Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 19th September 2023

Festival set

By Callum Ludwig

Nine years after the first successful edition, the Yarra Ranges Donkey Festival is set to make a triumphant return in January 2024.

The event is the brainchild of Linda Jay, owner of the Donkey Shop in East Warburton. Ms Jay said there’ll be a large gathering of donkeys competing in events, ranging from showing to jumping and obstacle courses to fancy dress.

“There’ll be donkeys in the yard for people to walk to and have a look at, or donkey rides to enjoy. I’ll also have guest speakers, a vet and a farrier and a few other speakers who will talk about the care, wellbeing and training of donkeys,” she said.

Over 2000 people and 40 donkeys attended the 2015 festival.

Turn to page 12 for more

Permit ticked off

By Callum Ludwig

A planning permit application for a multi-million dollar dwelling in Coldstream has been approved by Yarra Ranges Councillors after a lengthy debate at the Tuesday 12 September Council meeting. The application for the 193 Victoria Road property was first submitted in December 2021 with plans including a helipad, golf course, function centre, indoor recreation centre and restaurant, with the scope

since reduced to a residential dwelling only.

The revised application still includes a bar, cinema, art gallery, a 19-car garage, basketball court, separate male and female toilets change rooms and bowling alleys as well as golf cart parking, a winter garden and a roof garden.

Coldstream resident Ms Price’s property is 924 metres away from 193 Victoria Road and she spoke in objection to the application, supported by other neighbours in attendance.

“Where it is said to be a dwelling, you are being absolutely misled as to what this planning permit is about… there are a number of exceptionally unusual features,” Ms Price said.

“This car gallery, apart from being completely absurd, 19 cars with a viewing window that you can see from outside of the house, is exactly the type of space which without those cars is a wedding venue.” Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Planning and Sustainable Futures Kath McClusky said Council’s officers must consider

the application that’s in front of them.

“We note that the initial application had a number of elements to it, it has been amended and the amendment request is for a dwelling so the officers have to consider it as a dwelling under the Act,” she said. “In terms of who the applicant is, Urbis lodged the application so from a planning perspective we don’t really take that into consideration who that it might be, we can’t look at it too much into that.”

Continued page 6

Linda Jay is bringing back the Yarra Ranges Donkey Festival in 2024.

Picture: VAL REES

New system a ‘downfall’

By Mikayla Van Loon

Concerns have been realised since the introduction of the 60 day dispensing policy earlier this month, with a Lilydale pharmacy already seeing the downfalls of the new system.

Amcal Lilydale co-owner Frank Kazantzis said in just two weeks since the policy was brought into practice on Friday 1 September, pharmacists have been kept busy educating community members.

“We have been talking to people about 60 day scripts, there have been a lot of questions. It has mostly been people coming into the pharmacy expecting to or raising the question of ‘do I get two months now’,” he said.

“[They have been] thinking it was this automatic granting rather than understanding they had to go to the doctor, and the doctor had the discretion to prescribe them a 60 day script or a 30 day script. So there really wasn’t any understanding in the community about how it works.”

Despite these conversations giving the pharmacy a chance to explain what the 60 day dispensing policy means financially for them, the PBS and the supply chain, Frank said it has caused some frustration.

“It’s just been more of a workload of having to manage the expectations of people and have these conversations and explain these details over and over again,” he said.

“The government seemed to be quite happy to promote the benefit to patients but not actually explain to them what they needed to do.”

Although not yet seeing a large influx of 60 day scripts, Frank said he expects this to increase over the coming months having spoken with local doctors about prescribing habits.

“For most people, they will be asking doctors for a 60 day script and I think from most doctors, I don’t expect that much pushback,” he said.

“It’s really going to be patient driven. If people want it, then they’re going to get it.”

Sixty day scripts are only available to people with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, endometriosis and high cholesterol to make the affordability of ongoing medication needs cheaper.

Concerningly though, Frank said within pharmacy forum groups it has become clear doctors are prescribing scripts to patients who may be unstable in their medication usage.

“We’re seeing doctors write 60 day scripts for people who are starting a new medication or writing a 60 day script with minimum repeats, there might be one or two repeats rather

than the full six months or 12 months worth and it’s kind of suggesting this person isn’t stable,” he said.

“These contradictory prescribing habits that we’re seeing don’t really go in the same ethos as what this was brought in for. [It] was for people who are stable, have been on the same medication for a while and don’t need to check in with the doctor for another 12 months.”

Frank said he hopes as this rolls out further, the government “notices that and puts some restrictions on how doctors can prescribe” so that habits across the country don’t lead to “medication misadventures”.

These changes should also be discussed as part of the community pharmacy agreement (CPA) that has been brought forward by more than a year.

Pharmacy Guild president Trent Twomey told AAP he hopes the negotiations with the federal government will ensure pharmacies are remunerated fairly for medicine dispensing and can continue to operate sustainably under the new scheme.

“We thank the prime minister and the health minister for hearing our concerns, and 60-day dispensing, along with other reforms, will now be dealt with in the normal way under a community pharmacy agreement,“ he said.

The CPA is a five year agreement defining how much pharmacies will be reimbursed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Having heard early talks, Frank said he is worried there won’t be more money put into the dispensing process but rather through other avenues, even though dispensing for most pharmacies is their primary income.

“That being the majority of our business it really needs to carry its own weight, we can’t be adding more revenue streams just for the sake of adding more work.”

Other key items Frank hopes are included in the CPA are uncapped medication checks and better remuneration for immunisations.

Leading into the March CPA deadline, Frank said he feels quite comfortable in knowing the Pharmacy Guild and other advisory bodies understand what is impacting pharmacies most.

“[The Guild is] going into the new agreement with a fairly good idea of what all pharmacists out there are hoping to achieve and they’ve got a pretty good radar as to what’s realistic, as well, and what works in government.

“So I’m quite confident in the guild and even the PSA and the other pharmacy groups with their ability to advocate for us.”

AmcalLilydaleownersMeganandFrankKazantzisarestartingtoseetheconfusionof60day dispensing. 345781

Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

Employer pleads guilty to breaches

By Karen Sweeney, AAP

The formerYJ Autos inYarra Junction has pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to two breaches of workplace health and safety legislation that resulted in the death of John Halls.

Brooke Hampton pleaded guilty on behalf of the now-deregistered company, having taken over YJ Autos in December 2017 from her grandfather and officially started running the business in February 2018, just a month before Mr Halls’ death.

The fatigued father of three, Upper Yarra SES member and RACV roadside assistance driver was nearing the end of a 96-hour shift when his car veered off the road and struck a tree.

John Halls had seven hours left of a 96-hour shift and had just driven two people home safely after their car broke down when he crashed into a tree at 100km/h.

He was used to working four straight days as an RACV roadside assistance driver but the fatigue from his dangerous shift patterns often left him too tired to sleep.

Mr Halls, a father and grandfather, had been prescribed sleeping pills to help him cope with winding down after work.

But it’s agreed his death in March 2018 could have been avoided if processes were in place to provide training on fatigue or require maximum shift lengths and minimum breaks.

YJ Autos had a contract with RACV to provide roadside assistance but in a pre-sentence hearing a judge has been told there were no guidelines on how that work should be done.

The only key performance indicator for their job was that they responded to 90 per cent of calls within an hour of the first call being made for assistance.

Mr Halls and another assistance driver had been allowed to set their own work hours and shift patterns and decided four days on, four days off worked best for them.

In a regular four-day shift they’d receive on average 40 callouts at any time of day or night, and they became used to sleeping with multiple phones and a roadside assistance alert system beside them.

Ms Hampton had inherited the status quo and the result was borne not of her indifference to employee safety, but of negligence, Judge Marcus Dempsey said.

“I accept that the workers came up with that schedule themselves but they should never have been allowed to,“ he said.

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

As Mr Halls left for his last call on March 9, he ruffled his wife Glenys’ hair and told her he’d be back soon.

He drove two people home after a breakdown and was on his own way home when, at about 1.10am on March 10, his work ute veered off the road and into a tree in Healesville.

Glenys Halls, who had been unable to get him on the phone, came across the crash scene when out looking for her husband.

Their daughter Lisa, a police officer, recalled delivering many dreaded messages to families after accidents but never dreamed she’d receive one.

The only consolation the family finds in Mr Halls’ death is that he died serving his community and that was what he loved.

RACV was convicted and fined $475,000 for failing to ensure contractors were managing fatigue risks.

In a statement released in December 2021 after their conviction, RACV acknowledged that ’this tragic incident revealed deficiencies in RACV’s approach to the provision of information, training and suggested policies and procedures to our contractors regarding fatigue management.’

YJ Autos will be sentenced at a later date.

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.

Road works in Yarra Junction

Yarra Ranges Council have scheduled road maintenance works for Crescent Road, Yarra Junction from Tuesday 19 to Wednesday 20 September 2023.

Works will be completed by Yarra Ranges Council’s contractor May Asphalt Group Pty Ltd, between 8am and 4pm.

Yarra Ranges Council advises that whilst every care will be taken to ensure works are completed during the specified period, circumstances beyond the Council’s control (including inclement weather, plant and equipment breakdowns) may require the program to be altered.

One lane closed at the time of works where applicable, emergency access will be available and delays will be kept to a minimum with a maximum being 15 minutes.

Nominate a local young person for YOUth Awards

Yarra Ranges Council is encouraging community members to take notice of young people doing great things for our community, and nominate them for the CelebratingYOUth Awards. The YOUth Awards, held in December, is a youth-led event to celebrate the contributions and achievements of young people, aged 1225, who live, work or study in the region.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, said that Council wanted to hear about young people improving their communities, helping others or creating art.

“We have a really fantastic cohort of young people in theYarra Ranges who volunteer their time and put their skills to use to benefit everyone – it’s one of the many brilliant things about our region,” he said.

“But it’s not often that we take a moment to celebrate that work, and the way it benefits us all. This is where Celebrating YOUth comes in.

“This awards night will be a chance to say thank you and to give some well-deserved recognition to young people doing great things.

“Now we want to hear from you – if you know young people in your community who jump at a chance to help, who advocate for others or are creating incredible things, let us know.

“If someone came to mind while reading this, then it’s worth nominating them and telling us why you think they’re great.

“It only takes a few minutes to nominate someone for deserved recognition and nominations are open until 22 October.”

Award categories young people can be nominated for are:

· Resilience and perseverance

· Passionate advocate

· Young entrepreneur

· School or community improvement

· Arts, music and culture.

The award assessment panel will assess the approach of the young person:

· How they achieve their goals

· The impact and reach of their work

· How unique they have been in what they do

· Their dedication.

All nominees will be invited to attend the December event.

The YOUth Awards are funded by the State Government’s FReeZA and Engage! program.

To make a nomination, go to www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Community/Youth/Celebrating-YOUth-Awards-Night

Say yes!

YJAutoshaspleadedguiltytobreachesofworkplacehealthandsafetylegislationthatresultedin thedeathofJohnHallsin2018.

Picture:AAPIMAGE/CONCHRONIS JohnHalls.

Picture:ONFILE

Delays still plague school

By Callum Ludwig

Gladysdale Primary School are still eagerly awaiting their new building, despite delays meaning the expected opening originally planned for this month is out of sight.

The over $2.6 million project, funded mostly in the 2020-21 State budget, is set to provide a new office and entryway, new student engagement spaces, a kid-friendly kitchen, upgraded bathroom facilities and improved disability access.

School Council President Michelle Mock said it will be a great relief to have it done and in place. “We’ve waited a long time, the kids have endured a lot of mud and loss of their grounds and playgrounds so we’re all looking forward to it,” she said.

“I think over the last nine months it has affected our enrolments, we’ve had people asking if the school is closed because it looks like an empty building site, but it’ll be great to see the positive future. We’re a great school, we’ve got great teachers and a fantastic community and we’d hate to lose it.”

Students and families are particularly keen for the kitchen facility, which will bolster the popular Patch 2 Plate program at the school, which teaches kids about sustainability, and Indigenous values and gives them a chance to work on practical skills like gardening, cooking and cleaning.

Ms Mock said the relief for the school and the parents will be amazing.

