Mail - Ranges Trader Star Mail - 6th June 2023

Jailed ... but free

By Karen Sweeney, AAP

A Puffing Billy volunteer who sexually abused two young train enthusiasts has been sentenced to prison time but is unlikely to serve a day.

Anthony Hutchins was sentenced to two years and nine months behind bars after he admitted abusing the 12-year-old boys in the 1970s.

Victorian County Court Judge Trevor Wraight agreed to wholly suspend the prison sentence for the 81-year-old, who has a lengthy list of physical ailments and a limited life expectancy.

Hutchins has already spent time behind bars for sexually abusing boys and the judge described that experience in the 1980s as having a profound impact on him. He has not offended since.

The latest charges relate to abusing one boy over four years, starting when he was 12.

He was a train enthusiast and was encouraged by Hutchins to volunteer at Puffing Billy, driving him to the heritage railway for track work and later to model train events.

The man told the court he felt cheapened by memories that he now realises were efforts by Hutchins to groom him.

“As a child, what I thought of as friendship was actually grooming (and) transactional - you sought sexual gratification,” he said.

The man said his suppression of what happened to him for so long left him with a distrust of most people, and he now questioned the sincerity of people trying to help him or love him, wondering what was in it for them.

He came forward in 2018 and Hutchins admitted what he had done when arrested and interviewed.

His lawyer told the court Hutchins didn’t seek the man’s forgiveness but wanted to offer a deep and genuine apology for the pain and suffering he caused.

Another man came forward in 2021 after seeing Hutchins’ photo in reports about a Puffing Billy pedophile.

Turn to page 5 for full story

Macclesfield mural will highlight endangered bird

Macclesfield Primary School students and staff are raising awareness of a local critically endangered species with a new wholeschool mural project.

Artist and education support staff mem-

ber Charmaine Kvalic will paint an image of a Helmeted Honeyeater on a three-by-four metre wall at the front of the school alongside interested students.

Turn to page 9 for more

Zac,CharmaineKvalicandPeter.

Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

Electric price shock

By Parker McKenzie

Energy prices are set to rise by 25 per cent across Victoria, with businesses throughout the Yarra Ranges already feeling the cost pressures.

The Australian Energy Regulator announced on 25 May its final determination for the default market offer, a price safety net that “protects consumers from unjustifiably high prices and applies to household and small business customers,” with wholesale energy prices driving retail electricity prices higher.

Victoria’s Essential Services Commission also confirmed energy prices in the state will rise around 25 per cent.

On 25 May, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said when the AER provided the government with a forecast in 2022, Australians were facing price rises of between 40 and 50 per cent.

“That’s why the Government acted in December to cap coal and gas prices and why we worked with states and territories to deliver up to $3 billion in direct relief for the most vulnerable households and small businesses,” he said.

“In the longer term, we are getting more renewables in the grid through Rewiring the Nation and the Capacity Investment Scheme because the cheapest form of energy is firmed renewable energy: and this will take pressure off bills and help shield Australians from volatile international energy prices.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Casey MP

Aaron Violi and Shadow Minister for Energy

Ted O’Brien visited Aussie Growers Fruit in Seville on Monday 29 May to discuss the impact of rising energy costs for businesses around the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

Mr O’Brien said food businesses across the country “are feeling the pain of Labor’s energy bills.

“This business alone has seen their energy

bills jump by $200,000 since Labor has come to office: that’s up to 50 per cent increases in their energy bills,” he said.

“The Coalition put the importance of supply and industry at the centre of its policies. We’ve been saying from day one with the Labor Government, we need more supply, more supply, more supply, especially of gas, but instead, the Labor Party has been ideological and they have attacked the gas industry.”

Mr Violi said after talking to local businesses like Aussie Fruit Growers and Yarra Valley Hilltop, they made it clear rising energy prices have already had “a massive impact on businesses in Casey and it is going to get worse.”

“Yarra Valley Hilltop is just one of the hundreds of businesses, particularly in manufacturing and food manufacturing, which are high-energy industries,” he said.

“They are representative of so many manufacturing businesses and I’ve worked in the industry: They use a lot of energy, but their energy bills have gone up over 50 per cent in the last twelve months.”

Mr Violi said the government has failed to live up to promises at the 2022 federal election to reduce power prices.

“the government promised the Australian people 97 times before the election that they would reduce power bills by $275,” he said.

“The Prime Minister promised that reduction 30 times after Russia invaded Ukraine, so he can’t say that the circumstances changed.”

Trail-running series returns to Silvan

Rapid Ascent’s Trail Running Series will return to Silvan in 2023, with the event beginning on Sunday 4 June atYellow Gum Park in Plenty Gorge.

Runners will be treated to a rewarding run in a beautiful natural setting with each course offering spectacular views from the top of the valley. The Medium and Long course will also cross the Plenty River in ankle deep water, adding to the adventure component of the race… after all #BitumenIsBoring.

Participantscanchoosefromthreecourse options, including the Long course spanning an impressive 24km, the Medium course covering 13km, or the 7km Short course. Entries are still open online until race morning.

Organisers are excited to kick-off the 2023 Series, now featuring a condensed threerace format and promises new and exhilarating experiences for trail running enthusiasts.

“We’ve created a Series that runners can resonate with – getting people off-road and into natural settings with all abilities catered for,” Rapid Ascent General Manager Sam Maffett said.

“By providing a welcoming environment, food, coffee and family activities; and showcasing little-known trails – we’ve

It’s up to all of us

pulled together all the good bits that make trail running so good!”

Boasting longer “Long” course options and a brand new handicap format at Silvan, the continued popularity of trail running is proven by the Series’ entering its’ 13th year.

Runners are encouraged to enter one race or seize the ultimate challenge by participating in all three races as a Series ‘Gold’ Runner who receive exclusive perks, including a sports bag, discounts, and much more.

TheTrailRunningSeriesstandsoutwithits breathtaking wilderness locations, providing participants with an unforgettable adventure

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– all within a one hour drive of Melbourne.

The race schedule includes the following scenic locations: Plenty Gorge on this Sunday 4 June, Anglesea on 9 July, and Silvan on 6 August, where the new handicap format will be introduced.

Competitorswillrunonlittle-knowntrails, down fun single tracks that pass through scenic landscapes of towering gum trees, trickling creeks, fern-lined valleys and native wildlife.

For more information about the event and how to secure your entry, please visit the official website at www.trailrunningseries.com. au.

Bayswater man dies after motorcycle crash

A 23-year-old Bayswater man has died following a motorcycle crash in Mulgrave on Sunday 4 June.

Emergency services were called to Police Road near Eastlink following reports motorcycle crashed into a barrier just before 4.30am. The male rider, yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. Nunawading Highway Patrol officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, with dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Police looking for man wanted on warrant

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Lupco Ristevski.

The 49-year-old from Port Kembla in NSW, is wanted on a warrant following a series of alleged thefts and deceptions across metropolitan Melbourne during April and May.

It is alleged while shopping in supermarkets, up to 12 older women have had their purses stolen from handbags resting in their shopping trolleys.

The offending occurred in various supermarkets across Knox, Forest Hill, Lilydale, Ferntree Gully, Scoresby, Camberwell, Greensborough, and Croydon North.

It is alleged credit cards from the stolen property have then been used to make unauthorised purchases at various outlets.

Detectives have released an image of Ristevski in the hope someone may be able to provide information on his current whereabouts.

Ristevski is described as being Southern European in appearance, is about 178cm tall, of medium build with brown eyes and a brown beard.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au

Man rescued from cliff in Gembrook

Emergency services were paged to a rescue on the night of Friday 2 June at the Seven Acre Rock lookout in Gembrook.

The patient had fallen over the cliff edge from the lookout and was checked over by Ambulance Victoria before ropes teams from Wandin Fire Brigade, Monbulk Fire and Rescue (CFA), Fire Rescue Victoria and Victoria Police repelled down to the ledge the patient was on.

Crews managed to get him up to the safety of the top ofThe Rock with support from Gembrook Rural Fire Brigade and the Upper Yarra SES Unit, with an air ambulance and a police helicopter also at the scene.

Once the patient was on the rock, all services banded together to conduct a relay of the stretcher until the patient was off the rock face and able to be loaded into Upper Yarra SES’ waiting mule.

The patient was gently manoeuvred down the path back to a waiting ambulance and left in the hands of paramedics.

Casey MP Aaron Violi talking to an Aussie Fruit Growers employee. Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE

Rapid Ascent’s Trail Running series will return to Silvan on 6 August, with runners able to enter up until race morning.

RAPID ASCENT

Council raises the alarm

By Parker McKenzie

Knox City Council has raised the alarm over the development of 145 houses on a former school site in Boronia, due to the Victorian Government’s lack of consultation and disregard of its planning schemes when approving the plans.

The development plans for the former Boronia Heights College site, also previously known as Boronia Technical School and Boronia Heights Secondary College, were approved by the Department of Transport and Planning and Knox City Council was notified on Tuesday 2 May.

Deputy Mayor Jude Dwight, whose Chandler Ward contained Boronia Heights College, said when the development plan was presented to the council last year, it was given a short period to make a response and there was no opportunity for public consultation.

“Knox City Council has a housing strategy in place that does try to encourage the density of housing appropriate to the infrastructure and services in the area around to support it,” she said.

“Our housing strategy would indicate probably about 25 dwellings across the site and a significant amount of open space, which potentially could have even included the oval that exists there because we are seeing a lot of pressure on sporting reserves across Knox.”

In 2014, the school merged with Boronia Primary School and was renamed Boronia K-12 College, located at Albert Avenue, before being demolished in 2015.

Matt Harris, a local resident in Boronia, said he would like to see the council work constructively with the state government.

“The way the council has described the development as dumping people, I think that language is really unnecessary,” he said.

The development plans for the former Boronia Heights College site,also previously known as Boronia Technical School and Boronia Heights Secondary College,were approved by the Department of Transport and Planning and Knox City Council was notified on Tuesday 2 May.

“These can be homes for people. It’s a wellserviced area, up the road there is a GP clinic, there are pharmacies nearby and it is half an hour’s walk into the activity centre of Boronia. The council should use these opportunities to advocate for more for our community rather than trying to shut the gate.”

Knox City Council went as far as labelling it as a “secret plan for Boronia Heights,” because no public notice of the proposed development

Josie in art silo mission

By Tyler Wright

A Belgrave local is looking for community support to create an art silo at St Thomas More Catholic Church.

93-year-old Josie Walsh has teamed up with local designer Mark Westaway to produce a proposed design for the project, including the church’s logo and a cross accompanied by mountains in the background.

“My husband died in 2021 and he’s up on the plaque on the wall. I’d like to see this done before I’m up on the wall,” Josie said.

Josie’s goal is to raise $10,000 for the works.

“I was a bit optimistic...It’s a bit more difficult than that to get because money is very tight at the moment, and I’m aware that people are finding it tough,” she said.

“It would look lovely to have it painted by an artist to brighten the whole place up.”

