Mail - Ranges Trader Star Mail - 22nd August 2023

Supreme Court Justice decides in favour of Yarra Ranges Council

Cockatoo community takes stand on animal welfare

Lantern and Light Children’s International Film Festival

Young talent from The Basin hits TV screens on The Voice

This is a page turner

School students across the state will be burying their faces in pages and discovering the beauty of reading as we kick off book week this weekand the rest of the community is getting among it with them. This week we take the time to celebrate authors, our favourite fictional characters, and the joys that are held within the pages of our favourite books. Take a look at what books our community has been enjoying on pages 9 and 10.

Kinders stunner

By Tanya Faulkner

A community is in shock as Knox City Council comes to a decision on locally-run kindergarten services.

The council had decided to stop running standalone kindergarten services and will make its buildings available to other sessional kindergarten providers from January 2025. The meeting held earlier this week on 14 August was a tense environment, as debate broke out around two amended proposals presented to the council.

The first was submitted by Cr Sorina Grasso stating that council should seriously consider option 1.

Cr Grasso suggested that from the level of community engagement provided, including the feedback from kindergarten staff at a meeting on 7 August, council should remain a sessional kindergarten provider, creating a more sustainable service by consolidating the existing service to no more than 20 sites from 2024, and increase the hours offered to 1.5 hours.

She also mentioned that by going with option 2, there would be approximately 110 se-

cure jobs lost, which would not be good for the employees or their families, and the redundancy costs may be a burden on the council.

“The quality of service and the needs of our kids should be at the forefront of our thinking,” she told councillors.

Cr Grasso also stated that going with option 1 would result in “significant savings”, and that further review would need to be undertaken by 2026 regarding the implication of the state government’s requirements.

The amendment also included the receipt

of a petition organised by the Australian Education Union (AEU) containing 2255 names urging council to act to ensure their kindergarten services would continue to be delivered by City of Knox Council.

Scott Ward Cr Lisa Cooper rebutted saying the savings suggested in option 1 were only short to medium term, and that the expenses on council were likely to increase over time, particularly as government funding had no certainty behind it.

Continued page 5

Council wins Monbulk fight

By Tyler Wright

Supreme Court justice Melinda Richards has decided to dismiss a case against Yarra Ranges Council which was brought before the court earlier this month.

On Thursday 3 August, the Supreme Court heard from plaintiff Darren Dickson, who sought an injuction to stop the council passing its Monbulk Urban Design Framework and called for a 12-month extension for community consultation on the draft document.

Mr Dickson also argued that the council closing its in-person meetings to the public gallery earlier this year and preventing meeting attendees filming councillors and council staff contravened the Local Government Act II.

Handing down her judgment on Friday 18 August, Justice Richards ruled that the council did not breach democratic principles throughout the consultation process or in its decision to temporarily close the gallery to the public throughout their meetings.

“Mr Dickson does not have standing to seek the remedies claimed,” she wrote.

“He has not shown that he has a special interest in the subject matter of the proceeding. His interest in the UDF and the conduct of Council meetings is no different from that of any member of the public.”

On 20 April, Yarra Ranges Council announced its decision to close its meetings to a public gallery until at least June, citing an “increasing pattern of verbal abuse, intimidation and anti-social behaviour” as its reasoning.

It came after Mayor Jim Child previously adjourned two council meetings after members of the fringe-community group My Place Yarra Valley either interjected from the public gallery or filmed councillors and staff without permission from the chair, the Star Mail previously reported.

At the practice court hearing, Yarra Ranges Council’s manager of design and place, Na-

IN BRIEF

Collision on Wellington Road

Two people were transported to Dandenong Hospital after a car accident in Emerald on Monday 14 August, Ambulance Victoria has confirmed.

Paramedics and CFA crews were called to an incident on Wellington Road, approximately 200 metres east of Aura Vale Road, at about 6.30am. A CFA spokesperson said two Clematis CFA units responded to a washaway as a result of the incident.

“Crews discovered a five-car motor vehicle incident. No one was trapped,” the spokeperson said. It’s believed one car hit a deer and then continued to hit the other four vehicles.

The spokesperson said Victoria Police were called for traffic control. The incident was deemed under control at 6.41am and deemed safe at 7.51am.

Collision in Cockatoo

A man was taken to The Alfred Hospital after

than Islip told the court of the “intimidating” behaviour he experienced at the meeting on 31 January as he approached the front of the gallery to converse with attendees.

“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 Islip said.

“I felt quite unsafe.”

Council meetings were livestreamed online, with members of the public able to attend virtually and access video recordings of the meetings published online.

Attendance registration and identification checks now required for those in attendance to enter the meeting since the gallery was reopened to the public on Tuesday 11 July.

Mr Dickson argued during court proceedings that the online meetings prevented people experiencing financial constraints, unfamiliarity with computers, or a poor internet

connection, from accessing a “fundamental aspect of democracy”.

But Justice Richards’ decision noted the Local Government Act allows council meetings to be held in person or online, “or in a hybrid format as they had been held until this point”.

“In my view, council meetings are required to be open to the public in order to further the objective of the Local Government Act that councils are accountable, transparent and engaged with their communities, and to give effect to the public transparency principles and the community engagement principles,” she said.

“This can be achieved by virtual attendance and participation as well as, or as an alternative to, being physically present at a council meeting.”

Justice Richards said while some members of the public may not have been able to access online meetings, there may also be people who are not able to attend council meetings in person due to disability, lack of transport, work commitments or caring responsibilities.

“Those people may find it easier to view and participate in Council meetings online,” she said.

“An additional consideration is that there is space in the public gallery for only a small fraction of the Yarra Ranges community.

“There is no evidence that anyone was disadvantaged or prevented from participating because the meetings were conducted virtually rather than in person.”

Justice Richards said the Council does not have a policy of banning filming in the public gallery.

“As noted, r 75 of the Governance Rules provides that a person must not film a Council meeting without obtaining the consent of the Chair.

“It does not appear that the people who filmed the Council meeting on 11 April 2023 sought the consent of the Chair to do so. Mr

Hilson’s evidence was that they filmed the meeting without permission, in a disruptive and intimidatory way.

“In light of the behaviour he described, it is hardly surprising that the Mayor did not agree to them continuing to film the meeting.”

Justice Richards also wrote in her decision that the council “is meeting its obligations” under the Local Government Act and the Charter of Human Rights to engage with the community in relation to the UDF.

“The Council’s meetings have at all relevant times been open to the public.

“The proceeding must be dismissed.”

A Yarra Ranges Council spokesperson said in a statement that it “welcomes” the decision from Justice Richards, who“dismissed the case in its entirety and awarded costs to Council from the plaintiff, Darren Dickson”.

“On 3 August 2023, Yarra Ranges Council defended proceedings at the Supreme Court of Victoria in relation to a number of issues, primarily concerning community engagement for the development of the Draft Monbulk Urban Design Framework, temporarily moving the public gallery for Council meetings to online only and the recently introduced registration process for Council meetings,” the spokesperson said.

“We are pleased that the decision from Her Honour reinforces that Council’s actions were appropriate in all instances and for the betterment of our local communities.

“Council is reviewing Her Honour’s decision of the case and will provide a detailed response in due course.”

Justice Richards has ordered Mr Dickson to pay the council’s costs of the proceeding, and has given Mr Dickson the opportunity to file a written submission if he wishes to persuade the justice to make a different order as to costs.

Mr Dickson was contacted by the Star Mail for comment.

a car accident in Cockatoo on Wednesday 16 August. Paramedics were called to a report of a car versus motorbike around 3.30pm, an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson confirmed.

“A man believed to be in his 40s was taken to The Alfred by road ambulance with lower body injuries in a serious but stable condition,” the spokesperson said.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson told the Star Mail on Wednesday 16 August a man was being treated for injuries to his pelvis, leg and back and appeared to be in a “serious but stable condition” at that time.

Fatal collision in Upper Ferntree

Gully

Police are investigating a fatal collision in Upper Ferntree Gully late last week. It is understood a car and bus collided on Burwood Highway, near the intersection of Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, about 8.40pm on Friday 18 August. The driver of the car, who is yet to

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

be formally identified, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the bus was not injured. There were no passengers on the bus at the time of the collision.

Police are working to establish the exact circumstances of the collision and investigations are ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

For the current provisional lives lost tally please see https://www.police.vic.gov.au/ road-safety-0

Woman caught drink-driving in Bayswater

Highway Patrol members intercepted a 51-year-old female motorist in Bayswater on 13 August after calls from the public. The

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.

woman returned a positive Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) for alcohol. She accompanied police for the purpose of an Evidentiary Breath Test (EBT) and later produced a result of 0.234. The woman’s licence was immediately suspended and her vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1,036. She will be invited to sit before a magistrate at a later date.

Woman, two children hurt in Avonsleigh crash

Paramedics were called to a traffic crash in Avonsleigh just after 5pm on Saturday 19 August, Ambulance Victoria has confirmed.

“Awomaninher30sandtwochildrenweretakentoAnglissHospital,allinastablecondition,” an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said. “A teenage female was taken to Maroondah Hospital in a stable condition. “A woman in her 50s was taken to Maroondah Hospital in a stable condition with a lower body injury.”

Plaintiff Darren Dickson took Yarra Ranges Council to the Supreme Court on Thursday 3 August, arguing the council’s decision to close its gallery to the public during meetings contravened the Local Government Act, and sought an injunction to stop the council passing the Draft Monbulk Urban Design Framework. Picture: JAMES ROSS/AAP

Deer plan partly welcomed

By Tyler Wright

Groups have welcomed the introduction of the federal government’s new deer management plan, but are calling for more action to be taken to eradicate the “feral species”.

The National Deer Action Plan, released on Monday 14 August, sets out 22 actions to reduce the impacts of feral deer on the environment, agriculture and communities.

In recent years, deer have become a growing threat to Australia’s primary industries, natural environments and community values as their population continues to expand; most prominently in easternVictoria.

Cardinia Deer Management Coalition member Johannes Wenzel said even under the state government’s Peri-urban Deer Control Program, only relatively small areas of Parks Victoria’s land have undergone culling activities.

“Significant areas where threatened native species flora and fauna and communities are impacted by feral deer are missing out most likely because of insufficient funding,” Mr Wenzel said.

The National Deer Action Plan was developed by a working group and supported by the National Feral Deer Management Coordinator, in partnership and consultation with stakeholders across Australia.

One of these groups was the Cardinia Deer Management Coalition, which submitted suggestions during the consultation process for the plan.

“[The plan] highlights the need of landscape scale, cross-tenure feral deer control with at least 35-50 per cent of deer to be removed to just keep the numbers at a steady level or better more to achieve a reduction,” MrWenzel said.

“Another big problem is the fact that nobody knows the number of the feral deer population in the Dandenong Ranges and there-

fore it is impossible to establish a 35 per cent or 50 per cent [decrease].”

In 2021, the Cardinia Deer Management Coalition conducted an aerial thermal helicopter survey of feral deer over 110 square kilometres between Emerald in the north, Harkaway in the South, Menzies Creek in the west and Mt Burnett in the East, and identified a density of 15 deer per square kilometre and an abundance of 1695, plus or minus 324 deer in the area.

There have also been recent reports of property damage as a result of deer invading residences and car accidents caused as a result of the species infiltrating main arterial roads in the Dandenongs andYarraValley.

“Hopefully public and private land managers, mainly the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA, previously DELWP), Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water will follow that recommendation,” Mr Wenzel said.

“It is important to realise that deer control has been sadly neglected and underfunded for many years. Under stewardship of those agencies deer numbers have increased dramati-

cally over the last 10 to 15 years.”

The Invasive Species Council of Australia has also welcomed the plan, but warned that feral deer are on track to spread across the whole country and “severely damage’ world heritage areas unless significant funding is also committed by the federal government.

“This plan should be a wake-up call for the Victorian and Tasmanian governments, where deer are still legally protected as a game animal, reflecting an outdated attitude to a serious invasive species,” Invasive Species Council officer inVictoria Peter Jacobs said.

“Feral deer overgraze and trample native grasslands and ring-bark native shrubs and trees. They cause erosion and degrade water quality by wallowing in wetlands and streams, impacting the homes of native species like the platypus.

“As deer spread into urban areas, including around Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane, they are threatening the lives of motorists, destroying gardens, contaminating critical water catchments and damaging the few remaining patches of urban bushland.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Murray Watt and Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, issued a joint media release on Monday announcing the plan.

“Feral deer numbers have exploded from 50,000 in 1980 to between one and two million, today. They are the ‘next rabbit’ of Australia’s feral species,” Ms Plibersek said.

“The National Feral Deer Action Plan will develop and trial new tools, to build capacity to detect, cull and prevent further spread of this feral pest.

“Feral deer do enormous damage to our native wildlife and precious places – they kill threatened species and damage critical habitat.

Ms Plibersek said the government is com-

mitted to “protecting our precious species” and leaving nature “better off for our kids and grandkids”.

“Feral deer are estimated to cost Australian communities and primary producers $91 million a year, they cause extensive environmental damage, spread disease, and are increasingly becoming a traffic hazard.”

Minister Watt thanked the National Deer Management Coordinator, Dr Annelise Wiebkin, from Department of Primary Industries and Regions in South Australia, who together with a working group, delivered the plan.

“The Albanese Government understands the importance of managing feral animals in Australia to protect our agricultural industries and the environment,” he said.

“That’s why in June I announced almost $1 million in funding to extend the national feral deer management coordinator program for another two years to help deliver the Plan.

“This builds on over $4 million invested in deer control projects through my department.”

Mr Watt said many dedicated stakeholders are working together to tackle the challenges of feral deer.