“Particularly for our principal who’s done a lot of this work, who’s had builders reporting to her while she’s trying to teach classes and parents and community members asking her the question of when will it be done,” she said.

“The kids cheer when a builder arrives on site, so to have something happening is really positive and I will say there was somebody on site this week, so there’s positive signs and hope.”

The Gladysdale Primary School upgrade works were delayed by a supplier of structural steel withdrawing from the process.

A Department of Education spokesperson said they’re building world-class learning spaces at Gladysdale Primary School, ensuring teachers and school leaders have the facilities to help all students meet their full potential.

“Building material shortages have been experienced across several sectors, which have led to some delays in the works, however they are now under way again and running to schedule.”

The structural steel has since arrived on site, and the scheduled significant works have resumed.

The works are expected to be completed by theendofthe2023–24summerschoolholidays.

Gladysdale Primary School is holding a Pete Denahy concert on Saturday 11 November from 5.30pm to 9pm to help fundraise to furnish the new building once it is completed. Tickets can be purchased at: www.trybooking. com/events/1099349/sessions/4081451/sections/2050591/tickets

WorksremainongoingatGladysdalePrimarySchool,withprogressslowsincethestartoftheyear.

Picture:ONFILE

Hopes to save family home

By Callum Ludwig

An amendment discussed at the Tuesday 12 September Yarra Council meeting to Council’s Planning Scheme could help a local family return to their home if approved by an independent Planning Panel, appointed by the Minister for Planning.

After submissions were received from an exhibition of the amendment (Amendment C217), councillors voted unanimously to support the motion.

Kalorama resident Natalie Guest spoke at the meeting and said her family have fully supported preparing an amendment to update the current Yarra Ranges Council Planning Scheme.

“My family lost our home in Kalorama 825 days ago on 9 June 2021 in a devastating windstorm, our insurance company informed us after the inspection of our ruins that this was deemed a catastrophic event and my family and I are in our third rental property since the loss of our home,” she said.

“The accommodation funds provided by our insurer were for the two years coverage of our policy, this means we currently pay $1325 per week to keep a roof over our family’s head, the cost being rent and a mortgage on our non-existent home.”

Amendment C217 will simplify the structure of the Erosion Management Overlay Schedule 1 (EMO1) to create new exemptions for minor buildings and works and vegetation removal as well as change the tolerable risk criteria from Low to Medium in particular circumstances, which would allow the Guest family to rebuild on their property.

Ms Guest said under the current Yarra Range Planning Scheme, they would have to walk away from not only their family home and community but gain a huge financial loss.

“I’ve personally collected 488 signatures in support of this change, we have been continually updated by the planning team throughout the past year,” she said.

“The three of us are craving some positivity, some shining light on what has been the most devastating time of our lives,”

“We look forward to receiving Council’s continued support and advocacy throughout the rest of this process, it will not go unnoticed by your thousands of Hills and Yarra Ranges constituents.”

Residents whose properties are within an Erosion Management Overlay will have been sent a letter to advise them of the amendment.

Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar and Lyster Ward Councillor Johanna Skelton thanked Ms Guest for her bravery, perseverance and advocacy on the issue.

Chandler Ward Councillor David Eastham put a question toYarra Ranges Council’s Director of Planning and Sustainable Futures Kath McClusky if there is anything the Council can do to expedite the process.

“The key thing we can do is advocacy, we’ve got some preset panel dates, so the panel hearing will happen pretty quickly. As soon as we get the panel report, we will make sure that we bring that back to the Chamber as quickly as

possible so we can do everything at our end to get it into the minister’s office,” Ms McClusky said.

“I think there are some joint advocacy efforts we can have with local members to push this as a matter of priority so that it can be approved and I believe the minister’s office is aware of this amendment as well, so hopefully that will help us in this instance.”

Within the Yarra Ranges, large parts of Mt Evelyn, Monbulk, Wandin East, Warburton, Kalorama, Kallista, Sassafras, Ferny Creek, Upper Ferntree Gully, Upwey, Tecoma, Belgrave, Selby, Tremont and Mount Dandenong and small parts of Montrose, Seville, Launching Place and Millgrove are subject to an EMO.

Cr Fullagar said the planning scheme is obviously a huge beast and it travels slowly.

“800 days is an extraordinary amount of time and let’s hope it’s not another 800 days, we don’t want that so let’s get this motion through and I’ll ask other councillors to support it,” he said.

Cr Skelton said she feels very comfortable that this is going to lead to a very balanced and very responsible outcome for the ability to live in our area of the hills particularly.

“Those who’ve been through it this time you know, it’s cold comfort for them I’m sure, but if we get this through and happening, it is going to mean that the next time we don’t have a bunch of people that can’t rebuild and that is worth its weight in gold.”

Natalie Guest at her Kalorama property. 290422 Pictures: ON FILE

The Warburton area has also been subject to multiple recent landslips.

Locals oppose application

By Callum Ludwig

A planning permit application for a multimillion dollar dwelling in Coldstream has been approved by Yarra Ranges Councillors after a lengthy debate at the Tuesday 12 September Council meeting.

The application for the 193 Victoria Road property was first submitted in December 2021 with plans including a helipad, golf course, function centre, indoor recreation centre and restaurant, with the scope since reduced to a residential dwelling only.

The revised application still includes a number of ‘atypical’ features of a residential dwelling, with the Council planning report noting a bar, cinema, art gallery, a 19-car garage, basketball court, separate male and female toilets change rooms and bowling alleys as well as golf cart parking, a winter garden and a roof garden.

Coldstream resident Ms Price’s property is 924 metres away from 193 Victoria Road and she spoke in objection to the application, supported by some other neighbours in attendance, and said they are showing strong opposition to this particular planning application.

“Where it is said to be a dwelling, you are being absolutely misled as to what this planning permit is about… there are a number of exceptionally unusual features, ” she said.

“Why on earth are there men’s and women’s bathrooms attached to each of these entertainment features, features that you would see if you went to any one of the wedding venues further out in the Yarra Valley,”

“This car gallery, apart from being completely absurd, 19 cars with a viewing window that you can see from outside of the house, is exactly the type of space which without those cars is a wedding venue.”

In consideration of what objectors raised, the planning report identifies additional land uses of the original application are no longer

on the plans and not to be considered by the Council. If they were to be proposed again at a later date, they would need to be reassessed on their planning merits.

Ms Price said it is of cold comfort to residents to say if what they suspect does come true, then there’ll be an investigation.

“By then it is too late because the impact on us will be irreparable,”

“You need to naturally know who is the applicant, the true person or persons who seek this permit to be issued because at the moment it’s all smoke and mirrors.”

The application was submitted by consultancy firm Urbis on behalf of asset management company APH Holding. The applicants named in the original company are a Ms M Bateman and a J Govenlock, likely to be Urbis Town Planner Jamie Govenlock. No applicants or representatives from APH Holding or Urbis spoke at the Tuesday 12 September meeting.

When contacted, Urbis confirmed that they formerly represented the applicant for this application but at the time of the meeting, no longer represented the applicant and were unable to comment. APH Holding was also contacted for comment.

Deputy Mayor and Melba Ward Councillor Sophie Todorov asked Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Planning and Sustainable Futures Kath McClusky if the potential for a disingenuous application should hold any weight in their decision.

Ms McClusky said Council’s officers must consider the application that’s in front of them.

“We note that the initial application had a number of elements to it, it has been amended and the amendment request is for a dwelling so the officers have to consider it as a dwelling under the Act,” she said.

“In terms of who the applicant is, Urbis lodged the application so from a planning perspective we don’t really take that into con-

sideration who that it might be, we can’t look at it too much into that.”

Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar asked Ms McClusky to clarify that there is no rule that prevents the inclusion of features such as the bowling alleys, cigar rooms or team rooms.

Ms McClusky said that is correct but it’s to be used for the people living in the house.

“It’s once that you have the broader community accessing facilities on site that that’s where it becomes a problem,” she said.

“But if you wanted to have a cigar room, a movie theatre in your home, that is permissible.”

Chirnside Ward Councillor Richard Higgins asked what’s preventing the applicant from reapplying and expanding back to the golf course and the other features once it is built.

“There’s nothing prohibiting them from reapplying, but it would be subject to a new assessment and to a further decision in the Chamber,” Ms McClusky said.

“There’d be a number of other challenges that they would need to overcome and a lot of information, I suspect that may be part of the reason why they abandoned part of their initial proposal, but again, I would be speculating.”

Chandler Ward Councillor David Eastham asked what the process would be if the applicant was to start using the property commercially without reapplying.

“We would start through activating compliance action, we would write to them, we would ask them to show calls to explain what’s been done on-site,” Ms McClusky said.

“We would advise that they need to bring the land into compliance and if all else fails and that doesn’t happen, well, we end up in court.”

Further questions discussed the potential impact of noise pollution and the effect on

the landscape and amenity of the area. Due to the property being used for an existing dwelling, there was no need for a farm management plan or a supporting agricultural piece for the property.

An amended motion was put forward with two additional conditions relating to lighting, limiting the uplighting of the walls and impacts of light spill.

After putting forward the amended motion, Council Mayor and O’Shanassy Ward Councillor Jim Child said they are going to make a decision and it’s to support his motion.

“I think this is going to become an issue for our compliance people because this is the only way that this building can be actually supervised once it’s built, that it’s built for a dwelling purpose and the dwelling purpose only,” he said.

Lyster Ward Councillor Johanna Skelton, Cr Fullagar and Cr Higgins all added that they would be supporting the motion, with Cr Fullagar ‘reluctantly supporting’ it, Cr Skelton saying that they ‘are not here to vote with our conscience and our heart on planning matters’ and Cr Higgins saying he’d ‘be not doing my job properly’ if he didn’t support it.

WallingWard Councillor Len Cox OAM was the only councillor to vote against the motion and said prior to the vote that the application didn’t seem to be right to him.

“I’ve been looking at this for a few days and for the life of me, I’d love to be able to agree with the motion that’s before us, but I just can’t,” he said.

“It just seems to me wrong when a planner has someone come along with an application for a house and no matter what it looks like, no matter how big it is, if he says it’s a house, then it’s got to be looked at as a house,”

“I struggle to believe it’s just a house, it’s disappointing that the applicant didn’t come in because there was a lot of questions we could have asked.”

The current residence at 193 Victoria Road, Yering.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Heartbreaking vandalism

By Callum Ludwig

A disgraceful act of vandalism has devastated and infuriated members of the Seville community and veterans of theYarra Ranges.

In the morning of Friday 15 September it was discovered that the Seville War Memorial had been attacked, likely with a blunt object, shatterering the glass panels.

Derry Aulich from the Seville Township Group said they were appealing for anyone from the community to come forward if they saw anything.

“We’re devastated after fundraising for over seven years for the memorial to have been hit with such senseless vandalism,” he said.

“I’m lost for words, it’s just mind-boggling that anyone could even do this to such an important thing for the community.”

The most damaged panels after the outward-facing panel honouring Bruce Bethune and the inward-facing panel about Victoria Cross recipient George Ingram. They could cost as much as $100,000 to replace.

Bruce Bethune’s nephew Alistair Johnson was the one to discover the offence and said the emotions that went through him were disbelief, anger and disgust.

“My mother and grandmother never had the opportunity to visit my uncle’s grave in Papua New Guinea. To us, this is where we remember my uncle,” he said.

“I’m just disgusted that somebody would desecrate what is basically a memorial to my uncle and the only place that we can remember him, I come down the road every day and I glance at it.”

Mt Evelyn RSL president Matt Crymble said the memorial was a sacred ground.

“Mt Evelyn RSL are absolutely disgusted with what’s happened, we condemn this vandalism and we don’t understand why anyone would do it,” he said.

“Those four individuals that are up there now defended the land and the way we live today, and someone’s attacked that, hopefully, we can find the perpetrators and they can be punished by law.”

The Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) is investigating the incident, with Crime Scene Services attending the site after the damage was discovered.

Senior Sergeant at Lilydale Police Station Mark Knight said police are disappointed in the reprehensible behaviour of the person or persons who committed this crime.

“To do this against such a magnificent monument that was put there to honour our magnificent men and women who went off and fought in different wars, we are bitterly

disappointed,” he said.