Josie and her late husband Leo have been

a part of the community for over 68 years, supporting community organisations including St Thomas More Primary School, the Dandenong Ranges Junior Football League, the Belgrave Football Club, Belcoma Netball Club, Belgrave Scouts and St Thomas More Parish over the past five decades.

“This is something that St Thomas More parishioners, I hope, will feel as if they need to put a bit in and say that it’s their silo,” she said.

Josie said she has also received permission fromYarra Ranges Council and parishioners at the church to spearhead the initiative.

“We’ve got five different centres; Belgrave, Monbulk, Mount Dandenong, Emerald and Gembrook.”

To help bring the St Thomas More silo project to life, you can donate to the St Thomas More Parish account, with the BSB 633000 and account number 153298989.

was carried out.

Mayor Marcia Timmers-Leitch said the council’s concerns include the intensity of the development, a lack of information about social and affordable housing, the protection of habitat zones and vegetation, bushfire risks and drainage needed to manage increased stormwater runoff.

“We desperately need more social and affordable housing and it’s important for the res-

idents of these future developments that they are located near services and public transport and not just dumped on vacant government sites,” she said.

“What’s proposed is in stark contrast to the surrounding area, and there is a distinct lack of open space for a development that proposes to house so many people.”

The Department of Transport and Planning was contacted for comment.

Picture: GOOGLE MAPS

Josie Walsh,93,is aiming to turn the tower at the front of St Thomas More Catholic Church in Belgrave into an art silo. 336960

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Train man jailed, but free

By Karen Sweeney, AAP

A Puffing Billy volunteer who sexually abused two young train enthusiasts has been sentenced to prison time but is unlikely to serve a day.

Anthony Hutchins was sentenced to two years and nine months behind bars after he admitted abusing the 12-year-old boys in the 1970s.

Victorian County Court Judge Trevor Wraight agreed to wholly suspend the prison sentence for the 81-year-old, who has a lengthy list of physical ailments and a limited life expectancy.

Hutchins has already spent time behind bars for sexually abusing boys and the judge described that experience in the 1980s as having a profound impact on him.

He has not offended since.

The latest charges relate to abusing one boy over four years, starting when he was 12.

He was a train enthusiast and was encouraged by Hutchins to volunteer at Puffing Billy, driving him to the heritage railway for track work and later to model train events.

He told the court he felt cheapened by memories that he now realises were efforts by Hutchins to groom him.

“As a child, what I thought of as friendship was actually grooming (and) transactionalyou sought sexual gratification,” he said.

The man said his suppression of what happened to him for so long left him with a distrust of most people, and he now questioned the sincerity of people trying to help him or

love him, wondering what was in it for them.

He came forward in 2018 and Hutchins admitted what he had done when arrested and interviewed.

His lawyer told the court Hutchins didn’t

Picture:ROBCAREW

seek the man’s forgiveness but wanted to offer a deep and genuine apology for the pain and suffering he caused.

Another man came forward in 2021 after seeing Hutchins’ photo in reports about a Puffing Billy pedophile.

He was abused by Hutchins in 1979 after becoming a Puffing Billy volunteer at the encouragement of a teacher.

Catching the last train of the night toward Belgrave in Melbourne’s east, he would secretly sleep in metropolitan train carriages so he could arrive early on Saturday and Sunday mornings to volunteer.

Hutchins offered him a key to a sleeper carriage instead and abused him inside one night.

The boy ran toward a nearby police station immediately afterwards but heard Hutchins approach in a vehicle.

He returned to the sleeper carriage, and was abused again by Hutchins.

Hutchins was arrested and declined to be interviewed over those offences.

He was previously sentenced to six years behind bars for sexual offending against boys but was released after serving less than the four-year minimum term imposed in 1987.

The court heard Hutchins is morbidly obese, is at high risk of falls, requires a walker, has undergone heart surgery, has leg ulcers, diabetes and arthritis and would need to be cared for in a nursing home if he was to have another catastrophic health issue.

The prison sentence was suspended for three years.

Hutchins will only serve jail time if he commits further offending.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

Agriculture Victoria urges horse owners to get their PIC

By Callum Ludwig

Agriculture Victoria is reminding horse owners they must register for a Property Identification Code (PIC), an important measure for protecting their ponies.

All Victorians with livestock, including horses are legally required to hold a PIC, an eight-character code that assists in contacting and tracing owners and their livestock, particularly in the event of an emergency.

Agriculture Victoria’s Manager Livestock Traceability Ben Fahy said in a statement that PICs provide horse owners with an extra level of protection during emergencies.

“If there’s a flood, fire or disease outbreak, we may need to reach out with concerns specific to your animals, or for emergency relief and recovery activities within an impacted area,” he said.

“Getting a PIC is quick, easy, and free via the AgricultureVictoria website – all that’s required is your contact details, the number of horses and the parcels of land where they’re kept.”

In the last two years, Yarra Ranges horse owners have had to tackle the June 2021 storm event and the October 2022 floods

which threatened properties all over the region.

Treasurer of the Seville Pony Club Katie Gray said in an emergency, every second counts.

“Many pony club families suffered extensive damage in last year’s floods such as washing away of arena sand and foundations, washing away of gravel driveways and some member houses suffered extensive

Senator Linda White

damage and are now considered unliveable,” she said.

“Though not pony club horses, there were a number of reports of flooded properties with horses having no dry ground to stand on. At the pony club, we had damage to our riding facilities, with extensive loss of sand, damage to the base of the arena and damage to drainage.”

Horse and livestock owners are encouraged to regularly update their PIC details when circumstances change, such as a change in address, the addition of new species of livestock or changes to personal details.

Ms Gray said storms and bushfires are two other emergencies that horse owners may face locally.

“In the significant storms of 2021, we had over 20 trees down with some on fences. There is a risk that horses can escape when fence lines are not secure and they can also become spooked with trees falling, high winds, thunder, lightning and run through fences and at times escape properties,” she said.

“Whilst we haven’t had much of a bushfire scare in the last few years, prior to that

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

we had a number of watch and act alerts. For pony club families this can mean loading up horses for transport and or leaving some horses behind.”

Ms Gray recommended that for any animals left behind, owners should consider removing rugs and writing mobile numbers on the horses.

When livestock is transferred between owners, whether sold, given away or bartered, the PIC of where the animals are kept must be included in any advertisement.

Ms Gray said for the purpose of the speed of communication, a PIC code is important.

“Having a PIC streamlines the process of contacting landowners of natural disasters that may affect them and this should make it easier and faster to get in touch in emergencies,” she said.

“Also up in New South Wales and Queensland, they have had issues with disease outbreaks such as Ross River and Hendra virus, a PIC code would be very helpful in contact tracing.”

Local horse owners can register for a PIC at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/horsepic or ny calling 1800 678 779.

Keep your recycling loose.

Church gets can-do boost

By Tyler Wright

The Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS) has received a donation of over 1,000 cans from a local church for those less fortunate during winter.

DRERS CEO Tania Bevan said the Belgrave South Baptist Church made the donation as part of an annual event, with 1386 cans provided by church members.

“The cans go to any of the people who come to us for assistance with food.This is anyone in our community who is struggling with the cost of living. Many reasons for this are being on a fixed low income such as Centrelink, or low wages, or being under employed. Some even have no income whatsoever, such as people who have lost jobs through redundancy and are waiting for Centrelink benefits,” Ms Bevan said.

“There are also people experiencing homelessness, family violence, lack of social support in times of need and many other reasons. We are now also assisting people who are working but are not able to make ends meet because of the cost of living.This is a new cohort of people we are assisting compared to previous years.”

Canned goods include soup, baked beans and spaghetti, and healthier options like vegetables, beans, chickpeas and lentils for people to create meals with not much else in their kitchen cupboard, Ms Bevan said.

“The cans really make a difference to people who have run out of money for food and need a few meals to get through until their next pay. They also make a difference to people who are homeless, as they can easily heat foods such as canned soup,” she said.

“The church ensures that amongst the cans donated there are rip-top cans that suit people who are homeless and do not carry can openers with them. We appreciate their generosity and thoughtfulness.”

The can donation run occurs every May.

Belgrave South Baptist Church pastor Julian Holdsworth said the church wants to help those who “may be doing it tough in the Hills”.

“DRERS are the professionals in that field,” he said.

DRERS collects donations of tea, coffee, breakfast cereal and household equipment from the baptist church every week for the whole year.

Emerald Opp Shop celebrates 33 years of service

By Tyler Wright

Selling pre-loved clothes to bric-a-brac goods to locals, volunteers at the Emerald Opp Shop have been serving the community for over three decades.

The community op shop, located at St Mark’s Anglican Church, recently celebrated operating for 33 years, after opening in 1990 as the first store of its kind in the town.

Store manager Magda Lane has volunteered at the shop since its inception, and said prices have not changed much over the years.

“People tell us we are one of the cheapest they know,” Ms Lane said.

“In 33 years I’ve been managing the shop, we have changed the prices once; from 50 cents to a dollar.”

The op shop partners with the CFA’s Emerald and Clematis fire brigades, taking over $1.3 million which has been returned to the community through supporting the Emerald Carols, Cockatoo Foodbank, the SES and bushfire and flood relief efforts.

“We also have a special fund put aside to respond to immediate needs... we send the school packages for the teachers for encouragement in the community,” Ms Lane said.

“To me, it’s a win win situation. People feel good about donating, the wonderful volunteers sort it all out and prepare it for sale. We only rarely use 20, 25 per cent of what’s donated.

“The rest goes into our bins here. The organisation that empties them, they’re try-

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ing to do zero landfill; they’re a wonderful organisation that deals with the overflow.”

Ms Lane said while staff are “very grateful” for the donations they receive, it would be beneficial for donators to be more selective.

“Some people have a different idea of what’s sellable,” she said.

“We’re not allowed to take baby things or electrical things...unfortunately, we are all booked-out, so no books at the moment.”

Volunteer Judy Warwick said most of the staff work at the opp shop because they

“love op shops”.

“Everybody who comes in here loves op shops, too,” Ms Warwick said.

“More and more people feel that op shops are good places, very good places. I think once upon a time, it used to be frowned upon if you went to the op shop, but that’s changed completely.

Ms Warwick said the store has clothes of any type; from coats to hardly-worn skirts.

“A lot of the time you get a bundle of stuff because somebody’s lost weight or put on weight, so a huge pile of wonderful

stuff comes in that all the same size, very similar looking, because it doesn’t fit them anymore, or some people just don’t want to wear it anymore,” she said.

“It’s fantastic what they bring in......we’ve got to be very careful what we take home. We can get very full houses if we’re not very careful.”

Despite this, Ms Warwick said a lot of donated items are “filthy, dirty and smelly”.

“Last week, we had some tubs that were mud and slush and a vacuum cleaner without the motor and a pram that you could hardly tell was a pram it was so putrid and mashed up.

“They could put it in the hard rubbish. Why they send it here, I do not know.”

For Ms Warwick, the friendships she has made over her 15 years of volunteering has been the “top of her list” of experiences at the Emerald Opp Shop.

“An enjoyable day; a day that I can go out and have fun with other people and then we go off and have a coffee together, and it’s just changed how I think about this place, Emerald itself, the whole area, how wonderful it is,” she said.

