Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 4th July 2023

By Tanya Steele

TheYarraValley Railway has been bolstered by a new acquisition, making more progress in the railway’s revival.

In June, Yarra Valley Railways volunteers undertook a huge group effort 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 on to trucks and transport the turntable to Yarra Glen, with local crane and truck hauling services required for the immense effort.

See page 7 for story

Supreme defeat

By Callum Ludwig

State forestry body VicForests has been unsuccessful in appealing the Supreme Court’s decision in last year’s Kinglake Friends of the Forest (KFF) and Environment East Gippsland (EEG) vsVicForests case.

A panel of three judges: Court of Appeal

president Justice Karin Emerton and Justices Cameron Macaulay and Stephen Kaye upheld the findings of Justice Richards, which declared that VicForest had failed to adequately survey for greater gliders and yellow-bellied gliders. VicForests was also ordered to pay court costs for the proceedings. President of KFF Sue McKinnon said this decision gives en-

dangered forest species a fighting chance of survival. “It’s a testament to the power of communities to fight for the natural world; for the places we love and the wildlife we share them with,” she said. “The courts have shown that VicForests is incapable of observing environment laws.” As a result of the decision, it appears VicForests are unlikely to resume opera-

tions which ceased last year following the decision. A Victorian Government spokesperson said they acknowledge the Supreme Court of Victoria’s decision and will continue to support timber workers through the transition out of native timber harvesting by 1 January 2024.

Continued page 3

Volunteers made a big effort to relocate the turntable.

Picture: YARRA VALLEY RAILWAY

Illegal wildlife trade focus

By Callum Ludwig

A Yarra Ranges resident is sharpening 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 Na-

ture 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 trag-

ic, 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 ofWildlife 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.

Quaky, shaky start to the weekend across Victoria

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 northwest 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

4.6

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.

A magnitude

earthquake was felt across Victoria on Friday morning.

Pictures: SEISMOLOGY RESEARCH CENTRE

A magnitude 4.6 earthquake was felt across Victoria on Friday morning.

Ivory products continue to infiltrate Australia despite a domestic trade ban. Picture: ON FILE

Donalea Patman OAM (centre focus).

Picture: ON FILE Rhino horns are one expensive part of why illegal wildlife trade is the fourth-most lucrative illegal trade in the world. Picture: UNSPLASH

NEWS

Inflation surprise, growth rate slows

By Poppy Johnston, AAP

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 smaller than we have seen in recent months.”

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 inflation 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

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

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

Picture: FLAVIO BRANCALEONE/AAP PHOTOS

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.

Supreme Court denies VicForests appeal

From page 1

According to the Australian Conservation Foundation, the population of the Greater Glider has declined by 80 per cent in just 20 years, ultimately leading to the species being reclassified from threatened to endangered status in July 2022.

A report from the office of the Victorian Auditor-General in October 2022 had also found that the Office of the Conservation Regulator (OCR), which is intended to investigate breaches of the law by VicForests, had‘further work to do to address the weaknesses in its systems, processes and reporting.’

A decision is also still yet to be reached in the case brought againstVicForests byWildlife of the Central Highlands (WOTCH). The case contends VicForests failed to comply with the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 by continuing to log bushfireaffected forest which is home to threatened species. Areas of forest in question included the Kalatha Valley of the Giants in Toolangi, along the Koala Creek near Cambarville, in the Upper Thomson water catchment, and around Mansfield, Noojee and Warburton.

Kinglake Friends of the Forest members celebrate the decision. Picture: SUPPLIED

Linda IN BRIEF

FOHH toilet taken

The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater’s (FOHH) portable toilet on a trailer was taken sometime over the weekend between the evening of Friday 23 June and early morning Monday 26 June.

The portable toilet was purchased by Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater using grant funding through Zoos Victoria Totes 4 Wildlife program. The portable toilet on the trailer was used for community activities within the conservation area, and loaned out to other not-for-profit groups to use.

“It was really important to have this facility for our volunteers, and it helped to make our community programs more accessible to all,” said Environmental Coordinator at FOHH Eliza Lamb.

“It’s really disappointing to lose this resource, particularly for school groups when they visit us, and this theft has directly impacted the local community and volunteers.”

Tougher penalties for distracted drivers

As of 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.

Shockingly, 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.

Up until Saturday, drivers were issued with an advisory letter throughout a three-month grace period to ensure they have an opportunity to heed safety warnings and adjust their behaviour before enforcement begins.

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.

In 2022, nearly a quarter of vehicle occupants who died and their seatbelt status was known were not wearing a seatbelt. Drivers are also 10 times more at risk of crashing if they are texting, browsing or emailing on their mobile phone.

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

Firewood collection areas closed Firewood collection areas closed on Friday 30 June.

Now that this date has passed, you cannot legally collect firewood from state forests and public land.

Penalties apply if you are caught collecting firewood outside the designated collection seasons or areas.

Firewood collection areas will reopen in spring on Friday 1 September.

Remember, wood that has been collected now or during spring needs at least a year to dry before it can be used in the fireplace.

Senator Authorised by Senator Linda White, ALP, Carlton. As a Labor Senator, my office is available to assist you with any Federal Government issues. 12606745-AV21-23

Rise in as budget passes

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 in-

crease 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.

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 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.

Yarra Ranges Council have passed the budget.

Picture: ON FILE A breakdown of how rates are divided per $100.

Picture: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL

The council has secured a tender for the next five years.

Picture: ON FILE

Doc retires, can say aahh

By Tanya Steele

Local Doctor Elroy Schroeder recently had his last day in general practice in Healesville’s Yarra Medical Clinic on Thursday 29 June.

After over five decades of service to the community as a physician, over six generations of families as patients, 800 babies delivered, and nearly 10,000 general anaesthetics given, Dr Schroeder said he has seen the sleepy hollow town evolve into a vibrant tourism destination.

