Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 27th June 2023

Tributes for RSL leader

Former Mount Evelyn RSL president Roger Boness died late last week at the age of 77. The shock rippled through the town when the news came on 21 June. Mr Boness put his service to the community above all, particularly returned service personnel, becoming a well known and loved figure in Mount Evelyn.

Remembered for his service in the Vietnam War and continued betterment of the recognition of his fellow service men and women, Mr Boness worked towards improving not only his immediate community but the broader acknowledgement of those who have returned from war.

Tributes to Mr Boness can be read on page 13

Roger Boness, 77, died on 21 June. He was a loved member of the Mount Evelyn community. 232205

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Fight for rights

A group of grandmothers and friends joined to both commemorate and celebrate World Refugee Day on Tuesday 20 June to discuss the ongoing detention of displaced persons in Australia.

Advocacy group Casey Grandmothers for Refugees invited Sister Brigid Arthur from the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project to speak to members and guests about the current situation occurring when it comes to helping house and support asylum seekers and refugees.

Through the work Sister Brigid and a small group of volunteers do, they have helped give

hundreds of people accommodation, legal guidance and work opportunities, as well as financial support.

“The government doesn’t give any actual income to people seeking asylum,” she said.

“If they can work, then it’s good to help them get a job but if they can’t work for all sorts of reasons, then they need not only a roof over their head, they need some minimal, at least, money to survive on.”

Despite some positive changes being made to process visa applications, Casey Grandmothers coordinator Prue Licht said

more could be done.

“[The government is] in the process of changing the visa status for a very large group of people but there’s still a lot of people left behind, whose visa status is still uncertain, and they still have no certainty,” she said.

Working together for one outcome Sister Brigid and Prue said creates a network of support and raises the voice of people seeking a safe place to live and work.

Both women said even with the work they are doing, the Australian government keeps open discriminating policies to deter people

coming to this country but through more people asking for change, speaking to their MPs and raising their own voice, Australia can one day more forward, away from hurtful policy.

“What I’m passionate about is how asylum seekers have been vilified and treated inhumanely at an official level by successive governments and hopefully that’s changing and hopefully we can enshrine some of those changes in new laws so it doesn’t happen again.”

Story page 7

Cost of living forum for all

By Callum Ludwig

The cost of living is the topic on the tip of everyone’s tongue at the moment as rising consumer prices, interest rates and homelessness affect people near and far.

Federal Member for Casey Aaron Violi is keen to hear how it is affecting residents in his electorate and is inviting all who can to come along to a forum to discuss cost of living concerns in the Wandin North Public Hall on Thursday 13 July from 6pm to 7pm.

MrVioli said it is the biggest issue and challenge that everyone in the electorate is facing.

“Whether it’s individuals, families, community groups or businesses, particularly small businesses, it’s really important,” he said.

“I’m a passionate believer that my role in Canberra is to be the community’s voice and the only way to be the community’s voice is to be out there listening and understanding firsthand the challenges they’re going through.”

Liberal Senator and Shadow Minister for Finance Jane Hume will be attending the forum. Ms Hume is the Chair of the Australian Parliament’s Select Committee on the Cost of Living established in late September 2022.

Mr Violi said the committee will be bringing forward strong recommendations to the Government.

“It will be based on what they are hearing, not just from communities, but from businesses, the energy sector and lots of experts on what they can bring to the table, the main for us is just to hear and listen to the challenges people are facing,” he said.

“We also want to hear some of the ideas they have on how we might be able to constructively engage with the government to provide some solutions to the challenges we face, as well as provide some material for people on services that are available, like free financial counselling.”

Yarra Ranges Council

The Select Committee on the Cost of Living released their interim report on May 3 2023, making 11 findings from 70 accepted submissions and five public hearings including one in Box Hill on 1 March.

Mr Violi said he expects rising consumer

prices, interest rate rises and increasing homelessness to be three issues mentioned a lot at the forum.

“One of the challenges we have in the electorate which is also one of our greatest strengths is that we are a part of the green

wedge and it’s so important that we keep and protect the green wedge, but what it does mean is that we are limited in how and where we can build new houses,” he said.

“We are thinking about interest rate rises, but also homelessness even among people with well-paid and secure jobs which is a new phenomenon we are seeing and I know is a big issue in our community,”

“Obviously there’s also the cost of groceries, energy bills and fuel which is mitigated but particularly for us, our public transport isn’t quite as good as it could be, a lot of people need to drive to work and to community events, so it is always a big issue for our community as well.”

Mr Violi also recently marked his first year in Parliament following his succession of longtime Casey MP Tony Smith at last year’s election.

MrVioli said it has come up quick and been a busy 12 months, but he’s enjoyed it.

“I’ve really enjoyed the role, and as a thirdgeneration local that spent my life here, there’s no greater honour than being the representative in the Federal Parliament of my family’s community, so I take that responsibility very seriously,” he said.

“It’s been rewarding to be able to advocate and represent the community and provide grants to community organisations. Talking to people about the money I’ve been able to provide and the difference it makes to the community has been a real highlight.”

Anyone who wishes to attend the forum can register their attendance here: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1074604.

MrVioli encourages anyone who cannot attend but wishes to share their thoughts to contact him at www.aaronvioli.com.au/contact/. Wandin North was chose for the forum as it is the geographical centre of the Casey electorate, but further forums are anticipated.

New

red bin lids for rubbish bins.

Between 3 July and 11 August 2023, we will replace your dark green rubbish bin lid with a red bin lid to align with Victorian State Government policy and help our community better distinguish between each type of bin.

Please leave your rubbish bin out from 6am -6pm on your normal collection day until your bin lid is changed to red.

Thank you for your support.

Yarra Ranges Council.

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Fines coming for people who failed to vote last year

Infringement notices will be sent this week to over 220,000 Victorians who either didn’t respond to theVictorian Electoral Commission’s (VEC’s) request for an explanation or didn’t have a valid reason for failing to vote in the 2022 State election.

Close to 300,000 Victorians were sent an ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’ by the VEC in April. Of those, almost 70,000 have been excused for valid reasons.

People who did not respond to the ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’, or who did not provide a valid and sufficient excuse, will be issued an infringement of $92.

Almost 95% of the infringement notice recipients had not responded to the ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’, which gave them an opportunity to explain why they appeared not to have voted.

People who receive an infringement notice must respond within 35 days – by either paying the fine, requesting an internal review, or electing to go to court.

Acting Electoral Commissioner Dana Fleming is urging people who receive an infringement notice to take it seriously.

‘The most important thing is that you respond to the notice before the deadline – otherwise you could be issued a penalty reminder notice, which carries the original penalty plus an additional administration fee,’ Ms Fleming said.

The VEC encourages non-voters who are unsure what to do, or require assistance throughout any stage of the infringements process, to call 1300 551 575 or visit vec.vic. gov.au/voting/fines-and-reviews

Voting in State elections is compulsory inVictoria, and to make sure no-one misses a future election, the VEC encourages all enrolled voters to sign up forVoterAlert, our free SMS and email reminder service.

The service alerted 2.4 millionVictorians about key election dates in last year’s State election. To sign up visit vec.vic.gov.au/ voteraler

Picture: UNSPLASH

Casey MP Aaron Violi is inviting his constituents to share their thoughts at a cost of living forum next month. 331688

Picture: ON FILE

Social housing aid

By Mikayla van Loon

Community Housing Ltd (CHL) has been announced as one of the funding recipients to build supported housing in suburbs like Mooroolbark and Croydon.

Under the $85 million HomesVictoria Mental Health Supported Housing Round, CHL will help to deliver long-term housing for people living with a mental illness.

CHL Victoria State Manager Grant McNeill said it is a great opportunity to provide for an underrepresented cohort of people who are in need of housing.

“This is what we are set up for as a not-forprofit housing company and as a housing provider inVictoria, to provide housing for people on low incomes that are in need,” he said.

“These projects are particularly special, we think, because it’s a partnership project with Mind Australia and Homes Victoria but they’re also targeted at people with mental health issues, which has been a needs group that has been neglected for a very long time.”

The social housing project will see three purpose built houses established in both Mooroolbark and Croydon, catering to single residents.

Working with Mind Australia, Mr McNeill said once the dwellings have been constructed, people will be chosen to fill the available vacancies.

As part of the development of the project,

Mr McNeill said it is a requirement to consult people with a lived mental health experience to design the homes.

“We’ve had some feedback from clients about what they required in the properties and the primary things people were asking for was privacy, security and a secure outdoor space, just so that they can lead a full life,” he said.

“People have fairly modest requests, they just want a good quality, affordable house when it comes down to it.”

An essential part of the location of these houses was making sure they were accessible to local shops and public transportation but also where there was a need for social housing.

“Mind Australia, part of their work is knowing where there is client demand. So we’re building in areas where we know there is housing need and we also like to build in areas that are close to services so that people can connect with the community.”

Tailored support from Mind Australia will be provided to each individual, whether that be education, training or assistance with managing their illness.

Proud of the partnership that has developed between the State government and Mind Australia, with CHL delivering the building project, Mr McNeill said it is an example of three different levels of community expertise coming together for one outcome.

This housing fund came as a direct response to Recommendation 25 of the Royal

Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, something Mr McNeill said he strongly supports.

“This is a good model for housing, for providing quality housing and support together, which we think is essential to sustain the tenancies,” he said.

The Mooroolbark and Croydon projects are just six among 13 for CHL, with the rest in places like Moe, Morwell and Frankston and are just part of a further 200 across the state.

Mr McNeill expects they will get underway by the end of the year and be completed within 12 to 18 months.

Despite this funding stream and another one that has just been announced in the mental health sector, Mr McNeill said there is a much greater need for social and affordable housing.

“There is a pretty high need and we have over 60,000 people on the social housing waiting list in Victoria,” he said.

“What we’d really like to see is a longer term program where we have sustained growth over a number of years…that’s probably our end goal is just to have an ongoing program of growth for social and affordable housing.

“We shouldn’t have to wait for a Royal Commission, we shouldn’t have to wait for a global financial crisis.We should just be building more social and affordable housing every year.”

Increased police patrols

Mooroolbark, Lilydale and Chirnside Park residents can expect to see an increased police presence at major hubs the next two weeks.

Operation Invest launched on the weekend of 24 and 25 June and will run for a fortnight with the aim of reducing anti-social behaviour, assaults and thefts.

Targeting main congregating points like Lilydale Marketplace, Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, train stations and bus bays, extra police patrols will be put in place.

“With a focus on crime prevention and community safety, additional police patrols from Lilydale and Mooroolbark will be deployed in conjunction with police foot patrols throughout these community hubs,“ a Yarra Ranges Eyewatch post said.

“We look forward to engaging with our local shop keepers and community members during this Operation.“

Stolen car torched

Police have charged a man after he allegedly rammed a police car before setting a stolen car on fire in Cockatoo on Wednesday 21 June.

Boronia man Michael De Angelis, 25, has been hit with more than 35 charges, including two counts of aggravated offences, recklessly exposing a police officer to risk by driving, and dangerous driving while being pursued by police.

De Angelis has also been charged with criminal damage by fire and attempted burglary.

The charges follow an incident just after 12.30pm when police spotted the allegedly stolen car on Manchester Road in Mooroolbark.

During the incident the driver allegedly rammed a police vehicle before he sped off travelling through several suburbs to Cockatoo where he dumped the car and allegedly set it alight.

He was arrested by police nearby.

The charges also relate to several reported thefts over the past month, other incidents of driving off from police and the theft of a motor vehicle from Hampton.

He has been remanded in custody and appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 22 June.

Missing person, Lachlan

Concerns for a missing man have been raised after he was last seen in Lilydale earlier this month.

Lachlan, 27, from Narre Warren was last seen on 8 June raising alarm with his family.

Police have concerns for his welfare because of the length of time he has been missing and a medical condition.

Anyone with information on his current whereabouts is urged to contact Lilydale Police Station on 9739 2300

Lachlan was last seen in Lilydale on 8 June.

Picture: YARRA RANGES EYEWATCH

New supported housing developments will begin in Mooroolbark and Croydon after CHL was successful in receiving funding.

Picture: ON FILE

Quail farm bid overturned

By Mikayla Van Loon

A permit approval for the expansion of a quail farm in Mount Evelyn has been overturned at VCAT after residents objected to the development.

Presiding VCAT members Michael Deidun and Colin McIntosh found the permit application for 13 Victoria Street inappropriate given the green wedge zone and rural residential categorisations of the land, as well as the off-site impacts.