“Managing feral deer is a shared responsibility between landholders, community, industry, and government—and under the Albanese Government we continue to do our share, supporting you to get the job done.”

Mr Wenzel said the national deer control plan is a “brilliant opportunity” to raise public awareness.

“Yarra Ranges Council received some funding from the peri-urban deer management project and is delivering a pilot deer control program in the Yellingbo area to protect the remaining habitat for the Helmeted Honeyeater and the lowland Leadbeater’s Possum,” he said.

For more information on the plan, visit https://feraldeerplan.org.au/

Rainforest damage through browsing, rubbing, trampling and wallowing at Monbulk Creek in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Picture: ALEX MAISEY

Kinders decision stunner

From page 1

Knox Deputy Mayor, Cr Jude Dwight agreed, and also said it was almost derogatory to say that council provided the “best” services, when she knew of kindergartens in the Chandler Ward that were providing excellent services to Knox youths.

Mayor, Cr Marcia-Timmers Leitch said there are kindergarten providers already operating in Knox and surrounding areas who are better equipped to grow and adapt their services than the council.

“There are big changes coming for kindergarten as part of the state government’s decision to increase hours, make kindergarten free and offer a second year of kindergarten before school.

“Independent providers can be more agile and flexible in the way they plan, adapt and deliver their services when kindergarten is their core business.

“Knox is one of very few councils left in Melbourne that directly provides kindergarten on the scale that we do, so the ongoing changes to this sector affect us more than other councils.”

Cr Timmers-Leitch also presented an amended proposal to council for debate at the meeting, with modifications to wordings to the proposed option 2.

It stated that council should ‘refocus’ its role as a municipal planner, while balancing the operational and financial risks of being a provider with the social benefits, by remaining a sessional kindergarten provider.

“Council delivers more than 100 services to our community,” she said.

“We need to balance kindergarten services against every other service to determine the best way to deliver value for our whole community.”

Cr Darren Pearce of Taylor Ward agreed with the Mayor, saying the wording shift from “remain” to “refocus” was essential, and council should adopt option 2 and go down to just the two kindergarten hubs.

Tirhatuan Ward’s Cr Nicole Seymour also stated that these reforms were introduced by state government without council consultation, which has pushed Knox council’s service model to breaking point.

“The times and hours currently offered by council kindergarten services are not appealing to the Knox community, and we can’t keep pace with the rapidly changing sector or family needs,” Cr Seymour said.

She said the council needs to focus on its position as a municipal planner, and the recommendation of adopting the amended option 2 was the only viable and sustainable option moving forward.

Council question time was also dedicated to the impending kindergarten decision, with a dozen kindergarten teachers from the Knox municipality making one final stand to urge council to choose option 1, and question the decision further.

Questions presented to the council mainly questioned the body’s decision to ‘not even consider option 1’, and those on the panel said they felt as though the council had an intention to steer them away from option 1, despite the overall preference for this option by the community panel.

One even questioned the data presented in the data used to drive the decision, saying it was “circumstantial” and “skewed”.

Ultimately, Cr Timmers-Leitch led the council in a vote, which was almost unanimous besides the vote from Cr Grasso, and carried the amended option 2 proposal into motion.

Cr Timmers-Leitch said council will be working with the Department of Education to ensure the transition to new services is smooth, and said they will be opening up expressions of interest for alternate providers.

“We are committed to providing our buildings and spaces for other providers to offer local sessional kindergarten for families.

“Council will continue providing sessional

kindergarten at the Knox Children and Family Centres in Bayswater andWantirna.”

Council members stated this decision was not an easy one to make, and not made lightly, but is the best option for Knox moving forward.

“This will set a benchmark for the quality of kindergarten available in Knox,” Cr TimmersLeitch said.

“Council has an important role to play in planning and supporting services for our youngest residents and their families, and the best way to do this is not always by being a direct service provider.

“Reducing our services to two sites also allows us to refocus on our role in planning for the municipality as a whole.”

Cr Timmers-Leitch said this decision will make the City of Knox Council more aligned to the way most other councils operate across the state.

“Our priority throughout this process has been to ensure all local families can access a mix of high-quality services in their local area, regardless of who is delivering them,” she said.

“We will work with new providers and the Department of Education, which has primary responsibility for kindergarten, to ensure the continuity of quality care and education for children and families in Knox.”

The council conducted a thorough review of kindergarten services over several years which included consultation with staff and the community.

In a statement released by the Australian Education Union, it states council has “condemned” the City of Knox “for walking away from the provision of essential kinder services, despite the overwhelming wishes of the local community”.

Branch President Meredith Peace said she was profoundly disappointment over the decision, which will leave approximately 120 employees with no job security, and impact the early learning of approximately 1,100 three and four-year-olds in Knox.

“Despite the overwhelming support for Knox to remain a provider of kindergarten, demonstrated throughout the consultation process, the work of the community advisory group, feedback from staff and families and the AEU petition of over 2,500 people, councillors voted against the wishes of the community,” she said.

“This shows a complete lack of respect for the staff, families and the local community and our members who work for City of Knox are deeply despondent.

“There remain significant questions regarding the reasons for this decision that must be addressed by Knox Council and councillors that supported the move.

Ms Peace said in particular, the decision to lease council facilities to other providers when their own review states they are not fit for purpose does not stack up, particularly when significant funding for infrastructure improvements is available through state government infrastructure grants.

“Kindergarten is an essential service, best provided by the people who know and understand their community more than anyone else.

“Not a single member of City of Knox Council was elected with a mandate to withdraw from provision of council run kindergarten.

“Local families rightly expect that their local council will provide high quality early childhood education and care services in local kindergartens.

“Given the importance and value of these kindergarten programs, local governments should be expanding their early years services, not closing them,” she said.

City of Knox Council’s decision to move forward with the amended option 2 will not come into effect until January 2025.

Council-run kindergartens will continue to operate in 2024, offering 15 hours a week for three- and four-year-olds.

FOGO bin cost concerns

By Tanya Steele

Waste collection changes beginning in Yarra Ranges have been met with many objections and questions from residents.

Multiple residents have called Star Mail and aired their concerns about how the new system will work.

Niki from Mooroolbark said that her household already had a composting system and didn’t need a superfluous bin that would never be used.

“We were already forced to have a bin of one particular size,” she said.

Julia from Montrose said she didn’t want to pay for services she did not need.

“There are one or two things that do go in the rubbish bin, but apart from that - everything goes into the garden, everything is recycled, and generally our rubbish bins are quite empty,” she said.

Many of the concerns were raised by people who said they would not need to use the new system as they already composted and did not require the green-lidded food organics and garden organics (FOGO) bin.

The frequency of collection for the red waste rubbish bin (which would be collected

weekly) was also an issue for households that don’t produce large amounts of waste.

“It takes us between three and four weeks to fill it. But to be told we have to put it out every fortnight to get it emptied is again a waste of resources,” said Niki.

Niki said she wanted more options and would prefer to opt-out completely of the

green waste bin.

The Resource Recovery and Waste Services Policy formally known as the Waste Services Policy reflects the new operational waste collection services and requirements that are now needed to comply with recent changes to statewide waste management legislation.

As Victoria as a whole begins to adapt to the legislation, the Yarra Ranges Council will need to cater for residents and properties with a large spectrum of requirements.

The last council meeting on 8 August moved an amendment to the proposal to adopt the Resource Recovery and Waste Services policy with the caveat that an informal review will occur in six months.

The motion was carried unanimously. Councillor Johanna Skelton said at the time she considered the move a final piece in a puzzle.

“It’s still a whole lot cheaper for us to go on this journey as a community and all look at helping out everyone else who’s not there yet,” she said.

James from Helaseville spoke in objection to the waste changes and said he wasn’t too happy about them.

“I’ve always been a firm believer in mulching my yard trimmings and the chipping of any old woody material... to reinvest in my garden beds and yard. The green waste bin system never worked for me. And I see it as a waste of time for myself,” he said.

Cr Tim Heenan shared James’ concerns at the meeting.

“I accept that there are many people and I live in Mount Evelyn and so they do exactly the same as you.

“I’ve got many friends that have been putting all of their organics out and making sure they’ve been composting their gardens for decades... it’s a frustration that we share,” he said.

Cr Len Cox said many people would have issues with medical waste, in particular sanitary napkins and pads.

“It’s a serious issue and will affect a lot of people in the community,” he said.

Currently, residents can change the size of their bins but there are no packages that don’t include all three bins. Extra rubbish bins will cost a household $168.

The new FOGO service will be implemented from 2 October this year.

Remembering Vietnam’s forgotten veterans 50 years on

By Mikayla Van Loon

Gathering for a small service onVietnamVeterans Day, Mount Evelyn RSL members paid tribute to all 60,000 men who served and to one of their own, Roger Boness.

On Friday 18 August, the sound of bagpipes rang through the town marking the occasion at 11am.

Taking the opportunity to remember and honour Mr Boness, former RSL president, vice president John Sumner told a snippet of his service.

“Roger was in control of many fire support operations with his mates of 106 Field Battery. He was known to be a very brave soldier,” he said.

“He believed in the veteran motto, which is mateship, sacrifice and pride through his later years.”

Veteran Ken McKenzie recited the Ode, Tom Steele played the bugle and Mr Sumner laid a wreath at the foot of the cenotaph.

50 years on from the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, those who served are still only now being recognised for it.

Mr Sumner and Mr McKenzie in mid-August each received the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, some 55 years after serving in the war.

Even after the fierce battle at Long Tan, Mr Sumner said the Australian government wouldn’t allow its soldiers to accept medals which saw the South Vietnamese govern-

ment hand out other items like cigar boxes to honour their gallantry at the time.

Mr Sumner, at just 19 years old, volun-

teered to serve his country, becoming part of the artillery unit 176 Air Dispatch.

“We used to lift the guns from one fire

support base to the other. Our job was very harrowing as well because I fought at the Battle of Coral Balmoral,” he said.

It was only in 2018 that Mr Sumner was recognised with a Citation for Gallantry for the Battle of Coral Balmoral which occurred in May and June 1968.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who attended an event in Ipswich on Friday, said Australians respected the valour, integrity and character of those who served in Vietnam.

“Let us say to every one of our Vietnam veterans, today and every day, we honour you, we thank you and we are sorry that as a nation it took so long for us as a nation to do so.“

He said the nation had matured enough to embrace the truth that “we can disagree with a war without diminishing the respect we feel for every man and woman who puts on our uniform and serves in our name“.

For the estimated 35,000 Vietnam veterans still living, 50 years later they feel as though they have the respect they deserve for taking up arms and putting on a uniform.

Veteran Russell Kennedy travelled from Melbourne to mark the occasion at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra.

“Today is closure,“ he said.

“We weren’t accepted when we came home.“

Piper Iain Townsley played to mark the beginning of the service.

Mount Evelyn RSL vice president John Sumner led the service speaking of the late Roger Boness.

John Sumner laid a wreath at the base of the cenotaph. Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

The FOGO bins with their composting caddy can assist people to dispose of waste that would end up in landfill. Picture: TANYA STEELE

‘Enough’, says community

By Tanya Faulkner

The local community of Cockatoo are taking a stand in the name of animal welfare.

Several complaints have been raised on various Facebook groups within the Cockatoo, Emerald and Gembrook surrounds about the consistency of loose animals on the wellknown Strawberry Corner.

In the past month, at least 10 posts have been made on Facebook by concerned community members of a loose cow on the side of the road, alerting other road users to be cautious.

These posts add to the countless reports of livestock and wandering animals that have been made over the last decade, at all hours of the day and night, due to poor fencing.

In some instances, cows have been seen falling from the embankment and dying as drivers have watched helplessly, or have died due to neglect or illness - the most recent being a deceased calf along the fence line earlier this month.

Dogs have also been spotted on this corner, with little evidence of any change, or hope for these animals seen by the community.

In light of these events, a private Facebook group and petition have been created in advocacy of the animals that reside on the nearby farm.

Samantha May, who has been the driving force behind the welfare support for these animals, said enough is enough.

Her involvement came from an incident earlier this year, and since then has been advocating for these animals as much as she can.

“I was driving home from work one day and saw a baby calf on the embankment, so I stopped to help it.

“A gentleman and another lady helped me get the calf back up, and a council person took the calf away, even though the mother cow was crying out for the baby.

“The council staff wouldn’t give it back to its mum,” she said.

Ms May said they were the most heartbreaking cries you can imagine.

“I went home covered in mud and cow poo, and I was so upset that this continues to happen so often, so I decided to take a stand,” she said.

In the following days she would drive past the corner, and saw the mother cow pacing up and down the fenceline looking for her calf.

She said she is still not quite sure what has happened to the calf since then, whether it is still alive and has been sold on, or passed away.

“I tried contacting the council to try and get updates on the calf, and they just said he was fine and being taken care of in home environment then would be sold at stockyards.

“I asked if there was a way to buy him or how to go about buying something from stockyards, so he could be returned to his mother or cared for properly, but they wouldn’t really tell me anything, so I kept leaving messages,” she said.

When councils take livestock, they must hold them for eight days to give the owners a chance to recover the animal, or they are passed on to the appropriate authority.

Ms May said there have been so many horror stories being shared and creating more awareness about the corner, with locals seeing

more instances of neglect and cruelty from the farm in question.

Several other concerned members of the community are getting behind Ms May and her efforts, with many of them doing what they can to reach out to the owner, but with no luck.

Ms May said they’ve also seen dogs on the side of the road or causing trouble at the property, which opened up another can of worms about the farm.

“New reports seem to keep coming up regularly on Facebook, and people keep seeing three dogs at the property even after being told there’s no dogs,” she said.

