Mail - Ranges Trader Star Mail - 8th August 2023

‘Brutal’ brawlers

Actions described as “brutal“ and “disappointing“ and a “ruined birthday party“ are being investigated by police after a brawl broke out at Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis last month.

The incident took place on 29, July, at around 11pm in which two carloads of youths got into conflict, with footage eventually leaked online. This was not an isolated event, as a fire broke out in the early hours of the following morning where building materials wereallegedlysetonfireamerehoursafterthe

brawl. Police are continuing investigations, with a person of interest, but are calling on the public for help.

Recovering from both events, the Clematis venue reopened to the public on Friday 4 August.

Part-owner Mark Protheroe said he was “blown away” by the support from the community and thanked locals for helping the business get back on track so swiftly.

Read more on page 3

Marsden to call it quits

On Sunday 30 July, Kallista resident Betty Marsden announced her decision to step down as president of the Save the Dande-

nongs league after 37 years in the role. Read more about the 92-year-olds’ story on page 9

Council gets a slap

By Mikayla van Loon

Yarra Ranges Council has been slapped with eight fines from Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) for not keeping powerlines clear of tree overgrowth.

Inspections by the authority found Upwey, Kilsyth, Lilydale and Healesville to each have line clearance breaches in bushfire prone areas in February.

The council’s infringements total $36,984, noted by ESV as the most a Victorian council has been handed since it was granted the ability to issue fines under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 in June 2022.

Yarra Ranges Council CEO Tammi Rose said pruning “has always been, and remains, a priority” but weather conditions last year led to high regrowth.

“Wet weather conditions last year resulted in significant regrowth on many of the trees we have near power lines – in some cases, growth of up to three metres,” she said.

The misjudgement of the height of the trees during the inspection period meant the eight trees did not meet the requirements under the Code of Practice for Electric Line Clearance.

“We were issued with eight work orders and a fine for this, which we promptly actioned –all eight trees now meet the code, and we’ll be working to ensure this does not happen again,” Ms Rose said.

ESV has issued a total of 36 line clearance fines to various councils and major electricity companies in the 12 months since the powers were granted.

Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said

in this instance, Yarra Ranges Council’s lines clearance performance was unacceptable.

“It’s the responsibility of councils to ensure trees and vegetation in their jurisdictions are kept safely clear of the powerline network,” Ms Hughson said.

Ms Rose said with such a large scope of trees that fall within bushfire risk areas, Yarra Ranges Council is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone.

“The council works closely with a contractor to manage the pruning of trees around our region, to ensure electrical line clearance and safety for our community members,” she said.

“We manage in excess of 20,000 trees for line clearance every year, with priority areas in central Healesville, the urban areas of Lilydale,

Chirnside Park, Mooroolbark and Kilsyth, and the southern Dandenongs, including Belgrave, Belgrave South, Belgrave Heights, Upwey and Tecoma.

“Safety around power lines is critical for everyone in the community – whether you’re a community member, a contractor working nearby or a Council keeping nearby trees pruned back.”

The imposing of fines has added another layer of ensuring councils and electricity companies comply with the codes, with other measures including warnings and legal action.

When deciding whether to take enforcement action, ESV considers various factors, including the severity of the non-compliance and the responsible person’s conduct.

Police investigating 20-person brawl

By Tyler Wright

Police are investigating following reports of a brawl at the ParadiseValley Hotel in Clematis on 29 July.

Officers were called to the venue on Belgrave-Gembrook Road where it’s believed up to 20 people were fighting inside and outside the venue just before 11pm. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Paradise Valley Hotel part owner Mark Protheroe said it is “unfortunate” the fight ruined a young man’s birthday.

“The actions of two carloads of youths from another suburb and the brutality with which they went about their actions was really disappointing,” Mr Protheroe said.

“Some of the footage that’s on the internet is obviously there as well.

“We aim to create a safe and respectful space for all patrons, and sometimes, regardless of our systems in place, like having that party exclusive and having someone on the door to monitor IDs, there’s still going to be an element of society that will be able

to bypass that.”

In an incident not believed to be linked to the brawl, five CFA units were called to the hotel just hours after the fight at around 3am on Sunday 30 July after building materials were allegedly deliberately set on fire in a storage area underneath the venue’s balcony causing damage to building materials being used for renovations. The hotel reopened to the public at midday on Friday 4 August.

‘‘We were blown away by the support from the community and thank them for helping us get back on track so swiftly,” Mr Protheroe said.

“The tradies involved with the repairs have been awesome.

“Generally the community has been positive and we’re just glad to see some smiling faces back in the venue a bit earlier than we thought.”

Mr Protheroe said the ground floor where the business mostly operates was relatively untouched by the fire itself and the smoke smell has dissipated.

“All the main services have been re-

This year, all Australians will be invited to make history by saying ‘yes’ in a compulsory referendum to alter Australia’s Constitution by enshrining an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

The Constitution is the founding legal document of our nation, providing the basic rules for the government of Australia. The Constitution is our nation’s birth certificate.

Over many years we have spent a lot trying to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians, but we haven’t got better results.

If the referendum succeeds, the Voice to Parliament means Indigenous Australians will be consulted and give advice to Government

turned,” he said.

“Some of the plumbing is still getting up and running. They put in six new toilets, but there’s two more left to do.

“[There’s] some small sort of issues around the beer lines…that have been semi fixed enough to work, but will need ongoing maintenance.”

Mr Protheroe said there are ongoing insurance claims regarding to loss of income as well as features and fittings stored under the pub.

“In terms of the arson itself, there is a person of interest, but we aren’t privy to how that’s going,” he said.

“Emptying under the pub where the fire was will start this week or next week with some diggers and an excavation effort to pull all the burnt wreckage out.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information or CCTV/Dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

to design better solutions for issues that affect them.

This will lead to better outcomes for Indigenous Australians in health, employment, and education – because we know when Government listens to people, we get results.

For most of us, saying ‘yes’ won’t change much. But for Indigenous Australians the Voice will bring about tangible change. There is nothing to lose, but so much to be gained.

Ashley is missing.

The 35-year-old was last seen on Henderson Road in Knoxfield on Friday 4 August.

It is unknown what Ashley was last seen wearing but he is likely wearing a black jumper, black pants and brown boots.

Ashley may also be traveling towards the Kinglake, Gippsland, High Country area in his Nissan Patrol white with registration CIH780. The Nissan also has FUSHION sign writing on both front doors.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Knox Police Station on (03) 9881 7000.

Car impounded

As a result of complaints from members of the public, HWP members patrolling in Ferntree Gully observed a 38-year-old unlicenced female driving her vehicle on Sunday 6 August.

The vehicle was intercepted and the woman later refused to undergo a drug test. Her vehicle was immediately impounded for 30 days at a cost of $979.

She will be charged on summons with driving whilst disqualified, refusing to undergo an oral fluid (drug) test, breaching bail conditions and driving a defective vehicle.

Police seek assistance after hit and run

Belgrave police are seeking assistance from the public in relation to a hit and run in Hughes Street in Upwey on Saturday 22 July.

A green Suzuki utility was parked outside the address, when a white Holden Commodore with unknown registration collided with it at about 12.30am, leaving significant damage.

Two male occupants were seen running from the scene.

Anyone with information is advised to contact first constable Nash at Belgrave Police Station on 9754 6677.

Sexual assault investigation ongoing

Police are continuing to investigate a sexual assault at a Wantirna South shopping centre last year.

Investigators have been told an unknown man attended a clothing store at the complex about 1pm on 15 December.

The man spoke to a female employee, before sexually assaulting her and leaving.

Investigators have released CCTV images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries

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

Police are continuing to investigate after an unknown man sexually assaulted an employee at a clothing shop at a Wantirna South shopping centre on 15 December 2022.

Say yes!

Picture: EYEWATCH - YARRA RANGES POLICE SERVICE AREA, FACEBOOK

Yarra Ranges Council has been fined for not keeping powerlines clear from trees. Picture: ON FILE

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Court to rule

By Tyler Wright

A Supreme Court justice is set to make a decision on Yarra Ranges Council’s Urban Design Framework for Monbulk and the council’s decision to close the gallery to in-person meetings.

Self-represented plaintiff Darren Dickson appeared at the hearing virtually on Thursday 3 August in an attempt to seek an injunction on the council passing the draft framework in September, alleging community consultation had not been adequate.

Mr Dickson also took the council to court last month over its refusal to allow people to film councillors and staff during council meetings.

“When people were trying to engage with council, council didn’t want to engage with people,” Mr Dickson, who filed the injunction on behalf of the people of the Yarra Ranges, told Justice Melinda Richards.

“There appeared to be this position from the council at Yarra Ranges not to want to speak to anyone that was opposed to their particular agendas.”

In April 2023, the council closed in-person meetings to the public gallery after what it said was an “increasing pattern of verbal abuse, intimidation and anti-social behaviour”.

The gallery was reopened two and a half months later, on Tuesday 11 July, after Mr Dickson launched legal proceedings.

Registration protocols were put in place for attendees which remain in place.

During cross-examination at the hearing, Yarra Ranges Council’s manager of design and place, Nathan Islip told the court of the “threatening behaviour” he experienced at a 31 January council meeting after approaching the front of the chamber.

“[People were] yelling insults about my professional credibility, they were calling me names, questioning my professional

integrity,” Mr Islip said.

“I felt quite unsafe.

“There was talk amongst this as to what I would consider conspiracy theories around 20 minute neighbourhoods, accusing me of trying to lock people up.”

Mr Dickson said closing the in-person meetings restricted those without stable internet connection, and those without resources to watch or engage in the online stream, to engage in a “fundamental aspect in democracy”.

“How can open to the public be closed to the public?”

“It’s a very thin line balancing what is open to the public and what is not.”

Mr Dickson claimed the council was in contravention of the Local Government Act 2020 by documenting a vision for three-storey developments on Monbulk’s Main Road and adopt the State Government’s 20 minute neighbourhood strategy - drawing compari-

sons to the United Nations’ 15 minute cities framework.

Mr Islip told the court there is no mention of 20 minute cities within the draft Monbulk Urban Design Framework despite a reference within the title of a previous state government funding stream.

“However, it is just good urban design,” he said.

“20 minutes is a nominal measure...typically in [normal] catchment, 500 metres equates to four minutes.

“The intention was to help people become closer to activity for people to access.”

Mr Dickson is seeking an injunction on the council’s decision to pass the draft urban design framework, and is looking for the consultation process to be extended for a further 12 months.

Councillors voted in December 2022 to exhibit the draft framework until 12 March 2023, two weeks after the original deadline of 26 February 2023.

“There’s some drastic concepts being adopted here and the people of these sleepy hollows out in the eastern suburbs are quite concerned about the drastic changes in their community,” Mr Dickson said.

When asked by Justice Richards what gave him special standing to seek an injunction on the urban design framework Mr Dickson said he has standing upon a “special damage”.

“The state has been thrown into a huge debt - this is imposing upon me and everyone in the community a special damage,” he said.

Barrister representing the council, Edward Gisonda, said the council had“no obligation” to consult the community on the draft urban design framework above what was necessary.

“The council is consistently having to balance competing considerations, tensions between what should be done in an environment where rates are capped,” Mr Gisonda said.

Mr Gisonda also said the council was “well within its rights” to establish an urban design framework as per the Local Government Act 2020, and it is not the role of the court to decide on what is a “political decision”.

“Nothing’s stopping Mr Dickson, or anyone else, trying to persuade councillors not to adopt the UDF,” he said.

“The ultimate decision makers here are the councillors.

“The consultation is just one step in a process that will require future consultation as in so far that it requires amendment to the planning scheme.”

Mr Gisonda said Mr Dickson is a “blank slate” to the court.

“Mr Dickson doesn’t tell us where he lives... it is a cagey affadavit, we don’t know what he does, we don’t know what organisations he is a member of.

“He doesn’t have standing to obtain the relief in his originating motion; not only in the UDF, but in other matters.”

Justice Richards said she will reserve her decision, mindful of the council’s plans to vote on the draft framework in September.

Millions of dollars waiting to be claimed in outer east

One Olinda resident could be $23,000 richer if they claim their entitlements currently sitting in the The State Revenue Office (SRO).

Victorians have been encouraged to go online to find out if they are among thousands of people with a claim on a pool of unclaimed money topping $109 million.

The SRO holds records of money that remain unclaimed after 12 months including refunds, rents and bonds, share dividends, salaries and wages, debentures, interest and proceeds from sales.

The majority of entitlements have been held by the SRO for less than 10 years.

The largest single entitlement in the Yarra Ranges municipality is in the suburb of Olinda - sitting at $23,789.

There is $2 million in total waiting to be claimed in the Yarra Ranges - the second highest amount in regional Victoria behind the Mornington Peninsula.

There are 17,172 outstanding entitlements in the municipality.

Across the state, there are some 678,000 entitlements waiting to be claimed.

Treasurer Tim Pallas said he encourages Victorians to go online and conduct a search.

“This is money that belongs to citizens and we want it in their hands,” Mr Pallas said.

“If the SRO is holding unclaimed money in your name you’ll know within seconds, and the process for recovery is straight forward.”

To search for unclaimed money, visit sro. vic.gov.au/unclaimedmoney. You will need your name or company name, and the address that you believe the unclaimed money

lodging organisation would have had on file.

In addition to unclaimed money, the SRO also holds allTattersalls, Intralot andTabcorp prizes, as well as TAB winnings, that have remained unclaimed for six months or more.

The highest unclaimed gaming entitlement is $2,136,327 from Tattersalls which was received in March 2016. To claim these winnings, you must supply your original ticket.

All Victorian businesses and trustees holding $20 or more in unclaimed money are reminded they must record and keep the money for at least 12 months, then lodge it with the SRO.

Lodgements can be made via the SRO website.

Darren Dickson has claimed provisions for the building of three-storey buildings on Monbulk’s Main Road are out of the scope of the council.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

There is $2 million waiting to be claimed in the Yarra Ranges.

Picture: JOSHUA HOEHNE, UNSPLASH

Charity one step at time

By Tanya Faulkner

From saving lives in the Ferntree Gully community, to hauling up 28 flights of stairs, is the journey for several of our community’s bravest.

The 10th annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb is just around the corner, with several local CFA members taking on the challenge for 2023.

One of those brigades is the Ferntree Gully CFA, who are attempting the challenge for another year.

The stair climb involves firefighters and

emergency service members from around Victoria - and the world - to battle 28 floors of stairs in up to 25 kilos of turnout gear and breathing apparatus as a symbol of the burden of significant health and well-being issues faced by first responders on a regular basis.

Some climbers will also be breathing “on air” through a self-contained breathing apparatus, adding extra levels of difficulty to the climb.

Ferntree Gully CFA member Rohan Laing said the best comparison for the gear is like scuba diving.

“On a scuba mask you have to ‘ask for air’ with a button on your mask, which is similar to the ‘purge’ button on our masks,” he said.

