Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 4th July 2023

Donating care and support

Rotary Club of Lilydale (RCL) members Cheryl Mackay and Barb Lawrence gathered and packed hundreds of gift bags as part of a project to support Maroondah Hospital Mental Health Unit patients.

Packed with items like notebooks, stress balls and self care items, the gift bags hope to provide a bit of comfort to those entering the mental health ward.

RCL has an ongoing partnership with Maroondah Hospital to help provide support where they can.

Barb said with an inpatient intake expected to be 1500 people every year in the mental health unit, she would like to offer as much support as RCL can manage.

Turn to page 8 for more

Nurse unit manager Clare, Rotary Club of Lilydale members Cheryl and Barb and occupational therapist Susan doing a handover of the care packs.

Trees get the axe

By Mikayla van Loon

Yarra Ranges councillors moved in support of four trees being removed in Mount Evelyn despite contradicting views and opposition to the proposal from some councillors.

In November last year, the council heard from Hereford Road resident Vanessa Walton who urged the council to remove eight trees surrounding her property after a number fell

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during the June 2021 storms.

This came after an assessment of 25 trees deemed only seven suitable for removal but councillors voted to approve the removal of a further eight trees.

With four trees residing on private property, a permit application had to be submitted, the other four fall within the 10 metre distance from a dwelling and are exempt from

requiring a permit.

Another assessment of the trees identified that seven of the eight were at a low risk of falling and should not be removed under theYarra Ranges planning scheme guidelines.

MsWalton again spoke at the council meeting on 27 June objecting to the council officers recommendation to retain the eight trees on or around her land.

“With a really full heart, and a very grateful heart, I moved my family back into that house three weeks after that council meeting, after 18 months being without a home and being disconnected from our community,” she said.

“I felt so confident in the council’s democratic process, and trusted that the trees would come down within a matter of months, which was the timeline suggested to me.

Continued page 4

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Illegal wildlife trade focus

By Callum Ludwig

A Yarra Ranges resident is reigniting the focus on the illegal trade of wildlife as protected species continue to make their way into and throughout Australia.

Donalea Patman OAM from Ferny Creek founded the animal welfare organisation For the Love of Wildlife in 2013 and helped advocate for the ban on the importation of lion ‘trophies’ and the domestic trade of elephant ivory and rhino horns.

Ms Patman said the circumstances in Australia look good on paper because we have good laws.

“The unfortunate thing in regards to wildlife crime is it is seen as a boutique crime and only ever gives people a slap on the wrist. In the interim, these guys are making a load of money,” she said.

“We have shows like Border Security, which makes everybody feel that we’re safe and nothing gets through and that’s done a really good job because most people do assume that but even then, the items are just confiscated and the offender can claim plausible deniability.”

A study released in 2015 on the online scientific journal Science Advances found that ‘rhinoceros horn is more valuable by weight than gold, diamonds or cocaine’ according to lead study author and professor of ecology at Oregon State University’s College of Forestry William Ripple.

Ms Patman said we need to educate people that it is a serious crime and one of the most lucrative trades in the world.

“Rhino horn is now worth more than gold, and if you can traffic rhino horn, lion bones, pangolin scales or other body parts, making that amount of money and you know that if you get caught, you’ll get a slap on the wrist, why would you be trafficking cocaine?”

The Convention on International Trade in

Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates the trade of close to 40,000 species and 183 countries, including Australia, have agreed to be bound by its treaty.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Interpol’s ‘The Rise of Environmental Crime – A Growing Threat To Natural Resources, Peace, Development And Security’ report released in 2016 estimated the global illegal wildlife trade to be worth between USD $7 billion and $23 billion per year, the fourth largest illegal trade behind only drugs, counterfeiting and human trafficking.

Dr Lynn Johnson founded the charity Nature Needs More in 2017 as part of her Breaking The Brand project which aimed to educate the primary consumers of rhino horn in Vietnam about why they should reduce their demand for the product. Dr Johnson is using her understanding of trade and politics from years of management consulting to business and government to influence the demand for illegal wildlife trade.

Dr Johnson said implementing electronic permit systems is one of the first things Australia should do.

“Australia, like most CITES-signatory countries, only has a paper permit system. Most countries use a paper-based permit system that is 50 years old to regulate the export imports of endangered species,” she said.

“Paper permit systems can’t be integrated with customs systems so currently there’s very little ability to cross-check and if customs agents stumble onto something that looks a little bit dodgy, they can’t manage it.”

According to the CITES website, Australia is listed as a country that is ‘developing/planning ‘ an electronic CITES permit system as of April this year, with only 15 countries having some form of electronic system.

Dr Johnson said once that’s done, the supply chains can be monitored in real-time.

“There can be trackability and traceability in real time and not the one to two-year delays that we get under the current system where

countries submit their trade permits to CITES once a year,” she said.

“I think in this day and age, it needs to be about the vulgarity of the desire for these rare pieces that cause extinction. It’s all pretty tragic, but it’s really tragic for the wildlife that has to die.”

In 2015, the Australian government introduced legislation to treat the import or export of trade derived from African lions as if they were on Appendix I of CITES, which lists species that are threatened with extinction because of international trade.

A Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water spokesperson said this measure was introduced in response to Australian public concerns about ‘canned hunting’ of African lions.

“Under national environment law, specimens of species listed on the CITES Appendices may not be imported to Australia unless a CITES export permit has been issued by the exporting country, and a CITES import permit has been issued by the department,” they said.

“Detecting, deterring and disrupting wildlife crime is a priority outcome for the department’s Compliance and Enforcement Branch. Domestically, the department works collaboratively with other Australian government agencies, state regulators and law enforcement to ensure all identified criminality is investigated.”

Ms Patman and For the Love of Wildlife also gave evidence in a Parliamentary Inquiry into the domestic trade of elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn conducted by the Joint Committee on Law Enforcement. The report from the inquiry recommended a full domestic trade ban, which was announced by then Environment Minister Sussan Ley and other Australian delegates at a CITES CoP18 in Geneva at the start of 2020.

Facility set for expansion

YarraValleyWater has been awarded $1 million funding through the Victorian Government’s Waste to Energy – Bioenergy Fund. This will help fund a second generator at its food waste to energy facility in Lilydale. The facility, which uses a technology called anaerobic digestion, is expected to be operational in 2024/2025.

The Waste to Energy – Bioenergy Fund is providing $10 million in grants to support the development of innovative bioenergy projects and business models to enable the implementation of best-practice infrastructure that builds capability and capacity in Victoria’s bioenergy sector.

Managing Director Pat McCafferty said investing in technology is vital to help manage an increase in food waste into landfill as Melbourne’s population grows.

“Investing in food waste to energy production is central to our commitment to support Victoria’s transition to a circular economy, reduce waste and minimise our carbon footprint,” he said.

The Fund is delivered by Sustainability Victoria under the Victorian Government’s circular economy policy, RecyclingVictoria: a new economy.

The circular economy policy is part of the Victorian Government’s $515 million investment to deliver the biggest ever transformation of Victoria’s waste and recycling industry.

“Having a second generator will increase the power output of our Lilydale facility, nearly doubling our export to the grid,” Mr McCafferty said.

“Another benefit is that we can continue to operate uninterrupted if one generator has any issues.”

Twenty-four projects have been funded under this program, with total funding awarded to date of up to $8 million.

Once operational, the Lilydale facility will generate over 12,900 megawatt hours of electricity per year – that’s around 35 per cent of Yarra Valley Water’s energy needs or enough to power the equivalent of more

than 2,200 Victorian households.

It will also divert about 55,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial food waste from landfill every year.

In addition to the funding for the Lilydale facility, Yarra Valley Water has been granted an additional $175,000 to enhance the electricity generation infrastructure at its bioenergy facility in Wollert (one of Australia’s largest Food Waste to Energy Facilities).

The food waste to energy projects are a cost effective solution to achieving regulatory greenhouse gas reduction requirements set out by the Victorian Government in Yarra Valley Water’s Statement of Obligations (Emissions Reductions).

The funding for the Lilydale facility will help Yarra Valley Water achieve its target of generating 100 per cent of its own energy needs through renewable energy in 2025.

“This funding will play a vital role in expanding our capabilities, allowing us to divert even more food waste from landfill and generate clean energy to power homes and facilities,” Mr McCafferty said.

“It’s a win-win solution that supports sustainable practices and helps us make a significant impact on waste reduction.”

Yarra Valley Water’s food waste to energy plants have received funding to boost facilities. Picture: YARRA VALLEY WATER

Donalea Patman OAM (centre focus).

Picture: ON FILE

Shaky start to day

By Tanya Faulkner

Several Victorians were rudely awakened in the early hours of Friday morning by one of the biggest earthquakes in recent months.

Thousands of people have reported feeling the early morning earthquake that has struck Rawson on 30 June, approximately 11 kilometres northeast of Woods Point, approximately 126 kilometres east-northeast of Melbourne

Geoscience Australia reports the earthquake struck at 1.32am and they have been notified by more than 10,000 people that they had felt the quake.

According to the ‘Felt it’ scatter map, the tremor was felt widely across central and eastern Victoria including metropolitan Melbourne, Geelong and to the Vic-NSW border.

Many of those who felt the quake took to Facebook in the early hours of the morning to share their experience, with some reports of furniture toppling over, shaking plates, even

beds ‘jumping’ during the earthquake.

This is the second earthquake to hit the region in the last month following a 3.8-magnitude earthquake in Melbourne’s north-west in late May.

More than 22,000 people reported feeling that tremor, which struck just before midday on a Sunday.

The Seismology Research Centre says the latest earthquake is the largest recorded in the state since a major quake in September 2021, occurring at a depth of seven kilometres, according to GeoScience Australia.

A recent tweet on Twitter by the Centre said Woods Point in Victoria’s East continues to have aftershocks to the magnitude 5.9 earthquake that struck in September 2021, stating this mornings’ magnitude 4.5 earthquake is the largest since the sequence began almost two years ago.

Senior seismologist Jonathan Bathgate said this is mostly due to its location, compared to

the other earthquakes that have been experienced in recent months.

“We’re calling this an aftershock of the 2021 earthquake simply because its in the similar location, basically the same spot, to the last one.

“Activity in this area has continued in this area since 2021 and there have been other aftershocks,“ he said.

Mr Bathgate said it is difficult to say if there will be any more aftershocks, and the other ones recorded are just normal seismic activity.

“It’s coincidental that we have had several bigger earthquakes over the last couple of months, but because we’ve only been monitoring and cataloguing earthquakes for last 100 odd years, we now know where the common fault lines are and where to expect this kind of activity,“ he said.

Over 1500 earthquakes have now been recorded in the area since the September 2021 earthquake.

Inflation surprise as rate of growth slows

By Poppy Johnston, AAP

Inflation has come in softer than expected and sunk back to 5.6 per cent in May from 6.8 per cent in April.

Markets were expecting the monthly consumer price index to moderate to 6.1 per cent over the month after a larger-than-anticipated uptick in April.

“This month’s annual increase of 5.6 per cent is the smallest increase since April last year,” Australian Bureau of Statistics head of prices statistics Michelle Marquardt said.

“While prices have kept rising for most goods and services, many increases were smallerthanwehaveseeninrecentmonths.”

Housing, food and beverages and furnishings and household equipment recorded the

largest price rises, with a fall in automotive fuel offsetting these increases.

But Ms Marquardt said the decline in in-

flation was more modest when volatile items were stripped out.

Underlying inflation fell to 6.4 per cent in May, slightly lower than the rise of 6.5 per cent recorded in April.

The official inflation update will be on the Reserve Bank board’s watch list ahead of the July cash rate meeting next week.

Stubbornly high inflation has put pressure on the central bank to keep lifting interest rates to a level that has economists worried about very sickly growth or a possible recession.

The central bank has handed out four percentage points of rate increases since April last year in an attempt to pull inflation back within its two-three per cent target range.

4WDs stolen in Kilsyth, Mooroolbark

Police are investigating after two separate incidents of vehicle thefts occurred in the urban parts of the Yarra Ranges.

In a 24 hour period, two four wheel drives were stolen from properties in Kilsyth and Mooroolbark.

A distinctive 2005 Nissan Patrol with custom signage and the registration 1VW6ET was stolen from Balmoral Street, Kilsyth between 7pm on 26 June and 1pm on 27 June, while a White 2016 Toyota Landcruiser with number plates 1QS3IP was taken from an address in the Cloverlea Estate, Chirnside Park on 27 June at 8.45am.

Now police are seeking any information or sightings of the vehicles to assist in the investigation.

Information regarding the Nissan Patrol should be directed to Mooroolbark Police Station on 9725 9999 by quoting the reference number 230224642. Lilydale Police Station should be contacted on 9739 2300 regarding the Toyota Landcruiser, with the reference number of 230224247.

Road safety cameras

From Saturday 1 July, drivers will now face penalties of four demerit points and a $577 fine when caught using a mobile phone while driving, and three demerit points and a $385 fine for drivers and passengers not wearing a seatbelt.

During April and May this year, the cameras detected 7160 offences, including 3523 drivers and 767 passengers not wearing seatbelts and 2870 drivers using mobile phones.

Police minister Anthony Carbines said they know that driver distraction is a major contributor to serious and fatal collisions.

“The time for complacency is over. These cameras will be deployed all over the state and they will catch those drivers not buckled up or distracted by phones,” he said.

There are currently four camera trailer systems in operation, enforcing more than 8000 hours each month. The cameras can be deployed to up to 200 locations in rural and metropolitan areas. A further two camera trailer systems will be operational in the coming months.

The roll out of the remaining road safety cameras will continue to take a phased approach, with 20 intersection sites to be complete by the end of the year and the entire program to be completed by 2026.

Ringwood collision information

Police are seeking witnesses or dashcam footage from a collision on Maroondah Highway in Ringwood over the weekend.

A white Mitsubishi tray utility was travelling west along the highway at around 12.30pm on Saturday 1 July when it collied with another vehicle at the pedestrian crossing opposite the railway station.

Passengers from the second vehicle were taken to hospital, while the occupants of the Mitsubishi were uninjured.

The 32-year-old Mitsubishi driver returned a positive result for illicit drugs and is assisting police with their enquiries.

Incorrect date

Last week, Star Mail published a tribute on the front page to Roger Boness.

A typo appeared in both the photo caption and brief paragraph stating Mr Boness died on 21 June. This date should have been 22 June.

A magnitude 4.6 Earthquake was felt across Victoria this morning. Pictures: SEISMOLOGY RESEARCH CENTRE A seismic recording of the 4.7-magnitude earthquake on 30 June 2023.

The monthly consumer price index grew 5.6 per cent in the 12 months to May.

Picture: FLAVIO BRANCALEONE/AAP PHOTOS

Six townhouses green-lit

By Mikayla van Loon

Approval to build six townhouses in Mooroolbark has been granted for a second time after a VCAT appeal asked Yarra Ranges Council to reconsider the permit conditions.

The application for 28 Central Avenue Mooroolbark first appeared at a council meeting on 13 October 2020 with an original proposal of seven dwellings to be built on the 1,368 square metre site.

The council instead approved the permit for six dwellings and a variation of an easement but this was taken to VCAT by objectors, led by Gage Rossiter.

As a resident of Central Avenue, Mr Rossiter raised concerns about the setback of the property, asbestos management and building safety, also noted by the 25 objections to the development.

Speaking in objection at the 27 June meeting, Mr Rossiter raised these concerns again and urged the council to take action.

“Number 28 is described by the applicants and by the planning reporter as a weatherboard house,” Mr Rossieter said.

“It’s not a weatherboard house, it is an asbestos house. The external walls are asbestos, the internal walls are asbestos and the roof is asbestos.”

Under the construction management plan, Mr Rossiter said he would like to see a dedicated point to address the management of asbestos.

Within the officer response to objector concerns, it states “Issues relating to the removal of asbestos from sites is covered by legislation outside the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and is not a relevant planning matter. Building Permit will manage safe disposal of asbestos.”

Mr Rossiter said however, the 1987 Act does include the statement, “to secure a pleasant, efficient and safe working, living and recreational environment for allVictorians and visitors to Victoria.”