“This is a lovely town, It’s a country town that has a lot of features of the city, I’ve made thousands of contacts and good friends,” he said.

Dr Schroeder began working in Healesville in 1971 and originally graduated as a Doctor in South Africa in 1967.

“When I arrived in 1971, I only knew one person in Healesville,” he said.

“South Africa was not a nice place to live in, I didn’t like what I was seeing there and what I was experiencing and I migrated to Australia.”

Australia was actively recruiting medical staff at the time and Dr Schroeder was picked up by the Victorian government which was seeking staff for remote areas.

Two other doctors were operating out of Healesville and Dr Schroeder joined them for partly for his anaesthetic skill set.

“They wanted to form a surgical unit but they did not have an anaesthetist that is that’s where I came in,” he said.

The doctor has since worked in many different roles within the town and has seen patients in a range of settings — seeing an array of patients from the timber industry to the old army barracks and aged care facilities.

“They [the timber mills] did produce injuries, very severe and the worst case that I did with Dr Johnson was a guy that almost ampu-

tated his own leg with a chainsaw,” he said.

“The patient arrived on the back of the truck from Buxton and we spent two hours reconstructing his leg and putting it together. That was probably the worst thing.”

For some time he worked out of Healesville Hospital and Dr Schroeder said his days started with surgery and ended with consultations.

“Broken bones, babies, antenatal care, postnatal care, lots of surgery and some big stuff,” he said.

As time went on, Dr Schroeder moved fully into GP work, although he said he did some anaesthetic work in other locations for a while.

“I got more into GP work but for a while, I also gave anaesthetics at other hospitals like Lilydale, Yarra Junction and Warburton,” he said.

Outside of his medical work Dr Schroeder said he was a founding member of the Rotary Club.

“My biggest project for the Rotary Club which I’m very, very proud of is I was responsible for starting and publishing the first three editions of the communities service directory,” he said.

Dr Schroeder said over recent years he has felt frustrated by the long waiting list in the public system and the challenges from increased bureaucracy challenges.

“We used to have young doctors that are interested in general practice and now we only have 15 per cent of graduates…we need to recapture them,” he said.

Welcome changes have included more women in medicine and the implementation of technology in practice.

“There are more women doctors around and more specialists who are women...that’s a good thing,” he said.

“One of the biggest changes was the introduction of computers into practice...the records are much more precise and accurate on a computer system.”

Dr Schroeder has practised medicine in four different countries and has been on sabbatical as a doctor twice.

“The Air Force was looking for GPs to go to work at the airbase Malaysia, I went and had great fun, I’ve been fortunate that I’ve done medical practice in four countries. It gave me a perspective certainly,” he said.

Dr Schroeder said he knows many people around Healesville and that once he got established he knew he was here to stay.

“If I walk down the street, I stop to say hello to people about 20 times,” he said.

As a doctor, he has found satisfaction from interventions that have made big differences in patient outcomes.

“Where my intervention has made a difference, that’s what makes the job worthwhile,” he said.

With his appointment book now clear Dr Schroeder said he has a few plans to fill his day.

“I’m gonna putter around, go to art galleries, go to shows and do a little bit of travelling,” he said.

Rural Advisory Committee refreshed and receptive

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 thought 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 hear-

ing 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.

Dr Schroeder has been a doctor in Healesville for more than 51 years. Picture: TANYA STEELE

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

Picture: ON FILE

Council not united on 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 referendum.

“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.”

Pets to be counted in Australian-first 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 onlineVictorian 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 up-todate and reliable data.

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

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.

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

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

Goes round, comes around

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.

Timeline clarified for Cement Creek Bridge

Yarra Ranges Council have clarified the plans for the Cement Creek bridge upgrade which was delayed by the landslip on the Warburton Highway.

The contractor was unable to bring heavy machinery to the site to finish the dismantling of the existing bridge and installing components such as heavy steel beams of the new bridge.

Council’s Contractor has advised that it is planning to bring heavy machinery to the site in mid-July 2023.

Once Council gets machinery on site, it will be around an eight-week process for

the works to be completed.

Once the bridge is fully upgraded, Parks Victoria will be able to commence their $2.6 million upgrade works inside the park.

The Cement Creek Bridge upgrades will provide improved safety for visitors to the Redwoods Forest by increasing the load capacity of the bridge, as well as the addition of a new accessway for pedestrians alongside the bridge.

The $1.3 million project is being funded by the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery Program, Bridge Renewal Program, and the Victorian Government.

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 and Yarra 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.

The turntable is the latest addition to the Yarra Valley Railway.

Picture: ANDREW BLAIRThe turntable has a history of use throughout Victoria.

Picture: YARRA VALLEY RAILWAY

The old Cement Creek Road Bridge to the Redwood Forest.

Three Seville streets to be sealed before 2024

By Callum Ludwig

A few streets in Seville are set to be sealed as part of the limited remaining projects funded through Yarra Ranges Council’s Roads for Community after the Federal Government reduced their contribution.

Councillors at the Tuesday 27 June Council meeting unanimously voted to approve the special charges scheme for Station Road, Seymour Steet and Britton Road, Seville.

Lyster Ward Councillor Johanna Skelton forwarded the motion in the absence of Chandler Ward Councillor David Eastham and said if he were there, councillors would hear a sigh of relief as it was passed.

“It’s a road that’s very close to one of the supermarkets there, it’s a well-used area that is going to bring a lot of benefits as far as reducing dust and disturbance for the area so that’s great to see,” she said.

“I also note that the plans for the road are going to be dealing with any stormwater sheeting and water flow in that site so it looks like they’ve really considered all the things they need to as part of this project.”

The project will is estimated to cost $1,240,316 with GST, considered the best quote offered to Council from their invite on 8 May 2023 to six pre-qualified suppliers on the Road Construction and AssociatedWorks Panel.