“We are seeking the general public’s assistance on this, trying to identify any persons of interest to assist us with our inquiries.”

Anyone with any information or CCTV footage is urged to contact Yarra Ranges CIU 9739 2401 or submit a report anonymously online to Crime Stoppers.

Bruce Bethune’s panel has been shattered,less than a month from the anniversary of his death.

PIcture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Small holes litter the glass where the attackers struck.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIGThe panels could cost up to $100,000 to replace. Picture: SUPPLIED

Firies proud climb

By Callum Ludwig

Brigades in the Yarra Valley have completed another successful fundraising effort for the Melbourne Firefighters Stair Climb (MFSC).

Held on 2 September, the annual event involves firefighters from across the state and beyond descending on Crown Metropol before ascending its 28 flights of stairs in 25kg of turnout gear for charity.

Wesburn/Millgrove CFA’s Tony Lewis is a regular participant and said it was an absolutely fantastic morning.

“We were there with several hundred other firefighters from across Victoria and we also had some firies all the way from New Zealand and everyone did a fantastic job,” he said.

“Everyone trained and also fundraised very hard this year, hence why we achieved what we have to this point in time, the stair climb as a whole has raised $638,030 so far this year.”

Mr Lewis led training at the lookout tower on Mt Donna Buang for a number of the event’s competitors from the Wesburn/Millgrove and Warburton CFAs in preparation for the event.

Mr Lewis said the two brigades raised $8842 combined.

“It’s great to be able to raise the additional funds to support the beneficiaries, being Lifeline, the Peter McCallum Cancer Foundation and the Triple O Foundation, especially given that we have some firefighters with mental health issues and cancer concerns,” he said.

“But it’s also extremely important because it benefits the community across the nation, it’s not only the firies, we normally support the communities directly around our brigades, this gives us the opportunity to be able to reach out and have an impact nationally.”

The Yarra Valley Group of fire brigades has raised $18,849 at this year’s event, with Hillcrest CFA ($5117) and Seville CFA ($4890) also featuring among some of the best fundraising efforts by stations. Among individual firefighters, Mr Lewis ($2010) and Hillcrest CFA’s

Mr Lewis said he was extremely proud of everyone.

“The times for the Wesburn/Millgrove brigade and the Warburton brigade ranged from 5 minutes and seven seconds up to 11 minutes and 50 seconds which is a pretty good effort in full gear,” he said.

“I want to thank our families, friends and community for their support with this year’s Melbourne Firefighters Stair climb.

Junior volunteers get their hands dirty

By Callum Ludwig

A group of aspiring young firefighters are putting in the time to learn new skills and understand the vital role of our local brigades all the while having fun doing it.

The junior program at the Hoddles Creek CFA has a group of nearly 30 kids aged between 11 and 15 meeting fortnightly on Mondays, including a recent trip to Hillcrest CFA.

Kristen Couzens is the Junior Leader at Hoddles Creek FA and said her journey started 18 years ago as a junior herself before becoming a Junior Leader once she turned 18.

“The program is just fantastic, we currently have 24 active juniors and three juniors that are just about to turn 16 or had turned 16 this year who are now transitioning to be firefighters in their local brigade,” she said.

“Our programs run a little different to others around that state, we do visit every brigade in our group throughout the year, we start at Wandin and go to Seville, Gruyere, Yarra Junction, Hillcrest, Hoddles [Creek],Wesburn/Millgrove, Warburton and to Reefton.”

Ms Couzens estimates the junior program has a retention rate of about 80 per cent of juniors who go on to join their local brigade.

Ms Couzens said visiting other local brigades is a huge benefit.

“They will actually get to talk to their captain, and about six months before they turn 16, we reintroduce them again and sign off on them to start attending their brigade meetings and training so that they can start building that relationship with the senior members of that brigade, with the support of the leaders,” she said.

“It’s an extreme advantage when they do sit their general firefighter course too, because they already know the fundamentals, they already have a good 40 per cent; per cent grasp of what they need to have.”

At least five of the senior firefighters at the Hoddles Creek CFA came through the junior program.

Rick’s the man for top job

By Callum Ludwig

A former Yellingbo local has officially started a new role, leading the way in Victoria’s emergency response.

Rick Nugent APM started a five-year term as the new Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner on 11 September, having been Victoria Police’s Deputy Police Commissioner since November 2018.

Mr Nugent said having grown up in regional Victoria, he understands the challenges regional and rural communities can face when it comes to emergencies.

“I look forward to my term as Commissioner and working with all our great people across the sector and the community, including those in regional areas, to keep Victorians safe before, during and after emergencies,” he said.

“If you haven’t already, download the VicEmergency app and know where you can receive emergency information, including your local emergency broadcasters.”

Mr Nugent enters his new role with a wealth of experience, having led police operations during the Covid-19 pandemic and the October 2022 floods as State Police Commander, with other leadership involvement in the 2019-20 Victorian bushfires, large-scale protests, sporting events and a range of critical incidents over 35 years with Victoria Police.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes joined Mr Nugent at the State Control Centre for the latest Seasonal Bushfire Outlook onWednesday 13 September.

“Mr Nugent has provided exceptional leadership in community safety and brings decades of experience to a role that is of vital importance to the safety of Victorians,” Ms Symes said.

“We need to do everything we can to keep communities safe this fire season and bushfire preparedness is the best way to do it.”

Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) are urging residents to have a bushfire survival plan and to prepare their properties ahead of a dry spring, with three years of La Nina conditions meaning the potential for grassfires is high.

EMV is working with agencies such as CFA to ensure incident management teams and Level Three State Control Centres are prepared this bushfire season.

For more information on how to prepare for fires and other emergencies download the VicEmergency app or visit emergency.vic.gov.au.

Hoddles Creek CFA’s 2nd Lieutenant Brett Kerford said the program was first started by much-loved former brigade captain Leonie Turner.

“And they don’t have to be from Hoddles Creek, they come from Woori Yallock, Gruyere, Warburton and everywhere in between to do fun activities, learn about firefighting and what is involved at CFA,” he said.

“It’s important to brigades as we are all volunteer organisations and like any, it’s hard to get people engaged and involved, so having juniors who’ve got the bug and want to go on to senior it’s huge.”

The most recent training session at Hillcrest CFA taught the juniors how to perform a fiveman gas attack, which firefighters use to isolate a gas bottle.

Mr Kerford said it is a chance for kids to experience what might have been a childhood dream to become a firefighter.

“In emergency services, whether it was police or CFA or SES, we all had that little bit of kid sort of in us saying ‘Oh this looks like fun’, and obviously we do some pretty serious stuff but it’s good for kids to try,” he said.

“We’ve had kids come through who have not been very confident in themselves and it has certainly helped them build that confidence within themselves for later in life, whether they went on to join their local brigade or not.”

Anyone interested can find out more about the Junior Volunteers program and apply to join at: cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa/apply-to-volunteer.

Rochelle Poulton ($1889, bolstered by her annual battery collection efforts) are named as in the top fundraising firies this year.

L-R: Thomas Wilson, Troy Morton-Thick, Justin Hall, Ron McIntosh, Peter Shotter, Roy Rojas, Tony Lewis and Jon Tinkler. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Set for the stair climb start.

L-R: Rick Nugent as Assistant Commissioner with Sergeant Tom Wilkinson celebrating the opening of the Warburton Police Station in 2018. Picture:

Juniors learn how to isolate a gas bottle at Hillcrest CFA.

Picture: ROCHELLE POULTON

Focus on platypus’ future

By Tanya Steele

What lies on the horizon for the much-loved Australian platypus was chewed over by experts recently in a national conference held in Healesville from 29 to 31 August.

The ’Future of Platypus’ event was held at Healesville Sanctuary and brought together platypus researchers, vets and wildlife managers to share new knowledge on Australia’s favourite water-dwelling monotreme over three days.

Over 100 experts from across Australia and some from the USA and Denmark attended the event and Healesville Sanctuary Director Ross Williamson said it was the first national conference since 2019, and there was a lot to share, particularly after the devastating Black Summer fires and the enormous floods of the last two years.

“We were able to hear about the latest research into the biology and behaviour of the species, and the results of populations surveys which tell us what impact these landscape scale events are having,” he said.

Yarra Riverkeeper Charlotte Sterrett attended the conference and was impressed by the calibre of research and information presented - she is a part of the the Yarra Riverkeeper Association.

“If you went there, as a beginner, with an interest in platypus, you learnt everything from platypus biology, to why are they so uniquefor example we learnt about mating periods and how they make their burrows,” she said.

The Yarra Riverkeeper association is about to commence it’s month long inaugural Birrarung Riverfest on 24 September - which will host a number of events designed to inspire people to be more connected to their local waterways and will include platypus monitoring.

“The are more active at dawn and dusk,“ Ms Sterrett said.

Rehabilitation and reintroduction is at the forefront for zoos across Australia and Ms Sterrett said there are a number of successful breeding programmes that are introducing platypus back into the wild.

Notably, platypus were returned to the wild in Royal National Park in NSW, after being locally extinct for 50 years.

“In between the 1940’s and 1990’s they were unable to breed any platypus in the wild,” Ms Sterrett said.

Humans have a large impact on the platy-

pus and Ms Sterrett said they can be one of the biggest threats to the animals.

“Urbanization, we put in dams and weirs, we pollute the waters, we reduce the amount of water into rivers – one of the worst threats to them is not having water, reduced stream flow has a big impact and also not having enough trees and habitat,” she said.

“There were around 6,500 killed during the Black Summer bushfires, which is really terrible - while they’re in the water most of the time, they do nest and burrow on land.”

Mr Williamson said that the future of the platypus is by no means secure.

“Climate change is driving drought, bushfires and floods which are making life very difficult for platypus across many parts of its range,” he said.

The commissioner for environmental sustainability released a report on the Yarra River in 2018 and another is due to be released later this year.

“It listed them [the platypus] as good in the Upper Yarra, but ‘fair’ in the middle to lower catchments,” Ms Sterrett said.

The conference was the first major event for the new Australian Platypus Conservation Centre (APCC) which is located at Healesville Sanctuary.

“We need to get the experts together regularly to share information, so we have the best understanding of what’s happening to the species in the wild and know how we can best protect them - If we don’t then we run the risk of them disappearing without us knowing it is happening.” Mr Williamson said.

The APCC is a new initiative dedicated to furthering the understanding and conservation of this unique species.

Mr Williamson said that the success of the APCC will, however, depend on building partnerships with researchers, wildlife managers, citizen scientists and First Nations people.

“The APCC will provide a platform to bring partners together to work cooperatively. This platform will be facilities, knowledge, resources, and networks. Only through coordinated efforts will we be able to ensure that we do not lose this unique and iconic species from the wild,” he said.

Mr Williamson said that the APCC plans to work across three areas, conservation research, rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned platypus, and increasing community awareness of the species.

“We hope that with the support of our members and visitors, we will be able to do

more to ensure the future of our beloved platypus,” he said.

Overall the conference was a ‘tremendous’ success and Mr Williamson said the enthusiasm was tremendously heartening.

“We know that bringing these people together will make a difference to the future of the platypus,” he said.

Ms Sterrett enjoyed the conference but would also like to see how current research has been used to inform policy and practice.

“It was great for the first time back, but the conference was mainly focused on scientists and researchers presenting their research,” she said.

“It would be nice to discuss what the communities themselves are doing to engage in citizen science and how they are using some of the applied science that’s happening, then see how this knowledge is being shared in the broader community.”

Mr Williamson said that everyone went away with greater knowledge and new connections that will add a lot to their future work and that it was particularly heartening to see so many young researchers in the room and hear about the work they are doing.

“There was a lot of hope,” he said.

Kids roll up their sleeves and help clean up the town

By Dongyun Kwon

No Reason 4 Rubbish (NR4R) successfully wrapped up its cleaning-up event on 10 September.

Fifteen kids enthusiastically donned their cleaning-up hi vis vests and gloves with support of their parents to collect rubbish around Healesville.

The participants collected rubbish from along River Street, around Coles, down the Main Street throughout the Train Station and the Community Labyrinth.