“The applicants and the planning reporter have stated that safety is a building permit concern not a planning permit concern,” he said.

“I sought some advice from a lawyer with specialist accreditation for the receipt of Victoria and environmental planning law who disagreed.”

Planning and sustainable futures director Kath McClusky said asbestos removal falls

within the Building Act 1993 and therefore, is not required to be noted in the construction management plan.

“The removal [of asbestos at] the demolition of the house will be picked up by the relevant building surveyor when they’re issuing that building permit,” she said.

Given Central Avenue falls into a General Residential Zone and sits within a major activity centre, subdivisions and growth of this kind are recommended under the Yarra Ranges planning scheme.

Somewhat of a precedent along Central Avenue has been set, allowing developments to occur outside of the standard setback.

In this application, a setback of seven metres has been provided but Mr Rossiter said it is a standard practice for nine metres to be allowed.

“It’s a concern of Central Avenue precincts that the setbacks are getting smaller and smaller,” Mr Rossiter said.

“This is also about the amenity of the neighbourhoods, which is a pleasant place to live and walk and see and it seems that with the reduced setbacks, it becomes almost like a slight canyon, like the walls are coming in towards us.”

Ms McClusky responded to these concerns and said there is room within the planning scheme to amend the standard setback criteria.

“There is provision within the scheme to vary that and the officers have come to their considered opinion by looking at the different setbacks that are located within that area and they’ve arrived on the fact that they believe the proposed setback is appropriate,” she said.

Moving to approve the permit application, Councillor Sophie Todorov said the development fits the council’s vision of providing a range of housing options within close proximity to public transport and other amenities.

“We’re looking at housing strategy and how

we can provide more and more housing, particularly during this time of potential crisis and having a shortage as well,” she said.

“So I feel that this planning application certainly addresses that vision that we have.”

Cr Todorov said the new permit addresses concerns raised during the VCAT process, now providing better garden areas and canopy trees, as well as revised traffic flow and management within the site.

Based on the increased traffic and parking, Cr Len Cox could not support the motion to approve the development.

Despite this the council voted unanimously to grant a permit to the applicant.

“It’s an appropriate design response to that general area and in this type of multi-unit developments that we’ve seen, so I’m quite happy to support the motion tonight,” Cr Todorov said.

Trees get the axe: Permit granted despite reservations

From page 1

“It’s now the 27th of June 2023, more than seven months since receiving unanimous councillor support to have the trees removed and more than two years since the storm and the trees are still here.”

Between November and the most recent council meeting, it was discovered that a portion of the land between 134 Hereford Road and Kookaburra Lane was not council owned but rather privately owned, requiring a permit to be granted for the tree removal.

Councillor Richard Higgins questioned the executive team on how the council can submit a planning application on behalf of someone else.

Planning and sustainable futures director Kath McClusky said it is within the council’s rights to lodge a planning application for the landowner but they cannot act on it.

“We have to give notice to that person which we have done. It’s up to that private landowner on whether they would ever act on that planning permit…We can’t act on their behalf to remove the trees,” she said.

The landowner would have to act on the permit within two years and have the work completed within four years, unless they pursue an extension.

Ms Walton pleaded with the councillors to not go back on their word from November and to issue a permit.

“At the end of the day, the money doesn’t matter. I’ll pay whatever I have to pay because fundamentally, only one thing is im-

portant, and that’s my family’s right to feel safe in our home,” she said.

“So I’m here asking for nothing more than the council to keep their word and offer a gentle reminder of the unanimous vote that this very council gave to have all eight trees removed.”

Cr Tim Heenan moved an alternative motion to approve the removal of the four trees requiring a permit and was seconded by Cr Andrew Fullagar.

Within the permit conditions, Cr Heenan said there would be vegetation offset to counteract the loss of trees on the property.

“It talks about making these available to the responsible authority and the offset is fairly stringent too to make sure all of this can happen through the native vegetation credit register before anything can go forward,” he said.

Cr Richard Higgins and Cr Johanna Skelton both spoke in opposition to the alternative motion because the permit application was being put forward on behalf of someone else.

“This to me seems quite bizarre…to be today considering issuing a permit to an unknown owner, who hasn’t been spoken to, that he can cut down trees if he wants to, if he even knows they exist, feels really strange,” Cr Higgins said.

“It seems really misleading to the residents that we’re going to give them a planning permit saying you can cut down trees but they don’t belong to you.

“It makes it really hard for me to say that’s the right thing to do. You’re giving these people hope that these trees can go.”

Cr Skelton agreed that granting a permit on behalf of the land owner who is not aware of the permit may result in disappointment for Ms Walton and her family.

“That land holder has to put the request in to remove [the trees] and as it is, I don’t have very much confidence that that land holder is going to do that.

“They may, in which case we’re saying tonight yes, give a permit and go ahead and take down, because they’re on our land, trees three and four which I don’t think if I was the residents of that house would be enough satisfaction to want to remain living comfortably in that house because there are still many many other trees closer to your home.

“I don’t feel comfortable giving approval tonight to take down two trees on the hunch and hope that others may come forward to be removed.”

Speaking in support of the motion, Cr Sophie Todorov rebutted by saying at least a pre-approval for the permit allows for the landowner to act should they wish.

“If we choose to live in an area like that, we’re always going to have risk and if it’s not these trees, it may be others in the future,” she said.

“But I think at least issuing the permit application tonight gives us options for the future and for that neighbouring property to make that decision on their own terms.”

Cr Jim Child also spoke in support and said it was up to councillors to honour their decision from November to support Ms Walton and her family.

“We did make a commitment last time this item came before the council and that was a tough night and my position hasn’t changed and I’ll do whatever I have to do to support what I actually moved and voted for that night,” he said.

In closing his plea to the councillors, Cr Heenan said with the unpredictability of the weather patterns across the region and because of the previous commitment to Ms Walton, it seemed only fair to issue the permit.

“We’ve just gone through the second anniversary of the horrendous storms that really destroyed a substantial amount of the major tree canopy in the Dandenong Ranges and in some of the low,” he said.

“I’ve seen destruction at all levels of houses in Mount Evelyn and of course in the Dandenongs with the damage that trees have done in recent times and and yes, we are going through very uncertain weather patterns again until probably the end of the year.

“We did give a commitment all those months ago. I know things have become complicated and yes, there are conditions now that didn’t exist before and yes, they must be followed but I believe in what we’ve done here tonight”

The alternative motion was passed without the support of Cr Higgins and Cr Skelton.

Six townhouses have been approved for 28 Central Avenue Mooroolbark.

Picture: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL

Rate rise talk of the town

By Callum Ludwig

After a lengthy 40-minute discussion, Yarra Ranges Councillors have ultimately passed the 2023-24 to 2026-27 budget.

Initial community consultation was held from Monday 30 January to Sunday 12 March, with the draft budget released and opened for consultation at an additional Council meeting on Tuesday 6 June.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said the budget specifies the resources required to fund Council services and initiatives for the next twelve months and the subsequent three financial years.

“Including capital works projects, day to day services and projects by the end of July 2024, the community has told council that continuing services and providing good local infrastructure were a must for this year’s budget,” he said.

“We heard in person and online that people wanted to see stronger focus on infrastructure such as roads, footpaths and drainage, they wanted Council to look at existing assets while building new ones, and to prioritise the protection of our environment,”

“I’m happy to say that this feedback has directly shaped the budget.”

Following the State Governemnt’s decision to set the final rate cap for 2023.24 at 3.5 per cent, Council factored in a 3.5 per cent rate increase in their total rates revenue into the budget. This does necessarily reflect the changes in rates for each individual property in the Yarra Ranges.

Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar seconded the motion and said over the last few weeks there’s been a lot of final tweaking and polishing in the budget before the end of the financial year.

“It’s been developed in a tough financial environment with inflation running around 7

per cent last year and some of our costs and services elevating quite dramatically by 20 per cent or more over the last year or so,” he said.

“Our grant programmes have either been cut all together or dramatically reduced, we’re very conscious of the pressures on our families and residents out there as well, the rate cap decision that we made, was not taken lightly, but taken through the lens of what is best for our total municipality and our communities.”

Some of the key funding areas of the budget included:

· $23.4 million will go towards delivering Infrastructure Maintenance, Strategy and Investment up 33 per cent from last year’s budget with an eye to addressing concerns with roads, drainage and footpaths.

· $17.9 million, up 4 per cent, forParks and Open Space

· $5.4 million, up 10 per cent, for Recreation and Sport

· $2.6 million, up 32 per cent, for Climate and Nature

· $4.1 million for Youth Development, Maternal and Child Health, Age Friendly Communities and Family and Community Support Services.

Billanook Ward Councillor Tim Heenan spoke against the motion and said the rates increase was why he wasn’t supporting the budget.

“Money is not coming to Local government, I do see there’s been a substantial allocation towards significant capital works, and I appreciate and I acknowledge that,” he said.

“But in keeping with my commitment to my community, dear Billanook, upon re-election again in 2020, because of the rates increase, I will not be supporting the budget.”

Over the coming financial year, the council is expecting a surplus of $20.1 million, estimating it will have a total revenue of $245.6 million

and a total expenditure of $225.6 million.

Walling Ward Councillor Len Cox OAM said in the main it is a very good budget, but it has a couple of weaknesses.

“It’s covered most of the issues that council wanted to cover and I think most of the issues that our residents wanted to cover,” he said.

“The three and a half percent rate rise will inflict hardship on a number of our people and I actually do believe that we can have a very, very good budget without that rate increase that we’re looking at.”

“I may have put one per cent increase on it, but three and a half is the largest increase we have had for some years and it’s just too much, the money that would be lost if that didn’t occur can easily be found.”

In May, amendments were made to Council’s Financial Hardship and Rate Recovery Policy to allow residents facing financial hardship the opportunity for longer deferment periods for paying rates (from 12 to 24 months) on Hardship Agreements and setting timing for payment plans (weekly, fortnightly or monthly).

Lyster Ward Councillor Johanna Skelton said she feels like like she gets a lot of value from the three and a half percent rate increase, more so from local government than other levels of government.

“The role I see for council is always dealing with the on the ground stuff. The ripples of those are financially felt throughout the community in ways that sometimes are hard to quantify, but make a real difference,” she said.

“It isn’t a small amount personally in each family, but it’s meaningful what we can do with this money. So far I’m hearing good feedback from our hardship policy and people are taking advantage, as they should, of that.”

Residents can find out more about the budget at: www.shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ council-budget-2023-24.

YarraRangesCouncilhavepassedthebudget.

Picture:ONFILE

Committee up for refresh

By Callum Ludwig

The achievements and efforts of the Rural Advisory Committee (RAC) were a point of discussion at the Yarra Ranges Council meeting on Tuesday 27 June.

The RAC was first established in 2016 and is made up of 12 representatives from different niches of the local agriculture sector.

Len Rayner from Rayner’s Orchard in Woori Yallock was appointed as a member representing stone fruit growers in 2019 and said he thinks the committee was a really good idea.

“Farmers seem to be neglected sometimes, we’ve got city people making rules and regulations for us that are just not suitable, and the Shire actually listens, which is a bit scary, and they even take action, which is even scarier,” he said.

“I don’t know too many other shires that actually listen to farmers and take note quite like this, it’s very encouraging.”

The 2023 review has made some changes to the RAC, with a draft updated Terms of Reference released, a Mission Statement added and the term for members changed from three to four years from the next review in 2026.

Lyster Ward Councillor Johanna Skelton forwarded the motion and said it’s an exciting opportunity for the Council.

“It’s good for us as councillors to put our feelers out into the community and get new members and get the existing members hopefully back on the Rural Advisory Committee,” she said.

“Hopefully they will be receptive to the four-year term and we look forward to hearing the very valuable information that we get on that.”

Representatives on the RAC cover the following sectors:

· Stone Fruit Growing,

· Pome Fruit Growing (e.g., apples, pears, and quinces),

· Berry Fruit Growing (strawberries),

· Nursery/Floriculture Production (cut flowers),

· Grape growing (wine grapes),

· Beef Cattle Farming (grazing),

· Horse Farming (equine),

· Forestry,

· Rural Service Provider

Mr Rayner said over the last few years, the RAC has discussed issues like hail netting, animal problems like deer and kangaroos and backpackers’ accommodation.

“It’s an ongoing thing, we’re constantly discussing things and things like the hail netting has been resolved to the satisfaction of farmers, so they now don’t need to get permits for that,” he said.

“There are representatives from each section, and there’s always room for a few more and at the moment, all of the positions are up for grabs, so if anyone out there wants to get involved.= they can get in touch with the Shire, it’s not a difficult process.”

Since its inception, the RAC has advocated for pests, such as the Queensland Fruit Fly, and animal control efforts, advocated and corresponded with the State Government and departments alongside Council, advised Council plans and strategies and advocated for boosts and provisions for the seasonal workforce in the region.

Five-year commitment to hard waste in Yarra Ranges

By Tanya Steele

Yarra Ranges Council has voted unanimously to pass the motion for the hard waste tender at the recent meeting on Tuesday 27 June.

The council will award a lump sum and schedule rates contract for the hard waste and bundled branch collection to WA Waste Management Services for five years, with no extension options.

Cr Johanna Skelton said it was a big ticket item on the council agenda.

“We’ve got the tender awarding the contract for the person or the company that will collect the hard waste and the bundle branches and it’s very important to our community,” she said.

“We certainly pay as a community for that privilege, we’re looking at $14,586,078.16 for five years for this contract.”

Cr Skelton said the council will be using the same company who have been performing the service previously and she said she

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noticed that it has been a “very good process”.

“I also like the fact that it also includes the recycling of the E-waste material, if we weren’t to do a hard waste collection, you can guarantee that that stuff will be dumped or taken or put in the normal rubbish bins where it will go to landfill or places that shouldn’t so I think that’s an important role,” she said.

With depots in Coldstream and Wesburn, Cr Skelton said she appreciates the fact it is a local company that will be employing local residents.

“It’s always great to bring that economic benefit to our local community,” she said.

Cr Skelton said whilst she is recommending committing to this five years of collection, she really hopes that by the end of that five years, the world is a different place from

what it is now.

“I hope we can look at doing really progressive and environmentally sustainable things in the future,” she said.

Cr Andrew Fullager said he supported this recommendation but with reservations.

“I feel there’s a tension and contradiction between the Council’s message and position to reduce and better manage waste and move to four bins,” he said.

“Here’s a service that almost encourages it, so I would have liked to have seen more information regarding other options explored in the report.”

“Five years is quite a long time with the tip closures potentially the end of 2027, so I support this on the basis that we do a deep dive on it in 12 to 18 months.”

No other councillors spoke on the motion and it was carried unanimously.

The council has secured a tender for the next five years. Picture: ON FILE

Len Rayner is one of the local farmers on Yarra Ranges Council’s Rural Advisory Committee.

Picture: ON FILE

Council debates the Voice

By Tanya Steele

Yarra Ranges Council came together at their regular meeting on Tuesday 27 June without a fully unified front on the Voice to Parliament, with two councillors not fully supporting the motion.

Mayor Jim Child and Councillor Richard Higgins initially did not accept the wording used to outline the council’s stance and looked to pass an alternate motion.

Councillors began by formally voting to release a position on a Voice to Parliament and the recommendation was made in two parts. The council document stated: “That Council supports the notion behind the Uluru Statement from the Heart and a Voice to Parliament and acknowledges that it is not Council’s role to tell people how to vote in the upcoming referendum.

The Council encourages the community to be informed and seek information from reputable channels.” Deputy Mayor Cr Sophie Todorov moved the motion and was seconded by Cr Andrew Fullager.

Cr Todorov said she strongly supported the council in the notion of a statement from the heart. “It’s not about the council’s role to tell people how they should vote and that’s made really clear in the recommendation tonight,” she said.

Cr Fullager said the council is committed to reconciliation and he acknowledged the three pillars from the Uluru Statement. “There is the Voice which we’re talking to tonight, which aims to provide some rebalance to current social, economic, and political disadvantage,The Makarrata, working together after the struggle, which may or may not lead to a formal Treaty and the Truth-telling, which acknowledges our forebear’s missteps and atrocities,” he said.