StreetonWard Councillor Andrew Fullagar seconded the motion.

“Because its cost is greater than a million dollars, it’s gone through a very formal selection and tender process and I’m very comfortable with its probability and

thoroughness,” he said.

One native and two exotic trees with no cultural heritage are anticipated to be removed for the works.

Works started before the end of the month and are anticipated to be completed by the

end of the year.

Councillors first approved a report with the intention to levy a special charge for the project at the 22 February 2022 Council meeting and declared the special charge scheme at the 26 April meeting that year.

Grants assisting recovery

By Tanya Steele

and

Callum Ludwig

Warburton Valley CEDA (WVCEDA) and Healesville Traders Inc. are set to continue to support business recovery in the Yarra Ranges with the help of a new round of grants from the Council.

The pair of traders groups are two of the eight successful recipients of Round Two of the Business and Trader Group Led Recovery Grants throughout the region.

President Nina Sturgess of Healesville Traders said the group is thrilled to receive round two in the grants.

“We will primarily be using the money to hold some member events,” she said.

“The second round of money is really for us to bear down and engage our potential members and do some activation around events and to continue to attract new membership.”

The Healesville Traders is a newly formed group and has been using its first funding round to connect and establish itself.

WVCEDA committee member and owner of Yarra Valley Gourmet Foods Jacqui Harvey helped put together the application for the grant and said they’re excited to work together with Council again, who have been very supportive.

“Our work will be all about digital upgrades and business engagement, and while we are funded by the membership of our businesses, it’s not always enough to give the services that we want to help each of our businesses,” she said.

“This grant will go towards finding a better way of giving a voice to our members and being able to give them advice, connections and resources through improved digital capability and offering more resources.”

Through the last round of the grant, WVCEDA was able to host their successful Business Expo in the Warburton Arts Centre.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Jim Child said these grants help support business groups to lead local recovery efforts – both economic and social – and work towards revitalising our townships and embedding a sense of connection and resilience in their communities.

“Our local businesses are at the heart of our communities, they play a vital role in creating spaces for the community to connect, and they have their finger on the pulse of what a community wants and needs,” he said.

“Each of our townships is unique, and local voices help us support the best choices for individual townships.”

There were six other successful recipients from the second round of grants including the

Kallista Traders Group, Monbulk Traders Association, Yarra Valley Business Network, Upwey Business Group, Lilydale Business and Trading Group, and the Mooroolbark Traders and Community Group.

Ms Sturgess said this grant will be put towards future promotion in Healesville during the Christmas trading period.

“We plan to market the Healesville township as a destination for Christmas shopping

and celebrations,” she said.

“We would also utilise the grant to help fund a business engagement officer, they would be a liaison point with the new members while we’re still in the establishment phase.”

Ms Harvey said WVCEDA believe they hold a leadership role in the local community and want to bring businesses together and empower them.

“Our members get the opportunity to jointly market to their own local community and reduce their individual costs by using our resources, telling their story via us,” she said.

“We’re lucky we’ve got all different types of businesses, from tourism to general traders, that can use each other and spread that information a bit wider,”

“If the trader groups across theYarra Ranges can actually utilise each other and learn from each other about what we’re doing differently then it’s a really good opportunity because in the end, we’re all wanting the same outcomes for our regions and we want our local economy to remain viable.”

Seymour Sreet, Seville.

Pictures: GOOGLE MAPS

Station Road, Seville. Britton Road, Seville.

Maria Konecsny of Gewürzhaus Herbs and Spices, Ben Arnold, of My Little Kitchen and Nina Sturgess of Verso Books form part of the newly-fledged Healesville Traders Inc. Picture: TANYA STEELE

The WVCEDA Committee.

Picture: ON FILE

The rewarding life of a JP

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 10 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

TAX TIME

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.

In the ATO’s sights - help and advice available for you

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has three key focus areas for this tax time: rental property deductions, work-related expenses and capital gains tax.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh said the ATO is continuing to prioritise areas where they often see mistakes being made. Rental property deductions: landlords –listen up

The ATO’s review of income tax returns show nine in 10 rental property owners are getting their return wrong, and often sees rental income being left out, or mistakes being made with property related deductions – like overclaiming expenses or claiming for improvements to private properties.

Around 87 per cent of individual rental owners use a registered tax agent to prepare their income tax returns.

The ATO is particularly focused on interest expenses and ensuring rental property owners understand how to correctly apportion loan interest expenses where part of the loan was used for private purposes (or the loan was refinanced with some private purpose).

“You can only claim interest on a loan used

to purchase a rental property to earn rental income – don’t forget, if your loan also includes a private expense, such as for a new car or a trip to Bali, you can only claim an interest deduction for the portion relating to producing your rental income,” Mr Loh said.

For more information visit ato.gov.au/rental

Work-related expenses: avoid the ‘copypaste’

“We continue to see shifts in the way Aussies are working, and it’s important to consider whether your claims reflect your working arrangements this year,” Mr Loh said.

“There have also been some changes in how you calculate things like working from home deductions, so don’t be tempted to just copy and paste your prior year’s claims. We know a lot of people are working back in the office more compared to last year.”

This year, the ATO is particularly focused on ensuring taxpayers understand the changes to the working from home methods and are able to back up their claims.

To claim your working from home expenses as a deduction, you can use the actual cost, or the revised fixed rate method, so long as you meet the eligibility and record-keeping requirements.

For more information visit ato.gov.au/home

Capital gains tax: have you considered all assets?

Capital gains tax (CGT) comes into effect when you dispose of assets such as shares, crypto,

managed investments or properties. To ensure you are meeting your obligations and paying the right amount of tax, you need to calculate a capital gain or capital loss for each asset you dispose of unless an exemption applies.

“Generally, your main residence is exempt from CGT, however if you have used your home to produce income, such as renting out all or part of it through the sharing economy, for example Airbnb or Stayz, or running a business from home, then CGT may apply,” Mr Loh said.

