Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 26th September 2023

Wandin premiers of the Outer East

Wandin has been crowned the champions of the Outer East Premier Division Senior’s competition following a comprehensive ten-goal win over NarreWarren.

In perfect conditions on Saturday 23 September, the Dogs prevailed over the Magpies in a high-scoring affair that finished 11.12, 78 to 21.15, 141.

Wandin led at every change; by only four points at the end of the first quarter, extending their lead to 29 points by the main break, remaining the same at the final change before kicking away to the final 63-point margin by the final siren. It was an even sweeter win for Wandin following their heartbreaking three-point loss to Narre in their semi-final clash two weeks prior.

Turn to pages 30 and 31 for more

Wandin are the top Dogs of the Outer East Premier Division for 2023.

Voice vote plans

By Mikayla Van Loon and Callum Ludwig

Casey MP Aaron Violi and Labor Senator for Victoria Linda White have talked at length about their views of the upcoming referendum on TheVoice to Parliament.

Towing party lines, national consultation and getting in touch with those doing the groundwork at a grassroots level were all factors in their voting choices; No for MrVioli and Yes for MsWhite.

“The moment my concerns were crystal-

lised was when I was speaking to an Indigenous leader in our community in Casey and he expressed the same concerns I had, that he hadn’t been consulted in the process,“ MrVioli said.

“He was worried his voice wouldn’t be heard through a national voice, if it hadn’t been heard in the initial process.”

Ms White was a member of the initial Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander Voice Referendum who made the decision to put forward the proposed al-

teration to the public.

When asked if she thinks The Voice would hold politicians and future governments to account on decisions and policies pertaining to Indigenous Australians, Ms White said the constitutional recognition will do that.

“It will give The Voice a permanency and significant legitimacy in the community, I think that we will want frank and fearless advice from the members of The Voice to Parliament and I think that the fact that it can’t be abolished by a successive government will

RT Edgar

mean the quality of the advice and the feel of the advice should be greater,” she said.

“We’ll put our hope on a pathway to closing the gap and improving the lives of the Indigenous members of our community and if it’s successful, then there will be a select committee formed so that there can be proper consultation on how it will work, how the members will be selected and then will be off and running.”

Read the full stories on pages 4 and 5

Picture: ROB CAREW

Levy targets short stays

By Callum Ludwig

The Victorian Government is set to introduce a short-stay accommodation levy as part of a multi-pronged approach as part of ‘Victoria’s Housing Statement – The Decade Ahead 20242034’, an attempt at housing reform as the state’s population continues to rise.

7.5 per cent of the revenue from shortstay accommodation platforms like Airbnb or Stayz will be taken by the levy and redirected to Homes Victoria to support the rollout of more social and affordable housing.

Yarra Ranges resident Clive Larkman rents out one property through Stayz and said he thinks the whole concept is not fair.

“Our property is a house on our property which is next door to our house because it is where my mother used to live but I don’t want a permanent tenant in there because they would be living on my land so to speak,” he said.

“We also use it for family coming in from the state or for our overseas customers and clients.”

According to the State Government, there are more than 36,000 short-stay accommodation places inVictoria with over 29,000 of those entire homes. The levy intends to take money from the revenue of platforms to put towards housing projects as part of the initiative which can be rented out long-term or on fixed-term agreements.

Mr Larkman said everybody in the industry knew there was going to be a shortage of rental accommodation.

“Three, four or five years ago, when all the new legislation came in, there was a big gathering of all our estate agents and their landlords, and they all said ‘20 to 30 per cent of you are dropping out now’ and they pulled out within 12 months,” he said.

“It feels like they’re making a small portion of theVictorian population pay for the stuff up of the government, it’s unfair on the landlords and it’s unfair on the tourists.”

Popular holiday destinations in the outer east such as Warburton (More than 160 Airbnb and over 60 Stayz properties), Healesville (More than 220 Airbnb and over 277 Stayz properties) and the Dandenong Ranges/ Mount Dandenong (More than 280 Airbnb and about 40 Stayz properties) are flush with shortstay accommodation. According to 2021 Census data, all three had a greatly lower percentage of the population who rent compared to the rest of the state (28.5 per cent of Victorians rent): 16.9 per cent of Warburton’s population

rent while the town also has a greatly higher rate of unoccupied dwellings compared to the state average (21.9 per cent compared to the state average of 11.1 per cent).