Ms May’s concerns, like many in the community, are whether any investigations have been undertaken at the property.

“We are not able to get any information from the RSPCA or the Department of Agriculture as to what’s happening at the farm.

“The authorities just keep giving generic responses that it’s being investigated and can’t provide any information due to privacy,” she said.

The concern is widespread as the community feels nothing is being done.

The petition that has been launched in recent weeks stated “for too long reports and complaints have gone unheard, with no clear action being taken by authorities”.

At the time of writing, the petition had collected 209 signatures, with hopes to achieve more.

Locals are being asked to sign the online petition to support the proper investigation and removal of livestock and other animals from this property, believing the owners of the farm are constantly committing offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

More recently a GoFundMe page has also been launched to raise funds for a calf that has been found on the corner in poor condition, which has raised over $1,000 for the calf’s recovery.

Another concerned local, said numerous animals have died at that farm, and said she’d helped rescue a cow from the corner but it had to be put down.

“The coroner said the cow had a rare form of pneumonia and it was really skinny.

“Two of us girls were able to push her into a float, she was that small,” they said.

They said the farmers who own the place just don’t seem to care, and don’t seem to have any real concern for their animals’ welfare.

“When you look at the farm from the road, there’s just rubbish for hundreds of meters, broken down cars with plants growing out of them, and literal garbage just strewn across the top paddock,” they said.

The community is said to have had enough, and there is real concern in the air as we head into calving season, as to how those animals will survive.

The local said there didn’t appear to be enough grass or feed available for the animals, which they believe is why the animals continue to wander.

Cockatoo and the wider community are pleading for the authorities to pay attention to their concerns, and carry out the correct investigations.

Cardinia Shire Council’s manager regulatory services Owen Hardidge said that council is aware of reports regarding cows wandering at Strawberry Corner.

“We are often unable to take action on dealing with wandering livestock unless it is reported directly to us.

“We are unable to act in response to conversations taking place on social media,” he said.

However, a screenshot of an email sent by Cr. Jeff Springfield, who takes care of the Ranges Ward, said to the recipient that her email was the “first he has heard about ongoing issues with this property”.

The email said he will follow the matter up to see what can be done and ensure that the appropriate channels are followed to enable an investigation into the farm.

The Department of Agriculture and RSPCA were both contacted for comment.

Strawberry Corner is locally famous for being a dangerous corner with wandering animals. 352902 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Strawberry Corner, where animals are often found wandering. 352902

Crystal the calf has found a caring home, with a GoFundMe page set up for her recovery.

Picture: SUPPLIED Signs like this are everywhere outside of the farm. Pictures: SUPPLIED

The sight of the farm from Phillip road is concerning for the animals. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Cockatoo pays tribute

By Corey Everitt

Cockatoo RSL held a dedicated service on Friday 18 August forVietnamVeterans Day.

The commemoration began with wreathes laid at the Cockatoo Cenotaph and the ode performed by Paul Hatwell.

The gathering continued in the clubrooms where Vietnam War veterans, including RSL members Peter Maloney, Mal Snowden and Bill Black were honoured for their service.

The event was led by club President, Carol Thompson, with speakers including Defence Chaplin Cyril Payne, club Vice-President Brett Barker and Peter Maloney.

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary since Australia’s withdraw from the Vietnam War.

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Vietnam War veterans, Peter Maloney, Mal Snowden and Bill Black. 354282

Brett Barker - Vice-President Cockatoo RSL reading a poem. 354282

Bugler Paul Hatwell. 354282

Defence Chaplin Cyril Payne. 354282

Vietnam War veteran Malcolm Snowden. 354282

Vietnam War veteran, Peter Maloney. 354282

Carol Thompson, President of Cockatoo RSL, placing a wreath at the cenotaph. 354282

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Carol Thompson, President Cockatoo RSL. 354282

Who’s reading what, why?

The Lorax

Danni

Rule: Mountain Gate Eyecare, Ferntree Gully

· What is the first book you remember reading?

The first book I remember reading was a series called Milly-Molly-Mandy. As a girl that grew up in the 80s I loved the books that were based on a young girl who had lots of outdoor adventures.

· Where do you like to read the most?

I’m an outdoor person so I really enjoy reading outside on a nice sunny day especially with my dog and cat by my side.

· Who is your all-time favourite book character?

My all-time favourite character isn’t just one as I love to read biographies or books that relate to real life, so I enjoy real life role models rather than just one character.

· What are you currently reading?

My current read is Kindness by Kath Koschel, which I find quite relevant in current times. It’s a memoir about her challenges after breaking her back and learnt to walk again. In 2016 she set off on a journey around Australia relying on the pure kindness of strangers. Kath left with nothing but the clothes on her back and her phone. This book is a great reminder that kindness to another person can make such a difference.

Cherry Axel - Upwey Community Group

· What is your favourite book?

Writing stories by Patti miller. This book is a tool to help prompt her writing, especially after she did a short course at the Selby community centre. I started I thinking “how do I start? Where’s my voice?” I love writing, it puts me in an escapist mood and a learning mood, which I find reading covers all of that as well. I love books with strong characters and to be on their journey.

Everyone should read:

Wish is that everyone reads, and whatever books get them into reading is the book for them. Fletcher Jones once said “never go anywhere without a book” and I agree with that. Whatever the book is that grab’s someone’s attention is the book they should read.

· What book had the biggest impact on you?

I was bored as a kid in the country and I remember reading Anna Corrin. It was “amazing” reading about this whole world in Russia, and it was the key to my curiosity that the world is full of amazing opportunities that we don’t know about.

· Where is your favourite place to read and why?

By a fire, at home away from the world in your own special spot, or if you want to be at a cafe and watch the world go by - different place for a different mood

Millie - local school student

· What is your favourite book?

· What books have you read this year?

Hunches and Bunches, the Lorax, The sad ghost club 1&2, Pawcaso, smile.

· What is one book you want to read, and why? Harry Potter - I’ve seen the movies and i would like to read the book as well.

· Favourite book character?

The Lorax - I have watched the movie 20 times and think its great Kylie Orr: Author

· What book are you currently reading?

I am currently reading “Dark Mode” by Ashley Kalagian blunt. It’s a crime thriller with stalker murderer vibes, someone who wants to stay offline so they can’t be tracked, but they have to for business.

· What is the first book you remember reading?

The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I remember the holes you could poke fingers in with the food throughout the book.

· Where is your favourite place to read?

In winter I like to get cozy next to the fire, or in bed, and in summer there’s a back deck on my house with a nice view over the valley so I like to read there.

· What book has had the most impact in your life?

I think it’s the book called We need to talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver.

She’s actually a female author, and the topic matter was full on, but at the time I was a new mother and the book is a bout a school shooting in America. The mother is trying to talk to father about son Kevin (who is the shooter) and is worried about him before the incident, and I was impacted by the way the mother carried the guilt of how child has turned out. Her writing is just incredible.

· What is a book you think everyone should read?

Everybody should read mine so i can feed my kids! I’m joking.

The Alchemist maybe? Actually, The Book Thief, because it was an interesting perspective (perspective of death) such a unique position to take in a book. It was an important moment in time in history, like the development of the relationships within it, the story surrounds a love of books and the banning of books back in the day.

· What is your favourite book?

I can’t choose a favourite book, it’s like choosing a favourite child - you can’t! It’s hard to choose just one.

My favourite book of this year would be Salt and Skin by local author Eliza Henry-Jones. It’s her 5th book, beautifully lyrical and mystical, and is now launching in the UK. It’s about an Australian family that went to Scotland, not to give anything else away.

Danni Rule from Mountain Gate Eyecare in Ferntree Gully is currently reading ‘Kindness’. 352613

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Upwey’s Cherry Axel with her favourite

What’s on your book list?

The Patch: Corin Sidell

Why did you choose Alice in Wonderland as your book?

Because the outfit was available! Jokes, there are so many versions of the story, and I loved the film as well. I read the book to my kids and they also loved it.

What is your favourite book?

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. It’s about four blokes in New York, and it’s one of those books that you can’t ever stop thinking about. You feel like you’re in their lives, and it’s a book that stays with you.

What is the first book you remember reading?

Spot the Dog books, I love dogs and the book had those peekaboo flaps on them. What is a book everyone should read?

Something that teaches you something. I enjoyed The Drovers Wife, which was set back in the earlier Australian years when the Aboriginals were treated badly. Even though it’s fiction, it tells us about a time that we should never go back to.

Where do you like to read?

In bed. It’s when I’m the most relaxed and I can stop thinking about everything from the day.

Tanya Faulkner - Reporter

What book are you currently reading?

I am currently reading the 8 Rules to Love by Jay Shetty. I’ve been obsessed with his podcast for the last few years and never miss an episode, and his last book Think Like a Monk absolutely changed the way I think about myself and how I interact with situations.

What is the first book you remember reading?

With my parents it’s definitely Winnie the Pooh, I loved Tigger, but on my own I think it was the Harry Potter Series when I was 10 or 11 years old. I love the way J.K Rowling wrote the books, and they still hold a special place in my heart.

Where is your favourite place to read?

So being from New Zealand, my favourite place of all time was at this lookout up the road from my parent’s house, or with a pile of blankets and cushions on the back tray of a ute, facing the beach. These days I like to get cozy in bed or on the couch at home.

What book has had the most impact in your life?

Umm... All of my books seem to go back to NZ authors - but I have two in mind. One was called Under the Mountain by Maurice Geeit’s NZ fiction from 1979 about creatures called the ‘Wilberforces’ that lived under the mountains that make up Auckland, and this mission to destroy them before they destroyed our planet. There’s a couple of movies out as well, but I find the original film to be better than the

re-make. Secondly is a book called The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse-Anderson, and it’s just a really well written book about PTSD and how war can impact children in families as well as their parents.

What is a book you think everyone should read?

Oooh... this one is hard... recently I’ve been really into my self-development and mindset books and podcasts, so off the top of my head I would say Atomic Habits by James Clear orThe Subtle Art to Not Giving a ****. Both of them give you really good tools to learn more about the way you think, and helps you to take more control of how you interact and engage with people and situations for a less stressful life.

What is your favourite book?

A book I always go back to at some point is a book called Restless Spirit (Te Wairua Whakariuka) by Susan Brocker. It’s a New Zealand book about our Kaimanawa horses, in particular this rare white one that no one seems to see much, but know he’s there. The

book follows a few storylines, like a girl who moved from Auckland city down to this small country school and makes friends with a M?ori boy, and a farmer who rounds up and culls the horses for ‘population control’ and is trying to catch the white horse - look it’s a book that needs to be read and enjoyed really.

Tess Bons Aged 12: Local school student

What book are you reading at the moment?

Good Girls Guide to Murder - this book is full of suspense and keeps you guessing to the end.

What is your favourite book?

Anne of Green Gables - I’ve read almost all of the series but the first book and the original, was my favourite.

Who is your favourite book character?

Anne Shirley - Anne Shirley has a huge imagination, she loves writing and is always in a funny situation.

How many books have you read this year?

At least 15

What book do you really want to read?

Keeper of the Lost Cities Volume 9.

Nora Bons aged 9: Local School Student

What book are you reading at the moment?

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

What is your favourite book?

Harry Potter - I like all of the magic in it. I would to have that magic too.

Who is your favourite book character?

Chloe from Mr Stink (David Wallams) - Chloe is kind and considerate and let’s me Stibk have food from her house, even though he is a homeless person on the side of the road.

How many books have you read this year?

Maybe 5

What book do you really want to read?

Awful Aunty by David Wallams - David Wallams is really funny and he has a lot of made up words.

Joel, 3, with his mum Tricia from Ferntree Gully enjoying a book at the Belgrave Library with the Book Week display in the window. 354648

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Nora and Tess love reading their favourite books.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Journo Tanya Faulkner for book week 354813

Picture: SUPPLIED

Passion is recognised

A Knox local has been a recent recipient of a prestigious award in Victoria.

Jasmine (Jas) Andrews has been awarded the Premier’s Victorian Certificate of Education award for 2022, in Agricultural and Horticultural studies.

The previous 2022 College Co-Captain at Mater Christi has always been passionate about the natural world and now hopes to become an Ecologist.

She is known by the school community for her calm, reliable, and caring nature.

Jasmine said keeping a balance between her studies, outside interests, and relationships was the key to her VCE success.

“I used to put a lot of pressure on myself to complete tasks, exams and speeches without any flaws.

“One day, I realised how unrealistic this was when speaking with Mrs Fitz-Gerald, and she told me sometimes you won’t get the marks you hoped for, and that’s OK.

“This really stuck with me and changed the way I approach things,” she said.

Mater Christi school said inYears 11 and 12, Jas tried to ensure she kept a good balance between school and other pursuits to maintain her motivation and avoid burnout.

“I always put aside time for work, hobbies, volunteering, leadership and being with family and friends throughout Year 12.

“At first, I was worried taking time out would affect my studies, but I do believe it is what allowed me to do well,” said Ms Andrews.

Volunteering from an early age cemented Jasmine’s passion for flora and fauna and led to her ongoing desire to work in conservation.

In Year 9, Ms Andrews joined the Friends of Sassafras Creek (FOSC) – a group of interested community members who work to protect and enhance the Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve.

As part of her Personal Project in Year 10, she researched and wrote a paper on fauna survey work she had conducted in the area.

She edited her findings, with the help of Latrobe University Research Officer Alex Maisey, for publication in The Victorian Naturalist Magazine.

“That project taught me so much, not only about the natural world and the pressures it faces but also the importance of community in overcoming these challenges,” said Ms Andrews.