In the 12 years of participation by Ferntree Gully CFA members, they have raised over $87,000 for the Peter Mack Lifeline charity, and the 000 foundation.

Mr Laing said it’s a tough challenge to complete, but the motivation is there through fundraising for the charities.

“Our CFA have been top contributors to fundraising efforts twice, which shows how much the Ferntree Gully community is behind us,” he said.

This years’ event has seen so much popularity from first responders coming from interstate and overseas, that there has been a pause on registrations.

Over the coming weeks the Ferntree Gully CFA will be ramping up their fundraising efforts in the community, embarking on tin rattling and continuing with their car battery recycling.

Locals who wish to support the CFA in their stair climb fundraising can visit firefighterclimb.org.au/donations/donate/cfa/ ferntree-gully/

coming to Ferntree Gully and Bayswater Friday 11th August 7.30pm

- Corner Burwood Highway & Springvale Road until 13th August

Ferntree Gully CFA are looking forward to participating in this years’ Stair Climb.351102 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cash rates hold steady

By Tanya Faulkner

Home owners can rest easy knowing they won’t be hit with another mortgage increase this month.

The Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe has released a statement that the Board has decided to leave the cash rate target unchanged at 4.10 per cent, and the interest rate paid on Exchange Settlement balances unchanged at 4.00 per cent.

The news comes with a sigh of relief for local homeowners, who have been hit with interest rate increases by four percentage points since May last year.

Ray White Ferntree Gully sales agent Jack Rickard said, similar to last month, this is great news for home buyers looking to step into the market.

“Last month people were basically celebrating at the rates being held, after seeing so many increases in a row, so they were very happy about them not going up.

“If they leave it the same, I think a lot of buyers are viewing it as they’re going back down,” he said.

Mr Rickard said their Ferntree Gully office just celebrated their best month of the year last month, also standing as their best month since early last year, which may have been influenced by the rates being held.

“Every time the cash rate went up, people were freaking out and reassessing their borrowing capacities versus the cost of living and that sort of thing.

“I imagine that people will start to feel more confident about buying after this decision,” he said.

However, KPMG chief economist Brendan Rynne told ABC news after the announcement today, that we may still see another hike in the foreseeable future.

“For me it looks as though the RBA were trying to find a balance, knowing that the economy is already slowing, seeing the labour market is slowing, and balancing that large parts of the inflation boom have already started to come off,” he said.

These higher interest rates have been implemented to try and establish a more sustainable balance between supply and demand in the economy, which the RBA will continue to do.

It is believed that the desire for a more sustainable balance, and the uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook is what led the Board to its division to hold rates steady this month.

Money expert at Finder Richard Whitten said the decision gives some much-needed breathing room for homeowners.

“Todays’ hold is welcome news for borrowers who have been bracing themselves for another hike.

“Inflation is slowing down, which suggests

that the previous rate hikes are working,” he said.

According to the RBA, inflation in Australia is declining, but is still too high at six per cent.

Whilst goods price inflation has eased, the prices of many services are continuing to rise briskly, as well as rent inflation.

The central forecast is for CPI inflation to continue to decline, to be around 3.25 per cent by the end of 2024 and to be back within the two–three per cent target range in late 2025.

The Australian economy is experiencing a period of below-trend growth and this is expected to continue for a while. Household consumption growth is weak, as is dwelling investment.

The central forecast is for GDP growth of

around 1.75 per cent over 2024 and a little above two per cent over the following year.

The outlook for household consumption also remains an ongoing source of uncertainty.

Many households are experiencing a painful squeeze on their finances, while some are benefiting from rising housing prices, substantial savings buffers and higher interest income.

In aggregate, consumption growth has slowed substantially due to the combination of cost-of-living pressures and higher interest rates.

Returning interest rates to target within a reasonable time frame remains the priority of the RBA Board, as high inflation makes life difficult for everyone and damages the functioning of the economy.

Police recreate image of dead man’s face, 17 years on

By Tyler Wright

Police are continuing their search for information on skeletal remains found in the Dandenong Ranges National Park more than 17 years ago.

National Missing Persons Week was held from 30 July until 5 August in 2023 and focused on eight cases involving unidentified human remains.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP)’s week long Can you solve this case? campaign featured the discovery of remains of a man found near Mount Erin Road and Janesdall Avenue on 18 March 2006.

An anthropological examination conducted identified the remains belonged to a Caucasian male, between 20 to 30 years of age with a stature between 167 and 180 centimetres tall.

Several items of clothing were discovered with the remains, including the remnants of a purple scarf, pants and shoes.

But the exhibits were severely decayed, and no other items of identification were located.

On 16 March 2012, the coroner delivered a finding which determined the male had died due to an unknown cause, sometime between February 1999 and December 2000.

In July 2022, Victoria Police released facial recognition from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) based on a CT scan of the skull after exhausting all avenues of identification, including DNA and dental records.

Police said at the time they were hopeful a member of the community may recognise the person or have information that will help lead to the identification of the remains.

The AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre, working with state and territory law enforcement agencies, has created

an online “investigative board” to provide amateur sleuths with a detailed detective’s overview of the cases.

Vital clues such as clothing and objects found at the scene of the human remains and craniofacial reconstructions can be viewed in 3D animation.

The craniofacial reconstruction highlights how the AFP uses cutting-edge technology to continue investigating old cases.

As part of its National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons (Program) capabilities, AFP forensic specialists are able to use new tools to estimate an unidentified individual’s year of birth and death, ancestral origin, hair and eye colour, facial appearance and genetic relatives.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Hans Koenderink said community members were law enforcement’s most important partners and this campaign provided them an insider’s

view of the AFP’s work and forensic capabilities.

“This campaign capitalises on the increasing popularity of the “true crime” genre and, challenges the community to delve into the case files just like our AFP forensic officers do everyday,” he said.

“The AFP and state and territory police forces are this year focusing on unidentified human remains cases – as they are not just case numbers but are unknown individuals who have names, families and stories that deserve to be told.

“For these loved ones, living with the uncertainty about the whereabouts and safety of a loved one can be a traumatic experience that can last for weeks, months or, sadly, years.”

Mr Koenderink said there are 750 unidentified human remains and 2500 long-term missing persons cases.

“The community plays a critical role in helping police with information that can help to solve a missing persons case.”

The eight unidentified persons nominated by the AFP’s state and territory counterparts to be featured in this year’s campaign are located at Pyrmont (NSW), Leanyer (NT), the Stretton Wetlands (QLD), King’s Beach (SA), Mt Osmond (SA), Pardoe Beach (TAS), the Dandenong Ranges (VIC) and , Chidlow (WA).

In Australia, a missing person is defined as anyone who is reported missing to police, whose whereabouts are unknown, and where there are fears for the safety or concern for the welfare of that person. A long-term missing person is someone who has been missing for more than three months.

There were over 55,000 missing persons reports made to police in Australia in 2022, equating to nearly 150 missing reports per day.

Information relating to missing persons can be provided directly to police or anonymously via Crime Stoppers, and members of the public can help by viewing profiles of long-term missing persons at the national missing persons register at missingpersons. gov.au.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said the impact of a missing person on their loved ones is often “incredibly profound” and can be “life-changing” for those left behind.

“When we speak to families, we often hear about the cycle of grief they are trapped in that is overlaid with the frustration of not knowing what has happened,” the spokesperson said.

“With unidentified remains, we hope that the identification of those can ultimately provide a link that gives someone a level of closure and understanding.”

Picture: TIERRA MALLORCA / UNSPLASH

In July 2022,Victoria Police released released facial recognition of a man whose remains were found in the Dandenong Ranges National Park in 2006,based on a CT scan of the skull of remains,in an attempt to gather more information on the case. They also released an image of what his decomposed scarf could have looked like.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Healthy sign in numbers mucking in for Belgrave garden

By Tanya Faulkner

A successful project has inspired future growth possibilities for a local community group.

The Belgrave Food Garden hosted a National Tree Planting Day working bee, planting seedlings into their proposed community food garden.

Approximate 60 locals, a mix of the group’s regular volunteers, new volunteers, and enthusiastic members of the community, attended the event and donated their manpower to the project.

Some of those in attendance included Cr Johanna Skelton and MP for Monbulk Daniela de Martino, and several students, teachers and parents from Mater Christi College, all getting their hands dirty for the cause.

Belgrave Food Garden president Ellie McSheedy said the day couldn’t have been better.

“It was fabulous, the weather was wonderful, the sun was shining and we got a really big turnout

The group was able to purchase 600 edible native plant seedlings from the Southern Dandenong Community Nursery (SDCN) thanks to a National Tree Planting Day grant from Planet Arc.

All 600 seedlings were planted during the working bee, marking the beginning of the new community garden project.

Ms McSheedy said it was really invigorating and positive, to be out there with the community and participating in the day.

“Myself and rest of the Belgrave Food Garden community volunteer a lot of time for the project, and to see such a large and diverse number of people come and were enthusiastic made us feel like they we are on the right track and that this is really beneficial to the Belgrave community,” she said.

The Community Food Garden is the groups’ continual project with a long road ahead, which Ms McSheedy said will be a fantastic addition to the community,

“We will keep working on adding mulch paths and weeding in the area, and adding more edible plants to the space.

“This will be alongside our regular garden projects, where we are now starting to add our summer plants like tomatoes, aubergines and leafy greens, and finding new ways to speed up the growing process in our short growing season.

‘We will also be continuing our workshops and talks throughout the year,” she said.

Ms McSheedy also said they will be reinvigorating one of their more successful programs from last year.

“Our six-part gardening basics course that was sold out in 2022 will be returning in September of this year for the community to learn about gardening in the Hills,” she said.

She said there are plenty of opportunities for the community to get involved with the group, learn more about gardening in our local community, and meet new people.

“We have two working bees each month on the second Sunday from 10am - 12pm and fourth Thursday from 2pm - 3pm of every month for the community to come along and get involved with us.

“People can drop in, stay for however long they would like to help out, learn some new

skills and enjoy some social time with our volunteers,” she said.

The Belgrave Food Garden have also been recipients of a community recovering grant, which they will use to install a permanent gazebo at their regular Belgrave site to help make the space more inviting and comfortable for everyone who comes to visit.

Ms McSheedy said this will be a great opportunity for more locals to come along and lend a hand, with more protection from the elements.

“At the moment, we have no cover, so if it’s raining or too hot, we can’t really do anything outside.

“We will be working with a local craftsman to get this done, and we hope to do it in the coming months,” she said.

The Belgrave Food Garden are also recruiting volunteers to help with their administrative and behind the scenes work, to ensure their projects continue to grow in the community.

For more information on upcoming projects, or volunteer opportunities, go to their website bfg.earth

Habitat ‘at risk’ in bush move

By Tyler Wright

Conservation groups are urging Yarra Ranges Council not to use cleared debris from the Dandenong Ranges National Park at the waste transfer station in Lysterfield following concerns the operation will impact the habitat of local wildlife.

Contracted by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is set to clear large debris from around 40 metres off roadsides in around 50 hectares of the national park around late spring this year.

After a meeting with the chief fire officer and Forest Fire Management representatives on 6 June, a letter signed by members of Friends of Sassafras Creek, the Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group and Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) parks protection officer Jordan Crook was sent to councillors and council staff on 26 July expressing concerns over plans to use the removed debris as feed stock at the biochar facility.

Mr Crook said the project of removing the logs from the Dandenong Ranges National Park is already of “great concern ecologically” and will “damage and remove habitat for endangered species” as well as damage forests and woodlands in two earmarked zones; one larger spot near the Silvan Dam and the other south near Fern Gully Track.

“If we start stripping national parks of woody debris to feed council operations, it’s really quite a dangerous precedent to set,” Mr Crook said.

Yarra Ranges Council’s director of planning and sustainable futures, Kath McClusky, said the council and its contractor “have not sourced” and “do not plan to source” fallen timber from national parks as a feedstock material on a “regular basis”.

“However, Council may on occasion liaise with Parks Victoria to utilise woody material

that is obstructing trafficable areas, or excessive material following major storm events in National Parks for use as feedstock,” Ms McClusky said.

Ms McClusky said one of the reasons the council do not plan on sourcing falling timber from national parks as a feedstock material is because wood chips need to be free of debris, rocks and soil to avoid damage to the pyrolysis unit and ancillary equipment, and to ensure a clean and high value biochar product for consumer use as part of feedstock quality control.

“Fallen timber with larger diameter log-sizes are not easily chipped with regular equip-

ment, and adherent soil/rocks would damage the chipper equipment,” she said.

“Fallen timber in National Parks provides high ecological value for fungi and fauna and is therefore best left in place.”

Ms McClusky said the council is “not aware of any approaches from Forest Fire Management Victoria”, and “would not pay for wood debris”.

“We have not accepted material from the Dandenong Ranges National Park at the biochar facility. Storm debris has been collected from fallen timber on roadsides.”

In a response to the Star Mail, acting chief fire officer Sam Quigley said there are “currently no plans” to provide storm debris to the Lysterfield Waste Transfer Station’s biochar facility.

“DEECA is continuing a debris removal program to address the increased bushfire risk to communities caused by the storm events,” Mr Quigley said.

“We are continuing to explore viable options to manage the excess debris along roadsides within two specific areas of the storm affected Dandenong Ranges National Park.”

Ellie McSheedy with Leia and Rowan at the artwork 348245

Rowan and Leia from Belgrave. 348245

Richard from Upper Ferntree Gully. 348245

Ellie McSheedy and Cr Johnanna Skelton

From left, Sally, Ian, Judy, Eliza, Jane, Alex, Meghan, Catherine, Jasmine, Don, Rob Pergl, Eva and Baeckea called on the state government to stop its plans to remove fallen debris from the Dandenong Ranges National Park in late 2022 and early 2023. 315015 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Betty quits after 37 years

By Tyler Wright

Long-time president of the Save the Dandenongs League (STDL), Betty Marsden OAM, has stepped down from the role after more than three decades.

Ms Marsden, 92, announced at the committee’s AGM on Sunday 30 July she would be taking on a less strenuous position after 37 years in the top spot.

Ms Marsden moved to Kallista with her husband and their young family in 1971, before eventually joining STDL and becoming part of the committee in 1977.

“I’ve been living here for 50 years, roughly... my husband is not with us anymore, he owned a block of land that he’d bought up here, and my family were rather fond of the Dandenongs, so we used to come up here a bit,” Ms Marsden said.

“I had the connection with the Dandenongs at least from when I was a teenager.

“In those early days, it was really very much forest, and some clearings, but it was fairly unspoiled.”

Ms Marsden sat as a councillor of the Shire of Sherbrooke for seven years and had a stint as shire president; during that time playing a role in the council’s decision to purchase the 75-hectare Birdsland Reserve in Belgrave South in 1981.

Birdsland was opened to the public in 1984 as a community bushland reserve.

“I used to go there with a boy fishing...when he took me down there and I saw how wonderful it was, I said ‘oh, this area needs to be protected,’” Mr Marsden said.