“The reason we work here is that we’re all very similar...we don’t mind being here, it’s not a chore.”

If you are interested in volunteering at the Emerald Opp Shop, you can contact the store on 5968 4046.

Shifts are generally three hours at a time.

The store is located at 3 Church Street in Emerald.

EmeraldOppShopvolunteersMagda,DorisandAnnrecentlycelebrated33yearsofthe communitystore.

Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

BelgraveSouthBaptistChurchmembersOscarTurner,SarahEdwards,KevinGrayandSimon Turnerwiththedonatedcannedgoodsgoingbacktothoseinthecommunitydoingittough.

Picture:KATHIETHOMAS

Dutton rejects vote threat

By Parker McKenzie

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has rejected that his party’s opposition to a constitutionally recognised IndigenousVoice to Parliament will affect the re-election chances of MPs in marginal seats, despite the majority of Victorians supporting the change in recent polling.

All polling done by Essential, Roy Morgan and Newspoll in 2023 have reported that over 50 per cent of Victorians support a yes vote on the referendum; this, combined with the electorates of Deakin and Casey being two of the most marginal inVictoria after the 2022 federal election, could create a precarious political situation for the Liberal Party.

When asked by the Star Mail about the Liberal party’s position on The Voice potentially affecting the re-election chances of MPs in marginal seats, Mr Dutton said it wouldn’t.

“I believe very strongly that in our business, the public expects us to be honest and to adhere to our values and to stand up and argue for what we believe in,” he said.

“If you sit on the fence in politics you end up believing in nothing and you end up, I think frankly, being a burden to your own community.”

Mr Dutton argued that constitutional recognition would receive overwhelming support, but currently Australians “don’t know the detail and we don’t know that’s going to provide the practical outcomes of indigenous Australians that we all burn for.”

Deakin MP Michael Sukkar holds his seat, which covers Croydon and Mooroolbark, on a margin of just 0.19 per cent or just 375 votes, while Casey MP Aaron Violi entered parliament in 2022 on a margin of 1.48 per cent.

Mr Violi said he didn’t believe the party’s position on The Voice would affect his reelec-

tion chances in the future.

“Ultimately, people vote and decide on a lot of different reasons. I’ve engaged with the community quite deeply and had a community forum in partnership with a group called Democracy Co yesterday,” he said.

“It was very clear from that meeting that there are different opinions on The Voice and also people are frustrated that they don’t have the information.”

BetweenOctoberandDecember,Australians will vote on the following question:“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Ab-

original and Torres Strait IslanderVoice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”

Mr Violi said if the referendum fails this year, the blame will fall squarely on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“There is bipartisan support for constitution recognition and there is support from the Liberal Party for local, regional and national voices, but you need to understand the detail is really important,” he said.

“I was speaking to a well-known, well-respected, local, indigenous Wurundjeri leader just last week, and he doesn’t support theVoice and many in his community don’t support the

Voice because the only information they’ve heard is through the media.

“When I asked if I could share his story, he didn’t want his name used for fear of repercussions for him and for other people. It’s quite sad that the people in Australia feel that they can’t voice their opinion.”

The Labor Party and Prime Minister Albanese made implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart an election commitment at the 2022 federal election, which included a constitutionally recognised Voice to Parliament. The next federal election will be held during or before 2025.

Local school recognising critically endangered species

By Tyler Wright Macclesfield Primary School

students and staff are raising awareness of a local critically endangered species with a new whole-school mural project.

Artist and education support staff member Charmaine Kvalic will paint an image of a Helmeted Honeyeater on a three by four metre wall at the front of the school alongside interested students.

“We’ve had a pretty long standing association with [Friends of] the Helmeted Honeyeater, and the mural is a connection to sense of place,” Ms Kvalic said.

Currently working on a replica to scale on paper, Ms Kvalic said students will be able to help paint on the wall from Term Three.

“That cartoon is on materials that I found around the school...It’s painted on cartridge paper with poster paint,” Ms Kvalic said.

“We also have kids that apply to be ambassadors with the Friends of the [Helmeted] Honeyeater. helping with planting and growing plants and general cleanup of the area… following the creek bed along from Yellingbo up to Macclesfield.

“It also helps with their knowledge of conservation and environment, and if we do this, hopefully the birds will come this way.”

Wild Helmeted Honeyeaters are found in Yellingbo’s Liwik Barring Landscape Conservation Area, with 20 born in captivity at Healesville Sanctuary recently released into the Yarra Ranges National Park as part of a conversation program.

The total population of Helmeted Honeyeaters at census date of 1 March 2022 was estimated at 168 individuals, with only three small, semi-wild populations established in streamside swamp forest to the east of Melbourne.

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

FOHH co-president Virginia Wallace said the project at Macclesfield Primary School shows the “passion that the local community has for saving their unique wildlife”.

“As an organisation, we do work very closely with the local schools because we believe that educating young people in some of the issues that are faced by our wild and native environment and our natural environment is very important if we want to look after it for the future,” Ms Wallace said.

“They’ll have a good understanding from a young age and they’ll be able to take their passion with them through their life.

“They’ll talk to other people about it, because that’s when people get on board.”

Not a mural painter, Ms Kvalic said the art project is also helping her - as well as students - step outside their comfort zone.

“My background is in art and art therapy, so I use a lot of art and art based projects as a connection with the children,” she said.

“I’ve got a small studio set up down the back in the Enviro Centre. If someone’s feeling a bit ‘bleh’ they might come and find me and we’ll go and do a little bit of painting.

“It’s a nice way for me to connect with the children...and, of course, when you’re doing something as big as this, everyone wants to have a look and everyone wants to have a go.”

Back row: Macclesfield Primary School students Zac, Harrison and Peter (back row) with artist and education support staff member Charmaine Kvalic. Front row: Chase, Kayden, Isabelle and Alex. 338648 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Zac, Charmaine Kvalic and Peter. 338648

Opposition leader Peter Dutton, Casey MP Aaron Violi and Shadow-Treasurer Ted O’Brien visiting Aussie Growers Fruit in Seville on Monday 29 May.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE

ARE YOU PREPARED?

Selby dines out on safety

As residents of the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, we have witnessed the devastating impact that disasters can have on our community. From the destructive storms that swept through our area to the constant looming threat of bushfires, we understand the importance of being prepared. That’s why we are delighted to announce a Community Dinner at Selby Community House focused on you creating your own Emergency Disaster Management Plan, and an event dedicated to fostering a sense of unity and resilience among neighbours.

On the evening of June 21st, from 6pm to 8pm, our community will gather at Selby Community House to share good food and drinks as well as knowledge, experiences, and practical strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of ourselves and our loved ones. Together, we will encourage and empower every resident to develop their own disaster preparedness plan, tailored to the unique challenges we face in the Selby area and surrounds.

The recent storms that struck our community serve as a poignant reminder of nature’s unpredictable power.While we cannot control the weather, we can control how prepared we are to face its wrath. By attending our Selby House Community Dinner, you will have the opportunity to learn from experts including the local CFA, gain insights from firsthand accounts, and access valuable resources to create your personalised plan.

Our region is no stranger to bushfires, and the threat they pose is ever-present. Through informative presentations, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to mitigate risks, develop evacuation strategies, and safeguard your property against potential disasters.

Selby House invites all to this FREE Community Dinner which is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about building a resilient community. Together, we will foster a culture of preparedness and support, forging connections that will strengthen us in times of crisis.

By working together, we can ensure that every person that attends feels confident and ready to face any disaster that may come their way. Remember, disaster preparedness starts with you. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let’s make Selby and the Dandenong ranges in gen-

eral a shining example of a community that is ready to weather any storm.

Mark your calendars for June 21st and go online to register at our website www.selbyhouse.org.au and join us to create your emergency management plan for disasters.

Improve your disaster preparedness at Selby Community House.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Shire council’s Ribbons of Green efforts are rewarded

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Ranges Council’s sustainability efforts received a big acknowledgement of their success with a recent win at the LGPro Awards for Excellence, recognising the best work done by local councils across Victoria.

Council’s Ribbons of Green program was awarded Best Sustainability Initiative, beating out Darebin City Council’s Rewilding Darebin and Strathbogie Shire Council’s Greening Euroa Project.

Director of Planning and Sustainable Futures at Yarra Ranges Council Kath McClusky said they are extremely excited to receive an award from LGPro, celebrating the Ribbons of Green program.

“Ribbons of Green program offers native plants and land management support for private properties over one hectare, schools and community groups, with the goal of restoring habitats for wildlife across the Yarra Ranges,” she said.

“We aim to plant 60,000 native plants each year through this program, which helps to protect and enhance biodiversity in birds, animals and insect life. Since the program started in 2007, we have planted about 921,483 plants.”

Applications are accepted up until the end of September each, with the free plants delivered in the winter/early spring of the following year.

Ms McClusky said one of their key roles in

Local Government is to protect and enhance our natural environment.

“It has flow-on benefits for waterways, agriculture, for community members and the flora and fauna that call this region home. Ribbons of Green offers community mem-

bers an easy and accessible way to help us achieve this goal,” she said.

“This program has thankfully been taken up by about 700 properties since it began, covering most of the region. We’re always looking for more property owners to be part

of the program,”

“I’d like to congratulate our staff who have developed this program and thank our landowners who have taken part so far.”

Anyone interested can find out more at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ribbonsofgreen.

Fire scare for Suns team

By Tyler Wright

The Sherbrooke Suns’ Big V Youth League men’s basketball team were lucky to recover from a setback on the way to their recent match in Bendigo.

The Suns’ bus engine caught fire on the Calder Freeway with players, managers and coaches on board, about 30 minutes away from the Red Energy Arena where the team was set to play on Sunday 28 May.

Coach Scott Gunther said smoke began coming into the bus at about 12pm, with passengers originally believing a blown tire was the cause of the fumes.

“The driver grabbed the fire extinguisher and we kept the guys all on the bus, and then pretty quickly realised it’s a little bit more severe than what we thought,“ Mr Gunther said.

Passengers were evacuated as flames and smoke became visible from the engine.

“It could have been quite dangerous because all the fuel from the bus ended up spilling all over the Calder Highway,“ Mr Gunther said.

While awaiting emergency transportation to their match against the Braves, players were videod dancing on an island in the middle of the busy road.

“Boys were hilarious making the most of a tough situation. Rain wind cold…. What do you do…. Dance!” passenger Peter Unwin wrote on Facebook.

“Different type of BIG V preparation.”

The Suns received support from the host team, who sent a courtesy bus, towels, food and water for players and supporting crew to get to the stadium safely.

The away team managed to get to the stadium on time for the 2pm tee-off.

“Something like that could go quite serious, but you know what? We’re all living a world today where there is some good, kind-hearted individuals and teams and people,“ Mr Gunther said.

“Being able to make sure that all our guys were okay, managed to get there safely, but even went above and beyond and looked after them all, which was wonderful.“

Despite the difficult pre-game ordeal, the Suns came away with a 24-point win against their opponents, scoring 94 points to the Braves’ 70.