Healesville and the Mount Dandenong/ Olinda area also had a low percentage of renters (17.3 per cent and 8.2 per cent respectively) but do have a lower percentage of unoccupied dwellings compared to the state average (8.9 and 9.7 per cent respectively).

In all of theYarra Ranges, only 14 per cent of the population rent.

Mr Larkman said the levy is not enough for him to stop using his property for short-term accommodation but it might be for others.

“I can’t speak for Airbnb, but we’ve been using Stayz who are very reasonable in their cost and the way they manage it, we’re at 550 dollars a night and I don’t think 7.5 per cent in the long term will affect us a lot, but for those at $150 a night, that might be their whole

profit margin,” he said.

“It’s the politics of envy, ‘I can’t afford to have my house for short-term accommodation, so I don’t want you to have one of your own’ and they’re not talking about a lot of money at 70 million a year.”

The Victorian Government is aiming to build 2.24 million homes by 2051 to ease housing pressure in the state, including a target of 425,600 across regional and rural Victoria.

The Council to Homeless Person (CHP) welcomed the levy as reports swirled prior to the release of the Victorian Housing Statement.

CHP CEO Deborah Di Natale said the State Government would lead Australia in regulating short-term accommodation.

“A levy like this would be an important step in injecting more fairness into Victoria’s housing system which is in dire need of major reform,” she said.

“That money should provide desperately needed accommodation for our most vulnerable people.

Accommodation Australia (AA) were pleased that hotels, pubs offering accommodation and regulated accommodation providers were not targeted by the levy due to the fact that do not contribute to the removal of housing stock.

AA’s Victorian General Manager Dougal Hollis congratulated the Victorian Government for engaging with and listening to the industry.

“Not including hotels and pubs in the short stay levy is a common-sense approach,” he said.

“Hotels are huge employers and are a key part of any vibrant city.Victoria has led Australia’s new hotel development boom since 2020, with almost 9,000 new hotel rooms now available across Melbourne alone.”

Airbnb reforms in spotlight as housing fight rages on

By Dominic Giannini, AAP

The Greens are calling on the Federal government to put limits around short-term rentals such as Airbnb to boost supply and take pressure off rents.

Leader Adam Bandt says people are struggling to find accommodation in places like Byron Bay and Melbourne with everything being rented out on short-term sites.

“There have been proposals around how long you could potentially lease it out for, whether or not people should be entitled to tax breaks if they’re not providing rentals that are a proper rate for locals,” he told reporters in Canberra on Friday 15 September.

The Victorian government has since announced a levy of 7.5 per cent on short-stay accommodation platforms.

The Council to Homeless Persons said the levy needed to go towards social housing.

CEO Deborah Di Natale said the money would be an important first step to inject more fairness into the housing system.

She said it had the potential to raise more than $30 million a year but needed to be done in conjunction with broader reforms.

“The short-stay levy can’t occur in a vacuum,” she said.

“Ending the housing crisis will require billions, not millions, in new investment.”

Mr Bandt said if the federal government regulated Airbnb, it could then move to manage rents through a freeze and cap on increases.

“If we really want to fix the problem, then government has to look at soaring rents right across the country as well as in those places where it’s biting hard,” he said.

Mr Bandt denied freezing rents would spook investors and diminish supply by sending landlords towards Airbnb and shortterm renting, where they could charge higher rates and have fewer responsibilities towards tenants.

“I don’t think that’s what’s going to happen because we need to have regulations that apply across the board,” he said.

“People should be able to afford to rent a house, this is not a big ask.”

Housing Minister Julie Collins has said the rules for Airbnb were an issue for states.

But she pointed to evidence services such as Airbnb and Stayz have an impact on rents in tourist areas.

The interim National Housing Supply and Affordable Council has made a raft of recommendations to boost rental stock and ease costs.

The Greens agreed to pass Labor’s signature $10 billion housing investment fund this week after securing $3 billion for social and affordable housing on top of a $500 million yearly investment floor from the fund regardless of the return it makes.