“This is essentially a rural residential lifestyle location, with the odd agricultural production occurring here and there,” they said.

“The review site with a viable farming business is the exception.”

The original permit approval was granted by Yarra Ranges Council in January 2022, with the VCAT hearing taking place from 22 to 25 May this year. The final decision to refuse this permit was handed down on 16 June.

Neighbouring property owners Michael Remilton and Patrick Bates led the case to appeal the Yarra Ranges Council planning decision.

Use of the land for the ‘growing and processing of game birds’ was first issued in April 1981, with further additions approved up until 2003 when an open machinery shed, extension to the quail shed and three feed silos were granted a permit.

In 1987 the land was also subdivided into three parts, which now makes up the properties of 13, 15 and 17 Victoria Street.

The 1981 permit came with a condition that it would not affect “the amenity of the locality” either through the “processes carried on, materials, goods and machinery used or stored” or from the “emission of noise, vibration, small, fumes, smoke, vapours, steam, soot, ash, dust, waste products, grit or oil”.

“The ability for the existing quail farm to continue to achieve this condition limiting

amenity impacts has been severely compromised by changes to the review site that have occurred since the grant of the 1981 planning permit,” Mr Deiden and Mr McIntosh said in the report.

Currently housing between 23,000 and 35,000 birds, with 12,000 to 15,000 layers housed, along with 15,000 to 25,000 grower birds, the extension and refurbishment of the existing shed would aim to triple that to house 120,000 quail birds.

Based on the quantity of birds intended

The grid of the future

That’s why we are introducing new legislation to establish the Victorian Transmission Investment Framework Community and stakeholder feedback has informed this important work.

A quail farm in Mount Evelyn will not be able to expand after VCAT overturned a planning permit decision. 343018 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS to be housed, Mr Deiden and Mr McIntosh sought to investigate the appropriate separation of the production sheds to other existing properties.

“[Using the S Factor method] a quail farm with a chicken equivalency of around 17,912 layer birds would require a separation distance of 185 metres.

“This separation distance is to be measured from the location of the extraction fans, which we understand is to be at the eastern end of the existing and proposed sheds.

“This location is setback approximately 79 metres from the Remilton dwelling, and approximately 104 metres from the Bates dwelling for the existing shed and approximately 85 metres from the Remilton dwelling, and approximately 114 metres from the Bates dwelling for the proposed shed.”

Mr Deiden and Mr McIntosh also assessed the definition of the green wedge zoning, which under the Yarra Ranges Planning scheme states, “In a Rural Conservation Zone, Green Wedge A Zone or Green Wedge Zone land must not be used for intensive animal production, pig farm, poultry farm or poultry hatchery”.

“The proposal that is before us therefore creates an interesting planning dilemma. On the one hand, the land use is already established, and no further planning permit is required for the use of the land,” they said.

“On the other hand, the proposal that is now before us seeks permission for a significant expansion of an existing use, in a manner and a context where a range of significant offsite amenity impacts are possible.”

The GreenWedge A Zone, within the framework of the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme, is

usually applied to rural residential areas.

Despite the GreenWedge A Zone being able to provide “use of land for agriculture”, it must also “protect the amenity of existing rural living areas”.

“The proposal that is before us fails to provide anywhere near an appropriate range of setbacks to nearby dwellings. That is true of its current operations, and also of the proposed expansion that is before us,” Mr Deiden and Mr McIntosh said.

Given the exposure to an increased amount of excreting animals, evidence was provided “that a distinct smell was detected on one day up to 60 metres away from the quail shed”.

“We do not consider that a poultry farm that cannot effectively manage its off site impacts is a sustainable form of farming,” Mr Deiden and Mr McIntosh said in the report.

Although being the only quail farm in Victoria, with the current owners taking over the farm in 1998, Mr Deiden and Mr McIntosh said there was no submitted evidence of future benefit, making the growth and necessity of the expansion somewhat of an “assumption”.

“We were provided with no information about the economic outcomes that might underpin this expansion.

“That is, we were provided with no information as to whether the proposed expansion would result in an increase in employment opportunities, any benefits to the surrounding rural economy, nor whether the expansion is necessary for the viability of the business that has already been operating on the review site for around 40 years.”

Citing these reasons as the basis of their decision, Mr Deiden and Mr McIntosh did not grant a permit approval.

The quail farm has been zoned within a Green Wedge A Zone, mostly applied to rural residential areas.

Picture: GOOGLE MAPS

The mostly rural residential area was not deemed suitable for the expansion. 343018

Tackling bullying with tech

By Shiloh Thurrowgood

Mount Lilydale Mercy College (MLMC) has introduced a new ID card system to help to prevent antisocial behaviour, bullying, vandalism and vaping in toilet facilities.

After trialling extra yard duties, the school rolled out the student ID system to each student to use to enter the bathroom and other school facilities, with teachers also using the same ID card system.

Students can access the bathroom by tapping the doorknob with the card, which also doubles as a library card and an access card to printers and photocopiers.

MLMC deputy principal of pastoral care John Rodgers said the change seemed to improve student safety since being introduced during term two.

“We had situations where students were avoiding going to the bathroom all day because older students were in the toilets designated to them.

“Students feel more comfortable using the bathroom knowing it’s only their year level using it, ” he said.

“There’s a safety issue involved in it. We are limiting the number of facilities they can use so that they are year level-specific and that helps kids not get bullied.”

According to a survey by the Anti-Bully Crusaders, more than 60 per cent of students have experienced bullying at least once in their schooling career and more than five per cent of Australian students drop out of school due to bullying.

Students will still be able to use the bathroom if they lose or misplace their card, with spare cards able to be borrowed from their year level coordinator and accessible bathrooms in the first aid room and coordinator’s offices.

“But a really big safety issue for us is if we had an at-risk student not show up to class we can quickly scan to see if the card has been used to access the door. This will allow us to find a student much quicker if needed,” Mr Rodgers said.

“In some instances there was some vandalism that was taking place during class time. The touch on lock system allows us to see who was using the toilet at the time vandalism occurred to help us narrow down our investigations.”

MLMC has also introduced vape sensors in the school bathrooms which detect particles in the air, which can cost up to $2000 per unit.

“[It] allowed us to build a stronger case that they were in there [vaping] or either in the presence of a vaper, willingly,” Mr Rodgers said

“It doesn’t stop vaping, it stops the location of vaping but what it has done is made it a safer place for those non-vapers going in the bathrooms.

“We acknowledge some students have an addiction and the College reaches out to those students and their families with support to break that addiction.”

More than 30 per cent of 14 to 17 year olds are frequent vapers, according to the first national research project, GenerationVape, which questioned a group of 700 young people.

“Hopefully the ID cards and vape detectors will stop three kids going in and two trying it for the first time because they know there’s a chance of them getting busted,” Mr Rodgers said

He called on the Victorian Government to put more funding into education on vaping in the school curriculum, with current education and webinars on vaping coming out of the pockets of schools themselves.

On 2 May the Australian Health Minister Mark Butler announced that new legislation would be used to stop the importation of nonprescription vapes, including introducing restrictions on flavours and colours.

The Victorian Government has already made it illegal for any person aged 18 or over to obtain, possess or use nicotine e-cigarettes

without a prescription.

“You see on the news, videos of kids being hospitalised because of vaping. Vaping is something we don’t know enough about,” Mr Rodgers said.

Mr Rodgers said he uses the theory of Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York, called the broken windows theory - every problem that goes unattended in the environment affects the community’s attitudes and leads to more problems.

“Because his thought was if you leave a broken window, it’ll encourage other people. But if you’ve got excellence around you then that improves the standard of people,” he said.

“Do I recommend this card for other other schools? If it helps resolve some of the issues we were having. It absolutely helped us.”

VicHealth, the Victorian’s Government health promotion foundation, is calling on the government to take action on vaping following claims of students being hospitalised.

A Department of Education spokesperson said the health and safety of students was their highest priority.

“The Department supports schools to provide students with drug education delivered as part of the Victorian Curriculum and through a range of resources and guidance.,” they said.

“The Department continues to work in partnership with organisations such as Quit and Cancer Council Victoria to develop and share guidance and support for schools and families related to e-cigarettes.”

The ID card system in place at MLMC.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Use your voice for change

By Mikayla van Loon

As hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers wait aimlessly in Australia’s visa system this Refugee Week, a local advocacy group came together to highlight the need for change.

Casey Grandmothers for Refugees gathered earlier this week in Kilsyth to both celebrate and commemorate World Refugee Day on Tuesday 20 June.

In an effort to acknowledge the continued suppression and plight of refugees, as well as discuss the current situation, the group invited Sister Brigid Arthur from the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) to speak about her work housing and supporting displaced persons.

“It’s really important that the community becomes aware of what is actually happening to asylum seekers, in particular in Australia today,” Sister Brigid said.

“What I’m passionate about is how asylum seekers have been vilified and treated inhumanely at an official level by successive governments and hopefully that’s changing and hopefully we can enshrine some of those changes in new laws so it doesn’t happen again.”

Casey Grandmother’s coordinator Prue Licht said despite the new Labor government making some great headway when it comes to visa changes, there’s a long way to go.

“[The government is] in the process of changing the visa status for a very large group of people but there’s still a lot of people left behind, whose visa status is still uncertain, and they still have no certainty,” she said.

“There are still people in [Papua New Guinea], some who have been there for nine or ten years, there are not many but there are still some people in PNG.”

Despite talk of all remaining asylum seekers on Nauru being resettled by the end of June, Prue said there is still a backlog of people the government hasn’t yet assisted.

“There’s a legacy caseload, they are the people who came between 2012 in July 2013. Kevin Rudd on July the 19th 2013 said ‘nobody who comes by boat would ever be able to settle in Australia’, and that still holds today,” she said.

On behalf of the Home Affairs Minister, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt told Guardian Australia in May that Labor “would’ve preferred that the legacy caseload have been dealt with well before now, but it wasn’t”.

At a cost to the Australian taxpayer of $350 million per year, the detention facility on Nauru will be kept open as a deterrent but with the expectation that no one will be sent there.

“If there’s a place where that policy can be re-started, it will be sometime in the future.We will have a change of government or we will have a change of people arriving and that will happen again,” Sister Brigid said.

Prue said around 450 people are currently held in community detention centres in Australia, with hundreds of people arriving by air regularly in search of safety.

Working as a small team of volunteers, BASP are currently helping to accommodate 300 people either through houses they rent or through individuals paying someone else’s rent.

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Sister Brigid said the rest of their work is dedicated to supporting these individuals and families with food, legal assistance, English teaching, job applications and financial support.

“The government doesn’t give any actual income to people seeking asylum,” she said.

“If they can work, then it’s good to help them get a job but if they can’t work for all sorts of reasons, then they need not only a roof over their head, they need some minimal, at least, money to survive on.”

With the cost of living rising, Sister Brigid said at the moment the situation was “pretty dire” as people try to make ends meet on very little.

Moving forward, Sister Brigid said employment has to be made a focus for BASP and its volunteers because it is one of the most freeing aspects of living independently.

“The biggest need I think in our program,

besides what we’re doing, is the need to intensify the employment stream.

“We do a bit, we try to do as much as we can, but we need more people working on employment, because it’s all very well to say there are a lot of jobs out there, but they’re not automatically available to our folks.”

While World Refugee Day is often a celebration of the strength and resilience of refugees and asylum seekers, it is also an opportunity to engage in conversation and build advocacy networks.

Sister Brigid said by speaking at events like the one hosted by Casey Grandmothers broadens the scope of what groups of people can do when working together.

Her message to others is “use your voice”, something that was echoed by Prue, particularly when it comes to advocating for change in parliament.

“If you really do feel passionate, use your

voice and in particular, visit local MPs and tell them that you just want to see change and you want change to things like permanently shut down detention centres,” Sister Brigid said.

“The more people who ring their MP, who write to the immigration minister, to the home affairs minister, write to these people and tell them how you feel whether and you believe that people who are there should be allowed to stay,” Prue said.

An appropriate income support stream and the public perception of asylum seekers and refugees are two other things Sister Brigid would like to see fought for.

“We [need to] counter [vilification] by being humane and we don’t speak in a way that makes people think they have to fear people who are coming here from war torn countries or places where they are persecuted, they’ve been through enough.”

Casey Grandmothers for Refugees gathered on Tuesday 20 June for World Refugee Day. Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Members of Casey Grandmothers wore their purple and listened intently to how they could advocate further.