The Suns now take up second spot on the league ladder, with the Braves sitting at ninth place.

Sherbrooke’s number 10, Dylan Johnstone,

scored 21 points and took six steals; the most in the game.

The team managed to secure a late night bus trip back to Sherbrooke.

“What could have ended up in disaster somehow ended up okay for the local boys,“ Mr Gunther said.

The Suns have won 10 out of the last 13

games with a percentage of 117.40 per cent. The side will play against Coburg on Saturday 3 June at Upwey High School’s Bell Real Estate Stadium.

Yarra Ranges Council’s Ribbons Of Green program has been planting native flora throughout the region since 2017.

Picture: ON FILE

Players, coaches and managers from the Sherbrooke Suns Big V Youth League men’s team were left stranded on the Calder Freeway after the team’s van’s engine blew on its way to Bendigo before a game against the Bendigo Braves. Picture: PETER UNWIN, FACEBOOK

Strolling as winter rolls in

As winter rolls in, the familiar hum of our cold weather activities have finally returned to our beloved Emerald and surrounding Hills. As we reclaim our routines, our feet bear the brunt of our revived enthusiasm. Now more than ever, we need to pay attention to the footprints of our health - literally. Enter PridePlus Health, Emerald’s leading podiatry clinic, renowned for its unparalleled foot care.

Our feet are our body’s unsung heroes, tirelessly propelling us through life. But even heroes need help sometimes, particularly when battling formidable foes like plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis. These common conditions can wreak havoc on our heels, turning each step into a test of endurance. Thankfully, the team at PridePlus Health thrive in tackling these issues head-on, transforming those painful steps into strides of comfort.

Sikhie Samarasekera and his team of dedicated podiatrists, including seasoned practitioners Tanya Contis and Laura Ward, bring their vast knowledge and unwavering dedication to every consultation. It’s this combination of expertise and genuine care that has earned PridePlus its reputation as Emerald’s best foot health destination. But their competence extends beyond the mere accolade; it manifests in the relief mirrored on the faces of hundreds of their satisfied patients.

Their approach is tailored and comprehensive, built upon the understanding that each foot is as unique as its owner. It begins with a thorough evaluation, followed by a custom treatment plan designed to alleviate discomfort and restore functionality. They use cutting-edge techniques and technology, which, coupled with their years of experience, results in highly effective treatment plans. Whether it’s a case of pesky plantar fasciitis or aching achilles tendonitis, you can trust

PridePlus Health to put you back on your feet – literally and figuratively.

The team at PridePlus Health also recognises the power of prevention and patient education. They empower their patients with knowledge, enabling them to make informed choices about their foot health. With simple exercises and self-care strategies, they help you enhance your foot health journey, even from the comfort of your home.

And let’s face it: nothing beats the joy of a pain-free stroll in our beautiful Emerald surrounds, or the satisfaction of participating

wholeheartedly in our beloved local activities. PridePlus Health wants you to experience this joy unreservedly. They aren’t just about treatment; they’re about ensuring that your feet enable you to embrace life in all its fullness. For those amongst us who’ve been soldiering on, enduring the nagging discomfort of a stubborn heel, perhaps it’s time to consider this: a step towards PridePlus Health could be a leap towards a pain-free life. In a community as vibrant as ours, you deserve to participate, unhindered by foot discomfort. Don’t let foot pain keep you sidelined; instead, take action to reclaim your step.

Consider this an invitation, a call to embrace the power of professional podiatry care. Visit the PridePlus Health clinic in Emerald, and let Sikhie and his team guide you on your journey to foot health. After all, your feet carry you on life’s journey; they deserve the best care you can give them.

So, make your move. Connect with PridePlus Health via their website (prideplus.com. au) or by calling 03 9068 0966. Walk in with pain, walk out with relief, and step into the vibrant life that awaits you. Here’s to healthier, happier feet – and to you, marching fearlessly forward.

Do you dread putting your feet on the ground when you get up in the morning?

You might be struggling with painful plantar fasciitis or one of the 6 different types of heel pain that our podiatrists treat regularly.

Book your podiatry session now to get a personalised treatment plan.

Take note of your foot health.

Picture: SHUTTERSTOCK

Don’t expect traditional Irish music from Tyrell

By Parker McKenzie

When Irish artist Aine Tyrrell plays Sooki Lounge on Thursday 22 June, you shouldn’t expect the traditional folk style commonly associated with the music of her home country.

“I love Irish folk, but touring and travelling here in Australia, a lot of people had a very narrow version of what Irish music is,” she said.

Storm tales

By Tyler Wright

Olinda-based artist Emma Jennings is collaborating with other local creatives to conduct a series of storm recovery workshops beginning in June.

To mark the second anniversary of the storm event - which saw 25,000 trees damaged across the Dandenong Ranges - ‘Stories of Giants’ workshop participants will be able to use salvaged wood to reflect on their own experiences.

“We’ve been working closely with David Ferrier fromTreasuring OurTrees, and we have accessed some kiln dried blackwood that fell in the storm, June 2021, which has been milled and kiln dried and cut up into smaller pieces,” Ms Jennings said.

“We would like to invite everybody in our community who was impacted, which is pretty much everybody; we were all impacted in one way or another to come in, choose a workshop that suits you.”

The free trauma-informed workshops will begin with ‘Haiku with Lia Hills’ on Friday 9 June from 6pm to 8pm, with soup provided at 5.30pm.

Artist Jo Horswill will then hold a printmaking, mark making and collage workship from 9am to 11am on Saturday 10 June with morning tea provided and drop ins allowed during the day.

Ms Horswill will then hold another workshop on Wednesday 14 June from 10am to 12pm.

On Friday 16 June from 6pm to 8pm, Youth Leader Ren Cuttriss and Emma Jennings will lead a painting, drawing and writing workshop with soup provided at 5.30pm.

Residents can learn how to make ochre with the manager of Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum, John Patten, on Sunday 17 June from 9am to 11am.

Ms Jennings will conclude the month’s workshops on Wednesday 21 June with a painting, drawing and writing workshop from 10am to 12pm.

“The idea is that with permission of the

community, the work will be on display throughout the gallery here in Olinda for the duration of the project,” Ms Jennings said.

“We’ll be able to watch it grow, and we’ll also upload progress photos and the images to the website and the Facebook page. There’s also the opportunity for people to do it at home if they feel more comfortable, they can come in and collect a piece of wood and take it home to do something with.

“We want to make sure everybody feels comfortable, and we understand that everybody’s experiences have been different with this event.”

All workshops will be held at the Emma Jennings Gallery at 3/540 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road in Olinda, and are supported by the Regional Community Recovery Committees Project with funding from Yarra Ranges Council and Emergency Recovery Victoria.

“We’ve worked closely with Yarra Ranges Council’s recovery team and trauma psychologists to firstly make sure that people involved in the project are feeling supported,” Ms Jennings said.

“There’s a lot of anxiety in the community when there’s bad weather, when it’s windy, so we’re acknowledging the grief and the reactions to how we feel about each other in the community, but there’s also the grief and loss we’re feeling because of the damage in the forest and these giant trees around us that we love, but also wanting to acknowledge the resilience and strengths that our community has shown by working together.

“We’d really like to invite the volunteers particularly who supported us, the emergency services volunteers who set up the relief centres and donated things, it’s important to welcome them back together so there’s a nice way to reconnect after all of the work that everybody contributed after the storm.”

For more information on the ‘Stories of Giants’ project, visit https://www.emmajennings.com.au/storiesofgiants or the Facebook page of the same name.

Workshops are set to continue throughout 2023 as part of the project.

“I was getting lumped into that very traditional Irish folk stuff and didn’t have an opportunity to be modern. In Ireland, we’re a very modern country and we have classical music to hip hop to blues music.”

The multi-instrumentalist and songwriter is currently embarking across a threestate, 12-show‘Irish as F**k’ tour, with more shows set to be announced.

Ms Tyrrell said after five shows of soldout venues and amazing audiences, it has been a “beautiful start to the tour already.”

“It has just been so nice to be able to give people hugs after the show and people can get up and dance,” she said.

“I’m definitely playing new songs that feed into what we all experienced in the last few years and still are in a way.

“I lost our home in the floods up here in northern New South Wales, there’s been bushfires, Covid and floods.”

She said her music travels across different genres, crossing over from folk to spo-

ken word, hip hop and indie rock.

“The thread that keeps it all together is my deep connection to my culture and where I come from and the stories of our history and present-day and the passion that I come to stage with,” Ms Tyrrell said.

“Genres, in general, are sort of dying out anyway because they were kind of built for a record industry and music industry that doesn’t exist anymore.”

Alongside activism and culture as cornerstones in her music, Ms Tyrrell said her performance connects with the experience of immigrating to Australia and “living in two worlds and cultures.”

“In my own culture, Irish culture, prior to colonisation and Christianity, we had such a beautiful way of being that I think these old ways are the ways that will be the saviour for our future,” she said.

“Whether that’s a climate change or whatever is going on in the world, we kind of have to go back into those. I feel like it’s a very grounding experience of the show as well, because feeding into that, whether you have Irish heritage or not, it’s just powerful to remember where we all come from.“

More information and tickets can be found at tickets.oztix.com. au/outlet/event/4d0d9c80-97a14bbc-bba1-1896f2414e67?utm_ source=sookiLounge&utm_ medium=eventFeed

Irish artist Aine Tyrrell will play Sooki Lounge on Thursday 22 June at 8pm.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Local artists Emma Jennings and Jo Horswill are two of the four creatives set to hold workshops as part of the ‘Stories of Giants’ storm recovery process in June. Picture: SUPPLIED

Review of Red Paint book

Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk, by author, poet and musician Sasha LaPointe, is recommended to our readers by Seattle UNESCO City of Literature.

Winner of the 2023 Pacific Northwest Book Award, Red Paint tells the heart-wrenching story of an Indigenous artist struggling to reclaim her heritage. Sasha’s narrative is both honest and intimate: “I have always wanted a permanent home, a place to feel safe... I wanted some place I could truly call mine.”.

When Sasha was a child, her parents had to work long hours wherever they could find jobs.

The family moved around a lot, often staying in barely habitable church attics and trailers, dangerous places for a young girl.

Having been raped at the age of ten, Sasha learntto run away. Years after her teenage homelessness, she learnt how to look after herself, to work and pay bills, and to study. When

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

her boyfriend proposed marriage on her 30th birthday, she said yes.

However, when Sasha was studying creative nonfiction at the Institute of American Indian Arts, her childhood agony came back to haunt her, prompted by an assignment requiring students to write a personal essay exploring their most traumatic memory.

Vic Drama League winners

The annual Victorian Drama League Awards proved to be a successful evening for Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre taking home two awards and nominated for eight other awards.

BestActor: in a minor role in a Drama: Lachlan Glennie as Philip Welch in The Deep Blue Sea. Best Actress in a Drama: Angela Glennie as Hester Collyer in The Deep Blue Sea

Othernominationsforawardswere:

· The Gold Award – The Noel Bennett & Chris Curchward Perpetual Trophy David DareThe Deep Blue Sea.