They filled the back of a Ute full with the rubbish collected.

“The kids really enjoyed it, it was a very positive and rewarding experience for them,” NR4R founder Cindy DeLuca said.

The event was supported byYarra Ranges Council and Healesville Community Bendigo Bank.

Healesville Community Bendigo Bank manager Keeley Mahoney announced the three winners of the colouring-in competition, Cora Krstic, Jaxon Van Netten and Maiya Lorey - who each received $100.

The next cleaning-up event will be at 9:30am on Sunday 1 October, meeting at Coronation Park.

Everyone is welcome and kids kits will again be handed out.

If you are keen to participate in the event, join No Reason 4 Rubbish Facebook group for more information or just turn up on the day.

The conference was held over three days from 29 - 31 August.

Picture: CHARLOTTE STERRETT

15 kids showed up to participate in the clean-up event.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The team cleaned up across Healesville including Coronation Park.

Maiya Lorey, Jaxon Van Netten and Cora Krstic won $100 as the winning prize in Healesville Community Bendigo Bank’s colouring-in competition.

Michelle Zwagerman, Kath Holton, Cindy DeLuca and Kylie Shorter (left to right) are the committee members of NR4R.

New space for art students

By Dongyun Kwon

Healesville High School students have received an art factory thanks to a donation from HICCI.

The idea of the art factory project was started by a request from the students who did not have a space to gather.

Student wellbeing coordinator Trent Patience said he found a huge call for a space of socialisation from a needs assessment.

The project was run entirely by students, who set up rules by themselves to work efficiently as a group.

“When we first sat down, we had a group of about 25 students who were interested in being a part of this project,” Mr Patience said.

“In the first meeting, we came up with a theme and group rules to be a part of this program.

“We’ve actually printed out the rules on the site with their names have been signed.”

The chosen themes were cartoon and nature.

The students filled the walls with drawings of cartoon characters and natural objects.

The art factory is expected to be a space for students to overcome the side effects of being in a two-year lockdown.

HICCI’s executive officer Alison Gommers

said HICCI was looking forward to helping local students who suffered from a long time lockdown.

“We were looking at ways of helping young people in Healesville and approached the school,” she said.

“They said if we could support them with a donation for art supplies that would be helpful, particularly after Covid-19 with

all the isolation.

“They found that a lot of students weren’t communicating or socialising, they were very isolated.

“So this was one way of using the art to come together which would help them to make more friends and have fun.”

Mr Patience was also happy with the reconnecting function of the art factory.

He said It reconnected the school with the students as well as bringing the students together.

“When we started this, we had just come out of the last lockdown. So we had two years of interruption in the schooling system for these students,” he said.

“They would find it really hard to readjust at school. Throwing in a pandemic, lockdowns and disrupted learning, all their socialisation have been completely thrown out the window.

“And this has been a fantastic tool for them to reconnect.”

A year 11 student Cole McMurray was grateful for the opportunities thanks to HICCI’s donation.

“I am really positive about HICCI and what they do,” they said.

“The fact that they donated their time and money towards building the Art Factory is really amazing because we’ve got so many opportunities now.”

They were happy with the art factory because they could use the room to fulfill their passion for art in their free time despite not having any art classes anymore as a languagelearning student.

The students invited HICCI to express their gratitude on 11 September.

They presented footed bowls painted by themselves to HICCI.

Primary school production dazzles audience members

By Dongyun Kwon

Healesville Primary School successfully brought down the curtain of a fabulous production on 13 September.

About 200 students and 12 teachers alongside parents were involved in a part of the production, The Journey Home.

The production was based on Alison Lester’s book of the same name.

Director Fenna Hogg, a performing arts teacher at Healesville Primary School, found that the story of the book related to students.

“It’s a beautiful story about two lost children, who end up in a strange world, find their way home,” she said.

“It reflects on where the students are in the world today, especially after Covid-19.

“They are all trying to find where they fit because they missed a couple of years of social interaction.”

Collaboration with special education students from Mount Evelyn made the production much better.

“The kids were enthusiastic,” Ms Hogg said.

“They mingled with all the grades, they practiced and trained with all the students.”

Ms Hogg said she did not find preparation difficult because she worked with an enthusiastic and cooperative team.

“As a director, I found everything worked smoothly because we had such a good parent team and the teacher team,” she said.

“Everyone just trusted and supported each other.”

There were also massive contributions behind the scenes.

Sharon White managed all the sets, props and costumes.

Karen Duke was a stage manager who coordinated the stage movement of both the children and the sets.

Sharon Gellert was in the sound box and handled songs and the screen.

Principal Tracey Robertson Smith was also very supportive of the production.

“Pretty much anything we asked, she let us have,” Ms Hogg said.

Not just a supporter, the principal was also impressed by the production.

Ms Smith said she was impressed by everyone in the production.

“I loved it, I was very impressed with our students and how they performed,” she said.

“The staff and the parents have been incredible with their time and support.

“Without them, our production could not have happened.”

Perfect day for water play as temperatures heat up

By Callum Ludwig

Water play parks around the Yarra Ranges reopened in beautiful spring sunshine on Friday 15 September much to the fanfare of a number of families who got out to enjoy them.

The water play areas in Lilydale, Seville and Warburton are a free and fun way for families to cool off and play, especially with the hot conditions predicted this year.

Keysborough residents Andrew and Gillian were visiting the areas with sons Alex and James and stopped by the Seville Water Play Park along the way.

“We thought we’d come out today and were already heading out to the Yarra Valley anyway and then we’ve got this good weather so it was good timing that it was the opening day,” James said.

“You can bring a picnic along and make it as cheap as you want, all the kids need is a bucket

and some water and they are happy, we will be back.”

“If you went to the pool, you’d have to pay to get in so it’s great especially at the moment when things are tight for people,” Gillian said.

The Seville Water Play Park is located next to the Recreation Reserve and War Memorial with parking on Monbulk-Seville Road, Warburton Water World can be found at 20 Woods Point Road, Warburton and the Lilydale Lake splash pad can be found near the play equipment at Lilydale Lake.

Libby and Meghan were supervising some splash-filled fun at the Lilydale Lake splash pad after the last day of Term Three and Libby said it’s great having something close to home.

“It’s something different for them to do that’s active and outside so yeah, we’ll probably come more and more over summer,” she said.

“It’s not something you have to book in to do or plan in advance, you can just show up on a nice day, it would be great to have even more of these around.”

The active season for local water play parks runs until 28 April 2024, with jets turning on between 8am-10am, depending on location

and turned off at 8pm.

If the temperature is forecast 35 degrees of higher, the water jets at the play parks will stay on for an extra hour, keeping the fun going until about 9pm.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child encouraged community members to have a back-up plan when visiting water play parks on warm days, weekends and public holidays.

“Our water play parks are very well loved, but this also means that we get a tremendous amount of tourists and locals flocking when the temperature rises,” he said.

“When we pack our bags to head to a water play park, many people will be doing the same. Consider back up plans – including driving out to another park nearby, another outdoor playground, or one of our outdoor pools when they open closer to summer,”

“And of course, please make sure children are always supervised around water.”

The story was about a journey of two lost children finding their way back home.

Students from each year level played characters in different places the main characters had to travel through to return home. About 200 students performed on the stage in the Performing Arts centre at Healesville High School.

Pictures: DONGYUN KWON

L-R: Alex and James at the Seville Water Play Park. Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Healesville High School students invited HICCI to express their gratitude for a donation.

Picture: DONGYUN KWON

A toast to the Yarra Valley

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the beloved spring wine festival Shedfest is returning to the Yarra Valley in October.

On Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 October, wine lovers will be treated to an unforgettable weekend of wine tastings and a range of delicious bites at eleven family-owned, boutique wineries across the Valley.

Falling just after Daylight Savings begins, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the warmer weather with your whole family, best friends, and even your fur babies (with most venues

being dog-friendly)!

A decadent and diverse selection of meals (all under $20) will be available at each winery, with menu offerings ranging from homemade apple pies and cheese platters to classic Italian fare and slow-cooked brisket.

Kids and those with special dietary requirements won’t miss out either, with most wineries catering for both. If you would like to enjoy more than a complimentary tasting of a certain drop, there will be glasses and bottles of wine to purchase.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary, some wineries will also be offering exclusive deals and experiences for guests, including a Spicy Burger Challenge at Tokar Estate - where chilli lovers can win a bottle of wine if they conquer the entire burger – as well as a Gelati Cart at SOUMAH and Coffee Van at Yering Farm Wines.

For just $35 for a single day or $50 for a weekend ticket, patrons will have access to complimentary tastings at participating wineries and receive a souvenir wine glass to keep.

VIP tickets are also available, where patrons will receive a weekend ticket, souvenir glass, meal voucher, glass of wine and bottle of wine for $110.

A percentage of proceeds from this year’s Shedfest event will go to local community groups, with the event having raised over $100,000 shared amongst local schools and organisations since its inception.

Tickets are available now via shedfest.com.

Shedfest is making a return this October, celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Pictures: SUPPLIED Shedfest is a kid-friendly event, with free entry for children.

Donkey delight to return

By Callum Ludwig

The Yarra Ranges Donkey Festival is set to make a triumphant return in January 2024, nine years since its inception in 2015.

The event is the brainchild of Linda Jay, owner of the Donkey Shop in East Warburton, with the last edition raising funds for the Donkey Society ofVictoria and the UpperYarra SES Unit.

Ms Jay said due to the success of the last event, she probably gets asked once a week when the next one would be.

“I organised the last one entirely on my own and it was a lot of work and I just sort of didn’t think I had the capacity to do it again, but I’ve got a helper who has stepped in to take on a lot of the other jobs and so between the two of us, we’re going to try and make it work again,” she said.

“The aim of the festival is to introduce the

world to donkeys, to educate people about donkeys, to educate donkey owners about how to care for their donkeys, to demonstrate the versatility of donkeys and to get people to bring their donkeys out of the paddock and

engage their brains into doing activities.”

Ms Jay has lived with donkeys all her life, with her parents having bred and trained them while she was growing up and getting her own once she had the land for them.

Ms Jay said there’ll be a large gathering of donkeys competing in events, ranging from showing to jumping and obstacle courses to fancy dress.

“There’ll be donkeys in the yard for people to walk and have a look at, or donkey rides to enjoy. I’ll also have guest speakers, a vet and a farrier and a few other speakers who will talk about the care, wellbeing and training of donkeys,” she said.

“Last time we had a jumping castle and pin the tail on the donkey and a few side shows, there’ll actually probably be a slightly larger element of side shows this time as well, because the person who’s helping me, that’s his specialty.”

Over 2000 people and 40 donkeys attended the 2015 festival. Attendees next year can also look forward to a live performance from zydeco band Harmaniax.

Ms Jay said last time, people enjoyed seeing that donkeys can do stuff because a lot of people assume they sit in a field and do nothing.

“Donkeys have a bit of a bad rap when it comes to how they’re portrayed in film and television and stuff like that, they’re always portrayed as being stupid or stubborn and it’s actually completely the opposite,” she said.

“You need to train a donkey with a different approach to a horse, but once you have their love and trust, you can pretty much get them to do anything. And they love to get out and about and do things.”

Anyone wanting to get involved in the event can contact Ms Jay at info@thedonkeyshop. com.au or (03) 5966 9091.

CheersTo20YearsofShedfest!

Linda Jay is bringing back the Yarra Ranges Donkey Festival in 2024.

On the obstacle course.

Fiona and Ross picking up speed in their donkey-powered cart. Picture: VAL REES

Introducing a local artist

By Dongyun Kwon

A long-time Healesville resident has opened an exhibition ‘Spirit of the Valley’ at YAVA Gallery & Arts Hub.

Di King, the artist of the exhibition, focused on conveying the essence of all that has made this region her home for many years.

Everything in Yarra Valley was her subject including LaLa Falls, Steavenson Falls, resplendent valley views, and even the local people.

“Yarra Valley itself was my focus for this exhibition,” she said.

“It’s just all my surrounds like the cooks in Healesville Hotel, Badger Weir, the waterfalls, cattle and sheep.”

There are some points visitors have to think about to get themselves immersed in the exhibition when they are there as what King focused on while she was painting.