Sister Brigid Arthur spoke about the current situation in Australia and what needs to be done.

Yarra Yering Shiraz is tops

By Shiloh Thurrowgood

Yarra Valley’s very own Yarra Yering winery has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Trophy for Champion Wine Show for their 2021 Underhill Shiraz at the National Wine Show.

The National Wine Show is one of Australia’s premier wine shows and the Prime Minister’s Trophy is the highest honour awarded to any wine in the country.

YarraYering’s general manager Sarah Crowe is a renowned wine maker in the country who has won many prestigious awards such as winemaker of the year in 2017, adding best wine to the list for the second time since 2018.

“It’s a wonderful recognition for everyone who works here and for all the hard work that’s gone into making wine” Ms Crowe said The weather conditions in 2021 were cooler which allowed the grapes to ripen slower, producing a “beautiful accumulation of flavour,” according to Ms Crowe.

“The 2021 vintage is a really beautiful vintage and those wines are just very complete and have this wonderful balance, but generosity to them.” Ms Crowe said

“The season was very favourable for those wines… that block gives us beautiful fruit quality and chemistry, so the sugar levels and the acid levels in that wine off that block are very well balanced.”

Ms Crowe didn’t always want to be a winemaker, often calling herself “an accidental wine maker”.

While having a background in horticulture and a degree in viticulture, it was a trip to the other side of the world that sparked Ms Crowe’s interest in creating her own grape haven.

“I saw my first vineyard when I travelled overseas and I was thinking ‘maybe I can work in a vineyard when I get home,’” she said.

Ms Crowe’s philosophy in winemaking is that wine needs to reflect the environment

it’s grown in.

“We want it to represent the year but also represent our site and what we can achieve here based on the microclimate on that block,” she said.

Minister for Agriculture Murray Waltt con-

gratulated the winery on this achievement.

“I congratulate Sarah Crowe and the Yarra Yering team on their wonderful success and all the wine makers in the National Wine Show— to make it into the national show is a great achievement in itself,” Mr Waltt said.

Ms Crowe believes having this award opens the doors to having conversations with Mr Waltt.

“In the future [we need] some assistance because there was quite a bit of damage that happened across the region in the last 12 months due to flooding, and also in export markets how trade relations are going with other countries.”

The Australian wine industry generates $45 billion to the economy each year, providing jobs for Australians in wine production and tourism regions.

“The Albanese Government is supporting Australian wine by expanding and diversifying trade markets,” Mr Waltt said.

“The Australia-UK FTA entered into force on 31 May, removing all tariffs on Australian wine and under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, Australia now has greater access to the Indian market of 1.4 billion people—in one of the world’s fastest growing major economies.”

A number of other awards given to Australian winners were presented at the show. One of the most notable awards went to James Halliday, one of Australia’s leading wine experts was given recognition for his contribution to the wine industry.

Fireupyourwinterwith

Fireside celebrates all the great things about winter in the Yarra Valley: moody skies, cosy fires, crisp nights, smoky feasts and beautiful wines.

Sarah Crowe won best wine for shiraz at the National Wine Show. 342948

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

The Yarra Yering vineyard is over 30 hectares ins size.

From despair to repaired

By Shiloh Thurrowgood

The Chirnside Park Community Hub is offering a crafty new opportunity for residents with the opening of their Repair Cafe.

The project aims to bring community members together to socialise and give items a second life.

Project coordinator for the Repair Cafe

Rowan Barr said she felt that the Chirnside community needed a repair cafe because everyone has household items that can be easily repaired with a bit of knowledge.

“A repair cafe is a place where people can bring broken items to be repaired by volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to fix them,” she said.

“It aims to reduce waste and give items a new life, while also building community connections.”

A repair cafe has recently been successfully running in Ringwood. Due to technology, everyday domestic skills such as sewing and appliance repair skills have declined in the past decade.

Ms Barr said the repair cafe is a very friendly and supportive place with a relaxed atmosphere and very supportive.

“We don’t turn people away and often an item might have two or three repairs actually looking at it at the same time to see and putting their minds together,” she said.

“It’s putting the power back in people’s hands so that’s a great gift to give people so I think it’s done wonders for all the people involved in the repair cafe.”

In 2020-21 Australia generated 75.8 mega tonnes of waste, roughly equivalent to 471 Sydney Opera Houses.

“The majority of people in the repair cafe, the repairers and the helpers are retirees as well. So they have the time and they’re looking for something purposeful to do,” Ms Barr said

“It gives volunteers the opportunity to transfer the skills they’ve gathered in their career, or in their daily life at home being a good DIY and bring them to the repair cafe and they get a lot of respect from people and apprecia-

tion when they fix an item.”

The repair cafe will be open from 10am to 12pm on 2 July, 6 August, 10 September, 8 October and 12 November this year.

Ms Barr said she hopes this program will not only repair items but teach the community how to repair items.

“The repair cafe aims to reduce overconsumption and transitioning to a circular economy will require a combination of government policies, business initiatives, and changes in consumer behavior,” she said.

“Education and information sharing through community groups like repair cafes can help raise awareness of sustainability.”

A circular economy is an economic system based on reducing and reusing and regenera-

tion of products and materials, whereas a linear economy extracts resources and doesn’t use them to their full potential before they are thrown away.

Repair cafes help keep items in use for longer, reducing the need for new production, helping our wallets and reducing the amount of waste going into landfill.

Ms Barr has called on the Victorian Government to put more policies in place that encourage businesses to set up recycling programs for end-of-life products, establish education programs to inform the public about more sustainable places to recycle items and provide more funding for not-for-profits and charities working on waste reduction and circular economy initiatives

Chirnside Park Community Hub Manager Janelle Strachan said if people are wanting to volunteer, it can give them a sense of purpose.

“It’s good for their well being as well, when they come into the repair cafe, they’re part of something special and something that they can then help other people,” she said.

“You can walk away thinking Hey, I’ve made somebody’s life a bit easier or be happier.”

The repair cafe is always looking for volunteers, anyone interested can contact Rowan Barrs at 0440 828 800, message the ‘Chirnside Park Repair Cafe’ Facebook page or email repaircafemelbornne@hotmail.com.

Donations to the Chirnside Repair Cafe can be made at zero.org.au or by contacting the Chirnside Park Community Hub.

Belgrave Lantern Festival lights up the longest night

By Tanya Faulkner

Keen lantern enthusiasts from across south east Victoria flocked to Belgrave for the famous Lantern Festival and parade over the weekend.

Every nook and cranny of Belgrave’s main street was alive with creativity and connectivity, and packed with locals and visitors alike, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the variety of lanterns on offer for the evening.

Large crowds of people of all ages were treated to bright works of art, with a replica Tardis, Australian native wildlife, and childhood movie characters brought to life in the form of vibrant lanterns marching down the street.

Leading this years’ parade was Belgrave’s own CFA crew with their new celebratory torch Lantern, in celebration of 100 years supporting the community.

In a post on Instagram, CFA member Renate Crow said it took over three workshops, working with the youth team to build the lantern.

Among the parade were other local community groups and schools, including Raqs Sharqi/Oriental Style Dancer Janelle and her troupe, fire dancers and bagpipes, and community members of all ages with their hand-made creations.

Alongside the famous lantern parade, those who ventured out in the cold were also treated to live music from several local artists from around The Hills, the Artisan Night Markets with a wide selection of treats and treasures to warm up the festivities, and a sneak peek at the brand new Graff Street in Blacksmith Way.

The annual Belgrave Lantern Festival is held to celebrate the longest night of the year, and an opportunity to experience and re-experience Belgrave anew.

Belgrave CFA leading the parade in celebration of their centenary.

Pictures: SUPPLIED Lanterns on show were a treat for bystanders.

Dr. Who wasn’t the only famous TV show brought to life.

Locals filled the streets of Belgrave for this years’ Lantern Festival.

Rowan Barr is excited about the Chirnside park repair cafe. 343016

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Roger improved Mt Evelyn

By Anthony Mcaleer

Roger was born in 1945 and grew up in BentleighWest. A good sportsman, he played football for East Brighton and in late 1965 was chosen to train with St Kilda. Things were looking very good for him to join the team in 1966 but suddenly his birthday marble was pulled out of the conscription lottery and as a result he was taken out of the football arena and sent off to serve with the army at Puckpunyal. He was pretty disappointed with that as that year St Kilda won the grand final – their last flag.

At the age of 20, he undertook basic training at Puckpunyal and was then appointed to Artillery and was eventually attached to 106th Field Battery, 4th Field Regiment and trained as a Forward Observer. In April 1967 he received word his unit was going toVietnam and the following month he joined the Battery at Nui Dat.

Roger’s role in Vietnam was as a Forward Observer, which meant that most of his time he was out on patrol with infantry units, mainly men from 7RAR. One of his classic stories from this time came from when he served with a New Zealand Rifle Company.

In Roger’s words -“This one time we were to go out in the jungle with New Zealanders and a large proportion of those men were Maoris. When I went over to them before the operation with one of my Sigs, this Maori Captain, he came and asked me if I was the Artillery support and I said ‘yes I was’. He said ‘well we are very pleased to have you with us - you’re European, you’re a foot taller than us and you’ve got red hair – they’ll shoot you first!’ I told him what I thought of that”.

Most of Roger’s time in Vietnam he was in the thick of it and it wasn’t only the enemy he had to contend with, the jungle had its own unique issues to deal with as well.

On one occasion he was bitten by a snake, on his rear end, a story that has delighted a generation of Mount Evelyn Primary School students who he regularly told the story to, and on another occasion he contracted malaria, so severely that he spent eight days in intensive care at the Vung Tau Hospital and was lucky to survive.

Roger returned to Australia in March 1968.

By his own admission he found it hard to re-adjust back to civilian life. As Roger said – “I think we were all mentally disturbed by it, nothing surer. In fact, it took me a whole year at least to even start and become normal again. A lot of my mates were feeling the same, we were all going through the same thing, weren’t coping”.

Soon after returning to Australia he met the love of his life, Julie, they married, moved to Birmingham Road, Mount Evelyn and raised two children, Stuart and Alice.

He involved himself in his community, played football for Mount Evelyn, was involved with the tennis club and joined the RSL, although he didn’t become active until he retired. He had a beach house at Venus Bay where he also became involved with the local Surf Life Saving Club.

As a career he worked for the Board ofWorks and then as industrial officer for the AWU and then the CPSU. What he learned here while fighting for the rights and benefits of workers he later used in good cause also in fighting for the rights and benefits of local ex-service people and their dependents.

He and Julie often enjoyed travelling together including on one occasion back toVietnam, although he found this experience disappointing.

Then in early 2011, Laurie Hollier invited Roger and Anthony McAleer around to his house to discuss the issues facing the Mt Evelyn RSL club, which was then in a slump.

Laurie produced a bottle of scotch and before the end of the night it was decided Roger would be president and Anthony secretary.

This marked a new era of much needed rejuvenation for the Mt Evelyn RSL sub-branch.

From the start Roger set out to make the club a part of the community and get the community involved with the club. He was also dedicated to improving the wellbeing of the club members and their dependents.

One of the first things he targeted was the Thursday social afternoon, actively seeking out retired members and getting them to get out of their homes to come along to experience an enjoyable time mixing with others. As attendances grew, he gave many older members a better quality of life and assisted many with their welfare needs. He served as the club’s welfare officer for 12 years.

He also set up strong ties and community partnerships with so many groups in Mt Evelyn and restored its hall and its facilities, making it a community asset that was used by many local community groups including a local youth theatre group.

In a very short time – membership of the club increased, poppy and Anzac token sales increased, attendance at the services grew and the club forged a strong reputation in the community.

During his time as president, he was committed to preserving and highlighting our Anzac heritage.

He oversaw the complete makeover of the local war memorial park to make it more accessible for the growing crowds at services and as a reflective space for the community to enjoy. He installed the howitzer, the lighting, the honour roll plaque and the 18 individual WWI plaques there as well.

He coordinated the committee for Anzac Day and Remembrance Day events that increased attendances during his time from 150 to 3000 at the Anzac Dawn service. He organised for local school children to write to one of the members serving in Afghanistan and made a group of teenagers from the Youth Shed custodians of the war memorial, which inspired them to paint an Anzac mural on their building.

He regularly gave talks to local groups about his military service and the stories he told the young folk from Birmingham Primary School on their visit each year were legendary.

During his time as president he focussed all his energies into turning the Mt Evelyn RSL Sub-branch into a force for making a better community at Mt Evelyn and for improving the wellbeing of the club members.