· Best Lighting Design in a Comedy Drama –Craig Pearcy - The Deep Blue Sea.

· Best Costume Design in a Comedy Drama –Maria Sanders - The Deep Blue Sea.

· Best Actress on a minor role Drama – Francesca Carl - The Deep Blue Sea.

· Best Supporting Actor in a Drama – Philip Lambert - The Deep Blue Sea.

· Best Actor in a Drama – Ben Freeland - The Deep Blue Sea.

· Best Director in a Drama – Alan BurrowsThe Deep Blue Sea.

· Best Drama Production - The Deep Blue Sea.

· Lyrebird Awards

· The Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre won an unprecedented 13 awards from 42 nominations.

· And the winners were:

· Best in comedy – Marinda Backaway for The Full Monty.

· Best Production – The Full Monty.

· Best Sound in comedy – Katie-Jane for Cosi.

Kemp’s curtain call

· Best Lighting in Comedy – Craig Pearcy for Cosi.

· Best Costume in a Comedy – Maria Smedes for Cosi.

· Highly Commended Performance in a Comedy – Robert Clark for Cosi.

· Best Performer in a Supporting Female Role

– Jennifer Pacey for Cosi.

· Best Performer in a lead Female role – Adrienne George for Cosi.

· Best Performer in a lead Male role – Mark Crowe for Cosi..

· Best Director in a Comedy – Katie-Jane Amey for Cosi.

· Best costume in a Drama – Maria Smedes –The Deep Blue Sea.

· Highly Commended Performance in a Drama – Lisa Upson for The Deep Blue Sea.

· Best Performer in a Supporting Female Role

– Drama – Francesca Carl in The S=Deep Blue Sea.

Congratulations to all the above and for readers don’t forget your local theatre.

The next show at Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre is Joana Murray-Smith’s thriller Switzerland.

Mt Evelyn’s churches

Church buildings often seem the only stable elements in our changing streetscapes. Mt Evelyn’s churches, on the other hand, have been continually relocated and repurposed.

Mt Evelyn’s first church was the Union Church, opened in 1920 on what is nowWatkins Crescent. Union Churches were usually established where congregations were too small to support a church for each Protestant denomination. Four churches worshipped there in the first year alone.

‘The church in the wildwood’ was bought out by the Methodists in the 1920s and became Uniting Church in 1977. The Anglican Church, after meeting initially in the Mechanics’ Institute, had a building moved up from Lilydale by bullock dray. Installed in Birmingham Road, it was dedicated as St Mark’s in 1924. The Presbyterian Church, also on Birmingham Road, was constructed by local builder George Pitt and dedicated in 1933. The original St Mary’s Catholic Church was built on Monbulk Road in 1939, a few doors down from the roundabout. The Christian Catholics, an Evangelical sect founded in Chicago in 1896, had a church on the Channel Road/Clematis Road corner from the 1940s. In 1952 the Church of Christ was built in Hereford Road near the Red Robin Milk Bar. The former Montrose

Looking back

Karen Phillips

Mount Evelyn History Group editor

Church of Christ (built 1909) migrated along Swansea Road in 1985, to become the chapel at Chateau Wyuna. The Dutch community established the Reformed Church on Birmingham Road. The original building was the disused canteen from the Upper Yarra Dam construction. Moved to Mt Evelyn in 1953, it still stands as part of the church complex. St Mary’s Catholic Church moved to a larger site on Clegg Road in the 1960s. The original building in Monbulk Road is now a private home. The Church of Christ burnt down in the 1980s. A larger site was purchased on Monbulk Road, where the present ‘mud-brick church’ was built. There is a house on the Hereford Road site. Three other churches were sold: St Mark’s Anglican, the Uniting, and the Christian Catholic.

With that essay turning into a thesis and then a book, Sasha’s nightmares became far more intense and terrifying than those that she was used to in her younger years. She was plunged into a “spirit sickness” with lifethreatening symptoms such as frequent fainting and loss of breath.

“How long are you gonna let your trauma be your entire life?” Sasha’s husband screamed at her.

“It’s like all the women in your family, your mom, your grandma, you all have the same thing, you’re all sick.”

Both before and after this confrontation, Sasha experienced some of the most profound losses that any woman could ever imagine and/or endure. Yet, it is when she started retracing the footsteps of her grandmother and great-grandmother that she slowly began to understand her entire history, her identity, and the origins of her feelings of

distrust and displacement.

At one stage she offers these powerful and compelling words: “I hate the word ’brave’. Like I hate ’victim’, ’survivor,’ or ’squaw.’ I was tired of the names white people had given us... Call me a writer. Call me a riot grrrl. Call me Coast Salish or poet. Call me a girl who loves Nick Cave, and night swimming, and ramen, and Old Bikini Kill records. I no longer wished to be called resilient. Call me reckless, impatient, and emotional. Even Indigenous. Call me anything other than survivor. I am so many more things than brave.”

In Sasha’s culture, the red paint, made by rolling chunks of red clay around in one’s fingertips, is only for the healers.When she finally got to wear the red paint, it was a reminder of where she came from, with the power of healing already in her veins, like it had belonged to the generations of women before her.

Not a great third movie

Infinity Pool

Starring Alexander Skarsgard and Mia Goth

Rated R18+ 3.5/5

The latest sci-fi horror film from Brandon Cronenberg, Infinity Pool is a compelling, gruelling experience, yet falls short of Brandon’s prior films.

James (Alexander Skarsgard), a struggling writer, plunges into a macabre, hedonistic subculture in the island nation of Li Tolqa.

Antiviral and Possessor, Cronenberg’s first two films, are extremely dark satires of celebrity culture and the acting process (respectively), but Infinity Pool satirises wealthy tourists committing crimes abroad, mixed with mild musings about life without morality or consequence.

James starts as a somewhat bland everyman, but this allows us to project ourselves onto him and see how easily we could be seduced into an exciting, sadistic system.

After a hit-and-run incident, the first act introduces Li Tolqan justice in the form of doubling, wherein an exact clone of the criminal is executed in their place. Now able to act with impunity, James enters a harrowing, well-paced spiral, and much of the suspense comes from James clinging to his humanity, as charm and shame from rich friends coax him into further acts of depravity.

Mia Goth is captivating as Gabi, the ring-

CARTOON

leader of James’ transformation, shifting effortlessly from temptress to spoiled brat to madwoman.

Infinity Pool has Cronenberg’s trademark grotesque, neon-tinted imagery and droning electronic music, but lacks complexity.

Antiviral and Possessor feature deep characters and unfolding conspiracies, but in Infinity Pool the doubling sci-fi plot-device largely takes a back-seat to James’ debauched decline. Some horror fans will find Infinity Pool engrossing but simplistic (and the climax, with its petty, bullying tone, feels almost trite).

Among recent third movies from auteurs, Infinity Pool is not as good as Nope or Men but better than Beau Is Afraid. Tense, disturbing and well-crafted but less sophisticated than Brandon Cronenberg’s other work, Infinity Pool is playing at select Victorian cinemas.

SethLukasHynes

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 True (8)

5 Takes footage online (6)

10 Available over the bar (2,3)

11 Male name (9)

12 Football strike with the head (6)

13 Ways (7)

14 Uncivilised (8)

15 Art of dwarfing shrubs or trees (6)

18 Classic Nabokov novel (6)

20 Most distant (8)

21 Impulse (7)

24 Marks or courses left by moving bodies (6)

27 Social exclusion (9)

28 Articles (5)

29 Actors with small roles (6)

30 Brings to life (8)

DOWN

1 Upon (4)

2 Principal church of a diocese (9)

DECODER

3 Very quick (5)

4 Rail around ship’s stern (8)

6 Comic book villain (7)

7 Egyptian capital (5)

8 Provisional (9)

9 Period (4)

14 Maryland city (9)

16 Most pungent (9)

17 Large Australian spider (8)

19 – Maslany, star of Orphan Black (7)

22 Small in French (5)

23 Go by ship (4)

25 Adage (5)

26 Egyptian goddess (4)

WORDFIT

1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

6 19

7 20

8 21

9 22

10 23

11 24

12 25

13 26 MV

12 345678910111213

9-LETTER WORD

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682173945 823516497

easy medium hard

318927654

567492831

291347586

926784153

No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in 3 LETTERS AND ASH ATE BUT CAN CIA EGO ERA EVE GEM HAT HEW HOE MAR MET NAP NIT ORE OUR PER ROE RUE SHE 4 LETTERS AHOY AMID AVID DRYS FLAT FLEE GAME HERS IDLE OAKS PORT SACK SALT SEAT SEEM 5 LETTERS ABATE

T F TREES TRUED VICAR WIPER WREAK 6 LETTERS ESTATE GLEAMS PRESTO SLEETS 7 LETTERS CUSTARD DEADEST DEPLETE

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I E L A C GUITARS NETWORK NOWHERE 8 LETTERS OVERSEES SIDELINE TORTUOUS UNTRUEST 11 LETTERS ACCOMPANIST INSENSITIVE

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SUDOKU affect, afflict, AFFLICTED, afield, cafe, calf, clef, cleft, cliff, daft, deaf, deft, delft, face, faced, facelift, facet, facile, fact, fade, fail, failed, fate, fated, feat, fecit, felt, fetid, fiat, fief, field, fife, file, filed, filet, flat, flea, fled, flit, leaf, left, lief, life, lift, lifted, tiff

D F MAUVE MENUS MUSED OGLED PAPAL PASSE ROACH SAVVY SEEDS SIEGE SLEPT SOAPS SOUPS STAMP STEEP STEMS STOUT SWIPE TIRES TOTEM

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Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALLAREAS 9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12567433-SN37-22

William

No. 136

No. 136

No. 136

RARE OPPORTUNITY TO SECURE 40 ACRES

This unique opportunity is available for those seeking a lifestyle or hobby farm with 40 acres of improved pasture suitable for all forms of livestock, a flowing creek (suitable for stock and domestic use and perfect for a family picnic), and two dwellings that are move in ready and both have amazing views.

The main farm house consists of three bedrooms and two updated bathrooms. The Master bedroom has a walk in wardrobe and a stylish ensuite with shower, toilet and vanity. The kitchen & dining area are open plan with a wood fire and split sytem for comfort and convenience, Meile oven and dishwasher, an induction cooktop and modern rangehood to enjoy. From here wander through to the loungeroom and soak in the views by the open fire place or enjoy the split system air conditioning in the warmer months or maybe step out onto your rear deck to entertain, as it is the views from all windows across your rolling paddocks to the state forest that you will fall in love with. There are two further bedrooms at the other end of the home which share the family bathroom that is flooded with natural light and has a walk in shower, free standing bath, toilet and vanity.

There is a permanent creek through the centre of the property, on the home side of the creek are two large 5 acre paddocks both with horse sheds, and 4 x 1 acre paddocks fenced with Gallager ‘Equifence’ and ‘Bayco’ with horses in mind, whilst the remaining fencing is more intended for other livestock such as cattle, and the far side of the creek is fenced into two large paddocks with barb wire.