Viewers are recommended to find some factors which make them marvel ‘wow’.

“Artists like to create their work with a wow factor,” King said.

“It is about the balance, composition, perspective and tone.”

King sometimes paints three to four paint-

ings of the same subject with different lights because the light can change composition of each painting.

Framing is also intentional in her paintings.

King wants to draw the viewers in by giving them a feeling that they are looking at the paintings through a window.

Local visitors should easily relate to the paintings because they may have seen it in their area.

Warburton filmmakers to screen their hotel doco

By Callum Ludwig

The last 100 days of a much-loved Fitzroy hotel captured on film by two Warburton locals is set to screen in a documentary at the Warburton Arts Centre on Saturday 7 October.

Originally meant for 9 September, a broken projector has given everyone another chance to come along and learn about the history of the Brooklyn Arts Hotel and its effervescent owner Maggie Fooke.

Filmmakers Belinda Lloyd and Larry Lawson helped shoot the footage at the request of Ms Fooke and Ms Lloyd said they both knew Maggie and knew how special the place was.

“It was a funky, quirky, unusual hotel for artists and lovers of the arts run by Maggie Fooke, who’s a Cannes-screening filmmaker, a polymath, landscape architect and a cultural activist who set it up totally on her own terms,” she said.

“Larry and I are mates and were in town for the Melbourne Film Festival and booked a few nights there for the first time. When we arrived at the hotel, Maggie walked into the room, sat down on the end of the bed and said ‘Hi I’m Maggie, I’m heading up to Castlemaine for the weekend, so you’ll be here pretty much on your own,”

“Larry and I just looked at each other and we were like, ‘What is this place, this is awesome’.”

The first unsuccessful screening was held with a Q&A with Mr Lawson and Ms Fooke herself, who will be unable to attend the October screening in person due to be-

ing overseas but hopefully will be able to Zoom call in.

Ms Lloyd said she came into the filming process expecting to be a coffee runner and to learn from Ms Fooke, but quickly realised that wasn’t going to be the case.

“She really didn’t have the time and energy to make a feature film on top of this massive change in her life, packing up a hotel and figuring out what’s next,” she said.

“We just wanted to capture as much as possible and we talked a lot, Maggies was great at the spontaneous camerawork and her interview style is very vibrant so there’s an interesting contrast between my more measured, spacious approach and Maggie’s let’s just pick it up and see what happens”

Originally hoping to film every guest that visited in the hotel’s last 100 days, the film’s vision also saw a shift to focusing on Ms Fooke as Ms Lloyd and Mr Lawson wanted to capture what she created and her way of being because they ‘all wanted a bit of Maggie’ when they stayed there.

Ms Lloyd said the projector mishap highlighted to her the value of a small town having its own cinema.

“It showed me how lucky we are in Warburton and how I wish for myself that I thought earlier about how can we really protect, value and support this resource given we are such a small town,” she said.

“People actually left the non-screening saying it was such a great afternoon, it was such a great conversation and connection and that they want to see the film more than ever now.”

“I really tried to depict what we have here in the Valley,” King said.

“It’s not just about the gum trees and the rivers, but also about our activity.

“It is about our grapes and the vines, people’s working and their happy moments.”

One of the interesting points of her career is the fact she was a keypunch operator, data processor, computer operator and bank teller.

An artist demonstrating their work in a

shopping centre opened her eyes up to what she really wanted to do for the rest of her life.

King said she later found out that her previous experience was actually crossover with her art career.

“Even when I was a keypuncher, I was able to design Christmas cards for the company,” she said.

King also got a chance to paint nine Australian celebrities for a charity auction in 2005.

The celebrities were Bruce Rowland, Julie Anthony, Peter Brocklehurst, Marina Prior, Hugh Jackman, Rhonda Burchmore, James Morrison, Tommy Emmanuel and Graeham Goble.

She met all of them in person except for Hugh Jackman.

“I was given permission to use his photo to paint by his agent,” she said.

The experience led her to be on Good Morning Melbourne as well.

“That was a bit scary, but I went on with Graeham Goble,” King said.

“It was a very exciting radio interview.” Spirit of the Valley is on until 8 October from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm at YAVA Gallery & Arts Hub.

Poetic Portraits exhibition features writers over 50

By Tyler Wright

Cathy Ronalds found being a part of this year’s Over 50’s festival was “inspirational“.

The joint project from RMIT University,Yarra Ranges and Yarra Ranges Regional Museum saw the Olinda-based photographer take portraits of 20 writers over 50 to be included in the Poetic Portraits exhibition, set to launch later this month.

“You can only create a portrait as far as the other person is willing to be vulnerable, so it’s this real dance of vulnerability between the subject and the photographer,“ Ms Ronalds said.

“It was really inspiring meeting so many different creative people who were writers, but also practice other art mediums, and have so much lived experience.“

Working within the confines of the Lilydale Civic Centre, Ms Ronalds made it her mission to depict her subjects in a way that didn’t simply show “happy ageing people“.

“I didn’t want it to feel like an advertisement for a retirement village,“ she said.

“I really wanted there to be some honesty to the portraits, and I wanted each person to feel seen.

“A lot of the participants related a lot to nature, so, it was quite easy to find beautiful trees and leafy backdrops to weave that in.“

Ronalds said each of the writers - who come from suburbs across the Yarra Ranges - all brought a “great sense“ of honesty to the shoot, and an ability to articulate what inspires them to write, as well as a strong understanding of their relationship with ageing.

“I was fairly upfront with people about that and just said ’the more you share with me, the easier it’s going to be for me to create the portrait;’ and they were really honest and shared really personal things with me, some of them,“ she said.

“That helped a lot in terms of understanding how to kind of reflect their humanity back in the photographs, and also helped break down those polite barriers to overcome.

“They really jumped in and told me where they’re at in a matter of fact way, and that really helped.“

Yarra Ranges is one of five communities participating in the program this year, after a pilot program in Frankston in 2022 saw the program gain the support of Australia Council for the Arts to engage with five different communities acrossVictoria in 2023.

ParticipantsappliedthroughanEOIprocess, with Yarra Ranges Council receiving more than 60 applications for 20 places in the program.

Those who signed up to the project were invited to participate in poetry workshop - led by poet and psychologist Jennifer Harrisonwhere they would each produce two poems as a way to express and share their experiences in a safe, creative environment.

Poets Jessica L Wilkinson and Cassandra Atherton also helped coordinate the project, with local writer Lorelei Vashti taking on a role as mentee during the process.

The Yarra Ranges Over 50’s Festival is set to run throughout October; offering a diverse range of activities, events, and workshops designed to promote active ageing and foster social connections.

A wide range of activities like: music performances, art exhibitions, bike rides, walking sport events, social events, arts and crafts, history talks will mark the occassion; with a total of 110 events open to the public.

Ms Ronalds said she hopes people can see ageing from another perspective after viewing the Poetic Portraits exhibition, which will launch on Friday 29 September 2023 and run from Mondays to Fridays until Wednesday 31 January 2024.

“Even if it’s just a new perspective that they might not have seen before, I think that would be amazing,“ Ms Ronalds said.

“I definitely saw [ageing] from a new perspective by participating and making these portraits of these people.“

To find an event near you during the Over 50s Festival, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Community/Over-50s/Over-50s-events

Fatoula Reynolds.

L-R: Warburton filmmaker Belinda Lloyd and Brooklyn Arts Hotel owner Maggie Fooke.

Picture: SUZANNE PHOENIX

Gallery manager Vanessa Flynn (left) and Artist Di King (right).

Picture: DONGYUN KWON

BREEN - 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

Exceptional local service

For over five decades, Breen Printing, a trusted name in the printing industry, has been delivering quality printing solutions across Australia. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we reflect on our journey as third-generation owners and express our gratitude to the community, our dedicated team, and our loyal customers who have contributed to our remarkable growth.

At Breen Printing, we specialise in providing tailored printing solutions to meet your unique needs. Our team, with extensive expertise in both digital and offset printing, is committed to helping you with design, colour selection, and paper choices to ensure the best results for your project. From conception to completion, we manage your print project with precision and care.

We are passionate print enthusiasts, often referring to ourselves as “print geeks.“ We take pride in educating our clients on file preparation, stock solutions, printing methods, and the intricacies of our state-of-the-art equipment.

Our dedicated team of 14 and counting forms the heart of our operation. Their unwavering passion for print and collaborative spirit make us a well-oiled machine. Visitors frequently comment on the energy and synergy they feel within our team.

At Breen Printing, we adopt a solution-oriented, collaborative approach to every project:

We work closely with clients to ensure their values are incorporated into the final product.

Meeting timelines is a top priority, and each project undergoes rigorous quality checks before dispatch.

We genuinely care about our clients’ outcomes, striving for excellence in every print job.

To express our appreciation for the local community that has contributed to our suc-

cess, we are offering a unique opportunity to explore our facilities through open house tours in October. Book your spot early to avoid disappointment.

As part of our commitment to growth, we have embraced new technologies and software in recent years. Additionally, we’ve created three new roles, providing employment opportunities within the Yarra Ranges Region.

To commemorate our 50th year in the industry, we hosted a memorable event at the local races and prepared show bags for our community.

It was a day filled with joy and gratitude as we celebrated alongside VIPs who have played a pivotal role in our journey.

We are excited to announce the installation of a new flatbed printer, allowing us to fulfill the end-to-end printing needs of our local clients. With the upcoming Spring and Summer event season, we stand ready to produce marketing and promotional materials, including event signage, corflutes, labels, flyers, booklets, and more.

As we continue to grow, we are eager to share our success story with the broader com-

munity, demonstrating our relevance in today’s ever-evolving world. Breen Printing remains committed to delivering exceptional printing solutions and looks forward to the next 50 years of serving our valued clients.

· 11 Hunter Road, Healesville

· info@breenprinting.com.au

· Phone: 5962 5177 Open Mon-Fri 8.30am4.30pm

Join us in celebrating 50 years of excellence in printing, and let us partner with you to bring your printing projects to life.

Breen Printing in Healesville has a dedicated and passionate team delivering quality printing services. 356175 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Rising costs of GP

The cost of living is making life difficult for local families. They’re feeling it at the supermarket checkout, at the bowser, in higher rents and mortgage repayments and in their energy bills.

But one issue I am consistently hearing right across our community is the cost of accessing healthcare and visiting the GP.

Despite the electorate of Casey spanning over 2,400sqm, we don’t have a single hospital emergency department within our boundaries. For residents in the UpperYara, Dandenong Ranges and remote areas of theYarraValley, the distance to healthcare is a major concern.

To make things more difficult, it’s getting harder and harder to see your local GP.

Our community has one of the lowest numbers of bulk billing clinics in Australia, with just four of the 34 local clinics now offering bulk billing.

Since Labor came to government, bulk billing rates have dropped consecutively every single month. The latest data reveals bulk billing rates are at their lowest since 2013, with

From my desk

Federal Member for Casey

local residents out-of-pocket an average of $40.10 for every visit to the GP.

This out-of-pocket cost is sadly expected to rise, with the state Andrews Labor Government recently introducing yet another tax.

This time, a tax requiring independent GP’s to pay payroll tax, which will inevitably see costs passed on to patients who are already struggling to pay the bills, let alone cough up enough for an unexpected GP appointment.

It’s been estimated GP’s will have to hike

prices up by a further $15 to $20 to cover the new state tax, taking the total out of pocket cost to around $60.

With costs increasing and bulk billing rates falling, this is a worrying double hit for patients.

The Albanese Labor Government was elected on a promise to‘strengthen Medicare’, yet all of the data is pointing in the opposite direction.

They’ve reduced Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions from 20 to just 10. Less than half their promised urgent care clinics are operational and 70 telehealth items have been cut from Medicare.

I’m deeply concerned that these decisions will leave many people unable to access the healthcare they need. It’s time Australians looked at Labor’s actions, not their words.

I’m proud that a Coalition government is committed to restoring the full 20 Medicaresubsidised mental health sessions. I’ll continue fighting for affordable access to healthcare for all Australians.

