandtwobathroomsbutalsotwoseparateliving zones.ThismesmerisingHillspropertyisanopportunityofalifetime.

SharynChandler

M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

Thismagnificent10-acrepropertyculminatingatscenicWooriYallockCreekisa breathtakingportionoftheDandenongRangesnottobemissed.Punctuatedbyaquality craftedmudbrickandweatherboardresidence,thisisacountry-feelpropertyimmersedin exquisitelocalfloraandfauna.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

26AMonbulkRoad,BELGRAVE $500,000to$550,000 CHARMINGCOTTAGEINCOVETEDLIFESTYLELOCATION 2 A 1 B

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

SuzieBrannelly

M 0490506910| E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

$1,380,000-$1,480,000 ‘GREENWOOD’–QUALITY,SIZE&TIMELESSAPPEAL 4 A 2 B 4 C

Apictureofperfectionawaitsat‘Greenwood’,amuchloved,FederationHarkaway home,builtandengineeredtoanoutstandinglevelofdetailandofferingatraditional, periodstylehomethatboastseleganceoneverylevel.Spaciousandsolid,therehas beennocompromiseonquality,offering4bedrooms,homeoffice(or5thbedroom),dual bathroomsandaversatilefloorplantomeetanyfamily’srequirements.

SharynChandler

M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

Trades & Services

Employment General Notices

Grounds Person - Eildon

THE OPPORTUNITY

Holmesglen have a vacancy for an experienced

NOTICE OF ADDITIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that an additional meeting of Council will be held on Tuesday 6 June 2023 to transact the following item of business; 2023-24 Draft Budget including Capital Expenditure Program for Adoption in Principle.

The meeting will commence at 7pm, unless otherwise advertised, and will be broadcast live on Council’s website.

In order to ensure the health and safety of Councillors, staff and the community, members of the public are not able to attend council meetings in person. Instead, our community is encouraged to watch the live stream of the proceedings via Council’s website. Information about the dates of Council meetings during 2023, how these will operate and how members of the community can still participate, is available on our website at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Council-meetings

Tammi Rose Chief Executive Officer www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au

THE BEENAK CEMETERY TRUST

The Beenak Cemetery Trust is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified members of the community who would be interested in becoming honorary trust members. Women and those from a diverse background are actively encouraged to seek appointment.

General Classifieds

V Adult Services V Pets & Services

9775 3210

swa224c

12577486-AV46-22

Cemetery trust members are appointed by the Governor in Council for a term of up to five years on the recommendation of the Minister for Health. Cemetery trusts are responsible for the proper and efficient management of the public cemeteries under their control, including planning for future cemeteries services and the preservation of local history.

Being appointed to a cemetery trust provides successful applicants with a unique opportunity to develop their competencies as a board member. The Department of Health provides free governance training to all trust members.

Current trust members whose terms of appointment are due to expire may apply for reappointment as part of a competitive selection process.

More information about the role of cemetery trust members is available at: https://www. health.vic.gov.au/cemeteries-and-crematoria/ class-b-cemetery-trust-appointments

To register your interest please contact The Beenak Cemetery Trust as follows within two weeks of the date of this advertisement: The Beenak Cemetery Trust contact details: 0403 239 888

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We encourage applications from people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and from lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, intersex and queer people. The trust will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

Grounds Person to join our Eildon based team to ensure grounds and outdoor facilities are presented and maintained to a high standard.

Previous experience in a similar role with ability to plan, design and deliver vegetation development projects.

•Salary: $49,094 gross per annum (pro-rata) plus 10.5% super. Reasonable overtime will be offered which can be taken as a 25% salary loading equating to $12,273 p.a. by agreement.

•Time Fraction: Full time, 1.0 FTE

•Location: Eildon campus.

•WWCC: Appointment to this position is dependent on obtaining and maintaining an ‘employee’ Working with Children Check.

•Position Status: An initial contract will be offered for 12 months.

ABOUT US

Holmesglen at Eildon is a purpose built Conference facility and a campus of Holmesglen InstituteVictoria’s largest and most successful providers of Vocational & Higher Education. For a better understanding of the facility visit www.holmesglenateildon.com.au

TO APPLY

For further information relating to this opportunity and to apply, please visit the Careers at Holmesglen section of our website at www.holmesglen.edu.au

Like to know more?