The second dwelling is approx. 5 years old and contains three bedrooms, and one bathroom. With a gorgeous open plan kitchen/living/dining, this home bright

HOME ESSENTIALS

and comfortable with a split system air conditioner and wood fire in the lounge room. The three bedrooms are generously sized and all have built in wardrobes, whilst there is a separate toilet and a family bathroom. Externally is extensive

shedding, with a double lock up garage with high ceilings, concrete floor and power, two further work shops, two lean-tos, and a wood shed. This home enjoys stunning and private views and is accessible separately from the main dwelling via an asphalt driveway. The

area around the home is fully fenced for your pets and there are also two day yards in the paddock close to the home. This property has it all so don’t miss out. Call to arrange a private inspection today. ●

QUALITY, SIZE AND TIMELESS APPEAL

A PICTURE of perfection awaits at ‘Greenwood’, a much loved, Federation Harkaway home, built and engineered to an outstanding level of detail and offering a traditional, period style home that boasts elegance on every level.

Spacious and solid, there has been no compromise on quality, offering 4 bedrooms, home office (or 5th bedroom), dual bathrooms and a versatile floorplan to meet any family’s requirements. Large living zones extend over two levels, giving you a comfortable lounge room with ornate gas log fire, a sun filled dining room, spacious TV / meals area and an oversized rumpus/studio with separate access that also boasts an entertaining area and bedroom.

Ideal for in-law accommodation or work from home options, this extensive floorplan has been superbly executed to allow for a variety of uses. Allowing plenty of bench space to cook and prepare, the Blackwood kitchen is highlighted by a Smeg oven, walk in pantry and an abundance of storage and has been positioned perfectly with direct access out onto the expansive decking where entertaining can be done with style and sophistication.

With 10ft ceilings, gleaming spotted gum floorboards and timber sash windows, you will discover many ‘olde world’ features throughout. Bay windows with leadlight features are beautiful examples of the intimate design whilst hydronic heating, multiple split systems, ceiling fans and an abundance of storage options make this home a practical choice.

Outside, the tiered 1923m2 block has been meticulously maintained boasting a well fenced rear yard, sealed circular driveway and extended parking options that include both a double garage with loft storage space and also a wide double carport.

Only minutes from Wellington Road, Burwood Hwy and surrounded by great schools and a close, caring community, ‘Greenwood’ has quality, size and timeless appeal. ●

BEAUTIFUL HILLS HOME

THIS recently refreshed family residence will resonate with buyers seeking move-in readiness in a magnificent location. Situated on a 1,028sqm (approx.) block with ample off-street parking, easy access to Belgrave township, and beautiful hillside outlooks, a wonderful way of life is waiting.

The split-level interior begins in the lounge with vaulted timber ceilings with exposed beams, floor to ceiling windows for lovely views, and a warm wood fire for cooler winter months. The neighbouring meals area and kitchen features deck access, premium parquet flooring, quality stainless steel appliances, glass splashback, and inviting breakfast bar. Completing this level is the stylish laundry with large linen press and tumbled subway tiles.

The bedroom wing resides upstairs and is filled with natural light from large clerestory windows. New carpet lines the main bedroom with built-in robe and brass accented rain shower ensuite. The family bathroom with separate WC features a floating vanity and superb soaking tub.

Furthermore, the family bedrooms with builtin robes also enjoy vaulted ceilings, new carpet, and large windows.

With finishing touches including gas ducted heating, split system heating/ cooling, under-house storage, and 2 lower terraces for level outdoor entertaining, this property promises a lifestyle of comfort and convenience near schools, transport, and parklands. Inspection will impress so plan your viewing today.

· 1,028sqm (approx.) property will newly topped drive, terraced outdoor entertaining areas, and lovely hillside views

· Recently refreshed split-level interior with floor to ceiling windows throughout

· Lounge with vaulted timber ceilings, new carpet, and warm wood fire

· Kitchen with stainless steel appliances, glass splashback, and breakfast bar

· Stylish modern laundry, bright meals area, and covered balcony

· Beautiful bedrooms and bathrooms including main with rain shower ensuite ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 36 Martin Street, BELGRAVE Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Price: $720,000 - $780,000 Inspect: By appointment

Contact: Suzie Brannelly 0490 506 910, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE

PREMIER LIFESTYLE SANCTUARY

‘WILKY Park’. North facing, quiet and private. Stunning views on 8.55 hectares. The Residence:

The stylish double brick residence offers:

· 4 bedrooms, the main with full ensuite and walk-in robe

· Several living spaces, light, open and airy, overlooking courtyard and pool

· There is an option for an elderly parents’ suite with separate access, or a home office.

· Central kitchen, granite benchtops, induction cook top, dishwasher, wall oven, servery to dining room and walk in pantry

· Bathroom with bath

Infrastructure:

· Paved entertaining area

· Inground solar heated pool

· Tennis court

· Chook shed

· Veggie patch

· Cat run

· Dam, tank and bore water

· 19 paddocks – agistment (potential income)

· Oversized floodlit arena 30 x 80m

· New shed 8 x 18m, concrete slab/power/ water

· Tack/wash bay area

· Day sheds

· Set up for eventing horses - excellent, secure turning area for floats

· Agisters have separate access with dual access to the property (sealed off Kennedy Road)

· Additional shedding

A property that will impress on inspection, take your time, take it all in. It really is a special place, that is set up with the best facilities, especially for equine pursuits. Please note: this property has dual access, your GPS may take you to 110 Kennedy Road, Macclesfield instead. ●

ATTENTIONFIRSTHOMEBUYERS&INVESTORS

‘TREETOPS’CIRCA1910ONHALFANACRE

GREATLOCATION,WALKTOTOWN

Thisbricktwo-storeypropertyona1200sqmmostly flatblockhasalottoofferand includes3bedrooms-themainwithretreatand ensuite,astudy/diningroom,2 bathrooms-oneisrenovated withasoakingtub,shower&vanity,theloungewith open fireplace,spaciouskitchenand Eurolaundry,ahuge deckoverlookingthefenced rearyard,twocargarageand carport.Nothroughroad,greatlocationwithinwalking distancetoMonbulk,schools,cafesand agood varietyofshopsand businesses.

MickDolphin 0429684522

PRICE,POSITION&POTENTIAL

TayTing 0417302112

MINUTESTOBELGRAVE!

Thischarmingresidenceretainsmanyofitsperiodfeatures &somenewcreature comforts.Offeringhigh(ornate&strapped)ceilings,chandeliers,hardwood floors& doors,OFPwithcastironburner,woodpanelling,Frenchdoors,customdrapery,Juliette balconyfrommaster,study/gamingnookin2ndbedroom,claw footbath,2living spaces,lounge/diningwith fireplace,sealedreturndriveway,secondaccessforcaravan/ boat,cubbyhouse,veggiepatch,under-housecaraccess,workshop&storage.

MickDolphin 0429684522

JanBrewster 0409558805

LOvELyOuTLOOKON½ANACRE

BELGRAVE 100MARTINSTREET

CHARACTERHOMEINATRANQUILASPECT

$530,000-$570,000

2 A 1 B 2 C

Lookingforaprojectinaprimelocationwithaveryaffordablepricerange?This 2-bedroomhomeonan872sqmblockwithstunningviewshaslovelycharacterfeatures throughout,atranquilaspect,beautifultieredgardens&walkingdistancetoBelgrave Central,schoolsandpublictransport.Thehomecurrentlyhasabuildingorderplacedon itwhichwouldneedtoberectifiedbythenewowner,whichincludesstructuralworksto thesubfloorarea,thiswillrequireabuildingpermitforthecompletion.

JanBrewster 0409558805

SituatedinabeautifulpartofSelby,prettyandpeaceful,lookoutoveryourreardecking andseevisitingKookaburrasandRosellasinthetrees.This homefeaturesBIR’s,astudy, 3separatelivingspaces,onedownstairswhichcouldbeafabulouswork-from-home spaceorteenageretreatwithseparateaccess,alargelaundry(withalaundryshoot) andabathroom.Thecentralkitchenboastsstainlesssteelappliances.youhaveoff-street parking,agardenshed,½anacreofestablishedgardens,fruittreesandlawns.

0429684522 JanBrewster 0409558805

4 A 2 B 3 C

UNIQUECHARACTERCOTTAGE

3 A 2 B 1 C

SELBy 68TEMPLEROAd $750,000-$825,000

THREE BEDROOM HOME WITH HOME OFFICE

THIS fantastic home oozes quality and character and is situated on a leafy park like approx. ¼ of an acre offering both privacy and comfort in this quality home. With a welcoming front verandah, step through the French doors to enjoy the views over your manicured front yard complete with landscaped paved pathways. This home features high ceilings, and inviting polished hard wood flooring in the lounge room and slate flooring in the kitchen/dining area.

The master bedroom is discretely located with it’s own external access to the front verandah and has an ensuite, built in wardrobes, a split system recycled airconditioner and a ceiling fan. The further two bedrooms also offer built in wardrobes, one with a built in desk within the wardrobe and the other with a ceiling fan. The open plan kitchen/dining/living area enjoys a wood fire and split system air conditioning.

The well appointed kitchen has stainless steel appliances, gas cooktop & oven, and enjoys lovely views to the garden.

Externally there is a fully fenced backyard

HOME ESSENTIALS

with double gate access to a single car carport. A fantastic outdoor covered and paved entertaining area, before landscaped garden beds and paved pathway lead to the entertainment/home office complete with glass bifold doors for enjoying balmy evenings. There is also extensive shedding with a wood storage area, powered workshop with built in cupboards, a water tank for the garden, and a hot house and garden shed. This home is serviced by mains water and mains electricity via an underground supply.

This gorgeous and immaculately presented home is located moments from Emerald amenities, indulge in a coffee and enjoy a stroll through Emerald Park Lake.

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

Beautifullymaintained3bedroomhomewithhomeoffice!

Thishomeisonapprox.¼ofanacre&ismomentsfromEmeraldamenities.Withawelcoming frontverandah,stepthroughtheFrenchdoorstoenjoyhighceilings,&invitingpolishedhardwood flooringintheloungeroom&slate flooringinthekitchen/diningarea.Themasterbedroomhas anensuite,BIRs,asplitsystemrecycledAC&aceilingfan.Thefurther2bedroomsalsoofferBIRs. Theopenplankitchen/dining/livingareaenjoysawood fire&splitsystemAC.ThekitchenhasSS appliances,gascooktop&oven.Thereisafullyfencedbackyard&doublegateaccesstoasingle carcarport.Theoutdoorcovered&pavedentertainingarea,leadstothehomeoffice,complete withglassbifolddoors.Thereisalsoawoodstoragearea,poweredworkshop,hothouse,garden shed,&awatertankforthegarden.Thishomeisservicedbymainswater&electricity.

6AzaleaCrescent,Emerald$895,000-$950,000

EnjoyPrivacy,ViewsandDirectAccesstoWrightsForest!