“It unfortunately was a big area and had been in the ownership of one family.

“We got to work to try and have it declared as a special place...we were successful.”

Ms Marsden’s advocacy for preserving the environment in the Dandenongs made her an ideal candidate for STDL president; a role to which she was elected in 1986 and has remained in ever since bar one year.

In 2011, Ms Marsden received an OAM for service to conservation and the environment, and to the community of the region, as well as a Yarra Ranges Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award in the same year.

Ms Marsden said the STDL has managed

to preserve Grants Picnic Ground at the Sherbrooke Forest in Kallista alongside advocacy of other interested people and groups.

“We’ve managed to keep the places in fairly good shape, trying to keep them for posterity so they won’t get overrun by suburbia.

“To have that lovely forest not far from Melbourne is really quite an achievement.”

She said there are both advantages and disadvantages to the area being so close to Melbourne.

“The advantage is that people haven’t got very far to come if they want to see the forest, and perhaps a lyrebird if they’re lucky.

“But it’s also a bit of a disadvantage; it’s a bit too handy, and it can get overrun with people at times.”

Former Yarra Ranges councillor Louis Delacretaz was elected as incoming president

at the recent meeting.

“I’m pretty good for my age, but still, it’s a bit much to keep on doing that,” Ms Marsden said.

“I’ve known [Mr Delacretaz] for a very long time. I met him when he first came up here to live...he stood for council when I retired from council. He’s very dedicated in his interest of the area, so we’re very fortunate to have him.”

Ms Marsden said there are “always” development plans STDL can either intervene in and comment on - including the transformation of Sherbrooke’s iconic Burnham Beeches site.

“It changed hands and people are going to start to do things now, so we’ve been consulted about what their plans are and they haven’t altogether made up their mind about all of it.

“We’ve got an ongoing role of our members

knowing the area well and knowing things that need to be protected.”

Ms Marsden is set to turn 93 on Wednesday 23 August after celebrating her 90th birthday in 2020.

“I’ll have a small lunch on the day, but I think we’re going to have a bigger lunch on the Sunday and go to one of the local restaurants... we’ll have a bit of a celebration,” she said.

“I know quite a lot of people, and there’s people that are will be interested in coming... it’s nice, i’m grateful.”

The Save the Dandenongs League was formed in 1950 under the leadership of a Professor of Botany at Melbourne University, John Turner, and retired kindergarten teacher May Moon.

May Moon served as secretary for 27 years, until retiring shortly before her death in 1977.

Tragic Cherie finds that friendship knows no bounds

By Tanya Faulkner

The love of friendship knows no bounds for a beloved Emerald woman.

Former Emerald resident Cherie Whitakker has been living with a terminal cancer diagnosis, and her best friend has stepped up to give her friend the best experience in life that she can.

Ms Whitakker was diagnosed approximately six years ago, at the age of 26, with an inoperable cancer in her brain, and now has a prognosis of less than a year.

Currently, Ms Whitakker is still having to work to pay for her living expenses and mortgage on her own, which is causing her financial struggles, and impacting her quality of life. Best friend Hailey, and her friend Jane have stepped up and are doing what they can to make life as comfortable as possible for MsWhitakker, banding together in a series of fundraising efforts, and hope to check off a few bucket list items.

“Cherie wants to take her niece to Disneyland, and visit the Australian Zoo,” Hailey said.

She said they both wanted to do what they could to ease the pressure off Ms Whitakker.

Ms Whitakker spent most of her life in Emerald, going through school in the local community and became a wildlife rescue volunteer through her love of animals, and has recently moved to Langwarry.

Jane said Ms Whitakker is a big lover of animals, and was often spending time down at the local shelters.

“She’s visited all of the shelters in the area at least once,” she said.

Hailey said Ms Whitakker would often ask them “why would anyone give me money?” after seeing some of the donations coming through the fundraiser page.

“Cherie called me in tears because of how generous people had been.

“She would ask me, why are they giving it to her, and how was she going to pay them

back?” said Hailey.

Hailey said her and Cherie met over eight years ago through their partners at the time, and became friends over the years after spending a fair amount of time togethereven after breaking off those relationships.

“We’ve had lots of laughs over the years, and Cherie has been my go-to pet sitter.

“Our go-to catch up was always sharing a cheese platter or anything to do with animals,” she said.

In fact, she loved animals so much, Hailey said Cherie once had a resident spider on the side mirror of her car that she never cleaned off, and would catch flies for the spider.

“She also had ants in her house, so she would leave them a trail of food, before she realised it was a bad idea,” she said.

Hailey and Jane recently hosted a trivia night in Emerald with the local community, and have set up a My Cause page on Ms Whitakker’s behalf. Jane said they have had so much support from the community, in

particular with the recent trivia event.

“We had gone around the local community to see if we could get prizes for the raffle, and we were able to host the event at Emerald Vibe Gym.

“We were overwhelmed at the amount of support we got,” she said.

They had approximately 100 people in attendance, which was described to have been a great night.

“We raised $11,500 at the trivia last night, and Flynn was the winner of our e-bike prize that we raffled off,” Jane said.

She said they have now raised a total of $18,000 for Cherie, which will now allow her to take her niece to Disneyland.

“She’s just a beautiful soul, and she deserves it,” said Hailey.

Locals wanting to support Cherie’s cause can donate to their MyCause page mycause.com.au/p/314809/cheries-cancer-care-support-fund

Cherie Whitakker has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Pictures: SUPPLIEDFlynn was the lucky winner of the e-bike raffle. The fundraiser was a great success for Emerald’s Cherie Whitakker.

Betty Marsden (third from left) with Robert Stephen, Dennis Gration and Carolyn Ebdon. 351213 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS Ms Marsden, 92, has been president of the Save the Dandenongs League for the past 37 years. 351213

Few movers in outer-east

By Mikayla van Loon

Several suburbs across the Yarra Ranges have been identified as being ‘under-listed’ in Australia’s property market with fewer houses going under the hammer for June-July.

Making the top 20 nationally in Henderson Advocacy’s analysis were Wandin-Seville, ranking number four, and Belgrave-Selby coming in at 12.

In Melbourne, Wandin-Seville and Belgrave-Selby took out the top two spots, with Mount Evelyn and Emerald-Cockatoo also making the list.

Analysing suburb groups in the Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2s), Henderson Advocacy found property listings to be well below the estimates.

Based on a typical annual property turnover rate of five per cent, the buyers agency calculated that 0.7692 per cent of the housing stock should typically appear on the market within an eight-week timeframe.

In Wandin-Seville for instance, which encompassesWandin North, Gruyere, and Seville East, there were five new listings for the JuneJuly period, making up just 0.2 per cent of the 2,647 occupied dwellings.

Henderson Advocacy CEO Jack Henderson said this trend is not just a statistical observation, but a real-world challenge for homebuyers in Australia.

“Our research reveals that the top 20 locations are showing about one-third of the listings we would expect to have counted in the last eight weeks,” he said.

For local agents however, the reason these areas are perhaps less stock heavy is primarily because of lifestyle.

Integrity Real Estate agent Jane Nunn said given the land sizes in theWandin-Seville area, there isn’t as much stock to begin with and people keep property for longer.

“Wandin and Gruyere are areas where people tend to hold on to the land. So they’re not areas that tend to do a lot of transactions normally,” she said.

“Seville is changing a little bit because the shopping infrastructure has gone in there and some development has gone into there. But again, it’s just not an overly active area compared to say Healesville or Yarra Junction for example.”

Chandler and Co managing director Glenn Chandler said the Dandenong Ranges region, particularly Belgrave, is one of the most tightly held by property owners.

“People move here because of the lifestyle. They perhaps don’t have the same intensities as living in urban suburbs,” he said.

“When people move in, they don’t move out and that is a testament to the area.”

Another factor Mr Chandler said that has contributed to less houses appearing on the market in the Belgrave-Selby area is the weather.

“This year in particular, it has been quite a cold winter, so people don’t tend to put their houses on the market,” he said.

Ranges First National director Mick Dol-

phin said while the agency doesn’t track suburb by suburb sales, they have seen a drop across the board.

“I would say there’s 25 to 30 per cent less than normal and that’s across 16 postcodes from Tecoma to Mount Dandenong to Cockatoo,” he said.

Mr Dolphin said a typical week would see 25 houses listed for sale but it’s currently sitting at 10 to 15 per week, a trend he and his team have been noticing for six to 12 months.

Between April last year and February this year, Mr Dolphin said there was a 10 per cent drop in the market but that is now improving. With interest rates rising over the last year, Mr Dolphin said it has seen people hold onto the security of their properties.

“When there’s uncertainty in the world people usually bunker down,” he said.

Mr Chandler said suburbs like Upwey and central Belgrave are continuing to sell well because of the proximity to train stations.

For areas like Emerald-Cockatoo, which takes in Beaconsfield Upper, Gembrook, Avonsleigh and Pakenham Upper, the Henderson Advocacy report showed 24 properties were put on the market in June-July, making it 0.4 per cent of the 6030 occupied dwellings.

Mr Dolphin said he too is seeing that the Cockatoo area is “picking up” in market listings.

Across the property market, there is hope the next few months will deliver more listings and sales in the region.

“We certainly had an influx of buyers and sales over the Covid period and they slowed down over the last 12 months,” Ms Nunn said.

“We’ve found literally in the last three or so weeks, there’s a lot more activity happening and with the activity once you get new listings then new buyers come into the area so it self generates itself into creating that more active market but we certainly can feel the difference at the moment.”

Similarly, Mr Dolphin said “the last two months have been quite good” with days on the market returning to a standard two to four weeks after late last year’s spike of 75 to 90 days.

“People would still be thinking the market is depressed, it’s not, it’s actually quite a good time to sell,” he said.

Suburbs across the outer east have been ranked as under-listed in the property market.

Picture: ON FILE

Vets look back, 50 years on

By Tanya Faulkner

Imagine this: you’ve just turned 20 years old, there’s a war going on, and your birthdate is chosen meaning you’re drafted into the army as a recruit.

You get pulled away from your family to undergo months of military training and are shipped off on, what you believe to be, the adventure of a lifetime.

Instead, you’re face to face with the front line of conflict with a new mission, to stay alive and get home.

That’s the story of several Emerald vets who risked their lives in the Vietnam war between 1955 and 1973.

Next week marks 50 years since the withdrawal of Australian troops from the conflict, and the return of those soldiers who survived.

Several of our local vets said their return was “challenging”, with the media at the time accusing them of being “baby killers”, which eventuated in them coming home to a community that shunned them, and didn’t accept them back for years after their return.

In fact, according to Navy veteran Malcolm Snowden, they weren’t recognised for medals until 1987, were not accepted by the Returned Servicemen League (RSL) of Australia upon their return, and were not permitted to march at Anzac Day services.

Returned veteran Daryl Bristowe said most of the soldiers were “dumped” back at Tullamarine, which was Essendon at the time, and expected to go straight back to work after the war.

“No one wanted anything to do with us,” he said.

For most of the soldiers who were enlisted to serve in the war, their birthdates were drawn in a lottery-style conscription, and if they had recently turned 20 years old, they were called on to serve in the military.

Veteran Bill Black was able to defer his enlistment for 12 months to complete his university studies, however said you couldn’t escape it if your birthdate was drawn.

“You either had two years of serving in the military once your birthday was drawn, or they said you would have two years in prison,” he said.

Once he went into service, Mr Black said they underwent an extensive 12-week training in Puckapunyal in preparation for the conflict.

“We were made into the ultimate “killing machine” in our training, where we were trained in a way to remove‘fear’ and‘flight’ out of our minds.

“There were soldiers on you the whole time, screaming at you, and you had to have everything in your locker in its exact spot or you’d be punished.

“We worked 14 hour days, and the other eight was often spent ironing clothes or polishing boots,” he said.

Mr Bristowe said after training, the majority of soldiers were enlisted into infantry, as there were nine battalions during the conflict.

“If you showed any kind of interest in infantry, you were taken in that role.

“When we were sent to Vietnam, around seven out of 10 soldiers were taken on as infantry, and others went into specialty roles.

Mr. Black said he was further trained as a medic after his infantry training, as his Colonel wanted one medic with every platoon

in the battalion.

As the soldiers were shipped off toVietnamese shores, he said they “didn’t know what to expect” and believed they were going on the “adventure of a lifetime”.

Mr Black then spent the remainder of his two years sleuthing around the jungle, often with “stuff all” food to eat and a 54 kilogram pack with everything he needed on his back in the heat of the war.

When the soldiers returned home after the war, he said many of the vets were “crazy” on their return.

“No one knew what we had been through, what had been our ‘normal’ during the war, or what we’d seen.

“It was very different to the World Wars in terms of the conflict, we were out in the jungle a lot of the time and always had to be alert every second of every day,” he said.

He said after being in an environment where they had to be hyper-alert, where every step could be a threat or their last step, being pushed to their physical limits, the war “mentally destroyed” them.

Several of the vets still experience their

traumas today, and have since their return back to Victoria.

One veteran said it took a long time for him not to jump into a gutter at the sound of a car backfiring.

Mr Bristowe said, on a recent excursion on the Puffing Billy train, he had to sit down because the flashing lights reminded him of the mortar flares he used to fire during the conflict.

Mr Black said his wife, Karen, “probably saved me” once he returned.

The pair, who had been childhood friends before Mr Black went into the army, got married upon his return in 1972.

“We were different people when we returned, and we weren’t ever going to be the same once we got back,” he said.

Both Mr Black and Mr Bistrowe joined the police force several years after their return, and have done what they can to survive and reintegrate back into the Emerald community.

Mr Bistrowe said what saved him from going‘mad’ was his community work that he participated in, including with the Monbulk RSL, donating blood to the Victorian Blood Bank, is a ember of theVietnamVeterans Outer Eastern

Melbourne chapter who he fundraises for, and serves with the Emerald SES.

He has helped more than 300 military vets and their families receive Federal Government Certificates of Appreciation for those who have served in the military.

Earlier this month, several veterans gathered at Lilydale Lawn cemetery to commemorate those who they fought with, who did not return to Australia alive.

One of those was Gary Ian Willoughby, who died in service at the Vietnam War during a heated conflict on October 8, 1970, at the young age of 22 years old.

He was conscripted when his birth date was drawn in 1967, was assigned to the second battalion after being able to defer for 12 months, and was relieving the 6th battalion at the time of his sacrifice.

Locals wanting to commemorate those who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam war are welcome to attend the HealesvilleVietnam Veterans Day on Sunday, 13 August.

Assembly for the march will be at 10:15am, with the service commencing at 11am at the Healesville

RSL.