The ATO is reminding taxpayers of the importance of keeping records of the incomeproducing period and the portion of the property used to produce income to calculate your capital gain.

For more information visit ato.gov.au/CGT Help and support is here

“We know many people are doing it tough this year. We expect fewer people will receive a refund or may receive smaller refunds than they were expecting, and more may have tax debts to manage,” Mr Loh said.

The ATO is committed to supporting taxpayers to meet their obligations and has a range of resources available to help.

People looking to train as JP’s like Ann Flockhart can attend the webinar on Thursday 6 July.

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

Picture: UNSPLASH

Cire students lend a hand to the Upper Yarra Museum

By Callum Ludwig

Students at Cire Community School in Yarra Junction have been chipping in to help beautify their local community.

The Work Related Skills class visited the Upper Yarra Museum to help in the garden and around the machinery display areas, providing a practical opportunity for them to work on their skills.

Teacher Andrew Steele said it was good for students to have the opportunity to go down to the museum and do things, rather than trying to explain how to do them in class.

“Frank Colverson took me around and showed me the little jobs they could do, and then the students got together and worked on each project and basically beautified the yards and display areas that the museum wanted doing,” he said.

“It gave them the opportunity to work together as a team and they also had opportunities to take leadership roles, they were feeling quite special when they were in charge and telling people what to do, so that was quite fun.”

The students moved around some scoria, a form of volcanic rock, spread tanbark and mulch, did some weeding and started some garden projects in the yard at the museum.

Mr Steele said it was all about sharing community help.

“We have also been to the organic Blueberry Farm inYellingbo and helped out there, it was just great to learn all these new things from especially the owner of the Blueberry Farm as well who taught students how to prune things and how to care for the garden,” he said.

“They definitely felt proud after they stood back and took a few photos of what they achieved and there was that sense of doing something good for the community, which was great. They wouldn’t normally get that in classrooms.”

Frank Colverson and the Museum committee helped supply the equipment and

materials for the students to aid them with their work.

Mr Colverson said the museum was only too willing to provide the venue for the Cire students to enhance their skills.

“It’s been a mutually beneficial partnership because they’ve done some good work.

We’ve had some comments from the public and the museum’s voluntary staff that it looks really good and we’re certainly only too willing to keep doing that if they wish to,” he said.

“It was significant work that we may not have been able to get around to doing, we’ve only got a small number of volunteers who do grounds maintenance, but the Cire stu-

dents certainly boosted that with the work they did.”

Cire Community School is open to further opportunities for their Work-Related Skills classes to get out and assist local community groups or industries and anyone interested can contact the school to see if a partnership can be arranged.

Field Days event secured

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.”

Cire Community School students laying the groundwork for the garden.

Pictures: SUPPLIEDOne student’s motto was ‘Don’t stop until you’re proud.’

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

Picture: ON FILE

Treat your tired, dry eyes

Colder months can amplify symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome.

Dry eye occurs when there is insufficient production or imbalance of any of the components in the tear film, leading to ocular discomfort.

Apart from the feeling of dryness,the symptoms of dry eyes can include:

· Gritty, stinging or watery eyes

· Intermittent blurred vision that is relieved through blinking

· Foreign body sensation

· Light sensitivity

Many people don’t associate watery eyes with Dry Eye. It makes sense, how can you have dry eyes when they feel the opposite?

If you are experiencing any of the above

symptoms, book an eye exam with one of our optometrists and let us help you find the right treatment and solution to alleviate your discomfort. All of our treatments are gentle, non-invasive and can provide you with instant long-lasting relief.

At Yarra Junction Optical we have a special interest in the treatment of Dry Eye and our non-invasive Blephasteam treatments can significantly reduce the symptoms of Dry Eye, providing you with instant relief. Head to the website for more information: www.yarrajunctionoptical.com.au

Pamper your eyes with $50 off our Blephasteam Dry Eye treatments at Yarra Junction Optical. Simply mention Star News during the month of July or August to receive your discount.

Yarra Junction Optical. 290528

Pictures: ON FILE

Watch out for symptoms of dry eye now the weather is colder.

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.

Wheeling into sexuality wins film award

By Callum Ludwig

Isaac Elliott was the filmmaker who took out the Warburton Film Festival’s ‘Show Us Your Shorts’ (SUYS) competition in 2023.

Mr Elliott’s short film ‘Don’t Come In Yet’ tells a comedic tale of a young boy in a wheelchair who wants to have sex for the first time.

Mr Elliott said it he really values regional cinema and that it was amazing to showcase the film, with the win being the icing on the cake.

“It’s a strange film I like to say, he’s been mollycoddled by his parents, his dad specifically and this is the first time at 18 that he is being left at home alone without his parents and just his girlfriend,” he said.

“It’s the perfect situation, but obviously it all goes wrong and it becomes an existential question about what it means to be disabled when you’re both considered a hero and a victim at the same time.”

Mr Elliott is a wheelchair user himself.

Mr Elliott said he has a tendency to reject a lot of content that revolves around disability even though it’s all very well-intentioned.

“Generally, even if made by disabled people, it is always in service of the narrative of changing the minds of audiences to see disabled people as something like brave or cool or sexy or something like that,” he said.

“I like to go into my films with that as the baseline now, to me it unlocks what’s possible because a lot of shows will see something like the sex as the endpoint, but for me, it wasn’t and I think the subtle shift in perspective is what the judges responded to really well.”

The judging panel this year consisted of Rebecca Bowman, Laurie Hastings, Ivan Gaal, and Maggie Sail.

Mr Elliott said it’s important to show disabled people that they are who they are and if they want to go out and get drunk on a weekend, then they have as much right to do that as anyone else.

“Disability stories can be inspiring or bor-

Cavaleri is 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.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

“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.