Cr Fullager also said he supported the idea of encouraging research and understanding by

providing an accessible source of factual unbiased information. At this point in the meeting, Cr Child said he would like to put forward an amendment to the motion. “It’s only a very small amendment and the amendment would be in point one to remove the word supports and replace it with acknowledges,” he said.

Cr Child said he believed that as a council, Yarra Ranges should be silent on the Yes or the No. “There’s enough division out there at the moment without a motion like this, it makes it more neutral and that’s the way it should be,” he said.

Cr Higgins then reserved his right to speak.

Three councillors came out immediately very strongly against the suggestion of an amendment by Cr Child.

Cr Tim Heenan said he was not scared to use the word support and that the second part clearly states it is not the council’s role to tell people how to vote in the upcoming referen-

Volunteer work continues

By Tanya Steele

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is looking to appoint new Justices of the Peace (JPs) in the Casey and Yarra Range local government areas.

Ann Flockhart of Dixon’s Creek has been a JP for over ten years and said it is a rewarding community role.

“It’s been fun and it’s been interesting, you meet all sorts of people from all walks of life,” she said.

“You hear some interesting stories too, which are quite nice, and some of them quite sad.”

Justice of the Peace volunteers play an important role in the justice system and provide a valuable and accessible authorised witnessing service to all members of the community.

Ms Flockhart was originally interested in the role to fit alongside her job as a civil marriage celebrant.

“There was the training that I did in town and then went to the Ringwood police station to be sworn in,” she said.

The JP even continued her community service even throughout Covid.

“I did drive through drive-thru JP, people were still buying houses and people were still needing to get documents signed,” she said.

“It was good to be able to still offer a service during that time to really lock down so people within that 5km limit could come and get these documents done.”

Ms Flockhart has occasionally networked with other JPs but is currently the only person operating in her area.

She currently operates in her role once a month and signs documents for people at the Lilydale Police Station.

“It’s once a month, I’m down at the Lilydale police station, I take my book and a cup of tea,” she said.

“And it’s really interesting how many people come in on that day, they know the

service is there.”

Ms Flockhart has no plans to stop in her role and said it’s not just for older people, anyone can volunteer.

“It’s a community thing and I don’t see myself stopping for a very long time,” she said.

The Department of Justice and Safety is holding a one-hour online information session to provide more detail about the role and give people the opportunity to meet JPs and staff from the Honorary Justice Services Support team.

People of all cultural and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply and attendance at an information session is mandatory to proceed to the application and recruitment stages.

You must first register to be able to join an online information session.

The website link is as follows: https://justice-vic-gov-au.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O2MyIWf_RDqeKtSOiY_ d6Q#/registration

Links will then be sent to you via email before the session.

If people have any queries about the information sessions they can email candidatecare@justice.vic.gov.au

The information session will be online on Thursday 6 July at 6pm.

dum. “We’ve gone a long way since 1967, and understanding the needs of Indigenous people in Australia,” he said.

“When the referendum comes out Australians will need to take a long hard look and I’m not going to sit here and tell them how to vote tonight. “What I will do is I will support the notion behind the Uluru Statement from the Heart and a Voice to Parliament.”

Cr Johanna Skelton said changing the word would diminish the original statement.

“We’re supporting the notion behind the First Nations voice enshrined in the Constitution…We’re saying that the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full, we’re supporting it,” she said. “I am so thankful that we have First Nations people who are so patient and generous that they’re still there going, you know what, we can still provide you with good advice, and you can take it or leave it.

“This before us tonight is a real chance for us to amplify the voices and recommendations that we have from our own advisory committee.”

Cr Cox said he agreed with both the first and second items and he could not see any risk in any way. “It will cause no problems in the future, it just spells it out as it is and I think it’s a very, very good motion,” he said.

Cr Higgins then used this right to speak and said he fully supported the recommended referendum coming forward but that he was arguing the council’s right to have an opinion that says it supports the First Nations voice enshrined in the Constitution.

“I don’t believe that our ratepayers expect us to speak on a document that is one document… we can’t make an opinion and spread it around though our ratepayers saying that this is where we support,” he said. “Point two is fantastic, we don’t hold a position on the referendum.”

Governance advice was requested during

the meeting and Cr Child was informed he must seek the agreement of the mover and seconder, he was then informed if the motion was lost, he could foreshadow to move an alternate motion. Cr Child withdrew the amendment that he put forward and asked councillors to speak on the original motion put forward by Cr Todorov and Cr Fullager.

Cr Heenan, Cr Skelton and Cr Cox spoke in support of the motion. Cr Heenan said he thought it was really important to understand some of the things that separate the Yarra Ranges from other councils, particularly in municipal Melbourne.

“We’ve got a long standing connection to a great Indigenous community and a very big Indigenous community,” he said.

“We have a very passionate and very understanding and educated Indigenous Advisory Committee which we worked with for many, many years on issues that are relevant towards our Indigenous community.”

Cr Higgins said again he supported the referendum but not the motion. “Should council’s position be, it should be based on many and informing the public of what they need to know to make an informed decision and I don’t think it’s our role to go one way or the other,” he said.

Cr Child said he agreed with Cr Higgins, but that he supported people finding out the information without being influenced by any decision council makes.

Cr Torodov said the council had a much greater discussion and debate than she imagined they would but that she thought it was a good thing. “I think it’s important to hear all our differing opinions and views on this but I’m still standing steadfast and going with the motion that I have put forward... and that is to support the notion,” she said. The motion was passed with everyone but Cr Child and Cr Higgins in favour.

The recent council meeting involved a lengthy discussion surrounding the wording of the statement regarding The Voice. Picture: ON FILE

People looking to train can attend the webinar on Thursday 6 July.

Picture: UNSPLASH

Support through gift packs

By Mikayla van Loon

The Rotary Club of Lilydale (RCL) delivered hundreds of packs of care items and activities to Maroondah Hospital’s Mental Health Inpatient Unit on Thursday 29 June.

Wanting to help provide comfort and a sense of self, Barb Lawrence alongside Cheryl Mackay and the help of RCL members, put together over 200 gift bags for patients.

“We’re really happy to do it and we think it’s a great, worthwhile cause,” Barb said. Stocked with personal care items like lip balms and moisturisers, as well as notebooks and puzzle books, Cheryl said those items make all the difference when you come in with nothing.

“It wasn’t until we did the tour that we realised how bad the situation is within the whole community but how about something

like this can make a difference,” Cheryl said.

“That’s what we’re trying to do with Rotary is just to make a difference, make people’s lives easier.”

Nurse unit manager Clare said as a 50 bed unit, caring for people aged 18 to 65, being able to supply something for every patient is a challenge, so this will go a long way in providing extra support.

“It gives people a sense of self back. Often people when they come into hospital they don’t want to come into hospital. It’s often a very difficult time in their life,” she said.

“Sometimes because of the nature of needing to ensure safety for everyone people have restrictions on what they can bring into the hospital.

“So just being able to give them something of their own, just general comfort items that we all take for granted and having something on arrival as a gift is something that makes it a little bit more comfortable for them and a little bit more inviting to the unit.”

The notebooks, Clare said, are also a practical way of helping someone open up or express how they are feeling without needing to speak.

“Journals are very important to people to be able to write about their thoughts and feelings and it also helps us understand someone who’s line of communication is a bit more difficult,” she said.

Having worked with RCL in the past, Clare said a partnership has begun to form between the two entities, something she is extremely grateful for.

RCL last delivered a range of clothing items

and shoes to hand out to patients who may not have warm clothes or solid shoes particularly in winter.

“I’ve been here for three years and that partnership existed well before coming to the unit here but I’ve seen nothing like it,” Clare said.

“It helps us in a number of ways. It’s cold throughout the winter and often people have been homeless before they come into us, so being able to fit them out with clothes, or shoes, it’s really helpful.”

While Barb and Cheryl want to continue providing the gift bags to the hospital on a regular basis, Barb said fundraising will have to happen to fund the work.

“They have a 1500 person intake a year. So even if the pack is only $5 that’s still $7500,” Barb said.

“It’s a lot of money for us to raise to put towards one project. We do need some sort of sponsors.”

A way to start raising those funds is through a raffle prize for a trip worth over $5000 to the Fijian resort, Paradise Tavenui Resort.

By purchasing raffle tickets, not only do people go in the draw to win a five-night holiday but support two causes.

From the total money raised, 50 per cent is donated to provide solar powered energy in Fijian schools, with the other 50 per cent supporting RCL’s care pack program.

To support, go to itstime.org/rc-lilydaleinc

Rotary Club of Lilydale members Barb Lawrence and Cheryl Mackay receiving a certificate of thanks from nurse unit manager Clare.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Notebooks, puzzle books, lip balms and stress balls were just some of the items included in the bags.

Running towards milestone

On Sunday 26 November, participants of all levels will converge on the start line for this year’s 10th Annual Run for the Young Marathon.

Bridge BuildersYouth Organisation is proud to present this event in conjunction with their event partners, The Running Company Lilydale, Tailwind, Thrive Sport Medicine, Saucony, ATC and Mount Lilydale Mercy College Lilydale.

This event has reached runners from around the country, with most states of Australia represented and has had international participants. All proceeds from this event enables Bridge Builders Youth Charity to run a weekly program for the youth in our community, ensuring they feel loved, valued, accepted and sense of belonging.

Managed by volunteers with a crew of over 60 people of all ages giving their time to design and deliver the event from start to finish providing a variety of opportunities for skill development and mentoring.

What was one young women’s dream to run a marathon has now become an international marathon sensation in 2020 Beck Mitchell is one of 164 people in the world to have completed the World Marathon Challenge Event, running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents.

She is the founder and Race Director of Run for the Young and has said “It’s always been a dream of mine to be a marathon runner, ever since I was 12 years old”.

“Through my involvement in Bridge Builders I was able to make my dream a reality and provide the same opportunity for thousands more.”

Located at Mount Lilydale Mercy College in Lilydale, the event boasts six different categories from the 2.5km kids run for children under 12 years old, right through to the 42km full marathon. Unique to this event is a category

known as the Marathon Newbie which has been created specifically for those attempting to complete a marathon for the first time.

Global participants will be flying in from around the world to represent countries such

as USA, Fiji and Poland. Anyone can be part of this incredible event by walking or running in a category of their choice, or by volunteering on one of the drink stations along the course.

For more information about this event call

the Bridge Builders office on 1300 640 160 or go to the website www.runfortheyoung.com. au

Early bird entries close on 31 July, with regular entries open until the race date.

Fireupyourwinterwith

Founder and Race Director Beck Mitchell joined Spiderman last year to tackle the marathon. Pictures: FIELD OF VIEW SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

The different race categories cater to every level of participation.

Run for the Young will celebrate 10 years this year.

Government backs event

By Callum Ludwig

The Wandin Silvan Field Days event made a long-awaited return despite adverse weather in 2022 and is set to receive a boost to help deliver the event this year.

Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino was able to announce a $20,000 grant through the Victorian Government’s Small and Medium Events Program.

President of the Wandin Silvan Field Days Committee Brad Finger said funding to assist in their endeavours will ease the workload and allow them to expand their outcomes, for which they are very grateful.

“The extra funding from this Grant will assist with the upgrading of promotional signage, with advertising and printing costs, and improve our social media expertise which will be of immense benefit to our organisation,” he said.

“The increased expenses of overall operational costs of such as insurance, traffic management, security and general maintenance will be greatly assisted by this very welcomed grant funding.”

Wandin Silvan Field Days will be held on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 October this year at the Wandin East Recreation Reserve.

Mr Finger said in resuming the event following the enforced lockdown period, the 2022 event withstood the impact of significant rainfall immediately prior and during the field days but with a considerable impact – both financially and attendee-wise.

“The longevity of the Wandin Silvan Field Days is evidence of the popularity and importance of this local community event,” he said.

“There are few other events with a specific Horticultural focus inVictoria, and theWandin Silvan Field Days commonly attracts patrons not only from the local area but those further afield across both regional Victoria and interstate.”

Barring the Covid-stricken 2020 and 2021 years, Wandin Silvan Field Days has been held annually since 1969 with some committee members involved since the very first event.

“Wandin Silvan Field Days will not only generate more jobs for the Dandenong Ranges, but it will also deliver many benefits right across Greater Melbourne,” said Ms De Martino.

“The funding is a huge win for our beautiful region– this event will attract more visitors to the area, which is fantastic news for local businesses.”

New turntable arrives at Yarra Glen Station

By Tanya Steele

Yarra Valley Railway volunteers have recently undertaken a huge group effort in June this year to relocate a 21 metre turntable from Korumburra to Yarra Glen.

Yarra Valley Railway President, Brett Morton said the group have been looking for a turntable for their railway for a long time.

“A goal of ours has been to be able to run a steam engine between Yarra Glen and Healesville,” he said.

The relocation involved hard work by the volunteers to dismantle components, load them onto trucks and transport the turntable to Yarra Glen, with local crane and truck hauling services required for the immense effort.

The newly arrived turntable was originally installed at Foster in 1957 and in 1994 it was moved to Korumburra where it was used for many years by the now former South Gippsland Railway.

A VicTrack spokesperson said the disused turntable that was relocated to make it operational again after many years.

“The turntable is one of very few inVictoria that is able to accommodate larger locomotives. It was allocated to the Yarra Valley Railway by VicTrack, as part of our work to offer disused rail assets to tourist and heritage rail operators and museums so they can be preserved or put back into use,” they said.

Yarra Valley Railway will give the turntable a new lease on life and once installed it will allow the heritage railway to be able to turn locomotives at the Yarra Glen location.

Mr Morton said the turntable’s arrival is a large milestone in the process of reconstructing the train line.

“It’s pretty gratifying to see it coming to fruition,” he said.

The Yarra Valley Railway has a dedicated volunteer group and Mr Morton said that they ultimately aim to completely restore the 12km line between Healesville and Yarra Glen.

“It’s been a bit by bit process and but once the railway started to improve and get better, we got more volunteers and around 2000, we had an influx of people that were very interested and we got the track up to standard on the 4km stretch we did have,” he said.

The Yarra Valley Railway began passenger train services from Healesville Station to Tarrawarra Estate on 17 July 2010 — making it the first passenger train service in 30 years on the line.

“After 2010 when we got the train running, we then started work on the next part of the process, we also set about trying to get assistance through grants but we were set back by the Black Saturday fires.” Mr Morton said.

Mr Morton said it has been a lot of work and the group has a long way to go, but with recent government projects separating level crossings, the railway has also received some materials towards their ongoing restoration efforts.

“A lot of materials are being cascaded to the tourists, railways, including us,” he said.

The process to complete track and station restoration between Healesville andYarra Glen has been a lengthy one and Mr Morton said it is good to see things moving along.

“Things are starting to occur and it’s pretty exciting,” he said.

The turntable will be installed in the coming months with earthworks and construction to be planned to assist in getting it into place.

Mr Morton and his team have a passion for their work and Mr Morton said they are always happy to get more volunteers on board.

“What we’re doing is such a high standard, it’s going to be beautiful,” he said.

Aiming for social connection

By Mikayla van Loon

The Montrose and District Men’s Shed was one of the lucky recipients of a volunteer grant from Casey MP Aaron Violi.

Looking to support more men, the shed has over the years expanded from just the woodworking side traditionally associated with Men’s Sheds and have sought to offer other activities.

For quite some time now the Montrose Men’s Shed has had a vision of starting a coffee club catch up but lacked the facilities to do so.

With the volunteer grant in hand however, the shed welcomed the installation of a coffee machine on Thursday 29 June.

Men’s Shed member Max Lamb said the idea is to eventually have a dedicated day where the men put the tools down just to talk but in the meantime the coffee machine will be available whenever the shed is open.

“The idea is on a day where there is no work out there, because once that gets going it’s too noisy, they will sit down and talk because that’s beneficial to men’s health,” he said.

“Just to sit and talk about their problems and bring them out of their loneliness, so it’s about trying to get them together without the noise of the machines.”

Montrose Men’s Shed was just one of 21 to receive a grant between $1000 and $5000, with the Morrison’s Men’s Shed in Mount Evelyn and the Lilydale SES also receiving a grant.

