Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 29th August 2023

Japara’s lifeline

By Mikayla Van Loon

After struggling through the pandemic years with severely low attendance numbers and a proposed decline in Yarra Ranges Council funding, an independent report has handed Japara’s Kilsyth Community Hub an ongoing lifeline with recommendations changing its arrangements with the council.

The seven meeting room, hall, maternal and child health and day care facility caters to the urban suburbs of Kilsyth, Montrose and Mooroolbark, providing recreational activities and social connection.

Despite being founded as part of the Montrose Village Network to provide women a space to learn crafts and socialise in the ’70s, it has since expanded to cater for hundreds of adults and children in a range of programs.

Having been on the verge of insolvency at the end of the pandemic, board chair Mark Doubleday and the council’s officers engaged an independent consultancy firm to better understand the future requirements of the hub.

“Japara sought to work with Council to find a viable plan to ensure the Hub can represent visible value to the community,“

Mr Doubleday said.

“The review consultant has unpacked every corner of the Hub finances and participation. Japara supports the recommendations as a balanced approach for a sustainable plan.“

The recommendations looked at the lease arrangements, funding and governance to streamline the partnership between Japara and the council.

“Japara is keen to build a more effective partnership with the council with simple, clear and relevant performance indicators to allow the council to reflect back to the community and rate payers how the investment has been rewarded,“ Mr Doubleday said.

Having assessed the figures post pandemic, Mr Doubleday said for every dollar of income, Japara and its partners created $3.40 in community value, something Councillor Andrew Fullagar said he believed was “highly conservative“.

“I’m sure that when you look at what the intangible benefits are that flow out to the community it would be much higher than that,“ he said at the council meeting on Tuesday 22 August.

For the full story, turn to page 6

William Matthews Funerals

9739 6868

Book Week brings out all the favourite characters

Some of the book world’s best and favourite characters were spotted in Mount Evelyn on Thursday 24 August.

Dressed as Bluey, Mr Fox, Peter Rabbit and more, the children from Mount Evelyn Memorial Pre School went for a reading and

activity session at the Mount Evelyn Community House.

Exploring their imaginations and delving into the worlds of their most loved characters, the children danced and laughed.

See more photos on page 14

Liz (Peter Rabbit), Clara (The Saucepan Man), Mia (Bluey), Dominic (The Brave Bear), Georgia (Fantastic Mr Fox) and Sandi (Little Red Riding Hood) on a visit to Mount Evelyn Community House. 355965 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Prepare now for bushfires

By Tanya Faulkner

With a dry spring and hot summer on the horizon, locals are being urged to prepare for this years’ upcoming bushfire season.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a drier spring, following our recent wetter conditions, promoting fuel growth, and identifying a higher bushfire risk in the coming months.

The Bureau is suggesting higher chances of above average temperatures combined with below average rainfall, as the nation makes the change from years of La Niña to El Niño conditions.

This prediction is supported by the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) who have also released their Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for spring this year.

These reports come as a strong reminder for Lilydale locals to start preparing for our expected summer conditions.

Coldstream CFA Captain Sean Bethell said now is the time for locals to get prepared.

“For our area, we’re probably more prone to grass fires than bush fires.

“We’ve had good rain this winter and we still have sodden paddocks around the area, but it won’t take long for them to dry out and have a high yield of growth on them for high fuel loading,” he said.

He said farmers in particular need to take action in the coming weeks to make sure their property is as safe as possible.

“Locals need to start cleaning up around their property, trimming back trees around the perimeter of their land to start making small buffers.

“Farmers need to clear up old debris around their farm, and as their grass gets closer to curing, need to mow around the boundary of their property as part of their regulations.

Forest Hills

“They also need to make sure their machinery is well maintained and they have enough fire suppression equipment and water in case something does happen,” said Mr Bethell. AFAC CEO Rob Webb said almost the entire

country can expect drier and warmer conditions than normal this spring, and it’s important to be alert.

“Fire is a regular part of the Australian landscape in spring.

“Wherever you live, work or travel, now is the time to plan and prepare. Understand your risk, know where you will get your information, and talk to your family about what you will do,” he said.

CFA warns that now is the time to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season.

Picture: ON FILE

Liberals hold seat

By Callum Godde, Tara Cosoleto and Rachael Ward, AAP

Charity manager Nicole Werner has claimed victory in the Victorian seat of Warrandyte, retaining the northeast Melbourne stronghold for the Liberal Party.

Ms Werner was on track to secure more than 60 per cent of the primary vote on Saturday night and was headed toward a two-party preferred vote of 69.8 per cent ahead of Greens candidate Tomas Lightbody (30.2 per cent).

“Thank you for entrusting me with this honour,” she told volunteers and supporters at Ringwood Bowls Club as she declared victory on Saturday about 8.30pm.

“I will do my best to give my all every single day to fight for you and to serve our wonderful community.”

The former youth pastor secured preselection after failing to reclaim the nearby seat of Box Hill for the Liberals in November when Labor was returned to government for another four years.

State Opposition Leader John Pesutto said Ms Werner’s emphatic win was a warning shot to the Andrews Labor government.

“There will be an earthquake going off inside the Labor Party,” he said.

Mr Pesutto said Victorians were sick of cost of living pressures, taxes, incompetence, and integrity scandals.

“The people of Warrandyte have been the voice of all Victorians tonight,” he said.

“They have said loudly, enough is enough.”

Mr Pesutto had denied the vote in Warrandyte would be a test of his leadership of the Liberal Party, which has experienced internal disputes in the nine months since he stepped

into the role.

The by-election was triggered by the retirement of veteran Liberal MP Ryan Smith, who released a resignation press release in July without informing Mr Pesutto amid simmering factional tensions over the expulsion of first-term MP Moira Deeming.

Ms Werner opened her victory speech by thanking Mr Smith for his service to the electorate and the parliament.

“It is your shoulders I stand on tonight,” she said.

Ms Werner had been a virtual certainty to retain the seat for the Liberals over a field of mostly independents after Labor opted not to contest the by-election, although the final margin will be closely scrutinised.

The Liberals held Warrandyte on a twoparty-preferred margin of 4.3 per cent ahead of Saturday’s poll.

The seat hasn’t fallen out of the party’s grasp since 1988.

Despite the margin, Mr Pesutto said he wouldn’t pre-empt the by-election result.

“No seat is safe in politics these days - we’ve learnt that in recent federal and state elections,” he told reporters on Saturday.

“You have to fight for every single vote... and at no stage in this Warrandyte by-election have we taken any votes for granted.”

Mr Pesutto said Ms Werner had mounted a strong case for voters.

“Nicole will be that strong voice,” he said.

“She’s grown up in the area, she’s a local and she wants to be a strong advocate for the people she wants to serve.”

Factional warring between the Liberals and Labor’s federal by-election win in Aston, also on Melbourne’s outer fringes, had set the scene for a potential battle over the seat.

But Labor ultimately decided against contesting, with nominations confirmed a week after the Andrews government suddenly cancelled the 2026 Commonwealth Games over cost concerns.

Saturday’s poll was the first Victorian state by-election since 2017 when now-federal senator Lidia Thorpe snatched the seat of Northcote from Labor following the death of Fiona Richardson.

Break down of Warburton Tree costs

By Tanya Steele

A recent Council meeting on Tuesday 22 August saw a resident raise concerns over the costs to Yarra Ranges ratepayers for the entire process involved with the Warburton Tree.

Tony Stevenson said he wanted to know as a ratepayer the breakdown of costs associated with the Warburton Tree.

“Could the council break down the significant expenditure of the tree matter 3457... first in the category of tree safety work including arborists, reports and tree surgery to reduce risk to the public and secondly, all other costs incurred,” he said.

Built Environment and Infrastructure director Hjalmar Philipp responded and itemised the costs into the following categories.

Treeworks, $76,495, Security chain and padlocks, $5,091, Traffic Management, $4,000, Fencing, $12,000, Security, $380,000 which came to a total of $477,586.

“All these costs related to measures taken

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

as part of the council’s obligations under the OHS act to address the known and very serious risks arising from the Warburton tree,” he said.

“All these cost components were significantly increased as a result of delays to undertake the necessary safety work and an

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

insurance claim is being pursued in relation to these costs.”

Mr Stevenson then asked the council to clarify the significant expenditure for a single tree in a single town.

“Please explain why the roughly 98 per cent of ratepayers who don’t live in Warburton will be bearing most of the cost,” he said.

Mr Phillipp said costs associated with the Warburton Tree were not forecast in the 2022/23 operating budgets and therefore came out of the council’s consolidated budget, “This isn’t built up on a geographic basis and all ratepayers contribute to it,” he said.

Unplanned costs have impacted the hip pockets of Yarra Ranges residents in this issue and had the Council completed tree works as planned in March 2023 most of the costs that accumulated as a result of protests would not have occurred.

Mr Stevenson was contacted by the council on 24 August via email to confirm his question and response from the meeting.

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.

Armed robberies

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding two armed robberies in Kilsyth on 13 December 2022 and 6 June this year.

It is believed the same offender attended a shopping centre armed with a knife, and demanded cash and cigarettes on both occasions. Investigators have released images of a person who may be able to assist with enquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit at Lilydale Police Station on (03) 9739 2401 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.

au

Murder charge

A man accused of murder at a popular Melbourne park will remain behind bars after failingtofrontcourt.AnasAbdulfatah,36,allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old man on the fringe of the CBD in Fitzroy Gardens on Monday 21 August.

Paramedics worked on the Ringwood man for at least half an hour but he died at the scene. Abdulfatah, who has no fixed address, was taken to hospital under police guard and later charged with one count of murder. Melbourne Magistrates Court was told on the morning of Tuesday 22 August he was too unwell to attend a brief hearing following his arrest.

Abdulfatah’s lawyer said he required medication for schizoaffective and bipolar conditions, while a prosecutor flagged it would take forensic experts 12 weeks to determine the victim’s cause of death. Abdulfatah was remanded until the matter’s next scheduled hearing in December.

Theft charges laid

Three youths have been arrested following alleged thefts from bottle shops and stores across Melbourne, including Montrose.

Between Friday 18 August and Tuesday 22 August, police will allege six bottle shops and two stores were targeted across the east, where alcohol, cigarettes and cash were stolen. Police have been told employees were threatened, however, were not harmed. Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested three youths, aged 12, 14 and 16, about midday on 23 August.:Itfollowedthearrestsoffourboysranging in age from 12-16 on 18 August, over the alleged swarming of 28 separate liquor stores and supermarkets across Melbourne between 3 Augustand15August.Policeexpecttomakefurther arrests.

Asenquiriescontinue,anyonewithinformation about this crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersvic.com.au

Costs of trimming and fencing the Warburton Tree reached over $400,000.

Image released in relation to Kilsyth armed robberies. Picture: EYEWATCH

Nicole Werner (right) has taken the seat of Warrandyte from former Liberal MP Ryan Smith (left) in the by-election.

Picture: NICOLE WERNER SOCIAL MEDIA

Making the case for FOGO

By Mikayla van Loon

As food organics and garden organics (FOGO) bins roll out across the Yarra Ranges, discussion around its uses and benefits have been airing in many forms.

With concerns raised about the new threebin system costs and inability to opt out, somewhat of a divide has begun to form between those who are for and against the system.

The new bin system is a statewide policy change under the Circular Economy Waste Reduction Recycling Act 2021 which requires local councils to provide FOGO and eventually glass recycling to all households within its municipality.

An independent report commissioned by Sustainability Victoria in 2017 notes that at least 80 per cent of emissions comes from organic material being sent to landfill.

Yarra Ranges executive officer of resource recovery Graham Brew said in the shire alone, it produced on average per year 30,000 tonnes of waste, 17,000 tonnes of recyclable matter and 16,000 tonnes of organic waste.

“We did an audit on our garbage, recycling and organic bins prior to any change happening and the statistics coming out of that shows 45 per cent is organic material that’s in a waste bin, eight per cent is recyclables and three per cent is e-waste,” he said.

“The state government put a ban on ewaste going to landfill two or three years ago but we’re still getting three per cent of our volume which is e-waste.

“It’s over 50 per cent of material in an average bin, because it’s not everyone’s bin, that is material that does not need to go to landfill.”

With the landfill site used by councils in the east expected to reach capacity within the next two to three years, Mr Brew said it is imperative that the onus is put on every household in the state to reduce waste.

“The important thing is, yes, it’s a state government initiative but it’s a personal responsibility for everyone, not just Council. It’s a good thing. It’s going to reduce landfill, it’s going to improve the environment,” Mr Brew said.

Montrose resident, composter and cofounder of the Montrose Community Cupboard Pat Natoli said he sees the policy as a positive.

“It’s helping people compost if they don’t have the ability to, it’s helping to reduce more carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere,” he said.

“And it means we’ve got much more compost to go back onto our farms and into our parks and gardens.”

It’s estimated from the FOGO bin collections statewide that a further 336,000 tonnes of compost will be produced each year, while reducing CO2 emissions by 320,000 tonnes per annum.

Mr Natoli already has a compost bin, worm farm and chickens to help reduce his organic waste but said the FOGO bin would still be useful for scraps and green waste that can’t be broken down at home.

“The fact that you can put meat scraps and your takeaway leftovers or plate scrapings into

the FOGO system that changes it from being like ‘I need to think about how I can compost this’,” he said.

“In the grand scheme of things this is going to be super helpful, even if it means we have to pay a little bit for it, we’re going to use it if we get pizza or Thai food or something and it’s got sauce leftover or it’s got stuff that we haven’t consumed that I don’t want to put it into the compost.

“It’s a very easy way for people to be able to contribute and get rid of their scraps or the stuff that maybe they don’t have the time to deal with or don’t have the space to.”

Fellow Montrose resident Tony Stevenson said given he lives on a larger property, it welcomes the addition of the FOGO system.

“As a property owner in the urban areas of Yarra Ranges I do seem to generate a lot of vegetation waste, not all of which can be composted. I can’t compost ivy, blackberries, creepers and branches from trees and shrubs,” he said.

“As we’re in an urban area we can’t burn off either. So I do rely on my 240 litre green bin to

dispose of the green waste I can’t compostwe’ve always composted.”

