Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 1st August 2023

Ton-up kids all smiles

Yarra Junction Primary School celebrated 100 days of Prep on Monday 24 July marking the first chapter in their schooling years.

It was a fun filled day of activities and dress up, with the students embracing the theme of being 100 years old.

Teachers too said it’s always fun seeing the children develop of those 100 days and really taking on school life.

To see more of the costumes and fun, turn to page 12

L-R: Charlie, Kellan and Joshua with their new tasty necklaces. Picture: SUPPLIED

Police and state authority to target illegal deer-killers, making ...

Hunters hunted

By Callum Ludwig

Local police from the Yarra Junction and Warburton Police Stations are set to team up with the Victorian Game Management Authority (GMA) to target illegal deer hunting in the Upper Yarra.

With reports of incidents rising over winter, Operation Thicket will see an increased police presence around hotspots and a push for resi-

dents to report their concerns to target illegal hunters.

Sergeant and Officier-in-charge at Yarra Junction Police Station Abbey Draper said the operation will be focusing on an overt and covert response.

“We’ll have members of both of the GMA and us in either uniforms and marked vehicles or unmarked vehicles and plain clothes to hit both ways and then going out and targeting

these illegal hunters,” she said.

“Reports of illegal deer hunting are coming through in the form of Crime Stopper reports and phone calls to the station and Triple Zero ranging from shooting from the roadways into private property and spotlighting to accessing people’s private properties and utilising their hunting dogs to flush the deer out.”

A GMA spokesperson said it is quite common for the authority to partner with Victoria

RT Edgar

Police across the state as it allows officers to share intelligence, particularly in areas where spotlighting can be a serious safety risk.

“Illegal spotlighting of deer is dangerous and unethical. Illegal spotlighting can result in firearm-related incidents, including injuries to persons or wildlife or damage to property,” the spokesperson said.

Continued page 3

Community rallies to CFA

By Tanya Steele

CFA in Hoddles Creek are angry and disheartened by a recent alleged break-in and theft at their unit which has rallied the local community behind them, both online and in person.

Two people allegedly broke into the unit on the morning of Sunday 31 July, and around 8.30 am a volunteer CFA member came into the unit to find key equipment and materials missing from the station.

Police said that it is believed that unknown offenders broke into a fire station on Lusatia Park Road, ransacked the property and vehicles and stole several items at about 6am.

Community members and other CFA and SES units have come out in support of the unit, offering to replace some of the lost equipment and sharing the units Facebook post asking for more information.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support and we’re incredibly grateful,” said Hoddles Creek 2nd Lieutenant Brett Kerford.

“Upper Yarra and Emerald SES both offered to lend us equipment and we also had community members come up to the station yesterday saying that they’ve got some chainsaws at home that they can bring up,” he said.

The unit was offline for around six hours on Sunday while the police attended and the CFA members went through the process required to ensure their unit could be up and running again.

“We were unable to respond until we made sure the vehicles were operational and we had the police in doing their work and hopefully find evidence of who did it,” said Mr Kerford.

“They took axes, chainsaws, a generator, lots of equipment and tools basically, we had to go through all the vehicles and inventories to establish what was taken,” he said.

“Chris, our fourth lieutenant made a really

good point that stealing from CFA was actually like stealing from the community because a lot of this equipment, especially chainsaws, are funded by fundraising and community donations and all that sort of stuff.”

The CFA has not been broken into before and Mr Kerford said it has been disheartening for the members of the unit, especially after the recent unexpected loss of their Captain Leonie Turner who passed away on 20 July.

“I think this has really hurt the brigade, emotionally - we’re pretty flat at the moment,” he said.

“Leonie was larger than life and an amazing woman.”

Mr Kerford said the unit was thankful there was no damage made to the unit and hopes that the culprits can be tracked down.

“It’s the inconvenience that we’ve now got to have to go through a process and obviously, that takes a lot of time to get this equipment replaced,’ he said.

“Social media can be negative but in this case it just had people just reaching out and making contact with us and trying to obviously bring a positive conclusion to the thing.”

Hoddles Creek CFA will continue in their duties and Mr Kerford said that it’s their job to get out there and the brigade is incredibly thankful to the community for their support.

“Some of the things we learned from Leonie and in how she conducted our unit was that it’s never about us - It’s about the greater good and what we can do for the community.”

Police said investigations into the incident remain ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident, with information or CCTV is urged to call Crimestoppers or 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

CFA members were shocked and disheartened to discover the alleged theft from their unit.

Picture: FACEBOOK

School chook chaos

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Glen Primary School students and staff had a worrying start to their week when they arrived to find the front entrance egged and their much-loved silky hens loose in the schoolyard.

The offenders had broken into the school’s chicken coop, letting the chickens out in the process, and used the school’s own eggs in the offence, heading around to the front of the school from the back where the coop is located and ‘egging’ the windows. Yarra Glen Primary School’s Business Manager Penny Lamble said it was the second time the chicken coop has

been broken into.

“We have five beautiful silky hens that are the pets of the students here, because they are only little, they could quite easily have been taken by predators like cats or hawks,” she said.

“The first time was on the long weekend in June when they broke in and they stole the chicken cart that the children use to take the chickens for a walk in.”

The offenders were able to gain access to the coop as students had accidentally not locked it properly. Ms Lamble said luckily the hens are safe after the incident..

“It’s sad when they do this to the school,

the children love the chickens. We’ve found it very hard to get rid of the smell of the smashed eggs,” she said.

“Just leave the chickens alone please, if you’re bored, come and do some gardening or come and help out at the school, don’t wreck the school.The school is for the community, we love our little school and we just want to look after it.”

After the last offence, a replacement for the much-loved and well-used chicken cart was supplied by Bunnings in Chirnside Park.

The offences were reported to theYarra Glen Police Station.

Illegal deer hunters to become hunted

From page 1

“Authorised Officers from the GMA and Victoria Police patrol public and private land to ensure compliance with game hunting and public safety laws.”

Powelltown and Don Valley have been identified as two problem areas, but with deer presence heavily noted in areas like Warburton and Seville, illegal hunters could strike in many local townships.

Sgt Draper said they’ve had some issues with livestock and even a home being inadvertently hit with stray bullets with the practices and equipment of illegal hunters very different to legal ones.

“Landowners with a significant amount of land will know that a lot of damage can be done by the wild deer on their property and they can engage hunters that can go out with permission onto a private property and do a cull overnight when deer are most active,” she said.

“We would get notified here at the police station of permission being granted and perhaps for two or three nights the hunter will go out onto that private property and offer that service to the locals,”

“They’re using scopes and proper equip-

ment to ensure that it’s not a free-for-all, it’s calculated and they are very well skilled at their work.”

Police are encouraging locals to visit the GMA website to read up on illegal hunting and urging anyone who notices illegal hunting to report it to the GMA at www.gma.vic. gov.au/enforcement/report-illegal-huntingonline. If there is immediate danger and risk, they also still highly advise calling Triple Zero as their first port of call.

Sgt Draper said if there’s an emergency response required, police absolutely do make that emergency response.

“But our advice is that if they do have access to any CCTV footage of vehicles, registrations, persons that they can see, descriptions of vehicles, all of that information can be collated,” she said.

“It may just be that one little piece of information that kind of puts it all together and gives us an identity or a car as often these people are coming from out of town.”

Illegal behaviour in regards to deer hunting includes hunting without a Game Licence, using incorrect firearms, calibres and ammunition, hunting in prohibited areas including hunting on private property without permission, breaching Victoria’s spotlighting laws and regulations and the incorrect use of dogs and dog breeds.

Night hunting, illegal spotlighting or possessing a firearm in recognised deer habitat can lead to fines in excess of $3,600, equipment seizure, including firearms, spotlights and vehicles, and Game and Firearm Licences cancelled. Illegal spotlighting can be reported to the GMA by visiting gma.vic.gov.au or calling 136 186.

Abandoned car in Coldstream located after car theft with child still inside

Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit

detectives have charged a man following the theft of a vehicle with a child inside in Dandenong on 24 July.

It’s alleged a black Kia Carnival was stopped on Cleeland Street in Dandenong about 3.25pm, the driver got out of the car to speak to another motorist.

A man jumped into the car and drove off with the toddler still in the backseat.

The two-year-old boy was located a short time later at a supermarket in Ferntree Gully at about 4.35pm and was not injured during the incident.

The vehicle was located abandoned in Coldstream about 7pm last night by a member of the public.

Police arrested a man in Dandenong about 3pm on Tuesday, 25 july.

The 24-year-old Dandenong man has been charged with child stealing, theft of motor vehicle, unlicenced driving and committing indictable offences whilst on bail.

He will appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Dixon’s Creek resident has unexpected canine adventure become part of her day

Kristyn Preen was out getting hay for her cattle on Wednesday 19 July and said on the drive home, she turned down a street and saw three dogs out loose on the road.

The trio came right up to her car and Ms Preen stopped to investigate further.

“I stopped and waited and no one came coming, so I thought they probably belonged somewhere close,” she said

The good Samaritan took them to Healesville vet to get them scanned for their microchips and they were reunited with their owner shortly after.

“There’s not usually a lot of dogs that need ‘rescuing’ but I have dogs myself and if mine got out I would hope that someone would do the same,” she said

The cheeky trio were having a field day sniffing and galloping around before their rescue and Ms Preen was happy that she got them safely back to their family.

Government seeking community feedback for Victoria’s bushfire management strategy

The government is seeking community feedback on the draft ofVictoria’s Bushfire ManagementStrategy, whichwilldeterminethe10-year vision for bushfire management inVictoria.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said being proactive is key.

“We need to remain bushfire ready, and this strategy will make sure Victoria improves our fire management activities for the next decade,” he said.

Feedback from theVictorian community will ensure the document properly reflectsVictoria’s collective goals for bushfire management, creating more resilient communities.

To have your say and to help shape the direction of bushfire management in Victoria over the next 10 years, please visit engage.vic.gov.au/ victorias-bushfire-management-strategy.

Consultation on the strategy closes on Sunday 20 August.

Victoria Police and the Game Management Authority are launching an operation to prevent illegal deer hunting. Picture: ON FILE

Prep student Iris with the chooks in the cart.

Pictures: SUPPLIED One of the egged windows at Yarra Glen Primary School.

Top medals for firefighters

By Mikayla Van Loon

More than 100 firefighters from across the Yarra Valley and Maroondah group brigades were recognised with national medals for their involvement in the Black Summer bushfires.

On Sunday 23 July these firefighters, their families and CFA executives gathered in Chirnside Park for the National Emergency Medal ceremony.

Among the recipients were members from Badger Creek, Chirnside Park, Coldstream, Dixons Creek, Healesville, Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Mt Evelyn, South Warrandyte, Warrandyte, Wonga Park, Yarra Glen, Gruyere, Hillcrest, Hoddles Creek, Little Yarra, Reefton, Seville, Wandin, Warburton, Wesburn-Millgrove, Yarra Junction and Yellingbo.

Reefton CFA captain Sue Jack said having everyone in the one room really put into perspective how much of a contribution local brigades made during the 2019/20 fires.

“We were the last group in District 13 [to receive medals] but I reckon there must have been at least 100 volunteer firefighters and staff there who got their medals,” she said.

“It was great. To me it showed how much we contributed as a group, as a district as a response to those fires.”

Similarly Wonga Park CFA captain Aaron Farr said the “ceremony was lovely” and it was “good to get the recognition” and “community thanks”.

“Not that anyone who joins as a volunteer does it for the thanks or the awards but it is nice to receive the national recognition,” he said.

While Sue was the only brigade member from Reefton to receive the medal,Wonga Park had nine members receive the honours.

“The black summer fires, they were not like a Black Saturday, like a day, it was a whole summer that went on for months,” Sue said.

“When you think of all the firefighters in all the states and all the support people that go on behind the scenes that enable that to happen and all the families that are saying behind to support that to happen, it’s massive.

“For me personally, it’s very important. When you think of how that’s come about it was an important recognition of what collectively we have all done together and what we did and what we tried to achieve.”

Sue spent much of her time over those months in Orbost in the incident control centre as an incident management team member.

As a trained nurse, Sue was able to offer medical support to firefighters who had come from the frontlines.

“We looked after all the areas down to Mallacoota. So it was very busy and there was a lot obviously going on in that space at that time,” she said.

“My role was to go out and make sure the health and wellbeing of the firefighters was being looked after and monitor their carbon dioxide levels and make sure they had first aid available.”

For the first time Sue was tasked with organising the equipment and medical staff for one of the firefighting planes, ensuring oxygen tanks, the crew and medical supplies would all fit inside the aircraft.

“It was a good learning curve for me. So les-

sons learnt for next time, I know what I need to do and how it needs to happen.”

From medical support to medical emergency, Aaron said for some of his brigade members who responded in NSW as part of strike team 1304, the unthinkable happened.

“One member went into cardiac arrest and he was resuscitated and saved onsite,” he said.

“He has recovered completely and is living a full life.”

The members involved did also receive a commissioner’s citation for helping to save a fellow member’s life.

Aaron said throughout the summer months many of Wonga Park’s volunteers were stationed in the East Gippsland region.

“Our main involvement was in East Gippsland, in the Buchan area and we supplied trucks and a big fill appliance,” he said.

“From November through to February or

March we had constant rotations and deployments of five days, with members filling admin roles or on the ground support.

“The majority of the brigade contributed in one way or another.”

Some of those members gave up to 20 or 30 days in total, relying on unpaid or annual leave, something Aaron said should be commended in itself.

For Aaron, recognising the people who stayed back home to protect the local area was also important to acknowledge.

“People still put their hands up locally. We can’t not have coverage locally, so no one goes unless our patch is also protected.”