Mr Violi said being able to support the groups and members of the community who volunteer their time is a great part of the volunteer grants program.

“We have so many valuable community organisations that are made up of hardworking local volunteers. These people give so much without expecting anything in return,” he said.

Knowing the commitment the Montrose Men’s Shed has to men’s health, Mr Violi said it was a wonderful opportunity to grant funds to enable that social connection.

“I’m glad we can support with the coffee machine. I was chatting to Max about how you’re going to try and set up the coffee club which is another important element and I know how much the Men’s Shed means,” he said.

“It is important to have a Men’s Shed to be able to get together and have that connection socially so we talk to each other.”

Growing the social side of the men’s shed in Montrose has always been a focus, with the Monday walking club still thriving seven years on.

“It’s a core group of about 11 and we walk every Monday starting at eight o’clock here and we drive to somewhere and walk for about 10 or 12 kilometres and have a coffee break somewhere along the line, preferably halfway,” Reg Wright said.

Despite the winter chill, it doesn’t stop the group from meeting, with Mr Wright saying “seven years and we’ve only missed two days.”

Montrose and District Men’s Shed is located behind the Montrose Public Hall on Leith Road. To contact the group email montrosemensshed@gmail.com and enquire about getting involved.

A large effort by volunteers went towards gaining the turntable for the Yarra Glen location.

Picture: YARRA VALLEY RAILWAY

Montrose Men’s Shed member Terry Housden trialling the new coffee machine.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Casey MP Aaron Violi joined the Men’s Shed on Friday 30 June to see the grant in action.

Attendees braved the weather and mud for the 2022 Wandin Silvan Field Days event.

Picture:

Women’s health at the fore

At QHealth Clinics in Mount Evelyn and Lilydale, we are committed to bridging the gap in healthcare provision for women.

Our clinics prioritise women’s health, with a dedicated team of five female General Practitioners (GPs) who specialise in addressing the unique challenges women face when dealing with health issues.

As a one-stop destination for women’s health, our clinics offer comprehensive medical solutions to address all your concerns.

From sexual health, gynecology, pregnancy care, menopause, to cosmetics, we provide caring and sensitive support for all female health needs.

Our range of women-specific services includes:

1.Breast health and comprehensive checks to ensure early detection of any abnormalities.

2.Cervical screen tests for effective prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.

3.Contraception advice, including Implanon insertion/removal and IUD insertion/removal, to help you make informed choices about your reproductive health.

4.Family planning services to assist you in making decisions regarding your reproductive journey.

5.Menopause and perimenopause support to manage symptoms and promote overall well-being during this transitional phase.

6.Pregnancy options, including terminations, with compassionate guidance and support.

7.Pregnancy planning and care, including antenatal shared care, ensuring a holistic approach to your prenatal journey.

8.Weight management assistance to promote a healthy lifestyle and well-being.

9.Skin concerns, including cosmetic and laser treatments, to help you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.

Our highly skilled GPs, Dr. Shilpa Chegu at Mount Evelyn and Dr. Bindiya Sethi at Lilydale, hold postgraduate qualifications in women’s health. They specialise in antenatal shared care and Mirena insertions, providing expert guidance and personalised care.

To discuss any female health issues, we encourage you to book an appointment with our dedicated doctors either online or

by calling (03) 9088 8177.

In addition to our women’s health services, we offer a wide range of other general practitioner services. These include immunisations, travel vaccines, iron infusions, chronic health management, skin cancer checks, and minor surgical procedures. We also provide cosmetic and laser treatments, including laser hair removal, to enhance your overall well-being.

Our exceptional GP team is further supported by Practice Nurses Sonia Hamilton in Mount Evelyn and Kirsten Truskett in Lilydale. To ensure comprehensive care, we have a team of professionals on-site, including psychologists Stefany Klein, Susan Jenkin, and Alex Lakes, physiotherapist Edward Mak, social worker and mental health worker Joanne Melville Mcgrath, and chiropractor Michael Bloom.

At QHealth, we prioritise a proactive approach to preventative health. By becoming a patient at our clinics, you are taking a significant step in the right direction for your health journey. You will benefit from the unwavering support provided by our compassionate team and the expertise of our skilled doctors.

For more information about our services, we invite you to visit our website at www. mtevelyndoctors.com.au or www.lilydaledoctors.com.au. Take charge of your health today and choose QHealth Clinics for comprehensive, compassionate, and specialised women’s healthcare.

Travel

Preventive

We

Dr. Bindiya Sethi FRACGPDr. Sandeep Malhotra FRACGP

Mount Evelyn Medical Clinic. 335824

Dr Mei Ling Leong, Dr Apoorv Sahu, Sue, Rachael and Sonia (nurse). 335824 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Building work experience

Young people from around the Lilydale area were given the opportunity to get a taste of the real estate industry, in an aim to boost their confidence and career paths.

Stockdale & Leggo invited the team from Bridge Builders Youth Charity to a work experience day where a small group of young people got to learn different skills, including marketing, property management and public relations, that will provide them with working opportunities into their future.

Bridge Builders CEO and Founder Phil Stenhouse OAM said he was proud to see a group of young people saying yes to any opportunity that may change the course of their life.

“I’m excited to see a bunch of our young people have said yes,” he said.

“So if it grows them, develops them, encourages them and gives them an opportunity to learn more and be more in themselves and give them the confidence and self-esteem to say yes to their life, that would be great.”

One of the young leaders involved in the day was 25-year-old Bonnie Knight, who joined the organisation eight years ago.

“I first found Bridge Builders when I was 17 years old just finishing school, and I was very lost and unsure of myself in life and where I was going,” she said.

Bonnie has been a part of the leadership team for six years now, currently serving as

a senior leader, and giving back to the youth community.

“Bridge Builders has helped me through many hardships in my life and has constantly provided me with opportunities like the Stockdale & Leggo Work Experience Day to grow myself and my skills, so that I can help

more young people”.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Phil said having a connection between Bridge Builders and Stockdale & Leggo is a great asset for the young people who go through the program.

“It’s a wonderful connection because it adds value to young people and develops as-

sets within the young people, and real estate is all about asset building,” he said.

“It has a fantastic alignment with the values of investing in the next generation. It takes a village to raise a child, and Stockdale & Leggo are a part of that village.”

Stockdale & Leggo CEO and Director, Charlotte Pascoe said this partnership has been going for a while and hopes it can continue to help more young people.

“This is such an important initiative to give these young people a chance to learn real life skills that could boost their employment opportunities,” she said.

“We’ve been working with Bridge Builders on this for the past two years because we love what they do, so this was a logical next step to build a program to help more young people in need.

“We are committed to working with Bridge Builders in this space because everyone needs a chance to improve and boost their confidence.”

Phil would love to see more people get involved in Bridge Builders through the project 100 program of recruiting 100 people to get involved in the charity.

You can see more details on how to do this at https://www.bridgebuilders.com.au/volunteer-with-us/

Charities continue to see rise in demand for support

Local charities have seen a surge in the number of families and individuals reaching out for support over recent months as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.

Member for Casey Aaron Violi MP has been raising the rising cost of living as a major issue in Federal Parliament.

Mr Violi invited Shadow Assistant Minister for Charities, Senator Dean Smith to come to theYarra Ranges and meet with local charitable organisations about the work they are doing to support our community.

On Wednesday 28 June, Mr Violi and Senator Smith visited The Mustard Tree in Lilydale, social enterprise TastyAz in Mount Evelyn, Discovery Community Care, Holy Fools and also held a roundtable discussion with representatives from Anchor Inc, HICCI and Cire Services.

Mr Violi said the visits really highlighted the devastation of the cost-of-living crisis.

“We heard from The Mustard Tree that the month of May this year was their busiest month on record, with more people than ever reaching out for help,” he said.

“This sentiment was echoed at our visit to Discovery Community Care – with some families on double incomes also finding themselves in need of support,” he said.

The Mustard Tree runs an opportunity shop and cafe, with funds used to provide forits emergency food relief program, blankets, clothing, as well as showers for those in

HARRIET SHING MP WORKING HARD FOR YOUR

need. They provide enough food for around 3000 meals each month, but this has dramatically increased over recent months.

“It was incredible to see the work of The Mustard Tree and all the volunteers who make the place a warm, welcoming and safe place for those in need of support,” Mr Violi said.

The Mustard Tree Op Shop and Cafe Operations Manager, Lisa Vincent said while June figures aren’t in yet, the month is tracking to be another record level of clients needing help.

“In May we saw 142 clients and those clients could be families of up to twelve, and we provide between 4-5 days of food for each of those clients so that’s an enormous amount of food that’s gone out,” she said.

MsVincent said it was great to have MrVioli and Senator Smith come and see the work they do firsthand.

“It’s really great to have their presence in the shop and to get some recognition, and also to see that our politicians are interested. They’re giving with their time to come and see us and what we do,” she said.

Mr Violi said one thing that stood out was the interconnectedness between local charities, with both The Mustard Tree and TastyAz providing funds or food to help Holy Fools run it’s ‘Street Angels’ each Wednesday in Lilydale.

“It was incredible to see how all our local organisations work together to ensure no one goes without,” he said.

The political pair enjoyed learning about the work of Outer East Food Share in linking Foodbank Victoria, OzHarvest, and food businesses with emergency relief agencies in the Yarra Ranges.

“The cost-of-living crisis doesn’t discriminate and disadvantage doesn’t fit into one box. There are people from all walks of life doing it tough at the moment, and I think one positive out of this all is that we have incredible local organisations and volunteers who are ready and willing to help however they can,” Mr Violi said.

“Our support agencies and charities need our help more than ever, so if you can spare a few pantry items, blankets, clothes or even just add something extra to your supermarket trolley to donate, it will go a long way and make a real difference to people in our community who are doing it tough,” he said.

Anyone in a position to donate or assist is encouraged to get in touch with local charities directly.

Casey MP Aaron Violi and Shadow Assistant Minister for Charities, Senator Dean Smith with some of the team at The Mustard Tree, Lilydale. Picture: TAYLAH EASTWELL

Stockdale & Leggo CEO/Director Charlotte Pascoe, Bridge Builders CEO/Founder Phil Stenhouse OAM and Bridge Builders leader Bonnie Knight were thrilled with the work experience program.

Fresh food, togetherness

Peter’s career as a fruiter began on April 10 2010, in the small town of The Basin.

With limited knowledge, his guiding principle was to never sell something he wouldn’t eat. Over the next decade, his little fruit shop in The Basin provided fresh food and pantry goodies, earning a stellar reputation that filled Peter with pride.

One day, a local apple grower shared a surprising fact: Lilydale had been without a fresh

food shop for decades. This revelation planted a seed in Peter’s mind, and he decided to open The Pantry@Lilydale on 243 Main Street, aiming to be a hidden gem within the community. Peter believed in word of mouth, and with his dedicated team, he sought to provide excellent service, fresh food, and hard work.

Despite being just a month old, The Pantry@Lilydale wasn’t perfect. Nevertheless, Peter found joy in involving customers in the growth of the business. Every interaction was

an opportunity for improvement, fostering stronger connections within the community.

Peter’s journey extended beyond selling fruits; it was about nurturing togetherness.

The Pantry@Lilydale became a haven where sustenance and camaraderie flourished, reflecting the dedication of the team. Peter’s passion deepened, and he strived to deliver the finest offerings, recognizing that nourishment encompassed more than goods—it involved building relationships.

The Pantry@Lilydale evolved to meet changing needs while upholding Peter’s commitment to quality and service. It became a vibrant hub, fostering connections and embodying perseverance and community impact.

Let’s celebrate this one-month-old establishment, brimming with potential. Join Peter and his team on their journey, where each customer contributes to a thriving haven of freshness and community spirit.

L-R: James, Ophie, Peter. 343135

Pictures: ROB CAREWFresh food is the only thing on offer at The Pantry@Lilydale.

Firing off to championships

By Callum Ludwig

Young Warburton resident Benjamin De Pedro is jetting off with his family to Spain to represent Australia in the Universal Trench World Championships this August.

17-year-old Ben first got into the sport of shooting by joining the clay shooting club offered at Lilydale High School.

Ben said he started in Year Seven and thought he’d just give it a go to see what it’s like and enjoyed it heaps.

“From then on, I started going to competitions on the weekend, going to some bigger ones and winning and improving and then this year, I decided to go towards a selection event for the World Championships,” he said.

“We went around Australia to events to qualify for it, and it feels great and is so exciting to be going.”

Universal trench, also known as ‘five-trap’, involves targets being shot up from one of a group of five traps installed in a trench in front of the shooter. 25 targets per round are shot out at different angles, elevations and speeds and the athlete gets only two shots to hit it a score a single point.

Ben said looking back, it amazes even him how much he has improved so quickly.

“I remember starting off you have to learn to shoot either left-handed or right-handed, but it’s more based on your eyes rather than what hand you use to write. I’m right-handed in catching, throwing writing, everything but my right eye is my lazy eye,” he said.

I’m lucky one of my teachers noticed and made me change because if I kept shooting right-handed, I probably wouldn’t be where I am now at this point.”

Ben has already won many sashes and highgun awards at country and local competitions, as well as;

· Being awarded Junior State Champion for Universal Trench in February this year,

· Making the ISSF Trench State Team set to compete in the National titles in Brisbane in 2024,

· Making the Junior South East Zone team twice,

· Being the first person to win the Chris Carol Cup,

· Winning the Overall High Gun at the Yarra Valley Regional Clay Target Shooting Competition in May, held at the Melbourne Gun Club in Yering where he is a member.

Ben said the people at the Melbourne Gun Club are great and always happy to help out.

“I really love it all, the community is great, you feel safe there and they’re all happy to have a chat, they’ve all helped me throughout my journey and without some of that advice, I don’t know if I’d be able to have made the team this year,” he said.

I want to do my best, and it’d be great to make it to the Olympics one day or be the world champion in the highest discipline possible. At some point everyone can hit a target, it’s just about being able to keep hitting that target over and over.”

Heritage Classic returns to Australasian PGA Tour

The Jack Nicklaus-designed St John Course will rejoin the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia tournament rotation with the return of the Heritage Classic at The Heritage Golf and Country Club in Chirnside Park.

The 36-hole facility, a jewel of the Yarra Valley’s golf offering north-east of Melbourne, will kick off the second half of the 2023/2024 PGA Tour of Australasia season.

To be played 11-14 January, the 2024 Heritage Classic is the first in a three-year commitment that will re-establish The Heritage Golf and Country Club as a first-class tournament venue and highlight the Yarra Valley as a golf destination with a wide array of offcourse opportunities.

A then promising amateur, Lucas Herbert lost to David Bransdon in a playoff when the Heritage Classic was last held in 2013.

The Heritage Golf and Country Club CEO, Brett Nelson, is excited to launch a new era for the Heritage and once again showcase the country’s best players.

“The Heritage Classic gives us the op-

portunity to highlight The Heritage Golf and Country Club to the broader golfing community,” Nelson said.

“We are especially excited of how this tournament can be used as a vehicle to engage and benefit many local businesses, including highlighting the Yarra Valley as

a golfing destination.

“St John, the signature course, was designed to host tournament golf, so the opportunity to watch the best golfers in the country play the Nicklaus-designed course will be mouthwatering.

“We are thankful to the PGA of Australia for supporting the club’s vision for a promising future as we continue to restore our reputation as a premier golfing facility.”

The 2024 Heritage Classic will offer $200,000 in prizemoney and further bolsters a growing ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia season.

In addition to the Heritage Classic in 2013, The Heritage Golf and Country Club hosted the 2014 Victorian PGA Championship won by New Zealand’s Gareth Paddison.

PGA of Australia Tournaments Director Australasia, Nick Dastey, said that it was a major boost to the Tour and its players that The Heritage was making a return on a threeyear commitment.

“There is no question that the facilities and

golf courses make for an outstanding tournament venue and we’re thrilled to be once again working with the team at The Heritage Golf and Country Club,” Dastey said.

“The St John course not only represents a great test for our players but is visually stunning.