With the majority of theYarra Ranges population residing in the urban areas without the luxury perhaps of composting, mulching or burning off, Mr Stevenson it seems only fair to split the cost amongst the whole shire “to deliver the best service for the best cost”.

“Ultimately it’s our waste - we generate it. It’s on each household to work out how they can minimise their waste and live with a less frequent bin collection.

“I know it will be a challenge for some - parents with young kids, larger families, seniors with medical waste.”

For Mr Natoli, who was involved in setting up the Kilsyth Community Compost Hub, he said from what he can understand most people are eager to learn and help the environment.

Everything makes a difference. Some people have expressed that they really liked the compost system, and they really liked the idea of being involved in the community aspect of it, but maybe don’t have the mobility or the access to come in.

“Everyone wants to feel good about doing the right thing. The small things that you do, whether it’s joining the community compost hub or putting it in the FOGO bin, if you’re in a block of flats or you don’t have access to a compost bin, you are still doing an amazing job if you use the FOGO bin.”

Mr Brew said not only would getting organic and food waste out of general waste bins be a focus but also improving education around recycling, with around 25 per cent of items put in an average recycle bin not being able to be recycled.

“The recycling is over 20 per cent contamination. That’s not bad considering other councils. It’s not good either. I’d like it to be around seven or eight per cent. We’re going to work on that.We’re going to really push on that over the years to do that.”

The FOGO system for the Yarra Ranges will come into effect on 2 October.

“I’ve been in the waste industry for over 30 years and I’ve been in this council for 29 years, this is the biggest change that this council has seen since I’ve been here,” Mr Brew said.

The environmental advantages of reducing waste going to landfill has been marked as one of the key reasons for the FOGO bin system.

Picture: TANYA STEELE

Behind the costs of FOGO

By Tanya Faulkner

Controversy is in the air around the Yarra Ranges Council’s introduction of FOGO bins to the community, however, they aren’t as bad as believed.

Whilst there are several members of the community still on the fence about the new green-lid bins, with concerns of the cost on locals, Council is speaking up proving that the Yarra Ranges has one of the more affordable options in the South East.

First and foremost, on the face of the newly introduced FOGO bin packages, Yarra Ranges residents have a $40 cheaper option than neighbours in the City of Knox, paying only $459 compared to Knox 496.60 for their bin packages, despite having a slightly smaller population.

Yarra Ranges packages are also cheaper than those in Cardinia and Nillumbick, who face a whopping $616.40 charge for the FOGO bin packages.

Yarra Ranges Council believe the FOGO bins are better for the greater good, with additional costs and concerns leading to the overall introduction of waste management in the area.

Executive Officer of Resource Recovery Graham Brew said the overall waste management across Victoria needs to be rethought, especially in the South East.

According to recent reports released by the Council earlier this month, the landfill site in Hallam is filling up drastically, with predictions that the site may be closed by 2026, making the landfill in the East a thing of the past.

Mr Brew said council is facing increasing costs when it comes to waste management in the Yarra Ranges, and changes need to be made.

“Some costs we can’t change include the costs of the truck, the service to pick up bins

THE PERFECT DROP FOR FATHER’S DAY

each fortnight, labour and fuel.

“Regardless of whether locals choose to use FOGO bins or not, you can’t just reduce those costs because the truck doesn’t pick up your bin, it still drives past.

“When looking at the bigger picture, it’s of greater benefit for the wider community to use their FOGO bins and make the most of the service,” he said.

Recovery Communications and Engagement Coordinator Joanna Hammond said the Government has almost doubled the cost of waste per tonne on council, and FOGO has been introduced to reduce the cost of waste by introducing compostable recycling.

“The levy was $63.37 per ton in 2020 of waste, however this year it’s $129.97.

“So it’s a substantial increase in cost for the

council to actually get rid of the waste,” she said.

Ms Hammond pointed out that, as taxpayers, we are constantly paying for things we don’t regularly use, however with FOGO we can do our bit for the environment, and make the most of the services provided to us by both the council and government.

“If you think about your tax, and your rights, you will be paying for things you don’t use.

“I don’t use the footy oval but I’m paying towards them.

“As we all know, landfill, climate change is causing environmental issues, and it’s absolutely vital that as a community we work together to solve this problem,” she said.

Ms Hammond said the community needs a shift in mindset from “it’s not my problem” to

“it’s everybody’s problem”.

“It’s a bit like turning the power on, or flushing the toilet.

It just happens, and we feel the same when we put something in the bin and think “it’s not my problem, I don’t have to worry about this, but it is our problem”.

“I think that’s where we’re reaching some of those pain barriers, because we’re telling everybody it’s their problem and as a community we need to solve that.

“If we opt out then the cost goes from them to the other people who are opting in, and would be making locals have to pay more for the service we’re providing,” she said.

Mr Brew said the FOGO bins have a much greater benefit for the environment and the longevity of our existing landfill in the South East.

“As we reduce the volume of waste going to landfill will save money on that side of it.

“At the moment we average around 29,000 to 31,000 tonnes of waste per year, if we can reduce that to 25 tonnes then we can save money on that front.

“There’s a company called Biogro with a number of facilities across Victoria, turning compostable materials into soil products and mulch, meaning our waste will go back to farms and gardens, and help improve the environment.

“There’s a number of councils in Melbourne that actually take the material to that company, and it’s a great way to get it through and processed,” he said.

Yarra Ranges Council are urging locals to think about the greater good in the community, and remember that the cost of the bins is not as great as those in other Victorian municipalities, the costs that council faces, and the impact our decisions may be having on the future of our environment.

For more information on FOGO head to yarraranges.vic.gov.au/whywasteit/Home

The new FOGO bin system and it’s cost have been raising concerns across the Yarra Ranges. Picture: TANYA STEELE

Funding lifeline for Japara

By Mikayla van Loon

Japara’s Kilsyth Community Hub has been handed a long term lifeline after an independent report identified a need for increased funding from Yarra Ranges Council.

Having engaged CMF Consulting in December last year, a review was carried out to understand the best way forward for the community hub in Kilsyth to ensure its survival.

The review made a number of recommendations in relation to the lease structure, maintenance and governance of the hub, as well as increasing funding to $85,000 per annum.

Japara board chair Mark Doubleday welcomed the review’s findings to provide a sustainable future for the Montrose, Kilsyth, Mooroolbark and surrounding community.

“This is the beginning of a new partnership approach between the council and Japara in the management of one of the council’s major community hubs,” he said.

Throughout the pandemic, Mr Doubleday told Star Mail in April this year that the hub’s revenue declined dramatically, with a 70 per cent income loss from venue hire alone.

“The Hub is not a commercial business – it is a community service for the people of Kilsyth, Montrose, Mooroolbark and the wider community – it can’t break even without Council support,” Mr Doubleday said.

“This is the case of all the community hubs in Yarra Ranges whether managed by the council directly or a not for profit such as Japara Neighbourhood House.”

Since the return to normal schedules, classes and hiring of the facility, Mr Doubleday said Japara has seen a great improvement in numbers attending the hub but “there is no return to pre-pandemic circumstances”.

The improvements can be seen in the human impact being created, with Mr Doubleday noting that 145 families or individuals attended the food market twice a month, 120 children benefited from occasional care each week and around 600 individuals enjoyed classes and social engagement throughout the 2022-23 year.

Voting unanimously to endorse the report’s recommendations at the Yarra Ranges Council meeting on Tuesday 22 August, councillors agreed that the longevity of the hub was essential to community benefit.

In the absence of Councillor Len Cox, a major supporter of the Kilsyth Community Hub for decades, Cr Andrew Fullagar moved the motion to adopt the recommendations.

“[Japara has] a proven track record of a long history of supporting Montrose, Kilsyth, Mooroolbark and surrounds and it’s so vitally important that that continues,” he said.

Cr Fullagar supported each of the changes, especially the “provision and cost sharing, for example maternal and child health so there’s a fairer share of load there”, the funding increase from $70,000 to $85,000 and better cost arrangements for maintenance.

“The recommendations are fair and reflect an improved model and most importantly, the relationships between Japara and the council will further strengthen with both parties offer-

ing extensive goodwill to the table,” he said.

Mr Doubleday said early modelling of growth and density in the area showed the future need of the spaces like the Japara Community Hub for recreation and connection.

Seconding the motion Cr Tim Heenan said he had “great faith” in what Japara will be able to achieve moving forward with the improved funding and ongoing support.

“It’s a good understanding of what Kilsyth is going to need in the future coming out of his community house and I think you’re already addressing that now,” he said.

Logistics of revised funding and leasing ar-

rangements are to be discussed with senior council officers over the next couple of weeks.

Grateful to all councillors for approving the recommendations in the report, Mr Doubleday extended special thanks to Cr Cox and Cr Heenan for their ongoing support.

“The Japara Board of Management especially thanks Councillor Fullagar for moving the report recommendations and Councillor Cox for his long term support over many decades for Japara,” he said.

“Both Councillors Cox and Heenan have a long term relationship with Japara and knew the original founders of the Neighbourhood

House in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s – and they (the founding women) would be very proud to see their legacy prospering with Council support.”

Seeing a brighter future for Japara in the long term, Mr Doubleday said on the night of the council meeting it has come as quite the relief for everyone working to make the hub the best it can be.

“For the first time since lockdowns finished, I sleep better at night and I think the board does and the staff do and there is a degree of confidence that’s not been seen for three years,” Mr Doubleday said.

Japara’s Kilsyth Community Hub will continue to thrive with an independent review noting several changes to its structure including funding.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Killara upgrade questions

By Tanya Steele

The proposed Killara Road and Maroondah Highway upgrade remains a question mark for local Coldstream residents as the future of the intersection is still unclear.

The community met with Casey MP Aaron Violi and Shadow Assistant Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tony Pasin on Thursday 24 August to discuss the future of the busy and dangerous intersection.

CFA Captain Sean Bethell said the area was congested and dangerous and the CFA had to be very cautious when entering the highway, even when their sirens and lights were going.

“It can be very difficult, especially if you’re

turning right, it’s a crappy intersection, to say the least,” he said.

A large group of projects included in the $120 billion infrastructure investment program have been undergoing a 90-day independent review and this includes Killara Road.

The 90-day review period by the Federal Government which began earlier this year is almost complete and Mr Violi is concerned the Killara Road upgrades will be taken off the table.

“The former Liberal government committed funding to upgrade this intersection back in 2019. As state governments are responsible for roads, Dan Andrews and his government could have taken that funding and delivered

this upgrade,” Mr Violi said.

The project in Killara Road was green-lit for traffic lights to be installed at the Killara RoadStation Street intersection and the Gateway estate entrance in February 2019.

This was assisted by a petition from Coldstream Voice’s Kevin Ryan collected thousands of signatures and was presented to State Parliament in 2018.

Mr Violi said that the Labor Government has sat on this funding for four years, leaving residents in the Yarra Valley to battle near misses every day.

“There have been far too many families impacted by fatalities at this intersection,” Mr Violi said.

Mr Paison said the community need to keep making noise to make sure the work will go ahead.

“We’ve now got a Labor State Government that’s talking to a Labor Federal Government and this project given that it hasn’t gone past the design phase is at huge risk of being cancelled,” he said.

Mr Violi said the turnout at his community meeting with Mr Pasin spoke for itself.

“Not only do the local CFA need to be able to turn out efficiently in emergencies, we’ve got a new estate about to go up which means more cars relying on this road,” he said.

The State’s Department of Transport and Planning was contacted for comment.

Residents gathered in Killara Road to discuss the future of the upgrades.

Picture: TANYA STEELE Residents of Coldstream are concerned about the dangerous road conditions along Maroondah Highway that has been funded for upgrades.

Spectacular show planned

By Mikayla van Loon

Students from around the state are preparing and counting down to one of the biggest performances of their lives as they take on the State Schools Spectacular in September.

With a number of Yarra Ranges students joining the performance cohort, Star Mail caught up with them to hear how preparations are going and what they’re looking forward to about getting on stage or behind the scenes.

For Alexis Williams from Mooroolbark Secondary College being involved in Schools Spectacular has been something she’s done since Grade 3 and it’s had her going back every year.

“I loved everything about the Schools Spec and what it stands for, that I had to come back for more,” she said.

Now in Year 7, Alexis is performing as part of the First Nations Ensemble having previously performed in the mass choir.

“It means a lot to me because it is important to recognise First Nations people, and I am very excited to be a part of the very first First Nations ensemble,” Alexis said.

“As I was a part of the First Nations choir last year in State School Spectacular, I was attracted to the First Nations ensemble as I could then have the opportunity to put a larger spotlight on the First Nations community.”

From a regular to a first time participant in Upwey High School student Alfie Wharton, Schools Spectacular caters to everyone.

“The whole idea of getting to be a part of something so grand and, well, spectacular that got me intrigued in the first place,” he said.

“When my friend told me that I could get to work behind the scenes as part of the film crew, I knew I had to sign up.”

Having not really had an interest in the way camera operators work prior to Schools Spectacular Alfie said he has surprisingly enjoyed every moment.

“What I’ve enjoyed most so far as part of the State Spec experience would have to be learning about all the equipment they use behind the scenes, and what I’ll be using on the night

of the actual show,” he said.

“I can definitely say I have since acquired an appreciation for all the different pieces of equipment they have to put together to film the show, and how much effort building a camera can take.”

With just a couple of weeks until the big show, Alexis and Alfie said while there is lots to look forward to, they are excited to put what they have learned into practice.

“I am so excited for the performance as it is always so well put together. I can’t wait for everyone to see what the ensemble has been working on,” Alexis said.

“The Na Djinang Circus has helped us come up with a fantastic performance and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

“The actual filming day, although I’ve never been to a State Spec show before, I’m assuming the atmosphere will be amazing, and just the idea of having my camera feed put up on the

jumbotron (I’m guessing that’s where it’ll go) is pretty exciting,” Alfie said.

Both of them said they found value in not only learning more about themselves and their capabilities but also gaining knowledge of how such a large production is produced.

“From participating in the Schools Spec I have not only been able to learn some new things, but also learn more about my culture,” Alexis said.