Blue Beetle entertains A charming detective story

A review of Holy Ghost by John Sandford Holy Ghost, by U.S.-based bestselling author John Sandford, is the 11th in a series of 12 books featuring Virgil Flowers, a charismatic detective working at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Flowers is tall, athletic, in his late 30s, with “longish blond hair and an easy smile” for a cop. He wears jeans, cowboy boots, and t-shirts featuring obscure rock bands. He loves fishing, and often tows a boat while on duty“in case an emergency fishing opportunity should jump out in front of him”. He is also a photographer and writes for outdoor and hunting magazines

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

Classical works reimagined

Kemp’s curtain call

Lilydale Athenaeum theatre

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Revised) (Again)

This is the September play from LAT and there must be something about the Dandenongs, as your correspondent mentioned recently about the humorous play The 39 Steps put on by The Basin Theatre, this play from LAT is also exceedingly funny and thoroughly enjoyed by the opening night audience.

Three actors introduce themselves to the audience. Two on stage then they question the audience about Shakespeare. A humorous reply was given, and it reinspired that the audience member was actually one of the three.

The production began with a parody of Romeo & Juliet, followed by a caricature of Titus Andronicus as a cooking show.The rest of the first act summarises most of the other plays.

Blue Beetle

Starring Xolo Mariduena, Bruna Marquezine and Susan Sarandon

Rated M

4/5

Blue Beetle is an exciting, moving, character-driven superhero movie.

Mexican law student Jaime Reyes (Xolo Mariduena) unexpectedly bonds with an alien weapon called the Scarab, becoming the superhero Blue Beetle.

Blue Beetle explores themes of loyalty, strength through hardship and imperialism, the latter through main villain Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon) seeking to claim and appropriate ancient technology that doesn’t belong to her.

Jamie’s family are all well-developed and endearing, and Jaime’s devoted family life, his growing abilities as Blue Beetle and Victoria’s resolve to steal the Scarab’s secrets all feed into each other in the brisk, energetic narrative.

Blue Beetle has an unabashedly nineties vibe, with its bright colour palette, plucky young heroes and Power Rangers-inspired action. The basic plot and Blue Beetle’s character design are reminiscent of the 1991 film The Guyver (including the note of body horror in Jaime’s initial transformation).

The action sequences are dynamic, creative and well-composed, and Jaime’s haphazard first flight as Blue Beetle is full of fun physical comedy, but the final battle, which feels more like a fight between robots than humans with heightened abilities, is a slight let-down. The bone-crushing intensity of the fights also clashes with Jaime’s honourable aversion to killing.

Blue Beetle exists in an odd limbo: one of the final films in the outgoing Snyderverse, but absorbed into James Gunn’s new DC Comics film era. Thankfully, Blue Beetle is very entertaining on its own terms, with almost no connection to the broader franchise baggage.

Blue Beetle is a character-rich, deeply moving superhero adventure, and is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

This unorthodox detective arrives in Wheatfield, Minnesota, a town of about 650 people that is only one hour’s drive from his own place. Five months earlier, the dying town gained a new life thanks to the supposed appearance of theVirgin Mary at the local church.

Trouble is, as religious pilgrims and tourists arrive in droves, much to the delight of local businesses and residents – someone also decides to start shooting. By the time Wheatfield is in close resemblance to Midsomer in Midsomer Murders or Saint Marie in Death in Paradise, Flowers is getting desperate, “running around like a chicken with my head cut off”.

A former journalist and recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, Sandford has an intriguing style as a crime novelist. He presents the who, where, what, when, why and how, but spares no time for probing the hearts and minds of his characters. As such, the story consists almost entirely of dialogues and descriptions of people, locations and events.

This style can work if the plot is excellent –and if the dialogues are witty enough to adequately reflect the often quirky characteristics of the characters involved. Luckily, we have

CARTOON

both in the book. The result is an intimate portrayal of life in a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s petty business but tolerates it with kindness and humour. (That is, of course, until common decency is breached and someone ends up being seriously injured or killed.) This is also a small town in America where everyone owns at least one gun and shooting, like buying groceries, is a part of daily life. One character has 40 guns, because: “There’s a day coming in this country when you’re gonna need a gun to survive. That’s why I’m living here in Wheatfield. It’ll take the dictator’s men a while to get here, and that’ll give us time to organise.” Indeed, when asked whether he would rather give up guns or women, that character replies:“I’d say, sure, women are important, but guns are fundamental. You know, our Constitution doesn’t even mention women, but it does mention our right to bear arms.”

Thus Holy Ghost makes interesting reading, in the way that one aspect of a nation’s culture is laid bare on the table, sliced and diced, for everyone to see. It would be fun to discover whether the other books in the Virgil Flowers series take the same approach.

The idea is to perform all 37 plays in 97 minutes. This they succeeded in and added some more time explaining the stories to the audience. There was a lot of audience participation including two members taken on stage with a young lady to play Ophelia and a gentleman to run backwards and forwards across the stage.

The three players were Ian Frost, Justin Stephens and Tom Fitzgerald. Each gave excellent performances. From playing gentlemen, ladies and very swift costume changes much to the amusement of the audience.

The actors wore normal dress in the first scene but then changed to authentic Shakespeare era for the rest of the evening. A great night of theatre and a fun night out.

CPP CommunityTheatre

Oliver

From the story by Charles Dickens join Oliver Twist as he navigates all the trials and tribulations that London has to offer, searching for lover, family and – most importantly – a place to belong. Content warning: The production of Oliver touches on themes of domestic abuse and violence.

In consideration of other patrons and the cast, children under the age of three will only be admitted to the theatre for the matinee performance.

· Season: Friday October 6 – 23.

· Venue: Mahon Theatre 46 Great Ryrie st. Ringwood.

· Bookings: tickets@cppcommunitythaeatre.com.au

The Bakery @ 1812

Phantom Call

This is a rags to riches tale, which begins with a seance attended by an unsuspecting group of very amateur spiritualists and one very sceptical and unwilling participant.

Imagine receiving horse racing tips from the “other side” which can actually prove to be on the money.

This is an entertaining and very funny romp, which perhaps uncovers a different side to each of their personalities.

· Season: October 5 – 28.

· Bookings: 9758 3964.

Unique bikes roar through the streets

By Dongyun Kwon

More than 180 spyder and ryker riders with 130 bikes touched down in Healesville from 8 September to 11 September.

The Spyder and Ryker Muster community has an annual event for riders to meet up in a different state each year.

It was Victoria’s turn this time and it ended up being hosted in Healesville, drawing people from all over the country.

“We had a contingent come from Western Australia,” community committee member Joanne Bell said.

“They took four to five days to come over. They rode over.

“We had some from Tasmania, Townsville, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales.

“We had a big group from Victoria as well.”

The main ride was on Saturday 9 September from Healesville through Warburton, Marysville and back to Healesville for a gala dinner.

The ride culminated with snowy roads especially when the riders went through the lane between Warburton and Marysville.

Ms Bell said it was a great experience for interstate riders who may have never seen snow.

“We actually got to ride through snow and it was absolutely beautiful,“ she said.

“It was fabulous for our interstate riders who don’t see snow, especially those who come from Western Australia.“

One of the attractive points of a three

COMMUNITY DIARY

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Keeping the Lights On - Preparing our Community for bushfires and blackouts

Healesville Community Renewable Energy

(CORE) is continuing its program of free community events by holding an interactive discussion on microgrid and battery solutions

Dementia focus for catch up

By Dongyun Kwon

Yarra Ranges Council arranged a coffee catch up event to help residents who have questions about finding support for living with dementia, as it is Dementia ActionWeek from 18 to 24 September.

The event is a part of the Dementia Friendly Yarra Ranges project for 2023 to 2027, which aims to shape a truly dementia-friendly Yarra Ranges.

“The project has been funded through a Yarra Ranges Council Partnership Grant, and Council officers will work closely with Caladenia Dementia Care to make the Yarra Ranges a more accessible, well-resourced and easy-tonavigate community for people living with dementia and their carers,” Yarra Ranges Council’s communities director Jane Price said.

189ridersattendedtheevent,phototakenatGallipoliPark.

wheeled motorcycle is safety.

Ms Bell pointed out the sense of safety on a three wheeled bike as well as the feeling of fun which made her get into it.

Another committee member Amanda Baker said she got into spyder world after she had a bad accident while she was riding a two wheeled motorcycle 11 years ago.

The event attendees were delighted to meet new friends who have the same hobby.

Pictures:SUPPLIED

“I did have a lot of fun on the trip,” Ms Baker said.

“Meeting new people and socialising with them was a highlight as well.”

The attendees complimented Healesville for a beautiful ride.

“Healesville is a wonderful place to ride a motorcycle,” Ms Bell said.

“You have lots of good curves in the ride, pretty scenery with magnificent hills.”

“This project commenced in July 2023 and community education workshops will be delivered from February 2024.”

Caladenia Dementia Care and Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) will host the event providing advice with coffee and tea. The hosts will provide advice on where and how to find support for living with dementia.

The two-hour event will start at 10.30am on Thursday 21 September at Warrien Reserve 18-52Warrien Rd, Croydon North.

that enable our community to prepare for blackouts from bushfires and major storms. We have three extremely ’switched on’ guest speakers lined up who will each give a short presentation, and then be available to hear and discuss all your questions about how microgrids and neighbourhood batteries can help communities become more resilient in the face of extreme weather events.

Join us at the Memo on Monday 2 October at 7.30pm to be part of the solution. Register now at healesvillecore.org.au. Supper provided.

Badger Creek Community Garage Sale

Stall holders wanted – either trestle table inside Hall – just $15 or car boot space in car park – just $10

Saturday 11 November beginning 9am and ending at 1pm, with a sausage sizzle too. www.garagesaletrail.com.au/sale/badgercreek-community-garage-sale.

Spring Festival and Art on the Hill at Mont De Lancey

This spring Mont De Lancey is opening up the Homestead, for the inaugural Spring Festival; Art and Artisans. Come and explore the beautiful gardens and buildings, in what will be a jam-packed weekend, where you’ll find artists and artisans working and displaying their time-honoured crafts. Art on the Hill Exhibition will feature stunning works from wellknown local and regional artists There will be facepainting, games and donkey rides for the kids, and they will be able to create their very own masterpiece in clay.

Pop into Two Peas in their Pod for a meal or pick up a snack at the kiosk!

Free parking, $5 entry for adults, and kids free on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September.

Art on the Hill is a five-day art exhibition featuring local and regional artists, sculptors, and blacksmiths. Admission is free Monday to Friday and $5 Saturday and Sunday, as part

of the Mont De Lancey Spring Festival open weekend. A great day out for the whole family and delicious food to be had at Two Peas in their Pod from Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 September.

Coldstream residents invited to ABC’s Q+A

ABC TV’s Q+A is inviting Coldstream residents to join their audience live on Monday, October 2 from 9.30pm.

In a post shared on the ’COLDSTREAM VOICE’ page, a producer said they will be running a free return bus service from Yarra Glen and Lilydale to their studios in Southbank. In order to attend:

Register your interest at the link and in the last question, Q.15 “How did you hear about us” please write: COLDSTREAM VOICE: www.abc. net.au/qanda/studio-audience/ ABC TV will be in touch with more details if residents are successful in securing a seat on the bus and in the audience.