A beautiful service was held at the Lilydale Lawn Cemetery in commemoration of fallen soldiers from the Vietnam War. 351171

Veterans remembered their colleagues who paid the ultimate sacrifice. 351171

Daryl Bristowe, Malcolm Snowden and Peter Maloney of the Emerald RSL. 352355

Gary Ian Willoughby’s memorial at Lilydale Lawn Cemetery. 351171

Daryl Bristowe and Malcolm Snowden outside the Emerald RSL. 352355

Peter Maloney, Anthony McAleer, Jess Rychlewski ,Ken Wriedt and Mayor Jim Child. 351171

Veterans remembered their colleagues who paid the ultimate sacrifice. 351171

Peter Maloney, Anthony McAleer, Jess Rychlewski ,Ken Wriedt and Mayor Jim Child. 351171

More than just an op shop

We all know that there are many people doing it tough, not only in our local community, but right acrossVictoria, so what a wonderful thing it is when someone walks into the Monbulk Care Network Op Shop in Main Street only to find that very thing they have been looking for at a fabulous price.

There is a huge range of second-hand and upcycled items available, including clothes, casserole dishes, ornaments, furniture, books, records, CDs, and produce including eggs and jam.We also have wonderful plants for the garden in the Laneway Nursery at excellent pric-

es. More than that, one of best things about the Op Shop is the incredible team of volunteers who greet customers with a warm smile and go out of their way to help find that new coat, special gift, or gripping novel to be read. Good quality donations are welcome at the rear door. When we are overwhelmed with donations, a noticeboard lets everyone know that no donations are needed right now.

Food Pantry

The Food Pantry operates out of the white building next door to the Open Door Community Church and is open every day from

9.00am – 5.30pm for those in the local area. There is plenty of food to share for those who for whatever reason are finding the cost of living more challenging.

Food, fresh veggies, and dry goods are provided by FoodbankVictoria and Monbulk Bendigo Bank. Woolworths, Aldi, FOFA and other local suppliers, groups and individuals are regular donors. The Pantry was a recipient of the Fletchers Real Estate recent ‘WinterWarmers’ Food Drive.The pantry shelves are stocked daily and managed by a group of incredible volunteers.

We encourage you to pop into the Op Shop and say hi. If you’re keen to help in any way, speak to our great team and have a chat about how you might be able to get involved and if you have a neighbour who is struggling to make ends meet, let them know about the Food Pantry.

Our mission is to care for those in need in our community and create safe spaces for everyone where they can feel supported and encouraged.

MCN can be contacted on: 9756 7800

The team at Monbulk Care Network do everything with a smile. Pictures: MONBULK CARE NETWORK

Delicious, enjoyable

Looking for the ultimate venue that will satisfy all your cravings? Look no further than Monbulk Bowling Club! With mouth-watering cuisine and exceptional customer service, this place is a paradise for foodies.

But that’s not all!

The bowling club also offers weekly specials and fantastic drink prices that will make your heart skip a beat.

Wednesdays are a local favourite with their scrumptious chicken parmas served with chips and salad for only $19, and on Sundays,

kids eat for free with the purchase of a main meal.

Plus, all-day, every day, selected schooners of beer are available for only $7. Struggling to find a perfect gift for someone special? Don’t worry; the bowling club offers gift vouchers ranging from $25-$100.

How amazing is that! But wait, there’s more! Monbulk Bowling Club has two synthetic greens, which makes it the perfect spot for Barefoot Bowls gatherings.

For just $10 per person, you can use their

top-of-the-line bowling equipment and get expert guidance from experienced bowlers.

Book in advance to secure your spot, especially for Thursday nights, which are becoming increasingly popular for Barefoot Bowls. Located just behindWoolworths at 11 Moores Road in Monbulk, Monbulk Bowling Club is an absolute must-visit venue.

Stay up-to-date with their latest news and events by following them on Facebook and Instagram. To book a table, give them a call on 9756 6183.

Skye from the Monbulk Bowling Club. 290953

Picture: ON FILE

The Monbulk bowling greens are the perfect spot for barefoot bowls. 290953

Roofless: Crisis of hope

By Tanya Faulkner

The housing crisis is becoming much more predominant across the Knox municipality as the cost of living continues to rise. During the City of Knox council meeting held on July 14, 2023, a local woman came forward to share her experiences with becoming homeless in the Knox municipality during council’s public question time.

She shared that she had been taken off the Victoria Housing Register, because she had been fortunate enough to find a job, and now makes ‘too much money’ to be considered for social housing. The woman said, in Knox alone, she had come across several others who were put in this position, or have been made homeless due to the current economic environment, and need help.

“We’re real people, it hurts and it’s embarrassing and awkward, and I would rather not be in this position,” she expressed to Knox councillors.

As of April, 2023, the income limit for a single person is $1,107, a couple has a limit of $1,693 and for families up to two children is $2,284 with each additional child increasing their limit by $370 each. This means that anyone requiring social housing support must be earning less than $58,000 for a single person, or less than $119,000 combined for families, per year in their employment to make the cut.

At the July council meeting, Knox Mayor Cr Marcia Timmers-Leitch said as a council “we are taking homelessness very seriously”, and said council is trying to get Knox in front of MP Julie Collins to help improve the local homelessness situation.

Unfortunately, across the wider Knox community, homelessness and financial difficulties are becoming the norm for many residents. Another woman, a single mother in Ferntree Gully, said the increased cost of living has put her family at risk, and causing severe detriment to her mental health.

She said, at the time of interview, she was unable to work due to her health, but was fortunate to have families from Uniting Victoria supporting her wellbeing and safety.

The mother said the most heartbreaking part was the impact the rise in costs is having on her son.

“We have thankfully been allocated housing, but petrol prices, insurance, clothing, food, and everything is just so expensive.

“Some weeks I can’t afford food, so I have to

call the Salvation Army food banks.

“My son is in high school, and doesn’t want to change schools, so I have to pay for tolls and petrol to get him there, and then can’t afford to let him go out with friends,” she said.

The biggest kick, for her, is that her son’s father doesn’t support them.

“His father only pays $18 a fortnight in child support. How is that supposed to help me raise our son?” she said.

City of Knox Council were approached to comment, however were unable to comment on the current homelessness situation in the municipality.

It did, however, share that the council has a Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Policy and partners with key stakeholders to prevent homelessness and monitor accessibility to key housing providers and other support services.

Council also has a four-year plan to increase the supply of social and affordable housing in Knox.

Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor said everyone

has the right to a safe roof over their head.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is delivering the Big Housing Build, delivering more than 12,000 new social housing homes for those that need it most,” he said.

Mr Taylor said the cost of living is certainly having an impact on locals at the moment.

“Locally, in our part of the world, as a part of the State Government’s Boronia Revitalisation funding has been provided to Knox Infolink in order to run the Boronia breakfast program, open to anybody who wants a good, hot meal.

“The team at Infolink use this opportunity to chat with people who attend and link them up with support services, where appropriate,” he said.

Earlier this month, in recognition of homelessness in Victoria, thousands of origami homes were displayed on the steps ofVictoria’s Parliament to illustrate the scale of the state’s housing and homelessness crisis.

Council for Homeless Persons CEO Debo-

rah Di Natale said more than 100,000 Victorians sought help from homelessness services last year, and on any given night, approximately 30,000 people have no home.

“These people are staying on friends’ couches, in expensive and dangerous rooming houses or without shelter entirely, living in a car or public space,” she said.

AcrossVictoria, rental prices have increased by 13 per cent in the last year alone, and we have seen 12 increases to the cash rate by the Royal Bank of Australia, causing more strain on locals to secure permanent housing.

She said we need Victoria to act, but the federal government must also coordinate a national plan to end, and not just reduce homelessness.

“The theme of Homelessness Week is that “it’s time to end homelessness.

“Investment in social housing is a no brainer – it boosts the economy and puts a roof over people’s heads. The cost is too high, and the benefits too great not to invest,” she said.

Demand for limited homelessness services surges

A new analysis reveals surging demand for homelessness services as record low rental vacancies and soaring prices push thousands of Australian families to the brink. Overstretched and overwhelmed: the strain on homelessness services was prepared to mark the start of Homelessness Week.

It cross-references Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data against service costs as outlined in the Productivity Commission Report on Government Services to reveal that an additional $450 million in homelessness support is needed to respond to new people needing homelessness assistance and people currently being turned away.

Between December and March, the number of people seeking homelessness assistance spiked 7.5 per cent, an extra 6,658 clients.

The overwhelming bulk of that need came from people seeking homelessness help because of financial stress and the housing crisis. Of the 95,767 people seeking assistance in March 2023, 83 per cent of them (79,244) needed help due to issues with their housing or financial stress.

In Victoria the rate of increase was 5.3 per cent, seeing 32,733 people seek homelessness assistance in March this year compared to 31,088 in December 2022.

The report also highlights the impact of the housing crisis on women and children, with

women and children making up 74 per cent of all people using homelessness services. Of those turned away from homelessness services because they lacked the resources to assist, 80 per cent were women and children and 31 per cent were children under 18.

The report finds that if the current surge in demand continues, it will equate to an an-

nual increase in demand equivalent to an additional 19,974 people. When combined with the 71,962 people currently turned away from homelessness services each year this adds up to 91,936 extra people needing support.

The cost of funding this support is approximately $451 million.

Homelessness Australia CEO, Kate Colvin, said the surge in demand was making it harder to assist people confronting homelessness.

“A 7.5 per cent increase in demand in just four months is unheard of. It forces homelessness services to make extremely tough decisions about who gets assistance,” she said.

“Support services are triaging based on people’s vulnerability and need, but the reality is highly vulnerable people are being turned away because services simply have too few staff and other support resources.

“When you annualise this demand and add it to the existing people turned away we are looking at a funding shortfall of more than $450 million. This is just one terrible side effect of the worst housing crisis in living memory.

“The bulk of increased demand comes from women and children, many of whom are fleeing violence. It is beyond comprehension that we have to turn people away, especially in winter.

“The Federal Government has recently committed to new resources for social housing which is welcome, but while the housing crisis continues to drive increased homelessness, a significant funding boost is needed to cope with this unprecedented surge in demand. Australia has the means to end homelessness, we just need the will.”

Homelessness in the Knox council area has increased as a result of unaffordable housing.

Picture: ON FILE

Picture: UNSPLASH

Working together to help

By Mikayla van Loon

To launch into Homelessness Week with a better and broader view of the current situation, some of the leading organisations and services in the Yarra Ranges gathered for a forum on Sunday 6 August.

Hosted at the Tecoma Uniting Church, representatives from Anchor, Holy Fools, Stable One, Soupees, Uniting Ringwood, Orange Sky, Foothills Community Care and Yarra Ranges Council shared data and experiences on what is happening locally in the homelessness space.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census data indicates there are 30,660 people who are homeless on any given night in Victoria, 24 per cent higher than the previous Census in 2026.

This represents people in all situations denoting homelessness, whether sleeping in a car, on a friend’s couch, in a boarding house or in a tent in a national park.

Holy Fools CEO and founder Neal Taylor said unfortunately in Australia there is not one single and clear definition of homelessness.

“I think that in a country of our size it is ridiculous and I think that we need to do something about that,” he said.

“However, the ABS defines homelessness as someone with the lack of one or more elements that represent home.”

In the Yarra Ranges alone in the 2016 Census, 360 people were identified as being homeless which increased to 755 by 2021.

Wanting to gain a better understanding of homelessness in the Yarra Ranges, Mr Taylor said he would like, with the help of all agencies in the region, conduct a survey.

“The City of Melbourne does street count and I think it would be good to try something like that in the Yarra Ranges,” he said.

“Considering we’re one of the largest local government areas in the state, it’s going to be quite a challenge but I think that’s something that we need to do.”

The reason for this being to potentially improve funding streams with a more accurate picture of how many people are experiencing homelessness.

Funding for these agencies is crucial in getting people the support they need, something Anchor’s youth and homelessness manager Peter Dinsdale touched on.

“During the Covid experience the government put in a lot of money that translated into hotel accommodation and at one point, as small as we are, we had 55 families in local

hotels,” he said.

“That really showed the size of the issue. In that year we spent just over a million dollars on hotel accommodation. Our budget this year is $56,000.”

Agreeing with the need for building housing and already seeing the benefits of the $5.3 billion Big Build Project from the State government, Mr Dinsdale said housing doesn’t solve everything.

“Even after the Big Build, Victoria will still have the lowest percentage for Australia when it comes to public and social housing [stock],” he said.

Telling the story of a young man who was sleeping in a tent, Mr Dinsdale said the Rapid Response team from Anchor found him soaking wet from the rain.

“His mental health and his drug and alcohol addiction was so pervasive that he could barely take care of his tent.

“In fact, his feet themselves had become mouldy. We were able to get him into a doc-

tor just to take care of his feet and get him some dry socks, shoes and a new tent, but we couldn’t get him into a house.

“And that’s not actually because of a lack of housing in this case, because if we were to find a unit somewhere to put this young man, he is not going to survive without the wraparound services.”

Hearing from Stable One managing director Jenny Willetts, Orange Sky Volunteer Ron Iddles and Soupees founder Gavin Smith, it became clear that there was a lot of good work being done in the Yarra Ranges community to support people without a permanent home.

But more so what these services offer is connection without judgement and a sense of feeling less alone.

“We know that loneliness and homelessness go hand in hand. When people come to stay at the winter shelter, they connect with people who care,” Ms Willetts said.

Mr Iddles said aside from washing people’s clothes across 33 different locations in Mel-

bourne, the most important statistic from last year was the “89,000 hours of conversation with our friends”.

For Mr Smith who has been running a community meal in Upwey for over 14 years, it came from a desire to connect in a way he knew was possible for him.

“Soupees is all about serving people and that is something I’m really keen on. It’s something that I actually think I’m quite good at.

“I can get out there and I can set up a marquee and tables and people will come along and I can talk to them and I can feed them.”

Foothills Community Care CEO Stephen Barrington said for the people who come to a meal either in Ferntree Gully or Upwey might not have sat down for dinner with someone across the table to talk for a long time.

“It might be the only time in the week where they actually get to sit down at a table with someone else, in a safe space and be listened to and to be able to share their story,” Mr Barrington said.

From the forum, the groups, organisations and services agreed “bricks and mortar” is the key element to getting ahead of the homelessness crisis but alongside that, the wraparound services for mental health, domestic violence and financial stress need to improve.

To boost the support these services can offer, volunteers are needed, particularly for Winter Shelter to help see out the final month of giving people a place to sleep.

After a break, Heenan is getting back in his box

By Mikayla van Loon

After a four year break from his cardboard box, Yarra Ranges councillor Tim Heenan is returning to doing his sleepout but this time for the new Holy Fools FreezeOut! Challenge.

For five days throughout Homelessness

Week from 7-11 August, Cr Heenan will be getting uncomfortable by sleeping in a cardboard box in his backyard while hoping to raise $8000.

“I’ll be committing to be in the box at least eight hours every night,” he said.

For roughly 15 years now, Cr Heenan has participated in some sort of sleep out, ranging from 30 days to seven days meaning he’s banked a number of hours out in the cold.

“I was doing the calculations when I was remembering everything and I think this year finally tips me over one thousand hours,” he said.