“Each rehearsal I attend provides me the opportunity to challenge myself.”

“I have definitely met some pretty interesting and very nice people and gained an interest in the behind the scenes aspect of the things I see on TV, that I definitely didn’t have before.”

The Victorian State Schools Spectacular is being held at John Cain Arena on Saturday 9 September, with tickets available by going to www.johncainarena.com.au/event/victorianstate-schools-spectacular-2023/

Fire safety education made fun at Coldstream school

By Tanya Steele

Fire safety awareness and a good dash of fun were on the agenda for some lucky primary school kids ahead of the bushfire season across the Yarra Ranges.

Big smiles, flashing lights and some epic water displays made for a fun learning experience for Coldstream Primary School kids on Monday 15 August.

“They loved it, I had to laugh at the faces when turned the pump on and blew the water out the sides,” Mr Brown said.

CFA Coldstream volunteers Graham Brown, David Timms, Nola Amos and Scott McCloud were invited to the primary school to teach kids about fire safety and demonstrate their fire truck capabilities - most notably the water and horn functions.

The visit came about when CFA was at the school doing regular fire extinguisher services and a teacher asked if they could come and do a talk with the students.

“We said, yes we can do that and we arranged a day and we brought the truck to the front of the school,” Mr Brown said.

“We went through what the CFA do, go to housefires, bushfires and car accidents and rescues, not just fighting fires.

Mr Brown briefed the kids on the different uniforms, which are different depending on the circumstances.

“We asked the kids if they knew what a fire plan is and one boy piped up and said ‘that’s when we escape’ he said.

Mr Brown said the kids were clearly a bit clued in and had clearly already picked on some fire awareness.

“They said when there’s a fire you gotta ‘get out quick’ and ‘you gotta get down low’ and I thought that was pretty good,” he said.

Kye said he remembered that you had

to get down low and crawl away from the smoke.

“I enjoyed the information about how to be a firefighter,” said Max.

The business soon turned to the firetruck and the kids immediately requested to “see the red and blue lights go”.

“They thought it was fantastic,” Mr Brown said.

Maddi and Ava said they thought the lights and sirens were the best and Jazzy loved the uniforms.

”I thought the fire truck squirting the water was the best part,” said Mitchell.

The class also shared some of their own experiences with previous fires and things that had happened in their own homes.

The volunteers told the kids how much they enjoyed their volunteer work and some of the children couldn’t quite believe that people volunteer to go out to a fire emergency.

Mr Brown said the crew and kids had a great time and the volunteers loved the thank

you cards they received from the kids.

“I enjoyed presenting our gifts of appreciation,” said Ethan.

“I learned to be prepared,” said Oscar.

Mr Brown said he hadn’t had a school visit for a while and is looking forward to the Coldstreams CFA’s Spring Open Day on 29 October.

“I told them we’ll be squirting hoses and doing all sorts of fun things and if your parents wanted to join as well that would be great,” he said.

Alfie Wharton is taking part in the performance for the first time.

Alexis Williams has joined Schools Spectacular this year as part of the First Nations Ensemble. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Upwey High School students Ethan, Finlay and Alfie each signed up to be part of the behind the scenes crew.

The school turned out for a live demonstration.

Pictures: PROVIDED

Volunteers showed the kids the firetruck, uniforms and did education on fire safety awareness.

Students across Victoria have topped the nation in this year’s NAPLAN results – recording ongoing improvement at both primary and secondary levels as students thrive at school.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said that these phenomenal results are more than statistics – they are a tribute to the extraordinary work and efforts of Victorian kids, teachers, principals, parents and carers.

“We are so proud to see such positive results, particularly among our primary years, and it is a clear indicator that we are delivering nation-leading education to a generation of Victorian students in the Education State,“ she said.

Victoria is ranked first or second in 16 of the 20 NAPLAN 2023 domains – one of the state’s best-ever results, and higher than any other state or territory in the nation.

Our young students at primary school levels lead the state’s stellar results, ranking first or second in every domain in Years 3 and 5.

The early years of school are critical for establishing a strong foundation for learning –and with more than 70 per cent of Year 3 and 80 per cent of Year 5 students in the ‘strong’ or ‘exceeding proficiency’ levels for reading, Victorian students are setting themselves up for success.

Victoria also topped the nation in Year 3 reading and numeracy and retained first place in Years 5, 7 and 9 writing.

Inadditiontohigh-achievingstudents,these results are proof thatVictorian schools are identifying and supporting students who need extra assistance throughout their schooling, with the lowest or second-lowest proportion of students needing additional support in all 20 domains.

There is always more work to do right across Australia, and the NAPLAN results point to the need to keep lifting numeracy results, as well as continuing our work to close the achievement gap between advantaged and

disadvantaged students.

The Government’s support systems for disadvantaged students are producing results – compared to other states and territories,Victorian kids facing disadvantage have achieved higher results in all of the primary school NAPLAN domains.

This year was the first time NAPLAN has been sat with changes agreed by all Australian education ministers to make reporting easier

for schools and parents to understand, and ensure teachers have more time to implement any support NAPLAN identifies that students might need.

The tests are now sat in March rather than May, so results – and extra assistance for students – can be delivered earlier in the year.

“Since individual results were released a month ago, schools have been working on targeted learning support for those students who

need additional support – and on extending the talents and skills of our highest achievers,“ Ms Hutchins said.

NAPLAN is now also sat online to allow for more nuanced testing than paper tests, and the results structure has changed to represent student achievement against a reasonable expectation of their year level.

Individual school results will follow later in the year.

Spring Fair

Schools in Victoria have done well, specifically in younger age groups.

Picture: UNSPLASH

Local bank giving fire the boot.

When you think about the groups, clubs and services you have been part of around Mt Evelyn, Montrose and Coldstream over the years, chances are the Mt Evelyn Bendigo Community Bank has been right behind them.

Recently we got behind the Mt Evelyn CFA, who needed to provide each of their members with a pair of new safety boots to help keep them safe and protected while they’re doing their great work in keeping our community safe, resilient and prepared. It was a huge outlay and so CFA Captain,Rick Ventrella reached out.

“We’ve had a really, really good relationship with the bank over a period of years,” said Rick as he met with Mt Evelyn Bendigo Community Bank Director,Steve Martin.

“I went down and had a chat to the bank about supplying us with some funds for the boots and, low and behold, within 24-hours, we had an answer back and they supplied us with just over $3,500 worth of funding to purchase the boots.”

The boots will be worn on station and at community events, keeping the members safe and looking smart as they deliver some important messages to community.

“Everyone’stalkingaboutthesummerseasoncomingalong. We have had some less than warmer summers in the past year, and everything’s pointing that it could get a little bit warmer than normal this year so it’s important that people just be prepared,”said Rick.

The CFA will have information on their Facebook page to encourage people to prepare their properties and go early if they have to,and will be holding community engagement sessions over the coming months which is important for the public to attend.

With old feet clad in new boots, the Mt Evelyn CFA also has some newer, younger feet in boots, with their junior’s program kicking off with 12 new recruits and a waiting list! Young people aged 11yrs-15.9yrs can join, gaining leadership skills, knowledge and training for the future. And whilst they might have “big shoes to fill”, a special order with Lilydale Safety Wear might be needed next time if these young people keep growing,with one wearing a size 13 boot!

So,it goes without saying,the more banking business you do through the Mt Evelyn Community Bank, the more we can support your community.And with our competitive range of banking products,that’s a win-win for everyone!

Our profits go back into your community. It’s as simple as that.You can bank on it!

Call us on 9737 1833 or drop in to see our team.

Chainsaw safety taught

Residents across the Yarra Ranges Council and Cardinia Shire are learning life-saving skills as part of a series of Emergency Response Themed Training, which includes how to use a chainsaw safely.

A total of eleven distinct community groups hailing from Cardinia and Yarra Ranges have recently participated in diverse training courses, which have been run for members of the community groups and organisations who assisted with the recovery from the June 2021 storm.

On the 21 and 22 August a free chainsaw course was facilitated by the councils and delivered through ARBTRACK Australia.

Over two days community members came together to learn all about the ins and outs of chainsaws: safety, cleaning, maintenance and of course how to use them.

Cockatoo resident, Andrew McLean participated in the Chainsaw training workshop on 22 August, and said that despite having prior experience with a chainsaw, he wanted to learn the correct procedures and practices to use it safely.

“We live in Cockatoo on top of a ridge and in the last two big storms we had two trees come down in our front yard and then the next July, two of our neighbours’ trees came down into our backyard,” he said.

“We had a battery-operated chainsaw, but

I needed to know how to operate it correctly and safely, so I signed up for this course and I’ve learnt an enormous amount of all the things I’m not doing and all the things I’m doing wrong.”

“Now I can be safer when I’m cutting tree limbs and it has given me the confidence to operate it properly,” said Andrew.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child said the emergency response themed training meant residents were armed with the knowledge and practical skills to make a difference in their own lives and community.

“Following the 2021 storm we witnessed an incredible coming together of our community, and the dedication shown by both the SES and CFA was matched by the countless residents who pitched in to clear trees and debris, reminding us of the strength in our community,” he said.

“Having more locals trained in skills such as first aid and chainsaw operations could be invaluable, especially during times of crisis and this is one the small things we can give communities to help them be better prepared for future disasters.”

A total of $650,000 from Emergency Recovery Victoria was given to Yarra Ranges Council and Cardinia Shire Council to support ongoing community clean-up efforts for vulnerable residents on private property and to create valuable training opportunities for residents.

Steve Martin from the Bendigo Bank and Captain Rick Ventrella with boots

Several Yarra Ranges locals took part in a chainsaw training course about the ins and outs of chainsaws: safety, cleaning, maintenance and how to use them. Picture: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL

Harlem a record-breaker

By Mikayla van Loon

In just a couple of weeks throughout June and July, Harlem Willis broke the world record in his age group for the longest standing jump four times over.

The nine-year-old from Mooroolbark first broke the existing 188cm jump record by jumping 189cm from standing still.

From there, he only improved jumping a consecutive 192.5cm, 194.5cm and finally 203cm, scoring himself four medals from the Kids World Records, an international record keeping organisation based in Canada.

“They were all done in June, July with a week or two in between each one and he can try and break it again but a standing jump of 203cm is not easy to break,” Harlem’s mum Christine Willis said.

“Because when I stand and leap forward, it’s only 120 centimetres. I don’t know how he does it as a nine-year-old.”

The long standing jump was once an Olympic event in the early 1900s, with it first being included in Paris in 1900 and last run in 1912 in Stockholm.

Ray Ewry set the first men’s world record, jumping 3.47m in 1904, with the current unofficial long standing jump record sitting with NFL player Byron Jones, who in 2015 jumped 3.73m.

Christine said Harlem began athletics at the age of five in the under six age group events and has since competed in long jump, triple jump, hurdles and sprints.

“He was basically jumping before he could walk, right from a baby. All he’s ever done is jump, jump off things, jump through things, jump around things,” she said.

As a rather athletic family, with his three older siblings reaching multiple national titles and world rankings, Christine said it’s nice

now for Harlem to be reaching his own goals and sharing in some of the reward.

“He was born at the track pretty much. He’s lived at the track since about two days old. It’s all he’s ever known. He’s just witnessed his siblings [achieving],” she said.

“He just smiles from ear to ear when he

goes around explaining and telling people.”

Currently training one on one with his mum, Christine said Harlem is starting to enjoy high jump and she hopes she can get him training with a jumps coach in the future to only help him improve.

Harlem’s fifth world record for the seven to

nine age group found him to have the largest foot, measuring a total of 27cm and a shoe size of men’s 11.

To watch Harlem’s record jump, go to www. kidsworldrecords.com/records and search ‘Harlem’.

ON THIS WEEKEND

Harlem Willis, 9, broke the children’s world record for the longest standing jump four times over.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Animal music to our ears

By Gabriella Vukman

Among the distinctive buzz of cicadas and hooting kookaburra laughter, Australia’s favourite animal sounds can be heard in our very own Valley.

The ABC’s recent poll determining Australia’s favourite animal sounds received a whopping 120,000 votes, confirming the magpie as the winner on 18 August.

Here is a guide on where you can find and hear some of the top 10 finalists in our very own Valley.

The Kookaburra

Landing in the poll’s top 10, the kookookaaakaakaa of the notorious nursery rhyme bird is a prominent feature in day-to-day Valley life. Communicating territory, the calls of the kookaburra can most often be heard at dusk and dawn.

These cheeky birds have been known to hang around barbecues, stealing sausages from barbecues and right out of the hands of people.

Local birding expert Chris Doughty said “they don’t just eat them, they kill them first. They think it’s a snake so they bang it on the branch and then eat it.”

Kookaburras nest in hollows off the ground, so between September and January, don’t forget to look up into the treeline for some fluffy baby Kookas.

Feeding on insects, fish and lizards, this feathered favourite is also not afraid to snack on a poisonous snake for dessert!

The Banjo or Pobblebonk’Frog

Known for its babbling bonk, bonk sound, the little Pobblebonk Frog or Banjo Frog can be heard bonking during its mating season in spring.

The name Banjo Frog stems from the similarity of the frog’s bonk call to the plucking of a banjo string.

The males take turns bellowing their bonks in the hope of attracting a mate.

Local environmental consultant David De Angelis sheds some light on the Banjo Frog, asserting that the frog only generates “a single note at a time”. This means that the ‘pobblebonk’ call, made up of three ‘bonks’ is actually “three individual calls” from different frogs, in rapid succession.

These guys like to burrow and can be spotted in your compost.

“People often dig them up in the garden,” David said.

Further, a soothing, springtime stroll along the slow-flowing parts of the little Yarra River can also serve as an excellent opportunity to

hear and spot the Banjo Frog.

David notes that you can differentiate between the pobblebonks found in Melbourne and those found in the Upper Yarra Valley. Make sure to look out for the “thin white stripe or line along the middle of the back,” David said.

The Butcherbird The Butcherbird yields its name from the manner in which it kills its prey, leaving it skewered on twigs to save for later.

“They’ll kill something, say a beetle, and they’ll put it on a thorn in a bush and leave it as sort of a larder to come back to,” Chris said.