Please contact General Manager of Holmesglen at Eildon – Rozanne Lawton PH: 5774 2631 or email her on rozanne.lawton@holmesglen.edu.au

If you require specific support to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Department on 03 9564 2676 and we will work with you to identify the best way to assist.

Sous Chef - Eildon

THE OPPORTUNITY

Holmesglen have a vacancy for an experienced Sous Chef to join our Eildon based team. The Sous Chef will work closely with the Head Chef in an impressive commercial kitchen and serve innovative food using locally sourced and grown ingredients. The position would ideally suit someone with an interest in seasonal, sustainable, low miles food to feature in the corporate menu selections and healthy student menus.

•Salary: $60,000 gross per annum (pro-rata) plus 10.5% super. Reasonable overtime will be offered which can be taken as a 25% salary loading equating to $15,000 p.a. by agreement.

•Time Fraction: Full time, 1.0 EFT

•Location: Eildon campus.

•WWCC: Appointment to this position is dependent on obtaining and maintaining an ‘employee’ Working with Children Check.

•Position Status: An initial contract will be offered for 12 months.

ABOUT US Holmesglen at Eildon is a purpose built Conference facility and a campus of Holmesglen InstituteVictoria’s largest and most successful providers of Vocational & Higher Education.

For a better understanding of the facility visit www.holmesglenateildon.com.au

TO APPLY

For further information relating to this opportunity and to apply, please visit the Careers at Holmesglen section of our website at www.holmesglen.edu.au

Like to know more?

Please contact General Manager of Holmesglen at Eildon – Rozanne Lawton PH: 5774 2631 or email her on rozanne.lawton@holmesglen.edu.au

If you require specific support to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Department on 03 9564 2676 and we will work with you to identify the best way to assist

Food & Beverage Attendant - Eildon

THE OPPORTUNITY

Holmesglen have a vacancy for an experienced Food & Beverage Attendant to join our Eildon based team.

The Food & Beverage Attendant will work as part of the Food & Beverage Team providing service for conferences, student groups and functions.

•Salary: $45,148 gross per annum (pro-rata) plus 10.5% super. Reasonable overtime will be offered which can be taken as a 25% salary loading equating to $11,287 p.a. by agreement.

•Time Fraction: Full time, 1.0 FTE.

•Location: Eildon campus.

•WWCC: Appointment to this position is dependent on obtaining and maintaining an ‘employee’ Working with Children Check.

•Position Status: An initial contract will be offered for 12 months.

ABOUT US Holmesglen at Eildon is a purpose built Conference facility and a campus of Holmesglen InstituteVictoria’s largest and most successful providers of Vocational & Higher Education. For a better understanding of the facility visit www.holmesglenateildon.com.au

TO APPLY

For further information relating to this opportunity and to apply, please visit the Careers at Holmesglen section of our website at www.holmesglen.edu.au

Like to know more?

Please contact General Manager of Holmesglen at Eildon – Rozanne Lawton PH: 5774 2631 or email her on rozanne.lawton@holmesglen.edu.au

If you require specific support to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Department on 03 9564 2676 and we will work with you to identify the best way to assist.

12609386-AI22-23

Local riders top of heap

By Callum Ludwig

The Victorian Gravity Enduro Tour season wrapped up at the start of May, with a number of local mountain bikers taking top prizes.

Most notably, Ryder Rostron finished 1st overall in U15, Katelyn Baker took out 2nd in U19 Women and Rachel Hoare was 1st in the open-age Elite Women category.

Ryder said he felt like all his hard work had paid off.

“I had been riding basically every day when I could as much as I could, I’ve riding like my whole life but only started racing in 2019 and it got stopped because of lockdowns in the years after that,” he said.

“The next season after that also wasn’t that good, in the first race I crashed and broke my collarbone which put me out for the season. Last season I got some good results and finished 2nd overall, so it’s great to have done a bit better and come first this season.”

There were four races in the 2023 season: Mansfield on January 28 and 29, Mount Beauty on March 4 and 5, Bright on 30 and 31 April and Albury to close out the season on May 6 and 7.

Katelyn said while she was disappointed with the result in the final race because she had nothing left in the tank, she’s learnt a lot and will compete again next year.

“Hopefully with maybe a little bit less focus on school next year, being out of Year 12, I can put a bit more focus onto the bike time, I’ve only been doing it for four years now,” she said.