Having always been a big supporter of Holy Fools’ CEO Neal Taylor, Cr Heenan said the FreezeOut! has been another great show of community support to help raise funds to keep the organisation operating.

“This is the first time I might say I’ve ever asked in 14 years for people to sponsor and to donate money, it’s usually all about awareness, it’s been awareness 100 per cent of the

time but organisations like Holy Fools now are doing it tough.

“It’s going to a good cause. There’s a lot of organisations that do work in this sector around our area in Lilydale but no one like Holy Fools and they just don’t get the money from the government grants.”

Cr Heenan said this year his message to the community is to ‘help those who help those in need’ because without them “the situation’s 20 times worse”.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s a church group, whether it’s Holy Fools, or whether it’s the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service, or the lovely lady Kate with ADRA in Warburton, help those who help those in need.”

Despite feeling the cold each night he is out there, Cr Heenan said it is a good representation of what people sleeping rough have to go through all winter perhaps.

“It’s been a little bit difficult over the years with the freezing cold but it’s all in relation obviously to what people have to put up with.

“When it has been zero degrees or minus one or two, it’s helped the situation much more because people can see it. I go home, I go back to my bed after this period of time but there are real people out there who die of exposure because they’re sleeping rough

“They might be able to do it for two or three years but Neal’s got examples where he’s lost people that he’s been helping where unfortunately the medical condition of those people has just got too much and they’ve passed away by sleeping rough.”

Cr Heenan said in 2015 it was becoming “glaringly obvious” that the majority of people sleeping in cars were women.

“More and more women with children, on some occasions, had to actually sleep in cars and now they’re starting to say, the most emerging group is the over 50s women.

“That was emerging eight years ago and either people just didn’t want to see, or they didn’t want to accept it but we have to face the reality of what’s going on at the moment.”

As a member of the council, Cr Heenan said he hopes changes to the way housing is built can start from a municipality level.

“We’ve really got to build something, we’ve got to get on doing it and local government plays a big part in that. I hope with our next housing strategy we’re going to be able to look to do more than just advocating.”

There’s still time to support the FreezeOut! Challenge, either by taking part yourself or donating to the cause.

To find out more, donate or register, go to www.freezeout.org.au

Councillor Tim Heenan, Jenny Willetts, Peter Dinsdale, Stephan Barrington, Daniela De Martino MP, Councillor Johanna Skelton, alongside others participated in a Q&A.

Orange Sky volunteer Ron Iddles gave a run down of the thousands of hours spent giving people the basic right of clean clothes.

Holy Fools CEO and founder Neal Taylor spoke about the need to improve data collection in the Yarra Ranges. Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

It’s time to end homelessness.

Councillor Tim Heenan is returning to sleeping in a cardboard box for Homelessness Week. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Seize the day … living well

In the quiet whispers of time passing, there lies a profound truth that we often overlook-the ephemeral nature of moments, like fleeting butterflies, flutter by, leaving us with memories etched in the sands of time.

Life’s journey is a dance of choices and opportunities, a symphony of chances that beckon us to take hold of the reins. Among these, a whisper urges us to embrace the change that awaits-a downsizer home, a sanctuary for a new chapter.

Picture it, if you will-a charming haven tucked away from the hustle and bustle, where the weight of unnecessary possessions fades away. The clutter that once weighed upon your shoulders will find solace in the arms of benevolent charity, making space for cherished treasures and memories to blossom.

In a downsizer home, time finds itself a gentle master, and moments of joy, love, and laughter are savoured like fine wine. The days of mowing vast lawns and maintaining unwieldy spaces will be replaced by a manageable sanctuary, where you’ll find more time to bask in the warmth of cherished company.

You will find a newfound sense of liberation. Letting go of the past, you’ll embrace the present with arms wide open. The shackles of maintenance yield to the freedom of exploration, travel, and adventures that await your eager heart.

Seize the day and make way for the winds of change. By choosing to downsize at Lifestyle Communities, you’ll discover the art of appreciating a life well-lived, where every day is cherished. Book the tour today. 1300 50 55 60

Embrace a new life today and downsize at Lifestyle Communities.

SENIOR LIVING

First step to a great life

Having plan for ageing well that includes how and where you wish to live is essential for a happy and relaxed retirement. Downsizing from the family home is a convenient way to fund your lifestyle goals, while the maintenance-free lifestyle of a retirement community frees up your precious time to spend doing the things you love. Aveo Regional Operations Manager Andrew Matthews said residents in communities like The George in Sandringham can enjoy independent living with a little extra support, from home-cooked meals to cleaning, and assistance with personal care if required.

“Aveo’s onsite team can provide advice and management of government Home Care Packages so residents can continue to live independently with the convenience of personalised at-home services,’’ he said.

“This gives people more time to enjoy life and do all the things they love without the worry of home or garden maintenance, whether it’s coffee with friends or family in the cafe, a game of cards in the library, daily exercise classes, or arts and craft.”

Mr Matthews said The George is a vibrant and friendly community offering a mix of over 100 one and two-bedroom apartments in Melbourne’s bayside, surrounded by green parklands and only moments from Westfield Southland, cafes, restaurants, hospitals, and public transport. The newly renovated apartments provide well-appointed kitchens, spacious bedrooms, quality appliances, ample storage and private balconies, with a price range of $425,000 to $760,000. If you have always wondered what a retirement community offers, leading retirement living provider Aveo invites you to attend an Open Home at The George at 15-25 George Street, Sandringham on Tuesday, August 8, at 10am. To RSVP to the Open Home please call 13 28 36 or visit aveo. com.au/the_george.

Get out your art supplies

By Tanya Faulkner

Upwey locals are being encouraged to whip out their paint brushes and canvases ahead of an annual art competition.

The Upwey Archies, run by the Upwey Community Group in partnership with Burrinja Cultural Centre, is returning for 2023 with registrations now open to locals.

Leader of the Upwey Community Group’s arts working group Linda Fullagar said this is the eighth year they will be running the exhibition.

“We started in 2016, with around 30 odd portraits for the first exhibition,” she said.

The Upwey Archies was inspired by the Archibald Prize, an Australian award for portrait painting, and wanted to bring the idea to Upwey.

The annual art exhibition displays portraits as created by those in the community, of people who are of significance in their lives or from the Hills community, and then displayed on the windows of the Upwey traders by the main street.

Ms Fullagar said it’s a great way to get the community together.

“We always love encouraging the community to be involved in art, and thought this would be a good way of encouraging locals to give it a go and enter portraits of a person special to them,”

She said the exhibition is a bit of a twofold, as the main street comes to life with the colourful portraits, and the streets have a real buzz to them with more people out and about, looking in each window and reading about the artists’ portraits.

“People come down and might have a coffee together, good way to bring people together to look at the art,” she said.

Some artists’ use the Upwey Archies to have

their artwork displayed for the first time, with others being regular participants in the exhibition.

Over the years the exhibition has grown, with Ms Fullagar saying the first one only saw around 37 portraits, and saw 111 in last years’ exhibition.

“It’s become more and more popular with the artists, and with the community.

“They look forward to this time of year to look at the artwork, and the traders in main street look forward to it as it brings more people into town,” she said.

She said the exhibition is for all skills and ages, with 10 awards being presented at the upcoming exhibition.

Woorilla Poetry Prize boost

By Tyler Wright

The Worrilla Poetry Prize has received a $2,000 grant from Cardinia Shire Council, with the event’s coordinator looking to expand the event even further.

Maria Millers founded the prize in 1989 with friend and publisher Louise Rockne after establishing a literary magazine by the name of Worrilla.

“[Ms Rockne] had been publishing a small publication of poetry called Prints, and she was a librarian,” Ms Millers said.

“We started making this prize actually grow, and it did.”

Now in its 31st year, Ms Millers said it the prize “growing in stature” from a local competition to an international one.

“We had winners in India, and we had winners in the US... I’ve had entries from Spain, France, Italy, all over the place,” Ms Millers said.

“The prize is at the point where it’s being acknowledged as a major prize in the Australian poetry calendar...now we get really top poets, but we also get emerging poets and poets who try for the first time and sometimes they actually do succeed and are successful in the prizes.”

Ms Millers said her passion is to promote the youth section, named after Ms Rockne, who died in 2019.

“I would like to see more people from Cardinia and the Dandenongs in general entering. and particularly the youth,” she said.

“The two judges that I’ve had over the last few years, [including] Emilie Zoey Baker... they both said that they’re absolutely stunned by the youth poetry.

“The youth have a lot to say, and so they should.”

Ms Millers said the funding through the council’s Festival and Events Grants Program, will help promote the prize and assist in the organising of the prize event on 19 November, where winners will be announced.

“Everyone’s writing very different poetry.

A lot of people have got to catch up and have a look what present day poetry is like,” she said.

“Some [people] succeed writing beautiful poetry like in the form of a sonnet, which has definite number of lines and definite rhyme schemes.

“But sometimes it can actually limit you as well, if you’re thinking about ‘what can I rhyme with this?’ Rather than trying to say what you want to say.”

The poem which one the Judith Rodriguez Open Prize in 2022 was Tug Dumbly’s ‘Pod’; a poem about the degradation of the environment.

“Modern poetry can be about what’s happening in the world; It’s not about roses and violets and sweet words,” Ms Millers said.

Cardinia Shire Council mayor, councillor Tammy Radford, said the council is proud to annually deliver the Festival and Events Grants Program which supports a “comprehensive and diverse” mix of local festivals and events, so that all community members have “access to and may participate in activities that reflect and celebrate local identity, interests and diversity”.

Entries for the 2023 Worrilla Poetry Prize close on 30 September.

Successful recipients were notified in July.

For more information, visit https:// www.woorilla.org.au/

“Two of the awards are the community favourite awards, where the community gets to vote on which portrait is their favourite.

“There will be a QR code on the artworks to get through to the voting form and choose their winner,” she said.

This years’ official judge is the 2022 Upwey Archies winner Jasmine Weber, and is expecting some great pieces to come through.

Ms Fullagar said the community group is bringing something different this year, extending the program to include a free portrait workshop in the Belgrave library with Alison May, who won the Upwey Archies a few years ago.

There will also be a Children Talking Art

panel at the Belgrave library on Saturday 14th October with some of the community’s previous youth winners.

Artists can now go to Burrinja Cultural Centre between until Saturday 19th august to enter.

The cost is $15 for the open category, $10 for 14 and under.

Pieces will need to be returned to the Upwey Township Hall on Friday 6 4:30pm-6pm October, or 10:30-12 noon on Saturday 7th October.

More information can be found on the official Facebook page facebook.com/upweyarchies21

Monbulk aquatic invitation

By Tyler Wright Monbulk Aquatic

Centre staff are inviting community members to celebrate 10 years since the redevelopment of the centre, on Saturday 12 August.

The facility - which opened in 1967 and was called the Baynes Park Community Pool - was taken over by Belgravia Leisure in 2013.

Venue manager Rachel Scott said when the redevelopment occurred, there was only a small baby pool, a 25-metre pool, and a room that doubled as the the gym and the fitness space.

“When it was closed down and the redevelopments happened, we got a brand new plant room, the office area, the cafe area, reception, and the gym was added as well,” Ms Scott said.

“Quite a large space was added onto it, which has meant that we’ve been able to offer quite a lot more programs to the previous small gym and swim that it was.

“We also run birthday parties, land based and water based.”

Servicing the Belgrave, Belgrave South, Emerald, Menzies Creek, Selby, Tecoma, Kallista and Olinda areas, Mr Scott said after a fallen tree left the pool unusable for 15 months after the June 2021 storm event, and through Covid, she realised how much patrons and members rely on the centre for their socialisation and also their health and fitness.

“Since opening, it’s taken a little while to warm up to it, but members have certainly flocked back,” she said.

“Now we’re at capacity in most areas, and what we’re finding now is that it’s like members, they’re greeting old friends again when they’re all coming back, getting used to stopping for a coffee and morning tea and having a good chat.

“It’s more than their health and fitness, it’s also for their mental health and to get out and about and see their friends, which was sadly taken away from them for so long.”

At the anniversary celebrations, which will run from 8am to 4pm, there will be a sausage sizzle, community market stalls, raffles and face painting.

Funds will go to the Belgravia Foundation, which will be injected back into the centre.

“At 2.45pm we’ll be putting the inflatable up for some fun and the Monbulk Marlins squad will also be coming in with some of their swimmers to do a demonstration,” Ms Scott said.

“At the same time we’ll also have a disco in the group fit room for kids that might like to not swim but to dance, because we also have a dance program here at the centre as well.

“For us, the focus of the day is to open the doors and have as many people come through, whether they’re members, whether they’ve been here before or not... to thank them all for their continued patronage and also for their patience during that long lockdown time and closure time.”

For more information, visit https://www. monbulkaquatic.com.au/ or the Monbulk Aquatic Centre Facebook page.

Monbulk Aquatic Centre staff will celebrate 10 years since the facility’s redevelopment on Saturday 12 August.

Woorilla Poetry Prize founder Maria Millers (left) and slam poet Aloma Davis (right) at the event in 2022. Picture: SUPPLIED

Winners of Upwey Archies for 2022.

Pictures: LINDA FULLAGARArden Simpson and her Nanna Merle, who she painted her portrait of.

Nearly opening night

By Tanya Faulkner

As a big performance looms over the heads of our community’s younger generation, excitement is building among several state schools around the City of Knox.

This year’s annual Victoria State School Spectacular (VSSS) is a mere weeks away from opening night at the John Cain arena, as our local schools, teachers and students have all recently participated in their final mass-rehearsals before the big day.

This year’s show is called Happy Travels, following an intrepid group of hapless tourists as they traverse the globe in a cavalcade of circus mayhem. Many of Knox’s school students will be participating in the Mass Dance performance this year, including Emerald Primary School, Ferntree Gully North Primary School, The Basin Primary School, Upper Ferntree Gully Primary, and Upwey South Primary School, alongside many more schools from around the state.

Upwey South Primary school will also be participating in the Mass Choir for 2023, and the schools have several other students participating in individual or specialty performances, and as part of the backstage crew helping bring the show together. Earlier this month, these schools completed their final group “hub” rehearsals, with the students fine tuning their steps, entrances and exits, and interacting with the other schools in attendance.

These hub rehearsals are led by world-class choreographers Deon Nuku and Hara Papoulias, who between them have 21 years of choreography experience withVSSS.

The pair, who crafted the routines for this year’s spectacular, said the final pieces have been put into place.

“The students have been absorbing their information so quickly, their brains are like sponges,” said Ms Papoulias.

The pair said, when it comes to creating the routines for the kids, is finding the balance for the different ages, skill sets, and keeping up with what they will enjoy and be passionate about.

“The music is the hardest part, because it has to inspire the students and the choreography.

“We have to make sure the steps aren’t too easy that the students get bored, but not too complex that we lose them, and we try to incorporate social media trends - like different dance moves from TikTok, so the students get excited about the routines,” said Ms Papoulias.