Roger appeared on the front pages of the local newspaper so often he was known around the place as ‘Front Page Roger’. One local wag said the only reason the local papers had him in it was so that their readers would know the paper was about Mt Evelyn.

He was also known as the ‘Award winning Roger Boness’ and rightly so, for all he achieved.

Including:

· Mayoral Lifetime Achievement Award – Shire of Yarra Ranges – 2015

· Volunteer Award – Electorate of Casey – 2014

· Victorian Senior Citizen (Veteran) of theYear – 2017

· Howitzer named ‘Boness Gun’ and plaque unveiled in his honour – 2022

· RSL Life Member – 2019

· RSL Meritorious Service Medal – 2022

Although his last few years were a struggle for Roger as he fought the illnesses associated with cancer and the passing of his beloved wife Julie, he continued to spend time with good mates, ex-army comrades and his family, especially his grandson Riley who was a great joy in his life.

Although this community owes a great debt to Roger, he leaves it a better place and with a long list of achievements to his name.

Gordon Chapman AM remembered for his contributions

By Callum Ludwig

A long-standing community member and advocate for our strong local horticulture industry has been farewelled.

Gordon Chapman AM died at age 91 on 7 June this year and has been remembered for his contribution to the community and fruitgrowing associations.

Gordon’s brother-in-law Graeme Sebire said his sister Linda and Gordon were married in 1954 and built their house on Parker Road in Silvan.

“They lived there up until the start of 2022 when they moved into care in Lilydale. Gordon farmed with his father, who was a bigthinking farmer, a person who could think outside the little squares that people were thinking in 60 years ago,” he said.

“They grew a lot of berries in the early days and he was the chairman of the Silvan Fruit Processors back in the day and put a

lot of time into the Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead.”

The family farm, Chappie’s U-Pick, the concept of which Gordon was credited with bringing to Australia after a visit to the USA in the 1970s, closed for farmgate sales and U-

Pick in September 2022 but is still farmed by his sons Mark, Stephen and Darren. He also leaves behind a daughter, Susan.

Casey MP Aaron Violi mentioned Gordon’s death in Federal Parliament and said he was a trailblazer in his time.

“He leaves a legacy in the Yarra Valley, as a well-respected, hard-working, giving and valued member of our community, particularly in the communities of Wandin and Silvan,” he said.

“I was very fortunate to catch up with him at the 30th birthday anniversary for Mont De Lancey Historic just three or four weeks ago and he was in fine spirits, cracking jokes, having a laugh, owning a room as only Gordon Chapman could.”

Gordon was a long-time president of the Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead and was an integral cog in the opening of the museum and bringing together the tradespeople who did restoration works.

As well as his years of service in various fruit-growing and community-oriented organisations, Gordon was a firefighter with the Silvan Rural Fire Brigade, serving as Captain from 1959 to 1971 and receiving an honorary life membership.

For all of his substantial contributions, Gordon Chapman AM received the Order of Australia for contribution to community and horticulture in June 1993, as well as a Centenary Medal in 2001.

Above all, Mr Sebire said Gordon was a good, trustworthy bloke.

“He was a real down-to-earth man, no rubbish with him, solid in his thinking and solid in his actions, whatever he belonged to, he was a major contributor,” he said.

“I don’t think there’s probably been anyone else as involved in the community and local horticulture industry as much as he was, he was a tower of strength in the horticultural industry and the community.”

Mr Boness was a friend to everyone.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Betty Crittenden and Roger Boness were proud to see a long time vision of bench seats installed at the Mt Evelyn War Memorial. 291708

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

In August 2021, Mr Boness was presented with a plaque to name the M2A2 Howitzer cannon the ‘Boness Gun’. Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Gordon Chapman AM on the Chappies farm. Picture: SUPPLIED

Pianos rise as phoenixes

By Callum Ludwig

Pianos are renowned for their intricacy and grand appearance, often made with over 12,000 parts, thousands of them moving just to make music.

A creative Olinda resident has found an impressive and similarly majestic way to repurpose and salvage pianos that are out of use, including one that he recently picked up after it was spotted off the Warburton Trail.

David Cox makes decorative ‘phoenixes’ from pulled-apart pianos and said he’s been a collector of junk for as long as he could remember.

“As a kid, I used to collect junk and make stuff out of it, I’ve grown up making all sorts of bits and pieces but it was probably two years ago, I got my hands on a set of piano keys and

wasn’t sure what to do with them,” he said.

“A friend of mine is an acapella singer for a group called Suade and was building a recording studio and wanted a bit of a decorative sound baffle and hit me up, so I took the piano keys and thought I’d glue them together as a wall feature but wanted to make something interesting from them.”

The recently discarded piano became a bit famous on Facebook after residents noticed it on the Warburton Trail and wondered where it came from and where Mr Cox expressed an interest in it. Mt Dandenong band Open Kamodo came out to clear the air, informing everyone they had been using it for a music video but couldn’t transport it back off the trail after they finished in the dark, returning to pick it up in daylight instead. Mr Cox got in touch and popped over to dismantle the piano

on Wednesday 21 June.

Mr Cox said the first incarnate of the ‘phoenix’ seemed completely preposterous.

“I’ve since made about 40 of them for different people and the designs seem to be getting more and more elaborate,” he said.

“I’m not militant in promoting that every single piano part should be recycled because it’s just not possible, but it’s nice for something to be treated in the way that it should be for something that’s 100 years old and would have entertained for many years.”

While he has had suggestions from some to see what could possibly be made from the neck of a cello or thought about if he could repurpose drums, his instrument of choice, Mr Cox has kept to pianos and organs so far, finding them to be like a ‘goodie box’ to open up.

Mr Cox said he likes that he can help people

hold on to memories associated with a piano.

“When I pull apart the piano I like to get to know the person and who it belonged to, for example, if it was Nonna’s piano that has been sitting around, I want to make it an ode to Nonna and the memories of her playing it,” he said.

“A lot of people wanted a piano in their house in the late 1800s and early 1900s so we have a massive quantity of pianos in Melbourne, it’s definitely the place to be if you’re wanting to experiment with pulling one apart and doing something magical with it.”

Mr Cox generally works with people who come to him wanting to repurpose their personal pianos but on occasion will frequent a business in Braeside called Pianos Recycled that similarly salvage unusable pianos and have an abundance of parts if someone requests a phoenix but has no piano.

Tudor Club to release new offering, Ten Feet

By Callum Ludwig

Ten Feet is their first offering of a fivetrack EP set to be released later this year.

Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Rory Say said it was just him and drummer and backing vocalist James Dryden in the recording studio for this song.

“With the new band set up with new members, the dates we had blocked for recording fell in a transition period, but it’s an old song of ours we started playing at our live sets about two years ago,” he said.

“We’ve been deep in a rehearsal period with our new members, getting them settled in and acclimatised to all the old material and the new material as well, and only just started playing shows with them two or three weeks ago.”

Only a few months ago, Tudor Club held a big send-off set at Sooki Lounge in Belgrave for original band members Flynn Trewavis and Alex Theodoropoulos, with Oscar Thompson and Tyler Turfboer joining recently.

Mr Dryden said Ten Feet has more of a pop influence than some of their other songs.

“It definitely has more of a singer-songwriter vibe compared to our last stuff, but I think that’s the direction that we’re trying to take it now and I’m really excited for it,” he said.

“The send-off was probably the biggest crowd that we’ve pulled at a show so far, they brought all their friends and family and stuff and we couldn’t have asked for a better final gig for those two.”

Tudor Club currently has four songs available to stream on Spotify: Debut single

Embers which has racked up over 15,000 streams as well as On Your Way, Reclamation and Breathe, with 520 monthly listeners regularly listening to the band on the platform.

Both Mr Say and Mr Dryden and over the moon with where the band is at right now.

“With our live gigs, we’ve been levelling up as time goes on and it’s like a natural progression with any live band that continues to play, the headliners just keep getting bigger and bigger, not at a crazy rate, but at a steady, consistent rate,” said Mr Say.

“We’re so happy with this new material and t taking all new steps as well, we’ve got a music video underway, we feel like we were learning everything last year and now we’ve done it, so we’re just going to try and do it a bit better this time.”

Tudor Club’s next gig is at Sooki Lounge on Friday 30 June as a support act for Willowbank Grove.

L-R: James Dryden, Tyler Turfboer, Rory Say and Oscar Thompson of the new-look Tudor Club. Picture: SUPPLIED

David Cox with one of his impressive ‘phoenixes’.

Picture: SUPPLIED Open Kamodo’s piano right before David Cox stripped it down.

David and daughter Ava working on a phoenix together.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Daughter inspires author

By Mikayla van Loon

For first time children’s book author Peter Hodkinson, writing something that would cater to his daughter’s age group became the catalyst for his now published chapter book.

The Mooroolbark resident and english teacher was inspired when his eldest daughter Tilly was looking for something to read and so the pair set out to develop Inside the Notebook.

“We were trying to find books for [Tilly]. She passed a lot of the kid books but she wasn’t really ready to be reading Harry Potter and what have you,” he said.

The 92-page book was born out of a desire to give children aged between eight and 12 years old reading material dedicated to their interests.

Exploring the story of 10-year-old Abbey who is rather shy at school, Peter said it was very much an embodiment of both himself as a child but also many of the children he has taught.

“I’ve also seen as a teacher the kids that wander the school by themselves, the ones that are very quiet in class and I think about them a lot in terms of how do you overcome that,” he said.

After being gifted a notebook, Abbey begins to draw an alternate reality and eventually ends up in this different universe.

“Through the book, [Abbey] learns she has a voice, which I want the kids to see, but also when you have a voice, when you can talk, there’s responsibility with that,” Peter said.

“So we have to be aware that what we say has power but everybody has the right to be heard and she just learns to be brave and to be honest.”

Having had a dream in primary school to one day write a book, Peter said it somewhat fell by the wayside during high school and as he got older but a children’s book felt more within his grasp.

“This seemed like a good chance to maybe try something that was a little shorter with the idea that yes, I can actually finish it.

“Having a reason and having an idea and doing it and then being able to show my daughters has been a really proud moment and that’s sort of a motivator too.”

Seeing the finished product has inspired the potential for writing more, with hopes of creating a sequel or series should ‘Inside the Notebook’ be well received.

With a chance to launch his book on Thursday 29 June at the Mooroolbark Library, Peter said it will be great to have that face to face

Thriller-comedy play Switzerland in Lilydale

By Mikayla Van Loon

With the darkness and coldness of winter, it seems only fitting that the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company would bring to the stage something just as frosty.

Opening on Thursday 29 June and running until Saturday 15 July, is the Joanna Murray-Smith thriller, come comedy, Switzerland.

Director Helen Ellis said while initially she wanted to produce The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, instead it was suggested to show the life of the woman herself who was truly one of a kind.

“She was a pretty famous novelist and quite possibly one of the most difficult and unusual and controversial and creepy women. She was notorious for being confrontational and challenging,” Ellis said.

While the play is, of course, fictional, it depicts certain true elements of Highsmith’s life, like her move to Switzerland.

The play follows two people, Highsmith and a young man who comes to coerce her into writing one more Mr Ripley novel before she dies.

“She’s really terrible to deal with. In fact, she’s scared people away before. She collects knives, guns, and snails. But at the same time, in her era, she was possibly one of the few female novelists.

“So the story is this cat and mouse story. It is about her intimidating him. It is a thriller to a degree but it’s got a fair bit of humor in it.”

With Angela Glennie and Travis Handcock cast as the duo to portray this dynamic, complex and interesting depiction of a renowned

author, Ellis said they have done a brilliant job in bringing the characters to life.

“[They] have worked really, really hard, because they are really complex characters and there’s a huge amount of dialogue. It’s very witty and clever.

“They’ve managed to create an amazing chemistry as well. There’s moments in there where you really, really like them and then there’s other times where you go ‘I don’t like this’.”

For Ellis, who has mostly leaned towards romantic comedies and other lighthearted pieces, she has found an enjoyment out of directing something within the thriller genre but more so because of the talented writing of Murray-Smith.

“The way she’s written it, it’s pretty incredible. There’s a lot in there and I always like plays where I can find some humor in it regardless of how dark it is and this has a fair bit of humor to it but it’s just clever wordsmithing,” she said.

“Then trying to capture all that darkness as well from the suspenseful moments is pretty exciting.”

When selecting a play to direct, Ellis said she looks for the most well written script because that is the basis of a good production.