This bird elicits a raving and melodious trill and is common throughoutVictoria, including

the suburbs.You can even find Butcherbirds in your backyard. ris goes on to claim that the Butcherbird “probably has the prettiest song in Melbourne”

The Black Cockatoo

The startling screech of the black cockatoo also echoes throughout the Valley. These dark beauties are endangered with two of the five species thought to become extinct in the wild. The community needs to make active changes such as reducing deforestation and the use of pesticides to ensure that the alarming and impromptu squawk of the Black cockatoo will be heard by future Australians.

The Lyrebird

Last but not least is the mysterious lyrebird, a historical phenomenon that mimics the sounds of the bush and sometimes even human life around them. Incredibly shy and relatively large, the lyrebird likes to lurk in heavily forested areas and can be spotted in the Cathedral Ranges and Sherbrooke forest.

The lyrebird doesn’t fool everyone with its calls however. Chris Doughty said, “you can tell it’s a lyrebird because it’s far too loud.”

Chris notes that Lyrebirds have “some of the largest lungs of any bird in the world”.

Startling and confusing the creatures around it with random and varying calls, the lyrebird uses its vocal repertoire to lure a mate. These calls are heard during the breeding season.

Chris posited that the call is territorial and said it is also “to let other males know that that territory is occupied.”

“They breed in the middle of winter which is very unusual,” Chris said.

The Guurguurr or Boobook bird, whipbird, magpie, summer cicadas and fairy wren also made it into the poll’s top 10, reflecting the diversity in Aussie bush sound favourites. Which animal sound is your favourite?

Raptor rehabilitation is giving birds a second chance

A world-class flight centre opened at Healesville Sanctuary on Monday 14 August – giving injured birds a second chance at life in the wild.

Minister for Environment Ingrid Stit said that this world-class flight facility allows Healesville Sanctuary’s veterinary team to continue its fantastic work rehabilitating raptors.

“I hope that allVictorians can enjoy seeing these beautiful birds soar across our skies,“ she said.

The government invested more than $3.2 million in the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre, which was also supported by generous anonymous donors who believe in creating a future rich in wildlife.

Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said we’re backing Healesville Sanctuary to become an even better tourism attraction.

“The new raptor rehabilitation facility is delivering another reason to attract more visitors to the region,“ he said.

The purpose-built rehabilitation centre forms a continuous, circular flight path of approximately 100 metres and stands an impressive six metres tall. Inside there are wildlife wards, an intensive care unit and a courtyard.

The Raptor Rehabilitation Centre is next to the Sanctuary’s wildlife hospital, allowing the veterinary team to easily administer care and observe the recovering

health of patients.

The Centre will support native bird species, such as Wedge-tailed Eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls.

Raptors are birds of prey that use their beaks and feet to catch and kill food, so they need to be agile in their environment.

Flight fitness is critical to ensure raptors can return to the wild and thrives. The longer a bird needs medical treatment, the greater the risk of it losing fitness, which also increases the need for effective rehabilitation.

In the past year, 63 raptors have received treatment at Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre, using a temporary flight tunnel to help their rehabilitation.

Road trauma-related injuries are the most common reason for wild birds needing veterinary care.

A boardwalk will enable Healesville Sanctuary visitors to see the full size of the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre, while small private groups will have the opportunity to tour the facility when it is not in use for wildlife. The hospital gallery space has also been renovated.

Healesville Sanctuary Director Ross Williamson said Healesville Sanctuary has a long affiliation with raptors, including Wedgetailed Eagles.

“This centre will help tremendously in the way we are able to care for these birds and return them to the wild,“ he said.

A world-class, flight centre of unprecedented scale and capacity has been unveiled at Healesville Sanctuary called the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre. Pictures: ZOOS VICTORIA A barn owl receives vet treatment.

Kookaburra, one of the top 10 finalists in the ABC poll for Australia’s favourite animal sound.

Picture: MIKAELA EGAN, UNSPLASH

Ann calls time on career

By Tyler Wright

A beloved maternal child health nurse has been farewelled by colleagues after decades of service to the Yarra Ranges community.

Ann Ferguson, 67, retired on Wednesday 23 August after a colourful career guiding families of young children.

“In my day I was hospital trained so I did my general nurse training. That was back in ‘74 and then in 1980 I did my midwifery at the Royal Women’s Hospital,” Ann said.

“I was drawn to maternal and child health because I’ve never wanted to be an administrator and you stayed in hospitals and you ended up supervising people so you lost your one-on-one patient care - and that’s what I loved about my nursing career, so maternal and child health appealed to me.”

Ann was successful in receiving a $10,000 scholarship from the state government’s health department which allowed her to study maternal and child health at the Phillip Institute, which is now LaTrobe University, without needing to work to support herself during that time.

“It was a new course and it was full time diploma and you had to work for a council for 12 months after that, and that was your only obligation,” Ann said.

After applying for quite a few jobs as a “passionate“ graduate, Ann got an interview with the Shire of Lillydale and in 1982 began a role as infant welfare nurse at the Kilsyth Infant Welfare Centre.

After taking time off to raise three of her

Valley Dental Family Clinic is an all female clinic based in Lilydale.

The clinic is owned by Dr Rupali Prabhu and Dr Sonali Prabhu.

own children, Ann returned to hospital, this time taking on night duty shifts, as well as undertaking bookkeeping work at her husband’s firm.

“I went to City of Cranbourne which turned into a council amalgemation and went to Frankston, and I stayed there. It was a great position, lovely council to work for as well, and I stayed there for about six or seven years,“ Ann said.

After once again stepping back from work to raise her family Ann felt there was “something missing“ and decided to once again ap-

ply for a job at Yarra Ranges Council

“I applied, and started relieving, and then in 2004 I started down at the Belgrave South, Belgrave and Selby centres,“ she said.

In 2018, the The Belgrave and Belgrave South MCH centres were relocated to the newly-built Belgrave Community Hub, while Selby Community House remains as an outreach MCH centre.

[The Belgrave Community Hub is] a onestop shop or anything from your podiatry, to child speech, to maternal child health to support services; so, that’s been a huge positive step and something that I’m really embracing, being able to be the foundation nurse there and hopefully for many years to come.

“There’s been different new chapters all the time, which has been challenging, but in a good way.

“I’ve embraced the community. I felt like I was coming back home to the Yarra Ranges after very changed circumstances over the years.“

Ann said there hasn’t been a day where she hasn’t learnt about life and families in her role as a nurse.

“I saw a little boy this week... I did a three and a half year review, and he had been quite unwell as a baby; had to come home on oxygen and he came to the new parent group and his mum said ’I remember you saying to me that day how he loved the music and the songs.’

“Here I was looking at this really healthy three-and-a-half year old who was in good health. He’s still going for regular checkups, but he’s just blossomed.

“I’m always in awe of what the families are going through themselves because some have got incredible extra things happening in their life other than having their baby... I learn from parents all the time.“

Maternal and child health services coordinator at Yarra Ranges Council, Tarny Irwin, said it was “difficult to say“ what a traditional day would look like for a maternal and child health nurse like Ann.

“Every appointment that we complete is so unique and it can’t be replicated,“ Tarny said.

“If we see a family the next day, they’ve had another day of learning and another day of their circumstances changing, so that flexibility is about being able to have a global holistic view of the family and walking beside them, rather than being task orienter.“

Ann has also left a legacy as the first nurse to work at Selby Community House through the council’s outreach program.

Ann said her last day felt surreal.

“I’ve heard many beautiful comments, which is pretty overwhelming. It’s been a very special day with the support of our team,“ she said.

“I’ve met the most wonderful friends and people I’ve come across through working as a child health nurse.“

Ann’s next step will be to travel around Japan with her daughter and support her husband with bookkeeping work for his company.

“There’s lots happening, so I’m sure I’ll have my time filled, but this will be a very special chapter of my life.“

100% INDEPENDENT LOCALLY OWNED HEARING CLINIC

Shipra Ojha, owner and principal audiologist says that making a difference in people’s lives is what drives her business.

Hearsmart is The One-Stop clinic which provides balance, dizziness and tinnitus assessments and solutions and children’s hearing assessments along with hearing solutions under Hearing Service Program, Department of Veteran Affairs and Worksafe VIC.

Rupali

MehrazSonali

Rupali graduated from dental school in 1999. She has worked in private and public community clinics both in, and around Melbourne. She has also lived out of the city, spending a period of time in Benalla in rural Victoria. Rupali is passionate about providing high quality dental care and takes pleasure in sharing a story and a laugh with her patients. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and always strives to provide dental treatment in a relaxing and comfortable environment.

Rupali believes her practice and approach to dentistry creates an experience that will change your notion of what a trip to the dentist is. Outside of work she loves to spend time with family and her young children, sharing her passion for reading and traveling with them at every opportunity.

Sonali graduated from dental school in 2003. She has worked as a dentist in both community and private practices. She has also worked various roles within the dental industry. Sonali believes that your mouth is the gateway to better wellbeing, and that a great healthy smile will leave a great lasting impression on people. Sonali loves interacting with patients and ensuring they are comfortable and atease. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry. She particularly loves working with older clients. In her spare time, she loves cooking delicious Indian dishes and enjoying time with her family and friends.

The third dentist, joined the Valley Dental team 4 years ago and has been an integral part of the team ever since. With over 10 years of experience, Merhaz believes that world class dentistry should be delivered to each and every patient. Mehraz has a keen interest in aesthetic dentistry and is studying a certificate of Cosmetic Dentistry to introduce lip and cheek fillers to the clinic for our Valley Dental patients.

Rupali said being an all female team patients were treated with care and compassion. “Staff are very approachable and compassionate making everyone feel at ease coming to the dentist,“ she said. The clinic offers a wide range of dental services including general dentistry, fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers. Take advantage of current specials including a check-up, clean and 2 x-rays for $195, and in-chair whitening $397.

Please call for appointment 9737 6453

Shop 43 Lilydale Market Place Hutchison Street Lilydale

“Next Door to Lowes”

Your Local Dentist in Lilydale.

Our primary function is to help people to achieve the greatest enjoyment from life with the hearing they have and provide solutions for better hearing. Meet our team:

• Shipra Ojha a dually qualified Audiologist and Speech Pathologist who opened Hearsmart in 2006 with the dream of providing the best possible hearing care with an independent and ethical approach. Shipra has more than 30 years working alongside some highly regarded audiologists, ENT surgeon’s and therapists.

• Crystal Atkins who specializes in children’s hearing assessments and vestibular audiology assisting our customers in areas concerning balance and vertigo issues. Crystal has just returned from maternity leave and is excited to be back with her regular clients and welcoming new ones.

• Julie Cato has worked in the industry for a number of years in Australia as well as through the public system (the NHS) in the UK. Julie is an excellent paediatric audiologist and also specialises in balance and dizziness assessments.

• Our customer support officers Karen, Becky and Carolyn are dedicated to providing the best service in a friendly relaxed customer-focused environment.

We are happy to see anyone with hearing difficulties regardless of how straightforward or complex they may perceive their hearing issues. We offer the following services:

• Hearing tests and consultations for ages above 9 months

• Advice on and prescription of all types of hearing aids

• Earwax removal using Micro-suction and Micro-curettage

• Tinnitus therapy, counselling and education

• Balance and dizziness assessments

• Hearing aid fitting and management

• Fully independent and professional advice

Put your hearing in our hands and we will look after you.

You can contact us on 1300 787 792 or call in to visit us at 321 Main Street, Lilydale, 3140.

You can also visit our website www.hearsmart.com.au for more information and read our helpful blogs.

Ann Ferguson finished in her role as Maternal Child Health Nurse for Yarra Ranges Council on Wednesday 23 August. Picture: TYLER WRIGHT

Book characters alive

The world of books sparks the imagination and illuminates creativity.

And that’s just what happened for the Mount Evelyn Memorial Pre School children on Thursday 24 August as they delved into characters and universes during story time at Mount Evelyn Community House.

Dressed up as their favourite book characters, the students sat through a book reading, danced and did activities to celebrate Book Week.

Embracing Bluey, Fantastic Mr Fox and even the Faraway Tree, costumes were diverse, colourful and unique.

All part of the learning experience and the BookWeek 2023 theme‘read, grow, inspire’, the children were immersed into the joy of books in a fun and engaging way.

Georgia as Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl with Mia as Bluey. 355965

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Julie (volunteer) reading to the Mt Evelyn Memorial Pre School kids at the Mt Evelyn Community House. 355965

Dominic as The Brave Bear and Clara as The Saucepan Man from Faraway Tree.

Clara as The Saucepan Man from Faraway Tree.

Henry as Peter Rabbit doing a penguin dance move. 355965

Kenzi the butterfly. 355965

Contemplate under Canopy

By Tanya Steele

Give into the urge to let your eyes roam and thoughts wander as you enter Canopy a collaborative exhibition now showing at the Memo in Healesville.

The group exhibition by the natural textile group Makers Merge poses questions as you gaze skyward and had a stellar turnout at their opening atThe Memo, Healesville on Friday 12 August.

“We were really taken with the idea of tree canopies and hollows and the seed of this exhibition stemmed from there - tree hollows only form after 100 years and this fact kind of blew us away,” artist Lis De Vries said.

Regional exhibitions officer from Yarra Ranges Council Bronwyn Ward said it was a joy to be able to showcase the work here.

“It was a great opportunity to bring in some artists who live in Melbourne, mainly because the focus of this exhibition was around urban biodiversity,” she said.

“The Yarra Ranges is such a border country between the urban, hills, valley, country and forest environment.”

The opening night had a great turnout of over 150 people coming through the opening which is a great result for the artists and the community around them,

Ms Ward said that many of the visitors had not been to the Memo before.

“There was a lovely ripple effect of having a large group of people from Melbourne coming out to this exhibition in particular, but then engaging with the rest of Healesville as well,” she said.

Lis De Vries said the collaboration came about when the Makers Merge group began playing about with recycled art and textiles.

“Most of us graduated from RMIT and we all love textiles and prints - it’s a diverse field,” she said.

Designed to embrace the value of biodiversity, the exhibition uses textiles to fuse urban and wild elements together and features art mediums used in a sustainable way.