“I’ll be stepping up to the elites next year, and hoping for at least a third overall finish. I’ll be competing against Rachel, who is my coach as well, which is exciting but it will definitely get very competitive.”

The Mansfield races were in dry and dusty conditions, before a wet and slippery track in Mt Beauty, a track still recovering from the weather in Bright and picture-perfect conditions in Albury.

Rachel said her ultimate goal is to go overseas ad race in the Enduro World Cup.

“I want to be able to race on the world stage against the best of the best and the women who do this for a living and see how I stack up against them,” she said.

“For the last race in Albury, I crashed in practice and broke my hand, but still raced the next day and ended up coming second. Luckily, I was going to take a break anyway

but it means I can’t go out on the mountain bike for a couple of months so will have to stick to the trainer, do a bit of running and

stick in the gym.”

With the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination set to being world-class tracks to the

Young archer makes it to world competition in Ireland

By Tanya Steele

Yering District Archers celebrated this month as one of their younger members was selected to represent Australia at the World Youth Archery Championships in Ireland.

Sophie Southall, 17, was selected by Archery Australia as part of a team of three junior females to compete in the compound division and team events.

Sophie was also the National Under 18 female Australian champion in Brisbane last year.

Yering District Archer member and coaching coordinator Mr Mackieson said it is an exciting time and the club is very proud of Sophie.

“I’m really excited, it’s also nice because I talked them into joining the club originally,” he said.

Mr Mackieson said he asked Mark Southall (Sophie’s father) along to archery a number of years ago when Sophie was 12.

Mr Southall in turn asked if he could bring along his daughter.

“I didn’t want to go by myself and so I asked them along, and here we are some years later and Sophie is representing Australia at a world event,” he said.

On Saturday morning 13 May Federal member Mr Aaron Violi MP, presented flags to the Yering District club on behalf of the

Australian Government and also gave one to Sophie to take with her to Ireland for the competition.

The talent lies in the family, Mark Southall is also the 50 plus male longbow divisions State 1st and National 3rd winner in Victoria.

Mr Mackieson said the duo are often very busy training and are dedicated to the sport.

“She’s got to balance archery and school,” he said.

Yering District Archers have also been selected by Archery Australia to run the Australian Indoor Championships on the 8 and 9 of July, which is great news for the club.

Sophia receives a flag to take to Ireland, along with her Dad Mark and MP Aaron Violi.

Yering District Archers receive their flags ahead of hosting the indoor championships in Victoria this year. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Yarra Ranges in the coming years, the Upper Yarra could be set to produce even more extremely talented riders.

Ryder Rostron in action.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Ryder Rostron (centre) after a win.

Katelyn Baker competing in Bright.

Clean sweep for WMFNC

By Alex Woods

This weekend Warburton-Millgrove Football Netball Club hosted Broadford for 4 netball and 2 football games.

Matt Godenzi played 200 games and Haley Toy played her 150th game for the Burras. The morning started off with the Under 13’s Warburton Junior showcase, they played so well and it was a great turnout between Junior and Senior netball. The day was a clean sweep but read more about each game below:

The 17’s netball started off the morning with a competitive match. The court was slippery and wet, which made for some interesting netball. The team started strong having a 9-5 lead by half time, but as the conditions started to dry up, Broadford contested it to Warby and was only 1 goal behind by the last break. The Burras made a few changes, adjusted their mistakes and managed to secure a 4 goal win.

Lucas Rush, Grace Cole and Reese Ormsby were the top performers, Tayah Humphrey put up 13 goals, Lucas Rush with 3 and Tahlia Thornton with 2.

C Grade was on next for Haley Toy’s 150th game. C Grade came out firing having a 8-1 goal lead at quarter time. They continued the momentum right up until the end. The team worked strongly from the defence right up to the goalers. The mid-courters executed their passing well. C Grade came away with a 38-9 goal win for Haley. Melanie Hancock, Haley Toy and Grace Robinson were named top performers, Mel shot 18 goals, Cam Holland with 12 and Ella Meerkotter with 8.