But they failed to secure a rental freeze, something state and territory governments have ruled out.

Mr Bandt said the party would make it a key election issue.

Greens party leader Adam Bandt has called on the Federal government to

An unoccupied Airbnb property in Healesville.

Picture: ON FILE

Planning shake up

A target of 800,000 new homes over the next decade has been set as part of the State Government’s major shakeup of the planning system.

Under the Victorian Housing Statement released on 20 September, Premier Daniel Andrews said that a new Affordability Partnership with the property industry would boost supply.

“We’re not building enough houses right now. We have to have more supply.

“More housing supply means lower prices.”

The public-private partnership was signed with the Property Council of Australia, Masters Builders Victoria, the Urban Development Institute of Australia, the Housing Industry Association and Super Housing Partnerships.

Yarra Ranges Council’s Planning and Sustainable Futures director Kath McClusky said it is still too early to know what these changes mean for local government.

“Our teams are currently working through the detail of the State Government planning reforms,” she said.

“When we have greater clarity on how it will impact our work, we will share more information with the community.”

Under the changes, developers of $50 million-plus housing projects will be guaranteed a four-month application process if they provide 10 per cent affordable housing.

The Planning Minister would usurp councils as the arbiter in these cases.

The plan also exempts ‘granny flats’, shed extensions and car ports from planning permits.

Mr Andrews said the aim was for “good decisions made faster” and to “clear the backlog” of 1400 planning applications “gathering dust” with councils for more than six months.

Ms McClusky told Guardian Australia in July the council had been operating for at least 18 months with a third of the planning staff required to push applications through.

She also said while the staff shortages were contributing to the lack of housing supply, material costs, availability of construction workers and interest rates were adding to the backlog.

On the other hand, Maroondah City Council’s Mayor Rob Steane said the generalisation of councils underperforming was “divisive and unfair”.

“For the past 10 years Maroondah City Council has been one of the fastest decisionmaking metropolitan councils, with processing timeframes that are far superior to the four months (120 days) proposed by the Victorian Government decision making on major projects,” he said.

“In the past four years, 82.4 per cent of our planning applications have been decided in under 60 days - this is well above last year’s state-metropolitan average of 59 per cent.”

Cheaper housing “near to where you work” was a priority – announcing 60,000 homes to be built at 10 activity centres including Moorabbin, Frankston, Chadstone and Ringwood.

Mayor Steane supported the government’s move to improve access to affordable housing

in places like Ringwood where there is “great opportunity to develop high density housing” and will work with the Victorian Planning Authority to reflect this in the Maroondah Planning Scheme.

“Ringwood has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, with urban renewal on a scale never before seen, cementing its position as the epicentre of the eastern region for commerce and employment,” he said.

“Unfortunately the council has been stifled by the lack ofVictorian Government mandated requirements for inclusion of affordable housing in any proposed developments.”

Also, 45 unnamed “surplus” government sites across Victoria will be converted to 9000 homes – including at least 10 per cent “affordable” housing.

Other changes include a “modest” 7.5 per cent charge on short-stay rental customers. The levy will apply to about 36,000 short-stay accommodations and replace local councils’ similar charges.

All revenue will go to Homes Victoria for building and maintaining social and affordable housing.

He said the reforms would provide 800,000

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

more homes in the next 10 years – in comparison to a projected 500,000 under the status quo.

“The Victorian Government’s housing reforms provide the foundation and potential to ease the housing crisis and change the lives of Victorians for generations but the extent of this impact lies in the detail,” Community Housing Industry Association Victoria acting CEO Jess Pomeroy said.

“We need to make sure any affordable homes built as part of new residential developments stay affordable in perpetuity.”

It was a “big downpayment” on a target of 2.24 million new homes by 2051. By that time, Victoria’s population was predicted to top 10 million.

It may involve expanding the Free Tafe list to provide more building workers, he said.

Mr Andrews also announced rental reforms, including a portable bond scheme to carry a rental bond from one property to another.

There would also be restrictions on allowing landlords to evict tenants in order to “jack up” the rent, and a ban on rental bidding.

A new body will be created for landlordtenant disputes, replacing the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

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.