Not only is it the members who stay behind, but Aaron said for a major response effort like that seen in 2019/20, it meant a lot of families were disrupted.

“We leave at the drop of the hat, so the work

of the families who allow their family members to go and have to take on the extra school pick ups or making dinner is really important,” he said.

With criteria set for those who can receive a National Emergency Medal, Sue said it’s important to remember not everyone gets the honour.

“I’m so happy about getting a medal like that, it’s a once in a lifetime kind of thing. Those fires were a collective effort, there were so many people and not everybody got a medal,” Sue said.

“So many people contributed to help communities in those fires and so many people behind the scenes, that I call support organisations.

“From a community perspective, we often don’t think about what goes on, you see the boots on the ground and the yellows, the firefighters but there’s so much more to it.”

Some of the CFA’s best were recognised with the National Emergency Medal on Sunday 23 July. Pictures: UNFORM PHOTOGRAPHY

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan opened the ceremony.

Mooroolbark Fourth Lieutenant Andrew Gard was presented with the National Emergency Medal.

Will Hodgson from the Warrandyte Fire Brigade.

Wonga Park’s Luke Summerscales and Hoddles Creek’s Jessica Jacobs were presented with a certificate for strike team 1304 who helped save a fellow member’s life.

Roo meat stance queried

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Ranges Council looks set to consider their forming an official stance on commercial kangaroo harvesting in the region going forward after a question at the Tuesday 25 July Council meeting.

The discussion arises in the wake ofWildlife Victoria reporting a drastic increase in gunshot wounds in the native species since the start of the Victorian Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan (KHMP) in 2019 and with other Victorian Councils advocating to be removed from the plan.

WooriYallock resident and former President of the Australian Wildlife Protection Council Peter Preuss attended the meeting and asked if Council are prepared to reject the commercial exploitation of kangaroos in the municipality and to develop a kangaroo management plan that will reflect that position.

Manager of Design and Place atYarra Ranges Council Nathan Islip said Council appreciates Mr Preuss’ concern for kangaroos, given their inherent status as integral to the landscape and as a protected native species.

“Council are keenly aware of the pressures kangaroos face, including urban development, competition for habitat and feed sources from pest species such as deer,” he said.

“Council is currently developing a nature plan focused on protecting our biodiversity, which includes programmes for the protection of our native species, such as kangaroos.”

The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and Mount Alexander Shire Council have each recently passed motions to advocate against commercial kangaroo shooting in their regions.

Speaking to the Star Mail last week on commercial kangaroo harvesting, Founder of the Victorian Kangaroo Alliance (VKA) Alyssa Wormald called on Yarra Ranges Council to do the same.

“Cruelty was just one factor that has recently motivated Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and Mount Alexander Shire Council to pass motions to advocate against commercial kangaroo shooting in their regions. Other issues include sustainability, human health and safety, and impact on tourism and amenity,” she said.

“Whilst councils don’t control wildlife policy, they have a powerful platform to advocate for the safety of their residents and wildlife. They can show progressive leadership by rejecting cruel and dangerous wildlife trade operations and, instead, focus on developing strategies for coexistence and ecotourism. “

Between the Kangaroo Harvesting Program (KHP) and the Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) system, the Central region (in which the Yarra Ranges resides) was given a maximum commercial kangaroo harvesting quota of 65,100 from a total of 166,750 slated statewide in 2023, down from 2022 and 2021.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said he thinks that Mr Preuss has raised an important concern for the Council to consider.

“I’m aware of the debate that they had

(Mount Alexander Shire Council) and how close it was as well, you look at the rural area, it’s a very serious discussion that they had,” he said.

“I’m probably foreshadowing, Mr Islip, that we make this an item for an upcoming forum so we can gather more evidence in regards to the matters that Peter has raised with us, so we can look more closely at taking more affirmative action.”

The quota for commercial kangaroo harvesting each year is based on the recommendation of the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (ARI) that no more than

10 per cent of Victoria’s kangaroo population be harvested each year. Since the inception of the (KHMP), an average of about 6 per cent has been taken each year with a population estimate garnered each year from a survey conducted once every two years by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). The most recent estimate from the 2022 survey predicted a population of 2,418,000.

Speaking to the Star Mail on Wednesday 26 July after hearing what Yarra Ranges Council had to say, Mr Preuss said he felt that they were very responsive and really keen to

get this underway.

“I think the Yarra Ranges Council is in a really good position to lead the way here because it’s not been yet a controversial issue, we have plenty of kangaroos and people come here to see wildlife, but the issues being faced in some of the other shires within our own zone haven’t hit us yet,” he said.

“I got a very positive feeling from the councillors, we’ve already got a couple of other councils taking a stand and then if we join them, hopefully, all the councils will come together and say that these kangaroos are far better alive than turning to pet food.”

A Victorian Kangaroo Alliance rally in 2021. Picture: ON FILE

Wandin North makeover

By Callum Ludwig

The Wandin North township is set for a major refresh after Yarra Ranges councillors unanimously voted to approve and adopt the Wandin North Town Centre Masterplan.

The masterplan aims to boost patronage to the area and upgrade the shopping precinct, PJ Mould Community Park and Greenglades Court Reserve and encourage users of theWarburton Trail to stop by.

Chandler Ward (which covers Wandin North) Councillor David Eastham said he’s glad to see this happen and truly believes that the community deserve this great piece of work.

“Wandin to date had not received any of the place planning, whether that’s community planning, structure planning and so on,” he said.

“Being someone that was born and raised in Wandn, and having spent over a decade working up at the local shops there as a teenager and whilst at university, I can tell you that so much of what is in this plan are things the

locals have wanted since I was a kid.”

In developing the masterplan, Yarra Ranges Council first consulted the local traders before turning to the community. Once a draft plan was ready, another round of engagement was held from 7 November to 4 December last year, with feedback coming largely from drop-in opportunities and online submissions.

Cr Eastham said to him, the most important element is that Council and the community now have a document that demonstrates the future opportunities in Wandin.

“We can take this to our state and federal counterparts for funding of particular projects but know that as each puzzle piece gets funded, it’s aligned to a consistent, larger picture that the community have told us about,” he said.

“I do want to mention the members of the community that have championed this piece of work over the years…There’s an individual who is quite humble and requests that I don’t mention him, but he has played such a significant part in this over the years,”

“He has been persistent, he’s been consis-

tent in his approach with Council and has really been our connection and conduit into the community.”

According to the draft masterplan, the entirety of the project was estimated to cost between $2.8 and $3 million excluding anticipated State Government subsidies and the Council’s Capital Works Budget.v

Cr Eastham said overall, the plan absolutely meets the community’s general sentiment.

“Families spoke about the field precinct being a place to go for a picnic, nothing over the top, but just a place for families to go to and spend time connecting, having some more trees there, making the township more inviting and user-friendly,” he said.

“One of the conversations I had with some locals was around a decrease in parking alongside the shop side of the Warburton Highway, which is being done to increase safety, not just for pedestrians, but also vehicles using that stretch as well.”

Despite the reduction in parking at the shopfronts, the masterplan is set to formalise parking on the western side of the Warburton

Highway through the township and increase parking spaces overall.

Other proposals include new footpaths, two signalised pedestrian crossings at theWarburton Trail and George Street, street tree planting, signage to promote patronage of the town precinct and advocating the Department of Transport and Planning for a reduction in the speed limit and a pedestrian crossing where the Warburton Trail meets the Warburton Highway.

BillanookWard CouncillorTim Heenan seconded the motion and said councillors really should take heart that small townships like Wandin North have a community, and they’ve certainly got a heart in the community.

“When we develop these plans, Council officers have done a lot of thinking to not just take on board the major tourist destinations that we have in the whole of the shire but the smaller ones too and the voices of the people in those communities,” he said.

“I wholeheartedly support this tonight and I hope the rest of Council does as well.”

Agreements signed for purchase of Green Street

The land at 13 Green Street in Healesville will remain public open space forever, with signing an agreement with VicTrack to purchase the land.

Council engaged with community members in 2017 and earlier this year, gauging interest in the potential purchase of the land, with resounding support for the proposal.

Ryrie Ward Councillor, Fiona McAllister, said the purchase will bring relief to the community, six years after VicTrack began the process of selling the space.

“The land at 13 Green Street has been a significant part of the town, going back more than 30 years,” Cr McAllister said.

“Anyone who has been to the market, or wandered down to Coronation Park will have seen people using the land for stalls, picnics or a quiet moment with family and friends

“We had near-unanimous community support to purchase the land in 2017 at the indicated price of $600,000 – but unfortunately when the land was formally valued, it came in much higher than this, making the purchase impossible.

“Thankfully, VicTrack contacted us earlier this year with a revised price of $675,000 - a 50 per cent discount on the current value of $1.35m.

“We asked community members in March whether they still supported the purchase of the land, using money already set aside for public open space in Ryrie Ward, and people were extremely supportive.

“At community engagement pop-ups in Healesville, every passer-by voiced their support for Council purchasing the land, and people had plenty of ideas about how they’d like to use the space as a community.

“I’m so proud to say that, at last, we’ve signed a letter of offer and acceptance, with the transaction and contracts now awaiting the Assistant Treasurer’s approval.”

A condition of the sale to Council is that the land be kept, in perpetuity, as public open space.

Once the sale of the land has been finalised, Council will re-zone the land to meet this condition, and ensure the park is kept for community use.

Ryrie Ward Councillor, Fiona McAllister, with John Anwin (L) and John Rosser (R) from Healesville Action Group.

Pictures: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL

The land at 13 Green Street will remain in the council’s possession with the agreement with VicTrack signed.

L-R: Owner of Wandin Florist Amy Collins having a discussion about the Wandin North Masterplan in November 2022 with Yarra Ranges Council Design and Planning Manager Geoff Deacon. Pictures: ON FILE The Wandin North Town Centre is set to be revitalised.

Students to build and grow

By Mikayla van Loon

Before disembarking on a two week trip to Northern Thailand, Billanook College students visited Quilts for Orphans (QFO) in Hoddles Creek to pick up a few handmade items to take with them.

The service project tour will see 20 senior school students travel to a small village in the South East Asian country where they will help build a classroom for local residents.

Director of learning and tour leader Matt Wood said the trip opens the students’ eyes to what the rest of the world might be grappling with.

“It shows them how much bigger their world is. It puts them out of their comfort zone but it just provides them with a different perspective about the needs of others,” he said.

Basing themselves in a village close to the border of Myanmar and Thailand, Mr Wood said often people who are fleeing the civil unrest in Myanmar find themselves without support from the Thai government.

By building essential infrastructure like classrooms, toilet blocks, kitchens and cafeterias, Mr Wood said it allows the students to “contribute to the community”.

Having formed a connection with QFO around 2015 through a past student’s grandmother, Mr Wood said it has become tradition for students to pass on a selected quilt.

“Every time we go over, we bring our students here and they’re presented with a quilt that they will take over and deliver,” he said.

For QFO president Annette Stone, seeing the students be so engaged and knowing the quilts are going to good homes makes all the difference.

“It pleases us to know that it gets to the people on the ground, that it’s arrived and it’s a bit of a two way win because they’re learning as well,” she said.

With hundreds of quilts ready or in the process of being ready to donate, QFO will be sending another lot with a member toVietnam later this year.

Fiona is just one of the Year 10 and 11 students heading off on the trip in a few weeks time and although she’s not quite sure what to expect, she is looking forward to the experience.

“I’ve never been overseas before so [I’m looking forward to] going overseas and helping out people that are less privileged than me,” she said.

“I live a very privileged life and not everyone else does. So stepping out of my comfort zone and seeing how other people live.”

Knowing there might be a level of poverty unlike here in Australia, Fiona said she knows the trip might be “saddening” but also very rewarding.

A requirement of the service project is that

students self fund the trip, meaning they have been working hard to fundraise money over many months, both collectively and individually.

“It’s certainly challenging. We’ve been having to work together, so it’s been a team bonding experience before we head over,” Fiona said.

Mr Wood said with students departing in the last week of term three, just six weeks away, the students are“putting the final preparations into fundraising”.

“Because the kids wear a school tie, they’ve got a tie for tie day coming up where the whole school can wear a crazy tie to raise a gold coin from everyone,” he said.

Billanook College has been running the Northern Thailand Service Project tour for around 15 years, with the last one taking place in 2019.

As of next year, middle school students will also be given the opportunity to go to Fiji on a similar service trip, with the two trips then alternating each year.

Reconnecting with QFO on Tuesday 25 July, Mr Wood and the students presented the volunteers with framed photos of past students handing over the quilts in the villages they visited.

MrWood is grateful knowing that these students who have elected to go are committed to bettering their own understanding of the world as well as helping a community.

“We’re just thrilled, we’re not a big school, we’re not a massive school but to have 20 kids put their hand up because at the same time we’ve got an adventure tour, a skiing trip to New Zealand for 30 to 40 kids.

“They’re doing that whereas these guys could have done that but they’ve chosen to do that level of service.”

From past experiences, Mr Wood said it’s not uncommon for students to go back years later to visit the village they once helped, reforming the bonds they make.

“Every kid that’s gone, they’ve all said the same thing, it’s given them a greater appreciation of what they’ve got here,” Mr Wood said.

“It’s really interesting to watch day one, when they arrive at the village to the last day. We put on a big celebration at the end and when we have to say goodbye there’s not a dry eye. It’s really emotional because of the bonds they form with the kids.”

As for QFO, they have two big events coming up, starting with a pop up market in Monbulk in October and then two weeks at Mont de Lancey in November with a display of quilts, as well as the sale of fat quarters just in time for the Christmas period.

For more information contact QFO president Annette Stone on 0407 648 618, email info@quiltsfororphans.org or visit the website www.quiltsfororphans.org

Yvonne shows teachers and students the ins and outs of the quilting process.