“We’re looking forward to showcasing it to golf fans both on site and through the live weekend broadcast on Fox Sports and Kayo.

“The Heritage Classic adds to what is shaping as another huge summer on the back of success of last season and, as the first event of the new year, will kick off the second half of the season and the countdown to the all-important Order of Merit.”

The 2023/2024 ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia season will be highlighted by the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club (November 23-26), the ISPS HANDA Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club (November 30-December 3) and the NZ Open Presented by Sky Sports (Feb 29-March 3).

The Heritage Golf and Country Club will return as part of the rotation in the 2023/2024 PGA Tour of Australasia. Picture: SUPPLIED

Benjamin De Pedro takes aim. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Benjamin De Pedro will compete at the Universal Trench World Championships held in Spain in August.

Benjamin De Pedro received the award for Overall High Gun at the Yarra Valley Regional Clay Target Shooting Competition held at the Melbourne Gun Club.

Share in $1m

By Tanya Steele

One lucky Coldstream resident has received a welcome bump to their bank account after winning a share of $ 1 million recently in Monday and Wednesday’s Lotto draw.

The central syndicate held one of two division one winning entries in the Monday and Wednesday Lotto draw 4262, drawn Monday 26 June 2023.

Coldstream local post office and news agency owner Savier Xu was surprised and delighted when she opened her email inbox to the news.

“My husband came in for the morning and we had an email from The Lott and we learned we had sold a division one ticket, he called me straight away and we were so excited,” she said.

“We started wondering who the winner was.”

In addition to scoring the $1 million division one prize, the syndicate’s System 11 QuickPick entry also scored division two 6 times, division three 24 times, division four 150 times, division five 120 times and division

six 56 times, bolstering the group’s total prize to $1,079,196.60.

This means each syndicate member will receive a share worth $107,919.76.

Ms Xu said the post office has only begun to sell lotto since August of the last year and is pleased they have sold a big win already.

“We’re really happy we have sold a division one,” she said.

Staff member Kathy said the win is great and said she was happy to have sold the winning ticket.

“We’re hoping it will continue to be lucky,” she said.

The Coldstream winner has since dropped in to see the staff but will have to process their big win with The Lott head office.

The Lott spokesperson James Eddy said some syndicate members held unregistered entries and might have yet to discover their winning news.

“This Melbourne syndicate has ensured all members finish the financial year on a high after bagging one of the two division one wins nationally,” he said.

Australian-first pet census

By Callum Godde, AAP

They won’t be counted two by two, but Victorians’ furry, feathered and scaly friends will soon be the focus of Australia’s first pet census.

The online Victorian pet census will open on Monday and ask a variety of questions about owners and their animals, including animal health and care costs.

It will be the first survey of its kind in the nation and take about 15 minutes to complete.

Pet ownership rates have surged from 61 per cent to 69 per cent since the Covid-19 pandemic began and the Victorian government plans to use the data to form a clearer picture of animal companionship across the state.

Under Victoria’s current system, it is up to local governments to collect and store most information about pet ownership and registration, meaning there is a lack of upto-date and reliable data.

The survey will close the knowledge gap on pet owner experiences and attitudes, Australian Animal Protection Society chief

LILYDALE Marketplace

Welcome to Lilydale Marketplace, your ultimate destination for family-friendly fun and community engagement. We are thrilled to announce our special celebration of NAIDOC Week during the school holidays, where we invite you and your children to join us for an unforgettable experience.

Event: NAIDOC Week Celebrations at Lilydale Marketplace

Date: Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th July Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM each day Location: Lilydale Marketplace, 33/45 Hutchinson St, Lilydale

During these two exciting days, we have prepared a range of engaging and enriching activities that are completely free for everyone to enjoy. Bring your children along for a fantastic opportunity to learn, create, and celebrate Indigenous culture. Craft Workshops: Let your children's creativity shine as they participate in our free craft workshops. Guided by skilled instructors, they will have the chance to create unique art pieces inspired by Indigenous traditions.

Indigenous Inspired Bead Art: Immerse yourselves in the beauty of Indigenous art as your children explore the art of beadwork. They will have the opportunity to design and create their own bead art, incorporating traditional Indigenous motifs and symbols.

Pet ownership rates have skyrocketed since the start of Covid-19.

executive Megan Seccull said.

“This census data will help us improve our services and provide better quality support to a broader range of pet owners in our community,” she said on Friday.

About $610,000 was set aside in last year’s Victorian state budget for the survey and Agriculture Minister Gayle Tierney said the move would help shape the next generation of pet and animal welfare reforms.

Wooden Boomerang Dot Art: Delve into the rich history of Indigenous culture with our wooden boomerang dot art activity. Your children will learn about the significance of the boomerang while creating vibrant dot paintings on wooden surfaces. At Lilydale Marketplace, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community. Our NAIDOC Week celebrations aim to promote cultural awareness, appreciation, and understanding, fostering a sense of unity and respect.

Join us on Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th July, between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, at Lilydale Marketplace for an unforgettable experience filled with creativity, education, and fun. Together, let's celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of Indigenous Australians during this special week. We look forward to seeing you at Lilydale Marketplace for an incredible NAIDOC Week celebration!

The Coldstream Post Office and News agency staff Kathy and Savier were thrilled to have sold the winning ticket. Picture: SUPPLIED

Happiness on show until end of month

By Callum Ludwig

Woori Yallock resident Jerry Osadczuk is the man behind the latest exhibition in the gallery at the Warburton Waterwheel, which will run until 30 July.

‘Happiness’ opened on Friday 24 June and features a variety of Mr Osadczuk’s brightest paintings.

Mr Osadczuk said he hopes everyone who comes to look at the exhibition leaves in a better mood than when they came.

“With the cold weather setting in, we don’t have as many opportunities to cheer up and to get out and enjoy something,” he said.

“Most of the paintings are pretty bright, with a few darker ones to offset but still with a lot of colour. It is about a third of my total paintings, my brightest body of work.”

Mr Osadczuk has been painting in theYarra Ranges since 200, using a variety of mediums including oils, acrylics, ink, shellac and powdered ochres for the seven solo exhibitions he has held and many group exhibitions he has been a part of.

Mr Osadczuk said he has changed his style a bit, and the exhibition is a mixture of a couple of things.

“I used to do more landscape paintings, but I’ve gotten more contemporary and even gotten into the abstract area a bit as well. I like to chop and change. I go in and out of one style to the other style depending on the size of the canvas and what materials I’m using,” he said.

“I enjoy a combination of them all in a lot of my paintings, if you didn’t see a horizon you might think it was an abstract piece and vice versa.”

Mr Osadczuk’s work has seen him twice

nominated as a finalist for the Cliftons Art Prize, which is awarded for the best works of painting, drawing or photography created by artists in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or Hong Kong.

Mr Osadczuk is endeavouring to be at the gallery for a few hours every Saturday while the exhibition is on show, and is happy to talk about and answer questions from visitors.

He also insists that if anyone wants to buy a painting and take it home they can do so straightaway and don’t have to wait until the exhibition is over.

The Warburton Waterwheel Gallery is open from 10am to 4pm everyday.

Renowned actor Jo Joyner stars in drama

Network 10, Fremantle Australia and Channel 5 have once again joined forces to co-produce Riptide, a premium, primetime thriller filmed exclusively in Victoria and starring acclaimed UK actor Jo Joyner.

Crews shot for Riptide in Sassafras for three days in early August 2022, with production starting on Riptide in July last year.

Renowned actor Jo Joyner, revered for her roles in many UK series including EastEnders, Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators, Stay Close and award-winning Ackley Bridge was cast in the lead role by Thea McLeod as Alison.

Joining Jo is English actor Ciarán Griffiths (Shameless, The Flats) and Australian actors David Berry (Outlander, A Place To Call Home), Peter O’Brien (The Unusual Suspects, Grey Nomads), Ally Fowler (Wentworth), Pia Miranda (Mustangs FC, Wentworth), rising stars Benny Turland (Neighbours, Home and Away), Asher Yasbincek (The Heights, Heartbreak High) and Yazeed Daher (The Hunting, Safe Harbour), and newcomers Benjamin Samaddar and Sonya Suares.

Filmed in Melbourne, Alison’s life is plunged into despair when her new Australian husband vanishes after a morning surf. Did he get caught in a dangerous riptide – or is there more to his disappearance than meets the eye? The psychological thriller will be directed by Australia Directors’ Guild Award recipient, Scott Major (Lie With Me, Neighbours) and Natalie Mandel (Lie with Me, Wanted) is on board as producer.

Riptide premiered on Channel 10 on Wednesday 28 June.

The four-part series was created by Fremantle Australia’s Jason Herbison whose credits include Executive Producer of the much-loved soap Neighbours and acclaimed mini-series Lie With Me, one of Channel 5’s highest rating dramas last year and a global success now screening in 85 territories.

Both series were ordered by Greg Barnett,

Cavaleri coming to Yarra Ranges

By Callum Ludwig

Australian singer-songwriter Nathan Cavaleri is days away from beginning a national tour for his fourth studio album ‘Miracles’, with two Yarra Ranges shows on the set list in October.

Mr Cavaleri will return to Sooki Lounge in Belgrave on Thursday 26 October and make his second visit to Warburton to play at the Alpine Hotel on Saturday 28 October this year.

Mr Cavaleri said the start of a tour always comes with mixed emotions.

“Most of it is excitement, but there’s also the natural amount of fear and terror that comes with the unknown but these are the types of areas that I really love playing at and they’ve got a different sense of community,” he said.

“I played Warburton one to two years ago, and I loved it so much, loved the whole area and I’d never been there before. Belgrave is similar, I get the same grounded feeling and I’ve played Sooki Lounge a fair few times over the last decade or so and it’s just such a great venue with good people behind it.”

Mr Cavaleri’s tour begins in Katoomba, New South Wales on Friday 7 July and will conclude with an appearance at Rock The Boat Cruise on Friday 24 November.

Mr Cavaleri said when he gets to perform at a place like Warburton or Belgrave, he feels at peace.

“Touring for me comes with complications because of my history with mental health challenges and trying to tour at times when I probably shouldn’t have been, but when I was there, all the anxiety disappeared,” he said.

“The natural ebbs and flows of adrenaline that would come around a show were much more manageable. I felt a lot more grounded, and swimming in that river in the middle of winter definitely helped to bring me back into my body.”

Pressure and expectation have followed Mr Cavaleri’s music career with stars of the blues and rock scene like Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits and B.B King heaping praise on his guitar skills from a young age, he released his debut single just prior to his 10th birthday and his debut album before he turned 11.

Mr Cavaleri said he had to face all the voices of his past and all his demons to get to a deep truth in Miracles.

“I wanted to do something that was true to me, and this album is getting a lot of love and it seems to be translating in the way that I intended,” he said.

Commissioning Editor, Factual Entertainment, Unscripted, Channel 5 & P+. Jo Joyner said she is excited to be working with the “fantastic teams at Fremantle, Channel 5 and 10 in Australia, and playing Alison”.

“She is such a warm and layered character whose world is turned upside down, just when it seemed like her life was finally coming together. I am also thrilled to be filming in the fabulous city of Melbourne and surrounding countryside, an area that I have always wanted to explore,” Jo said.

Commissioning Editor at Factual Entertainment, Unscripted, Channel 5 & P+, Greg Barnett, said Lie With Me proved “incredibly popular” with viewers and he is looking forward to expanding our drama slate even further, working hand in hand with our production partners Fremantle Australia and Network 10.

“Jo is an incredible talent, and I can’t wait to see what she brings to this role,” Greg said.

Paramount Australia & New Zealand SVP Content & Programming, Daniel Monaghan, said it is wonderful to be working closely with Channel 5 and Fremantle Australia on this “fantastic new drama series”.

“We have a strong and trusted relationship

and have produced many stellar drama series together in the past. Riptide will continue that great partnership,” Daniel said.

Fremantle Australia Executive Producer, Jason Herbison, also said he is “thrilled” to continue the partnership with Channel 5 and 10 and to bring Riptide to life.

“It’s the best of British meeting the best of Australian casts and crews – and I can’t wait for the audience to see what we have in store.”

Riptide has received financial investment from VicScreen, and aired on Channel 5 in 2022.

Fremantle will distribute the series internationally.

“We ventured outside of the blues, the blues are still in there, but I’ve definitely gone on beyond that and I was worried about whether my more traditional blues lovers were going to be disappointed with the album but so far that hasn’t been the case.”

Tickets and more information can be found at www.nathancavaleri.com/.

Australian actor David Berry and director Scott Major on the set of Riptide in Sassafras.

Picture: KELLY GARDNER

Renowned actor Jo Joyner will join the BritishAustralian cast. Picture: SUPPLIED

Nathan Cavaleri is playing two shows in the Yarra Ranges in October.

Jerry Osadczuk will be in the gallery for a few hours most Saturdays while the exhibition is on show.

Jerry Osadczuk’s ‘Happiness’ exhibition is on display at the Warburton Waterwheel Gallery until the end of July.

Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG

COMMUNITY DIARY

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Melbourne Welsh Male Choir

The Melbourne Welsh Male Choir is making a return to Mooroolbark on Saturday 15 July, putting on a show of unmatchable choral versatility.

Performing at the Mooroolbark Community Centre located at 125 Brice Ave, Mooroolbark attendees can expect to be wowed by the vocal talents of these men.

Under the appointment of Musical Director David Ashton-Smith (OAM) and accompanist Simon Walters, the Choir has gone from strength to strength. They have expanded their repertoire greatly, whilst still retaining their core of Welsh music.

The Choir has travelled all over the world showcasing their music, so it is a special treat to be able to see them so close to home.

To book, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ Experience/Events/Melbourne-Welsh-MaleChoir or call 1300 368 333.

Yarra Valley View Club

The Yarra Valley VIEW Club is looking forward to another year supporting The Smith Family with the educational needs of underprivileged Australian children, and have fun doing it.

Join us for monthly lunches (Have fun at

our Christmas in July celebration) at Chirnside Park Country Club, 68 Kingswood Drive, Chirnside Park. Monthly speakers, interest groups, outings and meet women from all walks of life.

Contact Val on 0419 007 728 for any enquiries. Bookings essential. Visitors always welcome.

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2022

In its 15th year, the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2022 is one of the most praised photographic competitions in the country, showcasing both professional and amateur photographers.

As the exhibition tours the country, the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum has been treated to hosting the collection as one of the select few venues.

The winner of the National Photographic Portrait Prize for 2022 is Silent Strength by Wayne Quilliam.

“Everything about this portrait is exceptional. The composition, the contrast, the richness of the colours in the ochres and feathers, and also the sense of pride the subject is portraying – all of these layers and details carry such power in connecting the subject and his story with the audience,” judges Nick Moir, Sandra Bruce and Rebecca Ray said.

Two local artists were also selected as part of the exhibition.

Entry into the gallery is free, with the exhibition running until Sunday 3 September.

Yarra Ranges Regional Museum is located on Castella Street in Lilydale.

While in the region, why not head up the road toWarburton to see the Expression 4 photographic exhibition, the fourth for the Yarra Ranges Photographic Society.

It’s showing at Arts Centre Warburton until Sunday 20 August.

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

Witness the power of the winning photo, Silent Strength, by Wayne Quilliam.

Picture: WAYNE QUILLIAM - NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

OPINION

Without a doubt, the cost of living is one of the biggest challenges Australians are facing at the moment.

It’s an invisible burden silently taking its toll, putting major stress on the household budget.

Rising interest rates, grocery bills, rent and energy prices are leaving many local families with very little at the end of each week.

I’m out every day in our community and I know that it’s getting harder and harder for families. Many are struggling to find affordable rentals and more people than ever are turning to local support services. Our small businesses are also making tough decisions.

In fact, the district of Evelyn (which covers suburbs of Lilydale, Coldstream, Mount Evelyn, Mooroolbark, Chirnside, Wandin, Seville, Seville East, Gruyere and Montrose) recently ranked 16th in the top 50 areas of growing homelessness in Victoria. I am disappointed that the Albanese Labor Government did not take the chance presented to them in the May budget to rein in spending. This would have had a direct impact on driving down inflation

Federal Member for Casey

closer towards our two to three per cent target.