Reserves started off the football for Matty G’s big 200th game. The boys kicked 7.14-56 to Broadford’s 0.1-1 in the first half, and managed to keep them goalless until the last quarter. By the last break, the scores were 13.19-97 to 0.33. Matty G saw himself kick 3 in the last term for his big milestone and Damien Egan kicked another mega 9 goals in the match. Josh Dobson also contributed 3 goals for the game and Luke Anderson, Tarkyn Nicolandos and Daniel Schlueter all had 1 each. Marcel Kocher, Christian Toy, Jamie Nelson, Matthew Godenzi, Tarkyn Nicolandos and Cody Ladewig all were named top performers for the day. The final score was 18.22-130 to 3.4-22.

B Grade took the court next in a tough match set to be had. Broadford has claimed all the wins so far in each match-up, but there has always been the belief that the team could get over the line. The

game started in the Burras’ favour shooting the first couple of goals before Broadford. The team worked nicely with a 12-10 goal lead at the first break. By half time the B Grade girls were 12 goals up and didn’t look like slowing down. The defence shut down their attack and converted it nicely at the goaling end. The girls shot 12 goals in the 3rd quarter to Broadford’s and kept it going in the last with another 12 goals to their 5 again. Claiming a needed 26goal win with a final score of 48-22. Well done girls.

A Grade finished up the netball in what was set to be another tough match. A Grade saw their first loss in a while in Round 1 after going down by 2 goals. This was the time to redeem those 4 points for the ladder. A strong start saw A Grade up 12-7 by the first break. They continued on throughout the game with speedy efforts, strong defence throughout and converting it all into goals. By the end of the

3rd quarter, A Grade was 44-19 in front and unfortunately, Broadford couldn’t keep up with the pace of their movement. The A Grade girls showed everyone what they are made of and put all their skill and talent to use to convert a 2 goal loss 6 weeks ago into a 62-23 win. Ally Langdon, Ashlyn Elliott and Bianca Daniels were awarded best on. With Bianca Daniel shooting 31 goals, Karly Wappett with 19 and Shae Gee with 12.

Seniors finished off the day aiming for a win to complete the clean sweep. A strong first half was had, kicking 11.7-73 to Broadford’s 2.4-16. The team converted much better and entered the ball into the Burra’s 50 nicely. They continued the pressure right across the ground and had a major 3rd quarter kicking 10.1 to Broadford’s 3.1. The young guns were on fire with Bailey Humphrey and Liam Westlake kicking 6 goals each, with Mumford also getting some airtime taking hangers. The Seniors completed the clean sweep for the club having a final score of 27.11-173 to Broadford’s 5.7-37. Nelson Aldridge, Trent Elliott, Jack Farrugia, Lachlan Marr, Blake Muir and Brayden Woolridge also contributed 2 goals each. Liam Barnard, Mitchell Gordon and Josh Read all also had 1 to their name. All the young boys, Patrick Huynh, Liam Westlake, Bailey Humphrey, Blake Muir, Tyson Henry and Jack Farrugia turned it on today earning themselves top performers.

Wandin tails are wagging as unbeaten run continues

Wandin remains undefeated in the AFL Outer East’s Premier Division with their comfortable win over Pakenham at home in Round Six. The Doggies were comfortable at the Kennel despite the absence of star recruit Aaron Mullett who suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Woori Yallock the week prior.

Clinton Johnson took up the goalkicking mantle with four snags without partner-incrime Mullet, who is still the league’s leading goalkicker with 26.

Wandin was never really troubled by the Lions, who didn’t manage to kick more than two goals in any quarter.

Former Falcon Jordan Jaworski kicked two goals, with one each coming from Brodie Atkins, Andres Baker, Patty Bruzzese, Harrison Byrne, Cody Hirst, Patrick Hodgett and Tom Merlino, making for a good spread of goalkickers across the board.

Cody Hirst, Chayce Black, Patty Bruzzese, Patrick Hodgett, Connor Smith, Andres Baker were the top Dogs for the day.

The C Grade girls celebrated Haley Toy’s 150th game.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Matt Godenzi is clapped on for his 200th game.

Wandin’s winning streak rumbles on. Picture: ON FILE

SPORT

Mixed day for Healesville

By Anne-Marie Ebbels

The Women’s team took on the winless Monbulk this week with a dominant performance from start to finish.

Healesville piled on six unanswered goals in the first quarter to go into the break 38 points ahead. Healesville continued to pepper the scoreboard in the second and third quarters while Monbulk remained scoreless.

Healesville went into the final quarter leading by 100 points and eventually won the game by 124 points.

The Reserves had their first win of the season.