“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/.

ing, they can be horror films, they can be sad, they can be anything because people with a disability can be anything,” he said.

“I want to get away from feats of bravery, physical effort or activism as the general way that disabled people are seen and instead just go for normal people, there are artists who are wheelchair-users, there are tradies and there are young people just being young people.”

One of Mr Elliott’s projects in the pipeline is to take five school leavers who are wheelchair users to ‘Schoolies’ and document the experience from the perspective of a wheelchair user

because he feels in partying and clubbing culture that people in wheelchairs are often not considered as part of it.

Mr Elliott said the theatre in Warburton is an incredible one.

“I think that it’s really important that these theatres continue to run in regional Australia and although Warburton is technically not regional it’s still almost a two-hour drive to the city,” he said.

“It’s nice that they have something and that goes for every small town around Australia, having a cinema is really important.”

The Lost City of Melbourne director Gus Berger (third from left) with L-R: Vivienne Bond, Laurie Hastings and Jenny Davies.

A Stitch in Time lead actress Maggie Blinco (third from left) with L-R: Bea Wicks Kaandorp, Vivienne Bond and Laurie Hastings at the Warburton Film Festival.

Isaac Elliott receives the SUYS award from Maggie Sail.

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

Reconnecting with work

The idea of returning to work or education after having a child can be both exciting and daunting at the same time.

Mountain District Learning Centre is proud to provide a targeted response to this via it’s ‘Reconnect’ program. The program assists participants to overcome the barriers preventing them from engaging in education, training and employment and provides support into further study or employment pathways.

Raising a child takes a village as they say, it also takes a village to return to work or education. On staff are two local mums, Racheal and Emma who are available for a child friendly catch up to discuss what goals you have and how they can best support you in reaching them.

At no cost to you, available supports can include:

· Access to education, with both pre accredited and accredited options.

· Access to funded weekly playgroup where you can spend time with your little ones and meet like minded parents.

· Access to employment support including resume building and interview techniques.

· Access to career planning and pathway options.

A friendly chat with local mum and MDLC staff member Racheal Edwards will assist in determining your eligibility and access to whichever types of support you might find most suitable to your individual circumstances. Racheal can be contacted on 0401 490 873 or email racheale@mdlc.org.au

Healesville Living and Learning Centre has been providing quality programs and activities, focusing on supporting and encouraging life long learning, for more than 40 years. We are a Neighborhood House and an Adult Education provider, delivering pre-accredited training, recreational and support programs to the local community.

Reconnect Manager Racheal Edwards and Reconnect Case Manager Emma Jenkins are ready to help parents get back into learning. Picture: SUPPLIED

The Mountain District Learning Centre is running specialised program for parents wanting to learn again. Picture: ON FILE

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

With a twist

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

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

Run Rabbit Run

Starring Sarah Snook and Lily LaTorre

Rated M 4/5

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 inten-

CARTOON

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”.

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.”

sity 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 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.

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

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

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.

Living-cost fight on

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 AaronVioli 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 the Yarra 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.

MrVioli 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 MustardTree 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 need. They provide enough food for around 3,000 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, LisaVincent 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,” MrVioli 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.

Lottery joy

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.

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

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

PUZZLES

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 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.

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

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

HOME ESSENTIALS

· 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. ●

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.

Hayley Pemberton

Sales/Office Manager

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

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

Price: $810,000 - $885,000

3 Bed, 1 Bath, 1 Car, Land Size 2167sqm Modern renovated home that encapsulates hills living perfectly. Magnificent usable 1/2-acre (approx.) block.

Open plan living area with the modern kitchen and incredible views.

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.

Contact

Price:

Halit 0429 888 367

View Street, WARBURTON

& undercover al fresco area.

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

Price: $790,000 - $860,000 3 Bed, 1 Bath, 4 Car, Land Size 1755sqm.

Immaculately presented split-level home.

Open plan living/dining area with wood heater & double doors opening onto the expansive undercover deck. Well-appointed contemporary kitchen with quality appliances. Under house workshop, water tanks, garage, 3-car carport and machinery shed. Contact

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

OPPORTUNITY FOR FIRST HOME BUYERS

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!

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!

TonyFanfulla

M 0419870513

Inspection:

Renovator’sDelightintheHeartofTown

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

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

Inspection: Sat1.00-1.30pm

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

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

YES!ONLY$260,000FORLANDINUPWEY

OVER½ACREWITHTWOgARAgES

GREATINVESTMENTOPPORTUNITY

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

GrantSkipsey 0418528102

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

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

AGREATCANVASTOwORKwITH

4 A 2 B 3 C

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

UPwEY 1405BURWOODHIgHWAY $260,000

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

SUNNY1011SQMVACANTlANd

BEAUTIFULOUTLOOKOVER5FLATACRES

4 A 2 B 3 C

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.

TayTing 0417302112

EXPRESSIONSOFINTEREST$385,000-$420,000

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

CONVENIENCE.COmmUNITY.INDEPENDENCE.

2 A 1 B 1 C

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

GrantSkipsey 0418528102

TayTing 0417302112

SOUGHTAFTEROVER55’SRESIdENCE

mickDolphin 0429684522

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

mickDolphin 0429684522

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. ●

CHARMING COTTAGE

WITH all the character you could hope for and a backdrop of breathtaking views, this charming weatherboard cottage will bring a smile to your face. From the picket fence lined drive to the covered verandah entry with intricate lacework, this period residence encourages you to make yourself at home.

This home’s timeless features are meticulously maintained and sensitively updated to create a wonderful and welcoming interior. The lounge with polished timber floors and an open wood fire boasts French doors to the balcony that soaks up the beautiful outlooks. The stylish kitchen with shaker cabinets, freestanding gas cooker, and butcherblock benchtops is bright and inviting. Fine details including ornate cornice, picture windows, gas ducted heating, and split system heating/ cooling merge with perfection. Re-stumped throughout with an engineered beam at the rear to facilitate plans for future decking and additional rooms (STCA).