“For me, any play you should be able to do with just the actors, if the story is good enough, you should just be able to do it with the actors on stage and nothing around them.

“What I enjoy the most is the story and the acting and the telling of the story. So everything else serves the play.”

To book tickets for Switzerland, go to lilydaleatc.com/season-2023

interaction with people.

“I was a musician and an actor before I was a teacher and all of that art is done face to face, you see the people that you’re entertaining or showing your artwork to.

“The book exists now, doing its own thing and it’s exciting but the book launch will be nice to be able to see people and get a feel for what people think.”

As someone who waited to pursue their dream, Peter said taking a leap of faith is sometimes the best way to start.

“What I really think is important in terms of

creating art is to back yourself, you’ve got to be brave.

“Know that the first thing you make won’t be the best thing. The first draft is not a good draft, it is just the skeleton and then having that done is where you start to start to make it into something you can be proud of.”

Published by Shawline Publishing House in May, ‘Inside the Notebook’ is available for purchase through their website.

The book launch will get underway at 2pm on 29 June. To book a spot, go to www.events. yourlibrary.com.au/event?id=44434

Travis Handcock and Angela Glennie have been cast to bring Switzerland to life.

Picture: LILYDALE ATHENAEUM THEATRE COMPANY

Mooroolbark resident and English teacher Peter Hodkinson has released his first children’s book, launching on 29 June. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Inside the Notebook was written to cater to the eight to 12 year old age group.

Learning to listen first

Celeste joined her local Toastmasters Club to improve her interview skills and to feel more empowered when meeting prospective employers.

“I wasn’t excelling like I wanted to,” she said,“and I had aspirations to be a leader in my field of education. I asked myself what I could do better”.

At Celeste’s first club meeting, she was impressed by the variety of backgrounds, ages and professions of the members, and the wonderful respect and camaraderie in the group.

There was a nurse, a bookkeeper and another member who had changed her career from teaching to tour guiding.

“I still feel the same positive vibe and welcoming atmosphere every time I walk through the door,” Celeste said.

Celeste was surprised to be asked for her feedback at the end of that first meeting.

“There was no pressure to comment, but they genuinely were interested in my opinion as a first-timer.”

Also, at every meeting, slips of paper are available to write an encouraging comment to another person about a noticed improvement. Celeste enjoys both receiving and writing these notes, and she has kept most that have been given to her. Celeste appreciates how much she has learnt about people from the speeches that members prepare and share with the group as part of the formal Pathways education program.

Celeste recalls a speech titled The Gramophone Record where the LP record was used as a metaphor for life, eg. staying ‘in the groove’. A specific opportunity to develop leadership skills was offered to Celeste when the Club celebrated its 100th meeting. Celeste was part of a team that developed a creative plan to involve everyone in the party while social distancing during Covid.

“Becoming a more active listener has been

OPINION

one of the most important skills I have developed in Toastmasters”, Celeste said.

“I am quite an extrovert, and I’ve recognised that stopping to really listen to another person helps me understand what they have

Voice to Parliament is a chance for practical change

By Senator Linda White

Later this year, every Australian will vote in a referendum that has the power to bring our country together and to make meaningful change in the lives of First Nations Australians.

If successful, the referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament will do two things.

First, it will recognise, in the Constitution, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians as the first peoples of Australia.

For the first time, the Constitution – our nation’s birth certificate – will recognise the fact that for thousands of years and long before colonisation, the land, seas and sky of this great continent were cared for and inhabited by some of the world’s most ancient cultures.

Secondly, the Voice to Parliament will enshrine genuine consultation with First Nations people about government policies that affect them.

This consultation is essential.

For years, politicians have made decisions for Indigenous people rather than with them.

The result has been decades of little to no improvement in the fundamental life outcomes of First Nations Australians.

Indigenous Australians are dying nearly ten years younger than non-Indigenous Australians.

The rates of chronic disease in First Nations communities are still too high.

Employment outcomes for young Indigenous Australians are not on track.

Housing in Indigenous communities is overcrowded and in short supply.

Suicide rates among First Nations people are getting worse.

The gap is not closing.

Progress has been too slow.

We need practical action to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.

And practical action is what the Voice will deliver.

By consulting with communities and people on the ground, through listening to the experiences of Indigenous people, the government can make policy that will actually change lives for the better, and reflect the lived experience of First Nations people.

I believe fairness is an innate part of the Australian character.

And I believe giving the most disadvantaged people in our society a voice to help make their lives better is only fair.

That is why I am campaigning for ‘Yes’ in the referendum this year, and why I hope you will too.

Getting a successful result won’t be easy.

It will depend on every Australian talking to their friends and family about why it’s time to recognise Indigenous Australians in our Constitution and time to start listening to their voices.

It will be these conversations which decide the referendum. So, let’s talk.

to share and to take a suggestion on board in my own life.

“Toastmasters definitely helped my interview skills as I was able to secure a new job soon after I joined, because I was applying

what I was learning and practising.”

For anyone considering joining Toastmasters, Celeste’s message is clear. “You will be welcomed and accepted, and your achievements will be recognised and celebrated.”

Senator Linda White in parliament. Picture: SUPPLIED

Celeste joined Toastmasters to better her interview skills.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Leptospirosis alert

Have you heard of leptospirosis?

There has been some concern online regarding this bacterial disease, in dogs in our community.

While not common in the area, understanding this serious illness is crucial for protecting our furry mates.

Here, we’ll cover key points about leptospirosis, including transmission, symptoms, treatment, vaccination, and the importance of preventative measures.

Leptospirosis thrives in warm, damp environments, often after flooding.

Dogstypicallycontractthebacteriathrough contact with infected rats’ urine, which contaminates soil and stagnant water. The bacteria enter the body through the mouth or skin wounds.

Symptoms of leptospirosis may appear around a week after infection, including fever, lethargy, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, bruising, liver disease, and difficulty breathing.

Action high

aid Animal

Mark Menze Animal Aid CEO

If you suspect your pet is unwell, consult a vet for timely diagnosis and testing.

While some cases have mild symptoms, leptospirosis can be fatal. Treatment involves antibiotics and may require additional care.

Vaccination is available for certain strains of Leptospira, although it’s not part of routine vaccinations in Melbourne.

If your pet is at risk due to exposure to contaminated water, infected animal urine, or wildlife like rats, discuss vaccination with your

CARTOON

vet.Though it doesn’t guarantee complete protection, it can reduce symptom severity.

Leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning it can spread from dogs to humans.

Practising good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, is important to minimise the risk of transmission. Consult your doctor if you’re concerned about exposure.

Animal Aid’sVeterinary clinic is ready to assist with any health concerns you may have. Their dedicated team can address questions about leptospirosis or your pet’s wellbeing. Contact them for professional advice and guidance.

While leptospirosis is not common in Melbourne and surrounds, being informed and taking preventative measures is vital.

Avoid contaminated water, minimise contact with infected animal urine, and consider vaccination if necessary. Trust Animal Aid’s Veterinary clinic to support you in prioritising your pets’ health and wellbeing.

A story of hardship and hope PASSION FOR PROSE

A review of The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams

Writing the second book is hard, especially when your first book is an international bestseller. The expectation for another triumph, from your supporters and particularly from yourself, can be crushing.

But Pip Williams did it, convincingly and with so much grace and compassion. The Bookbinder of Jericho is the companion novel toWilliams’ debut The Dictionary of Lost Words, praised as an “imaginative, delightful, charming and clever book” by Simon Winchester, author of The Professor and the Mad Man (1998)..

Extraction 2

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Golshifteh

Farahani and Adam Bessa

Rated MA15+ 4.25/5

The sequel to 2020’s Extraction, Extraction 2 is a filling action banquet and a compelling expansion of the first film’s foundations.

Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth), an elite Black Ops mercenary, is dispatched to Georgia to rescue a mother and her children from the father’s brutal gang.

The Extraction and John Wick series are both a resounding testament to the quality of action movies directed by stuntmen (Sam Hargrave and Chad Stahelski, respectively).

JohnWick is more stylised and Extraction more gritty, but both series show an outstanding understanding of timing, geography, fatigue, exciting but efficient choreography and rising tension.

John Wick: Chapter Four from earlier this year has a phenomenal overhead action sequence, but Extraction 2’s first act features a gobsmacking one-shot gauntlet, running approximately 23 minutes, with hand-to-hand combat, gunplay and even a gnarly helicopter shootout on a train. This sequence has a 1917 or Birdman-level finesse in how it seamlessly stitches together hundreds of takes into the illusion of a single take, and I will be very disappointed if Extraction 2 is ignored for Editing at the Oscars. Hemsworth is a dependable gruff action lead, but is given more depth this time. Golshifteh Farahani, as Tyler’s mercenary partner Nik, has a far more proactive role in the action than in the first film, and Adam Bessa is amusing as fellow partner Yaz, a wisecracker with a heart of gold. Extraction 2 has engaging threads of vengeance, family loyalty, regret and innocence, but these themes never overshadow the action.

While the first Extraction is mostly set in Bangladesh, Extraction 2 jumps between several countries, full of varied locations and inventive set-pieces, but never returns to the staggering intensity and technique of the aforementioned one-shot. An enthralling action extravaganza, Extraction 2 is available for streaming on Netflix.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

From stage to circus arena

1812 Theatre

Lord of the Flies

At the dawn of the next World War, a plane crashes down on an charted island, stranding a group of schoolboys. At first, with no adult su pervision, freedom is something to celebrate so far from civilization the boys can do anything they want. Anything. They attempt to forge their own society, failing, however, in the face of terror, sin and evil. And as order collapses, as strange howls echo in the night, as terror begins its reign, the hope of adventure seems as far from reality as the hope of being rescued.

· Season: June 27 – July 6

· Bookings 9758 3964

· Produced by Centrestage Youth Theatre.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre

Switzerland

Somewhere in the Swiss Alps. A grande dame of bestselling crime literature lives with an impressive collection of books, and a somewhat collection of guns and knives. She finds solace in her seclusion, her carts and cigarettes. But when a mysterious international visitor barges into her home unannounced, will her love of fictional murders become a dangerous reality.

· Season: June 29 – July 15.

· Bookings: 9735 1777

· Office hours: Monday, Tuesday and Friday

Burrinja and Rucci’s Circus presents Burrinja Circus Festival

Aerial – Kinds, 5 to 13 years

Perfect for students wanting to get up in the

Kemp’s curtain call

air! Build your strength and learn basic shapes and climbs in the tissue and trapeze. Suitable for all abilities.

· Wednesday 28 June at 1.30pm.

Circus Mix – Kids 5 to 13 years

Try a little bit of everything in Circus Mix. These classes are the perfect place to explore general circus skills like juggling, tumbling, hula hoops, trapeze, tightwire and more.

· Wednesday 28 June at 11.15am

Tumbling

Kids 5 – 13 years

For the budding this class will cover rolls, jumps, flips and saults using the floor and minim tramp. Suitable for all abilities.

Globe and Tightrope

7 – 16 years

Covering all things balance, you’ll be standing tall on the tightrope and walking the globe in no time. Plus learn complimentary balancing tricks on roller boards and balance boards.

· Thursday 29 June at 12.30pm.

All the above at Burrinja Theatre.

Setbetween1914and1918,TheBookbinder of Jericho tells the story of Peggy and Maude, twin sisters who work in the bindery at Oxford University Press. Peggy is intelligent and ambitious, dreaming of making a difference with her own words, yet she often feels duty-bound to watch over her vulnerable sister.

The story picks up the threads of The Dictionary of Lost Words with Peggy playing an important role in the production of Women’s Words, composed by Esme Nicoll and lovingly printed by her sweetheart Gareth Owens. Also reappearing is Esme’s friend Tilda, the talented actress and fierce supporter of the women’s suffragette movement.

However, the dominant and omnipresent character in the story is the war. It sends Tilda to the frontline, and turns the world upside down. It brings Lotte and Bastiaan to Jericho, two refugees from Germany’s invasion of Belgium in 1914. It sends fathers, sons and husbands to the bloody battles and leaves women behind to live in grief, fear and despair.

At times, various details of the war are almost too bleak to bear. Further contributing to the misery is the influenza pandemic, which kills mercilessly and relentlessly. The vivid first-person narrative provided by Peggy draws readers deep into that morbid world. Thankfully, her capacity to see the possibility of a different future gives us hope.