Instead, they’ve spent millions on temporary energy bill relief that does nothing to bring prices down in the long run and they’ve spent a further $185 billion which will only make inflation worse.

But this isn’t about politics. The cost of living crisis is about people and right now, people in our community are doing it tough. I’ve seen some inspirational acts of kindness from strangers across our community of late. From people donating items to local foodbanks, to paying for the groceries of the next person in

line at the supermarket.

Community spirit shines through From my desk

The fact is, we are blessed to live in such a tight-knit community.We will pull through if we continue to stick together.

But there is lots of support available too.

I’ve compiled a list of local support services on my website: https://www.aaronvioli.com. au/local-issues/important-phone-numbers/

Whether it be assistance paying the utilities, housing, emergency food relief, food vouchers, healthcare, clothing, mental health support or financial hardship lines, there are people who care and services that can assist you right here in our community. I’ll continue advocating in Parliament for sensible, meaningful economic choices that make life easier for all Australians.

I’m also hosting a cost of living forum on 13 July at the Wandin North Public Hall. I encourage you to come along and share how the cost of living is impacting you, to help the Federal Cost of Living Committee formulate practical solutions to address this cost of living crisis. Register at www.trybooking.com/CJDQY.

Come give the farmer his fun

By Seth Lukas Hynes Run Rabbit Run

Starring Sarah Snook and Lily LaTorre

Kemp’s curtain call

Midnight the Cinderella Musical

Opened at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre on Sunday 25 June. Opening at 5pm, a first for Melbourne, this allowed for many children to attend, after all, it is a children’s story. Opened with a young lady Isobel Lauder in bed reading from a rather large book the story of Cinderella. As the evening wore on, she acted as narrator and was not above changing a few lies she was averse to.

A little different from the usual Cinderella, in this version (beside Isobel’s interpretation) Ella, as she is known, is a feisty young lady who is trying to right the wrongs of the kingdom. She is not impressed by Prince Charming but later she does become more favorable to him.

Ella was given a wonderful performance by Brianna Bishop. Her prince, albeit Prince Charming, was given a great performance by Thomas Mcguane, a good actor, singer and had a terrific rapport with Brianna. Shane Jacobsen was the King, Prince charming’s father and what a character. He played the role with his usual gust and surprised us all with a great singing voice. Loud, clear and easily understood.

Lucy Durack was the Fairy Godmother, another great performance and she really showed all of her talents: a good voice, and strong acting.

The stepmother, Madame Bellington was given a positive interpretation of the character byVerity Hunt-Ballard.

The delight of the evening was Matt Lee as Andre, the Prince’s friend and Mr Abernathy. He excelled in both roles and beside his good acting, singing he is a terrific dancer. Very busy throughout the performance so much so one wonders where he gets the energy.

An amazing evening of theatre and not surprisingly a standing ovation. This is one show not to be missed.

A Reminder: Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre – Switzerland – opened 29 June and closes 15 July. Bookings: Office hours Monday, Tuesday, Friday 10am – 2pm. The 1812 Theatre – Lord of the Flies – opened 27 June and closes 6 July. Bookings: 9758 3984

Love, loss and legacy PASSION FOR PROSE WITH

CHRISTINE SUN

A review of Heartstrong: Chumpy, Minnie and Me by Ellidy Pullin

Alex “Chumpy” Pullin, Australia’s two-timeWorld Champion snowboarder who competed at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics, passed away on July 8, 2020 at the age of 32. Heartstrong, written by Chumpy’s partner Ellidy, tells the heart-wrenching story of the loss of a beloved son, husband, father and athlete.

Ellidy confessed at one stage that “I was just a kid when I met [Chumpy], and a grown-ass woman when [he] left”. This transition is crystal clear in Heartstrong, which is divided into three sections –“The Before”, “The After” and “What Became”.

Rated M

4/5

With a twist CARTOON

Starring Sarah Snook from Succession, Run Rabbit Run is an entrancing psychological horror film. Sarah (Snook), a fertility doctor, begins to observe disturbing behaviour in her daughter Mia (Lily LaTorre).

Directed by Daina Reed and written by novelist Hannah Kent, Run Rabbit Run’s narrative is an eerie, well-structured slow-burn.

With stunning cinematography and a droning, foreboding score, the film draws an oppressive atmosphere from mundane scenarios, such as uncomfortable family obligations, the small lies parents tell their kids, and a child’s odd behaviour turning sinister. As Mia takes on a new identity and shows knowledge she shouldn’t possess, a rift forms between her and her mother, which steadily unveils the repressed trauma in Sarah’s past.

Snook’s performance balances motherly care with weariness and growing unease, and a superb wordless sequence has her walk through her old family home, shoulders slumped and head low, her body language conveying all we need to know about Sarah’s

family trauma. LaTorre conveys a steely intensity beyond her years as Mia.

Run Rabbit Run wears its horror influences on its sleeve, for better and worse. Hereditary and especially The Babadook build their horror from the rigours of parenting and mental illness, and Hereditary also features a backstory of family abuse. Run Rabbit Run differs in approach and presentation from these forebears, but the climax reminds me of Lake Mungo (which, full disclosure, was produced by an old friend of mine), in that both films have somewhat clunky paranormal touches that cheapen the solid organic horror.

A compelling, character-driven horror film, Run Rabbit Run is available for streaming on Netflix.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

The Ellidy BEFORE was a wide-eyed innocent girl madly in love with the man that was “larger than life” and “beyond this world”:“He radiated at a higher level like he was from a different dimension to the rest of us. When you looked into his eyes, there was a depth that was otherworldly.”

The writing here is full of wonder and awe, every bit as genuine and straightforward as it is natural and heartfelt. It makes this reviewer wonder: Maybe we as readers are so used to subtle, sophisticated and stylish writing that raw emotions are considered “cringey”. Maybe we have become too “mature-minded” to remember how crazy, carefree and cheery we once were.

Perhaps thanks to the efforts of journalist, editor and ghostwriter Alley Pascoe, the voice of the Ellidy AFTER is drastically different. Once again the plain words convey the most complicated emotions, but these are the saddest. Instead of tears, the grief over the loss of Chumpy cuts so deep that it leaves his loved ones numb.

In Ellidy’s words:“My brain was working overtime to protect me. I couldn’t cope with the reality, so I disconnected from it altogether.”

In Chumpy’s father’s words: “None of it felt real, not even when [my wife] and I went to see Chumpy’s body in the funeral home, not even when we discussed cremation, not even today. I don’t know if the reality will ever sink in.”

Some books are too sad to be read, and Heartstrong could have been one of them if the transition of Ellidy from a kid to a mother and insightful woman had not been explicitly explained. Through post-mortem sperm retrieval and IVF, Chumpy and Ellidy’s daughter Minnie was born in October 2021, fifteen months after his death.

In Ellidy’s words:“I don’t want people looking at [Minnie] and feeling sad that her amazing Dad isn’t with her physically. I want people to look at her and smile that she’s been made possible.” That is part of Chumpy’s legacy. Not only was he an everlasting inspiration to sportspeople across the world, but his fierce love and compassion for life helped bringing new purposes to people’s lives, making them want to honour him by being – and doing – better. With her honest and selfless sharing of loss and pain in this book, Ellidy encourages us to find growth through grief. She is continuing Chumpy’s legacy by being who she is today.

PREMIER LIFESTYLE SANCTUARY

‘WILKY PARK’ - North facing, quiet and private. Stunning views on 8.55 hectares.

The Residence

The stylish double brick residence offers:

· 4 bedrooms, the main with full ensuite and WIR

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

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

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

Bathroom with bath

Infrastructure:

Paved entertaining area

· Inground solar heated pool

· Tennis court

· Chook shed

Veggie patch

Cat run

Dam, tank and bore water

19 paddocks – agistment (potential income)

· Oversized floodlit arena 30 x 80m

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

Tack/wash bay area

Day sheds

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

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

· Additional shedding

A property that will impress on inspection, take your time, take it all in. It really is a special place, that is set up with the best facilities, especially for equine pursuits.

Please note: this property has dual access, your GPS may take you to 110 Kennedy Road, Macclesfield instead. ●

OPPORTUNITY FOR FIRST HOME BUYER OR SAVVY INVESTOR

NESTLED in a highly convenient location, just minutes away from the local primary school, kindergarten, bus stop, and convenience store, this charming residence caters to all your needs.

Boasting 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this home offers ample space for comfortable living.

Step inside to discover a spacious living

area seamlessly connected to the kitchen and meals area, featuring stunning and easy-to-maintain pine floors. This open layout provides extra room for relaxation and quality family time. The kitchen is equipped with plenty of cupboard storage and modern appliances, including a dishwasher, ensuring it meets all your culinary requirements.

No matter the weather, this home has

you covered. Stay cozy in the colder months with the gas log fire, while the split system ensures optimal comfort throughout the year.

The large fully fenced block offers a secure environment for children and pets to play, and the undercover entertaining area is perfect for hosting gatherings. For those seeking a tranquil escape, there’s a

lovely fire pit area at the rear, creating a cozy ambiance.

Parking is a breeze with a double carport and an asphalt drive, providing ample space for multiple vehicles. This home truly has something for everyone, combining practicality, comfort, and charm.

Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity. ●

EnchantingHomewithGorgeousGardensinadelightfullocation

Featuringfourbedroomsandatastefullydesignedbathroom,the12-footornateceilingsadda touchofgrandeur,whiletheopenfireplacesintwobedroomscreateagorgeouscozyatmosphere onchillyevenings.Thekitchenisaculinaryhaven,equippedwithmodernappliancesandhas alovelyaspectouttowardsthegardens.Theopen-plandiningandloungeareaisperfectfor entertainingguests,makingitatruedelightforthosewholovehostinggatherings.Inadditiontothe mainhouse,thereisastunningstudiothatisbrilliantlypositionedforthoseartisticpursuits.Located justashortstrollawayfromthevibrantlifeofWarburton,thispropertyoffersthebestofbothworlds— peacefulseclusionandeasyaccesstoamenities.Ifyou’researchingforapropertywithcharm, beautyandconvenience,don’tmissthisopportunity!

42MiddletonDrive,WooriYallock$620,000-$680,000

FamilyEntertainerinWooriYallock-NeatasaPin!

ThisfantasticWooriYallockhomecomprisesthreewell-proportionedbedrooms,eachequippedwith built-inrobes,plushcarpeting,andceilingfans,providingacomfortableretreatforall.Thekitchen isahavenforanycookingenthusiast,featuringgenerousbenchspaceandamplestorage.The exteriorboastsanasphaltdriveway,stunninggardens,amplestoragewithshedsforyourtoys,and adesignatedareaforchildren’splay.Therearofthepropertyisfullyfenced,providingbothprivacy andsecurity.AlsogasDuctedHeatingandanupdatedbathroomwhichreallycompletesthis package!Incloseproximitytolocalshopsandaprimaryschool,thispropertyofferstheepitomeof familylivinginWooriYallock.Don’tmissoutonthisexceptionalopportunity!

2/20YarraStreet,YarraJunction$520,000-$570,000

ConvenientandLowMaintenanceLiving

Anultimatedestinationforbuyersseekingconvenienceandaccessibilityintheirdailylives,inan unbeatableproximitytoavarietyofessentialamenities.Thepropertyboaststwogenerouslysized bedrooms,completewithbuilt-inrobes,providingamplestoragespace.Theopenloungeand diningareacreateawelcomingatmosphere,perfectforentertainingguestsorenjoyingqualitytime withfamily.Naturallightfillsthespace,enhancingtheoverallambianceandcreatingabrightand invitingsetting.Theneatkitchenhasbeendesignedwithbothstyleandfunctionalityinmindwith amplebenchandcupboardspace.Yourownlock-upgarage,providessecurestorageforyour vehicleandotherbelongings.Outside,alovelyneatgardenandlawnareaadorntheproperty, creatingavisuallyappealingandsereneenvironment.Don’tmissthisgreatopportunity!

SamanthaPrice

TonyFanfulla

M 0419870513

34StationRoad,Warburton$430,000-$470,000

Wepresenttoyouagemintheheartoftownwithmagicalmountainviews!Theperfectcanvasfor yourcreativetouchandsituatedinthebustlingheartoftheWarburtontownship,thispropertyoffers theultimateconvenience.EnjoyeasyaccesstotheRailtrail,YarraRiver,restaurants,trendyshops, andeverythingelseyourheartdesires,juststepsawayfromyourfrontdoor.Endlesspotentialwithits cosylayoutthishouseprovidestheperfectblankcanvastodesignahomethatreflectsyourunique style.Letyourimaginationrunwildwiththis1–2-bedroomhomewithasimplekitchen/bathroom, generousbungalow,mainsgasheatingandsplitsystemavailableandallthisawaitsonaneasily maintainedblockwithconcretedriveandcarport.Bequickasthiswontlast!

Inspection:

2

Sat1.00-1.30pm 3 A 1 B 1 C

27 Leila Road, WARBURTON

Price: $870,000 - $940,000

4 Bed, 2 Bath, Land Size 4000sqm Character Weatherboard home with wrap around veranda’s Bright & colourful galley style kitchen is a pivotal part of the home.

Separate downstairs living area for additional family or Air B & B. Two gated paddocks plus large studio or home office

Contact Rebecca Halit 0429 888 367

Price:

111/46 Station Street, FERNTREE GULLY

Price:

$520,000 - $560,000

2 Bed, 1 Bath, 1 Car.

Private balcony with panoramic views for indoor-outdoor entertaining. Kitchen with quality finishes including S/S appliances, stone benchtops, and an island bench. Reverse cycle split system for heating/cooling, designated parking spot in the secure basement car park and lockable storage bay.

Price:

Price: $1,300,000 - $1,400,000

4 Bed, 3 Bath, 4 Car, Land Size 3 acres approx. Charming hidden homestead with self-contained unit. Open plan kitchen, featuring butler’s pantry.

Generous living spaces, including formal lounge with open fireplace. Wrap around veranda is accessible from every room. Double carport, double workshop and kids cubby house.

Contact Renata Dimitriou 0493 026 981

Price:

$1,150,000 - $1,190,000

4 Bed, 3 Bath, 4 Car, and Size 6828sqm

Modern, country style kitchen incorporating an abundance of storage & breakfast bar. Open informal living and dining area with ambient Coonara style wood fire.

Downstairs features an expansive rumpus room. Garage, substantial workshop space, large laundry/utility room.

Contact Rebecca Halit 0429 888 367

95 Walker Road, SEVILLE

Contact Rebecca Halit 0429 888 367

Price: $1,000,000 - $1,100,000

3 Bed, 2 Bath, 5 Car, Land Size 2864sqm

Superbly located in a highly sought-after pocket of the Yarra Valley.

Informal lounge/dining area with Coonara style wood heater. Classic country kitchen adorned with combustion stove & butler’s pantry.

4.6x8.5m workshop and

8.4x11.2m garage, plus loft space with balcony views.

Contact Rebecca Halit 0429 888 367

2190 Warburton Highway, LAUNCHING PLACE

52 Belgrave Gembrook Road, BELGRAVE

4 Johnston Parade, FERNY CREEK

16A Clegg Road, MT EVELYN

HOME FOCUS

‘A LOVE AFFAIR’, OF ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURE

MESMERIZING from first glimpse, offering an unparalleled lifestyle, this breathtaking north facing property includes gardens inspired by travels around the world. The Grand Villa is inspired by Andrea Palladio, a famous architect of the Province of Vincenza in Northern Italy. The property is surrounded by breathtaking views across the Yarra Valley and Mountain ranges and the separate Gatehouse accommodation is perfect for family and guests.

· The Villa owns an elegant entry where you are greeted by a grand double staircase and tempts you to see beyond the alluring atrium to the rear garden.

· The ground floor offers a formal dining and separate lounge, informal living room and large kitchen. The kitchen features a large hexagonal island with industrial style rangehood and solid oak cabinetry.

· Upstairs layout includes a grand master suite complete with separate study, luxurious palazzo style ensuite and private balcony. Three additional spacious bedrooms, two with balconies, serviced by an impressive main bathroom.