They noted that, since Covid19, the students are much more eager to learn everything involved in the routine before they feel settled, which is quite different from the students’ attitudes before Covid. Mr Nuku said this year, the students had learned all of their steps by the end of the third hub rehearsals, which had never happened before.

“The kids are absorbing more complicated steps and information than ever before.They’re all very focused learners, and have a much bigger sense of ownership this year,” he said.

Ms Papoulias said anyone watching the show can expect big energy from the students, and a bigger show than ever before.

“These kids become obsessed with themselves on the day, with their makeup and cos-

Put your hands up

Young people in Yarra Ranges are being asked to put their hands up to help pitch, organise and lead arts and cultural based events in the region.

FReeZA is funded by Engage!, aVictorian Government initiative that gives youngVictorians the opportunity to lead the planning and staging of events that are safe and secure and accessible, while being drug, alcohol and smoke-free.

tumes, and seeing all of the seats filled.

“They feel like superstars, and they deserve to,” she said.

From the students perspective, excitement and nervousness was the common trend amongst those at the hub rehearsals in Heathmont earlier this month.

Upwey South Primary School students Fern McCinty and Charlie Rainey said they have been rehearsing for a long time.

“We have been rehearsing since March this year.

“Since the first day I’ve remembered the steps,” Miss McCinty said.

Master Rainey said his family are looking forward to coming and seeing the show, which was both of the students’ first time being part of the mass dance.

The pair said they had been enjoying making friendswithsomeofthekidsfromotherschools at the hub.

The schools’ performing arts teacher, Penelope Lang, echoed what her students said, saying it was one of the best parts of the performance and having the students come together in this way.

“The students make relationships with students in their school, and other schools, they wouldn’t normally make,” she said.

Upwey South Primary School students have their rehearsals twice a week, with several teachers and parents all getting involved in the process to help the students.

“It’s amazing to be part of something bigger than us.

“They get to experience something that doesn’t just ‘happen’. The students have the build up through rehearsals and the preparations before September, when it all comes together,” she said.

All of the schools involved have dedicated time to their rehearsals which, for Emerald Primary School students, included sacrificing lunch breaks to put in the work.

Jacquie Forsythe, a grade 5 and 6 teacher at Emerald Primary School, said all of the dances are loaded onto a Google Drive that the students and teachers use to run rehearsals and

learn the steps.

“These kids have much more energy than they have in previous years.

“The students run their own rehearsals now, getting the screens and videos ready for their rehearsals and taking ownership of their learning,” she said.

Ms Forsythe said this years’ grade 6 students in Emerald have been the most driven to learn the steps and succeed, being much more proactive than in previous years.

The students also have the opportunity to perform their dance at school assembly, which drums up more excitement in the junior students who are heading into grade 6 in future years to want to do the show. Ms Forsythe had previously been a teacher in Pakenham, who also participated in the performances, and said it was her idea to involve Emerald Primary School.

“When I moved to this school, I pitched the idea to the principal, and now this will be our sixth year participating in the mass dance,” she said.

All three of her students had gone through Emerald Primary School, and all participated in the spectacular - simply because they wanted to. Ms Forsythe said she is excited to take the rest of the schools’ grade 6 teachers to the performance, which they do every year,

This year’s VSSS marks the first year that Ferntree Gully North Primary School will have students participating in the mass dance, not just individual performers.

Ferntree Gully North’s Natalie Blenheim said this has been a long journey for the students.

“We’re not sure what to expect yet.

“Each new rehearsal is like an extra piece to the puzzle, that just gets bigger and bigger with every rehearsal and group hub,” she said.

Ms Blenheim said it’s been amazing how the choreographers can feed the information in smaller pieces to the students, and build on it with each rehearsal until it all comes together.

The 2023 Victorian State School Spectacular shows will be held on Saturday 9 September, at 1pm and 6:4-0pm at John Cain arena, and broadcast on a later date on Channel 7.

Creative Director Neill Gladwin said this year’s show will be nothing short of special.

“The show offers our wonderfully talented students the tremendous opportunity to perform in front of an audience of thousands,” he said.

Tickets to this year’s Victorian State Schools Spectacular are on sale now at www.ticketek. com.au/spectacular

Get along and snag yourself some books

Brigade’s annual book sale event

Upwey Volunteer Fire Brigade Second Chance

Book Sale is happening on Sunday 27 August from 9am to 2pm at the Upwey Fire Brigade Station. There will be books, DVDs, CDs, and records available for sale along with an opportunity to purchase a Sausage Sizzle and a drink.

Browse the books, meet the volunteers, and see the equipment that protects the community. Inquiries to the station on 03 9754 3788.

The station is located at 134 Old Belgrave Rd, Upwey.

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

MAIL SNIPPETS

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HILLS

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

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 22 August.

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

The Freeza committee, made up of young people aged 14 to 25 years, meets fortnightly to brainstorm and organise youth-led events across Yarra Ranges.

Committee member, Miranda, said previous Freeza events included a Baker Boy concert, a Queer Formal, and the Celebrating YOUth event, which acknowledged community contributions and achievements of local young people.

“Personally, I joined to enhance my teamwork and event curation skills, as well as explore music opportunities. I’ve experienced all three multiple times already!” Miranda said.

“The best part is that it’s flexible. You can attend meetings, in person or online, whenever you can, or even just help during events.

“FReeZA also offers workshop opportunities in different areas of interest, such as first aid, tech and even stage production!”

“There’s no pressure, and we welcome anyone and everyone with open arms. It’s a fantastic way to socialise, meet like-minded people and find opportunities for personal and future growth – I highly recommend joining!”

The committee meets fortnightly on a Tuesday between 5pm and 7pm, online or in person.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, encouraged parents to talk to their teenagers about getting involved.

“We know that young people getting involved in committees like these gives them incredibly valuable leadership skills and a strong connection to their community,” Cr Child said.

“But initiatives like FReeZA also provide a way to socialise with other young people and develops the trust and power to create the kind of events they’d like to see locally – a rare opportunity.

“These events benefit so many in the community – helping young people make social connections, enjoy music, art or culture close-to-home, find a sense of belonging or ignite a passion on a topic that will follow them through their lives.”

Cr Child said the committee has a long history of putting on “fantastic, engaging” events locally, from battle of the bands to concerts and stalls at community festivals.

“They’re supported by our excellent staff and gain friendship, leadership and have fun along the way,” he said.

“If this sounds like something you –or your children – would be interested in, please get in touch.”

For more information please call or text Nikita on 0482 607 681 or email youth@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

The City of Knox students are excited for the Victoria State Schools Spectacular.

Picture: TANYA FAULKNER

Emerald Primary School students dance circle as part of their mass dance performance.

Free online help on rents

With the cost of living rising, many renters are worried about how they will afford their home rental payments and some have even fallen behind with rental payments.

Eviction from private rental accommodation resulting from failure to pay rent is a leading risk factor for homelessness. In the current cost of living crisis, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find affordable rental properties and keep up with the rising cost of rent. In the latest Rental Report by the Victorian State Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, the median rent in Melbourne metro areas went up by $20 per week to $480, and in the regions from $400 to $420 per week.

Home renters will be pleased to know that an online help tool has been developed to as-

Legal matters

Anita Koochew Eastern Community Legal Centre

sist tenants who have fallen behind with rental payments. Created by Justice Connect - a specialist Community Legal Centre - the free, online self-help tool called ‘Dear Landlord’ is specifically designed to assist tenants who have fallen behind in their rental payments

Thoughful read delves deep

to avoid eviction.

Dear Landlord can help tenants:

· Understand their options to avoid eviction, or respond to a notice to vacate

· Draft a letter to their rental provider to negotiate a payment plan or rent reduction

· Prepare for VCAT or lodge a VCAT review application if they missed their hearing

· Find important financial and legal help

Since early 2020, over 84,000 renters have used Dear Landlord to avoid eviction.

If you rent a home and you would like to access‘Dear Landlord’, visit www.justiceconnect. org.au/help/dear-landlord/

Justice Connect’s Homeless Law service also provides free legal help to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and tackles unfair

laws that affect people who are homeless.

You can get help, refer someone, or read more about Homeless Law at justiceconnect. org.au/our-services/homeless-law/

If you need legal help you can also call Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) on 1300 32 52 00, request an appointment at https://eclc.org.au/help/ or email at eclc@ eclc.org.au.

ECLC is a multidisciplinary legal service that works to prevent problems, progress fair outcomes and support the wellbeing and resilience of communities and community members in Melbourne’s East. ECLC has been providing FREE legal advice to people living in the local government areas of Boroondara, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges for almost 50 years.

Time pays off in Paradise

Paradise Starring Kostja Ullmann, Marlene Tanczik and Corinna Kirchhoff

Rated MA15+ 4/5

Paradise is a compelling, very well-paced German science fiction thriller.

Max (Kostja Ullmann) is a top salesman for Aeon, a corporation that extracts years of life from donors and sells them to wealthy clients. When his wife Elena (Marlene Tanczik) must give up nearly 40 years to pay a debt,

Max forsakes the system and hatches a daring plan to reclaim her youth.

With a similar but much better-executed time-as-currency premise as In Time, Paradise’s engrossing narrative flows and escalates smoothly through its tonally very different three acts.

The first act features beautifully-understated tragedy, as Elena (now played by Corinna Kirchhoff) struggles to accept her suddenly-aged body and Max’s loyalty to Aeon crumbles.

subplot between Kaya (Lorna Ishema) and Viktor (Numan Akar), two security personnel on Max and Elena’s tail, provides some levity, as Viktor takes a shine to a woman who is physically younger than him but objectively older.

Like After Yang from last year, Paradise’s future setting is all the more immersive through its subtle details, but the costuming, art direction and electronic score remind me of the cyberpunk video game Deus Ex: Human Revolution.

A review of

Two Can Play That Game by Leanne Yong

Those who have teenage and/or adult gamers at home – and those who are curious about esports – will find Leanne Yong’s Two Can Play That Game a thoroughly enjoyable read. Previously an IT business analyst,Yong is an escape room creator who has designed internationally recognised games combining unique puzzle mechanics with narrative. Her insight into the gaming world, both as a user and a producer, adds a depth and richness to this charmingYA novel.

The first-person protagonist Sam is a scholarship winner destined for a university degree and then a stable and secure career. This will be a dream coming true for every Asian family and the expectations from her Chinese-Malaysian parents are huge.

But Sam’s goal in life is to create cool indie games. She is desperate for a super-rare ticket to a prestigious workshop that can kickstart her career as a professional game designer – only to have it tricked out of her hands by Jay, a fellow gamer who is also from her community.

Enraged, Sam challenges Jay into a oneon-one competition of classic video games. Either that – or she will expose his sneaky move to “every single aunty and uncle in Brisbane” through the Asian Gossip Network.

So, game on! Following the two characters into the gaming world, we soon discover how video games are produced and promoted, from conceptualisation and storyboarding to R&D and mapping and finally to prototyping and marketing. Also featured are some of the design techniques and tricks commonly used by developers, highlighting the importance of setting clearly defined challenges, constraints, goals and rewards in each game.

All this is cleverly and seamlessly blended into the story without hindering the plot,

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

which revolves around the two characters slowly yet steadily transitioning from rivals to friends. Both are fiercely competitive and driven in their pursuit of excellence and success. Both are also aware of their overwhelming responsibilities and obligations, not only as the oldest child in their family but also as an emerging adult living in and between Asian and Australian cultures.

With that said, the story is universally appealing because it is about young people trying to follow their passions in the face of conflicting family expectations. It is about mutual respect and open communication between friends and families.

More importantly, it is about finding one’s own path, overcoming fear and selfdoubt, and learning to deal with uncertainty and disappointment. Subtly, the story conveys to young people the precious message that failure is not and should not be seen as the end of a dream. Rather, it gives you an opportunity to take a different approach to pursuing that dream.

Finally, to all the nerds out there, here is a valuable quote from Two Can Play That Game. “I’ve always looked up to your determination and how you know what you want, and never hesitate to go for it no matter the sacrifice, So screw your courage to the sticking place, or whatever that line in Macbeth was.”

The second act is a disquieting kidnapping scheme, and the final act is a tense standoff reminiscent of the climactic siege in Alfonso Cuaron’s Children of Men.

Running through the film are Max and Elena’s evolving relationship, clever dialogue and an ever-worsening situation pushing good people to commit bad acts. A

The old age make-up is not entirely convincing, and the film’s repeated use of pop songs feels slightly shallow (and their inclusion in intimate scenes brings back unpleasant memories of the 365 Days series).

A poignant, intelligent sci-fi thriller with heady ideas and a human pulse, Paradise is available for streaming on Netflix.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

An Australian classic

The 1812 Theatre

Picnic at Hanging Rock – Tom Wright

On a summer’s day 1900, three Australian schoolgirls on a picnic expedition to remote Hanging Rock absconded from the group. They were last seen heading toward the beckoning rock.

In Tom Wright’s chilling adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s classic novel, five performers struggle to solve the mystery of the missing girls and their teacher. Euphoria and terror reverberate throughout the community, as the potential for history to repeat itself becomes nightmarishly real.

1812 Theatre produced a stunning version of Tom Wright’s Picnic at Hanging Rock.

A simple set with tabs down each side and at the rear. The tabs were painted grey but if you looked closely they were the Australian Eucalyptus with a vertical screen to the rear. Lighting was excellent and really made the show. The cast were Claire Duncan, Caitlyn Pasqual, Rhiannin Mitchell, Elsa Kendall and Madeleine Brown,

Each actor handled their roles with professionalism, all playing several roles including males. This was exquisitely acted and the cast gave the real feeling of horror.

A well done production, well directed by Dexter Bourke and a play not to be missed.

Eltham Little theatre

Audition Notice:

Kemp’s curtain call

· The show is Clue opening in November but naturally auditions are being held on Sunday August 13 and Monday August 14.

· On a dark and stormy night, six mysterious guests show up at a stereotypically creepy mansion having each received an invitation from an unknown host. However, as their host’s true intentions are revealed and the night takes a deadly turn, everyone must scramble to catch the killer and try to leave the mansion alive.

· This raucous comedy requires a dynamic ensemble of actors to bring it to life with chutzpah and gusto, and will no doubt be a show to remember for those who make it out alive.

· To make further inquiries go to info@elthamlittletheatre.com.au

A Reminder:

· The Basin theatre opens Thursday August 10 with The 39 Steps

· Bookings: 1300 784 668.