Throughout the story,Williams subtly explores the myriad ways in which words can impact on individuals, communities and even nations. Not just when words and their definitions are preserved or discarded, but how they are deliberately used to expose or disguise, uplift or repress. Peggy, for example, is an expert of hiding her true thoughts and emotions.

Which is the reason why Maude and Lotte are two extraordinary characters, as their actions speak louder than their words. In Maude’s case, her sister articulates well:

“She understood, I think, that most of what people said was meaningless. That peoplespoketofillthesilenceorpassthe time; that, despite our mastery of words and our ability to put them together in infinitely varied ways, most of us struggled to say what we really meant.”

Meanwhile, we as readers may find it fascinating to imagine the life of a book before it is put in our hands. To this reviewer, even more delightful is Peggy’s discovery that what impresses one reader is never the same as what impresses all others. “Each book, once read, will have told a slightly different story.” What does The Bookbinder of Jericho mean to you?

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar 3 Meadowgate Drive

CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway

CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar 158 Nangathan Way

CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar 11 The Mall

KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Churinga SC, Russo Place

KILSYTH Kilsyth News & Lotto 520 - 528 Mt Dandenong Road

KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette87 Colchester Road

KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Canterbury Road Kilsyth

KILSYTH TSG Tobacco Churinga Shopping Centre Mt Dandenong Road

LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC 33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC 51-59 Anderson Street

LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Castella Street & Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre 7 Hardy Street

LILYDALE Eastern Laundries. 2/4 Williams Street East

LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre 1 Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station 473 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale 346 Main Street

LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths 31 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway

LILYDALE Shell Service Station 469 Maroondah Highway

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

LILYDALE Coles Express 469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe 251 Main Street

LILYDALE Round Bird Can’t Fly 170 Main Street

LILYDALE The Lilydale General 110 Beresford Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery 96 Main Street

LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe 178 Main Street

LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe 222 Main Street

LILYDALE Gracious Grace Castella Street

LILYDALE Melba Coffee House 33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies 7/75 Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE The Mustard Tree Cafe 3/28 John Street

LILYDALE Freda’s Cafe 2 Clarke Street

LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate 164 Main Street

LILYDALE Stockdale & Leggo Real Estate 281 Main Street

LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate 111-113 Main Street

LILYDALE Grubs Up 1 Industrial Park Drive

LILYDALE Olinda Creek Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street

MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket 916 Mt Dandenong Road

MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road

MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street

MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent

MOUNT EVELYN Red Robin Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent

MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road

MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale 138 York Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket 15 Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar 38 Bellara Dive

MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart 108 Hayrick Lane

MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark 103 Cardigan Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Express 2 Cambridge Road

MOOROOLBARK Mooroolbark Coin Laundrette28 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real Estate Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK L J Hooker Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

Winter fun

There is plenty on offer to keep kids busy over the upcoming holidays with Yarra Ranges Council’s Winter School Holiday Guide.

A particular highlight is the special performance of Emma Donovan’s acclaimed ABC Kids album Follow the Sun. This live performance, where children are encouraged to sing along, is held at The Memo, Healesville and will feature original songs penned by Donovan, alongside much-loved classic children’s tunes such as, I Can Sing a Rainbow, and Once I Caught a Fish Alive sung in Noongar and Gumbaynggirr languages.

Live performances of the much-loved picture book, Mr Huff will also take place at Montrose Town Centre.

This award-winning performance explores feelings of being fed up, overwhelmed, angry and anxious and discusses coping strategies such as bouncing back and the benefits of having other interests and hobbies.

Eastern Regional Libraries once again has a range of programs on offer, from craft activities to live performances, and even an opportunity to create your own superhero.

As part of the Be a Superhero event, held at local libraries, you’ll be able to create and don a cape and mask, test your skills on the superhero training course and find out your special superhero power.

If you want to make the most of the fresh winter days, join the Gumboot Walk at Birdsland and Healesville. Kids aged between two and six can splish, splash, splosh their way through puddles while seeing all the special animals hiding that call the Yarra Ranges home.

Another one not to be missed is the Grand Bingo competition at Olinda and Seville Community Halls.Young and old will delight in this competition where Grandparents, parents, carers and children are invited to a fun-filled Bingo game, with friendly competition as you

play your way to win a prize.

For kids aged eight to 16, a pet portrait collage workshop at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, will see you transform a photograph of your favourite pet into a beautiful work of art complete with a personalised decorative frame.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child said there was plenty on offer for a range of ages and interests these winter holidays.

“We have an extensive program of free and low-cost activities on offer to interest everyone,” Cr Child said.

“I encourage everyone to take the time these school holidays to check out what’s on offer and book beforehand as we know these popular activities often book out very quickly.”

You can find the full Winter School Holiday Guide here: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ Community/Family/School-holiday-activities

Ride Yarra Valley Railway

By Shiloh Thurrowgood

With the winter school holidays upon us it is quite possible families are stumped on activities that work with all age ranges, that’s where Yarra Valley Railway (YVR) comes in.

The not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers offering 1948 heritage train rides every Sunday has expanded the initiative for a two week period.

YVR secretary Rachael Cottle said the group’s school holiday days will run on Sundays and Wednesday between 25 June and 9 July,

“It’s a perfect activity to do over winter because our train is fully enclosed. Our platform is under cover so it’s a great weather activity if it’s raining. It’s about 35 minutes, so it’s a perfect length for people with younger children,” Ms Cottle said.

For the first time, the Railway will be hosting an event for Book Week on 27 August with the aim to encourage children to experience the heritage rail while dressing up as their favourite character.

“We want to see everyone’s wonderful costumes that they’re going to make for book week,” Ms Cottle said.

“We’d like everyone to get dressed up in them, come down to the railway and ride the train in them and we’ll be giving out prizes on every train for our favourite costumes.”

YVR is run by volunteers who are passionate about “keeping history alive,” Ms Cottle said.

“It’s really nice to show how theVictorian railways used to operate and what sort of trains were run,” she said.

TheYarraValley railway line used to start at Lilydale, with trains taking passengers to Healesville via Yarra Glen.

The railway opened on 1 March 1889, with the final passenger train service running in December 1980.

The railway was officially closed to the public on 10 March 1983.

For more information visit theYarraValley Railway website yvr.org.au

Yarra Valley Railway is a heritage rail line. Picture: THOMAS HOBLEY

The Yarra Ranges has an array of activities for children to take part in throughout the winter school holidays. Picture: SUPPLIED

PEACE, PRIVACY AND PERFECT VIEWS

LOCATED in a highly desirable pocket of Emerald, relish in complete luxury and privacy at this spectacular residence.

The elevated setting provides one of Emerald’s best outlooks, enjoy the always changing views of the rolling valleys and treetops across to the Warburton Ranges.

Immediately upon arrival the sophisticated design elements will capture your attention; the grand foyer entry with impressive curved staircase takes you to the second storey living where floor to ceiling double glazed windows flood the home with natural light and on a cold winter morning, capture the views through the dawn light of the breathtaking valley vista in the distance filled with fog and the spectacular Warburton ranges rising above.

Spacious in design entertain your extended family and friends with ease, the open plan kitchen with Caesarstone benchtops, soft-close cabinetry, and bar seating oversees the dining and living space with direct access through bi-fold doors to the sprawling sandstone balcony.

For the growing family a generous second spacious living room with equally as impressive views could be enclosed to create a private sitting room, parents retreat, kids hang out or enjoyed as it is. Also, on the second floor the master suite boasts a private sitting area and luxurious ensuite bathroom complete with spa bath. The remaining bedrooms are located downstairs in the “kids wing”, all are serviced by the family bathroom, bedrooms three and four both have walk in wardrobes. An additional powder room downstairs is a welcomed addition.

Also under roofline the double garage features a powder room, workshop space

HOME ESSENTIALS

and internal access. Special additions include gas ducted heating, evaporative cooling, timber flooring and a bright neutral colour scheme throughout.

Outside the features continue, the 2,682m2 allotment boasts terraced and

landscaped gardens that are filled mature plantings and established shade trees that burst with colour in the Autumn months. Secure off-street parking and bitumen driveway are both added bonuses. Located only a short driving to the

bustling Emerald township, quality cafes, restaurants, Primary and Secondary schools, public transport and parkland are all at your fingertips.

This property should be at the top of your list, inspection is an absolute must. ●

EXQUISITE DUAL HOME PROPERTY

DISCOVER a unique opportunity to own a truly exceptional property at 53 Don Road, Healesville. This remarkable property boasts not one, but two homes on a single parcel of land, approx. 1172sqm in size, offering endless possibilities for living, hosting, or investing. Let us take you on a tour of this extraordinary property:

Main House:

A two-story, three-bedroom home that exudes grace and style as you enter beyond the picket fence and make your way down the brick pathways lined with roses.

· Recently renovated kitchen to compliment and enhance the open plan design.

· Three spacious living areas providing ample space for relaxation and entertainment.

· Immerse yourself in charm and character with high ceilings, dado wall panelling, and bay windows.

Enjoy the cosy ambiance of the gas log fire and mantle in the formal lounge room along with gas ducted heating throughout the house.

Luxuriate in the claw foot bath, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

· Stay comfortable year-round with gas ducted heating and a reverse cycle split system.

· A spacious family home that offers plenty of

room to grow and create lasting memories. A double garage approx. 7m X 6m

Second Home: Secret Cottage

Introducing Secret Cottage, a beautifully renovated home with its own separate entrance.

Ideal for those seeking a bed and breakfast opportunity (STCA).

· Experience the cosy atmosphere of this one-bedroom haven.

· Well-appointed bathroom, a convenient kitchenette, and an inviting outside seating area.

· Perfect for hosting guests or providing a separate living space for extended family members.

Whether you’re searching for a remarkable family home or considering an investment opportunity, this property offers both. The combination of the main house’s spaciousness and the charming Secret Cottage creates a truly exceptional package. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind property, which has been running individually, until recently, as successful short-term accommodation stays in a prized Healesville location opposite Queens Park and within walking distance to everything that this vibrant town has to offer.

Contact us today to arrange a private viewing and secure your slice of paradise. Opportunities like this are rare, so act fast. ●

MAKING THE CHANGE IS EASY

At Integrity, we provide a high level of service when it comes to Property Management. We understand that taking on the responsibility of managing a rental can be quite demanding and that is where the Integrity team can help. So, if you prefer a local agent managing your property, give us a call.

ENTERTAINER’S DELIGHT

LOCATED in the heart of Emerald this sundrenched property offers something for the whole family and is sure to tick all the boxes.

Sitting proudly on an expansive flat one-acre allotment, this impressive home is spacious in design and offers a familyfriendly floor plan.

Located in the heart of the home, is an expansive open plan living area, boasting an enormous kitchen, complete with Belling oven, dishwasher, excellent cupboard and storage space, and an oversized island bench.

The adjoining dining and living room are equally as spacious, offering opportunities for both intimate and large social events with family and friends. There are four bedrooms in total, the master suite features built-in robes and a huge ensuite bathroom, enjoy the private garden views from your spa bath. The three secondary bedrooms are all an excellent size and are serviced by the family bathroom. The family laundry completes the residence. Special features include ducted heating, split system heating and cooling, internal vacuum system, timber flooring, brand new carpet, and a fresh neutral colour scheme throughout.

Outside is sure to impress and delight, the paved and covered outdoor entertaining area is perfect for year-round enjoyment, direct access to the kitchen via the servery window makes entertaining your friends and family a breeze.

While you kick back and relax, the kids can run and play on the expansive lawned areas and between the variety of fruit trees. Ideal for the lucky teenager, extended family, or guests, there is a great-sized studio complete with kitchenette and bathroom.

For the toys and tools, there is a covered double carport and a secure double garage.

The entire property is securely fenced. If country living with all the urban facilities is what you are looking for then search no further! Inspect with absolute confidence. ●

24ElmCrescent, Emerald

PEACE,PRIVACYANDPERFECTVIEWS

FORSALE.

GUIDE $1,450,000-$1,595,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

FORSALE. GUIDE $1,275,000-$1,395,000 INSPECT ByAppointment CONTACT LanaMaher 0408535075 BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

6OldGembrookRoad, Emerald

ENTERTAINERSDELIGHT

A T 2 B T 4 C T

FORSALE. GUIDE $1,200,000-$1,300,000 INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

Emerald

STYLISHENTERTAINERINAPICTURESQUESETTING

POSITIONPLUSPOTENTIAL

18LeggRoad, Emerald

ALWAYSBUYINAGREATLOCATION!!!