· A pivotal characteristic of Northern Italian architecture is celebrated in the Villa via an 11-metre-high void surround by the staircase, flooding the home with natural light.

· The lower ground floor is home to a gymnasium, wine storage and large 12.5 x 7.1 metre garage with direct entry off the impressive circular driveway.

· Other notable features include, under floor heating in the Villa, two magnificent fireplaces, solar panels for the Villa and the Gatehouse, that keep running costs minimal.

· Fabulous outdoor entertaining options for

HOME ESSENTIALS

small to large groups, including a sprawling lawn area; expansive pergola-colonnade and gazebo; orchard and a magnificent Japanese Garden, designed for low-maintenance and year-round seasonal fruit and vegetables.

· The Tuscan style outbuilding gifted with 3 large 2.6 x 6 metre spaces, each with double doors, perfect for mechanical storage,

potting sheds, or even artistic workspace.

· The Gatehouse includes two separate fully self-contained suites each with private courtyard, relaxing soaker spa bath and mesmerising views across the gardens.

· Located in the prime Yarra Valley Wine Region, staying at Villa Raedward whether it be short term weddings and accommodation or permanent residential living it is

Address: 26 Melba Highway, YERING Description: 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 5 garage Price: $2,859,000 -$2,999,000

Contact: Rebecca Halit 0429 888 367 and Paul Marra 0493 023 449, PROPERTY PARTNERS

sure to be relaxing and fun to explore and enjoy its immediate surroundings. Contact Property Partners. Private inspections ONLY.

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. ●

Inspect: Private Inspections Only

Rebecca has drawn on years of experience to build a company that is true to its values, working closely with community to leave them in a better place than when they first met. Building on relationships based on confidence and trust have been integral to her success. Known for her outstanding care and service to her clients, Rebecca’s experience as a highly skilled negotiator has continued to set benchmarks in Real Estate success that she is proud of, and humbled by. Her personal attributes such as a deep care for people, and values like a strong belief in fairness for everyone, ensures the company upholds the highest integrity. Rebecca believes that her outstanding team is fundamental to Property Partners’ success.

Bursting with enthusiasm, Renata has been an exceptional salesperson for over 25 years. She’s fantastic with numbers and has an incredible memory. Her passion is contagious and her love for what she does translates into getting the best possible outcome for her clients. Building rapport and trusting relationships are her strongest attribute. She combines a deep care for people with business focus, including stringent negotiation skills, closely align with the company’s core values and that has set her up for the success she experiences today.

Known in the office as ‘The Rockstar’, Paul is personable, passionate, and hardworking. With outstanding interpersonal skills are, and with his genuine warmth and passion, he builds and nurtures great relationships with everyone he meets. An excellent listener, his actions are always well considered, allowing him to achieve the desired outcome for clients. Paul’s exceptional work ethic and love for his community are always at the forefront of both work and home life. Without doubt, Paul is set to enjoy a successful career We are excited to have him as part of our sales team.

Celebrating a real estate career of over 10 years with a natural progression to Office Manager, Hayley has earnt the respect and attention of her industry peers and colleagues. Running a very tight ship, her values and organisational prowess parallel the vision for Property Partners and since the company was established, she has been an integral member, shaping the very principles that are Property Partners’ point of difference.

“Selling my home with Property Partners has been a wonderfully stress-free experience! I never felt pressured, and I was absolutely comfortable with all the staff I met as part of the process. They are all very professional, ethical, and very focussed on getting the best possible outcome. I’m very happy with my sale result and I would highly recommend Bec and her team to anyone thinking of selling their property.” - Helen

“I have found Property Partners to be very professional, helpful and insightful during our journey of selling our property. I felt supported and informed on how to approach the market with realistic expectations and this enabled a quick and productive outcome. I would highly recommend them if you are wanting an authentic buying/selling experience.” - Deborah

Rebecca Halit Director/Sales

Renata Dimitriou Sales Consultant

Paul Marra Sales Consultant

Hayley Pemberton Sales/Office Manager

FAMILY LIVING AT ITS BEST

NESTLED in the serene and picturesque Dandenong Ranges, is this immaculately presented home on a sunny 1723 sqm block with a beautiful, treed outlook.

Spread across a spacious and flexible floor plan, this property consists of multiple living zones for quality family living, making it the perfect home.

The open-plan living and dining area is flooded with natural light, thanks to the large windows that offer views of the surrounding greenery. The modern kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances and features stone benchtops with ample storage spaces.

The property boasts 4 spacious bedrooms, each with built-in wardrobes, or the rumpus which overlooks the pool could also be a 5th bedroom which also has 2 built-in robes. The ensuite and family bathroom are both updated and feature sleek and stylish designs.

One of the standout features of this property is the in-ground pool and spa will waterfall, which is heated by solar and gas and is situated within the large covered entertaining area, perfect for year-round enjoyment. Additional features include: the very impressive rock-faced fireplace, large split system, plush carpets, new built-in gas barbecue, solar panels, a large, enclosed veggie garden and a fully fenced back yard.

Located in the heart of the Belgrave Heights, this property is surrounded by quality homes, natural beauty and offers easy access to some of the area’s most popular attractions, including the famous Puffing Billy steam train.

The property is also just a short drive to multiple schools, public transport, Belgrave Central which offers a wide range of shops, cafes, and restaurants, also has easy access to Wellington Road, for those that need to commute to the city.

In summary, this stunning family home is sure to impress even the most discerning buyer. ●

HOME&ASECONdONE-BEdROOMRESIdENCE

CrowningtheridgelineandoppositetheRJHamerArboretumyetwiththeconvenienceofCloudehillCafé/Nurseryjustastrolltotheendofthestreet.TheOlindaVillageandBelgrave townshiparelessthan10minutesdriveaway.

Situatedbehindasecuregateandawayfromtheroad,themain residenceisastunningarchitecturallydesignedhomethat capturesamplenaturallightintoitsuniqueopen-styleplan whichfeaturesawallofglasslookingoutontoafull-length deck.Thispropertyalsoincludesadoublegarage/workshop,beautifulestablishedlandscapedgardenswithvariousfruittrees &vines,alargefenced-offvegetablegarden,chickencoop, watertanks&solarpanelsprovidefreeelectricity.Theone-bedroomfullyself-containedunitisidealforextendedfamilyor asarentalpotential.ThisisararefindthatjustneedsabitofTLCtoaddthepolishtothisgem.

GrantSkipsey 0418528102

OVER½ACREWITHTWOgARAgES

GREATINVESTMENTOPPORTUNITY

Thisreallyisagreatopportunitytogetintotherealestate marketatanaffordableprice orinvestmentforthefuture.SituatedonthehighsideofBurwoodHwy,itisonthemain roadandhencethelowprice.Theviewsaretothedistanttreesacrossthevalleyfromthis rectangular915sqm(approx)allotmentwithallservicesavailabletotheproperty.

GrantSkipsey 0418528102

AGREATCANVASTOwORKwITH

WelcometoEmeraldandyourchancetosecureagreatfamilyhomethatofferstwo decentlivingspaces,gasfire,studynook,kitchenwithgreatbenchspace&walloven anddiningareawithdirectaccesstothedeck.Theresidence candowithafewupdates &cosmeticchanges,butyouhaveagreatcanvastoworkwith.Outdoorsoffersaccess totheunder-house6.2mx6.1mgarage&asecondfreestanding 6.5mx4mgarageinthe backyard.ThelocationisidealasyouareminutestoeitherEmeraldorMonbulk.

Mickdolphin 0429684522

TayTing 0417302112

OlINdA 18CHALETROAD $1,125,000-$1,230,000

4 A 2 B 3 C

EMERAld 153EMERALD-MONBULkROAD $750,000-$820,000

Classicfarmhousewithcharmfromthe1950sperchedatthetopofthehillwithstunning sunsets&views.Thehomeoffersopenplanliving,loungewithawoodheater,separate mealsarea,recentlypainted&newlycarpeted,5paddocks,3 baybarnwithattached sidecarport&additionalundercoverstorage,2shippingcontainers,beautifulmostly clearedlandexceptfortreesalongthecreeklines.Greatforthosethatwanttoescape theratracewiththepotentialofbeing‘off-grid,’withtankwater,bottledgas&septic.

0429684522

0417302112

BEAUTIFULOUTLOOKOVER5FLATACRES

ThisconvenientlylocatedresidencemerelyminutesfromEmeraldTownship&Wellington Roadissetamongstoldgrowthtrees&establishedgardensfeaturestwolivingareas,a fireplace,highceilings,timberfloors,Frenchdoors,kitchenwithaporcelainbutlerssink& Ceasarbenches,sashwindows,masterwithverandaaccess.A huge4+carbarnwith laundry,astudio/officearea&workshop.Solar12kwbattery &15kwpanels,3phase powertogarage,watertank,paddocks,adam,somebushland, chickenrun&sheds.

mickDolphin 0429684522

TayTing 0417302112

SOUGHTAFTEROVER55’SRESIdENCE

EXPRESSIONSOFINTEREST$385,000-$420,000 ExpressionsOfInterestClosing14thJuly1pm.VacantlandisRAREsowhenaqualityblock comesupforsale–jumptoit!Anicebigsquare-shapedblockthatallowsyoutobuild acrosstheblocktocapturethenortherlysunnyaspect.Over 30meterswideandtotals 1,011sqm.Fromthehighsideoftheroad,thereisalovelyviewthroughtothetreedvalley beyond.Allservicesareavailable.BeautifulBelgravelakeParkisinthestreetwhichisa greatplacetotakethekidsandpetsforawalkandplay.

GrantSkipsey 0418528102

CONVENIENCE.COmmUNITY.INDEPENDENCE.

AfabulouslocationwhereyoucanstrollintothebustlingGembrookTownship.Spacious open-planliving,diningandkitchenwitheasyaccesstothe rearcourtyard.Wellappointedkitchenwiths/sappliancesandplentyofbenchandstoragespace.There isagoodsizedlaundryanda2ndWC.Theresidenceonacompact andmanageable allotmentalsoboastsasingleremotegaragewithaccessintothehome,ductedheating, splitsystem,solar-boostedhotwatersystem,visitorparkingandcommunalgrounds.

mickDolphin 0429684522

TayTing 0417302112

SUNNY1011SQMVACANTlANd BELGRAVE 74PARkdRIVE $385,000-$420,000

2 A 1 B 1 C

GEmBROOK 7/13VISTACOURT $535,000-$585,000

4 A 2 B 3 C

CHARACTERHOMEWITHAHUGEBARN CLEmATIS 6GlENBROOkROAd $1,400,000-$1,540,000

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

EnjoyPrivacy,ViewsandDirectAccesstoWrightsForest!

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

214-216Olinda-MonbulkRoad,Monbulk$850,000-$920,000

LiveAmongsttheTree-Topsinthisfabulous4-BedroomFamilyHome!

Thisstunningsplit-levelhomeboastsanopen-plandesignfloodedwithnaturallight.Thekitchen enjoysanortherlyaspectforyear-roundsunlight,&ismodern&well-appointed.Theloungeroom featuresasplit-systemAC&awoodfireheater,complementedbyductedheatingthroughoutthe home.Stepoutfromtheloungeroomtoalargedeckwithaglassbarrierthatprovidesunobstructed views.ThemasterbedroomisprivatelypositionedonthelowerlevelwithaWIR,andupdated ensuite.Ontheupperlevel,therearethreebedrooms,twoofwhichhavetheirownsplit-system ACs,andtheysharealarge&updatedfamilybathroom.Situatedonnearly2/3ofanacreofland, thereisadoublecarportandaSLUG,aswellasanexternalgeneratorplug.Enjoybeingimmersedin naturewhilestillbeingconvenientlyclosetothecharmingtownshipsofMonbulk,Sassafras,&Olinda.

FairytalehomewithamazingviewsonAlmost8Acres!

Twostoreyhomeonapprox.8acres,withbaywindows,slateflooring,&reclaimedtimberinterior. Thegroundflooroffersopenplanlivingwiththekitchen,dining,&loungeroomenjoyingfloor toceilingglasswindows&alargewoodfire.TheloungeroomhasasplitsystemAC.Thereisa downstairstoilet&alargelaundry.Thespiralstaircaseleadsto3largebedroomsallwithbay windows&vaultedceilings.Themasterbedroomhasanensuite,WIR,&splitsystemAC.Thereisa studynook,storagearea&atoilet&familybathroom.Thereisadoubleshed,&aDLUG.Thelandis dividedinto3paddocksandthenanaturalbusharea,withwatertoallpaddocks&sheltershedsin 2ofthe3paddocks.Withmainselectricity,septicsystem,&approx.90,000Lwaterstorage.Thereisa 5kWSolarsystemwith6.5kWbatteryback-up,aStarlink&aNBNSatelliteDish.

Inspiringandbeautifularchitecturalhomeinprivateyetconvenientsetting! Thisstunninghomeonapproximately20acres,offersauniquedesign.With3generousbedrooms, allwithBIRs&2bathrooms,closetobothEmerald,Cockatoo&Pakenham.Bothbathroomsare updatedwithlovelywalkinshowers.Theopenplankitchen,living,diningroomisamusttosee!With highvaultedceilings,&exposedtimbersupports.Thefloortoceilingglassgivesanunobstructed viewouttoyourownnaturalbush.Relaxbythewoodfire,sitoutonthebalcony&watchthewildlife meanderthroughyourblock,orvisityourveryowncreek!Thishomeisverywellinsulatedkeeping youwarminwinter&coolinsummer.Externallythereisadoublecarportnexttothehome,&thena largedoublegaragewithconcretefloor&power,workshoparea&aleantoooffthegarage.

309PaternosterRoad,Cockatoo$1,050,000-$1,150,000

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

121MattersRoad,PakenhamUpper$1,070,000-$1,180,000

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

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!

4VistaRoad,BelgraveHeights$800,000-$880,000

FamilyHomewithLoadsofPotentialonalmost½anacreofTranquilGardens!

Thissolidbrickveneerhomeisdesignedoversplitlevels,containing3bedrooms&2bathrooms,& hasfloortoceilingwindowsattherearofthepropertyallowinglighttofloodinasyouenjoythe privategardenviews.Thekitcheniscompletewithelectricoven,dishwasher&islandbench.The exposedraftersintheloungeroomofferacosyfeelingasyouenjoythewoodfireheaterinthe loungeorusetheelectricloungeroomheaterorsplitsystemairconditionerlocatedinthekitchen/ diningarea.Thebedroomsareallcarpeted,withthemasterbedroomhavingaBIR,&ensuite. Externallythereisatandemgarageaccessiblefromthehome,&avintagecaravan,(onceused asateenageretreat)&associatedleantoointhegarden.Thereisabirdaviary/chickencoop& varioussheddinglocatedtowardstherearoftheblock.

13CoopersRoad,MacclesfieldPriceonApplication

FantasticequineopportunityintheheartofMacclesfield!

This4bedroom,2bathroompropertywithextensive&wellthoughtoutequineinfrastructure,offers theastutebuyeranamazingopportunity!Thereare10post&railpaddockswithelectricoffsets, looseboxes&watertroughs,aswellasanadditional2dayyards.Attherearofthepropertyare2 largespellingpaddocksaswellasadam.Therearealsomare&foalyards&anareapreviously utilisedasastallionpaddock.Thegreatsetupcontinueswithacoveredhorseareathatcontains acoldwash,4largestables,ahorsecrush,haystorage,&tackroom/storagearea.Adjacentto thestableareaisalsoarowof10individualchickenpens,idealforthekeenbreeder.Aswellasa dogpen.Thehomefeaturescomfortssuchasawoodfire,splitsystemAC,&acornerspabath.This homehasa6kWsolarsystem&adoublecarportwithwork-shoparea.

AaronDay

M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

Beautifullyrenovatedhomewithgorgeoustreedoutlook,andsocloseto town!