Quick action saves Yarra Glen house

Family occupants of a brick dwelling in Yarra Glen have dodged a whole house fire event after quick action from the occupants and local fire brigades.

Multiple CFA units attended a structure fire in Yarra Glen on the evening of 19 September and quickly put out the fire inside the roof of a brick veneer dwelling - no one was injured in the event.

Brigades from Yarra Glen, Coldstream, Dixons Creek and Healesville arrived at the property along Melba Highway in Yarra Glen just after 10 pm.

“On arrival, they found the house with flames in the roof space,” Yarra Glen Captain Bill Boyd said.

“There was prompt action by the owner and his son in the initial stages which helped make the job easier for the brigades,” he said.

Mr Boyd said that the fire was contained to the roof space over about three bedrooms.

“It was great work from everyone,” he said.

The occupants of the home, a man and his son, noticed initially that the power went out.

“He went to investigate and noticed the house was warm, he went outside and saw the flames,” Mr Boyd said.

“They had a garden hose they put on it until we got there”.

Mr Boyd said the units proceeded carefully, being mindful of the solar panels on the property.

The event was a first for some of the crew at Yarra Glen CFA and Mr Boyd said the new recruits gained valuable experience from the call out.

“It was good experience for them,” he said.

Two female recruits attended the scene and Mr Boyd said Yarra Glen will have eight female operational firefighters members by the end of the year.

“It’s a great thing and we are very lucky at Yarra Glen to have them and it was good that they got out last night,” he said.

The fire consumed the roof of “about half the house“ and Mr Boyd said there were no injuries and it was “great work” from everyone involved.

Fire investigation is following up on the matter to determine the cause of the fire.

Speedster caught in Dixons Creek

A 19-year-old male probationary driver was detected speeding at 112 km/h in a 80 km/h zone on Melba Highway, Dixons Creek.

He was issued with a $625 penalty notice and his licence will be suspended for 3 months.

Say yes!

Premier Daniel Andrews made the planning and housing reform announcments on Wednesday 20 September.

Picture: LOUISA JONES

Firefighters in action in Yarra Glen.

Picture: COLDSTREAM CFA

Yes is best step forward

By Mikayla Van Loon

With varying commentary on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament (TheVoice) airing, a young Aboriginal leader from Healesville will be voting yes, despite having some reservations.

Indigenous educator Thane Garvey, 27, who is the descendent of celebrated Wurundjeri leader William Barak, said he views The Voice as “a stepping stone”.

“I feel conflicted about it. Obviously, there’s things I’m not happy about,” he said.

“The issue with the something for everyone Voice is that it only provides a certain amount of people to represent a huge amount of people.

“And in Victoria, there’s a huge amount of tribes and we’re not all going to be able to have a single representation within parliament. So I think that’s one of the issues.”

Raising concerns about how a referendum is decided, requiring double majority from across Australia, as well as four of the six states, with territories not included, Thane said that in itself is “systematically racist”.

“We make up three per cent of the population and there seems to be 97 per cent of the population voting on something that’s only going to affect us,” he said.

“The reason we’re putting this referendum forward is because we want to make change and we want to have a voice and we want to have more say on things that affect us but in the process, we have to have 97 per cent of Australia… voting on whether we should have that say to begin with.”

Regardless, Thane said not moving forward with a yes vote would be “more detrimental to the Indigenous community”.

“I fear that if we don’t get this up, we will lose momentum towards Treaty, Native Title and all these other things that we’re going to need if we’re going to keep this culture alive down here. Victoria is one of the most impacted when it comes to colonisation,” he said.

Looking around the globe, Thane said Australia was well behind when it comes to recognising First Peoples, with neighbours New Zealand having“a long way to go over there too but they’re still way ahead of us”.

“If you look at New Zealand or if you look at other places around the planet, they’re normally known somewhat because of their Indigenous, their Traditional Owners where Australia really doesn’t want to have that identity, that relationship with Traditional

Owners for some reason.”

The acceptance of the Haka and Maori language “comes with education” and is one of the main reasons Thane became an educator himself.

“I became an educator because I think we’ve got to change perspective before we have any hope of getting anywhere.”