Currently, Jasmine is studying Wildlife and Conservation Biology at Deakin University, with hopes to take on opportunities as a seasonal park ranger or work on volunteer programs overseas, to gain experience with a view to becoming an Ecologist who provides advice and collaborates with farmers and organisations to improve biodiversity.

VCE Awards are an annual award that recognises students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).

Brightening up Boronia

By Tanya Faulkner

Boronia is set for a refresh through a government-led rejuvenation project that is starting to catch people’s eyes.

Locals may have noticed several parts of town becoming brighter and more colourful, with the installation of brand new murals around the community.

These murals can be found behind the Boronia police station, next to Boronia Park on Dorset Road, next to Coachella, and next to Bel-Aire on Lupton Way.

Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor said this is just the start of what is yet to come through the Boronia Revitalisation Project.

“One of the most eye-catching projects that has been delivered has been the mural project, with 5 large scale murals being installed across the CBD at prominent locations.

“These bright, attractive works of art by amazing artists have added character to the Boronia CBD, and they have been the talk of the town,” he said.

These pieces join the likes of the new artwork outside Boronia Library that was completed last year, and the Laneways project

bringing new installments to the community.

Boronia locals have given the murals a positive response, saying it’s brightening up the town and making it look more appealing to visitors and locals alike.

Mr Jackson this is the start of a much bigger project in Boronia.

“We’ve received an extra $650,000 to the Boronia Revitalisation Board bringing the total Government investment into Boronia up to over $5 million.

“This funding has delivered over 20 localised projects to help bring our CBD to lifeeverything from business façade grants, new brighter and greener street lights, upgrades to Lupton Way and Erica Avenue, the successful breakfast program to support those who need it most and a whole heap more,” he said.

Mr Jackson said credit must be given where it’s due, and that is to the artists who have helped create these murals across Boronia, and to the City of Knox Council for their funding and project delivery efforts.

More information on the Boronia Revitalisation project can be found at suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/suburban-revitalisation/boronia

At the award presentation ceremony held on 27 July, with a total of 331 awards, including 34 Top All-Round VCE High Achiever Awards, presented in recognition of the exceptional

dedication and hard work of students during the 2022 VCE.

More than 1000 guests attended the prestigious ceremony this year.

Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor with one of the new murals in Boronia.

The Premier’s

Jasmine Andrews was the recipient of the Premier’s VCE award for studies in Horticulture and Agriculture for 2022. Picture: SUPPLIED

EV charge station in use

By Tyler Wright

A new electric vehicle charging station is now operational in Belgrave.

The50-kilowattchargerlocatedattheReynolds Lane car park was switched on on Monday 14 August, Evie Networks’ head of emerging technology Ed Lynch-Bell confirmed, with EV users able to gain 100 kilometres for every 15 to 20 minutes of range depending on their vehicle.

Mr Lynch-Bell said the company has commissioned the charging station with two plugs; one for a CCS type 2 connector and another with a CHAdeMO port; which are now available for use.

“Any vehicle sold in Australia will be able to use the charger,” Mr Lynch-Bell said.

“Although it’s one charger, both connections can be used at the same time simultaneously.

“As of now, it’s available through our app... It’ll push through into all of the mapping systems so people will be able to find it and use it, and it generally doesn’t take long for people to discover these things and to start using them, especially if they’re local.”

The charging station was built through the state government’s Destination Charging Across Victoria program, which provided $5 million in grants to establish fast-charging public network across Victoria.

Belgrave South resident Tony Forster, who owns a 2014 electric Nissan Leaf, said it is “great” to see electric vehicle charging stations popping up around the Dandenong Ranges.

“Out the hills there have not been, in the past, a lot of charging stations,” Mr Forster said.

“For me, it’s just a matter of being sure I can get home in an emergency; if I misjudge, there’s a charging station I can use.”

Mr Forster said he has been charging his Leaf at the Ferntree Gully and Bayswater train stations, using charging facilities which were installed in 2023 after an agreement was brokered between Knox City Council and Australian company JOLT.

“They give you 50 kilometres for free, which is great. And I’ve used them quite a bit, not just because it’s free, but because it gives me the extra range,” he said.

According to the Electric Vehicle Council of Australia’s October 2022 State of Electric Vehicles report, there were a total of 455 public charging locations in Victoria as of 30 June 2022.

Across the country, the number of individual public EV chargers in service was 3,669; marking a 15 per cent increase in charging locations compared to early 2021, the report revealed.

Creatures big and small

A dedicated team of Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater (FoHH) citizen science volunteers hit the tracks last week to survey various species in Yellingbo.

Over the 10 and 11 of August, young people from the youth reference group and the general citizen science program went out in force to survey and collect vital data.

Amy Gregorovich, FoHH Committee Member and Youth Reference Group Convenor said that regular activities now happen about once a month.

“We do things like creating mesh cages to protect endangered orchids from browsers, weed removal, habitat revegetation, twilight frog surveys, and much more,” she said.

Picture: SUPPLIED

The share of new vehicles sold in the country that were EVs also increased last year and rose from 2.05 per cent in 2021, to 3.39 per cent in the year leading up to September 2022, according to the report.

Mr Lynch-Bell said it is not yet clear how popular the charging station in Belgrave will be.

“The nearest [Evie charging station] is in Vermont South, which is not that close, but that’s actually a pretty popular charger,” he said.

“It’s interesting, some of them, like Wangaratta, are super popular from day one. Other ones, it takes a bit of time for [people] to grow into it.

“Sometimes people in the area have just been waiting for the charger to turn up and they’ll pounce on it, and sometimes it takes a while for it for demand to grow, so it’ll take a few weeks before we get a picture of what it looks like.”

Mr Lynch-Bell said the existence of electric vehicle charging stations, including in Belgrave, play a role in instiling confidence in motorists to go out and buy electric vehicles.

“It means that anybody in the neighbourhood who doesn’t have a driveway or doesn’t have a garage, or lives in a unit, has got the ability now to go out and choose to own or rent an electric vehicle,” he said.

“It also means that people who are coming to Belgrave, for whatever reason, for Puffing Billy, for the shops, they have the confidence to know, ‘hey, I can reach that destination. If I need to charge there, I know I’m going to have enough energy to get back home again’.”

Evie Networks is also set to install electric vehicle charging stations in Healesville and Yarra Junction with the support of Yarra Ranges Council.

The group said was great to see quite a number of moths and other insects buzzing around - which is a sign of spring warmth coming.

Zali Clark who is part of the youth reference group said that she has gained a deep love and respect for Yellingbo from working with the FoHH.

“I appreciate all the diverse work being done to support and restore its beautiful ecosystem,” she said.

FoHH is a volunteer run non-for-profit working to improve the status of the Helmeted Honeyeater, Victoria’s critically endangered bird emblem.

The group’s scope of work includes habitat restoration, revegetation programs, community education and advocacy, and numerous collaborations with partner organisations.

The FoHH’s citizen science program recognises that Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area (YNCA) is a refuge for many threatened, regionally significant and common species, all of them having importance to a healthy ecosystem.

Through events that require little to no specialist equipment or prior knowledge, community members of all ages and backgrounds help in gaining a wider understanding of the current and changing ecology of theYNCA, whilst learning and having fun.

Data is uploaded to scientifically rigorous online platforms, which is then used by scientists to understand where species live, when they’re active, and any changes happening in the local environment – in this way anyone can be a citizen scientist.

FoHH’s Youth Reference Group was formed in 2022 to offer citizen science opportunities for young people aged 18 to 31+ who have an interest in conservation.

Ms Gregorovich said the youth reference group was formed as an opportunity for young people to gain transferable skills in the environmental sector whilst giving back to local conservation efforts.

“It’s a two-way relationship where the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater receive volunteer support for our programs, and young people can get field work experience working alongside like-minded individuals,” she said.

Since the youth group formed Ms Gregorovich said they have partnered with different organisations to have experts attend workshops, which teach various skills.

“This has included frog surveys with Melbourne Water, adaptive planning workshops with Parks Victoria, and wetland ecology surveys with researchers from the University of Melbourne,” she said.

The whole team also recorded the following six mammal species - common wombat, ringtail possum, brushtail possum, sugar glider, yellow-bellied glider and swamp wallaby and 21 bird species including at least one Tawny Frogmouth and a Southern Boobook heard calling.

Invertebrates were not left out of the survey and the team found along with land slug species, a few leeches were found hitching the occasional ride.

The group is always looking for new members, and schedules activities on different days to consider work and study commitments.

“I have also made lifelong friends who like me find joy and purpose in making a difference for the better here in Yellingbo and for the Helmeted Honeyeater,” Zali said.

For more information and to sign up to an event, please visit https://www.helmetedhoneyeater.org.au/volunteer-queryform/

Ferny Creek set to bloom

By Tyler Wright

Visitors to the Dandenong Ranges and locals alike will be able to enjoy Ferny Creek Horticultural Society’s Spring Show in Sassafras next month.

An abundance of plant varieties, including camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas will be on display during this year’s show at the society’s hall on Saturday 2 September and Sunday 3 September.

Judges will also view the best flower exhibits; including plant hanging baskets and a children’s section.

Publicity officer Emma Moysey said the spring show is the “highlight of the year” because of the amount of plant species in flower.

“The hall is huge and it’s brimful of flowers and perfume, and the visual display is spectacular; It’s really quite stunning,” Ms Moysey said.

“We get hundreds of visitors through for the weekend.

“Often people come up and make a day of it, and also go to the Rhododendron Gardens or the new Chelsea [Australia] Garden in Olinda, or they go to some local nurseries like Gentiana Nursery [in Olinda].”

The Ferny Creek Horticultural Society has been running for 91 years, and holds three flower shows and a plant collector’s sale each year.

Ms Moysey said the spring show is a “family friendly day,” with young people up to 15 years old able to enter their plant collections for the chance to the Judy Austin Encouragement Award and $5.

$30 will also be up for grabs for the person who wins the Ferny Creek Historical Society’s trophy and blue ribbon for Best Daffodil in Show.

“Ideally, a judge is looking for quality and perfection in the exhibits,” Ms Moysey said.

“Quality encompasses many facets including form, condition, colour and quality.

“Other factors such as size, substance and texture along with quality of stem and foliage, floriferousess, fragrance, uniformity and staging or display are also considered.”

Hancock’s Daffodils from Menzies Creek will also selling daffodils and bulbs at this year’s show.

Everyone is welcome, with a cost of $5 per person for entry and children under 14 able to enter for free.

Parking near the venue at 100 Hilton Road in Sassafras is free, with the event running from 12 noon until 4pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

For more information on entry requirements, visit the society’s website at http:// www.fchs.org.au/

Volunteers went out to survey in Yellingbo. Picture: SUPPLIED

Evie Networks commissioned the 50-kilowatt charging station at the Reynolds Lane car park through the state government’s Destination Charging Across Victoria program.

Ferny Creek Horticultural Societys Spring Show secretary Gary Hodgkiss’ grand niece Fraya preparing her winning entry for the 2022 event. Pictures: MIKE HAMMER

Shining education’s light

By Tanya Faulkner

Ferntree Gully is highlighting the importance of education for everyone through the recognition of a local community service centre.

The Mountain Districts Learning Centre has been nominated as a finalist for this years’ Victoria Training Awards, for their work in the wider community.

CEO Janet Claringbold said they are proud to have been recognised as finalists.

“We nominated ourselves for one of our education programs called the Cottage Program, which helps young adults with acute social anxiety to engage and continue through their education,” she said.

She said the program mainly targets secondary school students to help them overcome acute social anxiety and keep them connected with education, and has a 95 per cent success rate for students carrying on to further education or employment opportunities.

“We’ve had students who have gone on to nursing, apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and also further education at the tertiary level,” she said.

This year the program is helping approximately 50 local students, who have been struggling in school due to social anxiety, have missed a lot of school, or need the extra support to engage in education.

“We provide a supportive environment for students to complete their Certificate of General Education for adults, with teachers and youth workers available to support the students’ progress.

“These students often need a different approach than mainstream education to help them manage and overcome their social anxiety, and prepare them for further opportunities,” she said.

Ms Claringbold said often in mainstream education, there can be a big group of peo-

ple that aren’t able to engage with education, which can cause more issues in their adult lives.

“Education is a human right, and we’re proud of the place we have in helping young people to continue their education pathways.

“The risk is, if students are not reengaging with education or socalising with their peers, they can end up outside the education system for long periods of time.

“It’s really important to help young people in those critical teenage years when the social anxiety is emerging, and it’s easier to get a response from them, where if it’s left longer it their anxiety can be really embedded and make it difficult for them to overcome their issues later in life,” she said.

Ms Claringbold said the community centre is proud to be nominated as a finalist, and in her mind said it doesn’t matter who wins.

“We have an amazing team at our centre,

and we are so proud of the other community centres who are also finalists.

“We know that community learning centres do amazing work, and we’re proud of whoever wins,” she said.

Regardless of the result, the wider Ferntree Gully community is right behind the learning centre, with positive feedback and praise coming from all corners of town.

Ms Claringbold said this recognition is for the team behind the centre.

“The recognition means that the people who contribute to the centre are recognised for what they do.

“It builds a sense of pride for our centre and the community.

“These people are passionate people, who put all of their energy into what they do for the young people,” she said.

Next year the centre will celebrate 50 years

in Ferntree Gully, after starting back in 1974 as the Mountain Districts Women’s Cooperative, advocating for the interests of women.

“Back then women weren’t given the opportunity to complete education because they were expected to have children and stay home, so the centre started providing opportunities for women to complete their HSC, which is the equivalent of VCE now.,” she said.