FORSALE.

GUIDE $1,150,000-$1,225,000 INSPECT ByAppointment CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522 4 A T 3 B T 4 C T

FORSALE.

GUIDE $680,000-$748,000 INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781 BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

FORSALE.

GUIDE $775,000-$810,000 INSPECT ByAppointment

8ParadiseGrove, Emerald

CENTRALEMERALDSWEETIEON1009m2

FORSALE.

GUIDE $650,000-$695,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT GayleBarrot 0408195767

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

5WattleCourt, Emerald

Afamilyretreatonalmost1.5acres!

FORSALE.

GUIDE $1,050,000-$1,150,000 INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT LanaMaher 0408535075

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

Lot4,130GembrookTonimbukRGembrook TonimbukRoad, Gembrook

5PICTURESQUEACRESTOMAKEYOUROWN

LAND

FORSALE.

GUIDE $910,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

FOCUS

COSY FAMILY LIVING WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS

DISCOVER the perfect blend of comfort, breathtaking mountain views, and convenient town living for your family.

Welcome to our charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home that offers a cosy retreat amidst nature’s beauty while keeping you close to all the amenities you desire.

Wake up to awe-inspiring vistas of majestic mountains right from your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings and let the scenic beauty inspire you every day. The home offers spacious and functional living areas to enjoy, and, in the kitchen, you can create delicious meals. Ideally located, allowing you to embrace the easy access to the town amenities. Whether it’s shopping, dining at

local restaurants, exploring along the Yarra River everything is just a short distance away.

Unwind on the spacious patio while savouring the fresh mountain air, host memorable barbecues, or watch the kids play in the well-maintained garden. The surrounding area offers a multitude of recreational activities such as hiking, biking and more. Take the first step towards making this dream a reality by contacting us today to schedule a visit.

Experience the joy of cosy family living, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the amenities you love. Your home is waiting for you.

* Inspection by private appointment.●

17NelloDrive,Reefton$580,000-$630,000

Peacefulretreattoenjoythegreatoutdoors!

Setamongstthetreesandonalargeallotmentofapprox.6728sqmyouwillfeellikeyouhavewon thejackpotherewithsomuchspacetoabsorbyourselfin.Thehomehasacosyopenplanliving andoriginalkitchenwithawoodfiretoreallymakeyoufeellikeyou’reinthecountry.4generous bedroomsandsimplebathroommakesthisisidealplacetocallhomeoreventheidealweekender. Outsidethehighlightwouldhavetobetheexpansiveverandathatoverlooksyourland,adelightful spottojustunwindandtakeitallin,numerousshedstoexploreandevenachookshed.Onlyashort driveoutfromthebustlingtownofWarburtonandsurroundedbyfabulousplacestoexplore,Upper YarraDam,Redwoodforestandmultiplewalkingtracks,anadventuroushomeforalltoindulgein andenjoythegreatoutdoors.

MillgroveGem,DelightfulHomeonExpansiveFlatBlockinPrimeLocation! Introducingthiswelllovedfamilyhome,nestledonalevelandexpansiveblock!Theinteriorofthe homecomprisesthreegenerouslyproportionedbedrooms,complementedbyaspaciouskitchen mealsareathatseamlesslyflowsintotheexpansivelounge.Providingyear-roundcomfort,this propertyboastsevaporativecooling,asplitsystemforbothheatingandcooling,andacharming woodheater,perfectforcreatingacozyambiance.Ideallysituatedjustminutesawayfroma primaryschool,kindergarten,sportingfacilities,shops,thepicturesqueYarraRiver,andtheRailTrail, thislocationoffersunparalleledconvenience.Thepropertyisfullyfenced,andfeaturesaconcrete driveway,doublecarport,andasinglegarage,providingampleparkingandsecurity. Don’tmisstheopportunitytomakethisgemyournewhome!

6MathersAvenue,LaunchingPlace$580,000-$635,000

UniqueFamilyLivingWithGorgeousViews

Agorgeoushome,builtfromCanadianHardwoodexudescharm.Oneofthemanyfeaturesofthis impressivehomeistheviewofMtLittleJoefromyourfrontdeck.Themainlivingzoneprovidesa spaciousfamilyandmealsarea,thatopenstoexpansiveundercoverdecks,bothfrontandrearof theproperty.3goodsizedbedroomsonthislevelprovideexcellentstorageandareservicedbythe mainfamilybathroom.Acolorfulkitchenwillinspirethechefinyouandwithplentyofcupboard andbenchspace,youwillbehappytohavemadethemovetothisdelightfulhome.Downstairsthe optionsunfoldwithalargelivingspaceandbedroomoptionwithapowderroomanddirectaccess tothelockupgarage.Beautifulgardenssurroundtheprivateproperty,andthepeacefulsoundsof thenearbyCreekemanate.Comeandenjoythegorgeoussurroundsofthismuchlovedhome.

PerfectOpportunityforFirstHomeBuyersorSavvyInvestors!

Nestledinahighlyconvenientlocation,thischarmingresidencecaterstoallyourneeds.Boasting 3bedroomsand1bathroom,thishomeoffersamplespaceforcomfortableliving.Thekitchen isequippedwithplentyofcupboardstorageandmodernappliances,ensuringitmeetsall yourculinaryrequirements.Staycozyinthecoldermonthswiththegaslogfire,whilethesplit systemensuresoptimalcomfortthroughouttheyear.Thelargefullyfencedblockoffersasecure environmentforchildrenandpetstoplay.Forthoseseekingatranquilescape,afirepitareaat therear,createsacozyambiance.Parkingisabreezewithadoublecarportandanasphalt drive.Thishometrulyhassomethingforeveryone,combiningpracticality,comfort,andcharm. Don’tmissoutonthisexceptionalopportunity!

LeahBannerman M 0448924266

Inspection: Sat12.30-1.00pm

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

CHARACTER AND CONVENIENCE

LOCATED at the Foothills of the stunning Dandenong Ranges, only a short walk to the famous 1000 Steps and the Upper Ferntree Gully train station, this perfectly presented family home has been meticulously cared for and loved since being built by the current owners in 2007.

Extending over 17sq’s, the home boasts 4 spacious bedrooms (or 3 plus large home office) – This includes an oversized master bedroom with ensuite and extended wardrobe space.

Upon arrival, the entry foyer leads you to two separate living zones, one being a spacious, front lounge and the other, a more relaxed, oversized living room with a charming wood fire that flows easily off the large meals area. The timber kitchen has been well designed with a 900ml upright stove, dishwasher plus a great amount of work space.

With character features throughout, the home has a warm and inviting feel with its timber finishes and leadlight features.

Along with this, gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling create instant temperature control no matter what the weather is like outside.

Stretching nearly the length of the home, the rear, undercover decking is simply outstanding. Whether it’s a small or large crowd, entertain in style with all the room you need. This is the perfect indoor / outdoor living that we all enjoy.

Sitting on a flat, useable and well fenced 1297m2 block, there is an abundance of parking that includes a double brick garage with toilet and water access plus a double carport and extra parking bays. This is the ideal property for tradies or those who are looking for a space to park their van, trailer or extra cars!

With a stunning backdrop of the Dandenong Ranges National Park this perfect property offers character, convenience and a great community feel all in one package! ●

Enjoytheprivacyofaquietcourtandtheconvenienceofbeingpositionedcloseto Upwey’svibrantcentralhubofshops,cafesandeateries.Apeacefulambiencefeaturing gardensburstingwithcolourandspectacularviews,this2-bedroomhomeiswaitingforyou tomakeityourown.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

Withallthecharacteryoucouldhopeforandabackdropofbreathtakingviews,this charmingweatherboardcottagewillbringasmiletoyourface.Fromthepicketfence lineddrivetothecoveredverandahentrywithintricatelacework,thisperiodresidence encouragesyoutomakeyourselfathome.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

Withadesirablelocationonly750mfromcafes,shopping,andUpweyStation,this2,015sqm (approx.)propertyhasthepotentialtobeaveryprofitableinvestment.Alreadyadorned witharesidencereadyforrentalorrenovationplusexclusiveNRZ2zoningforsubdivision (STCA),thisisanexceptionalopportunityinanoutstandinglifestylelocation.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

7NettletonRoad,MONBULK $1,150,000-$1,250,000 HANDCRAFTEDHOMEON10SCENICACRES 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

FAMILY HOME WITH GORGEOUS VIEWS

THIS property has it all – 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an open plan kitchen and dining room, a generous lounge and an elevated, north facing deck where you can unwind, and enjoy the sunshine with your favourite beverage and look across to the rolling hills as you listen to the surrounding wildlife.

There is a welcoming under cover front verandah, so you can stay dry when trying to get home, from which you enter into the spacious foyer, the perfect place to drop your bags, kick off your shoes or hang your keys. The home then flows into the open plan dining area, located adjacent to the well-appointed kitchen with stainless steel appliances and plenty of storage. The dining room spills into the generous lounge room with toasty wood fire, a big enough space for entertaining family and friends, which opens onto that deep undercover deck with those lovely views. Upstairs there are 3 sunny, robed bedrooms, (2 of which have lovely distant views), and for the ultimate comfort and convenience there is a reverse cycle split system upstairs, along with evaporative cooling and gas ducted heating throughout. Downstairs is a further big bedroom, perfect as a Master Suite, (or make it a further living area if you prefer), with its own external access to a large under-cover entertaining area leading into the back yard, a 2nd bathroom/ensuite with a walk-in shower and toilet and good under house storage.

Externally this property is privately located off the road, has a fully fenced back yard to keep your fur babies and children safe, established, irrigated gardens complete with fruit trees, a double carport, a further single off street parking space and all just a short walk to town.

Call 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. ●

Perfecthomeforwalktotownconvenienceandlowmaintenanceliving!

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

14aBlackwoodLane,Gembrook$950,000-$1,040,000

Sensationalandprivateapprox.4+acreparcelwithMainswater&Electricity available!

Thisfantasticapprox.1.78hectareparceloflandpresentsanexcitingopportunityforyoutobuild yourdreamhome(STCA).Thefullyclearedblockisprivatelypositionedfromthestreet,offeringlovely viewswhilstbeingonlymomentsfromGembrooksamenities.

Thisoutstandingblockoflandisinwalkingdistancetotheponyclub,Gembrookplaygroundand Gembrookmainstreet!Relaxandunwindwithnatureandthenstrolluptothemainstreetfora coffee!

25CurrawongDrive,Gembrook$845,000-$895,000

MudBrickdelightsoakingin19acresofGembrooknature!

Thispicturesquemudbrickhomefeaturesacathedralceilingloungeroomwithlargewoodfire& masterbedroomintheloft!DownstairsthereisasecondmasterbedroomwithalargeWIR,&office/ secondloungeareawithabathroomwithbath&shower&separatetoilet.Thekitchenhasagas oven&woodfiredstove.Thereisafullyfencedpaddockperfectforapony/goat.Thereisadouble carport&aseparateteenagersretreat/officebuildingwithtoilet,shower,kitchenette,loungearea, laundryarea,bedroom,twostoragerooms&fencedyard.Thereisalsoafreestandingroomperfect asacraftroom/officespace.Featuringa3carlockablebarn/workshopwithpower&concreted floors.Thishomeistotallyoffgrid,witha9kWsolarsystem&batterysetup,supportedbyagenerator. Thereisapproximately55000Loftankwaterstoredinthreelargewatertanks,&asepticsystem.

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

5BelvedereCourt,Gembrook$900,000-$990,000

TheUltimateFamilyHomeintheHeartofGembrook!

Thisstylishcharacterhomefeatures4bedrooms,2largelivingareas&greatoutdoorentertaining spaces.Withhighceilings,qualitylightfittings,&polishedfloorboardsthroughout.TheMaster BedroomhasWIR&ensuitewithdoublevanity.Theformalliving/diningroom,allowsyoutoentertain guestswhilstthekidshangoutintheopenplanfamilyroom/kitchen/mealsspace.Orenjoyacosy nightbythewoodfireinthelivingroom.Thekitchenhaswhitecabinetry,arangehood,stone benchtops,SMEGgascooktop&oven,SSdishwasher,&walkinpantry.Thereisapitchedceiling overthekitchen&themealsarea,creatingabright,airyfeelingofspace.Outside,isareardeckin thefullyfencedrearyard&aswimspa.Withmainsgasductedheating,5kWofsolar,alargeDLUG withworkbencharea&bothrearyardaccess&internalaccess.Thereare2gardensheds.