Billanook College senior school students and three of their teachers collected quilts from Quilts for Orphans on Tuesday 25 July. Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Fiona presented QFO president Annette Stone with framed photos of past students delivering quilts in Thailand.

Keeping track of Kokoda

By Mikayla van Loon

Another Year 11 Yarra Ranges student is set to embark on a trek of the Kokoda Trail after being granted the Cowey-Selman Kokoda Award.

Mount Evelyn Christian School student Zeph Kunst was named as the scholarship winner on Sunday 30 July, with one of last year’s applicants and trail walker, Rhylie, handing over the reins.

As one of many students interested in applying for the award from his school, Zeph was able to go the whole way and said it was a great opportunity.

“I just really liked the idea of it, it’s something you don’t think of as being able to do in your teenage years and if you can go for it, why not,” he said.

Receiving the award at an event hosted by the Lilydale RSL, Zeph was able to hear from Rhylie about his experience walking the trail in April.

Although not the winner of the award, Rhylie’s friends, family and the Cire Community School helped fundraise money to get him over to Papua New Guinea to join the inaugural Cowey-Selman Award winner, Cammy Lilagan, on her trek.

In a Q&A format, Rhylie shared the highlights and mental barriers he had to break through along the Kokoda trail, as well as the incredible friendships he made with the locals who accompanied him.

“I was fit enough to track obviously you can always be more fit but I think the part for me that I probably should have really worked on better prior to that was the whole mental side of it,” he said.

“That was the part that got me. So the second day was my hardest day because I was thinking ‘I can’t do this, I’ve got another eight days of this walking uphill but I’ve only hit the first day of walking uphill’.”

Pulling through and embodying the courage of Australia’s soldiers, Rhylie said he pushed through and mentally came out stronger on the other side.

Immersing himself in nature throughout the day, walking through thick jungle, swamp lands and chest high rivers, Rhylie said back at camp they would usually sleep in small huts with just a roof over them.

The conditions on the track itself changed a lot throughout the whole trek. One minute you could be in swampland, walking through mud that if you step in the wrong spot you could be ankle deep

“The next minute you’re walking up a vertical hill and they’re digging steps into it, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to walk up. The terrain changes in minutes and the weather, it was humid and nearly four o’clock on the dot nearly every day it rained without fail.”

Building relationships with the locals, not only those who accompanied the group on the track but also in the villages, Rhylie said was a highlight.

“Some villages we would stay in there’d be young kids and we’d give them a ball or a frisbee.

“There was one village where we stopped

for lunch and we just stopped there and it was great because there were these two little kids and I stood there for about half an hour throwing this ball to the kids.”

Overall Rhylie said he would recommend doing the Kokoda Trail to anyone who is willing to take on the challenge and said it has inspired him to see and do more.

“Coming back after experiencing that is something that is going to stay with me forever and it gives me that motivation to actually get up and want to do stuff,” he said.

“There’s other places, Papua New Guinea is amazing but it’s one little island in the entire world so it’s given me more motivation to actually go out and do some extreme stuff in my life.”

Commending Rhylie and Cammy on their willingness to take on the Trail, Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson congratulated the pair on their efforts.

“To Cammy and Rhylie who walked the track this year, well done. It’s extremely challenging and I doubt you’ll ever forget doing the Kokoda Trek,” he said.

“Today Australians walk Kokoda to pay their respects to the bravery and suffering of those veterans that stopped the enemy at our front door.”

Although still yet to be decided, Zeph will most likely head off next year in April to follow in Rhylie and Cammy’s footsteps.

Cowey-Selman Award organiser Greg Green (centre) congratulated Rhylie and Zeph on their willingness to trek Kokoda.

Rhylie passed over the scholarship to new recipient Zeph Kunst.

Casey MP Aaron Violi, Rhylie, Greg Green, Kylie Skidmore, Zeph Kunst, Kristy Mays, Getaway trek leaders Adam Manders and Russell Priest, front Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson and Mt Evelyn RSL president Matt Crymble. Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Rhylie was interviewed by his teacher Skids about his experience on Kokoda.

Truly figures of speech

By Callum Ludwig

The Rotary Club of Wandin held their inaugural Primary Schools Speech Competition on Thursday 20 July with a few local schools sending their students to participate.

The event was also supported by Wandin Toastmasters, the local arm of the public speaking and leadership organisation.

Peter Johnson organised the event while he was theYouth Chair at the Rotary Club ofWandin before a recent reshuffling of roles and said it went very well.

“We invited five schools, unfortunately, Seville Primary School had to pull out at the last minute so we had the two Wandin schools (Wandin North and Wandin Yallock), Woori Yallock and Coldstream,” he said.

“The youth committee within Wandin Rotary is very involved with the schools though other initiatives like the Junior Citizen award, so it was a great experience for me personally to be dialoguing with principals and making this come to fruition.”

Speech competitions, often the four-waytest variety, are held by Rotary Clubs for primary and high school students across the state.

Mr Johnson said they were very impressed with the students.

“I think we have eight schools, primary schools in the area, so we’ll be inviting the other schools and see how we go in the future, we presented a perpetual shield so that’s an indication we’re keen to continue in the years to come,” he said.

Be a voice for rural Yarra Ranges. Join the Rural Advisory Committee

“We had comments from a couple of the teachers that this is a very important thing for students to be able to partake in and practise as they go into life further on down the track.”

Wandin North Primary School’s Grade 6 Students Charlie Glenn and Patrick Armstrong had the honour of taking out first prize in the very first edition of the competition.

Wandin North Primary School Principal Paul Bailey said public speaking is a life skill, and it is crucial to provide numerous opportunities at different stages of schooling.

“This was the first experience for the selected students to participate in a competition such as this with strict time conditions and an experienced judging panel.

For the students to stand up in front of a large number of unfamiliar faces, in an unfamiliar setting and read their speeches was outstanding,” he said.

“The topics of ‘Kindness’ and ‘How We Can Change The World’ were passion projects. The content in both speeches had a number of persuasive techniques such as research, repetition, emotive language and rhetorical questions to engage the audience. I was an extremely proud principal sitting there watching the children representing Wandin North Primary School.”

The Rotary Club of Wandin’s very active role in supporting local schools includes their Junior Citizen Award, donations such as microscopes, community libraries and bags of apples and helping support kids taking part in ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services.

Council is inviting expressions of interest from new members to join the Rural Advisory Committee. The committee (RAC) plays a vital role as Council's advisory group, addressing issues and initiatives relevant to the rural sector in Yarra Ranges.

The RAC has been in operation since 2016. Current chair Cr David Eastham says that in that time the committee has made a positive impact, ensuring rural perspectives and priorities are heard in Council, and beyond. The committee has guided Council on a wide range of important issues, from biosecurity and worker accommodation on farms to the impacts of climate-related challenges such as droughts, bushfires, and floods.

“It a voice for rural residents to help advise on issues unique to them in Yarra Ranges.

“This year we’re inviting rural landowners and industry leaders from sectors such as stone fruit through to horses and other livestock, orchards, vineyards, floriculture, the whole lot of it, to join the Rural Advisory Committee,” Cr Eastham said.

Current RAC member Kevin Sanders from Sanders Apples says being on the committee, and engaging with Council has led to better outcomes for agriculture businesses in Yarra Ranges. “As rural people we all have different issues, some industry specific, some across agriculture in particular. Having input to council to help formulate priorities, and plans for the future betterment of the industry, is always the best place to be.

“It’s a good committee to be on. The council listens to the discussions that go on, they look to us for advice, and we’re pleased that council listens to us. That’s all we can ask from anybody,” he said. Meetings are held four times a year, and committee members are asked to commit for a four-year term.

Council is currently seeking expressions of interest for rural sector representatives from each of the following:

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

• Berry Fruit Growing • Nursery/Floriculture Production (cut flowers)

• Grape growing (wine grapes) • Beef Cattle Farming (grazing)

• Horse Farming (equine) • Forestry • Rural Service Provider Applications close August 13, 2023.

For more information or to submit an expression of interest, please visit https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/yarra-ranges-rural-advisory-committee-rac

L-R: Wandin North Primary School’s stunning speakers Patrick Armstrong and Charlie Glenn. Pictures: SUPPLIED

It was a packed room for the contest.

Maximising food security

By Callum Ludwig

With climate impacts affecting food supply, inflation of food prices high and the supply chain issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in recent memory, could turning to local sources be the safe solution to food security?

While Australia’s overall food security has improved between 2012 and 2022 according to the latest data from the Global Food Security Index, it has slipped down the rankings from 14th to 22nd in the world, while food prices have gone on to increase by 8 per cent in the year from March 2022 to 2023.

Executive Officer at Yarra Valley ECOSS Chelsea McNab said they want local people to have access to really good food, to know how to grow their own food and to be a little bit more self-reliant.

“With the rising cost of living it’s hard to afford to buy healthy food and we know that people in the lower socioeconomic bracket don’t eat as healthy, so we want to support thriving industries, we want to support farmers to grow food but also to support access to that food,” she said.

“I just think there’s a lot of missed opportunity in the Yarra Ranges to be growing more food for the community, every person can grow an item of food for themselves, even if you are in an apartment you can grow a few herbs on a windowsill.”

At the time of the 2022 Global Food Security Index’s release, Australia was ranked first of 113 countries for food affordability but with the high periods of food inflation, this achievement feels offset, while food availability was rather low at 48th.

Ms McNab said due to climate change,

we’re entering a situation where we don’t know if we’ve got a solid supply chain in case of disasters.

“What happens if supply chains stop and we have a few days where you can’t get things at the supermarket, we saw it in Covid in regards to panic buying,” she said.

“It made everyone realise how insecure our systems are and how we really do need to be a little more intelligent about the way we live our lives.”

An ongoing inquiry into food security in Australia was launched in October 2022 by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Melanie Wilson who runs the Melganics shop atYarraValley ECOSS said theYarraValley is one of the most fertile areas for growers.

“We have every resource here, we have the people with the knowledge and skills, we have the space, the land, we have the fertile growing and everybody would prefer to eat from the area where things are grown so we have to support local farmers and growers,” she said.

“I think there’s a lot of education that goes on at these farmers markets and shared resources and people will pass things around, like the guys from Silvertine Farm who we have

here, they’ll share their knowledge.”

Yarra Valley ECOSS has a number of programs, workshops and seminars encouraging visitors to look at how they can grow their own or support local, from volunteers who help in the Community Garden and the Food Forest, to workshops and education on regenerative farming and biochar and welcoming stallholders to the weekly ECOSS Market every Friday.

Community Engagement, Market and Events Coordinator at Yarra Valley ECOSS Leanne Hall said the need to localise our food was why the market started in the first place.

“When food chains got broken and people couldn’t travel, markets, shopping and sourcing food locally was really highlighted so supporting local businesses is really important, otherwise they can’t continue and we’ll lose that vital link that we have to food locally,” she said.

FICE fashion show promotes female empowerment

By Mikayla Van Loon

In another effort to empower and embrace all women, First Impressions Clothing Exchange (FICE) partnered with the Rotary Club of Lilydale (RCL) to host its first fashion show.

Having been approached by Rotary to help raise funds for the not for profit organisation, it quickly evolved from being just a high tea afternoon to a display of self confidence through fashion.

“We always love getting volunteers involved in these events. It’s something that is quite empowering for them to do,” FICE coordinator Renee Cooke said.

“So we’ve got a few of our volunteers who were models on the day and also a couple of Cire staff who were going models as well.”

Originally having planned the event for earlier in the year, Renee said ticket sales weren’t all that great so it was postponed to Saturday 29 July which became a sold out event of nearly 100 people.

From the ticket sales, raffles and auctions, Renee said it all adds up to supporting the FICE programs and reaching the fundraising goal.

“We’re doing this as a not for profit and charitable organisation, we rely on community funding and grants to keep our programs going and sustainable,” she said.

“Our target was to raise $10,000 to put towards workshops so we can provide empowering workshops that open up new pathways for women to achieve their goals.”

Partnering with RCL for the first time, Renee said she hoped it was something that would continue, especially in making the high tea and fashion show an annual event.

“It’s really important we have those partnerships with the community to bring awareness to what Rotary does as well as to what we do,” she said.

Renee said FICE is constantly growing, with more and more community groups and businesses latching onto what they are doing and aiming to achieve.

“People have really gotten behind the whole concept of what we’re doing and how we’re trying to support people in our community.

“We’re growing all the time. It’s just one of those things that the more people hear about us, then the more that work gets spread and the more people can engage with our services.

“That community connectedness is such an important process in supporting people through their personal goals, their work goals, their educational goals. Having the word about us get out there in the community, of people acknowledging or knowing about what we do, it just makes it so much more accessible for others.”

With positions always available for women to take part in the FICE training program either at Yarra Junction or Lilydale, Renee said there is flexibility in hours and support.

“Some people come to us to be mentored or to have that opportunity to gain some skills. Then others will come in because they want to be more community minded, give back, create friendships, create that community connection.”

For those who want to support FICE and other women, Renee said the shop is a great

option for buying sustainably, with all proceeds then feeding back into the programs.

“FICE is for everybody. There’s that sustainability side to shopping second hand. It’s not only affordable and sustainable, you can get some amazing outfits and pieces at really great prices.

“We would like the public to know that anyone can come and shop with us, anyone can come and donate to us but we do have that extra layer if you do need additional support we’re also there for you as well.”

Casey MP Aaron Violi, Renee Cooke, Maria Vassilopoulos and Andy Popkiss enjoyed the high tea on Saturday 29 July. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Nearly 100 people enjoyed an afternoon of treats and fashion helping FICE empower more women.