Add to this 2 spacious bedrooms with timber floors, a designer bathroom with rain shower, pedestal sink, and claw foot tub, plus a lower level laundry with extra WC, and this home offers a lifetime of comfort.

This timeless residence in a true lifestyle location of leafy surrounds and proximity to local amenities will impress. Plan your viewing today.

· Breathtaking views from this 1,110sqm (approx.) property

· Delightful character cottage with sensitive updates throughout

· Lounge with timber floors, wood fire, and French doors to the balcony

· Modern kitchen with gas cooker and butcherblock benchtops

· 2 generous bedrooms and a designer bathroom with claw foot tub

· Re-stumped throughout with an engineered beam at the rear ●

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

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

GlennChandler

M 0418410689| E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

Success firmly in sights

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 high-gun 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,

Trades & Services General Notices

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

Planning and Environment Act 1987

YARRA RANGES PLANNING SCHEME

Notice of Approval of Amendment Amendment C197yran Part 1A 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

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au

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.”

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.

Damp course treatment ...

By Ron Hottes

Wednesday 28 June, Stableford: With a damp course, and impending rain to counter, the Wednesday field battled bravely to post a reasonable score. Alan McDonald, with both a sore shoulder and those aforementioned challenges confronting him, took to the course in a positive state of mind, and proved the well-known adage, beware the injured golfer. Alan’s 38 excellent points provided him with the daily voucher and bragging rights; for at least a week ( Take note, Merrilyn). Noel Cross was the runner-p to Alan, posting a solid 36-point round. Crossy seems to specialise in runner-up vouchers, as he has snared a number of them so far in 2023. Balls only reached 33. NTP prizes went home with Phil ‘Senior’ Garside (3rd), Paul Osbourne (5th), Mrs. De-

Graaf (9th) and Ken Barratt (12th).

Saturday 1 July, Stroke and Monthly Medal: With the same challenges that met the recent Wednesday field, and in fact, perhaps damper, scoring was going to require a sustained effort for the whole 18 holes. But that’s just what Josh Dewhurst achieved, eventually posting a Nett 68 result, which landed him the Medal and the top prize. Ken White has been playing very consistently lately, and another good result of Nett 70 was good enough for him to take home the runner-up voucher. Well done, Ken. Balls, not surprisingly, went all the way down to Nett 76. NTP winners were as follows Warren Sheargold (3rd), Paul Osbourne (5th), Steuart Hawke (12th) and Chris Leighton (15th). It was surprising that no NTP was claimed on the relatively easy 9th.

Shock loss to local rivals for Wandin

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, despiteWandin 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 Ladner, Damien Furey, Harrison van Duuren and Cody Hirst were the top Dogs on the

Horse Talk

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 leaves Wandin 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.

Third clean sweep running for the Burras

By Alex Woods

This weekend was an away game over to Alexandra. The Burras started off the cold and wet morning with the 17 and Under netball. The team got off to a good start of 3-5 at the quarter-time break. By half time, they were 4 goals up. Alexandra didn’t go easy on the Burras, creeping slowly only being behind by 3 goals. The Burras pushed it out in the last quarter and secured another 5 goals. The Burras defence was strong, leaving Alex scoreless in the last term.The final score was 9-17. Still, remain undefeated and on top of the ladder.

D Grade had a bye, so C Grade took the court next. They got off to a flying start, with a 13-goal lead (2-15). They continued strongly from the defence all the way down to the goals. Alexandra scored 5 goals in the second quarter and 1 in the 3rd, while The Burras managed to secure plenty for themselves. The final score was 8-47 and the Burras secured another good win. The top performers for the match were Grace Robinson, Courtney Irwin and Mel Hancock. The C Grade girls now have secured top spot on the ladder.

The Reserves started the football at midday. 3.1 was secured by the Burras in the first quarter, to Alexandra’s 0. Alex secured 2 goals to the Burras 1.4 in the second quarter while the Burras left Alexandra scoreless in the third and managed to secure 2 goals and 4 behinds for themselves. Wet and muddy conditions made for some harder football, but the Burras managed to secure another win with a final score of 4.0-24 to 9.10-64. Best were Josh Dobson, Ben Gray, David Bedggood, Zayden Crunden, Tarkyn Nicolandos and Jackson Jones. Marcel Kocher contributed 3 goals to the teams win, Jed Tapsall had 2, as well

as Christian Toy and Jackson Jones and Josh Read both had 1 each.

B Grade followed straight after C Grade. They started strongly having a 6-goal lead, but Alexandra slowly bought it back towards the end of the first quarter, with a score of 7-9 Burras way. By the end of the third quarter, they managed to extend the lead to 6 goals, 21 to

27, but Alexandra wasn’t slowing down. The Burras took control in the last term and set the game pace. Causing turnovers and converting them into goals, they secured a 14-goal win. Kelly Lewis, Taylah Moschetti and Katelin Borondy were awarded top performers. Alex Woods secured 25 goals, Jordana Butcher with 13 and Emily Hay with 6 goals.

A Grade finished off the netball for the round. They started strongly with a quartertime break score line of 6-19. They extended that well out to 11-37 and were not slowing down. The third quarter came along and they kept Alexandra to only 6 goals for the quarter while getting 15 for themselves. A few changes into the last, and they brought home a solid win of 28-65. Ashlyn Elliott, Indiana Pinnock and Bianca Daniels were all given best on for the game.