It’s education that Thane also said was important in the lead up the vote on 14 October as the country looks to decide yes or no.

“I’ve heard people come out and say things like ‘if this referendum gets up, we’re going to have to start asking Elders to build on properties’ and all this is just misinformation that just makes no sense.

“Look at the wording, it literally just says

that we have an advisory body to advise the parliament on decisions and issues that affect us. It’s really not that complicated.

“If you’re worried about some of the misinformation, please, please just educate yourself on what is and what isn’t going to happen if this Voice gets up. Because I’ve heard so many rumours, and 95 per cent of them aren’t true.

“At the end of the day, we’re just being asked to sit at the table and have input on discussions that affect us and we’re being recognised as the first people of Australia.”

As conversations and discussions continue, Thane said it can be exhausting to keep up the fight but with a long line of ancestors who fought each and every day to get to this point, likeWilliam Barak and Aunty Dot Peters, it was important not to give up hope.

“These people have been trailblazing and doing everything they could to make sure our people thrive and survive in this new culture and society that has been kind of pushed upon us.”

In Thane’s eyes the referendum would be “a little win” in a much broader fight to ensure Indigenous culture and history is celebrated and continues.

“I can’t lay down now, after many generations of people have fought for us. I can’t sit down and just turn away because I’m tired, because it’s too much.

“What I’m dealing with is nothing compared to what my ancestors had to deal with, or even what my dad or my nana’s had to deal with.”

Violi sides with Liberal counterparts in referendum vote

By Mikayla Van Loon

Casey MP AaronVioli has announced he will be following many of his fellow Liberal party members in voting no at the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum (TheVoice).

Basing his decision on conversations and surveys his electoral office conducted with residents in Casey, Mr Violi said he couldn’t in good conscience support The Voice in this form.

“I’ve deeply engaged with the community, I’ve also engaged with the Referendum Working Group and the government earlier this year including the Minister for Indigenous Australians wanting some clarity around how the local Indigenous community’s voice would be heard,” he said.

“The moment my concerns were crystallised was when I was speaking to an Indigenous leader in our community in Casey and he expressed the same concerns I had, that he hadn’t been consulted in the process.

“He was worried his voice wouldn’t be heard through a national voice, if it hadn’t been heard in the initial process.”

Mr Violi’s consultation returned a result of 39.8 per cent voting yes and 45.75 per cent voting no with 14.5 per cent yet to decide, with a community forum of 50 people returning equal results of those voting yes and no.

“We don’t know what the result will be on October 14 but lots of polling is showing that at this stage, the majority of Australians

aren’t going to support it and one of the key reasons people are giving in the polling is the lack of details,” he said.

The referendum question asks just two things, to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to provide them an advisory voice to the parliament, which would be made up of a proposed 24 representatives.

Despite agreeing that it will be the role of the Federal Parliament to decide the key aspects of how The Voice would be implemented and act on behalf of First Nations

people, Mr Violi is still calling for more details to be revealed.

“Ultimately, it’s asking the Australian people to have a vote and make a decision on two things, recognising First Nations people in the Constitution and also having The Voice to represent Indigenous Australians.

“The Parliament decides the details but we’re asking the Australian people to make a decision, and many people in the community are wanting that additional detail to make a decision.”

Instead of wanting The Voice enshrined in the constitution, MrVioli said in his opinion legislative Voices “are a safer model”.

“The Prime Minister had an opportunity to legislate these voices last year. He could have already had these voices operational and making a difference and showing people how they would work and put forward constitutional recognition which would have passed with over 90 per cent support.”

Legislative Voices, however, wouldn’t necessarily be permanent, depending on the government of the day but Mr Violi said that seemed to work with Medicare and superannuation.

“It should be legislated first, tested and amended and move forward in that way because in my belief, that’s the safer model because once we change the constitution, it’s in there for perpetuity, and we don’t know in 50, 60 years time what our situation is.”

Federal Liberal party leader Peter Dutton has also come out and said he supports recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution but not The Voice, something Mr Violi is following.

“This is a position I’ve come to through engagement with the community, through engagement with Indigenous leaders, through working as part of the Coalition and I am a member of the Coalition,” Mr Violi said.