The Rotary Club of Lilydale helped cater the event pulling out all the stops.

Senator Murray Watt.

Melanie Wilson with some of what’s on offer at the Melganics shop. Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG

Cecilia, Penny, Cailie, Melanie and Murray were helping out in the Community Garden.

YJ Medical Centre boost

Yarra Junction Medical Centre is pleased to announce they have recently been joined by Dr Manjula Rathnabharathie.

Dr Manjula has been welcomed by Dr Colombage, Dr Channa Weerasekara, Dr Brahma Malapurathattil, Dr Bin Shi, Dr Kim Ngan Le, Dr Leela John and Dr Kumara Jayasinghe to provide much needed medical services in the Upper Yarra Valley.

Yarra Junction Medical Centre is a bulkbilling Medical Centre located on the Warburton Highway in Yarra Junction.

The clinic has been looking after the people of the Upper Yarra Valley and surrounds for more than 40 years.

After the flooding in October 2022, the clinic has finished the restorations and is now back to full service, with the new carpeting giving the clinic a fresh new look

Located in the Yarra Junction shopping area, they have ample on-site parking available for patients. Patients visiting us via public transport can catch the 683 bus route which stops nearby on Warburton Highway. Being located on the intersection of Warburton Highway and Little Yarra Road, the clinic is in a perfect location for patients from Yarra Junction, Launching Place, Don Valley and Wesburn.

The doctors are assisted by Practice Nurse’s Chanduni, Kate, Kim and Michelle and together they are helping patients with complex health needs and health assessments as well as other general nursing duties.

Also located on-site is Dorevitch Pathology, Glenister Podiatry, Hidden River Counselling Services, provisional psychologist Jasper Eames and Dr Michael Jones Cardiologist who along with his team from Rural Cardiology consult and perform stress echocardio-

grams in the practice each month.

Current hours are 8.30am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 3pm Saturdays.

Well experienced and friendly reception staff are there to help you with your appointments and enquiries, appointments can be

made by calling 59671606 or bookings can be made any time via the Hotdoc app or visiting www.hotdoc.com.au

Dr Manjula Rathnabharatie, Registered Nurse Chanduni, Dr Channa Weerasekara, Dr Kumara Jayasinghe, Practice Manager Alison, Receptionist Lana and Dr Bin Shi. 320152 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Ton-up kids are all smiles

By Callum Ludwig

Prep students have hit a milestone as they celebrate finishing their first 100 days of school.

Yarra Junction Primary School students had an activity-packed day on Monday 24 July to recognise the achievement.

Prep and Grade One Teacher Tania Scott said the students dressed up as 100-year-olds for the occasion.

“Across the year it’s been really interesting to see them be able to be really in control of their own learning, they’re really good now at being able to find their possessions and be ready for their lessons,” she said.

“I think the biggest thing that the kids have taken away is their ability to read and to understand the written word, it’s been phenomenal and a lot of the parents really let us know, back on the first day they might’ve known the first letter of their name and now they’re reading sentences and are so confident and so proud of themselves as readers.”

100 was the theme of the day, with 100 balloons, necklaces made of 100 fruit loops, exploring the different ways to count to 100 and a performance for the school of Jack Hartmann’s ‘100 Days of School with Grandma and Grandpa’ featured among the day’s activities.

Prep Teacher Leanne Hancock said the kids have picked up the routine and structure of school well.

“Every day we do Jollyphonics, which sets them up for that confidence boost in that they’re reading and writing straight away, and in the maths rotation they are quite fluent depending on their abilities,” she said.

“We also have a house run every Thursday morning, organised by our house captains, and the students run around the courts and get points for their house, it’s actually become quite a really exciting time for the kids and they’ll do a lot of things to get points for their house.”

Yarra Junction Primary School’s ‘Green Brain’ and ‘Red Brain’ behaviour program has

also helped the students quickly adjust to the standards of behaviour expected of them at school.

Ms Scott said it is incredibly important that students have a good start to their life at school.

“I think the more that you can develop their confidence and a ‘have a go’, resilient attitude, the more you’re going to get out of them,” she said.

“I had a student tell me they go home and tell their mum and dad and their brothers and sisters, ‘that’s not the Junction Way’, which is

all about being positive, helping and going out of your way to make sure everybody’s okay.”

Prep students at Yarra Junction Primary School have a visit from Year Seven and Eight students at Upper Yarra Secondary College to read stories and a visit to RSPCA in Burwood to look forward to in the near future.

Students lend a hand to help plant 37,000 trees

Yarra Ranges Council is teaming up with local schools and community groups as part of this year’s revegetation program, which aims to plant over 37,000 native plants across the municipality.

On 25 July, Students from Woori Yallock Primary School teamed up with Councils Bushlands team and participated in planting 900 plants along the Warburton Rail Trail.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Jim Child emphasized that the program is vital for improving the conservation of important sites and supporting native plants and animals.

“Revegetation offers multiple benefits, such as improving biodiversity, creating habitats, managing stormwater, filtering water, sequestering carbon, and preventing erosion. Working with local indigenous nurseries and schools further benefits the community,” Cr Child said.

Students from various schools including St Patricks Primary in Lilydale, Healesville Primary and Wesburn Primary are also joining with Council to participate in future planting events.

Speaking at the planting day on 25 July, Woori Yallock Primary School Grade 5/6 Teacher, Lisa Syme, said the students really enjoyed working on such a positive project that contributes to their community and neighbourhood.

“It’s great that they are able to do something that benefits their local community over the long term. So many of them live in this community and in 10 years’ time they’ll be able to walk down here and see the difference they made,” Lisa said.

Mayor Jim Child highlighted the collaborative effort between Council staff, schools, and community groups.

“It’s great to involve local schoolchildren and show them how to plants trees and help teach them the importance of regeneration projects, but it’s also an opportunity for them to make a lasting contribution, one that they can visit year after year to watch the trees

grow,” Cr Child said.

“Sometimes we’ll have an entire school actively involved in enhancing the biodiversity of their nearby Bushland so it’s pretty special and reflects the commitment these schools make to connecting their students to the natural environment, which is a part of what makes our area so unique.”

Residents can still get their hands dirty at one of three National Tree Planting days. The council is supporting National Tree Day this year by hosting free planting days at Everard Park, Healesville, on Sunday, 30 July, Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave Heights, on Sunday, 6

August, and Wandin Yallock Creek, Seville, on Sunday, 13 August.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Jim Child encouraged residents to take part and said every hand that helps plant a tree contributes to the richness of our unique local environment.

“NationalTree Day is always a great opportunity not only to look after our local environment, but to get involved in the community and work together for a great cause,” he said.

“I encourage everyone who loves the environment, loves gardening, or just loves meeting people and having some fun, to get involved in this wonderful event.”

Students loved getting their hands dirty.

It was a collective effort to plant the native flora.

Woori Yallock Primary School students had a ball planting trees.

Pictures: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL

Students teamed up with the council’s Bushlands team and participated in planting 900 plants along the Warburton Rail Trail.

Hanson with his big hat and almost-finished necklace.

Pictures: SUPPLIEDAsher.

L-R: Kellan and Levi.

Down-to-earth exhibition

By Callum Ludwig

An exciting and ‘down-to-earth’ exhibition is coming to the TarraWarra Musuem of Art from August to November this year.

‘The Soils Project’ is bringing together 13 contributors from Australia, Indonesia and the Netherlands in an artistic exploration of environmental change and colonisation through our land.

Director of TarraWarra Museum of Art Dr Victoria Lynn said it explores the meaning of soil both as matter and as metaphor through the eyes of the 13 artists and collectives.

“The reasons why they’re interested in soil and the idea of landscape is because they’re concerned about the impact of climate change on our environment while particularly the artists from Indonesia and Australia are also looking at the impact of colonisation on their soils, their well being, their environment and their landscapes,” she said.

“What the soil metaphor does is shows that we’re all in this ecosystem together, and soil is something that’s both very specific and very global because the soil in my garden is going to be very different to your soil.”

The exhibition is the latest development of the contemporary art museum the Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven, Netherlands and Struggles for Sovereignty, a collective based in

Yogyakarta, Indonesia exploring the colonial past of the former in the latter country through art, having since expanded into Australia.

Dr Lynn said TarraWarra worked closely with the Wandoon Estate Aboriginal Corporation, for the project, with artists meeting with Wurundjeri elders and people to learn about the value and history of the soil in the area.

“The exhibition is teaching us about the long history and geology of soil in our area, but it’s also an exhibition that is very life-affirming and very positive, and the artists are really bringing to the fore the beauty of soils and the care with which we need to treat them,” she said.

“I think putting Australian art and Australian knowledge in an international context helps us learn about where we sit in a global context and I think the whole show will teach us to appreciate our natural environment with greater depth and care.”

Some of the pieces in the exhibition capture hyperlocal history such as an installation of photos from the 1880s to now of where the Birrarung (Yarra River) and Brungergalk (Watts River) meet and earth maps of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station in Healesville to the melting of Aletsch, the largest glacier in the European Alps and the crucial role women play in protecting land, forest, and water, particularly in the villages of Indonesia.

‘Cave’ from the series Melting Heart.

Picture: DIEWK VAN DEN HEUVEL

Detail from the photographic installation ‘Surfacing’.

Picture: PETA CLANCY AND DOMINK MERSCH GALLERY

One year in Parliament

By Senator Linda White

I firmly believe you are never too old to learn new things. I have tried to stick to this philosophy my whole life, both during my first year in parliament and before, taking every opportunity I can to learn more about our country and how we can improve it.

Given the Albanese Government’s first year has been focused on delivering a better future for Australians with policies like cheaper childcare, energy bill relief and making medicines cheaper, so far, I have found this outlook to be helpful in my role.

Restoring integrity to politics was a key election commitment of the Albanese Government. I was privileged to lead the parliamentary committee into the new National-Anti Corruption Commission (NACC), playing my role in bringing all sides of the parliament together to agree to establish a powerful, independent integrity commission for Australia. The new NACC started work on 1st July.

As the Government’s representative on the Council of the National Library of Australia, I was lucky enough to take part in establishing Australia’s first National Cultural Policy in a decade, including securing ongoing funding for Trove. Because promoting Australian art and culture is something the Albanese Government takes seriously.

I was also proud to be part of the parliamentary inquiry into the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum. I learned that the Voice is a modest and practical way to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians, and the referendum later this year to change the Constitution to enshrine a Voice is an opportunity we should grab with both hands.

Being a senator isn’t all about Parliament House.

Recently, I have been travelling Australia inquiring into regional banking services, hearing

COMMUNITY DIARY

COMMUNITY DIARY

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Healesville RSL hosts Yarra Valley Vietnam Veterans Day

On Sunday 13 August, the Healesville RSL will host the Vietnam Veterans Day for the Yarra Valley.

March assembly will begin at 10:15 on Green Street on Maroondah Highway and attendees will march from 10:35 to the RSL.

stories of banks abandoning our regional communities through branch closures.

In the last year I have also crisscrossed Victoria – from Wodonga and Kilsyth to Catani and Tatura – visiting schools, factories, farms and festivals, meeting the people who make up

our great state and listening to what is important to them.

I love that every day in this job is different. Each day I learn new things and meet new people and get to contribute to making Australia a better place. It is truly a privilege to be

your representative in the Australian Senate. If you want to learn more about my role and how parliament works my office is happy to provide a free information booklet on government, the Senate and democracy in Australia. Just give us a call on 03 9639 2798.

The service begins at 11:00am and will feature guest speaker Anthony McAleer.

Refreshments will be served in the RSL following the service.

Lest We Forget.

Commsafe Community Forum by Victoria Police

On Wednesday 9 August, Victoria Police will host a Commsafe community forum at Chirnside Park Country Club.

Community members are invited to attend and will be given an opportunity to hear how local police are addressing local issues while asking any questions they might have.

This forum is an opportunity for the community to engage and discuss with local Victoria Police members any concerns that they have.

It will explore various topics including current crime trends and crime prevention, young people, family violence, road policing, drugs and drug-related crimes.

Refreshments and food will be offered, if you have any dietary requirements, please include them in your registration email. To register your interest, please send your details to: yarraranges-forum-2023-mgr@police. vic.gov.au.

Singularity Choir performing in late August

The Singularity Choir will perform at Upwey Baptist Community Church on the corner of Darling Ave and Burwood Hwy in Upwey at 2pm Sunday 20 August.

The group will be performing Zadok the Priest Coronation Anthem-Handel, Va Pensiero-Verdi, Laudate Dominum-Mozart, Dido and Aeneas (act 3)-Purcell and My Fair Lady medley-Lerner and Loewe.

The price is $22 per person and will include afternoon tea.

To purchase tickets go to Tickets from trybooking.com/CJWYP or contact Diana Little at 0424 617 081

Proceeds go to assist Foothill Community

Events to inform this Homelessness Week

HomelessnessWeek is fast approaching, with events starting to kick off from Sunday 6 August.

Local homelessness organisations and advocacy groups are banding together once again to host a range of forums and lunches to help spread the message and theme of “It’s time to end homelessness”.

Join Holy fools, Anchor, Yarra Ranges Housing Action Group, ADRA, Stable One, Mr Soupee and Yarra Ranges Council as they collectively work towards a better outcome for homelessness in the Yarra Ranges.

Beginning the week off with a Homelessness Forum on Sunday 6 August, it’s a chance for people to hear from local organisations and agencies on the current state of homelessness in the region, as well as the goals and

Homelessness Week officially begins on 7 August, find a local event to attend. Picture: ON FILE

dreams of what the future could look like.

That will be hosted at the Tecoma Uniting Church from 2pm, doors opening at 1.30pm.

Address, 1566 Burwood Highway, Tecoma.