Thisfantasticfamilyhomehas3bedrooms,allwithBIRs,&2lovelybathrooms.Thefreshlypainted homewithopenplankitchen/dining/lounge&plushcarpetinallbedroomsistheepitomeofmove inready!ThekitchenisequippedwithInductionelectricstove&oven,stonebenchtops&agreat Laundry/butlerspantry.Thishomewillbecosy&comfortableyearround,withzoneablereverse systemductedheating&RefrigeratedCoolingthroughout&efficientHeatPumpforhotwater.Enjoy theviewsacrosstotheCockatootrees,&theconvenienceofbeingonlymomentsfromCockatoo mainstreet.Extensivelandscapinghasbeencompletedoutside,withplentyofoffstreetparking available.Thegardenbedsarefreshlyplanted,&thereisagardenshed.Thisblockhasdualaccess.

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

49PakenhamRoad,Cockatoo$730,000-$770,000

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY HOME

THIS stylish character home features 4 spacious, robed bedrooms, 2 large living areas & great outdoor entertaining spaces. Being perfectly located, walking distance to everything Gembrook has to offer, it makes for the ideal family home.

Featuring high ceilings, quality light fittings, and polished floorboards throughout, you are captivated the moment you enter this comfortable family home.

The master bedroom has walk-in robe and ensuite with double vanity and is privately located at the rear of the home.

The formal living/dining room, allows you to entertain guests whilst the kids hang out in the open plan family room/kitchen/meals space. Or enjoy a cosy night by the wood fire in the living room.

The country kitchen is well-appointed with white cabinetry including a rangehood, stone benchtops and features a SMEG gas cooktop and electric oven, stainless steel dishwasher, and generous walk in pantry. There is a pitched ceiling over the kitchen and the meals area, creating a bright, airy feeling of space – then walk out into the undercover area perfect for year-round entertaining.

Alternatively enjoy your afternoon cuppa in the sun on the rear deck watching the kids and fur babies play in the fully fenced rear yard or relax in the swim spa with family and friends. Add to all this mains gas ducted heating, 5kW of solar to help with the everincreasing power bills.

There is a large double lock up garage with work bench area and both rear yard access through a roller door, and internal access through to the generous sized laundry.

For the gardener of the family, there are two garden sheds to enjoy. All of this is within a short stroll to the amenities of delightful Gembrook!

This property has it all so don’t miss outcall to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing.

Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

SPECTACULAR ACREAGE SUITED TO HOBBY FARM LIVING

THIS spectacular rural property with scenic pastural views is a sight to behold for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Comprising 11.5 acres of land with 3 horse paddocks, double garage with expansive workshop, extensive machinery sheds, bonus bungalow, and a relaxed and inviting family home, this is a complete package of compelling proportions.

With single-level brick construction and a wrap-around verandah, this home is nestled nicely into its magnificent surrounds. Floor to ceiling windows feature in the rumpus room with open wood fire and quality parquet floors. The formal lounge and dining area are ideal for entertaining with landscape views at every turn. At this home’s heart is the timeless timber kitchen with modern stainless steel oven and dishwasher.

Guaranteed to be ideal for growing families, there are 3 spacious bedrooms and a home office/4th bedroom on offer. The family bedrooms share the bathroom with soaking tub. The main bedroom boasts ample storage and a shower ensuite.

With an expansive list of features in this home and a substantial collection of rural property infrastructure, this acreage offers an outstanding way of life. Positioned at the end of a peaceful no-through road merely moments from Yellingbo Primary School and Yellingbo Central Store, this property promises to impress. Plan your viewing today.

46,802sqm (approx.) property spectacular rolling hill views

3 horse paddocks with loose box and hay sheds

Single-level brick home with 3 generous bedrooms + home office/4th bedroom

· Dual living areas and a timber kitchen with SS appliances

· Double garage with workshop and expansive machinery sheds ●

CHANDLER & CO. About

Having built a reputation of honesty, reliability and hard work over 20 years in the industry, the team at Chandler & Co lead by example combining today's technology, marketing strategies & negotiation techniques with good old fashioned customer service, professionalism & team work.

Understanding the local market & having over 80 years collective experience, Chandler & Co offer authentic people, with a genuine interest in Real Estate to help you through what can sometimes be the most stressful transition in your life.

There is so much more to consider than just a commission on a sale price. There is the decision of working alongside the right Agent who will guide you, give the best possible advice & help you through this life changing experience.

Chloe Jaeger

Brad Conder M 0422 639 115

Maya Giampa M 0456 026 450

Tamara Euinton

Sharyn Chandler M 0439 882 442

Tammie Fleming M 0416 264 497

Rachel Eastwood M 0401 117 761

Suzie Brannelly M 0490 506 910

Glenn Chandler M 0418 410 689

Daniel Steen M 0434 979 142

Thisspectacularruralpropertywithscenicpasturalviewsisasighttobeholdforthose seekingabalancedlifestyle.Comprising11.5acresoflandwith3horsepaddocks,double garagewithexpansiveworkshop,extensivemachinerysheds,bonusbungalow,anda relaxedandinvitingfamilyhome,thisisacompletepackageofcompellingproportions.

BradConder M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

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

OriginallydesignedbyarchitectsMaxMayandGeorgeHatzisavas,andinspiredbyamix ofJapaneseaestheticsandFrankLloydWrights“Fallingwater”thisinspiringsteel,glassand brickhomesetonjustoveroneacrehasbeenrecentlyredesignedandrenovatedtoa superbstandard,resultinginoneofthemostintriguingandsophisticatedresidencesinthe area.

GlennChandler

M 0418410689| E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

$55,000perannumplusGST PRIMEPOSITION–MAXIMUMCORNEREXPOSURE–BRANDNEW

142MainStreet,MONBULK

PerfectlypositionedintheheartofMonbulk’sthrivingshoppingvillage,thisbrandnewcommercialpropertyoffersanoutstandingopportunitytoawiderangeofpossibleuses(STCA) (alreadyapprovedforafoodandbeveragepremises).Thereisplentyofnaturallightthatshinesthroughfromthefloortoceilingwindowsandgleaming,easytomaintainpolished concretefloorsthatrunthroughout,providingamodernspacewithmaximumexposureforyourbusiness.AttheverytopoftheMainStreetwithexcellentroadvisibility,parkingandfoot trafficthisisprimecornerfrontageforyoursignage/marketingspace.

GlennChandler

M 0418410689| E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

PUZZLES

No. 140

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Ancient Mexican (5)

4 One of the two major US political parties (9)

9 Indigenous language (NZ) (5)

10 Citrus preserve (9)

11 Playground equipment (6)

12 Document for travel (8)

14 Dictatorial (10)

15 The solver (3)

17 Ovum (3)

19 City in South Carolina, US (10)

23 Fearless (8)

24 Indian deity (6)

26 Ancient Greek goddess (9)

27 River in Russia (5)

28 Trite (9)

29 Sierra – (5)

DOWN

1 Nearly (6)

2 US writer (1817-62), Henry David – (7)

3 US city known as ‘The Windy City’ (7)

4 Titled woman (4)

DECODER

5 Related to money and trade (10)

6 Of the finest type or standard (7)

7 Body-structure science (7)

8 Scale of colour (8)

13 Imaginative quality (10)

16 Leave by will to another (8)

18 Vivid (7)

19 Simple humorous drawing (7)

20 Wither (7)

21 Shakespeare character (7)

22 Leave empty (6)

25 Fast-growing plant (4)

WORDFIT

9-LETTER WORD

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised

INFORMANT, into, intra, iota, mart, martin, matron, mint, moat, mort, motif, nation, nota, omit, raft, rant, ratio, ration, rift, riot, rota, tarn, taro, torn, train, tram, trim, trio

anoint, anti, atom, faint, fiat, font, forint, format, fort, front, infant,

No. 140

No. 140

No. 140

Trades & Services

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

The Re-Roof Man

General Notices

and Part 2

The Minister for Planning has approved Amendment C197yran Part 1A and Part 2 to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.

Amendment C197 Part 2 came into operation on 4 May 2023 and Amendment C197 Part 1A came into operation on 16 June 2022, the date the notices were published in the Victoria Government Gazette.

Amendment C197Part1A corrects zoning inaccuracies and anomalies, makes corrections and alterations to the schedule and mapping to the Heritage Overlay, deletes the Restructure Overlay from properties where it is no longer required, removes redundant schedules to the Development Plan Overlay and applies the relevant Design and Development Overlay and Significant Landscape Overlay to required locations.

Amendment C197Part 2 amends HO353 that applies to the Cement Creek Plantation, Warburton to clarify the heritage significance of the affected land and provide accurate mapping of the area to ensure appropriate land use and development controls are in place.

A copy of the Amendment can be inspected, free of charge, at the Department of Transport and Planning website at https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-schemes/browse-planning-schemes and free of charge, at the Yarra Ranges Council website, www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/C197; or during offices hours, at the offices of the Yarra Ranges Council, Anderson Street, Lilydale.

DAVID KIRKLAND Acting Director, Planning Services Department of Transport and Planning

then click on “Documents”. http://yarraranges.vic.gov.au/track or The digital application can also be viewed at any one of the Community Link offices Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm. An objection must include: • The application number and site address.

•The name, address and email of the objector/submitter.

•The reasons for the objection and how the objector would be affected. Objections can be submitted online at http://yarraranges.vic.gov.au/track. Simply search by the application

Inaugural double header

By Mikayla van Loon

For the first time in Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) history, a double header of veterans football took place in Chirnside Park over the weekend.

Both the women’s and men’s teams headed out onto Kimberley Reserve on Saturday 1 July to take on South Belgrave, with an afternoon and evening lineup of football.

The women had the honours of playing first and despite all their efforts, unfortunately the scoreboard remained at zero, with South Belgrave taking the win with 37 points.

The men’s game was a different story, with the two teams fighting it out at every turn.

Chirnside Park remained on top all throughout the game, leading at the end of each quarter by two, three and 10 points, closing out the game with an 11 point win over South Belgrave, with the final score 55 to 44.

This was a special and well celebrated moment, making it Chirnside Park’s first men’s veterans win in five seasons.

Chirnside Park Women’s Veterans Captain Gabrielle Dosser said with only three clubs in the EFNL who have both a women’s and men’s veterans side, hosting an event of this kind was unique.

“For the two teams to go up against each other, it’s the first time in EFNL history that’s been able to happen,” she said.

“So we’ve decided to make an event of it down at the club and our women play at 4pm and the men play at 6pm…and it’s encouraging people to come down with their families to watch the game and see what veterans football is all about.”

While men’s veterans football has a well established and long history, for most women’s sides it’s still relatively new, with Chirnside Park’s team only entering the league less than five years ago.

“It’s still quite new and emerging so the more teams we can get out there, the more promotion for that division, the better,” Gabrielle said.

By bringing the men’s and women’s sides together, Gabrielle said it helped create a more “family focused environment” as well as building a community within the club, especially with many of the players having children in the junior divisions.

Although women’s football is growing in popularity, Gabrielle said this was the first year more than one club, being Chirnside Park, had both a men’s and women’s veterans side to enable a back to back match lineup.

“In the past, our women’s veterans team would always try to align our games with our senior women so that we would play before or after them just to build and strengthen women’s football.

“[It allows] women playing senior footy [to know there is] a pathway for them as they get older, or if they wanted to come back after having kids and things like that.

“We’ve always tried to link up with as many teams or more people within our football community just to make sure that everyone is aware of or knows that we exist.”

Building the profile of veterans football, Gabrielle said was a major focus for Chirnside Park Football Club’s veteran program, to give adults a space to connect with others and en-

joy some physical activity.

“Anything that can get women in general but especially women that are mothers and don’t prioritise themselves, back into sports and doing something for themselves, I think it’s a positive.

“That’s one of our objectives, with the women’s veterans program is to get women more active and stay active and do it to their physical and mental health.

“With the men’s veterans team, it gives them a community around them, and this is highly generalised sexism, but men aren’t great with communicating, they don’t put the networks around them like women do but they’ll do it in a footy team.

“They’ve got each other’s backs, they know they’ve got a community, they’ve got support and I think that’s really important for men’s mental health.”

With brand new facilities at Kimberley Reserve, with dedicated women’s change rooms and an inside view over the field, Gabrielle said it was the perfect place to showcase veterans football.

Despite being half way through the season, Chirnside Park Football Club is always actively looking for players to join the ranks across all ages from juniors to veterans.To find out more, contact the club at CPFNC@chirnsidefc.com

Kimberley Reserve hosted the first veterans football back to back round in a display of women’s and men’s talent. Picture: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL

The Chirnside Park men’s veterans team had their first victory in five seasons.

The Chirnside Park women’s veterans football team went out with all their might against South Belgrave. Picture: SUPPLIED

As much as it was about the game, it was also about putting on a display on veterans football. South Belgrave took the upper hand, winning 37-0 in the women’s game.

Barkers fall to Brandon Park

By Peter Stephenson

Barkers lost their fourth consecutive game on Saturday, as they went down 1-2 to Brandon Park at home.

Both sides began well, with chances at both ends in the first 20 minutes. BP then had a good series of corners putting pressure on Barkers. Liam Seaye was put under pressure in the Barkers’ six-yard box and conceded a penalty. The striker sent Mark Naumowicz the wrong way and neatly slotted home to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

Brandon Park took control, but Barkers had a few chances. On the half hour, Jack Buglass was in on goal but the keeper saved. BP doubled their lead right on half time to make it 2-0 at the break.

Barkers pulled one back on 54 minutes when Brett Tronconi headed in at the far post. Barkers had a good second half, but were unable to capitalise on their chances. Maxim Solovyev virtually had an open net and shot wide with 12 minutes left, but BP took the points.

Mooroolbark SC is currently sitting in sixth on the ladder with six wins and seven losses.

Mazenod Football Club is sitting in the top spot, followed by Knox City FC and Brandon Park FC. Rounding out the top five are Hampton East Brighton FC and Peninsula Strikers Senior FC.

The Barkers will next face Frankston Pines Soccer Club who are currently sitting in 11th on the ladder. It will be a home game for the Barkers at Esther Park, starting at 3pm.

Although the women had a bye, the Barkerettes went into the weekend having signed a player to the team.

Aeisha Demarco returned to the Barkerettes after taking some time off from playing but has been a welcomed addition to the squad, with the club saying “she has slotted back into the team like she never left“.

“Aeisha is a strong and stable midfielder and we are super excited to have her back,“ the club said.

Shock loss for Wandin as Mt Evelyn notches up third win

The imperious Wandin side previously undefeated in the Outer East Premier Division has suffered a shock loss to local rivals Mt Evelyn in Round 10.

Mt Evelyn only had two wins on the board for the season prior to their upset victory on Saturday after a short trip up Clegg Road.

The scores were locked at 9 apiece at the first break, with Wandin holding slim 5 and 9 points leads at the following changes in a low-scoring affair.

A more disciplined Mt Evelyn coped with the conditions better than their ladder-leading counterparts, despite Wandin getting out to a 3-goal lead twice in the second half as Mt Evelyn worked hard to stay in the contest and in the end deserved their victory.

Inaccuracy in the poor conditions might’ve cost the Dogs in the end, kicking 7.14, 56 to the Rovers’ 8.10, 58.

Thomas Hinds, Patty Bruzzese, John Lad-

ner, Damien Furey, Harrison van Duuren and Cody Hirst were the top Dogs on the day.

C Hirst and Jordan Jaworski kicked 2 goals each, with one apiece for Todd Garner, Bruzzese and Van Duuren.

The Rovers were led from the front by Callum Urquhart, Daimon Kift, Ashley Gibbons, Max Kleverkamp, Noah Beamish and Matthew Gibbons. Their goalkickers were Kift with 3, Matthew Gibbons with 2 and Michael Gibbons,William Gordon and Jed Thompson all with 1.

It wasn’t the only close result on the day either, with Mt Evelyn’s A-Grade netballers clinching a 1-point win while the B Grade netballers had to settle for a draw.

The loss leavesWandin second for the first time this season, behind Narra Warren on percentage. It sets up a must-watch match against the Magpies away from home for the Dogs next week.

BrettTronconiheadedoneintowardsthefarposton54minutes.

MooroolbarkSoccerClubhadanotherdisappointinglossagainstBrandonParkmakingitfourina row.

MarkNaumowiczdidwhathecouldtoprotectthegoalsbutBrandonParkweretoostrong.

Pictures:MIKAYLAVANLOON