Thisfantastic4/5bedroomfamilyhomesituatedonapprox.¾ofanacre,enjoysuninterruptedviews intotheWrightsForest.Abitumendrivewayleadstothehome,whereyoucanrelax&unwindon thefrontverandah,beforeenteringthesingle-storeyhome.Themasterbedroomislocatedatone endofthehomewithaBIR&ensuite.Thenthelivingisopenplaninthecentreofthehomewith kitchen,diningroom&twolivingareas.Thekitchenoffersstainlesssteeldishwasher,gasstovetop& electricoven,rangehood&asplitsystemairconditionerinthediningarea.Attheotherendofthe lovelyhomeareafurther3bedroomsallwithBIRs,alaundry,familybathroom,&aseparatetoilet.

Externally,thereisareardeck&ahomeoffice/hobbyroom.Thereisalsoagreatdoubleshedwith concrete floorandpower,plusworkshoparea.

5JackaRoad,Avonsleigh$750,000-$820,000

Beautifullypresented4bedroomhomewithlandscapedgarden!

Thisfunctional&beautifullypresented4bedroom,2bathroomhomeisspreadacrosssplitlevelliving, &hasagraveleddrivewaywith2carcarport.Themasterbedroomoffersanensuite,ceilingfan,split systemairconditioner,andWIR.Theloungeroomopensupontoafrontverandah,andontheupper levelenjoytheopenplankitchen/diningarea.Thekitcheniscompletewithadishwasher&electric oven/stovetop.Thereisafamilybathroomontheupperlevelwiththe3goodsizedbedrooms,&a lovelysittingarea.Thereisawood fireintheloungeroom,ductedheating,&afurthersplitsystemin theuppersittingarea.Externallythelandscapedbackyardisreadyforentertainingwithacovered deck&issecurelyfenced.Thishomeisbrilliantlylocatedwitha15minutewalktoEmeraldLakePark &amenities,&onlya10minutestrolltoAvonsleighGeneralStore.

680WooriYallockRoad,Nangana$1,700,000-$1,850,000

RareOpportunitytoSecure40AcresofPrimeGrazingLandwith2Dwellings!

TheFarmHouse:

-3Bedrooms,2Bathrooms,2Living&stunningviews

-Largepoweredhayshedwithdoublelockupgarage,poweredtackroom,olddairywithpower& 2stables,2dayyards,5watertanks,&ridingarena.

TheSecondresidence:

-3Bedrooms,1Bathroom,gorgeousviews

-2dayyards,doublegaragewithpower&concrete floor,2xworkshops&woodshed -AmazingViews,PermanentCreek,Multipledrivewayaccess!

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

AaronDay M 0407365994

BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED HOME

OWNED, loved and beautifully maintained by the one family for over 50 years, this unique property showcases the true essence of quality family living. Sitting proudly on 2767m2, the surrounding established gardens and rolling lawns compliment this home, showing the high standard of care it has received over the years, both inside and out.

Behind the solid brick façade, you will discover spacious living over two levels, with a slate tiled entry foyer leading to a large ground floor billiards / rumpus room giving a wonderful space in which to entertain. This level also features a home office/bedroom, bathroom and a spacious laundry.

Upstairs, a meticulously detailed kitchen, featuring Meile appliances and handmade tiles, has been built with functionality in mind yet also boasts a classic design to suit the most discerning family chef.

The relaxed meals and family area is filled with natural light and looks out to the stunning pool and lush green gardens. The deck over the carport, accessible from the kitchen, is the perfect place to enjoy lovely views of the hills beyond.

For more formal occasions, a large lounge/dining room leads to another, even larger alfresco deck and barbecue patio.

Three bedrooms (inc. master with ensuite) plus home office/fourth bedroom provide plenty of space which, along with three sizeable bathrooms, create a floorplan to envy. The copious storage areas throughout the home will also delight.

Hydronic heating, a gas log fire and solid wood Jetmaster heater will keep you warm through the cooler months while in the warmer weather, simply open the beautiful French doors to let the cool hills breeze filter through. There is also air conditioning in the kitchen/family area for those warmer days.

Outside, the solar heated pool creates a fun filled environment in the summer with its built in spa that can be enjoyed year round.

A sealed driveway leads to a large lockable garage with workshop and internal access plus a double carport and plenty of extra parking, making this property ideal for those looking for space for trailers, boats etc. With a colourful garden full of established trees and pretty pathways, there is plenty to love about this unique property. Adjoining land of 2311m2 is also available for purchase. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 21 Maskells Hill Road, SELBY

4 A 1 B 2 C

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

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

78-78AHumeStreet,UPWEY $1,650,000-$1,790,000 TWOTITLESANDTHREEDWELLINGSINPRIMEPOSITION 8 A 4 B 3 C

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

ContactBradforaninspectiontoday!

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

26AMonbulkRoad,BELGRAVE

2 A 1 B

$500,000to$550,000 CHARMINGCOTTAGEINCOVETEDLIFESTYLELOCATION

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

SuzieBrannelly

M 0490506910| E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

27TheCrescent,SASSAFRAS $1,450,000-$1,590,000 HISTORICHILLSHOMEINEXCLUSIVELIFESTYLEPOCKET 5 A 2 B 3 C

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

GlennChandler

M 0418410689| E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

SuzieBrannelly

M 0490506910| E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

Small Job Specialist

ADVERTISE UNTIL SOLD*

$

•All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication.

•After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.

• The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item.

• Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer.

• The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain.

Youths being overlooked

New research fromVictoria University, in partnership with Youth Affairs Council Victoria, has found young people are eager to assist during times of natural disaster preparation and recovery but often have few opportunities to be involved.

Associate Professor Fiona MacDonald, who alongside VACvic looked at the experiences and views of young people affected by the Black Summer bushfires in 2019-20, found many felt overlooked during time of crisis.

“When young people are included in disaster management, there are benefits for themselves, their peers, community, and the environment. Yet as they increasingly seek opportunities to engage with issues that will impact them and their futures, they often find they are sidelined,” she said.

“Young people in the study reported they heard adults talking to them instead of with them, and not seeking their perspectives about what they needed to rebuild their own resilience for future events.”

She called for decision-makers to change the narrative about young people and to regard them as capable and constructive agents of change in their communities, instead of vulnerable and passive victims.

The research examined the success of a youth empowerment pilot program developed in regional Victoria with YACvic following the bushfires, which aimed to support, upskill and build confidence of young people through local advocacy projects.

Research from the program about ways young people can be better engaged during natural disasters recommended providing opportunities for young people to assist with rebuilding and clean-up to develop local skills and a sense of community contribution, ensuring government-funded youth workers and spaces are established in areas prone to natural disasters and ensuring young people are

The Re-Roof Man

meaningfully included in governance committees that make decisions about disasters.

Prof MacDonald recommended government, community organisations and educa-

tional institutions establish formal structures to provide opportunities, alongside recognised training for young people to get involved across all levels of natural disaster planning

and management.

More information about the study can be found at sciencedirect.com/science/article/ pii/S2212420923000316?via%3Dihub

Olinda women tested by playing top two in succession

Women’s Senior Footy Don Road looked spectacular Saturday morning as the senior women headed out to see how their game was developing against the ladder leaders, Healesville.

Still without a chunk of our midfield, and losing another young ruck in Jacqui (The Giant Slayer) Ring to injury during the week, we were going to be tested in the middle and for height. Getting Lucy (Goose) Hilton back would provide some drive into the forward line. It’s a big oval out at Don Road and the space tested Olinda’s players from the outset with Healesville able to score two early goals. After re-grouping, though, Olinda closed the game down and stopped the Healesville runners. Anja (Onions) Hulston continued her great season of bringing tears to the eyes of her opponents with her pressure around the ground. Never having rucked before, she needed a quick run through to get a feel for it before embarking on challenging an ex-Ranges six foot ruck.

Laser Lily Carlin continued her run of form with precision passing, crunching tackles and clever movement to intercept opposition run. It was this run and gun in the second quarter that saw Olinda move the ball quickly from defence into the forward line, and will prove the recipe for success against the top teams moving forward. Defensively, the team continued development of the Olinda Press which has been instrumental to restricting the top sides to low scores.Young defender Paige (The Rage) Robinson continued her incredible defensive work as she figured out how to stop the clever opposition forward pocket. Casey (Sugar) Seymour continued her miserly approach to footy although in recent times has been spotted up the ground, receiving the footy from deep in defense.

Kyah (The Missile) Barry continued her great run of form hitting targets and zeroing in on opposition from distance. Starting in

defence but also getting an opportunity in the midfield due to rotations, she enjoyed a bit of freedom to hunt and win the footy for a BOG performance. She was clean below her knees where others weren’t and repelled many Healesville charges forward.

The current spell of injury and illness has given many of our younger players opportunities they might not have otherwise had and Chloe (The Smiling Assassin) Kanally is no exception. She’s been getting run-with roles against some of the best players in the comp and has been relishing the chance to learn and develop her defensive game in the middle.

Tayla (Swift) McKay made a welcome return with limited minutes but it was great to see her pull on the jumper and re-start her football career, whilst we also saw Emmalee (Bruce Lee) Keegan back from holidays and working hard to win the footy at ground level.

Captain Courageous Claire Hyett, despite battling fatigue, stamped her authority on many contests around the ground and continued to win footy wherever she pleased.

The coaches were pleased to see that our ball usage was much better this week and this enabled quick movement that Healesville had to work hard to counter. The players used the expansive width of the ground very effectively.

This brings Olinda to the end of a tough little period in the season playing the top two sides back-to-back-to-back. The side goes into the well earned break looking forward to resting some tired bodies and getting Chelsea (The Big Kohoona) Wilson and Amalia (Mars) Kostich back against Monbulk in a couple of week’s time.

Juniors

U13 Boys Whites v Woori Yallock

Olinda’s under 13 white team have been eyeing this game off all week. With a team mixed will under 11s, lower aged 13s and top aged 13s working together we knew we had a good chance for the side’s first win.

Having this side let us set up some field structures that helped develop the younger players with the guidance of the top aged 13s.

The boys were all pumped and ready to play, some strong centre work let us get first hands on the ball and win the clearances.With the speed these boys have they were able to spread and use the space around the ground to lead strong and present themselves for the ball carriers. The forward line was a big focus leading into space and using the ball well inside the 50 line to score. The mids and back line communicate all day to lock the ball in with a wall across the square. With the side focused on development it is a huge credit to the younger players who have really stepped right up with their confidence over the last two to three weeks and taken control of the game. Great work by all the players to finish the game with a 20-point victory.

U13 Boys Reds v Woori Yallock

After a week off with the BYE, the Under 13 boys were a bit “slow off the mark” in their clash against Woori Yallock with Woori out muscling us in the first quarter.

To the credit of the boys, they responded well with some quality finishing from out forward line to apply some much needed scoreboard pressure.. Xavier Grimes hit the scoreboard with two goals and it was pleasing to see Edward Pattinson being rewarded with a goal.

The boys went on to secure an impressive victory in another great team performance..