The centre has a long-standing history in Ferntree Gully of addressing educational disadvantages and providing pathways for those in the community who need it.

The Victoria Training Awards cover the vocational education system, in which the Mountain Districts Learning Centre falls under the Community Based Provider category.

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation have taken out the award for this category.

Friday 18th 7.30pm

Saturday 19th 2.30pm & 6.30pm

Sunday 20th 11.00am & 3.00pm

Monday 21st*

Tuesday 22nd*

28th*

Alison Percy and Janet Claringbold are excited to be nominated as a finalist for the Victoria Training Awards. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS.

Making dreams come true

By Tyler Wright

Children had their dreams come true on Thursday 17 August at Puffing Billy’s Emerald Lakeside Station in a partnership between the railway and Variety - the Children’s Charity.

Some 600 young people with special needs, alongside their families and carers, flocked to Emerald Lakeside Visitor Centre for a day full of joy; hitching a ride on the Puffing Billy locomotive, getting their faces painted and even meeting Disney princesses.

With the station closed off to the public for the day, and free entry, attendees got to make the most of a roving magician, live entertainment and music and enjoyed air-brush tattoos and face painting while getting creative with arts and crafts activities and the indoor play space.

14-year-old Keira Milmes, from Maryknoll, attended the Variety Dream Day with support worker Ruby Graham.

Ms Milmes has been involved in Variety since receiving a donated all-terrain hippocampe wheelchair from the charity in 2022.

“[Keira] was unable to get a hippocampe funded by the NDIS,” Ms Graham said.

“They live in Maryknoll, so the paths are gravel...they’re not concrete and they’re not easily accessible.

“The hippocampe helps [Keira] access her local area and get her more involved in the community.”

From there, Ms Milmes has grown increasing involved with the organisation’s events and initiatives; modelling in an advertisement for an all-abilities playground in Clyde and attending the Variety Christmas Party as well as days at the zoo.

Ms Graham said both herself and Ms Milmes felt welcomed from the moment they arrived at the Dream Day.

“At anyVariety event, you instantly feel welcomed,” she said.

“For people with disabilities, disadvantaged kids, people without diabilities, feeling welcomed is so important.

“Being a disability support worker, it’s just so nice to go somewhere where we feel that we belong as well.”

Variety’sheadoffundraisingandmarketing, Melissa Williams, said it meant “everything” to see families enjoy a day of special experiences when they might not otherwise be able to access activities like Puffing Billy Railway.

“It’s so incredibly special and humbling,” Ms Williams said.

“For many children that we support, they may not have had the experience to come here.

“That could be through accessibility issues or financial issues, so for them to be able to have a day to be here, bring a car, and open up exclusively so that it’s not too busy, it’s not crowded; it’s just a lovely environment...it’s lifetime memories for them.

“We thank the support of the team here at Puffing Billy. It’s been incredibly nice to plan and to offer this.”

Puffing Billy Railway CEO Peter Abbott said the Variety Dream Day at Puffing Billy Railway was an “unforgettable experience” for everyone involved.

“Seeing the smiles on the faces of children and witnessing those happy moments was truly inspiring,” Mr Abbott said.

“We are honoured to have been part of this special event and look forward to continuing this tradition next year.”

Get your lights and lanterns ready for children’s films

By Tanya Faulkner

It’s that time of year again when the best and brightest upcoming filmmakers show their skills on the big screen.

The Ranges Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) Inc Lantern and Light Children’s International Film Festival (LLICFF) is returning for 2023, being held at the CAMEO cinema in Belgrave.

The LLICFF is a festival of films made by young filmmakers aged 6-18, which first started in 2019 when three days of international and Australian short films made specifically by young people were officially selected, screened and awarded.

It’s pioneered by the Ranges Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) Inc, and will be partnering with Burrinja Cultural Centre.

This year follows a very successful 2022 festival, which has been growing since Covid.

Young filmmaker HaydenWickenton, who has been participating in the festival since it first began, said it’s a great opportunity to develop essential skills for the filmmaking industry.

“I’ve been going to RAPA for seven years now, and it has completely changed my life since I started going.

“It’s an easy place for a creative outlet, and being able to screen my work for the RAPA community, and those outside of it,” he said.

Mr Wickenton said his first film wasn’t his best work, but the film festival has provided the opportunity to hone in on his skills.

“It’s all practice, there’s a thousand short films before you get a good one, and it’s good to get as much practice as you can when you’re younger.

This year the 17 year old will be helping to produce the studio interviews that run alongside the film festival.

Film Mentor Poppy Adams, who is a supporting producer of one of the films being

screened this year, said it’s set to be an amazing festival this year.

“Being in filmmaking brings all of my interests together, like storytelling, photography, video and cinematography and editing.

“I love seeing things come alive, and it’s a really accessible medium in a lot of ways that a lot of people can see and appreciate,” they said.

They said film has really impacted their life, being able to see themselves represented and other people being showcased.

“Representation is a big focus in my work, and it’s really important to get that into the public sphere through film.

“It’s a really enjoyable process, and you can meet some really interesting people and make lots of connections,” they said.

This year they worked to support their class in the creation of this years’ film and supporting students in learning new filmmaking skills.

“I helped them with the process of film

creation through brainstorming and character development, writing and filming, and now in this term working on editing skills as well before the film gets screened.

“Some of the students have learned how to use the big HD camera, one of them directed the film, some are on lighting and audio,” they said.

Last year Adams was part of the judging the films, and also ran a series of interviews throughout the festival, including the likes of filmmaker Chris Wallace and some of last years’ award winners.

They also helped with various ventures of the festival, including curating a collaboration with Burrinja Cultural Centre last year to screen some of the films in November for the Cultural centre community.

In 2020 Adams was also the face of the festival on all of the advertisements, and continues to play a big role in the festival.

LLICFF festival director Rainsford Towner said this festival is one of a kind to Victoria, and gives young children from around the

world the chance to see their work on the big screen.

“These young people get to see their work on the same screen that they’ve been watching the Barbie movie on, which is a very exciting and special opportunity for them,” he said.

MrTowner said for those visiting the Cameo to watch some of the films should put the Baba Desi animation film session on their todo list.

“We named the award for this category the ‘Baba Desi Animation award’ in recognition of him.

“The session is dedicated to his colour and wonder as the ‘Wizard of Belgrave’, and he’s the mascot of our animation festival,” he said.

This year the festival will showcase pieces from approximately 17 different countries worldwide, alongside our community’s local talent.

Mr Towner said these films are really worth the watch and you won’t see these works anywhere else in the country besides this festival.

“We’ve had a Ukranian filmmaker submit a film this year about Wartime winter in Kyiv - a mystical detective story about a childhood lost in war.

“The films being screened are just amazing; some of these students are making films that will change the Australian filmmaking scene,” he said.

Some key films to look out for this year include “Life in Motion” by HaydenWickenton, “Frame Avenue” by Gabriel Robb-Wardlaw and “McKinley” by Sarah Elizabeth.

This year the festival will be held from 1st to the 3rd of September at the CameoTheatre in Belgrave.

For more information on the Lantern and Light International Film Festival, visit llicff. org.au

Hayden Wickenton and Rainsford Towner 351156

Puffing Billy train conductor Peter Kemp with Keira Milmes,from Maryknoll,and support worker Ruby Graham. Picture: SUPPLIED

‘Drawn to Light’ exhibition at Sherbrooke Art Gallery

By Tyler Wright

The Sherbrooke Art Gallery is now home to a series of realistic oil paintings inspired by the landscape of the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and Europe.

Patricia Galli’s ‘Drawn to Light’ exhibition was launched on Saturday 5 August, and features paintings of scenery at Sherbrooke Forest,Yarra Glen, and even the coastal landscape of Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula.

Galli was chosen as Sherbrooke Art Society’s Artist of the Year in 2023, after entering all three of the society’s annual exhibitions.

She also won the ‘Best 9 x 5’ work in the Small Packages exhibition as well as the ‘Mavis Hill Award - Best in Show’ in the Spring Exhibition along with several Highly Commended throughout 2022.

“I’ve exhibited a lot before in group situations, but never on my own, so it was a challenge,” Galli said of her recent exhibition.

“I’m predominantly a plein air painter, following in the tradition of our Impressionist artists like Streeton and Roberts and McCubbin - they were all plein air painters.”

Galli began her journey as an artist after studying fine art and design at university, before changing trajectory to focus design in the fashion industry and completing a Diploma of Arts and Design at RMIT University.

She eventually established her own design and dressmaking business; finding a way to channel her inner creative.

“I was doing mainly all the embroidery and the beading that go into wedding dresses,” she said.

“From there I got married, started a family, so I had to leave work.

“When I left work, I started doing workshops in between having kids and started painting more seriously, started exhibiting and then eventually even teaching.”

Pre-Covid, Galli was travelling with a group of artists every year to Italy and France to paint.

Inspiration for Galli’s paintings, featured in her recent exhibition, include the environment at the Sherbrooke Forest andYarra Glen; as well as Europe and the coast of Melbourne.

“I live in Warrandyte, so there’s a lot of the river, and I do have friends that I paint with who live up in the mountains near Sherbrooke Gallery,” she said.

“I also have a holiday place at Dromana, so you’ll see a lot of beach scenes as well.”

True to the title of her current exhibition, Galli said she is always drawn to the light in her subject.

“That’s what I try to bring across; the mood that the light creates in the landscape.

“Painting outdoors, you’re experiencing what the landscape experience, so I’m trying to paint not just what I see, but what I feel.”

Galli said after viewing the exhibition, which opened on Saturday 5 August, people have noted how moody her works are.

“There was a young girl that came with her family to see on the opening day, she was 13 or 14, and her reaction to one of my paintings was just so rewarding to me.

“Here’s a young girl who’s got no background in art, but was so moved by one of my paintings that her father actually ended up buying it for her; and to me, to have a young person have a piece of fine art hanging in her bedroom wall rather than a poster or something, really gave me a lot of joy, because I’m thinking ‘she’s been touched by something.’

“I’m just hoping that my work touches someone... I had quite a few paintings sold during the opening, and I hope that it just brings a little bit of joy and beauty into their lives; because now more than ever, we need a bit of beauty in our lives.”

The ‘Drawn to Light’ exhibition will be open to the public until Sunday 27 August at the Sherbrooke Art Gallery, which is located at 62 Monbulk Road in Belgrave.

The gallery is open from Friday to Monday from 11am to 3pm.

Maz says yes to this Voice

By Tyler Wright

A young talent hailing from the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges has had her musical prowess showcased on the national stage.

Maddie ‘Maz’ Green, 26, wowed the judges in the blind audition stage of this year’s season of The Voice in an episode that aired on Monday 14 August.

Stars Jessica Mauboy and Guy Sebastian both pressed the red button to fight for the chance to mentor Maddie, who hails from The Basin, after her chilling rendition of Rosa Linn’s ‘Snap’.

“You have a very unique vocal which I’ve never heard before, and that really excites me,” Jess said.

“In my team, I have really big voices and soul singers; you have something else.

“You just have happy... happiness in your voice”

“Jess really nailed it when she talked about the joy and fun in your performance and in your voice, and the uniqueness of your voice and the storytelling ability,” Guy added.

“I really hear almost an acoustic electronic world where its quirky, the production is fun but it’s creative.”

Maddie, a disability support worker, said she felt “really nervous” before the audition and did not think she would have been able to get on stage and sing.

“It’s almost that anticipation beforehand; but once you get out on stage and you sing through a couple of notes, you’re in the element and everything fades away and it feels like it’s just you there anyway,” she said.

Maddie said she “never thought” she would have the confidence to audition for a singing show, but took the opportunity when a show producer reached out to her.

“I just thought ‘I may as well just give it a go and see what happens, even if I don’t feel like I’m ready for it.’

“You’re never really going to be ready for it anyway, so I just jumped in and went for it.”

Maddie decided to choose Guy as her mentor to take her through the competition; up against other musicians led by Rita Ora, Jason Derulo and Mauboy.

“The music that I make is more acoustic,

and I felt like [Guy] was on the same wavelength as me in terms of what music I wanted to do,” Maddie said.

“Randomly, a few days beforehand, I was listening to the radio and I heard ‘Snap’ by Rosa Linn play, and then the next song after that was a Guy Sebastian song.

“I saw that as sign in a weird way; I was like, ‘if Guy turns, like maybe I should choose him.’”

Maddie’s partner Ryan, and her Aunty, Jacqui, were both there to support her from the sidelines while she performed.

“Having their support from the side of the stage, and just in general, meant a whole lot to me,” Maddie said.

“I honestly don’t think I would have been able to do it without their support and then cheering me along on the sidelines.”

Originally a ‘bedroom singer,’ as she referred to it, the young girl from the Hills grew up with parents that were musicians, which exposed her to “the power and magic of vocal expression,” Maddie said.

“For a while growing up I was just a bedroom singer and I did busking and made my own demos in my bedroom,” she said.

Maddie attended the local St Bernadette’s Primary School and then Box Hill Senior Secondary to study jazz, while performing in a school band.

But it was winning a CD recording competition at The Basin Music Festival that kicked off a music career for a then 17-year-old Maddie.

“I thought, ‘oh, maybe this music thing could be something that I could pursue,” she said.

In 2019, Maddie released her debut single ‘Somewhere Else,’ which gained the attention of Triple J and launched her into the indie-pop music scene.

“I never really thought that I was a perfect singer, but I just knew that when I sang it came from something big within myself,” she said.

“I never really know what was going to come out; it’s an out of body experience, getting lost within the music.”

In 2022, Maddie returned to her home town to perform at The Basin Music Festival.