The first quarter was a tussle with Healesville heading into the first break with a onepoint lead.

Healesville started to assert their authority on the game in the second and third quarters only allowing Hallam to score a goal in each quarter.

The final quarter was tight with Hallam keeping Healesville goalless, but Healesville managed to hang on for the win by 17 points.

The Seniors set up the game in the first quarter keeping Hallam goalless in the first quarter.

Hallam got a bit of a run on in the second quarter before Healesville steadied and outscored Hallam to go into the half time break with a 33-point lead.

Healesville continued to roll on in the second half giving their forward ample scoring opportunities, with Sam Gebert kicking 7 goals for the day.

Healesville secured the win by 56 points.

Only two teams are in action for the netball with Hallam only fielding B and D grades.

The B grade game was a tight one, with two goals between the teams at quarter time.

The second quarter saw the teams go goal for goal with Hallam in the lead by one goal at half time.

Hallam came out in the third quarter and managed to extend their lead to five goals at three-quarter time which was enough to secure the win by eight goals.

D Grade had a different line-up this week withsicknessrequiringareshuffletogetateam

on the court, so it took a while for the team to warm-up with Hallam getting the jump early. The third quarter saw Healesville outscore their opposition, but the damage had been done, with Hallam running out winners by 11 goals.

Round 7 sees all teams playing at home, except the Veterans who travel to Gembrook. Football kicks off at 10:30am and the netball from 11:30am.

Results

Football

· Men Reserves Healesville 7.10 defeated Hallam 5.5 Best Cameron Boeder, Pat Houlihan, Matthew Moreton, Liam English, Jake Tenace, Brayden Mole

· Men Seniors Healesville 18.10 defeated Hallam 10.2 Best Nick Mende, Sam Gebert, Max Donegan, Tennyson Amarant, Tyson Sund, Liam Daly

· Women Seniors Healesville 17.22 defeated Monbulk 0.0

Netball

· B Grade Healesville 32 defeated by Hallam

40 Best: Hayley Condon, Holly Blackney, Issy Smith

· D Grade Healesville 27 defeated by Hallam

36 Best: Codie Haywood, Jaimee Petersen, Lauren Boundy

Yarra Glen heads over Spur but fails to score a win

By David Ball

Round 6 sawYarra Glen travel to Alexandra to take on the top 3 Rebels outfit.

Alex started with a number of slick forward entries but some wayward kicking saw them register just 3 points.

The River Pigs got going with Captain Ben Ashton showing the way as they dominated in the midfield.

The defence of Callum Morison, Ryan Smith and Caleb Surplice kept the home side’s key goalkickers, Watkins, Stewart and Norris quiet.

At quarter time Yarra Glen led 2.2 to 0.3.

The second quarter proved to be the opposite of the first, as Alexandra won clearances at will and heaped pressure on the Yarra Glen defence.

Whilst theYarra defence continued to keep the 3 key Alex forwards quiet, they could not stop their 4th key forward in Nankervis.

Who finished with 4 goals.

He was leading quickly and marking strongly as the home side piled on 5.6 toYarra Glen’s 1.2 for the quarter to lead by 17 points.

If not for some errant kicking for goal, Alex could have put the game out of reach.

Yarra Glen did lift in the third quarter and matched Alex as both teams added 4 goals.

Alexandra quickly kicked the first goal in the last to stretch their lead to 26 points.

The balance of the quarter was a very even affair, with Yarra Glen working hard right to the end but were unable to close the gap eventually going down by 25 points, Yarra Glen 8.9 to Alexandra 11.16.With many players making solid contributions it was difficult to single out the best players in an even team effort.

Alexandra were just that bit better and deserved their win.

Best players were Ben Ashton, Sam Wood, Callum Morison, Richard Gurney, Callum Morison, Tom Sullivan and Heath Chamberlain.

Goalkickers were Ben Ashton 2, Richard

Ben Johnson and Max Forbes.

The Yarra Glen Reserves did well to get a team on the ground with more than 15 players injured or unavailable.

With 3 new players helping to fill the ranks, it was difficult early for the River Pigs to get any system whilst Alex dominated to kick 6.2 to Yarra Glen’s nil for the 1st quarter.

The second quarter was much more competitive with Ash Bryans and Captain Regen Daniel creating some drive from the midfield.

The defence restricted the Rebels to just 2 goals in the second.