Seniors’ footy finished off the day. The rain slightly returned but didn’t stay for long. 5.1 were kicked by the Burras in the first and Alex had 3.3. The second quarter was strong with another 3 goals secured to Alexandra’s 1. A reset at half time and Alex came out firing and secured 3 quick ones to bring the scoreline to only 8 points heading into the last. The Burras took the game into their control and managed to secure a good win against the Rebels on their home turf by 2 goals. Jack Farrugia, Nelson Aldridge, Patrick Huynh, Liam Barnard, Shawn Andueza and Ben Pretty were top performers in this game. Bailey Humphrey, Brayden Woolridge and Liam Westlake all had 2 goals each, Liam Barnard, Jack Farrugia, Brayden Ferguson, Mitch Gordon and Blake Muir all secured 1 each to the team’s win.

A bye next weekend with Rooster’s Raffle on Saturday.

By Anita Prowse

Well, it’s wet and muddy, slippery and slimy out there in the paddocks, but the shortest day on 22 June has now passed, which means horses’ coats will soon be shifting.

Quite a few people found their horses and ponies were itchy with coats moving earlier than usual with the warmer drier start to June.

Following are some ways we can help our furry friends during this time. The following article was written by the Equus magazine editors in May 2020, and please remember older horses or those with insulin issues may need extra help as the regulatory systems may need a push during this time. Stay warm and Happy Riding.

1. Give a late-season full-body clip. Shear off the shaggy coat a month before shedding season begins; the shorter hair will be less of a torment when it does fall out. Remember to blanket the newly clipped horse if the weather stays cool.

2. Apply some old-fashioned elbows grease. Control the timing of mess and shorten its duration by going over the horse with a currycomb or shedding blade during vigorous daily grooming sessions. Those lengthy daily sessions collect the worst of the hair in one area and can shorten the shedding season by a week or more.

3. Pour on the oil. Empty an entire bottle of baby oil over your horse, making sure to cover his legs and belly. After leaving the horse oiled for an overnight soak, give him a warm-water shampoo. The oil encourages dead hair to slide from the follicles. The procedure itself makes one big mess but gets it all over with in a hurry. The oil treatment works so well, in fact, that some recipients can look rather bald for a few weeks afterward.

Wandin’s undefeated streak came to an end on Saturday. Picture: ON FILE

Blake Muir gets a kick away for the Burras. Picture: SUPPLIED

Warburton Golf Club results.

Picture: ON FLE

SPORT Home is where heart is

By Anne-Marie Ebbels

All teams were playing at home this week, which is the first time since the beginning of May that Healesville Football Netball Club supporters have been see all our teams play at home.

The Seniors got off to a fast start against Belgrave with five goals in the first quarter.

Belgrave hit back the second quarter, but Healesville maintained their lead going into the half time break 8 points up.

In a dogged third quarter, Healesville managed to increase their lead to 16 points at the final break.

Healesville restricted Belgrave to a solitary point in the final quarter to post a 31 point win.

The first quarter of the Reserves was even with only 1 goal scored.

Healesville were inaccurate in front of goals in the first quarter but found their range in the second quarter to go into the half time break 23 points up after keeping Belgrave goalless in the first half.

Belgrave didn’t capitalise in the third quarter on their defensive effort with Healesville going into final break 15 points up.

Another strong quarter by Healesville saw them increase the final margin to 27 points.

TheVeterans finally got to play at home and started the game well under lights and were 37 points up at half time against Kilcunda Bass.

The second half was dominated by Healesville who kicked 5 goals to Kilcunda Bass’ one. Healesville were big winners by 65 points.

The Women’s team played bottom of the ladder Monbulk this week with a 4 goal first quarter which set the tone for the game.

Healesville ended the game with 23 scoring shots to none and with more accurate kicking the margin could have been much higher than the 63 point win Healesville secured.

In the netball this week, the A grade game

was a nail-biter with the lead changing multiple times in the first half, Healesville lead by one goal at quarter time and Belgrave by two goals at half time.

Belgrave extended their lead to five goals at three quarter time.

Healesville managed to pull back the margin in the final quarter but couldn’t quite get in front of Belgrave and were agonisingly close losing by four goals.

In the B grade game, the first quarter went goal for goal with Belgrave going into the first break two goals up.

Belgrave came out with a blistering second quarter which set the game up for them which Healesville had no answers for.

Belgrave powered through the second half to run out winners by 40 goals.

Belgrave’sCgradeteamcontrolledthegame with a consistent effort over the four quarters.

Healesville struggled to maintain possession and convert their scoring opportunities.

Belgrave were winners by 26 goals.

In a low scoring first quarter, Healesville’s D Grade team went into the first break with a three-goal lead.

Healesville continued to build on their good start and increased their lead to six goals at half time. Belgrave came back into in the final quarter, but Healesville’s lead was too great and they ran out winners by 9 goals.

Home games again this week with the netball against Yea starting at 11:15am and the women’s football against Upwey at 10:30am.

All men’s football has a bye this week.

Results

Football

· Men Veterans Healesville 12.9 defeated Kilcunda Bass 2.4 Best: M Hay, C Adams, B

Strong, B Bell, G Newing, A Peters

· Men Reserves Healesville 5.8 defeated Belgrave 1.5 Best: K Jones, T Barclay, L Warner, S Larose, O Moreton, J Simnett

· Men Seniors Healesville 9.9 defeated Belgrave 4.8 Best: N Mende, C Frazzetto, Z Fawdry, L Daly, M Donegan, D Plozza

· Women Seniors Healesville 8.15 defeated Monbulk 0.0 Best: P Pavic, C Wilsmore, D Jones, I Stock, S Morris, S Frazzetto

Netball

· A Grade Healesville 46 defeated by Belgrave

50

· B Grade Healesville 17 defeated by Belgrave

57 Best: C Bouma, H Blackney, Z Boundy

·

C Grade Healesville 7 defeated by Belgrave

33 Best: T Pinkster, S Maile, G Young

· D Grade Healesville 21 defeated Belgrave 12 Best: S Maile, J Watson, E Birch

Yarra Glen no match for star-studded Powelltown

By David Ball

Yarra Glen playing at home took on the star studded Powelltown outfit in cold and drizzly conditions.