“That definitely really shaped my creativity, and I always liked to tweak things and make them more interesting or more unique to me as well.”

Now living on Victoria’s surf coast in Barwon Heads, Maddie is currently travelling around Europe, with the aim of becoming more inspired by the world around her.

“I’m just excited for The Voice to expand

“I think it’s really great to see, and there’s a heap of really amazing people on it.

“That’s the main thing that I really cherish and I’m so grateful for from the whole experience is definitely the people... there’s so many amazing lifelong friends that I’ve made and such a beautiful community as well.”

You can find Maddie on social media and on Spotify as Maz Green.

The Voice continues on Channel 7 and 7plus.

Maddie Green, 26, belted out a chilling rendition of Rosa Linn’s ‘Snap’ during the blind auditions in this season of The Voice. Pictures: CHANNEL 7

Maddie’s partner Ryan (left) and aunty Jacqui (right) were there to cheer the star on while she performed for Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Rita Ora and Jason Derulo.

Galli’s oil painting titled ‘Sherbrooke Forest’.

Artist Patricia Galli at the opening of the ‘Drawn to Light’ exhibition at the Sherbrooke Art Gallery on Saturday 5 August.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Local radical

John Morrison (1904-1998), short story writer, novelist and essayist, resided for a time in Mt Evelyn and was part of our local tradition of radicalism.

Born in Sunderland in the north of England, John Gordon Morrison left school at 14 and worked for two years in a local museum, before serving a gardening apprenticeship. He came to Australia in 1923 as an assisted immigrant. He worked his way through country districts of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, including the Dandenongs. Returning to England in 1927 because of a brother’s illness, he found himself homesick for Australia, and worked his passage back as a ship’s steward in 1928. On the voyage he met his future wife, an Irish-born maid, Frances Rosina Jones.

Morrison had a varied working life as a farm labourer, station hand, wool presser, wharflabourer, process worker and jobbing gardener. He was fortunate to be in work throughout the Depression, but was inspired as a social realist writer by the hardships he witnessed. This social and political awakening also led him to join the Communist Party of Australia (CPA). Morrison’s friends included the writers and fellow communists Alan Marshall, Frank Hardy, Judah Waten and Dorothy Hewett, and artist Vic O’Connor, who had lived in Mt Evelyn as a boy.

Success came in 1945, when Morrison won the Fellowship of Australian Writers Short Story Competition. In 1947 he received a grant from the Australian Literary Fund, which enabled him to leave work to complete a novel,

Looking back

Karen Phillips

Mount Evelyn History Group editor

The Creeping City, published in 1949. The setting is‘Mabooda’, a fictionalised Monbulk of the 1920s, when the berry farms were being sold off for holiday homes and guest houses. His second novel, Port of Call, is set partly in the Dandenongs, and his story ‘All I Ask’ in an Olinda guesthouse.

In the early 1950s he moved to Silvan Road (Monbulk Road) Mt Evelyn. I could not find any stories with Mt Evelyn backgrounds, but his most famous story, ‘Dog Box’, is set on the Lilydale train.

Morrison left Mt Evelyn after his wife’s death in 1967. In 1969 he married Russian-born Rachela Anders (Amdurski) who, he claimed proudly, could read his translated works in five languages. Morrison had retired from work by this time. Without the inspiration provided by his job and daily commute, he wrote little in his final years. He died in 1998, aged 94.The Creeping City, serialised in the Free Press OctoberNovember 1947, also‘All I Ask’ and several other stories, are available online on Trove.

Remember the BlackBerry?

BlackBerry Starring Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton and Matt Johnson

Rated M 3.75/5

BlackBerry is a smart, funny historical drama about the rise and fall of BlackBerry, which was once the world’s leading smartphone brand.

As with Oppenheimer and Tetris, BlackBerry uses its very technical subject matter as a focal point to explore its engaging characters and their journeys.

Mike Lazaridis (Jay Baruchel), co-founder of RIM and creator of the BlackBerry, is a naïve, awkward engineering genius gradually ground down by his heavy business responsibilities, and Jim Balsillie (Glenn Howerton) is the aggressive marketing dynamo behind BlackBerry’s success.

Much of BlackBerry takes place in workshops and board meetings, and the BlackBerry is an obsolete, even obscure product nowadays, but the fast-paced plot has clever dialogue and relatable themes to latch onto. These include buzzing electronics, Chinese manufacturing, the importance of online data and the tectonic shift of the iPhone launch, and Blackberry depicts an all-too-common collision of innovation and greed.

BlackBerry has annoying shaky camera-

A mix of Hitchcock and a touch of Monty Python

The Basin theatre production of The 39 Steps Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps – a fast paced whodunnit.

In The 39 Steps, a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy. He takes her home, and she is murdered. Soon after, a mysterious organisation called The 39 Steps is hot on the man’s trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale.

Kemp’s curtain call

work, and Matt Johnson leaves little impression as Doug Fregin, Lazaridis’ best friend and the other co-founder of RIM. Fregin is both a supportive partner and a Napoleon Dynamite-style free-spirited distraction, but contributes little to the narrative. The following reading might betray my Apple bias, but if Lazaridis is BlackBerry’s Steve Wozniak and Balsillie is their Steve Jobs, Fregin feels like a third wheel in the plot. BlackBerry also loses focus in the final act, with some last-minute conflict involving Balsillie’s attempt to buy a hockey team.

A witty, energetic portrayal of one of the biggest successes and failures in modern tech, marred by an extraneous main character and a slightly sloppy third act, BlackBerry is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

The Basin Theatre gave its audience one of the most hilarious evenings seen for a long time. The sets were basic and interchangeable. Using chairs and tables which represented cars, trains and hotel rooms.

The cast were excellent and hilarious.We had the bored man Richard Hannay played by Michael Jewell and Michael was also codirector. As a performer, he was outstanding, playing one character always on the ruin with nobody believing his story. Jewell gave the funniest performance seen for an age. An excellent portrayal.

The only lady in the cast was BryonyWilson, who played various roles from that of the murdered spy with the thick accent to the wife of a Scottish hotel keeper, the local girl who did not believe Richard’s story which led to some hilarious scenes A superb performance and a wonderful change of accents depending on which character she was playing.

John Latham and Ozzy Breen-Carr are listed on the program as Clown one and two. Bothe were extremely good and their scenes were excellent. They played crooks, policemen, Latham as a housewife married to the villain. An excellent portrayal and hilariously funny.

Breen-Carr was respectively a policeman, a crook, Mr Memory .Audiences may not believe how hard it is for an actor to change characters during a play but the four actors in this play lived up to all expectations giving excellent and superb performances particular in changing characters. Mishel Jewell was lucky he played the same character throughout but as said earlier was the co-director. The Basin Theatre produced not only an excellent evening of theatre but an hilarious evening of fun fully appreciated by the opening night audience.

A reminder:

· The 1812 theatre – Of Mice and Men Season: October 5 – 28.

· The Basin Theatre – Belles Season: October 5 – 15.

Forthcoming crime thriller is a real page-turner

A review of Anna O by Matthew Blake

Anna O, written by British debut author Matthew Blake, is lauded as “the biggest new crime thriller novel for 2024 from an astonishing literary fiction voice”.

The book became a global sensation on submission in June 2022, with a recordbreaking 16 international offers within 48 hours. It ended up securing “three separate seven-figure deals in the US, the UK and Germany and another multiple seven-figure total from pre-empts and auctions in territories around the world”.

Anna O tells the story of a young woman who is accused of murdering her two best friends. Anna Ogilvy was found asleep, with a kitchen knife in her hand, her clothes bloodstained. There was even a text message containing her confession: “I’m sorry, I think I’ve killed them.” Trouble is, no one and nothing can wake her up.Those who believe in her innocence call her Anna O. Those who insist on

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN

her guilt call her Sleeping Beauty.

Four years later, Dr Benedict Prince, a forensic psychologist specialised in sleep-related crimes, accepts the task of supervising Anna’s treatment at the Abbey Sleep Clinic in London. His professional duty is to awaken her and get her fit to stand trial. But his moral duty is to see her return to a healthy, normal life.

Such a premise, full of mysteries and possibilities, is every storyteller’s dream. A lifelong fan of Agatha Christie and mystery fiction, Blake does a brilliant job pacing the story and maintaining its sense of suspense and thrill until the very last page, dishing out subtle clues and plenty of literary Easter eggs along the way to tease readers.

In true Christie fashion, the story is told from the perspectives of multiple characters, with Ben and Anna (mostly via her notebook) being the major first-person protagonists. Experienced readers would be looking for unreliable narrators (and often thinking they have found them), but anyone trying to sneak a peek at the end chapters would be risking their own peril. Indeed, the fun of reading this story is to go through the twists and turns while deciphering the dizzying yet delicious details revealed through numerous journal article abstracts, webpage summaries, diary entries, interviews, and government, library

and media archives. Particularly fascinating are the medical, legal and psychological sides of the story.

The dark side of the human psyche is forever awe-inspiring. Anna O not only delves deep into this darkness, but it further invokes empathy in the same way that some readers have felt for Dr Hannibal Lecter. Meanwhile, Ben’s love for his family and his compassion for Anna makes him an identifiable character, and his methods for treating resignation syndrome is a shining beacon in the shadowy, snarling world made so realistic in the story.

Anna O will be available for readers in Australia on February 1, 2024.

Disclaimer: This assessment is based on an advanced review copy of the book supplied by its publisher HarperCollins via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased evaluation (DRM PDF file output date June 28, 2023).

‘ENGDEN’ - COUNTRY CHARM

PERFECTLY located in one of Emerald’s most highly sought-after locations is this magnificent Glen Thompson brick home that has been lovingly constructed by the current owners.

As you enter the property via the sealed driveway, you are presented with the stunning home sitting proudly on a manicured and landscaped half an acre allotment. The home is perfect for those who appreciate quality and style.

Boasting a flexible floorplan ideal for growing families, downsizers or investors, the open plan kitchen and meals area acts as the heart of the home featuring gas cooktop, wall oven, dishwasher and a bounty of cupboard and bench space. Entertaining friends and family is a breeze. The adjoining cosy lounge with open fireplace provides an ideal place to sit back and relax on those cooler evenings. Kitchen and lounge area enjoys peaceful garden vista views and is flooded with natural light from large windows. There are three large bedrooms in total, the master features a spacious walk-in robe and full ensuite. Bedroom two (currently configured as a sitting room/ office) and bedroom three (with built in robe) are separately zoned and are serviced by the spacious family bathroom.

Special features include gas ducted heating, evaporative cooling, large laundry, polished Tasmanian Oak flooring, ornate cornices, 9ft ceilings and quality fixtures and

HOME ESSENTIALS

fittings throughout. Also, under roofline the oversized double garage with internal access could easily be converted into an extra living and/or bedrooms if required (subject to council approval).

Outside, the front deck offers complete privacy whilst you enjoy relaxing views across the manicured front garden. The balance of the property has been carefully landscaped and terraced to take full advantage of the half acre allotment. A spacious paved outdoor entertaining area is nestled amongst terraced gardens that feature vibrant florals and mature plantings that are ever changing throughout the seasons. For the children there are expansive lawned areas to run and play as well as a swing! At the rear of the property, there is a spacious wood shed with water and power connected. In addition to the double garage, there is a double carport. Located in a picturesque parklike setting with an abundance of stunning walking trail opportunities at your door step, including Lakeside Drive itself as it is a secret spot for photographers, all while only a stones throw to the thriving Emerald township.

Indulge in the tranquil embrace of lush surroundings while enjoying easy access to contemporary comforts just moments from your doorstep. Offering everything you could ask for this one should be at the top of your list, inspect with absolute confidence! ●

Address: 14 Lakeside Drive, EMERALD Description:

Contact: Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218 or Justin Barrot 0438 683 781,

EASY LIVING IN EDINA!

PERFECTLY positioned, only a stone’s throw from Wattle View Primary School, Tim Neville Arboretum and within an easy drive to many local shopping precincts including Knox City, this beautifully maintained three-bedroom home provides you with easy living at its finest!

Only eight years old and spanning over two levels, the home provides spacious, open plan living and is filled with natural sunlight.

The well designed floorplan features a blend of timber floor boards and quality carpets throughout with the master bedroom and ensuite plus walk-in robe on the lower level, whilst the remaining bedrooms and

HOME ESSENTIALS

main bathroom are privately positioned on the top level.

Modern conveniences such as gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling have been added for easy temperature control whilst in the kitchen, a large island bench and stainless steel appliances make for a seamless finish.

Outside, the wide timber decking overlooks a low maintenance garden and caters for indoor/outdoor entertaining, allowing you to move in and simply enjoy.

With a double remote entry garage and in a quiet position being on the rear block, this home is ideal for families, downsizers or investors alike. ●

Address: 64B Edina Road, FERNTREE GULLY Description:

Contact: Rachel Eastwood 0401 117 761 or Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442,

WELCOME TO SYLVAN GLADES

For loan licence agreement - not for individual sale SYLVAN Glades Retirement Village offers affordable, independent living for retirees over 55s.

Located in the highly sought after Dandenong Ranges, this private and peaceful village offers an affordable downsized lifestyle living. Our solid brick, bright and spacious units are available in both one and two bedrooms and offer flexible layouts with modern extras to make life even easier.

The units offer privacy with their own carports, private courtyards and beautiful landscaped gardens with walking paths.

Just a 5 minute drive to Main Road, Monbulk where you will find many cafes, Woolworths, Aldi and specialty shops you will love! or a short drive to Mt Evelyn and Lilydale.

All available units have been recently refurbished, with some offering brand new fully updated kitchens and bathrooms, appliances, floor coverings and fresh paintwork.