Then on Monday 7 August, take the opportunity to ask questions with a Homelessness Q&A starting at 10am. It will be followed by lunch at 11.30am before rejoining for the launch of Homelessness Week at 12.30pm.

Tuesday 8 August will see people gather in Melba Park Lilydale at 1pm for a Homeless Memorial Service to pay tribute to those who have died from the effects of homelessness.

Holy Fools will run it’s Wednesday Street Angels program on 9 August, providing lunch in Melba Park to those experiencing homelessness, while Thursday 10 August CIS Yarra Ranges will be providing a barbecue lunch. Both begin at noon.

To round out the week, residents can join the Cerini Walk in Warburton, starting

Care and Baptist World Aid.

Hit and Giggle Tennis at Hoddles Creek

The Hoddles Creek Tennis Club invites all for hit and giggle sessions on Tuesday 1 August and Tuesday 22 August.

The sessions will run from 9 am - 10 am at the Hoddles Creek Tennis Club, Recreation Reserve, Gembrook-Launching Place Road, (C424) Hoddles Creek.

The events promise to be some fun outdoors on a court and will suit complete beginners through to rusty veterans.

You are never too old for tennis!

The events are auspiced by Maltta (Mountain Area Ladies Tuesday Tennis Association) and Racquets and balls will be provided – suitable footwear like runners required. No bookings are required for the event and a morning tea will be provided.

For any enquiries contact Joan on 0424 400 544.

at Wesburn/Millgrove CFA, to advocate for more social and affordable housing in the Upper Yarra.

Meet at 11am to take part in the walk.

Don’t forget Holy Fools is also raising money through a new sleep out challenge called FreezeOut!

It invites people to sleep outside, in their car, on the couch or somewhere uncomfortable for just one night throughout Homelessness Week to better understand the experience being homeless.

If you’re interested in finding out more, please visit www.freezeout.org.au. Sign up, sponsor someone, and if you’re a business keen to get involved, please get in touch with Neal Taylor at Holy Fools, 1300 133 889 or 0417579944.

Senator Linda White visiting schools across the state.

Picture: SUPPLIED

OPINION

Our society offers the community a range of services which have two goals – increase people’s understanding of our history and generate income to keep the heaters and lights on in our home, the Old Lilydale Court House.

Over the years we have developed a series of tours and walks and one which is proving very popular is our township walk. It is a simple stroll along Castella, Market, Clarke and Main streets but in that one block is the progressive story of the town’s development and highlights the cultural precinct of the town – Melba Park, Yarra Ranges Museum, Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre. All laid out by the early settlers and gazetted in the

Sue Thompson

Lilydale and District Historical Society president

township parish plan.

As part of our continual involvement in the Lilydale Structure Plan and Creating a Heart in

Review: Adam and his Tuba

Here is a lovely addition to libraries, schools and families seeking books from around the world featuring kids who find their own path.

Adam and His Tuba is written by Žiga X. Gombac and illustrated by Maja Kastelic, two of the most famous children’s book artists from Slovenia. Originally published in Switzerland as“Adam und seineTuba”, it was presented in English by internationally acclaimed translator Olivia Hellewell.

In clear, gentle style, Gomba? tells the story of the awesome Von Trapeze family who are known for their spectacular circus acts. They can breathe file, swallow swords in a single gulp, walk the tightrope in blindfolds, build human pyramids, juggle six clubs while riding a unicycle, and fly out of a cannon with a boom.

Whenever and wherever they perform, “people smile, and wave their arms, and throw flowers”. But there is someone in the family who doesn’t care about all the applause. Introducing Adam, the boy who’s NOT INTERESTED in any of the clever circus tricks. Understandably, the whole family became worried.

Having tried and failed turning Adam into a performer, they came up with all sorts of wild guesses and funny suggestions regarding what the child could, should and probably would do for his life. Eventually, they found a solution:

“Why don’t we ask Adam what he likes doing?”

Then: “Together in their colourful tent, they listened carefully to their youngest family member.”

And that has made all the difference.

The story is masterfully illustrated using a reduced palette of warm sepia colours, creating a vivid, playful and almost dreamy world of an old-time circus. We see the gold and red stripes of the tent, the pink, flushed cheeks of the performers, the bursts of

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

bright light in contrast with tender, amicable shadows, and the delightful twinkles in the audience’s eyes as they ooh and aah over the extraordinary circus acts.

Not only are the illustrations visually stunning, but the writing is empathetic and endearing, subtly showing us that those who choose the peripheries rather than the limelight still have an important contribution to make.

Just because someone is quiet, reluctant to raise the banner and lead the crowd – it does not mean they lack talent, ambition and/or desire to excel.

It is OK to not necessarily want to take the centre stage and “bask in rapture and thundering applause”. It is OK to trust our own way, in our own pace, to find our own place intheworldandtheconfidenceandcomfort to connect with others.

Seeing the family in the story acknowledging “All this time we wanted to mould him into our famous circus family instead of listen to him” is heartwarming. Even more wonderful is seeing how Adam and his tuba and the family’s various circus tricks can make a unique combination.

All you need is to be willing to ask and listen, and you’ll be amazed how informative and inspiring – not to mention entertaining and empowering – the answers can be.

Lilydale (CHIL), tour guide Phil Burton took two groups of council staff on a township tour.

Tamara Meadows from the council wrote thanking Phil for the tours and added:

Taking in Lilydale’s sights Looking back

“I have received so much great feedback from staff that have lived and worked in the region for long periods of time, yet were not aware of many elements of the tour. .. I have targeted some specific team leaders in promoting the opportunity and benefits for their team in organising a team tour.”

The council’s own internal newsletter featured the tours:

“Over the past couple of weeks, two small

groups of staff went for a short walk around Lilydale to learn about the European history of the region, how the township evolved, historical landmarks and some of the remarkable people that have shaped Lilydale over the years. “The tour was of particular use for staff who are involved in projects in or around Lilydale to gain a deeper understanding of the town and its history.”

To our society, this is great praise indeed and shows that by working together – the community, our society and the council – we can create Lilydale’s future based on and drawing from the understanding of and recognition of its heritage value.

Album launches and murder mysteries

Burrinja Theatre

L.A. alum Launch – Clint Wilson

Live in the Lyre Clint Wilson tells a distinctly Australian story through his songwriting. With a nostalgic alt-country sound to his music giving a suburban authenticity that artists like The Go-Betweens, You and I and Triffards pioneered in the ‘80s and ‘90s in Australia. Join Clint and his band as they launch his third album about L.A.

Season: Friday August 18. At 8pm.

Venue: Lyre Room.

The Basin Theatre Group

The 39 Steps

A great comedy to banish winter’s chills

In association with Highway One Theatre, The Basin Theatre is presenting The 39 Steps.

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, throw in a bit of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps – a whodunnit for everyone who loves the magic of live theatre. When a man with a boring life meets an exotic woman with a thick accent who tells him she is a spy, her mysterious death causes his life to spiral out of control. A shady organisation called the 39 Steps is hot on his trail and pursues him relentlessly in a nationwide manhunt with a thrilling death-defying climax.

Kemp’s curtain call

Season: Thursday August 10 to Sunday August 20.

The Basin Theatre offers a complete, all-inclusive package with free parking, free programs, complimentary sherries on arrival, interval tea and coffee, and a light snack after the show. All included in the price of your ticket,

The Company’s licensed bar is open before the show, with a decent selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. And during the winter weather to come, the Company’s lovely new extreme courtyard and seating will further embrace your visit to the special theatre in the Hills.

Bookings: 1300 784 668.

Reminder:

· The 1812 Theatre

· Presents Picnic at Hanging Rock.

· Season: August 3 - 26.

· Bookings: 9758 3964

Sisu is another great action movie for 2023

Sisu

Starring Jorma Tommila, Askel Hennie and Mimosa Willamo

Rated MA15+ 3.5/5

After Barbie and Oppenheimer – both deep in their own way – let’s wind down with Sisu, a simple, raw, savagely entertaining war action movie.

In 1944, Aatami (Jorma Tommila), a Finnish veteran commando, lives alone digging for gold in the Lapland wilderness. When a Nazi platoon steals his gold, Aatami launches a one-man war to reclaim his prize.

“Sisu” is a Finnish term for stoic determination and courage in the face of extreme adversity, and Sisu the film is a lean, gory, frequently funny thrill-ride about vengeance and survival. Tommila is a fierce lead of few words, and Askel Hennie plays Helldorf, an SS platoon leader who regards Aatami with an intriguing combination of hatred, fear and respect. The dramatic goals for hero and villain are crystal-clear – reclaim his gold, and escape Finland (respectively) – and their paths cross through a long chain of corpses and Aatami defying the odds. Sisu has absurd fun with its visceral, cleverly-staged kills, and since Nazis are a historical epitome of evil, why not have fun slaughtering them?

Sisu’s bleak cinematography and barren landscapes resemble a Western, and the film’s style has tinges of Tarantino in its lurid violence, rock-heavy score, narrative chapters and a band of plucky female supporting characters who would feel right at home in Death Proof.

Sisu’s one major flaw is the poorly-framed, too-close camerawork in the hand-to-hand fight scenes. Some moments stretch credibility even for the film’s heightened reality, and Aatami is a furious force of nature in some scenes but strangely fragile in others, which dilutes the tension slightly.

An uncomplicated, ultraviolent and very fun action movie, Sisu is playing in select Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

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 Detergent (4)

3 Very generous (10)

10 Examined (7)

11 Republic in northwest Africa (7)

12 Irascible (8)

13 Put to rest (5)

14 Domestic animals (4)

15 Annotations; game’s on-air description (10)

18 Keeping financial records (10)

20 Vicious (4)

21 Japanese dish (5)

23 Cherished (8)

26 Associate (7)

27 18th century Protestant theorist, Jonathan – (7)

28 Railway vehicle (10)

29 Biblical garden (4)

DOWN

1 Window frame (4)

2 Indifferent (9)

4 On the ground (9)

5 Actor, Oscar – (5)

6 Impress on the mind (7)

7 Actor, – Flynn (5)

8 Weepy; emotional (5-4)

9 Involving more than one country (abbr) 4)

14 Relating to European orchestral music (9)

16 Russian chemist who developed periodic table of the chemical elements (9)

17 Equipped (9)

19 Consistent (7)

22 Of sound waves (5)

23 Small in French (5)

24 US state (4)

25 Book ID (1,1,1,1)

DECODER WORDFIT

9-LETTER WORD

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”. T G

felt, floe, flog, floret, flour, flout, flue, flute, FORGETFUL, foul, fouler, fretful, furl, gelt, glue, glut, golf, golfer, gruel, gulf, left, loft, loge, lore, lour, lout, lure, lute, ogle, role, ruffle, rule, truffle

No. 144

No. 144

No. 144

PREMIUM HOME WITH VIEWS

NESTLED in a serene and highly soughtafter neighbourhood, this stunning property welcomes you with beautifully landscaped surroundings. Set on an expansive 884 square meter block, this home offers an abundance of space and amenities, making it perfect for your family’s needs.

Step inside to discover gleaming hardwood floors that guide you through the sprawling living zones, providing numerous options for creating cherished memories together or finding your quiet spot to bask in the sunlight with a good book.

The heart of this home is a true masterpiece—a magnificent kitchen that will leave you in awe. Featuring porcelain bench tops and a splashback, a walk-in pantry for all your storage needs, a stylish black sink, and top-of-the-line Bosch & Ilve appliances, including a dishwasher. This kitchen is the ultimate haven for culinary enthusiasts and entertainers alike.

From the kitchen, you’ll have a mesmerizing view of the spacious family living area. Or, if you prefer, step outside to the al fresco outdoor living area and be captivated by breathtaking mountain views.

HOME ESSENTIALS

It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind. This splendid home boasts four bedrooms, each carefully designed to provide comfort and practicality. The luxurious master bedroom impresses with a fantastic ensuite featuring an oversized shower, twin basin vanity, and a walk-in robe fit for royalty. The other bedrooms are equally inviting with ample storage, wall-towall carpeting, and generous proportions. Moreover, this home comes equipped with several valuable extras that truly set it apart. Solar panels ensure energy efficiency, while gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling create the perfect indoor climate year-round. The double garage with a remote door and internal access adds convenience to your daily life, and additional under-house storage keeps your belongings organized.

With meticulous attention to detail, this home has been thoughtfully designed to meet your every need. It’s ready for you to move in and start enjoying your new life without lifting a finger. Your dream home awaits—seize this incredible opportunity and make it yours today! ●

PEACEFUL LOCATION WITH VIEWS

SET on 1 & ½ acres in the most picturesque setting is this beautifully renovated home. Surrounded by majestic trees and with a spring fed permanent creek running through, this is Yarra Valley living at its best. Two sets of impressive double steel gates lead you into the bluestone bounded driveway which encircles the home and offers an abundance of outdoor parking space plus there’s a double garage and double car port.

The recent renovation means everything in the home is brand new and never used. This includes new carpets in the four large bedrooms and all new fixtures in the two well equipped bathrooms. There’s two large living areas, one on each level, both with beautiful new hardwood flooring. The brand new kitchen is well appointed with stainless steel appliances including large 5 burner stove, rangehood and dishwasher. A complete repaint inside and out tops off the stunning presentation.

Filtered mountain views can be enjoyed from the full length deck upstairs with

HOME ESSENTIALS

access from the master bedroom and living area. Summer nights sitting here listening to the whispering of leaves in the magnificent gum trees will be bliss. Or perhaps enjoy an open fire outside in the park like setting in the cooler months.

Extras include air-conditioning in both living areas, slow combustion wood heater with transfer kit and probably the only property I’ve seen with its own mine! Truly a unique and special property ideal as a permanent family home or for weekend enjoyment for all your family and friends.