“One of our artists Georgina is doing a PhD in biodiversity and she really highlights the lens of thinking about how people and nature come together,” Ms Vries said.

The works use natural offcut yarns and fibres and some are made from recycled plastic plastic bags.

“I don’t generally buy yarns and use only natural fibres,” Ms Vries said.

Ms Vries said Makers Merge had been together for a couple of years and the group has jelled together in collaboration a few times.

“We are using textiles and trying to send a message and have a bit of fun along the way,” she said.

The exhibition also features a nature sounds audio track and the group said they hoped people could immerse themselves in the sounds of nature.

“You want to create something that is engaging and hopefully people feel mesmerised by what they see,” Ms Vries said.

“Good art will engage and get the viewer to ask questions of themselves,” she said. The group was meeting over Zoom during lockdown and this exhibition prompted them to be intentional about meeting in person to prepare this collaboration.

“Sarah was building her tree in her garage because it was so large - it was an inspiring point for all of us,” Ms Vries said.

“We were able to give each other support and feedback and it is interesting how this process leads to our work being connected in the end,” she said.

Canopy will be on show at The Memo, Healesville, 235 Maroondah Highway until 1 October and is free to view.

Lilydale:

Croydon:

Healesville:

Bronwyn Ward in the foyer of The MemoCanopy features many large scale pieces for the public to enjoy.

Sarah Berry creates sculptural and installation pieces working with textiles alongside discarded, waste or unused materials. creates sculptural and installation pieces working with textiles alongside discarded, waste or unused materials. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

FOGO: the talk of town

This column is arriving at a watershed moment for our community, ahead of the start of food organics and garden organics (FOGO) bin collections on 2 October.

Even if this moment doesn’t seem huge to you – if you’ve been composting at home or trying to adopt a low-waste lifestyle – it is a change across our community not seen since the introduction of recycling more than 30 years ago.

Your FOGO bins, which will be arriving shortly for people without a lime green bin, with a kitchen caddy and compostable liners, will be the place to put any and all food scraps – fruit, vegetables, bones, meat, dairy and eggs – along with any garden or green waste.

Each week, your FOGO bins will be collected and all of the material within processed to create mulch for gardens and farms. On average almost half of what used to go in your rubbish bin will now move to your FOGO bin.

This change also means your rubbish bin will now be collected fortnightly – on the opposite week to your yellow recycling bin.

We know this will be a colossal adjustment for our community, and I’d like to thank all of the community members who have been in touch, or visited our FOGO website, yarraranges.vic.gov.au/whywasteit, to learn more about the change.

When you put something in the bin, it

Jim Child

doesn’t go away – it either gets buried in landfill, or it becomes something new through FOGO processing or recycling.

We need as few things as possible to end up in landfill, and these FOGO bins will help immensely in that goal especially if you’ve not been able to compost at home yet.

The result is that, if you have to throw out excess or expired food, it will be used to create something new, nourishing soil in farms and gardens.

But I know people reading this may still have questions. Change is rarely easy, and this is a big change.We’re asking you to try the new bin collection system, give it a go and stop sending these items to landfill.

Visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/whywasteit for more information about how to get the most out of your collections, or you can give our teams a call on 1300 368 333.

Film bring fast fun to sci fi

They Cloned Tyrone

John Boyega, Teyonah Parris and Jamie Foxx

MA15+

4.5/5

They Cloned Tyrone is a fast-paced, fun and socially-conscious science fiction mystery film.

A drug-dealer named Fontaine (John Boyega), a hooker named Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris) and a pimp named Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx) investigate a conspiracy running deep beneath their town.

With its underground laboratory and clonebased conspiracy, They Cloned Tyrone feels like a non-horror, Blaxploitation cousin of Jordan Peele’s Us.

Boyega, Parris and Foxx have phenomenal chemistry, bouncing off each other with endlessly witty dialogue, and their characters grow tangibly throughout the film. The humour both embraces and subverts black American archetypes, and the plot explores themes such as racism, crime in poor communities, social engineering and the historical owning and control of black bodies without being heavy-handed.

The plot is very well-paced, raising the stakes as Fontaine, Yo-Yo and Slick Charles uncover more of the conspiracy. The tight

Local theatre’s service call

Burrinja Theatre

Hard to Reach Pieces – Anna Lamb

Restless, anxious, and strangely liberated by having no life plan, Anna wonders if everyone else is faking it too.

A day in a woman’s life is played out nonsequentially as she navigates the challenges of parenting relationships, sow business, visible ageing and the unrealistic expectations she places on herself and others.

This new solo work combines circus, movement, text and sound in a darkly humorous, irreverent and personal insight into the person’s daily experiences and the chaos that ensues from some questionable life choices.

Season: Thursday 7 September at 7.30pm in the Lyre Room.

Lilydale Athenaeum theatre

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare .

Kemp’s curtain call

screenplay has several plot-points return later in clever ways, and the film generates an atmosphere of insidious control and hopelessness that the trio must overcome with their wits, charm and cunning. Kiefer Sutherland is both amiable and sinister as Nixon, the leader of the cloning project.

The opening may put off some viewers with its criminal characters and bursts of stark violence, but this minor hurdle leads to a thoroughly rewarding film.

They Cloned Tyrone is an entertaining, well-crafted and lucid sci-fi mystery film, and is available for streaming on Netflix.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

Featured are all 97 of Shakespeare’s plays, meant to be performed in 97 minutes, by three very energetic actors.

It is fast paced, witty and physical and full of laughter for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike.

Season: opens 7 September.

Bookings: 9735 1777 between 10am –2pm Monday, Tuesday and Friday.

Veterans!

Do you have trouble settling in the community when you have retired from the Armed forces?

Why not try your local theatre, they are always looking for assistance. People don’t

realise that theatre comprises about 89 per cent off stage and about 20 per cent on stage. Off stage there are plenty of openings, such as front of house where the audience is met by a member handing out programs, bar keeping where people can have a drink, ticket selling. Behind the stage we have electricians, carpenters, artists painting the sets, prop manufacture, set builders, stagehands and stage managers. Perhaps you would like to learn new skills. As in the Armed Forces teamwork is a necessity but not only teamwork, joining a theatre group is a good way to meet new friends, learn new skills and if you are so inclined even appear onstage.

Theatre companies! Are you looking for new members? Think about ex-service personal, They could be new to the area, known by some members or if not known go tour own RSL who may be able to help in finding new retirees and you may save some form Veteran suicide.

A Reminder

· The Basin theatre – Belle Season. Season: October 5 – 15.

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

A review of Inheritance: A tender and poignant novel

Inheritance, published after the death of its author Kath O’Connor at the age of 45, attracted much media attention earlier this year. Not just because February was Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

The novel itself is a triumph, described as “limpid, deeply empathetic”. It was praised as “a remarkable testament to life”, “a beautiful book”, and “an incredibly strong debut”. O’Connor’s work was compared with Georgia Blain’s Between a Wolf and a Dog, as Blain, too, died from cancer while working on her manuscript. It reminds this reviewer of Andrew McGahan’s The Rich Man’s House and Kala Heinemann’s Pink Punk Mum – both were published posthumously, their authors taken by cancer.

What is it about death that casts such a shadow over our lives? It injects an icy fear into our hearts, a relentless warning that life should be lived to its fullest while there is still a chance. Think of the ghostly whisper from

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH

the book’s many characters to life, starting with how Nellie’s husband does the “most perfect impression” of former prime minister John Curtin, “complete with the long pauses and the rolled R’s”: “I call on you to eat your rabbit and your vegetables... The call is national. The call is individual, for ‘no one else can do your share’.”

the origin of her BRCA1 gene mutation that, without a total hysterectomy and a bilateral mastectomy, will cause her early death from ovarian cancer. In contrast are the grumpy voice of Rose’s father and the strained voice of her motherhood-aspiring partner, two forces that threaten to pull her life apart.

CHRISTINE SUN

Dead Poets Society: “Carpe diem, seize the day. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.”

On the eve of the first anniversary of the death of a beloved family member, this reviewer “reads” Inheritance as an audiobook narrated by Brigid Gallagher. It is a beautiful and thought provoking encounter, thoroughly powerful and deeply immersive.

An impressive narrator, Gallagher brings

Gallagher does Nellie’s voice slightly higher-pitched, perfectly conveying the selfsense of a woman trying to manage family and farm life in 1945 regional Victoria after surrendering her higher education and plans for a brilliant career. Aware that she will soon die from cancer, there is a mixture of forlornness and melancholy in her voice that tugs at the listener’s heart. In contrast is the firm, thoughtful voice of her friend Ruth, a political activist who will profoundly shape the lives of Nellie and her descendants.

Then there is the calm, reflective voice of Rose in 2016, an oncologist searching for

As Nellie contemplates her impending death and its impact on her two young children, and as Rose considers her life’s options, we are further confronted by the important issue of human rights, including those of women and refugees. The narrator’s tender, empathetic voice elicits that little echo in our hearts, whispering: How would we choose if we were the characters in the book?

A gifted author voiced by a talented narrator, exactly the way the book should be heard. Highly recommended.

LIVE THE IDEAL LIFESTYLE

A HAVEN of small acreage nestled within the gorgeous Yarra Valley, this inviting 4 bedroom homestead offers great infrastructure in an idyllic setting that features the adjoining Rail Trail and tranquil Little Yarra River.

The adventure begins at the entrance, a gateway to your very own private sanctuary. Head up the winding driveway through rolling grassy paddocks, and captivating filtered mountain views. The homestead, boasts four generously appointed bedrooms, the master suite features an elegant ensuite, while a spacious family bathroom has the convenience of an external door.

A supersized kitchen, where abundant bench space and storage complement the magnificent Falcon cooker, enjoy whipping up a storm while looking out over the picturesque property. The kitchen transitions into the living and meals area, where the warmth of a wood heater works in harmony with the convenience of a split system. A showpiece sandstone open fireplace adds a touch of timeless allure.

Outside established fruit trees, assorted paddocks, accompanied by thoughtfully designed loose boxes extending an invitation to equestrian enthusiasts. A well fenced area behind the house is just what you will need for the pets and kids.

Wood sheds and an expansive Americanstyle barn offers versatility and space for storage and or stables and all the hobbies you dream of starting!

Prepare to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey as you step onto this coveted property, where the heartbeat of town life, shopping, and public transport are all within a short leisurely stroll. A private gate opens onto the Rail Trail, beckoning you to leisurely walk or perhaps a horseback adventure. This property, boasting unrivalled location and potential, is yours to enhance and shape as your heart desires. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

A HEAVENLY PLACE TO LIVE

SITUATED in the glorious surrounds of the picturesque Yarra Valley this beautiful and enchanting old church standing proudly for around 100 years, rich in history and now ready for the new owners to live, love and enjoy.

Fresh, light and bright throughout with all the charm and character from the early 1900’s and with a warm homely ambience you can’t help but relax, unwind and admire the building.

Set on a colorful block of land overlooking a semi rural vista of approx.

1590 sqm there’s plenty of scope to enhance the property. Positioned to please and being just minutes stroll to the ever popular Warburton trail, shops, schools and transport and with the Yarra River and the historic Home Hotel Pub just minutes away it’s the ideal weekender, B & B or a unique and special place to call home. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address:

BIG 4 BEDROOM FAMILY HOME ON AN ACRE

POSITIONED to please and offering loads of space for the growing family inside and out, boasting 4 generous bedrooms all with built in robes and including an ensuite and walk through robe in the main bedroom. The open plan kitchen offers ample bench and cupboard space with quality appliances and fittings throughout, huge living areas with separate family/lounge/ living room and meals area with plenty of room to accommodate the largest of family gatherings. Ducted heating, wood heating and evaporative cooling throughout offer year round comfort.

The whole family will love the outdoors with well over 1 acre (4476sqm) to enjoy

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address:

and explore, established gardens and lush lawns the kids and pets will love it, a large lock up high clearance garage/workshop provides the ideal spot for caravans, boats, trucks and trailers, plus a separate 2 car garage and tool/garden shed.

A superb family home in a popular and very sought after area located in a quiet court with great mountain views and situated just a short stroll to Wesburn’s main street, public transport, local primary school and the Warburton trail.

It’s the ideal place to call home with nothing to do but sit back relax and enjoy the semi rural lifestyle and warm country atmosphere. ●

Contact: David Carroll 0419 539 320, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION. 5967 1277

AHeavenlyPlacetoLive

102BarakDrive,LaunchingPlace$690,000-$740,000 DavidCarroll

M 0419539320

4/24LittleYarraRoad,YarraJunction$510,000-$560,000

Convenientlowmaintenance&privatelivinginaprimelocation!

LeahBannerman M 0448924266 Inspection: Sat2.30-3.00pm 2 A 1 B 1 C

18MooreCrescent,Millgrove$595,000-$650,000

Everythingyouneedforabrilliantstartwithbonusstudioinbackyard!

Nestledonalargemeticulouslylandscapedandfullyfenced,experiencetheultimateineasy livingwiththisfantastic3-bedroomresidence.Thebeautifullyappointedbathroom,completewith aluxuriousbathtub,offersasereneretreatafteralongday.Theairyopen-plandesignseamlessly blendsthekitchen,dining,andloungeareas.Adoublecarportandasinglelock-upgarage boastingconcreteflooring,powerandacozypotbellywoodheater–providingbothpracticality andcharm.Theenormouscovereddeckingarea,equippedwithceilingfan,willbethesettingfor someunforgettablegatheringswithfamilyandfriends.Thefantasticbonusofaseparatestudio nestledinthebackyard,completewithitsownsplitsystemforcomfortallyearround.Tuckedaway fromitall,you’llenjoytheperfectblendofprivacyandaccessibility.