The landscaped gardens are all centred around the community hall which offers a fully equipped kitchen for social group use, activities/games area, library, relaxing lounge area, dancefloor and an outdoor BBQ facilities area.

Live the good life! Choose Sylvan Glades Retirement Village.

2 BED UNITS - $300,000

1 BED UNIT - $216,500

Contact Glenn Chandler 0418 410 689 or Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442 for your tour and inspection today!

* Please note this accommodation is available for Loan License Agreement only, for all enquiries and inspections please contact Chandler & Co. Real Estate.

** Units will vary, photos & floor plan for illustration purposes only. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 18/15 Anderson Road, MONBULK

RETIREMENT LUXURY FOR LESS

SITUATED in a rural setting, this strata title property in Valley Village Mews retirement village has a large north-facing private courtyard with pergola.

Opposite its own huge park is a pathway for all and pets near community bus surrounded by tall shady trees and gardens, a staffed community centre with gardeners/odd job men and nightly security guard checks.

It has two-way spacious roads lined with homes, gardens and private backyards, plenty of parking for cars/vans/boats/trailers. Communal garden, barbecue area and nearby nature bike/walking track suiting those who love the outdoors.

Next to Estia Health aged care home, Hospital and opposite Chisholm, walking distance or bus to the market, essential services & city

centre, this village is Dandenong’s best kept secret.

This two-bedroomTudor is one of few in the village and fully renovated inside and out, with an extra multipurpose room off the internally accessed single garage. It has vaulted ceilings, spacious bedrooms with main walk-in robe, modern bathroom and open plan lounge, kitchen, dining area. Solar panels, three split

systems for cooling and heating plus ducted heating, fireplace and gas heater with insulating, noise reduction security shutters.

Very low maintenance, low monthly fees including building insurance making this a rare opportunity to purchase in this village with a high star rating! ●

RARE & BEAUTIFUL TUDOR HOME

$595,000 - $615,000 | 12 SQ. Luxurious Fully Renovated Tudor Home

This is a rare opportunity to be the new owner of this beautiful jewel in the crown situated at Valley Village Mews in Dandenong. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own this renovated home in beautiful garden surrounds.

It’s a large and luxurious home with all the benefits of living the easy village lifestyle (12 squares/111sqm*). Boasting spacious bedrooms with a walk-in wardrobe and modern bathroom. The vaulted ceilings add light and air whilst the wainscoting panelling, hybrid flooring and fireplace all add a touch of sophistication and ambience. The modern kitchen and dining room is filled with natural light and looks on to the large north-facing rear yard. The garage is complimented with an adjoining multipurpose room for hobbies, yoga or just additional storage. Ducted heating and cooling with individual reverse cycle units means you will be comfortable year round in any room and security shutters add peace of mind.

With a location only 30 seconds from the parkland, it suits an active and picturesque lifestyle. One of only a handful of Tudor homes in the village, this one is undoubtedly the quaintest of them all. It will not last so inquire today because it will be gone tomorrow.

105WarwickRoad, Gembrook

Yourveryown4acreOasis!

FORSALE.

GUIDE $650,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT DaveReilly 0437347665

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

14LakesideDrive, Emerald

COUNTRYCHARMWITHMODERNCONVENIENCE

FORSALE.

GUIDE $985,000-$1,080,000 INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT RileyNicholas 0488501218

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

18OldGembrookRoad, Emerald

READYTOENJOYINEMERALD’SBESTLOCATION!

FORSALE.

GUIDE $790,000-$860,000 INSPECT ByAppointment CONTACT LanaMaher 0408535075 BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

7GembrookParkRoad, Gembrook

ENTERTAINERSDELIGHTINAPARKLIKESETTING

FORSALE.

GUIDE $1,220,000-$1,300,000 INSPECT ByAppointment CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

39LisheenRoad, Cockatoo 3 A T 2 B T

243MtEireneRoad, Gembrook

THEPERFECTRETREATORBUSINESSOPPORTUNITY

FORSALE.

GUIDE $1,100,000-$1,200,000 INSPECT ByAppointment CONTACT RileyNicholas 0488501218

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

21ACRELIFESTYLEPROPERTYWITHBAYVIEWS

FORSALE.

GUIDE $1,750,000-$1,850,000 INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

Experiencetranquillivingonalmost1/2acre

11EdmundsRoad, Cockatoo 3

FORSALE.

GUIDE $720,000-$780,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT DaveReilly 0437347665

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

29KitchenerParade, Cockatoo

COUNTRYSIDECHARMERON966M2

FORSALE.

GUIDE $750,000-$795,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

TIMETOBUILDTHEHOMEOFYOURDREAMS

20HaylockAvenue, Cockatoo 1011.71m2

FORSALE.

GUIDE $330,000-$360,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT LanaMaher 0408535075

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

ENTERTAINER’S DELIGHT IN PARK-LIKE SETTING

IDEALLY located in one of Gembrook’s most highly sought-after locations, discover this immaculate family home that is sure to tick all of the boxes.

Carefully crafted and constructed with meticulous attention to detail, there has been no stone left unturned.

The home is positioned on an elevated setting and affords views across the tree tops to distant mountains. You are guided inside the home from the welcoming decked verandah stepping inside discover the first living room, a spacious lounge and dining featuring a bar, beautiful high ceilings and a bay window.

Continuing the journey through the home you’ll find the second living area; with spectacular vaulted ceilings the room has a certain grandeur that is seldom come by. This area includes an additional lounge, an adjoining dining space, and a wellappointed kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances, a dishwasher, breakfast bar, expansive counter space, and ample storage. With sliding door access to the extensive outdoor entertainment area, this kitchen becomes the perfect hub for hosting gatherings with friends and family.

For the growing family there are four bedrooms in total, the master suite is your own private sanctuary complete with a walkthrough wardrobe and a spacious ensuite bathroom. Additionally, a versatile dressing room presents various possibilities –whether it becomes a study, extra wardrobe space, or a private sitting area is entirely up to you.

Located in their own wing, the three secondary bedrooms all boast built-in robes and they are serviced by the family bathroom. All bedrooms have their own external access to the verandah and enjoy garden vista views.

Noteworthy features include gas-ducted heating, 5 split-systems and high ceilings.

Under the house discover a bounty of storage including an oversized double garage, a third separate garage space with 4.5m access ideal for a motor home, boat or horse float and a separate enclosed storage space which could easily become a studio or alike if required.

To keep costs down there is a 6Kw solar system, 3 inch wall, ceiling and floor insulation and multiple water tanks (totaling 60,000L approx.) which have been connected to all toilets.

Outside the embellishments continue, the enormous partially covered decked outdoor entertaining area can host even the largest of families. The solar heated above ground pool, framed by decking adds further luxury and truly creates the perfect place for summer lazing or gathering with family,

HOME ESSENTIALS

friends, a cheese plate and a pinot. For the green thumb, a secure side yard with raised vegetable gardens is ready for next season’s vegetables to be planted, and there is also a thriving lemon and lime tree. The balance of the half an acre allotment has been carefully landscaped

to create low maintenance gardens that feature mature shade trees, bright florals and expansive lawned areas for the kids to run and play.

If this wasn’t already enough sealed road and driveway access are sure to sweeten the deal.

Location doesn’t get much better than this with Gembrook Park Reserve located at the end of the road and a short stroll will take you to the thriving Gembrook township; schools, shops, renowned restaurants and public transport are all at your fingertips. Inspect with absolute confidence. ●

13CoopersRoad,Macclesfield$1,300,000-$1,420,000

FantasticequineopportunityintheheartofMacclesfield!

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

18VistaCourt,Gembrook$735,000-$800,000

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

Beautifullyrenovatedhomewithgorgeoustreedoutlook,andsocloseto town!

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

ThisIsTheOne-YourFullyRenovatedFamilyHome,FirstHomeorInvestment OpportunityAwaits!

With3bedrooms,&2bathrooms,thisisamusttosee.ThekitchenboastsaSSdishwasher,electric ovenwithgascooktop&canopyrangehoodalongsideaEuropeanlaundry.Ontheupperlevel thereare2bedrooms(1withBIRs)&anupdatedfamilybathroomwithabath.Downthestairsto thespaciousloungeroomwithprivateviewsofthereardeck&distanthills,andthenthroughtothe masterbedroom,withensuite,largerobe&asunnyoutlookovertherearyard.Thishomeisflooded withnaturallight,hasgasductedheating&splitsystemAC.Relaxonthereardeckofthefully fencedbackyard,orentertainonthepavedarea.Thereisalsoagrassedarea,agardenshed&a CubbyHouse!Ideallylocatedonly2minsdrivefromtownoraneasystrollintoWooriYallockshops.

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

25MiddletonDrive,WooriYallock$690,000-$740,000

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

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

FANTASTIC EQUINE OPPORTUNITY

THIS four-bedroom, two-bathroom property with extensive and well thought out equine infrastructure offers the astute buyer an amazing opportunity!

Previously run as a successful thoroughbred spelling and breeding property, there are 10 post and rail paddocks with electric offsets, looseboxes and water troughs, as well as an additional two day yards.

At the rear of the property are two large spelling paddocks as well as a dam which pumps water up to a header tank for irrigating the cottage garden.

There are also mare and foal yards and an area previously utilised as a stallion paddock. The great set up continues with a covered horse area that contains a cold wash, four large stables, a horse crush, hay storage, and tack room/storage area.

Adjacent to the stable area is also a row of 10 individual chicken pens, ideal for the keen breeder. As well as a dog pen.

The home features comforts such as a wood fire, split system air conditioning, a corner spa bath, and private and scenic views of the property. This home also features a 6kW solar system and has a double carport with work-shop area.

This property has it all so don’t miss out - call to arrange a private inspection today!

Call Aaron Day 0407 365 994 or Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451.

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. ●

Thisenviableentertainerwithexceptionalhillsideviewsisacompletelifestylepackage awaitingitsnewowners.Featuringaswimmingpoolandspa,freestandingstudio/home office,andsinglegarage,thispropertyboastsalltheelementsofaforeverfamilyhome.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

Thiswhimsicalresidencewillalightimaginationswithitscharm,potential,position,and 1,435sqm(approx.)property.Filledwithhandcraftedelementsandenrichedwithadouble carportandabundantoff-streetparking,thispropertynearbustransportandlocalshops isajoytobehold.Fromthesunroomentry,theinteriorbranchestoanamplehomeoffice/ studyandtheopenplandiningareaandkitchen.

SuzieBrannelly

M 0490506910| E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

Ararefind,thiswellcaredfor,clearedandvacantblockof2311m2isinabeautifulpartof theDandenongRangesandoffersnearbyvalleyviews.Prettymaturetreescreatealovely canopyaroundtheboundaryandwillgivecolourandheightforyourgardentocome tolife.Buildyourdreamhome(STCA)totakeinthesurroundinggreeneryandenjoythe peaceandprivacyofthissoughtafterlocation.

SharynChandler

M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

GlennChandler

M 0418410689| E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

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

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

1 Surgeon’s instrument (7)

9

DECODER

WORDFIT

3

9-LETTER WORD

8 words: Good 12

I S

F C N U F

snug, SUFFICING, suing, sung, using

cuffs, fisc, fusing, gins, guns, nisi, scuff, scuffing, sign, sing, sniff, snuff,

Electrical fire risks in focus

Victoria’s fire services are calling on households to keep the safety and maintenance of their electrical equipment and appliances front of mind following a recent clothes dryer fire which destroyed a home.

Firefighters responded to a dryer fire in Casey which started in the middle of the night earlier this month.

Thankfully the three residents escaped unharmed, but firefighters worked for 30 minutes to control the blaze, which had extended through the roof space and quickly engulfed the whole house.

Once a house fire starts it can spread rapidly and engulf your home in a matter of minutes.

By adopting fire-safe habits and reducing potential hazards there is a lot you can do to protect yourself and the people you live with.

In an average year, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) respond to more than 3,000 residential fire incidents across the state.

Too many of which are preventable.

Fire Rescue Victoria Commissioner Gavin Freeman, AFSM said Victorians should be wary of overloaded power boards, phone and laptop chargers and electric blankets.

“Electrical hazards in the home are a common cause for house fires these days, but you can greatly reduce your risk by taking some simple safety measures,” Commissioner Freeman AFSM said.

“Make sure you’re not overloading power boards. Don’t leave your phone charging overnight. And never put electrical appliances like hair straighteners and laptops on soft surfaces.

“Take the time to service your ducted heating and clean your range hood and oven regularly, prevention is the best policy when it comes to fire safety.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the Berwick dryer fire is a relatable reminder to residents to check their appliances are in good

Trades & Services

working order with good air flow around them.

“Using damaged or faulty electrical equipment and appliances can result in a fire, so please, play it safe, and only use certified electrical tradespeople to repair faulty appliances,” CO Heffernan said.

“No one thinks a house fire is going to happen to them, but CFA attended 137 electrical fires last year and we’ve already responded to 84 this year.”

“To prevent a fire from igniting, take the

time to check your home office is set up safely, with no loose cables, overloaded power boards or double adaptors and switch off any appliances at the wall when they’re not being used.”

For as little as $20, households can help safeguard their homes and loved ones by purchasing and installing affordable smoke alarms in all bedrooms, hallways and living areas.

Remember, for electrical appliances:

· Using damaged electrical equipment and

appliances can result in a fire. Only use appliances in good working order.

· Turn off all electrical appliances at the power point when not in use and ensure your home office is set up safely.

· Don’t use double adaptors.

· Only use power boards according to manufacturers’ instructions, never overload or have loose cables, and check regularly for damage.