What we love

· Just 5 minutes from cafes and shops of Warburton Main Street along the Yarra River.

· Love the access to Yarra Ranges National Park with an abundance of tracks for walking or riding.

· Big Pats Creek is a relatively unknown private and quiet location.

· Love the local birdlife. ●

Address: 225 Big Pats Creek Road, BIG PATS CREEK Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $850,000 - $935,000

Contact: Samantha Price 0438 795 190 and Tony Fanfulla 0419 870 513, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

Inspect: By appointment

HOME FOCUS

STUNNING TWO STOREY HOME

DISCOVER the epitome of elegant living at 18a Blannin Street, Healesville! We are thrilled to present this exquisite 3-bedroom home that exemplifies comfort, style, and convenience, nestled in a prominent, prime, and highly sought-after location within walking distance to the vibrant and happening township.

Three Bedrooms and 2 with balcony views: All three bedrooms are thoughtfully located upstairs, offering privacy and tranquillity. Two of the bedrooms have direct access to their own balcony, showcasing breathtaking views of the enchanting north-westerly aspect. Imagine sipping your morning coffee or evening wine while being greeted by the picturesque scenery! While the main bathroom is upstairs and convenient to the bedrooms, the well-placed powder room is downstairs, where your guests will be impressed by the thoughtful design and ease of access.

Perfectly placed, the kitchen and dining room are in the heart of the home where they provide a seamless flow, complemented by beautiful timber flooring through to the generously sized lounge room offering an inviting space to relax and unwind, perfect for cosy evenings with loved ones. Experience ultimate comfort with reverse cycle split systems that keep you cool during summer and warm during winter. Additionally, the natural gas ducted heating ensures a cosy ambiance, no matter the weather outside.

The property boasts a well-designed, fully fenced yard with meticulous landscaping, creating a sense of serenity and enhancing

HOME ESSENTIALS

the overall curb appeal along with functionality. Ideal for entertaining friends and family, the flat entertainment area at the rear is the perfect place relaxation and enjoyment.

Car accommodation has been well thought out with an extra-long carport plus a single garage.

This exceptional property is a rare find, providing the perfect balance of character and modern styling and convenience in one of Healesville’s most sought-after locations. Whether you’re seeking a family home or a weekend getaway, this residence will exceed your expectations. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity.

Contact us now to arrange a private tour of this magnificent property. Embrace a lifestyle of comfort, beauty, and community in this enchanting home where you can walk to the shops, transport, and schools. Your dream home awaits hidden away behind the picket fence. ●

Address: 18a Blannin Street, HEALESVILLE Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 4 garage Price: $840,000 - $880,000

Contact: Jane Nunn phone: 0432 375 940 and email: jane@integrityrealestate.com.au, INTEGRITY REAL ESTATE

This stunning two-storey residence is a perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience. Situated on a spacious land size of 654sqm, this property offers everything you need for a relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle. With its prime location, just a short walk away from the vibrant village and essential amenities, and adjacent to beautiful Queens Park, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

The spacious home offers 4 generously sized bedrooms, 2 modern and well-appointed bathrooms, and 2 living areas, providing plenty of room for relaxation, entertainment, or spending quality time with loved ones. The double carport also offers ample space and easy access to accommodate your vehicles. Immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings as you relax on the charming front verandah. Or step out into your private oasis in the backyard, featuring a delightful patio and decking area. This is the perfect spot for outdoor dining, hosting barbecues, or simply unwinding in the fresh air. Take advantage all this home has to offer. Contact us today to arrange a viewing and turn your dreams into reality.

ELEGANT HOME AND BAY VIEWS

’CHESTNUT Ridge’ - Seasons bring change, especially to this view.

The mists roll across the hills in winter giving the view ethereal feel, the iconic three towers, seen from most places in Melbourne, stand solemnly amongst it.

In summer, the sparkling blue of Port Phillip Bay greets you, watch the ships go by whilst you enjoy brunch on the deck.

Autumn and Spring have their own surprises, pink skies, vivid colours, and sunsets.

I wonder what your favourite will be, living here.

Cathedral ceilings grace the home, adding an element of grandeur and elegance, elevating the overall aesthetic appeal of the property. The height and architectural details of these ceilings create a sense of spaciousness. Set over three levels.

Entry level:

· Light filled, lounge with open fire, spacious dining, deck accessible.

· Custom designed chef kitchen with granite topped white cabinetry, a double porcelain sink, Bosch DW and Blanco stove

· Bedroom number 2

· Views, views, and more views

Upper level:

· The family or guest floor

· Bedrooms, 3 and 4, both with BIRs

· A study landing.

· A central bathroom serves these bedrooms.

· More views

Lower level:

· A large family room, courtyard access

· Potential for multi-generational living or a ‘work from home’ space with separate access

· Laundry and storeroom

· Bathroom number 3

· Views here too

Outdoors you will be captivated by the surrounding mature gardens on just over one acre of land and be able to embrace the natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges. You are minutes to Mt Dandenong township, speciality shops, a primary school, fabulous local eateries, gardens, walks and much more. ●

oNLYoNEUNITLEFT

NestledinthesereneandpicturesquedandenongRanges,isthisimmaculately presentedhomeonasunny1723sqmblockwithabeautiful,treedoutlook.Spreadacross aspaciousandflexiblefloorplan,thispropertyconsistsofmultiplelivingzonesforquality familyliving,makingittheperfecthome.LocatedintheheartoftheBelgraveHeights, thispropertyissurroundedbyqualityhomes,naturalbeautyandofferseasyaccessto someofthearea’smostpopularattractions,includingthefamousPuffingBillysteamtrain.

NowBuilding.BrandNewUnits.FabulousLifestyle.WalktoTown. Unit4.2bedroom,2bath,1garageNoWAVAILABLE Unit1.3bedroom,2bath,1garageSoLd Unit2.3bedroom,2bath,1garageSoLd Unit3.3bedroom,2bath,1garageSoLd Benefitnowifyoubuyofftheplantosaveonstampdutycosts.

EMBRACEULTIMATEFAMILYLIVING

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

0429684522

0417302112

Immaculate4-bedroom,2-bathroomhome. Thisrenovatedhomeboastsboundlesshighlights,includingastunningkitchen,hardwood floorboards,fourbedrooms,ahomeoffice/extrabedroom,and seamlessindoor-outdoor flowforentertaining.Thefullyfencedbackyardisperfectforfamilieswithchildren andpets,andampleoff-streetparkingisavailable.Additionalfeaturesincludehigh ceilings,heating,cooling,androbesinallbedrooms.ClosetoBelgraveandEmerald,this exceptionalfamilyhomeisamust-see.

0409558805

WARBURTON CHARACTER HOME

SITUATED on a picturesque and sundrenched allotment spanning over half an acre, this restored home exudes charm and is perfectly positioned just minutes away from the main township. Offering breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the stunning Warburton ranges, this delightful Cottage is nestled among flourishing gardens, leafy oaks, and majestic maples, boasting expansive lawns and inviting entertainment zones.

Meticulously renovated, the owners have taken great care to preserve the original integrity of the home. As you step inside, you’ll immediately feel the warmth and historic character that permeates every corner, transporting you back in time. The 1930s-era house showcases exquisite hardwood flooring and doors throughout, complemented by sash windows, picture rails, and lofty ceilings. Modern comforts include a split system for heating and cooling, a cozy wood fire, and stylish nobo heating panels.

The kitchen is a delightful space where the benchtops have been expertly restored, and a 900ml Ilve cooker is nestled into the charming red brick hearth. It’s an ideal place to create culinary masterpieces and gather for memorable meals. The bathroom is a tranquil haven, featuring a luxurious

clawfoot bath for indulgent soaking, stunning stained-glass windows, and exquisite heated Popham Moroccan floor tiles that create an atmosphere of pure bliss.

When you need to unwind, the lounge room offers the perfect retreat, especially on chilly days. Bask in the gentle glow of the winter sun streaming through the windows while the wood fire crackles and warms the space. However, the front verandah beckons with its sunshine and captivating mountain views. With purpose-built timber seating, you’ll find yourself spending countless hours in this extraordinary location throughout the seasons.

This remarkable property also boasts a lovely outdoor dining area where you can entertain under the enchanting festoon lights on summer evenings. For further relaxation, there’s a dedicated sauna cottage waiting to rejuvenate your senses. The children will delight in their very own cubby house and the opportunity to explore the enchanting gardens. Meanwhile, ample storage can be found in the garage and beneath the house.

Within walking distance of the vibrant township of Warburton, with its bustling cafes, shops, and the stunning Yarra River, this property is an opportunity not to be missed ●

7BlackmoreStreet,ChumCreek$1,150,000-$1,250,000

PrivateandConvenientlyLocatedFamilyHomeon4acres(approx.)

Thisexcellentpropertyoffersarurallifestylewiththeluxuryofabeautiful3yearoldhomeforyouto loveandenjoy.Thehomeprovides4largebedrooms,theopulentmastershowcasingalargewalk inrobeandabeautifulensuitewithdoublevanityandwalkinshower,andthefurtherbedroomsall withspaciousbuiltinrobes,ceilingfansanddoubleblinds.Thehomeisideallyzonedwithfamilyliving inmind,with3ofthebedroomsintheirownwingwithlivingroom,splitsystemheatingandcooling, largebathroomandseparatepowderroom.Storagehasbeenwellcateredforwithalargewalkin linen,inadditiontotheextensivecupboardsinthelaundry.Thekitchenisanychef’sdream,witha hugestoneislandbench,stylishfarmhousesink,luxuriousbutlerspantry,qualityappliancesandopen inplan.EnjoyYarraValleylivingatthispropertynow!

TonyFanfulla

M 0419870513

SamanthaPrice M 0438795190 4 A

QualityhomeinCentrallocationwithStunningviews

Thisspacious3bedroom,2bathroomunitinquietYarraJunctionoffersarecentrenovationwith lovelynewfloorsandfixtures.Thelargelivingarea,adornedwithbeautifultimberlookfloors,is perfectforentertainingguests.Themodern,well-equippedopenplankitchenfeaturesample storage,adishwasher,andqualityappliances.Enjoybeautifulmountainviewsfromthenorth-facing windows.Allthreebedroomsaregenerouslysized,withbedrooms2&3boastingqualitycarpetand spaciousbuilt-inwardrobes.Themasterbedroomboastsastunningensuiteandwalk-inwardrobe. Ductedheatingandcoolingensurecomfortthroughoutthehome.Themainbathroomisequipped withalargedoublevanity,heatedtowelrails,bath,andseparateshower.Adoublecarportatthe rearprovideseasyaccesstothelaundry/wetroom.Calltodaytoarrangeaviewing!

B

356WoodsPointRoad,EastWarburton$500,000-$550,000

AffordableopportunityonagoodsizeblockoppositetheYarrariver

Onlyafewminutes’driveawayfromthecharmingtownshipofWarburton,thispropertyoffers everythingyoucoulddesire.Uponentering,you’llbegreetedbyawarmandinvitingambiance, thankstothesweetandstraightforwardlayout.Twogenerouslysizedbedroomscomecomplete withbuilt-inrobes,ensuringamplestoragespace.Theopenplanlounge,kitchen,andmealsarea arethoughtfullydesigned,withanewersplitsysteminplacetocatertoallyourheatingandcooling needs.Largewindowsadornthehome,allowingyoutocapturethebreathtakingsceneryoutside andfillingtheroomswithabundantnaturallight.Don’tmissoutonthisopportunitytoembracethe wondersofaffordablecountryliving,complementedbythecharmandtranquilityofthesurrounding landscape.

RebeccaDoolan

M 0401832068

Inspection: Sat11.00-11.30am

2 A

1 B

10HillviewStreet,YarraJunction$295,000-$324,000

Landreadytobuildon-closetoallfacilities!

Thisparceloflandjustunder500sqmisreadytogoforyoutostartbuildingyourdreaminYarra Junction! Arareanduniqueopportunitywithconnection’savailable-allthehardworkisdoneforyou! Youcanusetheplans/drawingsavailablewhichcomprisea3bedroom,2bathroomtownhouse includingdoublegaragewithinternalaccessorcompletelychangetoyourtasteandwants(STCA). Ashortwalktothelocalhighschool,railtrail,shopsandbusstop,theoptionsareendless! Callnowtoarrangeaviewing!

LeahBannerman M 0448924266

BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOME

IMMACULATE presentation and a firm focus on indoor-outdoor living make it easy to imagine living at this impressive property. Boasting a leafy, landscaped quarter-acre allotment between Glenfern Valley Bushland Reserve and Upwey township and train station, this property is an investment in lifestyle.

A sealed drive, inviting walk-way, and double carport create an invitation to step inside this wonderful home. The generous lounge features hybrid floors, split system heating/cooling, ducted heating and a wide bank of windows that line the front of the home. For a seamless connection with the expansive alfresco and enticing garden with firepit area, the hub of the home resides at the rear of the residence. Comprising the family room, dining area, and a contemporary kitchen with modern benchtops, gas cooktop, wall oven, and servery window to the outdoor entertaining area, this welcoming space captures the essence of the Dandenong Ranges lifestyle. For families, the versatility of the bedrooms will evolve through the years. The

HOME ESSENTIALS

family bedrooms are equipped with built-in robes, the primary bedroom is enriched by a beautiful ensuite and walk-in robe, and the adaptable 4th bedroom would also work comfortably as a generous rumpus room with double glazed windows. With a large bathroom with soaking tub and butcherblocktopped vanity plus a family-size laundry, this residence meets all the requirements of a forever family home.

Showcasing how to achieve a beautifully balanced way of life, this property promises to impress. Join us for a tour today.