“It’s a combination of my personal opinion, the party position, and ultimately, what the local community has told me.”

Although putting forward his position, Mr Violi said at the end of the day he only has one vote and will not be “campaigning” for the no vote.

“I’m not actively campaigning because it’s not actually about politicians. It is about the people having their say and making their decision,” he said.

“I would encourage everyone to engage in this conversation respectfully. We’re all entitled to our own opinion but we’ve also got a responsibility to listen to other opinions and if we disagree with people, that’s okay.

“It’s really important that people have a respectful conversation and tone over the next three weeks and ultimately, we should be coming together as a nation at the moment.”

Casey MP Aaron Violi will be voting ‘no’ at the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.

Thane Garvey (middle) is an Indigenous educator from Healesville and will be voting yes at the referendum despite reservations. Picture: ON FILE

Call for Casey to vote yes

By Callum Ludwig

Labor Senator for Victoria Linda White is votingYes in TheVoice referendum on 14 October and hopes Casey constituents do too.

Ms White has been in communication with the over 170 volunteers of the Casey for Yes group and was a member of the initial Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander Voice Referendum.

Ms White said the most significant reason for her decision was the length of time The Voice has been called for.

“The Uluru Statement from the Heart was the culmination of probably 20 years of requests to have constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians and the large number of Indigenous people who made this request,” she said.

“Other things have not worked, having Indigenous bodies in legislation, which can be easily abolished, has just not worked because the bodies themselves might have but were just taken out by successive governments.That points to me that you need something strong so it can continue.”

The Committee made up of seven Labor, three Liberal and one Nationals, Greens and Independent representatives, passed the alteration that formed The Voice referendum unamended. The Committee formed the view that the Bill is ‘constitutionally sound’ and meets the request of the Uluru Statement From the Heart.

When asked which Indigenous representatives, elders, leaders, groups or services she has consulted, Ms White said she has certainly relied on the consultation that’s happened at a national level.

“I work with some great Indigenous members of Parliament and have had a lot of discussions with them, and I was also very fortunate to be on the select committee that considered the legislation that formed the question,” she said.

“I had a great opportunity to see not only constitutional experts, but also leading advocates like Noel Pearson and Megan Davis, who came to the committee and spoke about both what they thought it would do for the community, but also legally how they thought it would sound.”

Ms White and her team have also helped the Casey for Yes campaigners in setting up forums, making phone callouts and running street stalls throughout the electorate.

When asked if she thinks The Voice would hold politicians and future governments to account on decisions and policies pertaining to Indigenous Australians, Ms White said the constitutional recognition will do that.

“It will give The Voice a permanency and significant legitimacy in the community,I think that we will want frank and fearless advice from the members of The Voice to Parliament and I think that the fact that it can’t be abolished by a successive government will mean the quality of the advice and the feel of the advice should be greater,” she said.

“We’ll put our hope on a pathway to closing the gap and improving the lives of the Indig-

enous members of our community and if it’s successful, then there will be a select committee formed so that there can be proper consultation on how it will work, how the members will be selected and then will be off and running.”

When raised concerns about the capacity of The Voice to make representations to the government, the Committee was reassured by the advice of the following constitutional experts that there was little to no basis for those concerns: former Chief Justice of the High Court Robert French, former High Court Justice Kenneth Hayne, Professor Anne Twomey, Professor GeorgeWilliams AO and Mr BretWalker KC, the Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth.

Ms White said education, employment and health are the key things she hopes to consult The Voice on if successful.

“Those are the areas where there’s a significant gap between Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians; life expectancy is significantly less for Indigenous Australians and those are sort of issues that need to be tackled head-on,”

“Employment and education is about making sure that the opportunities available to Indigenous Australians are equal to those of the rest of us.”

The Committee also accepted advice provided by legal experts and the Solicitor-Gen-

William

eral that government operations will not be slowed down by The Voice and that it wouldn’t create a ‘legal quagmire’ that overruns the court with cases.

Ms White said she just doesn’t agree with the No campaign slogan ‘If you don’t know, vote No’.

“If you don’t know, find out about it, there are plenty of people who have got information and there is a lot of information online,” she said.