With a limited bench and a lack of fitness, the River Pigs tired in the third as Alex piled on 8 goals. ToYarra Glen’s credit, they continued to fight hard in the last as they added a few points and limited Alexandra to 5 goals.

Final score Yarra Glen 0.4 to Alexandra 21.16.

Best players were Ash Bryans, Regen Daniel, Will Duff, Max Murphy, Brenton Cantle

and Nathan Deringowski.

The day began with C Grade, who started strongly to lead 12 -2 at quarter time.

With clean ball handling and quick precise passing, the girls extended their lead in every quarter.

They proved far too good for Alexandra, who battled hard but were well beaten, Yarra Glen 56 to Alexandra 20.

Best players were Ashley Shanks, Riley Shanks and Michele Young.

In B Grade it was a battle between 4th (Yarra Glen) and 5th (Alexandra).

A win was important forYarra Glen to sure up a top 4 position.

In a very competitive first half, Yarra Glen opened up a slender 4 goal half time lead.

After half time Yarra Glen lifted their intensity, opening up a 12 goal lead going into the final quarter.

Their ball control continued to be superior to that of their plucky opponents asYarra Glen ran out convincing winner, 30 to 23.

Best players were Jasmin Wood, Alex Bray

(26 goals) and Natasha Bennet.

Coming off losses in their last 2 games it was important for Yarra Glen’s A Grade team to get back on the winners list.

With a 23 to 8 first quarter it was clear this was going to happen.

Importantly the girls worked hard through all 4 quarters and continued to outplay and outscore Alexandra in each quarter.

Their passing was quick and clean and the defenders made numerous intercepts to see Yarra Glen winning easily, 74 to 30.

Best players were Kayla Toomer, Maddy Hargrave (56 goals) and Lara Wandin Collins (18 goals).

Along with the footballers, the Yarra Glen netballers will be playing their first game for the season at Yarra Glen, with their Pink Sports Day fundraiser in honour of Sandra Wood, the mother of players Sam and Jasmin, who we sadly lost to this terrible disease.

It will be great to have the community back at Yarra Glen and to come along and support the cause and the club.

Gurney 2, Heat Chamberlain, Josh Hawkins, Nick McKenzie,

Forround6YarraGlenheadedtoAlex.

Picture:SUPPLIED

ConnorBallingalltakesastrongmark.

Pictures:KYLIEROWE

JaiSimnettflyingforamark.

Big weekend for the kids

By Sarah Morton Healesville

U8s Dragons won 3-2 at home against Berwick U8 Thunder.

A great game with lots of teamwork and defending really well.

At Berwick, the U9 Redbacks secured a solid 5-3 win away against the home side U9 Thunder, adding some excited new goal scorers to the list with Rory & Levi netting their first of the season.

Arlo and Max scored the additional goals with assistance from a well structured U9 Redback’s team. It was an excellent display against tough opponents.

The U10 Healesville Whites suffered a defeat 2-5 to Blackburn Osprey.

The boys ran hard and got to some great spots.

However, Blackburn defended and maintained formation very well.

After being 1-0 down Healesville fought back.

A bomb from Robbie and a well struck penalty from Evan got the team on the board with the score 2-2 at half time.

Standout goalkeeping from Harley kept Healesville in it with a chance, with Harley also saving a penalty from the spot.

However, long wet grass hampered passing through the centre and the team missed targets they would normally hit. Better luck next week Whites!

The Healesville U10 Reds lost 1-2 to Blackburn U10 Stingrays.

Great pressure in the first half had the Reds 1-0 up at half time.

The Reds had some very close shots in the second half but just couldn’t make them stick.

The Reds put in a great defence, improving each week. Berwick Stingrays team and supporters were very friendly and it was a great

atmosphere. Everyone had a fun morning.

A slow start by the Healesville U12’s against a very strong Knox team saw Healesville trailing 3-0 at half time.

A raise in tempo from the whole team meant that the second half finished at 1 goal each, but a 4-1 loss overall.

A maiden goal for Tom Jorgensen was the highlight of the day for the home side.