Olinda 12.6 78 def Woori 3.2.20

U14 Girls v Mt Evelyn

Olinda’s girls came down to a sunny Mt Evelyn oval fired up and ready to go against the Mt Evelyn outfit. After a couple of quick Mt Evelyn goals, the first quarter saw us work the ball quickly forward, starting from pressure around the contest to score two goals; a stunning start to the game to go in to quarter time with scores level. The second quarter saw Mt Ev pile on the pressure and they skipped away.

At half time, Olinda re-grouped with a focus on tackling pressure. Led by the intensity of some of mosquito fleet, the side tightened the game right up in the third and final quarter. Every week is seeing this mighty young team get better and better and this week we saw some of the quieter girls get stuck right in and apply pressure around the contest to get the ball out where they could move it effectively.

Olinda U15 Boys v Woori Yallock

Round eight saw Olinda’s boys playing away for the 6th time this season, against a very strongWooriYallock.

The opening quarter saw Woori kick two goals straight to Olinda’s 1.2, but it was possibly Olinda’s best quarter for the year.

Olinda were mostly first to the ball but even when they weren’t, their tackling pressure was top notch and showing that at their very best they can match all comers.

Woori however, are a very good side and the second quarter saw them kick five goals to Olinda’s nil ,effectively taking control of the game. Olinda’s boys worked hard defensively in the second half, keeping Woori to six goals but not able to score and the game getting away from them.

Rio Neish and Lenny Barry were excellent in their run with roles on two of Woori’s best while Mitch Hirst displayed courage and skill down back.Tom Ford(1 goal) was a standout with his physical contest,aerial dominance and hard running.

Final scores.

Woori 13.4.82 - Olinda 1.3.9.

Olinda U17 Boys vs Seville Round 8 Olinda travelled out to Seville under sunny skies and great conditions for quality football. In what was a competitive match the boys showed their class to come away with a good solid win. It was great to see the improvement in run and carry which is something the boys have been working hard at.

Hawks all fall on the day

Seniors

Monbulk and Pakenham met at Monbulk for their round seven encounter in cool and overcast conditions. Both sides were just outside of the Top 5 and a win would be vital for either team before the King’s Birthday bye weekend. Althoughconditionswerecalmandfavoured neither end, most of the scoring was done at the Moores Road goals. The Hawks had the best of the opening term but only came away with 2.5 to 2 behinds for their efforts. Pakenham responded with a six goal to three second term which had the Lions edge in front by five points at the long break. Monbulk regrouped at half time and attacked with aggression for most of the third quarter to again move out to a comfortable 16 point lead and were looking good to claim the four points. In the last quarter the Lions linked up brilliantly and were able to consistently breach the Hawks’ defences to snare a remarkable nine goals and run away with the game by 36 points by the final siren. The Monbulk players played determined football, displaying pride in their jumper, but lost possession on too many occasions in the final stanza, which wasn’t helped by an ankle injury to Dylan Werts. Senior debutant Nick Taylor, coming up from the Under 19s, showed distinct promise. Monbulk 9.14.68 def by Pakenham 15.14.104

Best: Nick Taylor, Johnathon Hevern, Mackay Bateson, Lachlan Sheppard, Glenn Strachan, Lochlan Beecroft

Goals: Ziggy Hatherley 3, Mackay Bateson 1, Lochlan Beecroft 1, Josh Wentworth 1, Glenn Strachan, Lewis Oliver 1,William Mutschler 1 Reserves

Monbulk had a chance to consolidate their spot in the top five and found themselves evenly matched with the Pakenham side that presented itself on the day. This game was to prove a tight encounter as neither side was able to get a break over their opponents and the margins at the end of each quarter was never more than a goal. The Hawks missed some opportunities early on and later the Lions did likewise. A Pakenham goal one minute before the siren eventually regained the lead for them and was

enough to claim the win. For the second week running Monbulk have lost by less than a goal. 42 different players have already represented the Reserves this year, with Benjamin Magnay and Joel Roberts becoming the latest club recruits and they finished with five of the seven goals obtained.

Monbulk 7.9.51 def by Pakenham 8.7.55

Best: Ha Emmett, Toby Versteegen, Jesse Dodd, Jayden Mauchline, Ryan Pentreath, Benjamin Magnay

Goals: Benjamin Magnay 3, Joel Roberts 2, Nick Selleck 1, Brandon Shambrooke 1 mish Under 19s

The Under 19s faced Emerald in a return match in the morning, having beaten them at Berwick Springs in round thr. With the ground still slippery from overnight drizzle, it was the Bombers who settled first and had three goals on the board within ten minutes. It was ultimately to be this early onslaught which proved the difference between the two teams and Emerald also eventually scored the last two majors to run out 25 point winners.

Monbulk 3.11.29 def by Emerald 7.12.54

Best: Noah Rutherford, Charlie Barge, Tait Colee, Jai Farmer, Graison Embleton, Ash Bremner

Goals: Thijs Koelewyn 1, Lachlan Smith 1, Nick Heron 1 Womens

Monbulk are finally starting to get more players back than they are losing and were able to have the luxury of having five players on the bench, including the return of 2019 League leading goalkicker, ‘Kit’ Gow, from a back injury. Although Pakenham still had a comfortable win over the Hawks, Monbulk were able to celebrate not just their first goal for the season, but also kicked a second one for good measure. Just about every player on the ground swarmed over the successful kickers.

Monbulk 2.0.12 def by Pakenham 10.21.81

Best: Briannan Lambe, Genna Seamer, Laura Gillard, Josie Ford, Kathryn Gow, Maddison Dodd

Goals: Kathryn Gow 1, Briannan Lambe 1

Monbulk and Pakenham met at Monbulk for their round seven encounter in cool and overcast conditions. Picture: MONBULK FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

Monbulk is left wanting

A Grade

In A Grade the top five teams have established a three game break over the bottom five. Monbulk and Pakenham currently find themselves in the latter category and a close game was anticipated. The Lions had other plans and consistent defensive pressure cost the Hawks possession in the opening term, and a five goal deficit on the scoreboard. The match tightened up over the next two terms, as the lights had to be turned on in the gloomy conditions, and there were just a few goals separating the sides at three quarter time. Pakenham then broke the shackles in the last quarter to score 16-7 and ran out convincing winners.

Monbulk 38 def by Pakenham 50 Best: Paige Whitworth, Sophie Stubbs, Peri Reid

Goals: Peri Reid 35, Jen Dewhurst 3

B Grade

Monbulk’s B Grade team started the day in 5th place and faced a Pakenham outfit that was just half a game behind. The Hawks started well and had the game on their terms in the first half, holding a four goal break after the second term. The Lions then produced a match winning 18-6 third term to seize control of the match, and then maintained their lead to the final bell. The loss sees the Hawks slip to seventh.

Monbulk 38 def by Pakenham 46 Best: Siobhan Munday, Dayna Walsham, Alice McCormick

Goals: Paige Rondinella 26, DaynaWalsham 12

C Grade

There was little separating Monbulk and Pakenham on the ladder going into this match and the game itself was just as tight. The Hawks grabbed an early lead by a couple of goals before the game was all tied up by half time. It continued to be a gripping encounter through the second half, going goal for goal, however Pakenham edged ahead and were then able to maintain their slender lead to notch a two goal win.

Monbulk 28 def by Pakenham 30 Best: Jamie Sands, Courtney Witt, Tasha Selby

Goals: Jamie Sands 24, Laura Del Biondo 4

D Grade

The overnight drizzle left the D Grade team opening proceedings on a slippery court surface in the morning. Pakenham had height

and experience on their side but the tenacious young Hawks never gave up, even when scoring was limited, with their three smallest players leading the way.

Monbulk 10 def by Pakenham 36 Best: Kate Smith, Brooke O’Loughlin, Hannah Dickason

Goals: Kate Smith 5, Eireann Lawson 3, Natalie Rankin 2

Yarra Ranges athletes tested by challenging course

By Jamie Strudley

Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes travelled to Ravenswood, near Bendigo on Saturday for Round 3 of the Athletics Victoria XCR’23 season. Open Athletes completed 8km over two laps, the U20s and U14s 4km over one lap, and 3km for U16s and U18s.

The course at St Anne’s Winery was a challenging one, featuring several short and sharp climbs, along with some picturesque (albeit, rabbit-hole laden) runs through the vines. It was slippery in some spots, rocky in others, and made for a hard race.

Our Open teams came out ready to race, with the Open Men securing their first podium finish in Div 2, claiming 3rd place. Harry Norman and Max Savill-Bentley lead the men out strongly, claiming some strong points for the team, both placing in the top 30.

Open Women continued to display team spirit, claiming second place in Div 2. Olivia Twining rallied the troops and got everyone fired up, with the top 4 scoring athletes all placing in the top 80. Congratulations to Harry Norman and Liv Twining for being the first Open athletes across the line in 22nd and 16th respectively.

As always, the Juniors showed up and gave it their all with plenty of strong performances. Shoutout to Brigette Rice for taking home second place in the U18 women. We also saw Zoe Clarke, Maddie Laven and little Bri Coffey placing in the top 5 for their age groups.

Special mention to Finn Rossthorn on his debut run in the U14s for this season.

Results are:

Women Open 8km: Olivia Twining 16th 31:19; Abi Hyndman 50th 34:42; Katrina Winger 54th 35:12; Georgia Laven 80th 37:42; Elisabeth Coffey 118th 42:21;

Women Under 20 4km: Madeline Laven 4th 16:07; Rori Jones 10th 18:20;

HarryNormanmixingitwithOlympiansover8km.

Women Under 18 3km: Brigitte Rice 2nd 11:26;

Women Under 16 3km: Zoe Clarke 4th 11:52; Kristina Nackovski 27th 14:33;

Women Under 14 4km: Brienna Coffey 5th 18:58;

Men Open 8km: Harry Norman 22nd 26:05; Max Savill-Bentley 29th 26:27; James Laven 44th 27:02; Chris Grundy 180th 31:26; Ashley Bennett 181st 31:29; Jared Byrne 190th 31:52; Michael Clarke 220th 33:14; Logan Dutton 282nd 36:12; Graham Coutts 294th 36:52; Craig Hewitson 351 st 44:49; Male 20 4km: Angus Norman 9th 14:16;

Male 16 3km: Mitchell Pointon 22nd 11:47;

Male 14 4km: Finn Rossthorn 13th 17:11;

Another great turnout for the weekly Saturday morning cross country. This week we were at Margaret Lewis Reserve in Coldstream. A tough course, especially after the recent rain, made course PBs tough. Always good seeing athletes have to earn their PB choccie frog.

Next week, athletes head to Elizabeth Bridge, Kilsyth. More choccie frogs on offer for course PBs. Get there early to warm up and prepare to run fast.

Training continues for all club members

on Tuesday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm at Victoria Road Primary School gym with an emphasis on preparing for cross country. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability.

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

For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org. au or check the club out on Facebook.

MonbulkFNCplayerswithAustraliannetballplayerMadiBrowne.Lefttoright:Tara,Tiana,Madi,BonnieandAlice.

Picture:SUPPLIED

Picture:SUPPLIEDFinnRinhisdebutXCRrace.

LisCoffeyenjoyingatough8kmcross country.