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No. 75 9 2 3176 4958

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

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26 Visuals (7)

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DOWN

1 Actress, – Sarandon (5)

2 Armed resistance to authority (9)

3 Throw (5)

4 Ostensible reason (7)

easy 38 52 18

DECODER

WORDFIT

92 14 4 836 46

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hard

medium 265 7 61 9 625

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OLIVE OUSTS PERIL RISEN ROACH ROARS SANDY SCENE SCENT SEEPS SERUM SHEEN SHEET SMITH SNOOP STAND STUDY SWEPT SWOOP TESTY TIRES

William Matthews

24 HOUR SERVICE - ALLAREAS 9739 6868

45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au

Funerals

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7 LETTERS BAGGAGE GUESTED MOTTOES NURTURE ORDAINS PRESENT 8 LETTERS GIGANTIC OVERLONG OVERSTEP PATIENCE

W 30-06-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

12567382-JW37-22

No. 139

No. 139

No. 139

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

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

The Re-Roof Man

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

State success for young

By Jamie Strudley

Little Athletics Victoria held the cross country relays at Cruden Farm in Langwarrin on Sunday 25 June.

Conditions were cold but thankfully the rain held off till after the last race.

Yarra Ranges Athletics had six teams compete against the best runners from aroundVictoria.

We had some outstanding performances and it is great to see the development of the young athletes as they improve each week.

Provisional results:

· U9 Girls 4th 3x1km

Milly 4:09, Lilah 4:18, Amelia 4:22

· U14 Boys 5th 3x2km

Finn 7:39, Ryder 7:04, Mitch 7:09

· U14 Girls Bronze 3x2km

Tori 9:14, Brookley 8:43, Zoe 7:42

· U11 Boys 32nd 3x1.5km

Zack 7:02, Jonty 7:38, Micah 9:27

· U11 Girls 13th 3x1.5km

Holly 6:15, Lexi 6:35, Pippa 6:24

· U12 Girls 5th 3x1.5km

Adele 6:02, Lily 6:11, Brienna 6:03.

Special mention to Micah who despite having no other multi-class athletes to form a team with, ran up two age groups to help fill an U11 team with his brother and Zack P.

What a superstar!

Our U14 Girls managed a podium position and the last time a Yarra Ranges team was on the podium at a XC relay event was in 2019 when Tori was an U9 with two different girls!

Kellie Angel was at it again, this time racing in the Lavaredo Ultra Trail 80k in Austria.

A two week rest after the world Mountain Running Championships was enough for Kellie to produce a massive run on the mountain course to claim second place.

Our race walkers were competing in the Victorian 15km road walk championships on Saturday.

Carolyn Rosenbrock continued her great

form finishing second in the Open Women’s race with a time of 1 hour 31.30 minutes.

Emilie Garsire finished fifth in the open Women’s 3km walk with a time of 21.38

There will be no Saturday morning cross country next weekend (July 1).

Cross country resumes on 8 July at Elizabeth Bridge.

Training continues for all club members on Tuesday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm at Victoria Road Primary School gym with the emphasis 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 us out on Facebook.

Run, Jump, Throw…too easy!

Veterans are thriving at Chirnside Park’s new pavilion

Chirnside Park Veterans teams are celebrating the completion of Kimberley Reserve pavilion in what they say will help encourage more girls to play games.

Yarra Ranges Council finished construction on the new sporting facility at Kimberley Reserve in February, with the $4.7 million pavilion replacing the original building with a new, multi-use pavilion for club members, players, and wider community.

The new pavilion features a single-storey sporting pavilion, including a large community room, large meeting room, kitchen and drinks serving areas, four change rooms, unisex umpires’ rooms, storerooms for each sporting club and unisex toilet facilities for visitors.

Chirnside Park Women’s Veterans captain, Gabrielle Dosser said the new space made it more welcoming for new players, regardless of age or gender.

“The girls couldn’t be happier that we now have somewhere to change and our own toilets and showers which is a far cry from the old concrete bunker we used to have,“ Gabrielle said.

“We now have privacy and our own secure space to change, and it elevates not only our club, but for the benefit of the whole community it gives Kimberley reserve a facility that is there and ready to use for women and people of all sexes and ages.”

On Thursday nights after training, the women’s veteran team joins the senior men’s teams for dinner at the pavilion and Dosser emphasised that community sport goes beyond physically activitiy.

“It’s definitely become much more than just a place to go just for football—it’s where we hang out, have a good time, and socialise, and the pavilion has even been opened up on Fridays for people to come, meet and chat. It’s becoming a home for so many people in the sporting community and outside of it,” said Gabrielle.

On 1 July the Chirnside Park Veterans teams will be having a veterans double header with South Belgrave Football Club with the pavilion offering a view over both ovals while teams play at the same time.

“It’s the first time in the history of the Eastern Football Netball League that a women’s

veterans team and men’s veteran’s team from the same club has been able to go head-tohead and this is the first time we’ve had an opportunity to do something like this,” she said.

Chirnside Councillor Richard Higgins said the pavilion would improve comfort for current users, as well as opening the doors to other local community groups who were able to hire out the venue for functions and meetings.

“This spectacular new building is something the Panthers and Chirnside community as a whole can be really proud of.“

“I’m so pleased to see the separate changerooms for male and female as we see more aspiring young and older players showing their passion for sport.”

The pavilion was funded with $1.8 million from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, with council contributing a further $2.8 million.

Lexi representing YRA at State relays. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Lily striding out at Cruden farm.

Jonty racing hard for his U11 team.

The Chirnside Park women’s veterans football team are thriving in their new home at Kimberley Reserve. Pictures: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL

Construction of the new Kimberley Pavilion finished in February.

Barkers go down in derby

By Peter Stephenson

A gloomy Egan Lee boded ill for the Barkers, who were desperate to get back on the winning trail after two defeats sent them nearer to the drop zone than the promotion hunt.

It was derby day as Barkers faced Knox City in round 14 of State 2SE.

Knox were flying and Barkers were missing Paul McEvoy and Steve Nittoli, so it wasn’t only the weather that gave Barkers cause for concern.

Those concerns were justified just four minutes in.

A bright start by Barkers produced no clear chances, then Knox won a corner on the right.

Keeper Mark Naumowicz parried the ball out and Ray Markley pounced from close range to score, but the goal was credited as an own goal.

Then it began to rain heavily, as Knox put Barkers under siege on a slippery pitch that produced some fine unintentional ballet moves.

On 23 minutes, Christian Porcaro sent a ball in from the left that eluded everyone before running to Favor Jentzen, who did Barkers a favour by putting his shot into the stratosphere.

The tackles were now flying in, and three minutes later, a midfield turnover saw Jantzen win the ball and have a shot saved by Naumowicz.

The rebound, however, fell to Markley, who stuck the ball home to make it 2-0 to Knox.

Then the sun came out, but there was no change in the balance of play.

On the half hour, Knox sliced through the Barkers defence and Jentzen’s shot was saved, and ran out to Daniel Aye, who hit the post.

Two minutes later, Naumowicz had to make a double save from Markley and Sean Brimmer. Brimmer then robbed a defender and had a shot blocked.

This was turning into a training exercise for Knox and on 35 minutes they got to practise a free kick. Aye stepped up and hit a ripper into the corner of the net for 3-0.

Then it was almost 4-0 as Sean Perrin headed into his own net, but it was disallowed for a foul.

A horrible half for Barkers ended Knox 3-0 Mooroolbark, and it could have been much worse.

Talk about a game of two halves.

Two minutes into the second half, Barkers’ Eddie Clark won a 50-50 tackle, stumbled and shot.

In a remarkable turnaround, the game was almost entirely played in the Knox half as it was Barkers’ turn to put Knox under siege.

Indeed, the first interesting thing to be seen in Barkers’ half was on 66 minutes, when a lovely double rainbow was sighted.

On 72 minutes, Clark hit a cross-shot which the keeper tipped wide.

Barkers then had five corners in a row, but Knox pulled their entire team back inside the penalty spot, and Barkers couldn’t penetrate the massed blue ranks.

Ten minutes later there were a couple more Barkers corners and we had the ball in the net, but the linesman had somehow spotted an infringement among the almost two dozen players in the Knox penalty area.

Consolation finally arrived – inevitably in the shape of the lethal Marcus Watson.

He robbed a defender and sent the ball soaring into the net with a couple of minutes to go.

Full time: Knox City 3-1 Mooroolbark.

The damage was obviously done in the first half.

In the second half, Barkers absolutely worked their socks off, but were frustrated by a

blanket defence that barely allowed the keeper to be tested.

Instead of looking towards the top of the ladder, Barkers are now looking over their shoulders to see what’s behind them.

Next up is Brandon Park at the Kennel.

Earlier, Barkers’ reserves showed character to come from 0-2 down to draw 2-2, with goals from Jared Mangnall and James Barber.

The Men’s Thirds lost 1-10 to Rowville Eagles, and the Men’s Over 35s lost 1-2 at Chelsea.

Junior winners were Boys’ Under 15 (2-1 v Whitehorse United) and Girls’ Under 15 (2-1 v Rosebud).

Next week, the men host Brandon Park (Esther Park, Saturday 1pm and 3pm) while the women have a week off for catchup round.

See you down the Kennel!

Barkerettes shocked by Mornington to end run of wins

By Peter Stephenson

Top of the table Barkerettes, on a run of seven wins in a row, hosted ninth-placed Mornington in round 10 of Women’s State 3S.

Mornington had beaten only Lilydale, but had a brand new striker in top form.

Ava Suckley is a former Welsh junior international, and had scored six times in four games.

On seven minutes, Suckley shot from distance, forcing Barkers to concede a corner. It was already apparent that the Mornington plan was basically to get the ball to Suckley whenever they could.

From the corner, the ball ran loose to Suckley to the left of goal, and she did well to keep the ball down and steer it accurately into the far corner of the net to give Mornington the lead.

On the quarter hour, a shot from Barker Alizah Jones appeared to strike a visitor’s hand, but play was waved on.

Five minutes later, a Kelly Butera free kick was gathered by keeper Melanie Nicholson at

the second attempt.

On 22 minutes, Mornington attacked in numbers down the left.

The ball was laid back from the byline to Emily Foad, who threaded the ball inside the near post to make it 2-0.

The Barkers must have been shellshocked, but it didn’t show.

The ensuing kick-off was laid back to Butera, who sprayed a long ball out to Lisa Walsh, in space on the left.

She cut inside and neatly dinked the ball over the keeper to pull the score back to 2-1.

The gap between the two goals was 38 seconds.

Barkers now hit their straps and it was Jones who galvanised the team with a couple of daring runs.

First she was through on goal but Nicholson saved.

Then on 28 minutes she had a great run down the right and crossed to Walsh at the near post, who hit a first-time shot wide from close range.

Then Gracie Touliatos found Walsh on

the left wing.

She hit a shot on target but the keeper got a hand to it and steered it wide.

Right on half time, Butera was strong in the tackle and hit a great cross from the right, but the ball didn’t quite fall for Walsh.

Half-time: Mooroolbark 1-2 Mornington.

Two minutes into the second half, a Mornington corner on the left fell loose to Kailyn O’Connor, who guided a shot just beyond the far post.

Barkers replied with a Butera free kick in her own half.

A long ball found Walsh, who hit a first time shot that was touched wide by the keeper.

Then on 58 minutes, a lightning break by Barkers saw another long ball to Walsh.

She brought the ball down beautifully with her first touch, then shot wide.

Barkers kept knocking on the door, and a minute later, Jones hit the post.

Five minutes later, Walsh raided down the left and crossed for Amy D’Ortenzio, who turned and shot at the keeper.

On 68 minutes, Barkers were made to pay for their missed chances.

They lost the ball in their own half, and Mornington found Suckley.

She had three defenders to beat, but waltzed around them and stuck the ball home to make it 3-1.

Butera had a couple of chances late on, but Barkers had too much to do and Mornington were home and dry.

Barkers improved in the second half, but at times were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers pouring forward for Mornington –you wonder where that display has been hiding all season.

Suckley didn’t disappoint, and seemed to drag her teammates up a level – how else do you explain this result?

Next for Barkers is a week off followed by the match of the season – a trip to Gippsland United.

Barkers are now second, a point behind Endeavour and two ahead of Gippsland, who have a game in hand.

Barkers faced Knox City in Round 14.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Knox put Barkers under siege on a slippery pitch.

Ford Mustang CHM402