LeahBannerman M 0448924266

Inspection:

17NelloDrive,Reefton$500,000-$550,000

Setamongstthetreesandonalargeallotmentofapprox.6728sqmyouwillfeellikeyouhavewon thejackpotherewithsomuchspacetoabsorbyourselfin.Thehomehasacosyopenplanliving andoriginalkitchenwithawoodfiretoreallymakeyoufeellikeyou’reinthecountry.4generous bedroomsandsimplebathroommakesthisisidealplacetocallhomeoreventheidealweekender. Outsidethehighlightwouldhavetobetheexpansiveverandathatoverlooksyourland,adelightful spottojustunwindandtakeitallin,numerousshedstoexploreandevenachookshed.Onlyashort driveoutfromthebustlingtownofWarburtonandsurroundedbyfabulousplacestoexplore,Upper YarraDam,Redwoodforestandmultiplewalkingtracks,anadventuroushomeforalltoindulgein andenjoythegreatoutdoors.

RebeccaDoolan

ByAppointment 4 A 1 B 2 C

‘ST HILDAS’ CIRCA 1904, ON LARGE BLOCK

OFFERS closing Tuesday 12th of September 2023 at 5pm (unless sold prior).

Edward VII donated the land on which St Hildas stands today, a beautiful flat parcel of just over 4000 m2, now with old growth Rhododendrons and beautiful aged Oak trees.

St. Hilda’s Church, opened in 1904, is an example of the many churches built in the small villages of the Dandenong’s last century. This church was one of the first township buildings in Macclesfield, which was settled in the 1860s by gold prospectors from the abandoned Emerald Diggings.

The timber church is built in the Federation Gothic style, pointed arch timber doors flanked by pointed arch, multi pane windows. It showcases a beautiful chapel, fully lined with Baltic pine, the original door still welcomes you. A covered walkway was added to the join the hall that was built around twenty years ago. It was constructed in the same style and blends perfectly with the original Church. The hall comprises a large open plan meeting area, has two WC’s and a kitchen.

The grounds offer plenty of off-street parking, they are partially fenced and predominately level.

St Hildas is a special place that may offer a variety of options for you, potential to make it whatever you need, subject to council approval of course. You may want it as a dwelling, a Church or community group, meeting place, meditation, wedding venue, even a healing centre, art space –the possibilities are endless. It is currently tenanted on a short-term basis.

Set in the lovely township of Macclesfield, you have the Primary School and Community Hall nearby, are close to Monbulk and Emerald townships, lots of walks, rides and even agistments. A perfect move/investment in the country awaits.

Please note: this property does not have a bedroom or bathroom. (2 toilets only) ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

classicfarmhousewithcharmfromthe1950sperchedatthetopofthehillwithstunning sunsets&views.thehomeoffersopenplanliving,loungewithawoodheater,separate mealsarea,recentlypainted&newlycarpeted,5paddocks,3 baybarnwithattached sidecarport&additionalundercoverstorage,2shippingcontainers,beautifulmostly clearedlandexceptfortreesalongthecreeklines.

ExcEllEntGArAGES

3.2acres.FireDamagedResidence

Accessviaasealeddrivewaythispropertyoffersavarietyofoptions. thebrickveneerhousehasextensivefiredamage,theroofwillneedtobereplaced, thedeck,partoftherearwall,someflooring,andwindows.We canprovidefurther informationonceyouhaveinspectedthehomeandregistered yourdetails.the residenceoffers5bedrooms,themainwithdressingroomand ensuite,thereareafurther 2bathroomsandseparatelivingzones.

MickDolphin 0429684522

ErinDavies 0493136937

PlEASinGtrEE-chAnGE

takeinthebeautiful,treedvistasthisresidenceisasfunctionalasitisappealing.Set amongstanearly¼acreallotmentthathasbeenbeautifullylandscaped. Familieswillenjoythesafechild-friendlycourtposition andtheefficientfloorplanwhich blendscommunalfamilyzonesandstilloffersparentalprivacywhenrequired.thisyoung homebuiltin2013islight,bright,andairy.itistheperfectpropertytoenjoytheindoor/ outdoorlifestylewealllove.

0493136937

ExcEllEntPlAcEtoStArt

NearFlat¼acre.Potential Pricedtoplease,onanearflat¼acreblockwithalovelyoutlookfromthefrontdeck, thispropertyisperfectifyouarelookingforhomethatneedsabitofupdatingnow,but long-termwillbeagreatplacetocallhome.Boththefrontandrearyardsareblank canvasesforyoutomakeexactlywhatyouwantandtosuityour needs,thereisalready aconcreteflooredlargeshed.Abonusisthatthereisalready excellentfencing.

MickDolphin 0429684522

ErinDavies 0493136937

5 A 3 B 2 C

CoCkatoo 8MoolAroAd $795,000-$870,000

2 A 2 B 1 C

CoCkatoo 58nEvillEStrEEt $570,000-$620,000

UNIT 22, SYLVAN GLADES RETIREMENT VILLAGE

SYLVAN Glades Retirement Village offers affordable, independent living for retirees over 55’s.

Located in the highly sought after Dandenong Ranges, this private and peaceful village offers an affordable downsized lifestyle living.

A beautiful, light filled unit boasting two generously sized bedrooms, modern ensuite, 2 toilets and an open plan living/ dining area. An updated kitchen with electric cooking, new carpets and multiple split systems have all been included for convenient living. Outside, undercover patio areas can be found at both the front and rear of the unit along with a workshop and single carport off an easy access driveway.

A communal hall for residents to enjoy is centrally located within the village along with a friendly BBQ area.

Only minutes from Monbulk main street and with bus access at front of the village, Sylvan Glades is a must see for those looking for affordable, secure retirement living options in the Dandenong Ranges.

* Please note this accommodation is available for Loan License Agreement only. l

FORSALE

OVERHALFANACREWITHVALLEYVIEWS

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

FORSALE

Apictureofperfectionawaitsat‘Greenwood’,amuchloved,FederationHarkaway home,builtandengineeredtoanoutstandinglevelofdetailandofferingatraditional, periodstylehomethatboastseleganceoneverylevel.Spaciousandsolid,therehas beennocompromiseonquality,offering4bedrooms,homeoffice(or5thbedroom),dual bathroomsandaversatilefloorplantomeetanyfamily’srequirements.

SharynChandler

M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

21BiancaCourt,ROWVILLE

$890,000-$950,000

SINGLELEVELHOMEINPEACEFULPOCKETPOSITION

4 A 2 B

Fromitssprawling628sqm(approx.)cornerallotmentinaquietno-throughroadposition, thisimpressivehomeoffersanoutstandinglifestyle.Designedforcomfortwithinasingle levellayout,everyelementrequiredforenviablefamilylivingcanbefoundhere.Upon entry,thegenerousloungewith floortoceilingwindowsisadornedwithqualitycarpetfora warmandcosyfeeling.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

38MorrisRoad,UPWEY $730,000-$770,000

CLASSICHOMEWITHCOVETEDNRZ2SUBDIVISIONZONING 3 A 1 B

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

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

RARE HOBBY FARM OF ABOUT 20 ACRES

THIS beautiful family home is ready to move into and enjoy! This lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom & 2 living area home offers plenty of space and an open plan kitchen and dining area that soaks in private views across the rolling paddocks and beyond to Mt Little Joe and Donna Buang.

The master bedroom has a generous ensuite and walk in robe, the home offers two further bedrooms that utilise the family bathroom complete with bath and separate shower. There is a laundry room with external door access.

The main living area has an inviting open fire place, vaulted ceilings, and floor to ceiling windows to gaze out over your paddocks. Flow through to the open plan kitchen with dishwasher, and electric oven, before settling into your favourite chair at the other end of the home in the family room.

This home has been designed to be comfortable and stylish, with a double carport at the front of the home, ducted reverse cycle air conditioning, water tanks, a woodshed, hay storage, and a large workshop shed (approx. 6m*14m) with power and concreted floor.

This property also offers two spring fed dams, 3 fenced paddocks, various fruit trees, and a low maintenance garden around the home.

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

8BerrysRoad,Emerald$900,000-$990,000

IfYouWanttoWalktoEverythingthisFamilyHomeistheOneforYou!

Literally150mfromtheheartofEmerald,this4+bedroom,familyhomehasgorgeousviews&room forall!TheMasterBedroomisdownstairswithensuite&WIR,withadressingroom/potential5th bedroom.Downstairsare3internal&2externallivingareas,anopenplankitchen/diningarea withpantry/utilityroom&aspaciousfamilyroom/rumpusroom.Thereisanentertainingdeck&an undercoverentertainingareawithbuiltinbar.Upstairsare3freshlypainted,robedbedroomswith newcarpets,arenovatedbathroom&viewsfromeverywindow.Withgasheating,airconditioning, asplitsystemupstairs,astudy/homeoffice&elegantplantationshuttersthroughout.Outsideisa 6x8mlockupgarage/workshopwithremotedoor&adjacent,highbay7x8mdoublecarportperfect forthecaravanorboat&plentyofextraparkingforthetrailer,guestsandfamily.

13EleanorDrive,Silvan$1,400,000-$1,520,000

RareApprox.20AcreHobbyFarmWithFantasticViews

Thisbeautiful3Bedroom,2bathroom,2livingareafamilyhomehasanopenplankitchen&dining areathatsoaksinprivateviewsacrosstherollingpaddocks.Themasterbedroomhasanensuite& WIR,with2furtherbedroomsthatutilisethefamilybathroomcompletewithbath&separateshower. Themainlivingareahasaninvitingopenfireplace,vaultedceilings,&floortoceilingwindows.The openplankitchenhasadishwasher,&electricoven,&flowstothefamilyroom.Thishomehas beendesignedtobecomfortable&stylish,withadoublecarportatthefrontofthehome,ducted reversecycleairconditioning,watertanks,awoodshed,haystorage,andalargeworkshopshed (approx.6m*14m)withpower&concretedfloor.Thispropertyalsooffers2springfeddams,3fenced paddocks,variousfruittrees,&alowmaintenancegardenaroundthehome.

26NobeliusStreet,Emerald$940,000-$1,020,000

BeautifullyPresentedFamilyHomewithPeacefulViews!

Thisfantasticfamilyhomeoffers3bedrooms&2bathroomsonawelllaidoutlandscapedblockon over½anacre!Thishomeisprivatelypositionedbelowtheroad,withadoublecarport.Enteringthe homeyouwillenjoytheopenplankitchen,loungeroom&welllaidoutfloorplanwithabedroom nearthefrontdoor&thenthemasterbedroom&thirdbedroomattheotherendofthehome.The lightfloodsintothehomethroughthelargewindowsofferingviewsintothedistance.Thishomeis warm&invitingwithaWIR&ensuiteinthemasterbedroom.Thereisalargereardeckingjustwaiting tobeenjoyedinsummer!Thelaundryislocateddownstairswithdirectaccesstothebackyard,and thereare2largeroomslocateddownstairsofferingpotentialforaconvenientworkfromhomeoffice orprivateteenageraccommodationwithseparateaccess.

LovelyFamilyHome–OfferedfortheFirstTimeinover30years!

With4bedrooms,&2bathroomsthissturdybrickhomeislocatedonaremarkablyflat1403sqm cornerblock.Withhighceilings,2livingareas,openplankitchen/dining,&cleverfloorplanwiththe masterbedroomattheoppositeendofthehometothefurther3bedrooms.Thisfirstloungeroom hasanopenfireplace&thelargesecondloungeroomhasparquetryflooring&anotherwoodfire heater.ThemasterbedroomhasaBIR&ensuite.Thekitchenhasadishwasher,electricoven&stove top.Thereisthenahallwaywiththelaundrywithseparateyardaccess,afurthertoilet,&then3 goodsizedbedrooms2ofwhichhaveBIRs.Externallythereisawellmaintainedlowmaintenance garden,miscellaneoussheds,&thenoffthesecondentryisaDLUGwithpower,concretefloor,&a pedestriandoor.Thereisalsoaleantooattachedtotheshedforallyourstorageneeds.

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

24ViewStreet,Avonsleigh$890,000-$950,000

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

PUZZLES

No.

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Plant yielding gingili oil (6)

4 Area; zone (8)

9 Donkeys (5)

10 Heedless (9)

11 Garment (5)

12 Characterised by regular lines (9)

13 Useless person or thing (4,4)

15 Interior courtyard (6)

16 Discharge (6)

18 Moving out (from) (8)

23 Point to be judged upon (9)

24 “I don’t know” (colloq) (5)

26 Undervalue (9)

27 Japanese camera company (5)

28 A city and seaport of Scotland (8)

29 Attempts (6)

DOWN

1 Began (7)

2 Actress, – Sarandon (5)

3 Melodious (7)

5 Use to insert charge into muzzle-loading firearm (6)

6 Harmony (7)

7 Egyptian queen (9)

8 Old name of phone company (7)

10 Spurs on (5)

14 Accept reluctantly (9)

16 Scene of simple pleasure (7)

17 Island in the North Atlantic (7)

19 Skin disease (5)

20 Gnawing animals (7)

21 Sediment (7)

22 Conclusion (6)

25 Mobile phone company (5)

DECODER WORDFIT

8

1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

6 19

7 20

8 21

9 22

10 23

11 24

12 25

9-LETTER WORD

561274893

894631275

483756912 147362589

629143758 258917364

372598641

936485127

12 345678910111213

412853976

715829436 784962315

921438765

347965812

586712394

735691428 273586149

869174253

easy medium hard

698247531 154329687

473281659

862735491

345196287

917824536

698543172 529318764

251679843 136457928

18 ALERT ALLOT ALTOS ANGEL APING APRON ARENA AROMA ASSET AURAL DALLY DISCS EASEL EASES EERIE EMIRS ENDOW ENEMA FLAME GRIME GRINS

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”. I Y 24

words: Very good IDOLS MANGE MEMOS MERES MERIT MOODS OMEGA PANDA PAPAS PASTA PEEPS ROAMS SEATS SHAME SLEWS SNEAK SNOWS SPANS SPATS STEAM STEER

words: Excellent TIMES TWIST VERGE 6 LETTERS ASSENT ECZEMA OCTAVE STRAND 7 LETTERS BIRTHED DRAINED FILTERS SLASHED

STOPPER WINSOME 8 LETTERS COMPARES GONDOLAS STRIDDEN SUBLIMES 11 LETTERS HODGEPODGES STANDARDISE

1415 1617181920212223242526 I U A Y G E P S B K C X W T Q O M H V N R L D J F Z 01-09-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

entity, eying, gelt, genii, GENTILITY, gently, glen, ignite, inlet, intel, lenity, lent, letting, lien, lignite, line, lite, tent, tile, tine, tinge, tingle, title, yeti

13 26 JZ William Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALLAREAS 9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12567382-JW37-22

No. 148

No. 148

No. 148

Planning and Environment Act 1987

YARRA RANGES PLANNING SCHEME

Notice of Approval of Amendment Amendment C210yran

The Minister for Planning has approved Amendment C210yran to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.