· 925 sqm (approx.) property featuring landscaped gardens.

· Bright and spacious family residence with flexible living areas.

· Formal lounge with polished hybrid floors and large windows.

· Comfortable ducted heating all throughout the home.

· Contemporary kitchen with modern benchtops and quality appliances.

· Family room leading to the large deck and an adaptable rumpus room/4th bedroom with double glazing.●

Offeringmorethanmeetstheeye,thisspacious,threebedroomunithasbeenwell maintainedandisbothstylishandsophisticated.Positionedinanextremelyconvenient locationandonlyaveryshortwalkfromallthatBoroniahastooffer,includingtrainstation, Mall,restaurantsandschools,thehomehasbeenrecentlyupdatedwithfreshnewflooring andpaintingthroughout.

CheckinternetforOFItimes

SharynChandler

M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

RachelEastwood

M 0401117761| E rachel@chandlerandco.com.au

Buyersseekingendlesspotentialinaperfectpositionwilldiscoverithereatthisidyllic property.Featuringaclassichome,acovetedlevelblock,andaconvenientlocation only250mfromshopping,cafes,schools,andtransport,thispropertyisthetrifectaof investments.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

Ifyoudreamofaself-sufficientlifestylepairedwithspectacularoutlooks,thisincredible10acrepropertyistheoneforyou.Offeringaninvitingoff-gridresidencesupportedbysolar power,batterystorage,back-upgenerator,springfeddam,fencedveggiebeds,plastic growinghouse,andseveralwoodandmachinerysheds,thisisasensationalplacetoenjoy sensitiveliving.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

SuzieBrannelly

M 0490506910| E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

thepicturesqueparklandstheDandenongRangesarefamousfor.Boastingabeautiful 1,009sqm(approx.)allotmentwithalonglistoffeaturescertaintoimpresshomeownersand tradespeople,thisistheperfectplacetomakeyourselfathome. BradConder M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

Placing your

General Notices

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE A TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT THE BRIARTY HILL FIRE OBSERVATION AND COMMUNITY RADIO TOWER, 14 RANGE ROAD, GRUYERE VIC 3770, SITE ID: WOORI YALLOCK WWW.RFNSA.COM.AU/3770003

1.The proposed facility comprises the swap out of twelve (12) redundant panel antennas (6 x 2630mm L and 6 x 2533mm L) with three (3) new panel antennas (2688mm L); ancillary equipment to be upgraded including swap out of remote radio units, tower mounted amplifiers, cabling and feeders; and internal works within the existing equipment shelter, to improve Telstra’s mobile phone network (including 5G).

2.Telstra regards the proposed installation as Maintenance in accordance with the Telecommunications Act 1997, based on the description above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.

3.In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Planning Consultant on behalf of Telstra, via email to planning.vic@servicestream.com.au, phone: 03 9937 6555, via post to Planning Consultant, Servicestream, PO Box 14570, Melbourne, VIC 8001 by 5pm 16th August 2023. Service Stream Ltd ABN 46 072 369 870 Telstra Ltd ACN 086 174 781

SPORT

By Mikayla Van Loon

Two of theYarra Ranges’ finest athletes are preparing to take on the Laser Run World Championships heading over to the UK in just two weeks.

Mitch Pointon and Zoe Addinsall will be competing for Australia in the Under 15 and Under 17 categories from 19 to 21 August in Bath.

Having both travelled to Portugal last year for the World Championships, the pair have some idea of what the competition will be like but are ready to test themselves once again.

“There are a few other athletes in my age group going [from Australia] but the competition is going to be a lot different than the competition here, there’s not really many people that I compete against in my age group. So it’ll be good to actually compete against others,” Zoe said.

“There’s a new bunch of athletes from the younger age group who will be coming from the under 13s last year to under 15s whereas I’m in the older half of the age group this year,” Mitch said.

Aiming to improve on last year’s times, Zoe and Mitch are working towards those goals by training together and pushing each other to do better.

“Just to do better than I did last year. Last year I came sixth, so my plan is to come in the top three or top five,” Zoe said.

“I’d like to do a lot better than what I did last year and hopefully place better and get a better time than I did,” Mitch said.

Coming off the back of the Modern Pentathlon Australia Laser Run National Championships held in Sydney in June where the two were crowned as Under 17 Female and Under 15 Male Laser Run National Champions, Zoe and Mitch are in good positions heading into worlds.

Mitch Pointon and Zoe Addinsall proved to be the best at nationals and are now preparing to head to worlds in the UK.

Training under the esteemed Yarra Ranges Athletics coach Jamie Strudley, the pair have a daily schedule to stick to.

“On Monday, Jamie sets me a swim normally of 40 laps and then on Tuesdays, he sets me 12 400s,” Mitch said.

“Wednesday is normally just a medium long run, Thursday is normally 12 hill sprints. Friday is my day off, Saturday at the moment is one kilometre sprints with shooting every day and core every day.”

Based for the most part in Ballarat, Zoe also

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has a running coach in Rod Griffin who has been helping her improve through the athletics club.

Despite not always being able to train together, Mitch’s mum Jane said it doesn’t stop them from trying to outdo each other or discuss their sessions over the phone.

“They often link up or just talk on the phone because she’s based in Ballarat. When they can’t be together, they often just catch up to talk about their sessions,” she said.

“It does become a bit of a competition,

Mitch shooting at the national championships in Sydney.

which is fantastic because it’s only going to help both of them.”

Leaving on 15 August, Zoe and Mitch will continue their normal training program, with a few added sprinting and shooting exercises to ensure they have the stamina and accuracy needed.

“I’m feeling pretty good. It’s coming up very, very fast. So it’s kind of getting to me now that I’m all of a sudden going to compete at World Champs, but I’m really excited for the opportunity,” Zoe said.

CADET JOURNALIST

An opportunity exists for a university graduate cadet journalist to join our independent news media business serving the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. We are seeking a position for a cadet based in Healesville with an existing team of reporters. Star News Group produces a number of news media titles across Melbourne and interstate with weekly printed newspapers and digital content.

Star News Group focuses on the local news and information that affects the lives of our community, and broader issues that directly impact our regions. The Company is operated by experienced independent publishers and a local team of experienced media professionals.

We are seeking:

A reporter with the ability to display initiative in news-gathering to produce compelling and timely content for our readers. Duties will include general news reporting, producing editorial content to support advertising features and special publications, photography, covering local events across the region, including some after hours, the ability to file stories to meet production deadlines and to assist with weekly print production and proofing of editorial content. A current driver’s licence and a reliable vehicle are essential.

Truck

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

Healesville Interchurch Community Care Inc (HICCI) is a not-for-profit organisation that has been operating Emergency Relief, Transport and Community Meal Programs to the Healesville and Yarra Glen communities for over 34 years. Our mission is to provide caring support that empowers people to live life to the full.

We are currently seeking a Co-ordinator for our Transport/Social Support Program. The Transport Program aims to assist people in the community to stay connected and maintain some independence. The program assists older community members, people living with a disability and their carers, and other community members by offering transport services for medical appointments, assisted social transport visits, social outings and even mystery tours. The position requires the supervision, organisation, and support of volunteer drivers, interviewing of clients and assessing eligibility for services, organisation of bus trips and social outings. The co-ordinator will be responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the program in accordance with the Grant Service Agreements.

12 Month Contract (48 hours per fortnight), leading to permanent opportunity.

12624234-ET31-23 V Firewood V Professional V Positions Vacant V Positions Vacant

We are looking for someone with experience in a similar program collaborating with volunteers and clients, excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills, confident with computer technology, selfmotivated, organised and enjoy working as part of a close- knit team. Current driver’s licence, WWCC and Police Check essential.

Please contact Alison Gommers, Executive Officer E:hicci@hicci.org.au or PH: 5911 6000 for a position description. To be considered for an interview, please address the key selection criteria, and provide a current resume by email to hicci@hicci.org.au by COB 8 August 2023.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Burras win

By Alex Woods

Round 13 was an away match this round at Yarra Junction.

Started off the morning with the 17 & under netball.

The Burras only had the lead by 4 goals at half time with a score of 5-9.

Some changes were made and they recharged their game and produced some more momentum. They shot 16 goals in this quarter to Yarra Junction’s none.

3-quater time score of 5-25 gave the Burras a bit more of a sense of comfort coming into this last term.

Yarra Junction came out harder in the last giving themselves another 8 goals on the board, and us another 6.

Thankfully, our second half managed to give us the 4 points and move on with another win under our belts.

Amarli Weir, Tayah Humphrey and Tahlia Thornton were all named top performers, with Tayah Humphrey putting up 26 goals, Amarli Weir with 4 and Lexi Cole with 1.

D Grade were on after and put on a big performance.

Started off with a strong start of 0-15 in the first quarter.

They carried that on throughout the game, leaving Yarra Junction scoreless for the entire match. Half time score was 0-24 and they kept that momentum going all the way to the end, having a final score of 0-51.

Tamin Crunden, Nicole Cervasio and Cam Partel were all named in the bests, with Cam Partel shooting 29 goals.

Tayah Humphrey shot 16 and Emily Kay made an appearance in goals, shooting 6.

C Grade took the court next trying to redeem themselves after a loss last week against Broadford. The game started close with a 7-all score at the first break.

They carried on with the second quarter and gained a bit more of a lead by 2 goals at half time. They had a much needed reset at half time and came out strong, the defence only allowing Yarra Junction to put up 3 goals while getting 11 to their board.

The last quarter was much the same, except Yarra Junction were left scoreless and C Grade got another 11 for themselves.

The final score was 14-35 and C Grade came away with a comfortable win in the end.

Bianca Fraser, Ruby Kelly and Melanie Hancock were top performers in this game with Mel shooting 21 goals, Cam Holland with 9 and Ella Meerkotter with 5.

Reserves kicked the footy off for the day.

They didn’t have the start they wanted, kicking 5 behinds in the first term, but left Yarra Junction scoreless.

The second quarter came along and it was much more to their favour, they kicked 7 goals and another 3 behinds, giving them a half time score of 0.0-0 to 7.8-50.

They kept the same pace going into the second half, and kept the opposition to only 1.3

Stretch of fine weather

By Ron Hottes

Wed. July 26th: PAR

Well, dear readers, with a stretch of fine weather, making for improved on-course conditions, the fact that we were playing Par was pleasantly easier to cope with. (Par being the least forgiving of our regular weekly comps!)

On this mid-week comp day, the player who clearly “coped” the best was Max-Carvill, posting a +1 to take home the voucher on offer.

Max is a local bus-driver, with a “school run!”

Fortunately for the kids, Max is NOT one of those golfers who will “bore the kids witless” with his latest success.

The daily R/up was Mr. Consistent Maltman! Barry matched his handicap, posting a “square” result.

Balls extended to -2. NTP winners this time were---John-Hall, (3rd), Glen-Patrick, (5th), Tom-Barr, 9th) & Alphons-Duivenvoorden, (15th).

Sat. July 29th: Stableford

With the improved conditions continuing, making for a friendlier course, scores were always going to be more impressive.

The most impressive overall, was Matthew-Maloney, who posted a result of---37 points.

Matt is a new member who I wrote about a few weeks ago, because he has been struggling to post an even “half-decent” score in his early rounds.

Not any more - his 37 points beat the field by a good 3 points, because the R/up, David-Hatt, took home that voucher with 34 points.

A good result, Hatty, but still “off the mark.”

The ball rundown got to 32 points.

NTP winners were as follows: Ken-White had a good day out winning balls on the 3rd and the 15th.

Good shooting, Ken! Chris-Leighton got his on the 9th, and Barry-Maltman on the challenging 12th.

for the game.

They got the win with a final score of 1.3-9 to Burras 14.11-95.

Still undefeated and on top of the ladder clear by 4 wins.

Damien Egan and Josh Read both contributed 4 goals each to the win.

Ash Taylor kicked 2 and Marcel Kocher, Tarkyn Nicolandos, Matt Sidari and AaronWalley all had 1 each.

Tarkyn Nicolandos, Matthew Sidari, Aidan Norfolk, Joshua Read, Kobi Gay and Zayden Crunden were all top players of the match.

B Grade were next in hope for a win.

They got off to a strong start of 2-18 in the first quarter.

They continued onto the second quarter allowing the opposition to shoot 3 goals and getting another 18 for themselves.

The match continued in their favour through the remainder of the match and came out with a full time score of 17-68.

Emily Hay shot 31 goals, AlexWoods with 26 and Jordana Butcher with 11.

Katelin Borondy, Sienna Wyatt and Emily Hay were all stars of the match.

A Grade finished off the netball, the game started strong with a 9-12 scoreline at quarter time.

The second quarter was more in the Burras favour shooting 15 goals to Yarra Junction’s 6.

They continued on strong and the defensive pressure only allowed the opposition to get another 3 goals in the 3rd term, while getting another 18 for themselves.

They continued right until the final siren giving themselves another good win with a score of 24-59.

Ally Langdon, Indiana Pinnock and Shae Gee were all top performers, with Shae Gee shooting 24 goals. Karly Wappett also contributed 28 goals and Bianca Daniels with 7.

Seniors finished off the round.

They got off to a strong start in the first quarter with a score of 1.2-8 to 5.1-31.

The start of the second quarter was more to the opposition’s favour, slowly creeping up but the Burras managed to get away before the half time siren with a few goals.

4 goals up heading into the second half, both teams secured 2 goals each and a couple of behinds.

The last quarter was set to be a big one, the Burras had a reset and came out stronger.

Kicking 4 goals and 3 behinds to Junction’s 1 behind, giving them a total score of 7.10-52 to Burras 16.7-103.