Station 3458 Warburton Highway

Warburton Professionals Andrew McMath Real Estate 3371 Warburton Highway

Warburton Bell Real Estate 3407 Warburton Highway

Wesburn Local Fuel 2835 Warburton Highway

WooriYallock Foodworks Woori Yellock 1/1585 Warburton Highway

WooriYallock Newsagency & Tattslotto Shop 4/ 1585 Warburton Highway

WooriYallock Hillcrest Little Store Great Food 1745 Warburton Highway

WooriYallock Shell Service Station Foodies 1700 Warburton Highway

WooriYallock

PUZZLES

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Commend (6)

4 Well-known (6)

10 Picture puzzle (5)

11 Rule of the few (9)

12 Bandit (9)

13 Select group (5)

14 Marriage partner (6)

15 Ale (4)

19 Leg joint (4)

20 Protective talisman  (6)

24 Tests (5)

25 Baltic region (9)

27 Ancient Roman aristocrat (9)

28 Hidden treasure (5)

29 Former glacial geological period (3,3)

30 Mixed crew (6)

DOWN

1 Heaven (8)

2 Fire-resistant fibre (8)

3 Family members (7)

5 Hobbyist (7)

6 Flower (6)

7 Modes (6)

8 System of exercises based on a Hindu discipline (4)

9 One with a deceased wife (7)

16 Ancient Egyptian capital (7)

17 Hospital-like (8)

18 Tactic (8)

19 Snogging (7)

21 North African country (7)

22 Greek oracle (6)

23 Fortress (6)

26 Prefix for small (4)

DECODER

No. 151

WORDFIT

9-LETTER WORD

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

apostrophes

foreign

plural

“s”.

stinging, stir, string, STRINGING, tiring, trig

rings, rinsing, rising, sign, signing, sing, singing, siring, siting, sting,

gins, girt, gist, grin, grins, grist, grit, iris, nisi, rigs, ring, ringgit, ringing,

No.

QUALITY FAMILY LIVING

PERCHED proudly in an enticing cul-de-sac, this home provides stylish yet easy living in the ever-popular Yarra Junction village. Located within walking distance to the local schools, shops and public transport, this desirable home offers a spacious and light filled environment, ideal for entertaining, for family enjoyment and quality living.

Large bedrooms are one of the many features of this gorgeous home. The master, feeling like a retreat at the front of the home has a spacious walk-in robe and a lovely ensuite with modern clean lines, large shower and vanity with ample storage.

Bedrooms 2 and 3 are well proportioned to house large beds and furniture, with double robes and room to move.

The open-concept design of this contemporary residence affords you the freedom to configure your living space as you desire. Whether it’s hosting grand dinner parties or unwinding with your favorite leisure furnishings, this versatile layout has room for it all. The kitchen takes centre stage with its ample island bench, where you can seamlessly interact with the family or guests while spreading out and cooking up a storm. The adjoining meals zone opens to a rear deck, an ideal setting to while away the hours, dine and enjoy the mountain views.

Lovely, neat and manageable gardens offer a wonderful space for outside enjoyment, room to plant some veggies if you desire, or just enjoy the low maintenance and pretty space currently on offer. Convenient internal access is provided from the double lock up garage, so no need to get wet on a rainy day running inside with your groceries, and there is plenty of extra off street parking on the block.

A lovely home, in a brilliant location where you will enjoy living for many years to come. ● Address: 5 Waterhaven Place, YARRA

HOME ESSENTIALS

Contact: Samantha Price 0438

STUNNING YARRA VALLEY VIEWS

ESCAPE to the tranquillity of the Yarra Valley with this stunning property offering breathtaking views on approximately 3 acres of land. This well-maintained home features 2 bedrooms plus study. The formal lounge and dining area offers a cosy space for relaxing, while the spacious kitchen features stone bench tops and a double oven, perfect for hosting family and friends.

In addition to the main living area, the downstairs area has been previously used as an Airbnb and comprises of 1 bedroom, a lounge living with kitchenette, bathroom, and toilet. This offers an excellent opportunity for additional income or for accommodating extended family, friends, and guests.

The property boasts a 7-metre tandem carport, veranda with exceptional views, 12 panel solar system, solar-boosted gas hot water service, and 90,000 litres water storage, ensuring all the modern conveniences are catered for. The powered 11 x 8 metre shed offers plenty of storage space for vehicles or equipment, while the lush gardens and vast under-house storage complete the package.

This property presents an ideal opportunity to own a beautiful home in a highly sought-after location. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to secure your own piece of paradise in the Yarra Valley. Contact us today to arrange an inspection. ●

PERFECTION ON A FLAT 1/3 ACRE

SITUATED in a premier location on a completely useable 1352m2 is this beautiful, character home that is surrounded by colourful manicured gardens and is presented with pride by the owners.

Quality built and boasting stunning presentation, you will be taken by the Tasmanian Oak floors, picture windows that offer garden views and French doors that lead out from both living areas.

There are two big living rooms, both have an ornate fireplace as a centrepiece creating the most welcoming atmosphere for any occasion. Whether you are relaxing in the family/meals area or celebrating a birthday,

Christmas or other special event, this is a property that sets the scene for treasured memories to be made.

The kitchen is bathed in natural light and also benefits from the beauty that frames every window and has wall oven, gas and electric hotplates and a Bosch dishwasher.

Double doors lead out to the covered and paved outdoor entertainment area and rear yard allowing the best of indoor/outdoor living. There is a large dining room that could also serve as a fourth bedroom if required.

All bedrooms are generous in size and have exquisite decor. A box bay window adds beauty to the luxurious master bedroom which also comes complete with a full ensuite and walk in robe. The remaining bedrooms have their own zone and are serviced by the family bathroom.

Ducted heating and evaporative cooling ensure year round comfort.

Outdoors the attention to detail and added extras continue with a double remote garage, brick paths that lead around a vast array of colourful plantings, expansive grassed areas, raised veggie patch and the cutest workshop/shed complete with its own verandah.

All just a stroll to the Emerald Lake Park where walking trails, water sports, cafes and our iconic Puffing Billy can be found; there is nothing to do here but move in and enjoy. ●

12AuhlRoad, Emerald

FAMILYHOMEAMONGSTLEAFYSERENITY

FORSALE.

GUIDE $870,000-$930,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT SueColic 0421772610

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

20AmbroseStreet, Emerald

PERFECTIONONAFLAT1/3ACRE

FORSALE.

GUIDE $1,000,000-$1,100,000 INSPECT ByAppointment CONTACT GayleBarrot 0408195767

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

SPACIOUSFAMILYHOMEONAPRIVATE3,630M2

FORSALE.

$840,000-$920,000

0412861094

59684522

132RedRoad, Gembrook

GREATHOMEINCENTRALLOCATIONON1ACRE

FORSALE.

GUIDE $700,000-$760,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT GayleBarrot 0408195767

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

9LeggRoad, Emerald

CHARACTERCHARMINTHEHEARTOFTOWN

FORSALE.

GUIDE $650,000-$695,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

7GembrookParkRoad, Gembrook

ENTERTAINERSDELIGHTINAPARKLIKESETTING

FORSALE.

GUIDE $1,150,000-$1,250,000 INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

17NettletonRoad, Monbulk

LIVEFREEANDEASYONOVER11.5ACRES

FORSALE.

GUIDE $1,500,000-$1,600,000

CONTACT RileyNicholas 0488501218

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

SPACIOUS,SUNNY&SOWELLPOSITIONED

25GembrookLaunchingPlaceRoad, Gembrook 5 A T 2 B T 4 C T

FORSALE.

GUIDE $1,420,000-$1,490,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT JustinBarrot 0438683781

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

40JoffreParade, Cockatoo

SPACIOUSENTERTAINERINAQUIETLOCATION

4 A T 2 B T 2 C T

FORSALE.

GUIDE $900,000-$950,000

INSPECT ByAppointment

CONTACT SueColic 0421772610

BarryPlantEmerald 59684522

FRESH AND BRIGHT IN A HANDY LOCATION

IDEALLY located with local schools, shops and transport nearby this super neat home is superbly presented inside and out. Offering 2 bedrooms, large open family/ living area and a good size kitchen/meals area and with fresh carpet and paint throughout there is nothing to do but just move in and enjoy.

Outside offers a paved area, garden shed and carport plus the added bonus of solar power as well, situated at the end of the court and set in picturesque semi rural surroundings it’s the perfect place to live and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

4bedroombrickhomeonahuge1/2acre

Bigfamilyhome,onlyafewyearsyoungfeaturingtwolivingareas,4bedroomsandaworkfrom homeoffice.Setonafabuloushalfacreofland(2406sq.m)withTWOTITLESandgoodvehicle accessviaseparatedriveways.Thebrickveneerhomehasadoublegaragewithinternalaccess, andthereissomuchspaceoutsidewithlawnareas,veggiegardenandplentyofroomforthekids toplay.Masterbedroomwithensuiteandwalkinrobe,continuedownthehalltotheheartofthe homebeingthekitchen,completewithwalkinpantry,islandbenchandbigopenplanlivingarea. Thereisapowderroomandfamilybathroom,agorgeousprivatealfrescooffthelivingareathatalso givesyoufullaccesstoyourbigbackyard!Theaddedbonusofgasductedheatingforthosecold winternights.Youwilllovethisentirepackage!Callnowforinspection.

Qualityfamilylivinginconvenientlocation

Perchedproudlyinanenticingcul-de-sac,thishomeprovidesstylishyeteasylivingintheeverpopularYarraJunctionvillage.Locatedwithinwalkingdistancetothelocalschools,shopsand publictransport,thisdesirablehomeoffersaspaciousandlightfilledenvironment.Themaster,feeling likearetreatatthefrontofthehomehasaspaciouswalk-inrobeandalovelyensuitewithmodern cleanlines,largeshowerandvanitywithamplestorage.Bedrooms2and3arewellproportioned tohouselargebedsandfurniture,withdoublerobes.Thekitchentakescentrestagewithitsample islandbench.Theadjoiningmealszoneopenstoareardeck,anidealsettingtoenjoythemountain views.Lovely,neatandmanageablegardensofferawonderfulspaceforoutsideenjoyment.A lovelyhome,inabrilliantlocationwhereyouwillenjoylivingformanyyearstocome.

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

Convenientlowmaintenance&privatelivinginaprimelocation!

OnlyminuteswalktothetownshipofYarraJunctionandallthatithastoofferincludingShopping, Doctors,SportingFacilities,PublicTransport,RailTrail,LittleYarraRiverandmore-youwillfind thisbrickunittuckedawayatthebackofacomplexofonly4-soquietandprivacyisassured. Consistingof2bedrooms,semiensuite,singlecarportwithgardenshedandsecurestorageroom -somethingtolikeforeveryone.Updatedkitchenalongwithopenplanlivinggivethefeelingof space,anupdatedbathroomwithfloortoceilingtiles,disabilityaccesswithhandrailsandwalkin spaciousshowerandplentyofroom.Splitsystemheatingandcoolinghasallclimatestakencareof. Extrasincludesolarpower,walkinpantry,largeprivateyardwithgardenshedandsecurefencing andgates.Callnowforinspection!

LeahBannerman

M 0448924266

Inspection: Sat2.30-3.00pm

PrivateandConvenientlyLocatedFamilyHomeon4acres(approx.)

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

2895WarburtonHighway,Wesburn$890,000-$975,000

PHAREMA LODGE – PEACEFUL AND PRIVATE

SITTING proudly on a glorious 2.5 acres approx of peaceful, private and fully useable land, this much loved property has been the home of one family for over 35 years and has been the backdrop to many beautiful memories, events and family traditions.

Drenched in natural sunlight, the four bedroom (or three plus home office) home is spacious and versatile, offering a floorplan that consists of three living areas, central kitchen with timber benchtops and eating area and two bathrooms (semi ensuite to master bedroom).

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· Tank water only

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

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DanielSteen

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21AMaskellsHillRoad,SELBY $580,000-$640,000 OVERHALFANACREWITHVALLEYVIEWS

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

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Athletes excel on the Tan

By Jamie Strudley

The Melbourne weather really turned it on for the final round of the XCR23 season. The sun was shining and the atmosphere was high for the much loved Tan Relays.

Yarra Ranges Athletics had eight teams competing alongside over 300 other teams from throughoutVictoria with all athletes keen to test themselves on the world renowned Tan Track.

Liv got the Div 2 Women off to a flying start running a 15s pb before handing over to Kellie, who showed she has some serious speed even if she does enjoy running 100 plus kms on the mountain trails. Maddie continued her strong form storming around theTan to run 20s faster than she did last year. Going into the last leg the girls had a 1min12s advantage over 2nd place but this didn’t stop Brigitte from running the fastest time of the day for our Yarra women and helping secure first place for the Div 2 women by over 90 seconds!! Amazing team effort girls.

The fun didn’t stop there though for our open women with our Div 4 team, made up of Grace, Abi and Lis all having amazing runs to claim second place.

Our under 20 women, Zoe, Mia and Lily hung on nicely for 6th place. Our under 20 women have had an incredible season winning the overall team title.