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No. 519 7 9614 84 52

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 To support (7)

5 Supervisors (7)

9 Russian guitar-like instrument (9)

3 Parable (8)

4 Tip of the finger (4)

5 Brotherhood (10)

6 Breaker (6)

7 Former US first lady, – Obama (8)

27 31 3961 7 183

10 Doctor who stands in temporarily (5)

11 Former glacial geological period (3,3)

12 Strongly emotional (8)

14 Stick of coloured wax (5)

15 Field of floating ice (4)

19 United States federal agency that provides mail services (1.1.1.1)

20 Admission (6)

24 Irritated skin bubbles (8)

25 Person who looks after children (6)

27 Spanish island (5)

28 Journeyed (9)

29 Greek goddess of harvest (7)

30 Atrocity (7)

DOWN

1 Surrender (6)

2 Internal organ (6)

8 Of no consequence (2,6)

13 Machine for producing print (10)

16 Having impaired vision (arch.) (8)

17 Looking at the positives (8)

18 Inhabitant (8)

21 Historical royal family of Scotland and Britain (6)

22 Roma is its capital (6)

23 Clear river bed (6)

26 Edible rootstock (4)

easy 76 97 68

DECODER WORDFIT

93 4 156 8 27 54

68 41 5 679 19 8

hard

63 7 59 68 54

medium 762 8927 346

93 74 59 45 3

9-LETTER WORD

I

N

ceding, cent, decent, deign, dent, DETECTING, dine, dinette, ding, dint, entice, enticed, gene, genet, genetic, genie, need, netted, nice, niece, teeing, tend, tenet, tent, tented, tinct, tine, tinge, tinged, tint, tinted

No. 145

No. 145

No. 145

‘LINDEN’ - STUNNING FEDERATION HOME

THIS immaculate and spacious home feels luxurious from the moment you arrive.

Enter through the gorgeous, landscaped gardens to this privately situated family home that is just a minute’s walk to everything Gembrook has to offer. As you enter the home and gaze down the long central hallway you can already feel the charm of the home with 9-foot ceilings and federation finishes throughout. The spacious master bedroom with walk in robe and ensuite welcomes a lovely garden outlook and is located at one end of the home just across from bedroom 4, which also makes for a good-sized study, home office or guest room. As you proceed down the hall you will find the north facing formal lounge with split system air conditioning, which receives an abundance of natural light through the large picture framed windows overlooking the gardens and has the added ambience of a European wood fire.

The house then opens to a welcoming open plan kitchen, dining, family room, complete with a gas log fire, and ceiling fan, whilst there is mains gas ducted heating throughout for the ultimate in comfort and convenience. The kitchen is well equipped with a centrally located island bench, 900mm gas stove top & electric oven, a butler’s pantry, and adjacent dining area, making it the perfect space to entertain family and friends. This open plan space also opens onto the rear entertaining area and a private undercover deck to enjoy all year round. There are a further two spacious bedrooms zoned to the rear of the property, both with built in robes and ceiling fans

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 11

offering plenty of room for the growing family or plenty of work from home possibilities. The rear bedrooms are located adjacent to the family bathroom, and all rooms have stunning garden views.

Add to the amazing location and stunning home with the perfect family footprint 5kW

of solar to reduce the electricity bills, a water tank that is linked to the toilets, a laundry, and a double lock up garage with remote entry and internal access – what more could you want ?

This property has it all so don’t miss outcall to arrange a private inspection today.

Call Samantha Scott 0438 680 032. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

THE PERFECT RETREAT OR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

NESTLED on a sprawling near 2-acre parcel, this property boasts a serene setting enveloped by a gully of lush ferns, established trees and the soothing embrace of the surrounding nature reserve and flowing creek.

With its stunning timber features and unique stylish upgrades, this home offers a harmonious blend of nature and modern comforts.

The property is currently being operated as a successful Airbnb with over 100 5 star reviews and a healthy income to match. If your long-term plan is to slowly migrate to the hills, or would like an immediate income, then this is the property for you!

Featuring 3 charming bedrooms and 2 beautifully renovated bathrooms, this residence is an oasis of comfort and style.

The bathrooms have been thoughtfully designed to create a luxurious ambiance, ensuring your daily routines are elevated to a new level of relaxation.

Prepare to be inspired in the spacious kitchen, boasting ample room and adorned with a mix of stone and timber benches. The kitchen adjoins the lounge, family and dining area that are bathes in natural light from the near wall of windows providing the most breath-taking view.

Step outside and be captivated by the stunning outdoor entertaining area.

Whether you’re hosting family gatherings, celebrating special occasions, or simply unwinding after a long day, this space provides the perfect backdrop. Immerse yourself in nature’s tranquillity while enjoying the company of loved ones.

For your convenience, the property features a sealed drive, ensuring easy access. The chook shed completes the hills lifestyle you’ve been looking for.

Located only minutes from multiple townships offerings shops, cafes, restaurants and an abundance of amenities, don’t miss the opportunity to make this sanctuary your home. ●

Address: 39 Lisheen Road, COCKATOO Description:

Contact: Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218, BARRY PLANT EMERALD

29KitchenerParade, Cockatoo

COUNTRYSIDECHARMERON966M2

FORSALE.

GUIDE $750,000-$795,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

20HaylockAvenue, Cockatoo

TIMETOBUILDTHEHOMEOFYOURDREAMS

892m2

FORSALE.

GUIDE $330,000-$360,000 INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT LanaMaher 0408535075

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

7LuciaCourt, Gembrook

STYLISHRESORTSTYLELIVING!

4 A T 3 B T 2 C T

FORSALE. GUIDE $1,150,000-$1,250,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

ALWAYSBUYINAGREATLOCATION!!!

18LeggRoad, Emerald 3 A

FORSALE.

GUIDE $695,000-$750,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT LanaMaher 0408535075

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

3,27-33WoodsStreet, Beaconsfield

TIMETOBUILDTHEHOMEOFYOURDREAMS

64m2

FORSALE.

GUIDE $420,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

ENDLESSPOTENTIAL,EXCEPTIONALVALUE

2002WellingtonRoad, Clematis 3

FORSALE.

GUIDE $650,000-$715,000 INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT RileyNicholas 0488501218

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

3BerrysRoad, Emerald

FANTASTICBUYINGINTHEHEARTOFEMERALD

5 A T 2 B T 3 C T

FORSALE.

GUIDE $800,000-$880,000 INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

39LisheenRoad, Cockatoo

THEPERFECTRETREATORBUSINESSOPPORTUNITY

3 A T 2 B T

FORSALE.

GUIDE $1,100,000-$1,200,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT RileyNicholas 0488501218

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

31SelbyAuraRoad, MenziesCreek

FAMILYENTERTAINERINALEAFYPANORAMA

4 A T 2 B T 2 C T

FORSALE.

GUIDE $830,000-$860,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

AWE INSPIRING ‘MIMOSA HOUSE’

IF you are looking for the most stunning property on the mountain - this is it!

This exceptional home resides on nearly an acre with dual access & is the latest offering from the renowned Sanco Build Group working in collaboration with UXD Architects and Adam Naulty Landscape Design.

Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living areas, 8 car accommodation & all fully fenced & landscaped from boundary to boundary this architectural masterpiece offers luxury, practicality, convenience & the ultimate in comfort. This property really does have to be seen to be believed, with nothing to do & too many features to mention. Some of the highlights include:

· 9 foot ceilings throughout

· Stunning entertainer’s kitchen with walk in pantry

· Landscaping including over 400 plants & exposed concrete driveway

· 1kW hot water pump and a 6kW solar panel system

· Full C-Bus automation for remote access to heating, blinds, gate, shed door & lighting

· Dedicated wine cellar

· 10m x 6m under house garage

· 6.8m x 15.7m workshop/shed

· And the list goes on!

The photos do not not do this property justice & I doubt it would be possible in today’s climate to build such a luxurious, move in ready home in such a private, peaceful & natural location for the price at which this property is being offered todaybook an inspection & do the sums yourself!

To experience the most stunning home in the Hills call Samantha Scott to arrange a private tour on 0438 680 032. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

95RainyHillRoad,Cockatoo$1,500,000-$1,650,000

Welcometo‘RainyHillRetreat’!

Sittingon16tranquilacresisthisstunningMudbrickHomewithlandscapedgardens.Themainhouse isfloodedwithnaturallight&hasoneofakindhandmadewindows&doors.With7mceilingsin theopenplanliving,kitchen,diningarea.ThehomehasaMasterSuitewithWIR,polishedconcrete floors,toastywoodfire&asplitsystem.Upstairsisaspaciousbedroomwithstorage&aJuliet balcony,asittingroom/library&officespacewhichcouldbeconvertedinto2furtherbedrooms. TheFrenchProvincialkitchenfeaturesawalk-inpantry,marblebenchtops&freestanding900mm stove,withafurtherwoodfireinthelivingarea.OutsidethereisabungalowwithsplitsystemA/C& anupdatedbathroom,perfectforguests.Witha180m2,rammedearthshedwithvariousworkshop &storagespaces&homeoffice/studiowithbathroom&splitsystemupstairs.

‘Linden’-Stunning&ImmaculateFederationHome!

Thisprivatelysituatedfamilyhomewith9-footceilings&landscapedgardensisjustaminute’swalkto everythingGembrookhastooffer.ThemasterbedroomhasaWIR&ensuite,&islocatedtothefront ofthehomewithbedroom4.ThereisanorthfacingformalloungewithsplitsystemAC,abundant naturallight,&ambientEuropeanwoodfire.Thehouseopenstothekitchen/dining/familyroom,with agaslogfire&ceilingfan,whilstthereismainsgasductedheating.Thekitchenhasanislandbench, 900mmgasstovetop&electricoven,abutler’spantry,&adjacentdiningarea.Thisopenplan spaceleadstotherearentertainingarea.Thereare2spaciousbedroomstotherearoftheproperty withBIRs&ceilingfans.Therearbedroomsutilizethefamilybathroom.With5kWofsolar,awatertank linkedtothetoilets,alaundry,&aDLUGwithremoteentry&internalaccess.

LuxuryFeatures,PrivateSettingandOver5acrestoImmerseYourselfIn!

Theentertainingdeckfeaturesaspa,ceilingfans&abuiltinbar.Insidethehomediscoveramodern openplankitchen/dining/loungeroomwithawoodfire&splitsystemAC.Thekitchenhasalarge islandbench,electricoven&stovetop,&dishwasher.Themasterbedroomoffers2spaciousWIRs, splitsystemAC,&ensuitewithdualvanities&dualshower,&atoilet.Thesecondloungeroomhasa woodfire,baywindows&aceilingfan.Thefurther3bedroomshaveBIRs&splitsystemACs.There isalargefencedyard,2fencedpaddocks,adam,3*22,000Watertanks,2hotwaterservices, anexternalgeneratorplug,an8kWSolarSystem&sprinklersystem,anddoubleglazedwindows throughout.Thereisalargeshedapprox.16m*8mwithconcretefloor,power&lights.Therearealso smallersheds,achickencoop,&achildrensplaygroundarea.

TheUltimateFamilyHomeintheHeartofGembrook!

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

11Banks-SmithDrive,Gembrook$980,000-$1,070,000

250Gembrook-TonimbukRoad,Gembrook$1,200,000-$1,300,000

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

LEVEL BLOCK AND CLASSIC HOME

BUYERS seeking endless potential in a perfect position will discover it here at this idyllic property. Featuring a classic home, a coveted level block, and a convenient location only 250m from shopping, cafes, schools, and transport, this property is the trifecta of investments.

This 1,545sqm (approx.) allotment is enriched with established amenities. The large shed comprising space for machinery, workshop, storage, and a double carport, is immense value-add not to mention the dual frontage off Stanley Road. Mature trees, grape vines, and a long gravel drive are just some of the features on offer.

Inside, this period home is a thoughtful blend of original charm and modern updates. The lounge features large windows and the dine-in kitchen is equipped with ample storage and a gas cooker. With 3 generous bedrooms, a flexible study zone, and an updated bathroom, you could move right in and make yourself at home.

Alternatively, new owners may want to capitalise on the large block and prized location with a new development (STCA). This is a highly sought-after pocket that would appeal to a wide range of buyers trying to make their way into this lifestyle location.

With so many options, why wait? Prompt inspection is advised to secure this outstanding opportunity. Plan your viewing today.

· Highly coveted level 1,545sqm (approx.) allotment

· Large shed for machinery, workshop, storage, and carport

· Established garden with long drive, mature trees, and grape vines

· Classic single-storey home with gas ducted heating, split system unit, and external blinds for comfort

· Classic kitchen with gas cooker and generous lounge with large windows ●

transport,andSassafrasPrimarySchoolisallaboutfinedetails.Fromthethoughtfully landscapedgardenstothedesignerinteriorfilledwithfunctionalityandcharm,thisproperty suitshouseproudbuyerssearchingforsomethingexceptional. BradConder M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au DanielSteen M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

ThisfabulousfamilyhomesitsnestledbetweenthepracticalitiesofUpweytownshipand thepicturesqueparklandstheDandenongRangesarefamousfor.Boastingabeautiful 1,009sqm(approx.)allotmentwithalonglistoffeaturescertaintoimpresshomeownersand tradespeople,thisistheperfectplacetomakeyourselfathome.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

3 A 2 B 2 C

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

GlennChandler

M 0418410689| E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

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

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

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

Powerful Owl back in wild

A precious Powerful Owl is back thriving in the mountains after receiving specialised care at Healesville Sanctuary.

The owl was found injured on the roadside by a passer-by in Emerald, south-east of Melbourne, and transported by a Wildlife Victoria carer to Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre for care.

Healesville Sanctuary veterinary nurse Evie Tochterman said the owl’s injuries suggested it had suffered head trauma.

“One eye had a minor ulcer on the cornea, and it had blood around his mouth and nostrils. But it was otherwise bright and alert,” Ms Tochterman said.

“We provided pain relief and eye ointments to treat the ulcer, as well as basic supportive care, which included feeding and heating.”

Further examinations a week later showed that the eye ulcer had healed and the owl showed promising signs of rehabilitation. Once the Powerful Owl began eating on its own and passed a flight fitness test it returned to its wild home.

Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre treats approximately 2,000 wildlife patients each year, as well as caring for the resident animals at Healesville Sanctuary.

The hospital gallery space has recently been renovated and will be open to visitors at the end of August.

New features include a vet detective station, the chance to view blood samples and X-rays, a space for reflection following the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, peep holes to see footage of animals returning to the wild after being rehabilitated, a comfy podcast zone and Future Vets play zone.

Powerful Owls are considered Vulnerable in Victoria and listed as Threatened under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

Anyone who finds injured wildlife is encouraged to contact Wildlife Victoria.

General Notices General Classifieds Employment

unless

source

and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

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.

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

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

Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018, based on the description above.

3.The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EMR regulatory arrangements.

4.In accordance with section 7 of the Industry Code, C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, you are invited to provide feedback about the proposal.

5.Comments will be accepted until Monday 21st August 2023 (COB)

6.Further information, requests and/or comments should be directed to:

Tiana Sinopoli | Ventia

E: tiana.sinopoli@ventia.com

Ph. 0472 615 265

12625091-AA32-23

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.

Applications to Group Editor Garry Howe: garry.howe@starnewsgroup.com.au

The owl was found injured by a passer by in Emerald.

Picture: ZOOS VICTORIA

To be seen and celebrated

By Tanya Steele

Poor social media presence in women’s football has been brought to the forefront while the final games are currently being played out in Outer East Women’s Football finals.