Thomas Marr, Brayden Woolridge, Liam Westlake, Bailey Humphrey, Tyson Henry and Jack Farrugia were all stars of the match with Bailey Humphrey and Liam Westlake both contributing 5 goals each.

Tyler Bert, Trent Elliott, James Iacono, Lachy Marr, Brady Mitchell and Josh Sharp all had 1 each.

Away game at Yarra Glen next week!

Horse Talk: deaths update

By Anita Prowse

The latest from Agriculture Victoria regarding the sudden unexplained horse deaths in various parts of the state is as follows -

Agriculture Victoria would like to thank those involved for their ongoing assistance in our investigation.

Following the announcement of an unusual level of sudden multiple deaths in horses, Agriculture Victoria can confirm only normal causes of death have been identified to date.

Horse owners can be reassured there is no need for any restrictions on horse movements and horse events and gatherings can go ahead

as planned.

See our full update on the website: https:// agriculture.vic.gov.au/horse-situation.

Please continue to monitor your horses health and contact your Vet if concerned.

Please remember that the temperatures are getting warmer, now is the time to really watch or prepare those laminitis prone ponies (and horses) as the grass will be coming in leaps and bounds after all the rain.

Plenty on in the Valley at the moment, keep your eye on Event Secretary and Happy Riding….hopefully now in the sunshine!!

Warburton Golf Club results.

Picture: ON FILE

Seniors team huddle in round 13.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Healesville teams shine

Soccer by Sarah Morton

Healesville U9 Redbacks won 2-1 against Mooroolbark U9 Panthers

A glorious sunny spring-like morning in Healesville welcomed the U9 Mooroolbark Panthers to play against the U9 Healesville Redbacks.

The game was all Healesville in the first half who had plenty of chances on goal and the deadlock was finally broken when Billy found the back of the net after a wonderful assist from Arlo.

Mooroolbark however managed to sneak one back early in the second half which balanced the scoresheet but also levelled the competitiveness on the field.

It was a highly contested second half which went in Healesville’s favour after a looping strike from a very composed Levi sealed the win for Healesville.

Final score 2-1.

Healesville U10 whites drew 3-3 against Berwick Blues

Healesville U10 whites played at home this week hosting Berwick Blues.

Healesville played to their strengths and had plenty of great passages of play.

The coach was pleased to see some focused areas at training coming into the games!

A neck and neck tussle provided the assembled onlookers with a nail-biting finish that was unable to be decided on the scoreboard.

The momentum was with Healesville for a larger portion of the match and some brilliant defensive efforts from the Whites’ backline deserved as much applause as the forwards who scored.

A draw was a fitting result in the end as it was a fantastic contest for all involved.

Healesville U12s 5 - 1 Blackburn Dragons

Another week, another game against Blackburn for the Healesville U12s, this time it against the Dragons.

A great start by Healesville saw them take the lead through a great strike from Mika.

However, Blackburn scored after a change in momentum that meant it was tied up at one goal each at half time.

Healesville stepped up the intensity after the break and scored 4 unanswered second half goals. Bodie H (two goals), Tex C and Mac B were the scorers.

The 5-1 final score was a good reflection of the game after a dominant second half team performance.

Healesville U14s won 5-1 against Gideons

Warriors

Healesville U14s took the field undermanned this week at their away game against Gideons Warriors. Despite being on crutches Gordon still turned up to support his teammates!

A very physical game saw Healesville lose another player, with yet two more playing hurt, but this didn’t deter anyone.

Laser focused and hungry for the challenge, the U14s managed to take half time 3-1 up.

A reminder to stay focused was echoed by every player, and they added another 2 goals in the second half.

Finishing the game with a 5-1 win in what could have been more with close chances by a few players just going wide.

Healesville U14 Girls Red won 2-1 against Healesville U14 Girls White

Saturday saw a local derby between the Healesville under 14 girls teams, kicking off on a very pleasant sunny morning.

The Red team pressed hard early, but as was to be the case for most of the game, both sides found it difficult to find the back of the net.

Both teams seemed to settle into a rhythm of moving the ball cohesively in attack but then being foiled by the opposition defence.

Around the 12-minute mark a few position changes and a substitution brought Shiloh into the game. A few moments later, this speedy player (true to the comment last week,

Pressure proves too much

By Anne-Marie Ebbels

The Men’s football and netball made the trek to Officer this week while the Women headed to Olinda for their final home and away game.

The Veterans played their elimination semi-final at home.

The Veterans took on Narre Warren in their semi-final for a chance to defend their title in two weeks, the first quarter was a tight tussle with Narre Warren getting the only major on the board for the quarter and went into quarter time with a seven-point lead. The second quarter was even with both teams kicking two goals.

Narre Warren came out after half time and dominated the third quarter keeping Healesville goalless in the third quarter to extend their lead to 24 points.

Healesville hit back in the final quarter with two quick goals bringing the margin back to 12 points halfway through the final quarter. Narre Warren then hit back with a goal which squashed Healesville’s momentum and NarreWarren booked themselves a grand final berth against Gembrook-Cockatoo.

The Women played Olinda-Ferny Creek in what was likely to be the match-up for their first final. Healesville dominated the first quarter with six goals to zero and went into quarter time with a 33-point lead. A steady second quarter meant Healesville went into the main break with a 37-point lead. Olinda came out in the third quarter and took it up to Healesville reducing their lead to 24 points at three-quarter time.

Olinda continued the pressure and Healesville withstood the comeback to win by 19 points to go through the season undefeated. Next week they start their final campaign at home against Olinda-Ferny Creek in the elimination semi-final.

It is a tough assignment playing the big suburban clubs for the netball teams

this week. ROC came out hard in the first quarter in the A Grade game and Healesville were left to play catch up throughout the game. The tall and strong defence from ROC made converting the opportunities for Healesville difficult. ROC ran out winners by 52 goals.

Another unsettled week in the B Grade team with playing having to play out of position to cover for injuries meant Healesville struggled to gain any momentum in the game. ROC were a class above this week and were big winners by 79 goals. In C Grade, Healesville started well, but ROC came out hard in the second quarter and made it difficult for Healesville to score.

ROC continued to apply the pressure in the second half running out winners by 47 goals. Similar to the other grades, D Grade struggled to match the speed of the ROC team initially. The second half Healesville managed to peg back the ROC, but the damage had been done in the in the first half with ROC winning by 32 goals.

In the Senior Men’s game, it was goal for goal in the first quarter with both teams scoring four goals and Healesville went into the first break with a slight advantage. Officer made the most of the wind in the second quarter and kept Healesville goalless to go into the half time break 19 points up. In the third quarter Healesville didn’t make the most of their scoring opportunities and Officer increased their lead to 28 points at the final break. The final quarter was much the same with Healesville being under pressure in front of goal and failed to capitalise on their opportunities albeit into the wind. Officer ran out winners by 35 points.

The Reserve game highlighted the disparity in the league between the suburban and small-town teams with the Officer team being too strong for the Healesville team. While Healesville put in a four-quarter effort, they couldn’t make any in roads and Officer ran out big winners by 179 points.

that she was close to scoring her first goal) did exactly that, with a sliding kick from close in, to put the Red team one up. The Red defence with Ella and Hana and Eloise at central midfield were working hard to protect their goal, which meant keeper Charlee didn’t get a touch.

It was fortunate for the Reds that the White team, which had several shots on goal, couldn’t quite find the target.

The second half saw the Whites press hard which meant the Reds’ defence was often outnumbered. This caused some confusion and the Reds went defensive, which compounded the problem even more.

Once again, the Reds’ defence remained strong and worked tirelessly to protect their goal.

Well done girls!

With around 5 minutes to go and the Reds now gaining composure and ‘pushing up’ the ground in numbers, they were rewarded with a 15-metre kick from Melita to give a 2 - 0 win.

Fantastic work to the team and especially to Hana, who was best on ground, with her impressive defensive craft.

Healesville reserves won 2-1 against Berwick reserves Healesville reserves got their first win of the season against mid table Berwick.

A fantastic first 45 minutes from the home side saw Healesville take a 2-0 lead.

The first was a goal line scramble turned into their own goal by an unfortunate Berwick player and the second from Lawrence Latin, playing only his second game of the season after returning from 6 months away.

With the wind at their backs in the second half Healesville squandered numerous good chances to take a three-goal lead and soon after Berwick would score to make Healesville sweat for the latter part of the game.

A stoic performance from Chris Sagewood and a wonderful save from Ben Maunder ensured Healesville would bring home the chocolates.

Healesville Senior Men won 2 - 1 against Berwick Seniors

In a bottom of the table clash Healesville got on the board early with a Daniel Tadesse header from a pinpoint Brian Winrow corner.

Berwick came back strong and, after a couple of good saves by Michael “Frankie” Grayson, equalised from a headed corner of their own.

Ben Maunder scored with a cheeky finish against the run of play to ensure Healesville would head into the break leading 2-1. Berwick, as to be expected, came on strong in the second half.

A resolute defensive performance from a tiring Healesville team, that didn’t allow the away team any clear sights of goal, kept the final score line 2 goals to 1 to the home team. The win moved Healesville off the bottom of the ladder.

Healesville Senior Women won 4-3 against Yarra Valley

The Healesville Women set off for the Valley Derby this time playing at Yarra Valley’s home ground in Millgrove.

It was a smaller team than usual but strong with might.

TheYarraValley team came out swinging so much so they knocked Healesville’s striker off the ball in the box and received a penalty in the early stages of the first half.

Ava was able to dust herself off and deliver a cracking penalty goal into the top left corner of the nets to convert the first goal.

Yarra Valley responded with a corner kick deflected off Healesville in the goals to level up and the match followed this back and forward trend until it was 3-3 going into the final term with Kiera and Melita responsible for goal 2 and 3.

It was a tense final term until a Healesville corner kick set up a stray ball for Naomi Hausmann to smash in for the winning goal 4-3 to Healesville.-

River Pigs shine in the sun

By David Ball

Yarra Glen hosted Broadford under sunny skies with a moderate breeze favouring the river end.

In a high scoring opening, Broadford kicked 7 goals straight whilst Yarra Glen added 6.3. Broadford’s forward Tom Knight was marking and kicking everything that came his way whilst Yarra Glen missed a few chances and missed targets going forward.

The second quarter saw the River Pigs control the game through the midfield but just couldn’t make the most of their opportunities going forward while Broadford were very efficient. At half time Yarra Glen had taken the lead to be 5 points up, 9.7 to 9.2. In the third quarter, the River Pigs dominated general play with Josh Hawkins capitalising up forward, leading well and marking strongly.

The River Pigs missed a number of easy goal opportunities as they piled on 5.9 for the quarter to be well ahead at the last break, 14.16 to 11.3. To Broadford’s credit, they continued to work hard as both sides added 3 goals for the quarter. Yarra Glen finished 27 point victors, 18.18 to 15.9 Best Players for Yarra Glen were Josh Hawkins, Ben Ashton, Nick McKenzie, Caleb Surplice, Ryan Smith & Tom Sullivan.

Goalkickers – Josh Hawkins 8, Nick McKenzie 3, Tyler Ames 2, James Brereton 2, Richard Gurney, Matt McCann & Tom Sullivan.

The Yarra Glen reserves were looking for their third win for the season against the higher placed Broadford. They started well kicking the first 2 goals and at one stage in the second quarter lead by 4 goals. Broadford kicked 2 late goals in the second to reduce the margin at half time to 11 points, Yarra Glen 5.2 to Broadford 3.3.

Broadford took control in the third quarter to take a 1 point lead into the last. With both sides tiring goals were at a premium and when Broadford kicked the first goal for the quarter they took a 7 point lead half way through the quarter. The River Pigs dug deep and a great Liam Bull mark and goal with 2 minutes to go, Yarra Glen had taken a 6 point lead.

A quick centre clearance saw Broadford tie the scores. After another quick centre clearance from Broadford, they were deep in attack for the final minute. They had an opportunity for a 40 metre kick after the siren score to pinch the game but the kick fell well short as the game finished in a thrilling draw, 7.6 to 7.6

Best players were Chris Webber, Dayne Downward, Steven Mylas, Regen Daniel, Liam Bull and Josh Dick. Goalkickers were Liam Bull 3, Stirling Twite-Moore 2, Drew Brodie & Chris Webber. Next week Yarra Glen take on the ladder leaders in Warburton at Yarra Glen.

Yarra Glen Netball C grade got the day started in a battle between 3rd and 4th. The previous encounters between these sides saw a draw and a 1 goal win for Yarra Glen, so expectations were for another tight tussle.

The first quarter delivered as it was goal for goal, with Yarra Glen 1 goal up at the first break. The home team got well on top in the second to be leading 17-9 at half time. Yarra Glen extended their lead to 10 at three quarter time and finished well on top, wining 36 to 21. Best players were Jacinda Fraser, Courtney Cochrane and Lauren Bull.

Yarra Glen B Grade took on the top team in Broadford and started brilliantly to be leading 18 to 11 at quarter time. Broadford showed why they are the top team as they fought back to close the gap to 3 by half time and gradually increased their lead to win, Yarra Glen 39 to Broadford 52. Best players were Georgia Crundale, Jasmin Wood and Meaghan Carter.

The Yarra Glen A Grade game was sitting second one game ahead of their opponents in Broadford. With both sides in a tussle for a top 2 the game started a real battle. Just 2 goals up at quarter time, Broadford extended their lead to 6 at half time.

Yarra Glen came out firing in the third but could only reduce the margin to 4 goals at the last break. In a great contest, Yarra Glen finished strongly but Broadford showed great resilience to hold on for a 2 goal victory, Yarra Glen 55 to Broadford 57. Best players were Alana McGurgan, Maddy Hargrave (42 goals) and Gemma Ryan.