In case of a fire emergency call 000.

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

Cricketer strikes again

By Tanya Faulkner

Local sportsman strikes again being recognised in one of Australia’s top cricketing teams.

Ferntree Gully local Nathan Walsh, who plays for Lysterfield Cricket Club (LCC), has been named in the Victoria Country Cricket Club Men’s Team of theYear for 2023.

The batsman is not unfamiliar with this recognition, with this year marking his fourth time being named in the team, amongst several other awards in his career.

LCC secretary Anthony Gwynne said Mr Walsh has been fantastic for the club, guiding the club to a number of premiership wins.

Mr Walsh has had a long-standing career in cricket with the Lysterfield Club, starting his career at the youthful age of 9 years old with the club.

By the age of 14 he moved up to senior cricket with Lysterfield, before taking the next step to district level cricket, playing a handful of seasons at Ringwood Cricket Club, and in Fitzroy and Doncaster for a couple of seasons.

He played 100 first 11 games with Ringwood, and also managed to help the club win a premiership before making his return back to Lysterfield in 2016, to spend more time with his family and give back some time to his home club.

Despite bouncing back up to district cricket for a couple of years in between, Mr Walsh has called Lysterfield Cricket Club home since 2019.

Mr Walsh said it’s been really good to be playing back at his local club.

“So many of the volunteers at LCC are the same as when I first started senior cricket, and it gives me a special connection with the place.

“One of the factors in my performances being really consistent has been my love playing for the club in all situations.

“I give everything I can and really enjoy playing there,” he said.

His recognition in the VCCL Team of the Year came somewhat as a surprise for the cricketer, after a bit of a rough season for 2023.

“It wasn’t my best season this year and some of my stats weren’t as bright as some of the others that were named, but it’s a privilege to have been recognised in the team again,” he said.

As it currently stands, despite the clubs being quite urban, Ferntree Gully is zoned in the ‘country’ region for cricket, which allows clubs

like Lysterfield to be considered for the VCCL teams.

Mr Walsh said a lot of thought goes into the

selection of these teams.

“From all of the regions, the teams are picked based on statistics for Country Cricket Victoria to pick a top team from all regions and form a team of the year, as acknowledgement for those players in the area,” he said.

Alongside being named in the VCCL Top Team, Mr Walsh has also been the recipient of the Don Bradman batting award for 2023, marking his second time receiving the award since 2016.

Mr Walsh said Lysterfield has been widely regarded as a really successful club, particularly with their top team having won seven grand finals in a row at one stage, which he puts down to his teammates and the club.

“While being a bit of an individual sport, having a good team around you helps the good players to excel and have a lot of support from those around them.

“It also helps to develop upcoming players into their fullest potential,” he said.

Mr Walsh has plans to continue playing for Lysterfield Cricket Club for “as long as he can hold a bat” and extend his career with the local club.

Ekiden relay tests Yarra Ranges Athletics senior team

By Jamie Strudley

Yarra Ranges Athletics senior team travelled to St Anne’s Winery in Myrniong on Saturday for round eight of XCR23. Warm, windy but dry conditions greeted the team as they prepared for the challenging courses around the St Anne’s farmland. Many of the “legs” had some steep, rocky ups and downs providing an additional challenge to athletes. Standout performances came from our Div 2 Women’s team (third), Women’s U20 (second) and the Women’s Div 4 team finishing first. Our open men’s team found the competition very tough finishing a close sixth, only a few seconds from fourth. Results are:

Women

· Div 2 25.3km Ekiden: 3rd – 1.52.07

· Olivia Twining: 31:36 (7.7km), Georgia

Laven: 32:43 (6.9km), Grace Muller: 29:04 (6km), Brigitte Rice: 18:44 (4.7km)

· Div 4 19.3km Ekiden: 1st 1.39.49

· Bonnie Morris: 39:55 (7.7km), Elisabeth Coffey: 37:07 (6.9km), Brienna Coffey: 22:47 (4.7km)

· Women Under 20 17.6km Ekiden: 2nd

1.21.24

· Rori Jones: 34:58 (6.9km), Zoe Clarke: 27:27 (6km), Madeline Laven: 18:59 (4.7km)

Men

· Div 2 39.7km Ekiden: 6th 2.34.11

· James Laven: 30:29 (8.4km), Harry Norman: 26:36 (7.7km), Max Savill-Bentley: 24:50 (6.9km), Chris Grundy: 27:25 (6km), Matthew Morrison: 25:09 (6km), Jared Byrne: 19:42 (4.7km)

· Div 6 25.3km Ekiden: 6th 1.55.55

· Graham Coutts: 36:25 (7.7km), Jared Byrne: 33:00 (6.9km), Logan Dutton: 27:33 (6km), Liam Russell: 18:57 (4.7km)

· Div 7 24.4km Ekiden: 6th 2.12.56

· Bryan Ackerly: 39:45 (7.7km), Craig Hewitson: 40:40 (6.9km), Jamie Strudley: 32:11 (6km), Bryan Ackerly 20.20 (3.8km)

Good luck to our three club members representingVictoria at the Australian Open and All Schools Cross Country Championship in Canberra this coming Weekend. Watch the socials for the results from Maddie Laven (Women U20), Brigette Rice (Women U17) and Bradley McMeeken Men U17 Para.

Club members, Mitch Pointon and Zoe Adinsall, represented Australia over the weekend at the World Laser Run Championships in Bath, England. Mitch had an exceptional race in his U15 event, finishing in eighth place, running over two seconds faster than his previous best. Zoe, in the Women U17 event, finished in an amazing 12th place.

Our Saturday morning cross country was run around a waterlogged Margaret Lewis Reserve, Coldstream. There was so much water that some last minute course changes were necessary. Our athletes enjoyed the change and responded with some excellent racing.

Next Saturday we return to Elizabeth Bridge in Kilsyth.Warm ups start at 8.45am.

Training continues for all club members onTuesday 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!

Mitch Pointon finished eighth in the World Laser Run Championships in Bath, England. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Graham Coutts showing good form.

Craig Hewitson making most of the downhill.

Nathan Walsh with the Lysterfield Cricket Club. Picture: SUPPLIED

Nathan Walsh with the Lysterfield Cricket Club has been named in the VCCL 2023 Team of the Year. Picture: SUPPLIED

National recognition

By Tanya Faulkner

Faint finals chance

Seniors Monbulk travelled to Toomuc Reserve in Pakenham for their Round 17 match against the Lions. The Hawks had to win to remain with a real chance of making the finals. The morning drizzle had stopped and conditions were close to ideal with little wind and a cloud cover as the game commenced. Pakenham quickly settled into their game style and succeeded in slotting four first quarter goals to establish a handy 25-point lead by the first break. Monbulk fought back several times over the next two quarters, only to see the Lions respond to the challenge each time. By the final quarter Monbulk were down by five goals. The Hawks fought out the match but any chance of a comeback was lost when they were only able to register one goal and five points as Pakenham ran out deserving winners by 39 points.

Monbulk still has a faint possibility of making the finals but it is coming down to mathematics. If the Hawks can defeat the fifth placed Upwey-Tecoma by about 12 goals or more they would sneak in on percentage. Monbulk will join Upwey next week to celebrate the life of Gary Wragg who passed away this week. Gary

was a Monbulk FNC Life Member and past president, a four time premiership player at Upwey-Tecoma and a former League president.

Pakenham 13.8.86 def Monbulk 6.11.47

· Best: Lochlan Beecroft, Max Thornton, Thomas Taylor, Lachlan Sheppard, Noah Rutherford, Bailey Rutherford

· Goals: William Mutschler 2, Lochlan Beecroft 1, Josh Wentworth 1, Ziggy Hatherley 1, Lachlan Sheppard 1

Reserves

Monbulk fielded a patched up side in the penultimate round of the home and away season. The slippery conditions kept scoring low as the Hawks established an early lead through Shane Williams who kicked two goals and set up another in the first quarter. By quarter time they had a nine point lead and still led by 1 point at half time.The Lions played the big ground better and gradually worked their way in front as Monbulk only managed one goal after quarter time to go down by 14 points. After having had a good start to the season, any hope of making the finals was lost with this match.

Pakenham 5.9.39 def Monbulk 4.1.25

· Best: Brodie Emmett, Shane Williams, Nick Taylor, Lachlan Smith, Nick Selleck, Lachlan Hancock-Wolfe

· Goals: Shane Williams 3, Lachlan Smith 1

Cutting-edge performance by the Hawks

A Grade

Neither Monbulk (sixth) nor Pakenham (eighth) were in the running for a finals spot and both sides were playing for pride only.

A large and vocal crowd watched the match and cheered on their respective teams as both sides were keen to finish the year with a positive showing. The court had dried out in time for this match and it allowed for a fast and interesting tustle. Monbulk’s defensive half put enormous pressure on the Lions, restricting them to just 19 goals for the first three quarters as the Hawks held a commanding ten goal lead. The final term opened up a bit more and Monbulk won that period 14-11 to clinch a well earned 13-goal victory. They will aim for back-to-back wins to finish off the year next week against traditional rivals Upwey-Tecoma, who are currently seventh.

Pakenham 30 def by Monbulk 43

· Best: Jamie Clark, Peri Reid, Abbey Whitaker

· Goals: Peri Reid 33, Jen Dewhurst 10

B Grade

The match of the day as far as netball went was played in B Grade. On a wet and slippery court both sides gave it their all in a day long arm-wrestle. Pakenham had a handy threegoal break by quarter time but Monbulk then stormed back to take a one goal lead into half time. A 12-8 third term by Pakenham left the Lions with a lead of three at the last change. The Hawks fought back in a nail biting finish as the crowd were erupting to the play of both sides.When the final siren sounded Pakenham had snatched a one-goal win in a match where both teams had given their all.

Pakenham 43 def Monbulk 42

· Best: Rihanna Kelly, Elizabeth Cutting, Chloe Schmidtke

· Goals:PaigeRondinella37,ChloeSchmidtke5

C Grade

Pakenham’s C Grade team still had a minor chance of making finals and played a determined match against the Hawks. Monbulk conceded a six goal lead at quarter time but were able to reduce it to three by half time. In the second half the Lions regained control of the game and ran out 15 goal winners. A highlight for Monbulk was the play of D Grade’s Kate Smith, who was named Monbulk’s best player in consecutive matches when she filled in for C Grade. Kate is also captain of the Monbulk Under 16s girls football team and is a member of the Eastern Ranges development squad.

Pakenham 35 def Monbulk 20

· Best: Kate Smith, Laura Del Biondo, Courtney Witt

· Goals: Jamie Sands 18, Kate Smith 2

D Grade

Monbulk faced the fourth placed Pakenham side in treacherous conditions on a slippery wet court where a number of players came to grief. The young Hawks left their best play to the second half where they were competitive and put together several promising chains of play.

Pakenham 30 def Monbulk 10

· Best: Kate Smith, Jessica Steele, Leah Hansby

· Goals: Kate Smith 9, Eireann Lawson 1

A Knox resident has come away with a national award for her love of water and supporting the local community

Jess Adkins-Barber, a swim teacher and business owner from Ferntree Gully, has recently been awarded both the AustSwim Awards of Excellence and the 2023 National AustSwim Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics recipient, resulting in her receiving the Jack Hanson Clarke Perpetual Scholarship.

These annual awards acknowledge individuals, swim centres and organisations across the country for their contribution to aquatic education and water safety through leadership, innovation, and community spirit.

Ms Adkins-Barber has been a swim teacher since 2001, working around Victoria and abroad at Camp Modin in Maine, USA, helping young children learn how to swim.

In 2019, with the persuasion of her husband, she took a brave step in starting her own business in Clayton to create more local opportunities.

“My husband was encouraging me to take a step and build my own business, so we fully funded, designed and built our facility - with the help of a few contractors of course,” she said.

The Covid pandemic caused a few complications between opening and today, resulting in almost a years’ worth of closures for her business.

Nowadays, after almost two years of being reopened, business is thriving, with her swim school supporting over 800 local young children and their families learn how to swim, and learn about swim safety. Ms Adkins-Barber said even her nomination for the AustSwim award was incredible, and has been a great recognition from the community of the work she has done over the years.

“Back in 2021 I did a zoom talk with the Knox City Council Child and Health Centre, on the importance of swimming and what to look out for when starting your child in swim lessons, which went down really well in the community,” she said. Clayton isn’t the only community still benefiting from Ms Adkins-Barber’s passion. The swim teacher also helps mentor local swim centres in Ferntree Gully and Reservoir, helping with staff training sessions.

For Ms Adkins-Barber, it’s business as usual since receiving her award at the National Industry awards in Queensland earlier this year, with a rejuvenated sense of pride in her career and the community.

“It feels pretty awesome.

“To have worked so hard and long on myself and my professional life in the industry, and taking a leap of faith in my business, it’s an amazing achievement,” she said.

Ms Adkins-Barber is continuing to work on her 2023 goals of establishing her brand and position in the industry.

“Being recognised with this award for my work and efforts is like the cherry on top for what I’ve been working on in the last 20 years,” she said.

Jess Adkins-Barker has received the AustSwim Award of Excellence and the 2023 National AustSwim Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Abbey Whitaker and Jamie Clark attempt to stop Pakenham from scoring in A Grade.

Picture: ARMIN RICHTER

Bailey Rutherford (Monbulk) and D’Angelo Taito (Pakenham) at a ruck contest in the Seniors.

Dean White, co-coach of Monbulk Reserves, gathers the ball.

Pictures: ARMIN RICHTER

2017 SKODA Octavia RS

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2004 Holden Astra CDX SQQ856

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2016 Mazda 3 AMG534