The CEO of the Outer League Football and Netball was contacted by a player unhappy with how the league has been managing the social media presence of the women’s football team.

Seville club player Jamee Cousens said she wants to feel equal, not just a minority when she is represented online.

“I feel like while the league has made a place for women, they haven’t celebrated them,” she said.

The Outer East Facebook page also had a number of complaints posted online on the weekend of 29 and 30 July about a noticeable lack of scoreboards being posted for the women’s games.

Ms Cousens emailed the CEO directly on Sunday 30 July and said that it’s not just local people, it’s people from outside the teams who have noticed.

CEO of the Outer East FNL Brett Connell said in response the league have a third party that provides social media for them which is under contract.

“Most of the women’s footy falls outside the time where they [the third party] finish up,” he said.

Mr Connell said the social media issue had been raised prior to the recent public scrutiny by the Women’s Advisory Group that he and other members of the league is a part of.

“We could have been on this in a more timely manner, but we have addressed it now,” he said.

The Outer East released a two-page statement on Wednesday 2 August addressing the issue.

“...While some Women’s matches are completed earlier in the day the majority are completed after the cut-off time we have contracted with our partner, which does not allow for us to provide this service across our Women’s competition currently…”

Mornington Peninsula Football and Netball

Club Women’s director Harvey White has also observed the Outer East FNL’s lack of posts covering the women’s sport.

“I met Jamee online because I was actively looking for pages that support women’s football,” he said.

MrWhite said balanced representation also relies on the clubs themselves promoting and sending into the outer league.

“You’ll then see more representation by them at the league level because they’re sending that information in,” he said.

Mr White said that at the club in Mornington, they have really tried to “build a program that gives women every opportunity that men’s football has.”

“It’s a relatively new thing but as long as you stay positive, it will build,” he said.

The Outer East FNL has received prior contact in 2020 from Ms Cousens regarding social media and representation for women - when she had previously played for Yarra Junction.

Ms Cousens said at the time she highlighted to the league that season reviews were not balanced - a fact which was particularly noticeable in the year 2020 when the Yarra Junction Women’s team performed really well and made it to the grand final.

“There was the season review which was this huge lengthy article and we only had one sentence dedicated to our team,” Ms Cousens said.

Community members and family have also recently told Ms Cousins that if they didn’t already know that the women’s teams were present in the league, they wouldn’t know they were there based on the social media presence they have.

“There are 12 women teams and if you go through their Facebook page there is very little mention of that,” she said.

“They’ll do a team of the week, and they’ll pick out players or men’s players and netball players across the whole division and create the team of the week and the women’s football is never getting anything like that.”

Other sporting leagues in Victoria have not appeared to have the same gap in presentation, many with a dedicated social media presence for women.

“Our neighbouring league, the Eastern

Football Netball League, it is unreal the difference, they post their ladders,” Ms Cousens said.

“It is completely different and it seems incredibly inclusive. Everyone is portrayed as equal and it is what I would expect from our league.”

Mr Connell said he acknowledged the process of representing women in football is a process.

“It’s a journey we go on. Every day, we want to improve how we represent our female community, which is continuing to grow,” he said.

Ms Cousens said that the players just want to be fairly represented by the club and that with all the progress that has been made, there is still work to be done.

“If people know there are local women’s teams around, more people can get involved,” she said.

The Outer East FNL has stated it would cover the upcoming finals and rectify the issue in the coming year.

“Outer East Football and Netball acknowledge that the recognition, display and distribution of Women’s results have not been to an acceptable standard in 2023. We apologise for this and commit to making improvements across ourWomen’s finals and for the 2024 season to rectify this important matter.

Equal participation and representation across all levels of community football is one of the key aims by the AFL outlined in its ‘Women’s Football Vision for 2021 - 2030’ document and social media is an important part of that representation.

Ms Cousens said the apology only addressed one part of the social media and representation issue and she would like to see more from the league.

“With how far we’ve come. It just doesn’t seem fitting that we are where we are,” she said.

Olinda’s senior women to enter first-ever grand final

Olinda lined up on preliminary final weekend to face a Healesville side that had defeated them twice convincingly during the home and away season. Olinda was yet to defeat Healesville….ever.

In keeping with all previous meetings

Healesville jumped Olinda in the first quarter.

Ruck colossus Chelsea Wilson received a couple of knees to the ribs, and effectively spent the rest of the game in the arms of the trainers. Olinda’s younger, smaller mosquito fleet were bumped and bullied by their older, bigger opponents.

Battered and bruised, Olinda trudged off the battlefield having gone down to a rampaging Healesville by 33 points, the “other” Bloods booking themselves a place in the Grand Final the following week. That was 2022.

2023, Polk Salad Annie, Olinda’s in the grand final.

Olinda overran their fiercest adversary, Healesville, in the second half at a glorious Don Road oval on Sunday, finishing the game four points in front, and securing a ticket to the big dance next weekend against Pakenham.

The last quarter was one of the most intense ever experienced in women’s football.

Healesville started the quarter two points in front, and peppering their goals unrewarded for the first nine minutes.

Healesville were about to reap that reward when they eared a free kick 20 metres out from goal.

All Olinda hearts sunk when the whistle blew for a second time, thinking Olinda had given away a 25-metre penalty, putting the Healesville player on the goal line.

Enter into the picture reigning full back of the year Casey (The Vault) Seymour. Whether by luck, sleight of hand or a pure brain fade by her opponent, Case found herself on her backside in the goal square, the second whistle was to award her a free kick. If there was ever an example of why women’s football matches need two umpires officiating,

this was it.

The Vault thundered the ball out wide to Kyah (The Missile) Barry who turned inboard and kicked to (DJ) Ness Curnow (nee Bateman). Ness turned deftly and handballed to a running Georgia (Peaches) Stubs who switched onto the chest of the dangerous Emmalee (Bruce Lee) Keegan. Bruce burst off her opponent and thumped the ball into the forward line. Full forward Ruby (Barb) Gilson swooped on the ball at half forward, brushed off her opponent and pounded the ball to the top of a vacant goal square. In the most fortuitous bounce ever witnessed, the ball bounced at a 90-degree angle and at the perfect height of the descending Grace (The Ace) Belloni who ran into the open goal to put Olinda four points in front, and they would never be headed. The minority Olinda crowd erupted with a roar that surely would have been heard by those back at home.

What followed was what seemed the longest seven minutes in the players’ and supporters’ lives, where every second felt like a minute. The ball lived in Healesville’s forward line, and every Olinda back, mid, and half forward fought desperately to prevent a score.

After an eternity of fierce defending the siren finally sounded with the ball fittingly

in the hands of “OG” Emmalee Keegan. The players, officials and supporters cheered and hugged in joyous excitement. Olinda had finally defeated their arch nemesis on the most important of days.

A host of Olinda players played brilliantly on the day. As the coach sat in the rooms after the game he had 14 magnets in front of him agonising over which he would leave out of the votes.

While it would be appropriate to give all the players an individual wrap, hopefully that can be done next week.

A special mention must go to Captain Courageous Claire Hyett who continues to lead and inspire all around her, on and off the field. Unfortunately Anja (Onions) Hulston will miss next week’s grand final due to competing in national championships interstate. Onions has been a secret recipe to Olinda’s success this season, and her unheralded work blanketing the opposition’s best each week has been invaluable.

Olinda plays in it’s first grand final next Sunday against Pakenham at the magnificent Don Road oval at Healesville. For those wishing to see the best Outer East women’s football has to offer, this will be a spectacle not to be missed.

Jamee Cousens was Captain of the Yarra Junction women’s team in 2021. Picture: SUPPLIED

Brucey Keegan was just as pumped for her teammate to put Olinda in front.

Grace (The Ace) Belloni was pretty happy to kick the winning goal.

Pictures: TREVOR CURRIE

Rice, Laven sizzle on course

By Jamie Strudley

Team Yarra Ranges Athletics travelled to Ballarat on Sunday for round 7 of the 2023 XCR series. The team returned some amazing performances led by an outstanding run from Brigette Rice. The annual event held around Lake Wendouree in Ballarat attracted over 600 athletes from throughout Victoria. The cool but calm conditions providing ideal opportunities for our team to shine.

Brigette Rice got the day off to a sizzling start with an outright win in the junior women 6km event. Brigette, competing in the U18 grade, stormed around the lap of the lake in 20.50 to finish 20 seconds clear of the next best female finisher. Maddie Laven raced her way to a win in the U20 women’s race. Both Brigette and Maddie will be representingVictoria at the upcoming Australian Cross Country Championships.

It was then the turn of our seniors to run two and a bit laps of the lake to complete the 15km road race championships. Max SavillBentley showed he is in great form heading into the Australian Half Marathon Championships next weekend with a 21st place run in 47.38 to lead our team to a seventh place finish in Division 2.

Olivia Twining continued her excellent XCR season with another club record running 55.57 for 12th place. Our team of Olivia, Abi Hyndman, Katrina Winger, Georgia Laven, Grace Muller and Lis Coffey had their best team result of the series with a second place to move them to second on the ladder. Full results are:

15km

· Women Open Olivia Twining 55:57; Abi Hyndman 1:01:04; Katrina Winger 1:03:19; Georgia Laven 1:06:04; Grace Muller 1:08:21; Elisabeth Coffey 1:16:42;

· Men Open Max Savill-Bentley 47:38; James Laven 51:22; Seamus Dwyer 51:55; Jared Byrne 55:46; Chris Grundy 55:51; Matthew Morrison 1:00:43; Michael Clarke 1:02:52; Graham Coutts 1:06:58; Logan Dutton 1:08:08; Bryan Ackerly 1:14:02; 6km

· Women U20 Madeline Laven 22:51; Mia Strudley 27:03;

· Women U18 Brigitte Rice 20:50;

· Women U16 Zoe Clarke 22:32;

· Women U14 Brienna Coffey 26:56; Lily Clarke 26:58;

· Men U16 Mitchell Pointon 22:28

It was a fun morning at the annual Handicap Day for 2023. A new location for this year’s cross country event, with our runners taking to the course at Lillydale Lake, with all athletes chasing a spot on the podium! The format provides athletes not normally the fastest in their races with an opportunity to be first over the line based on a head start given to them by our club handicapper. The aim being to have athletes crossing the line together.

Thank you to the set up crew, course marshals and timers for a successful day.Well done to all the athletes for trying their best today.

Podium results are:

· 500m Boys Equal Gold in a thrilling race, Finley Malcher and Angus Congreve.

· 500m Gold Emily Moore.

· 1000m Boys Gold Cody Buckland, Silver Byron Stark, Bronze Spencer Norman.

· 1000m Girls Gold Tillie Sommers, Silver Imo-

gen McMillan, Bronze Lola Farmilo.

· 1500m Boys Gold Jake Buckland, Silver Micah Friend, Bronze Xander Sommers.

· 1500m Girls Gold Isla Haisma, Silver Caitlyn McKerlie, Bronze Hayley Nealon.

· 2000m Boys Gold Tobyn Harris, Silver Jonty Friend, Bronze Jay Burke.

· 2000m Girls Gold Mackenzie Graham, Silver Shazia Geisler, Bronze Meadow AndersonBonsor.

· 3000m Boys Gold Hamish McKerlie, Silver Zac McMillan, Bronze Ryder Holland.

· 3000m Girls Gold Brookley Horsburgh, Silver Elsie Mitchell.

· 3000m Men Gold Tim Anderson-Bonsor, Silver Bryan Ackerly.

· 3000m Women Gold Renee Horsley, Silver Katie Clarke.

Next week the Little Athletics team head

to Lake Dewar for the Little Athletics Victoria State Cross Country Championships. There will not be a regular Saturday morning cross country, our next round being on 19 August at Margaret Lewis Reserve, Coldstream.

Training continues for all club members on Tuesday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm at Victoria Road Primary School gym. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability.

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

For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org. au or check us out on Facebook. Run, Jump, Throw…too easy!

Crucial time of year for control of laminitis in horses

By Anita Prowse

This time of year is crucial to keep those founder-prone under control, the following article from RSPCA highlights some of the issues.

Laminitis (also termed founder) is inflammation of the laminae of the foot – the soft tissue structures that attach the coffin or pedal bone of the foot to the hoof wall.

The inflammation and damage to the laminae causes extreme pain and leads to instability of the coffin bone in the hoof. In more severe cases it can lead to complete separation of and rotation of the pedal bone within the hoof wall.

Initial (acute) symptoms

· Although all four feet can be affected, the forelimbs are more frequently and more severely affected than the hindlimbs

· Affected horses are reluctant to move and adopt a ‘sawhorse’ stance where they rock their weight back off the more badly affected forelimbs

· Laminitic horses will often lie down

· It will be difficult for you to pick up one forelimb due to the severe pain of the other supporting forelimb

· The hoof wall and coronary band (the soft tissue around the top of the hoof) are often warm to touch

· There is often pain on application of hoof testers (a tool your vet or farrier uses to assess hoof pain) – particularly over the toe area

· Digital pulses are strong and rapid (the digital pulse is found at the back of your horse’s fetlock). If you are uncertain how to check this, ask your vet to demonstrate.

Chronic symptoms

These are found in cases where the inflammation has existed for some time and structural changes are now evident:

· There are laminitic“rings” on the surface of affected hooves which correspond to previous episodes of laminitis

· The hoof wall takes on a dish/slipper shape

with long toes

· Where the pedal bone has rotated in the hoof, there is a bulge in the sole corresponding to the rotated bone

· The horse has restricted movement in its front legs and will tend to place more weight on its back legs, often described as a ‘laminitic stance’.

Causes

Over-feeding fat ponies is a very common cause, particularly during the spring months after recent rain. The soluble carbohydrate

content increases in grasses and clovers after rain. When ingested, this causes metabolic changes that result in altered blood flow to the laminae of the foot.

Other causes include:

· Over-feeding grain or grain engorgement when a horse gets into a feed shed/bin

· Retained placenta in post-foaling mares

· Septicaemic conditions

· Obesity (a common predisposing factor in laminitic ponies)

· Lameness which prevents weight bearing in one leg leading to laminitis in another supporting limb

· Trauma resulting from excess work in unshod horses on hard ground, or from overenthusiastic hoof trimming

Risk Group

· Fat ponies and their cross-breeds are most predisposed to laminitis. However, any horse suffering a condition mentioned above may also be affected.

· Horses which show signs of previous episodes of laminitis (e.g. hoof rings or slipper-shaped feet) are predisposed to future episodes because they have fewer healthy laminae remaining to support the pedal bone.

· Spring is when most episodes of laminitis due to over-feeding occur.

Diagnosis

If you suspect your horse has laminitis, seek veterinary attention immediately.

If you suspect your horse has laminitis, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Brigette Rice won the junior women 6km event to start off her day.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Maddie Laven raced her way to a win in the U20 women’s race.

Olivia Twining set another club record.

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