The River Pigs were celebrating two 200 game milestones, skipper Ben Ashton and the ever reliable Ryan Smith.

The last time these two sides met Powelltown obliterated Yarra Glen by 20 goals.

Any thoughts of a repeat were dispelled early as Yarra Glen started strongly.

They moved the ball well with precise kicking and quick movement.

The defence lead by Jimmy Marks and James Donald were able to intercept a number of Powelltown forward moves, helped by the pressure from the midfield.

At quarter time Yarra Glen were in front, 5.4 to 3.4. In the second quarter Yarra Glen extended their lead to 20 points.

They continued to win the ball in contests and moved the ball quickly to the forwards where they were able to score with Josh Hawkins the main contributor.

Playing his first game after a pre-season run, Tyler Ames was nullifying Powelltown’s gun ruckman, Ben Wratten and was giving theYarra Glen midfielders in Ben Ashton and Tom Sullivan first use of the ball.

At half time the scores were Yarra Glen 9.4 to Powelltown 5.8. With a major upset on the cards, Powelltown came out in the third quarter more committed and the game lifted a level. Despite the Demons increased intensity, Yarra Glen continued to maintain their competitive work all around the ground and half way through the quarter, they were still 20 points ahead of their more fancied rivals.

Powelltown banged on 3 late goals to reduce the margin to 4 points at the last break, Yarra Glen 11.5 to Powelltown 9.13.

Powelltown kicked the first goal early in the last quarter to take the lead for the first time in the game.

Yarra Glen were running out of legs as Powelltown’s quality and experience started to show.

They controlled the ball, spreading well and finding loose targets as the River Pigs struggled to get the ball in hand.

Ben Wratten took control in the ruck as Powelltown started converting all their forward moves. Yarra Glen struggled to convert up forward and without adding any scoreboard pressure, Powelltown were able to hold on for a 14 point victory, Yarra Glen 12.6 to Powelltown 13.14.

Best Players for Yarra Glen were Jimmy Marks, Ben Ashton, Josh Hawkins, Richard Wyles, Tom Sullivan & James Donald. Goalkickers – Josh Hawkins 6, Heath Chamberlain 2 and singles to James Brereton, Marcus Kikidoplolous, Anthony Harman and Nick McKenzie.With a full team the Yarra Glen reserves took on Powelltown hoping for a good contest after last week’s disappointing result.

While proving to be more competitive in general play, the River Pigs were unable to link up as they moved forward and saw Powelltown score on the back of Yarra Glen turnovers. At quarter time Powelltown were 27 points ahead, Yarra Glen 0.2 to Powelltown 4.5. Whilst Yarra Glen improved in their defensive efforts, the Demons were able to continue to score on the back of Yarra Glen’s turnovers to extend their lead to 48 points.

The River Pigs continued to work hard

and were rewarded with a good goal to Chris Webber and restricted the opposition to 3 goals for the quarter.

As the underdone Yarra Glen boys were tiring, despite never giving up, they ended up seeing the difference extend in last, with final scores, Yarra Glen 1.7 to Powelltown 14.15.

Best players were Josh Dick, Troy Beath, Max Forbes, Alec Peterson, Luke Vanderstadt and Dayne Downward. Chris Webber kicked Yarra Glen’s goal

Next weekYarra Glen travels toYarra Junction for the First Nations Round.

Yarra Glen Netball D Grade faced 2nd placed Powelltown as they celebrated Chantelle Farley’s 200th game.

It was a tightly contested 1st quarter with the Yarra girls taking it up to their higher placed opposition to be down by just 2 goals at the first break. In the second quarter Yarra Glen faced increased pressure and a number of turnovers saw Powelltown take control to be 10 goals ahead at half time.

Yarra Glen played well in the second half to outscore their opponents but couldn’t bridge the gap with final scores Yarra Glen 28 to Powelltown 35.

Best players were Kim Christian, Chantelle Farley and Sam Chetcuti.

Yarra Glen C grade, sitting 3rd on the lad-

der took on the 2nd placed Powelltown and the game started as a great contest.

Yarra Glen were linking up better and were cleaner with their passing to be 3 goals up at quarter time. Powelltown lifted in the second and at half time scores were locked at 15 all.

The third was very even battle as the teams went goal for goal. Yarra Glen held the slimmest of margins to be just 1 goal ahead at three quarter time.

The last quarter witnessed a great effort from theYarra Glen girls as they tightened up in defence and converted well to run out 4 goal winners, Yarra Glen 29 to Powelltown 25

Best players were Ashley Shanks, Courtney Cochrane and Sarah Orlandi.

4th placed Yarra Glen B Grade took on 2nd placed Powelltown. The visitors started well and took a 5 goal lead into the quarter time break. The second and third quarters were tight contests but with Powelltown converting just that little bit better to extend their lead to 8 goals at the last break. They were not able to close the gap but did have a 12 goal to 8 last quarter, eventually going down 41 to 45.

Best players were Tammie Milbourne, Georgia Crugnale (18 goals) and Natasha Bennett. In the A Grade game it was a contest between 2nd placed Yarra Glen and 4th placed Powelltown, who were just the 1 game behind.

The first quarter was a goal for goal affair, both sides controlling the ball well, with the visitors just 1 goal ahead at quarter time.

Powelltown lifted the tempo in the second and forced Yarra Glen into errors whilst the Demons converted most of their opportunities. At half time the lead had blown out to 10 goals. The second half saw Powelltown continue to stretch their lead.

They were clinical with their ball movement whereas Yarra Glen were unable to connect and committed a number of turnovers.

A convincing win to Powelltown, Yarra Glen going down 32 to 55

Best players were Lara Wandin Collins, Gemma Ryan and KimWilliams.

Next week all 4 teams face Yarra Junction away.

TheRiverPigscelebratedtwo200gamemilestonesinRound10.

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