The Amendment came into operation on 17 August 2023, the date the notice was published in the Victoria Government Gazette.

The Amendment applies the Heritage Overlay to 1 Montrose Road, Montrose (HO430).

A copy of the Amendment can be inspected, free of charge, at the Department of Transport and Planning website at www.planning.vic.gov.au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the Amendment.

A copy of the Amendment can also be inspected, free of charge, during office hours, at the Yarra Ranges Community Link Centre, 15 Anderson Street, Lilydale; and on the Council website at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/C210. STUART MENZIES

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex,

SPORT Making football history

By Mikayla van Loon

Senior football has reached new heights in Kilsyth with both the men’s and women’s teams making their grand final debut, with the women scoring an 18 point victory.

In just three seasons, the women’s side built a competitive edge to finish on top of the division three ladder, while the men’s side will play in its first grand final in almost 30 years.

Taking on the Eastern Devils, who finished second on the ladder, on Saturday 26 August, the women’s team was met with a high quality competitor but was able to outscore them at the end of each quarter.

Knowing the capabilities of the Eastern Devils who “play a pretty tough standard of footy”, senior women’s coach Quentin Van Veen said heading into the game that despite the excitement of playing in their first grand final, he expects the team would approach it like any other game.

“I’d expect [the Devils to] come out really strong, it was a very tough first quarter last time [we played],” he said.

“I’m expecting the same thing, I’m expecting it to be a tough half and it will be decided by who wants it more in the third and fourth quarters, I imagine.”

Van Veen noted it was a shaky start to the season with some key players moving elsewhere but said it was a testament to the junior girls and those who stayed on for showing such perseverance.

“The girls have worked really hard off the track and on the track to build the team work as well as the football skills to be able to continue to improve their footy and enjoy their footy throughout the year,” he said.

“About halfway through the season, the team really started to gel together and improve their skills and deliver much better performances on the park and put together a bit of a winning streak over the past eight or so weeks.”

At the halfway mark, Van Veen said it was then that the team worked on game structure “with a focus on the style we wanted to play”.

“We transitioned to teaching a style of play, allocated positions on the field and girls started to really embrace the team element of footy not just the individual skills element, I think that’s really what’s made the difference,” he said.

Also scoring the season’s minor premiership, Kilsyth’s senior men are yet to see who they will play in the grand final on Sunday 3 September, with the preliminary final seeing Surrey Park and Scoresby face off on 27 August.

Senior coach Simon Caldwell said finishing on top of the ladder for the first time in 71 years was a confidence boosting result for the football club.

“Kilsyth has never finished on top of the ladder since 1962 so that was a little achievement that we wanted to tick off,” he said.

Playing Surrey Park in the first final,

Caldwell said the team came close to losing but were able to pull out in front just in time to finish 60 to 48 sending them straight through to the grand final.

Building on the club’s mantra of being a family and community first club to develop and work with the players who come through juniors, Caldwell said it took some time to get it right but it led to a finals chance last year.

“It was a big stepping stone I guess to where the club has been for the last couple of years,” he said.

With at least half the senior side having played juniors at Kilsyth and a handful of other players having family or community connections to the club, Caldwell attributes it to “not just being successful but being a great place to be off the field as well”.

Despite having high hopes of a potential grand final win, Caldwell said the lead up will be about taking the pressure off and going

about training as usual.

“It’s an exciting couple of weeks. At the end of the day a grand final is a great opportunity but you’ve still got to treat it like any other game, we’ve still got to train, we’ve still got to do what we do well, and enjoy these couple of weeks.”

The women’s side is now guaranteed promotion to second division in 2024, while the men also await the chance to move up to third division.

“With the ability to play and potentially win a grand final, they’ll get a lot of confidence out of it,” Van Veen said of the women’s.

“And with the opportunity to go to the second division next year, so the winning side moves up a division, we’re confident that we’ve been able to put together a program to teach the girls to a very good standard.”

“We’ve maybe got to where we are quicker than we thought three years ago when we started the 2021 season, but the aim was al-

ways to get to third division,” Caldwell said.

“We feel we’re one of probably only a couple of clubs in fourth division that are ready to take a step up to third division and stay there.”

Having played all season at home with temporary facilities as the new club rooms get built,VanVeen said it could have been a breaking factor for the club this season but it’s only made them stronger.

“We’ve been in temporary digs all year and although it would have been very easy for a lot of people to complain about what we were putting up with while we wait for our new facility, the club has really stuck together and generated a real team atmosphere.

“And also in a year that could have been a pretty tough one for us, we’ve delivered a netball team into the finals and two senior football teams in the grand finals.

“That’s been a remarkable result for a club that could have had a tough year.”

Last round of winter tennis action before the finals

Round 14 results for Lilydale Tennis Club in the Eastern Region Tennis competition.

Junior Open Singles Doubles (JOSD4) v Nunawading Blue

After round 13 this team was sitting outside the top four with two wins so far this season.

Lilydale was represented by Adam Paladino, Ari Marappan, Joshua Jamieson and Rishabh Chowdhury.

Lilydale played at home this week against Nunawading who are sitting in second place on the ladder. It was a close match, but Nunawading came away with the win 5 sets to 3 – winning 39 games to Lilydale 37.

Result: 4-6, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 3-6

Junior Open Doubles (JOD8) v Selby

After round 13 this team was sitting outside the top four with two wins so far this season.

Lilydale was represented by Alex Bowyer, Ivy Pieper, Lachie Sweet and Ryan Taylor.

Lilydale played at home this week against Selby. In a great result, Lilydale came away

with the win 5 sets to 1 – winning 34 games to Selby 17.

Result: 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 6-0, 6-1, 6-5

Open Rubbers 24 (OR24) v Gracedale Park

After round 13 this team was sitting outside the top four.

Lilydale was represented by Jack Dowthwaite and Harry Trevillyan.

Lilydale played away this week against top four team Gracedale Park. It was a tough match for Lilydale who fought hard but went down 1 set to 5 – with Gracedale Park winning 36 games to Lilydale 20.

Result: 6-4, 6-1, 5-7, 7-5, 6-0, 6-3

Open Rubbers 20 (OR20) v Mt Evelyn

After round 13 this team is sitting just outside the top four on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by Levi Daly and Tim Bassett.

Lilydale played away against Mt Evelyn.

Lilydale won the opening doubles set. It was a close match, but Mt Evelyn took out both

the singles rubbers and won the day 4 sets to 1 – winning 26 games to Lilydale 10.

Result: 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-0, 6-1

Open Rubbers 14 (OR14) v Heathmont Green

After round 14 this team was sitting outside the top four with one win so far this season.

Lilydale was represented by Alex Jerin and James Buckland.

Lilydale played at home this week against Heathmont Green. In a competitive match it was Heathmont that eventually won the day 3 sets to 2 – winning 23 games to 18.

Result: 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 2-6, 1-6

Lilydale Tennis club welcomes all players of any age and ability. For information on how to join Lilydale Tennis Club please visit www. play.tennis.com.au/lilydaletennisclub.

For all coaching enquiries (Juniors and Adults) please contact Andrew at Pro Touch Tennis Academy www.ptta.com.au/contact

Adam Paladino, Ari Marappan, Joshua Jamieson and Rishabh Chowdhury celebrated their final winter season round despite losing to Nunawading. Picture:

Kilsyth Football Club’s senior women will be making their grand final debut after just three years.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The senior men’s side is heading to their first grand final in nearly 30 years.

Celebrations were high as the siren sounded at the end of the game.

Kilsyth’s senior women’s football team scored their first premiership win on Saturday 26 August.

Bullseye for hall of famer

By Mikayla van Loon

Forty years after winning multiple national and international titles, Seville East’s Andy Robinson has been inducted into the Darts Australia Hall of Fame.

Attending the Australian Championships in Echuca in early August, Andy was surprised by the presentation having not been told it was coming.

“I didn’t know anything about it until we got there,” he said.

Over the last year, Andy has been helping his son Chris collate all the information, trophies and title wins, knowing he’d done much the same as other Hall of Fame inductees.

“A lot of dart players we know have done exactly the same as what I’ve done but they’d got into the Hall of Fame so we started backtracking and looking through everything,” Andy said.

Chris said the Hall of Fame process begins at a local level with the Melbourne Darts League having to put in a request to the Victorian Darts Council, before it’s sent to Darts Australia.

“Then they have to put it out to three members around Australia and they all have to be unanimous in their decision making, so it took at least nine months,” Chris said.

Having played darts as a young lad in his home country, England, Andy said it started out as just a bit of fun with friends, especially with nearly every pub having a dartboard.

Coming to Australia in the ‘60s, Andy said it took him quite some time to get back into playing.

“When I came out here, I put my darts in a case and said ‘that’s it, I’m not playing again’ and for about four or five years you couldn’t even find a place with a dartboard,” he said.

Once darts picked up in Australia, Andy got back into the game and began to amaze with

his talent, which he put down to practice and arrhythmic.

“I won the league championship and then it just kept on going,Victorian champion, Australian champion with a lot of tournaments in between, just for the love of darts,” Andy said.

Travelling not only all over Australia but around the world to represent the country, Andy became a well known name in the darts community, winning numerous titles.

Representing Victoria and Australia across

the ‘70s and ‘80s, Andy’s decade long darts career saw him play in the Six Nations Championship in the UK, the 1981 World Cup in New Zealand, have consecutive singles title wins at the Australian Masters in ‘81 and ‘82, as well as win the Peter Jackson Australian Open in 1984.

He also came runner up in the Pacific Masters, Australian Masters and Australian Grand Masters over five years.

Another claim to his name is beating the

world champion at the time, Leighton Rees, in 1978 in the opening round of Australia versus Wales.

“I loved every minute. Just travelling around and meeting different people from all over the world.”

The Hall of Fame induction has since sparked a walk down memory lane, digging up all the memorabilia and trophies, with the intention of helping put together a timeline of the darts competition for Andy’s playing days.

YR athletes win Australian Championship medals

By Jamie Strudley

Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes represented Victoria at the Australian Cross Country Championships on Saturday. The championships were held on a fast but demanding course at Mt Stromlo, Canberra in perfect conditions. With athletes from throughout Australia and New Zealand, the competition was intense and fast.

First up was Bradley McMeeken in the U17 para event. Bradley ran one of his best races for the season, eventually finishing in seventh place in his 3km event.

Next up was Brigette Rice in her Women U17 4km. Brigette settled in the lead pack early, running through half way in a group of about 15 athletes. The pack began to break up as athletes climbed the steep hill on the second lap. Brigette maintained her rhythm to the finish to cross the line in eighth place.

With one New Zealand athlete ahead of her, Brigette finished as the seventh placed Australian. Brigette was also the third Victorian to finish, scoring valuable points for the team, eventually finishing third and a team bronze medal.

Maddie Laven completed the day forYarra

Ranges Athletics athletes. Running in the Under 20 women’s 4km event. Maddie had a steady start and came through the field as other athletes tired from the very fast start, to finish in an excellent 20th place and 14th Australian athlete. Maddie was also a member of the winning Victoria team, bringing home a well earned team gold medal.

Our Saturday morning cross country was held at Elizabeth Bridge in Kilsyth. Another fantastic turnout enjoyed excellent conditions for cross country. Results are not yet available but suspect there were a few PB’s run.

Next week we head to Morrison Reserve for the final round of the season. This round is also our championship round with medals and PB choccie frogs up for grabs. Arrive early to help setup and warm up for your race.

Our seniors tackle the Burnley Half Mara-

thon on Sunday morning. The traditional Round 9 of the XCR season provides an opportunity for club members, and non members, to run a fast half marathon. Our Under 14, 16, 18 and 20 athletes get to run a fast 5km on the road.

Training continues for all club members on Tuesday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm at Victoria Road Primary School gym. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability.

If you, or someone you know, wants to join in the fun of cross country email info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au for information about events and registration.

For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org. au or check us out on Facebook. Run, Jump, Throw…too easy!

Andrew (Andy) Robinson was inducted into the Darts Australia Hall of Frame for his incredible talent.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Andy Robinson and Darts Australia President Kelvin James at the presentation.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Andy took home the Peter Jackson Australian Open in 1984, knocking out long time competitor and favourite Russell Stewart. 356759

Andy with his very proud grandchildren Tom, Joe, Sam and Oli.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Andy Robinson’s collection of representative shirts and jackets span across tournaments and state and national.

Maddie Laven at the Australian Cross Country Championships in Canberra. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Still in the play-off hunt

By Peter Stephenson

Barkerettes (second) travelled to Chisholm United (seventh), hoping to stay ahead of Aspendale and Endeavour in the race for second spot and a chance of promotion via a playoff.

This was going to be trickier than it looked on paper, because United had given a good account of themselves at the Kennel, and were reportedly at full strength.

The first half saw attempts on goal from Kelly Butera (shot over the bar), Amy D’Ortenzio (header from a corner) and Lisa Walsh (almost had too much time to decide what to do with it).

At the other end, Barkers had a scare when a United corner led to a scramble in the six-yard box, but keeper Ashleigh Fraraccio managed to dive onto the ball. Half-time came with no goals scored. Chisholm were on top early on, but Barkers took over and could have been a couple of goals up at the break.

The second half was frustrating. Six minutes in, D’Ortenzio shot over, but on 53 minutes, United won a corner on the left. It was hit to the far post and was scrambled over the line by Alexandria Ekonomopoulos for the opening

goal. This emboldened the hosts, who then hit the post in a let-off for Barkers.

Just on the hour, Chisholm got very lucky indeed. An absolute hit-and-hope by Sophie Marinis from 30 yards sailed over everyone to enter the net to make it 2-0 – Marinis wasn’t even looking at the goal when she hit it. Oh well, that’s football.