“What we’ve been doing so far has not worked, in life, you don’t keep doing things that don’t work, you change it up and you try something different and this has been asked of us by Indigenous people so we should be listening to what they’ve asked us.”

The proposed amendment to the Constitution, section 129(iii), states that Parliament will hold the power to make laws that dictate how The Voice will function, including The Voice’s ‘composition, functions, powers and procedures.’

The Committee noted that this feature will ensure theVoice’s operation can be updated to align with ‘changing circumstances’ and that Parliament and Australians through the representation of their Federal Members ‘can assist to shape the Voice’s impact.’

An online Casey for Yes meeting was disrupted by a number of individuals making

racist remarks about Indigenous Australians while wearing masks and showcasing swastikas in the background on August 3, which was reported to Ms White.

Ms White said the best debates are those where everybody respects the views of each side.

“Resorting to violence or intimidation is just not the way to behave, you’ve got to listen to what people say and respect what they say,” she said.

“If you want to try and change people’s minds, you’ve got to do that in a civil and intelligent way by mounting arguments, it isn’t done by trying to intimidate people and scare people into your point of view.

“I think what happened in the online meeting was just a bad thing because it just didn’t resort to intelligent discussion, it was just about intimidation and I don’t think there’s any place in this discussion for that.”

Anyone wishing to view the proposed section regarding The Voice that would be added to the Constitution can find it at: legislation. gov.au/Details/C2023B00060

For the full advisory report from The Committee on The Voice, you can read more at: aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Former_Committees/Aboriginal_and_Torres_Strait_Islander_Voice_Referendum/VoiceReferendum/Report.

Labor Senator for Victoria Linda White.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Sun sparks sightings

By Callum Ludwig

A string of warm, sunny days at the start of September has seen snakes come out in droves earlier than usual.

Snakes were being spotted as early as last month and the expected warmer, drier conditions mean Yarra Ranges residents can expect to spot the slithery reptiles who have emerged from brumation, a process similar to hibernation for cold-blooded animals.

Snake catcher Raymond Hoser is a registered snake catcher who services the Yarra Ranges and said that once there is a string of warm weather, the snakes come out and start looking for food and somewhere to sunbathe.

“Among the calls yesterday, the snakes were travelling, they were moving sizeable distances. You say to people to keep your eye on the snakes until I get there and in the half-hour, it took me to get to the house, the snakes travelled across three properties,” he said.

“The season is running earlier this year, which doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be busy all year, because there’s other factors at play, but it’s certainly going to be busier now for a while.”

Mr Hoser had ten calls on Tuesday 19 September for snake sightings; he caught four, two were false alarms, two were best to leave alone and two more he passed on to other nearby snake catchers.

Mr Hoser said it’s not just the warmer weather leading to the increased number of snake sightings.

“When the weather’s drier, the grass doesn’t grow as much, it gets mowed or livestock eats

on the paddocks and snakes are easier to see. When there’s no long grass, they move to where there is which is inevitably on people’s properties,” he said.

“In a drought year, especially the first of the drought years, calls go up sharply because it’s not just the hot weather but it’s the dryness and the fact that vegetation is getting chopped, especially compared to something like last year where Council weren’t mowing for most of the spring because it was too wet.”

In order to dissuade snakes from entering your property or at the very least make them easy to spot, residents should keep their grass short, remove piles of items like logs, sheet metal or rubbish and make their garden less attractive to snake’s natural prey in mice and frogs.

If you find yourself very close to a snake, especially one acting in a defensive position, you should freeze until it rears down and moves away.

When walking in areas snakes may be, wear closed shoes or boots and long pants, walk where you can see where you are putting your feet, carry wide elastic bandages and ensure your mobile phone is charged.

Do not attempt to approach or handle a snake but if bitten by a snake, call 000 immediately.

If you spot a snake and it is in a location where you cannot leave it to move on of its own accord, the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action’s (DEECA) Customer Service Centre on 136 186 can provide a list of snake controllers in your area Snake

Bureau of Meteorology officially declares El Niño

By Tanya Faulkner

El Niño has been announced as underway across Australia by the Bureau of Meteorology, with locals being warned to be prepared.