The Healesville U14 Whites had a great win

Consistent participation at the Warburton Golf Club

By Ron Hottes

Wednesday 24 May, Stableford:

The general health of golf clubs can be calculated by the size of their main comp-day fields. Warburton is not a big club, numbers-wise, but a large percentage of its members play in most of the club’s competitions. This particular mid-week field was larger than usual, meaning enough played for an A and a BGrade winner (a good sign). Ironically, the two winners posted the same score, 37 points. Phil, the senior member of the very popular Garside brothers, took home the A-Grade voucher.Well done, Phillip. The runner-up to him was the consistent James Campion, just pipped with a 36-point round. In B-Grade, another consistent member, Barry Maltman, won the day with his 37 points. Des Ray was the runner-up, with 34 points. The ball distribution reached 31. NTP winners on this day were Ian Junior Garside (3rd and not to be outdone by his big

brother) Other winners were Ron Wilson (5th), the effervescent Jaqui Hall, (9th), Allan ‘OldMan-River’ Hubbard (12th) and finally, John Haynes (15th).

Saturday 27 May, 4-Person Ambrose, and guest day:

A very healthy field contested this Ambrose day, with 17 teams. Clearly, the foursome who combined the best was a team consisting of Luke Patrick, Kevin Smith, Heath Pride and Jane Schendzielorz ( both guests). Their very impressive score of Nett 50.75 was too good by nearly 2 shots. Clinton Toohey, James Campion, David Hatt and Jack Sheehan took the runner-up prize by posting a Nett 52.62. NTPs went home with Michael Pinkster (3rd), Gary Vollmer (5th), Jack Sheehan (9th), Mitchell Parr (12th) and Hatty (15th). The 3 longest drives on offer were won by Jaqui Hall, for the Ladies playing, plus Luke Patrick, (for the 2-10 handicappers) and to Jordon Irish, (guest—for the 11+.)

Picture: SUPPLIED

away against Mooroolbark 1-0, with the team playing extremely well both in defence and attack.

The single goal of the game was scored by Kate B.

The U14s came out of the blocks well netting the first goal of the game.

Unfortunately, while Healesville won the possession stats, getting lots of forward runs, Blackburn showed why they are top of table,

switched tactics and put 6 through to win 6-2.

Not for the first time this season the opposition coach commented on how far the squad has come. The team is now past the hardest part of the season fixture. Onwards and upwards for the U14s.

It was a big trip into Kensington for the Healesville Senior Women’s team who suffered their first defeat this week against Dynamo FC.

As the women climbed into the team bus early in the day spirits were high as they travelled along, building the excitement with the best 90s pump up songs.

It was always going to be a tough match lining up against the team second on the ladder but the team were ready to give it their all.

Unfortunately, an early incident took out Healesville’s guest goalie – the team sends her thanks for playing and well wishes for a speedy recovery.

Captain Sarah Cunnian pulled on the goalie jersey and played a sensational game!

Phenomenal effort to pick up the gloves.

The opposition team were too good this week but with valuable lessons learnt the Senior women’s team stood together and supported each other through to play a solid second half.

Kiera Steventon scored the only Healesville goal with an incredible boot from the far side. Boarding the bus home the spirits were still high with admiration for what went well and discussion on what could be done better.

Well played Senior Women, onwards and upwards.

Other results:

· Healesville U9 White Knights lost 2-4 to Berwick U9 Spirit.

· Healesville Senior Reserves – 2-5 loss to Waverley

· Heaesville Senior Mens – 1-3 loss to Dandy Casuals

No stop to Seville’s slump

Seville’s senior footballers were unable to bring home a win from their trip to Berwick Springs, leaving the Blues 2-3 to start the 2023 season.

It was a cagey start, with Seville kicking the only goal in the first quarter to be up 1.2, 8 to 0.1,1.

The Titans turned it around in the second quarter, keeping Seville goalless while kicking three themselves.

The game was broken open in the third quarter, with Berwick Springs piling on another four goals to one from the Blues, giving them a 27-point lead at the final change.

Both sides exchanged four goals each in the last, with the Titans running out 23-point victors with an efficient 11.3, 69 to the Blues’s wayward 6.10, 46.

Dean Eliades, Jack Nolan, Deng Nai, Nathan Thompson, Domenic Aloi and Mark Cecere were Seville’s best in defeat.

James Cecere and Jack Nolan bagged two goals each, with the other two coming courtesy of Deng Nai and Bayley Sciortino.

A big fly at the front of a pack.

Under 11s in action against Blackburn New Hope FC.

Seville’s Nathan Thompson gets a kick away.

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Warburton Golf Club