Barkers’ heads could have dropped, but they didn’t.

They tried hard but couldn’t unlock the Chisholm defence. Then in stoppage time, Courtney Wipperfurth played D’Ortenzio through, and the Goal Machine kept a cool head and stuck the ball wide of the keeper to halve the deficit to 2-1. Too little, too late though, on a frustrating evening.

One game to go, and Barkers, Endeavour and Aspendale are all still in the play-off hunt. Endeavour beat Beaumaris 6-0, while Aspendale lost 3-4 at Gippsland United.

The top four now reads: Gippsland 46 pts, Endeavour 37, Mooroolbark 36, Aspendale 35. Next week, Barkers host Baxter, while Endeavour and Aspendale play each other. For Barkers to snatch second, they need to win, and hope Endeavour lose or draw.

Barkers fall to late goal to end season on a whimper

By Peter Stephenson

The onset of spring and the end of the season – are we here already? Barkers (fifth) had only pride to play for. Berwick (10th), however, needed to win to guarantee safety. Maxim Solovyev was absent for the first-ever time in a league game and only the second time overall since joining the club in 2014, while Charlie Beresford again deputised for injured keeper Mark Naumowicz.

After a brief period of Barkers’ ascendancy, Berwick asserted themselves. On seven minutes, Joshua Scarlett floated a ball to the far post and it was headed dangerously back across the Barkers goal, but no forward connected. Four minutes later, Eid Sarwari had a shot blocked, and it fell for Scarlett, who hit a volley on the full which went wide to Barkers’ relief.

It was Steve Nittoli and John-Paul Cooper who got Barkers going, and on the quarter hour, Nittoli hit a great ball to Cooper on the left. The ball found its way back to Cooper via Geordie Scott, but his shot was blocked. A good chance was created when Ryan Smith headed clear to Jack Buglass. He put an incisive ball through for Scott, who hit the ball just past the post. Then Nittoli forced Berwick keeper Levi Waddington into a onehanded save.

On 26 minutes, Barkers gave the ball away, and it fell for Sarwari. He hit a shot on target, but Beresford was well-positioned and got his body behind it to save. Five minutes before the break, the Barkers keeper was tested again when Scarlett’s shot forced a spectacular diving save.

Barkers ended the half on the up with Paul McEvoy crossing for Ray Markley to hit a sliding volley wide, then a gorgeous flick from Cooper fooled his marker, and he crossed for Buglass, who couldn’t quite get his header in under pressure. Half-time 0-0 in a fairly even, but quiet game.

The start of the second half brought few chances, but as the half wore on, it dawned on Berwick that they really needed a win to stay up, and they turned up the pressure on Barkers, who were having a distinctly average day. Berwick began to do everything at twice normal speed, and Barkers were struggling to respond.

On 66 minutes, a Berwick shot was blocked, and the follow-up was put just over the bar, which enlivened the raucous home fans behind Beresford’s goal. Barkers replied with a Scott shot which was blocked, then Smith floated the ball in for McEvoy, whose attempted scissor kick went wide. Then Cooper and Buglass put through Scott, who was denied by a superb saving tackle.

Now Berwick won a series of corners, but Beresford was able to punch them clear under heavy pressure. By contrast, a long cross

from McEvoy saw Waddington flapping at the ball. Six minutes from time, Sean Perrin came to Barkers’ rescue with a great saving tackle, but Berwick were knocking louder and louder. Right on full time, a Barkers attack broke down, and Berwick caught Barkers on the counter, setting up Jarod Blackbourn to hit a low shot into the corner of the net for the only goal of the game.

So Barkers’ season ends with a whimper and a disappointing loss, while Berwick saved themselves. A season of ifs, buts and maybes comes to an end, with the feeling that a lot of hard work didn’t really get the reward it deserved. Barkers finished sixth in the 12team league. Champions Mazenod will be joined by runners-up Brandon Park in State 1 next year, while Heatherton and Frankston Pines drop to State 3. Likely replacements are Richmond and Bentleigh United Cobras from State 1, and Bayside Argonauts and Chisholm United from State 3.

In the reserves’ game, Barkers won 3-2 with goals from Max Burrows, Declan Williamson and James Barber. After a poor start, Barkers gained 13 points from the last 15 to move up to nineth. Men’s thirds won 5-0 at Somerville, and Men’s over 35s lost 1-2 to Ashburton United. Junior winners were Boys’ under 14 (2-1 v Ashburton United) and Boys’ under 12 Joeys (3-1 v Lilydale Montrose United). Next week the women’s and junior seasons conclude, with the Barkerettes hosting Baxter (Esther Park, Sunday 3pm). See you down the Kennel!

It was a frustrating end to the season for the Barkers, finishing the year in sixth.

Despite having a few shots at goal, Mooroolbark couldn’t manage to score against Berwick.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

The Barkerettes look to hold onto second position on the ladder after a loss to Chisholm. Picture: UNSPLASH

MASSIVE CLEARANCE SALE.....NOW ON MASSIVE CLEARANCE SALE.....NOW ON

2018 Ford Ranger FX4 1MM9ZN

$43,990

DRIVEAWAY

2016 Lexus NX 200t F Sport 1IC4KY

$39,990

DRIVEAWAY

1 OWNER VEHICLE WITH LOW KMS, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING, ECONOMICAL MIVEC 2.0 LT MOTOR, FRONTAL COLLISION WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE WARNING, CRASH AVOIDANCE WITH BRAKING (LOW SPD), BLIND SPOT SENSOR, REVERSING CAMERA, CLIMATE AIR CONDITIONING, REVERSING SENSORS, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, VOICE COMMAND, FULL ELECTRICS, CRUISE CONTROL, ALLOY WHEELS, LED DAYTIME LIGHTS, NUDGE

2012 Ford Territory TS ZNQ527

$21,990

DRIVEAWAY

AS NEW!! 7 SEAT WAGON WITH LOW KMS, SPORTS AUTO 6 SPD TRANSMISSION, TURBO DIESEL 6 CYL 2.7 LT MOTOR, CURTAIN AIRBAGS, ABS BRAKES, STABILITY & TRACTION CTL, FULL ELECTRICS, DUAL ZONE CLIMATE AIR CONDITIONING, CRUISE CONTROL, REVERSING CAMERA, REVERSING SENSORS, AUTO HEADLIGHTS, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, TINTED WINDOWS, FOG LAMPS, TOW BAR, 18”ALLOY WHEELS, SERVICE BOOKS, GREY METALLIC DUCO, RWC & WARRANTY.

2014 Jeep Patriot Sport

1BW1VC

$15,990

DRIVEAWAY

CURTAIN AIRBAGS, ABS BRAKES, STABILITY & TRACTION CTL, FULL ELECTRICS, AIR CONDITIONING, ALLOY WHEELS, FOG LAMPS, AUTO HEADLIGHTS, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, VOICE COMMAND, HEATED FRONT SEATS, SERVICE BOOKS, SILVER METALLIC DUCO, 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING, RWC & WARRANTY.

ZONE CLIMATE AIR CONDITIONING, RADAR CRUISE CONTROL, FRONTAL COLLISION WARNING, LANE KEEP ASSIST, FRONT & REAR PARK SENSORS, REVERSING CAMERA, SAT NAV, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, VOICE COMMAND, MAPS VIA APPLE CARPLAY / ANDROID AUTO CONNECTIVITY, AUTO HEADLIGHTS, RAIN SENSING WIPERS, HEATED DOOR MIRRORS, BULL BAR, ARB CANOPY, TUB LINER, TOW BAR, TINTED WINDOWS, DEALER SERVICE HISTORY, WHITE DUCO, 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING, RWC & WARRANTY.

2013 Peugeot 5008 Active

$18,990

DRIVEAWAY

7 SEAT LUXURY WAGON WITH VERY LOW KMS, SPORTS AUTO 6 SPD TRANSMISSION, TURBO PETROL 1.6 LT MOTOR, CURTAIN AIRBAGS, ABS BRAKES, STABILITY CTL, REVERSING CAMERA, REVERSING SENSORS, PANORAMIC GLASS ROOF, SAT NAV, AUTO HEADLIGHTS, RAIN SENSING WIPERS, DUAL ZONE CLIMATE AIR CONDITIONING, CRUISE CONTROL, FULL ELECTRICS, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, VOICE COMMAND, HEATED DOOR MIRRORS, FULL DEALER SERVICE HISTORY, WHITE DUCO, 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING, RWC & WARRANTY.

$21,990 DRIVEAWAY

1 OWNER VEHICLE WITH LOW KMS, 6 SPD MANUAL, 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING, ECONOMICAL 2.5 LT PETROL MOTOR, 138 KW POWER, DUAL ZONE CLIMATE AIR CONDITIONING, FULL ELECTRICS, CRUISE CONTROL, REVERSING CAMERA, REVERSING SENSORS, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, VOICE COMMAND, TINTED WINDOWS, KEYLESS ENTRY WITH BUTTON START, SAT NAV, AUTO HEADLIGHTS, RAIN SENSING WIPERS, FULL MAZDA SERVICE HISTORY, GREY METALLIC DUCO, RWC & WARRANTY.

FULLY OPTIONED AWD LUXURY WAGON WITH SPORTS AUTO 6 SPD TRANSMISSION, TURBO 2.0 LT PETROL MOTOR, LEATHER INTERIOR, ELECTRIC FRONT SEATS WITH HEATING AND COOLING, BLIND SPOT SENSOR, REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT, 360 CAMERA, FRONT AND REAR PARK SENSORS, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, SAT NAV, SUNROOF, HEAD UP DISPLAY, DRIVER SEAT MEMORY SETTING, LANE KEEP ASSIST, RADAR CRUISE CONTROL, ELECTRIC TAILGATE, KEYLESS ENTRY WITH BUTTON START, WIRELESS PHONE CHARGING, AUTO HEADLIGHTS, RAIN SENSING WIPERS, LED DAYTIME LAMPS, TINTED WINDOWS, SPORTS SUSPENSION, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, WHITE DUCO, 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING, RWC AND WARRANTY.

2020 Toyota Hilux Workmate 1SK6WW

$27,990

DRIVEAWAY

PACKED WITH SAFETY FEATURES.....5 SPEED MANUAL, 4 CYL 2.7 LT PETROL MOTOR, CURTAIN AIRBAGS, ABS BRAKES, STABILITY & TRACTION CTL, FULL ELECTRICS, RADAR CRUISE CONTROL, PEDESTRIAN AVOIDANCE WITH BRAKING, CRASH AVOIDANCE WITH BRAKING (LOW SPD), LANE KEEP ACTIVE ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE WARNING, FRONTAL COLLISION WARNING, AUTO HEADLIGHTS, DAYTIME LAMPS, SPEED ZONE RECOGNITION, REVERSING CAMERA, ALLOY DROPSIDE TRAY, FACTORY TOW BAR, LOW KMS, SERVICE BOOKS, WHITE DUCO, 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING, NEW CAR WARRANTY TILL 2025.

$25,990 DRIVEAWAY

1 OWNER LUXURY AWD WAGON WITH LOW KMS, SPORTS AUTO 6 SPD TRANSMISSION, TURBO 2.0 LT PETROL MOTOR, LEATHER INTERIOR, HEATED FRONT SEATS, KEYLESS ENTRY WITH BUTTON START, PANORAMIC SUNROOF, FRONT & REAR PARK SENSORS, REVERSING CAMERA WITH GRAPHICAL DISPLAY, AUTO BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS, RAIN SENSING WIPERS, DUAL ZONE CLIMATE AIR CONDITIONING, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, VOICE COMMAND, SAT NAV, APPLE CARPLAY / ANDROID AUTO CONNECTIVITY, LED DAYTIME LIGHTS, AUTOMATED PARK ASSIST, DIGITAL RADIO RECEIVER, CRUISE CONTROL, ELECTRIC TAILGATE, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, PEAR WHITE METALLIC DUCO, 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING, RWC & WARRANTY.

2017 Ford Mustang GT CHM402

$53,990 DRIVEAWAY

V8 SOFT TOP CONVERTIBLE IN IMMACULATE CONDITION WITH LOW KMS, SPORTS AUTO 6 SPD TRANSMISSION, SIDE AIRBAGS, FRONT KNEE AIRBAGS, ABS BRAKES, STABILITY & TRACTION CTL, FULL ELECTRICS, 5.0 LT MOTOR WITH 306 KW POWER, CURTAIN AIRBAGS, ABS BRAKES, STABILITY & TRACTION CTL, LEATHER INTERIOR, SAT NAV, FULL ELECTRICS, KEYLESS ENTRY WITH BUTTON START, DUAL ZONE CLIMATE AIR CONDITIONING, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, VOICE COMMAND, AUTO HEADLIGHTS, RAIN SENSING WIPERS, PERFORMANCE BRAKES, APPLE CARPLAY / ANDROID AUTO CONNECTIVITY, HEATED & VENTILATED FRONT SEATS, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, BLUE METALLIC DUCO, RWC & WARRANTY.

$41,990

DRIVEAWAY

1 OWNER 4WD 7 SEAT WAGON WITH SPORTS AUTO 8 SPD TRANSMISSION, TURBO DIESEL 2.4 LT MOTOR, 3100 KG TOWING CAPACITY, 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING, LEATHER INTERIOR, ELECTRIC / HEATED FRONT SEATS, 360 CAMERA, FRONT & REAR PARK SENSORS, RADAR CRUISE CONTROL, BLIND SPOT SENSOR, FRONTAL COLLISION WARNING, REAR DIFF LOCK, AUTO LIGHTS & WIPERS, KEYLESS ENTRY WITH BUTTON START, CRASH AVOIDANCE WITH BRAKING (LOW SPD), MAPS VIA APPLE CARPLAY / ANDROID AUTO CONNECTIVITY, TINTED WINDOWS, TOW BAR, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, BLACK METALLIC DUCO, RWC & WARRANTY.

2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 1JX1ZY

2017 Ford Escape Titanium ARZ849

2016 Mazda 3 SP25 AHS679