Our Div 2 Men have had a huge season in their first year in Division 2. The boys worked well together with Harry and Max getting the team out to a good start both running PBs. Jared, Chris and Ash held strong in the middle stages, also all running big PBs before James flew home in the final leg to claim 6th place.

We also saw some familiar faces back for a fast lap of the Tan, with Caleb McInnes, Liam Russell and Ky Harris making an appearance. Our Div 6th Men flew around for 3rd, with the Div 7 teams placing 7th and 13th whilst our

under 16 men came 18th. Great running from all!!

Results are:

· Women Div 2 4x3.83km 1st Olivia Twining:

13:37, Kellie Angel: 13:29, Madeline Laven:

14:19, Brigitte Rice: 13:25

· Women Div 4 3x3.83km 2nd Grace Muller:

15:45, Abi Hyndman: 15:01, Elisabeth Coffey:

17:42

· Women U20 3x3.83km 6th Zoe Clarke: 14:59, Mia Strudley: 17:14, Lily Clarke: 17:21

· Men Div 2 6x3.83km 6th Harry Norman:

11:16, Max Savill-Bentley: 11:41, Chris Grundy: 13:32, Jared Byrne: 13:15, Ashley Bennett:

13:23, James Laven: 12:15

· Men Div 6 4x3.83km 3rd Matthew Morrison:

14:13, Ky Harris: 14:40, Liam Russell: 14:09, Michael Clarke: 15:05

· Men Div 7 4x3.83km (I) 7th Caleb McInnes:

13:21, Mike Willey: 16:12, Jamie Pointon:

16:53, Jamie Strudley: 17:20 (II) 13th Logan

Dutton: 15:41, Bryan Ackerly: 17:17, Carolyn

Rosenbrock: 18:16, Craig Hewitson: 18:31

· Men U16 3x3.83km 18th Mitchell Pointon:

15:56, Sam Rice: 14:42, Finn Rossthorn: 15:18

Attention now turns to the Track & Field season which starts for both our senior and Little athletics athletes on Saturday 7 October. Any new little athletics members are welcome to come to our “Come & Try Day” on this Saturday, 23 September, from 9am

Training continues for all club members on Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve. 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 track & field registration is now open. Go to www.lavic.com.au or www.athsvic.org.au or 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!

Trades & Services General Classifieds Employment

The Re-Roof Man

All

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful

Tan relays Womens Div 2 winning team Brigette, Olivia, Kellie and Maddie. Picture: SUPPLIEDU20 XCR Team Champions featuring Zoe, Maddie, Mia, Brigette and Rori (not pictured).

Former rivals now united

By Gabriella Vukman

This season, former rivals, Woori Yallock and Launching Place Cricket Clubs have united as one.

Due to a lack of numbers, the merger of the clubs was initiated when Woori Yallock CC president Mick Nicholls and Launching Place CC president Stuart Parker came together to discuss a joint team.

Having played together at each club over the years, both presidents decided to unite their cricketing careers once more in order to generate a unified and substantial cricketing side.

“Both clubs were struggling to fill their sides. They only had enough players for one and a half teams each. So we got together and had a bit of a chat and that’s where we ended up coming up with the idea to merge,” Stuart said.

Mick said, “in my juniors as well, I was part of the Launching Place Cricket Club so I knew Stuart and other members from there originally.”

There is little change to the fixture as a result of the merger between the two sides and the now titled ‘Lusatia Park Cricket Club’ is focusing on building up its juniors program.

We will have a blasters program throughout the season as well from ages 5-8 where youngsters can learn the basics of batting and bowling,” Stuart said.

An anonymous vote took place in order to decide the fusion of the clubs and almost all voted yes for the union.

The club is still looking for junior players for their under 10s and 12s teams.

“Some more senior players would also be great,” Mick said.

As for which pitch will be the home ground, the presidents confirmed that both pitches will be used.

Stuart said,“our top two grades will play out of Woori Yallock and our thirds will play out of Launching Place. Then we’ll have a vets side

that plays on Sundays with our women’s team at either pitch.”

“We’re also going to divide up training nights between each club,” Mick added.

The club has chosen to keep two presidents so that members from each club have someone they can communicate with, however Mick said, “so far, it hasn’t been needed.”

“We’ve kept communication open to all of our members,” Mick said.

So far, both presidents describe the reac-

tions they’ve had regarding the merger have been positive overall.

“At this point in time the dynamic is looking great. Everyone’s on board and we’re fully into pre-season and we’re looking really good,” Stuart said.

Both presidents are excited about the amalgamation and are looking forward to a fruitful season ahead.

“This merger provides a diverse range of teams, enabling players to play in their correct bracket in the senior ranks instead of some

New state records and personal bests

By Rae Hudson

On Saturday 19 August, Yering District Archers hosted a combined Indoor 18 metre and 25 metre competition at its popup indoor venue in Wandin East.

This was attended by members from Yering District Archers, Sherbrooke Archers, Kew City Bowmen, Southern Cross Archery, Twin City Archers-Gippsland, Moorabbin Archery Club, Yarra Bowmen, Peninsula Target Archers and Waverley City Archers.

40 archers in total shooting 30 arrows at 18m and then 30 arrows at 25m, to receive a combined total score. It was a fun day, everyone laughing and joking in between shooting arrows.

The 25m distance has not been shot in Victoria for over 13 years, so for many it was an exciting challenge to set new personal bests and for some, new state records.

Yering had a shooter as young as 10 and up to late 70s early 80s.

Archery is a fun sport for all ages and abilities. It can be as cheap or expensive as you make it.

If you’re interested in giving archery a go please contact your nearest club as most of us run a come and try session, either Saturday or Sunday mornings for a nominal fee, all equipment supplied, run by qualified coaches.

players being forced to play higher than what they should. This will create a team that is more representative of their ability,” Stuart said.

Mick said, “instead of two clubs competing against each other because we’re so close, coming together has given us a broader scope.”

“We want ours to be a very family-orientated community club,” Mick continued.

“Launching Place really had a strong family club behind them and we’re going to try and keep that.”

Riding fun

By Anita Prowse

We had some gorgeous warmer weather last week, but it has been disturbing to hear quite a few reports of horses with heavy winter rugs on in 25 degree days. There is simply no excuse for this, it is cruel and unnecessary.

If you can’t get to see your horses, there are plenty of amazing people in theYarraValley who would be more than happy to help out in urgent situations.

From the RSPCA – “When temperatures exceed 25°C, horses are at risk of heat stress. Using rugs on horses in summer can be a welfare issue.”

On a happier note, there are plenty of great competitions in the Valley over the next few weeks. Don’t forget some mustsee events, starting with Melba Equestrian Club’s EA Dressage Day on September 23 at Wesburn Park, then out at Gladysdale, Shirley Heights Equestrian Centre has their Horse Trials on September 30 and October 1.

It is great to see some higher level of competitions being offered right on our doorstep, with the cost of living rising sharply, our usual travel costs to venues further afield has put things on the backburner for some equestrians, so please support local and allow us all to participate and enjoy. Next year promises even more to enjoy right on our back doorstep.

Breeding and foaling season is now also upon us, if you see us horsey folk walking around with eyes hanging out of our heads, this is why, it’s no sleep time!

Good luck to everyone with foals due this year and for those about to start their breeding journey.

Happy Riding everyone!

Launching Place Cricket Club, along with Woori Yallock Cricket Club have merged together as ‘Lusatia Park’ Cricket Club. Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Checking the targets for new personal bests.

Archers from all over the eastern suburbs came to compete in an indoor tournament hosted by Yering District Archers. Pictures: SUPPLIED

It was the first time the 25 metre distance was shot in 13 years.

SPORT Bulldogs show their bite

By Marcus Uhe

Wandin emphatically stamped its ticket in the Outer East Football Netball League Premier Division grand final on Saturday thanks to a menacing 93-point thrashing of Woori Yallock at Yarra Junction.

11 goals to two in the Bulldogs’ favour after half time saw the margin grow from 39 at the half to the eventual 93 at the finish, the Bulldogs kicking 23.21 159 to the Tigers’ 9.12 66, withWooriYallock held goalless in the final term.

Only poor kicking spared the Tigers early in the contest as Wandin’s pack of midfielders flexed their muscle in the middle.

Connor Smith made a seamless return to the side after missing last week’s semi-final withVFL commitments, his speed and ball use coming to the fore in the early stages.

But Woori Yallock were up for fight early, going goal-for-goal for much of the opening quarter led by star midfielder Kody Busoli.

But the longer the quarter played, Wandin’s class came to the fore.

Goals to Joel Garner and Jordan Jaworski late in the term proved telling as a sign of things to come, but 5.9 to 4.1 at quarter time meant the Tigers were still in the contest.

Three goals in the opening five minutes of the second term saw the margin quickly grow to 33, Pat Bruzzese’s waltz from the middle and bomb from inside the centre square a clear highlight.

The Tigers kept fighting but struggled to score when inside 50, Wandin’s backs covering all potential scoring routes.

They managed to kick three late in the quarter, one due to an interchange infringe-

ment, cutting the lead to 27, but quick replies from Aaron Mullett under duress and Tom Hinds after the siren meant the Bulldogs had wrestled-back any momentum.

The Tigers kicked the first of the third term through Josh Neal, firing as many remaining

bullets in their clip before soon running out of steam.

The Bulldogs were at their brutal best, however, with another five goals in the term to their rivals’ only two, growing the margin to 59 at the final break.

In the battle betweenWooriYallock’s system andWandin’s stars, stars shone bright on every line.

Slick ball movement saw them move the Sherrin with ease across the ground, piling on the pain with every major.

The final seven goals of the contest ensured Wandin’s third-highest team score of the season, extracting revenge for the corresponding game in 2022 and priming them for a grand final tussle against Narre Warren next week.

11 individual goalkickers, led by Joel Garner’s five, Mullett’s four and Tom Merlino’s three, saw the Bulldogs share the scoring load, while John Ladner and Todd Garner were resolute in defence.

Neal finished with three for the Tigers, JordanWilliams and Bailey Syswerda, tasked with manning Mullett, recognised for their contributions in yellow and black.

Having come so close just two weeks ago to getting the better of the Magpies, Wandin will like its chances of winning its first premiership flag since 2018.

With Smith and Garner relieved of VFL duties and Mullett having regained fitness following a severe hamstring injury, Nick Adam has as close to a full squad to pick from as he’s had all year.

Narre Warren won two of the three meetings between the sides this year and will be fresher having not played in Saturday’s heat, but all signs suggest a belter of a contest on Saturday afternoon.

The first bounce at Officer Recreation Reserve will take place at 2.20pm, with the Premier Division netball decider between the same two combatants beginning at 12.10pm.

Mt Evelyn through to the last premier shot of season

Premier Division - Preliminary Finals

A Grade Narre Warren and Mt Evelyn put on an enthralling contest in the preliminary final.

The Rovers got out to a three goal lead by quarter time before NarreWarren levelled the scoreboard at half time.

The two sides were still tied at three quarter time but it was the Magpies who managed to edge ahead in the final term and progress to the grand final against Wandin next week.

· Narre Warren 46 def Mt. Evelyn 43

· Best players and goal shooters not recorded

B Grade

· Mt. Evelyn 52 def Upwey-Tecoma 48

C Grade

· Narre Warren 33 def Wandin 22

D Grade

· Narre Warren 35 def Wandin 34

Division 1 - Grand Finals

The A Grade grandfinal pitted minor premiers Seville against second-placed Emerald.

Seville had only lost one match for the year to date but were stunned in the opening quarter where the Bombers grabbed an 18-7 lead.

With their confidence up, Emerald then continued to win every quarter and make a clinical statement in their 21 goal win.

A Grade

· Emerald 62 def Seville 41

· Best Players and Goal Shooters not recorded Seville and ROC have very strong netball programs and those teams faced off in the B, C and D Grade grand finals.

Seville made up for losing A Grade by claiming the other three senior premierships. B

·

·

in the Grand Final.

Wandin met in the C Grade

High-fives all round for Wandin, through to its first senior football grand final since 2018. 359431

Picture: GARY SISSONS

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