The announcement officially came due to fires burning across the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales in the recent heatwave experienced across the country.

Closer to home, the warmer weather saw fires develop at the Kooweerup reserve while there were football finals underway, which was brought under control by the Kooweerup and Bayles CFA.

It has been said the fire started from a cigarette butt, highlighting the need for locals to be aware of the upcoming conditions.

Alongside the abnormally warm temperatures recently experienced in Victoria, the Bureau also said Australia has also been experiencing abnormally high sea temperatures over recent months, which have triggered a red alert among scientists.

Bureau of Meteorology Climate Manager Dr Karl Braganza said both El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole tend to draw rain away from Australia.

“Over spring, their combined impact can increase the chance of below average rainfall over much of the continent and higher temperatures across the southern two-thirds of the country.

“The Bureau’s three-month forecast for Australian rainfall and temperature has been indicating warm and dry conditions for some time.

“An established El Niño and positive IOD reinforces our confidence in those predictions.

“Based on history, it is now also more likely that warm and dry conditions will persist over eastern Australia until autumn,“ he said. El Niño events increase the risk of extreme temperature shifts, like heatwaves and hotter days.

A record spell of September heat has brought warmer than average temperatures

to most of the South East in recent days, with some temperatures as much as 18 degrees Celsius above average, prompting an early end to the snow season.

Upper Ferntree Gully CFA captain Peter Smith said although we have had this announcement, weather is not 100 per cent predictable, and some of the indicators and driving factors are still moving slower than expected.

His advice to locals to ensure they are cleaning up their properties, and making sure that when they are burning off that it is not too windy and it is registered.

“It is also useful for locals to have the EMV app and the CFA website on their mobile devices to keep up to date,“ he said.

Mr Smith said there has not yet been any announcements about the start of the fire season, but it will most likely be earlier than in previous years.

“It would also help if people would consider joining their local fire brigades, at the very least to keep their own property safe,“ he said.

The BOM said when El Niño and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole co-occur, drying in Australia is typically amplified.

The last time El Niño and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole occurred together was in 2015.

A grassfire threatened to disrupt the final’s action at Kooweerup recently.

CFA crews battled an intense grassfire at Kooweerup recently.

catcher Raymond Hoser.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Treehouse a life snapshot

By Callum Ludwig

Warburton may be where he resides nowadays but Robert Prudhoe, affectionately known as Boinga Bob, has lived and travelled the world and has plenty of stories and experiences to share.

Boinga’s iconic treehouse home is the most obvious sign of his adventures, attracting many visitors from near and far.

Boinga said his house is an expression of his inner journey and a very big collection of the different places he’s been to in his lifetime.

“All my life I’ve been totally amazed at the fact that we’re alive at all and that there’s actually a whole planet full of people who genuinely don’t seem to know what they’re doing here, so I’ve done a lot of travelling to look for the answers to those sort of questions,” he said.

“I think a lot of it has to do with gratitude, we need to be grateful for the good things that we do have because we’ve got a lot of good things and I think that by being grateful the universe will give us more.”

Boinga’s travels have taken him up Mt Everest, to live on Mt Kilimanjaro, lying awake at night hearing animals just outside in East Africa, traversing Britain in a Kombi van and to places like Guatemala, Mexico and Alaska.

Boinga recalls that in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, he had to make a big decision about his adventures all those years ago.

“I loved the adventure, I was really alive, every molecule, every atom of my body was dancing, it was on fire. I had an aeroplane ticket with Transworld Airlines, and I went and I cashed in my aeroplane ticket because I wanted to continue the adventure,” he said.

“I felt a little bit insecure for a couple of days because I had no aeroplane tickets but then suddenly I was full of joy and I realised it was the best thing I’d ever done in my lifetime because I kept on travelling for another one and a half years.”

It was a decision not short of risk, as the Australian High Commission in Nairobi told him at the time that if he fell ill and wanted to

get back to a hospital in Australia, they’d contact his parents for money and if it wasn’t provided, they wouldn’t do anything for him.

Despite his extensive travelling, Boinga said Warburton has always been special for him.

“I love the nature here and the mountain, I’ve been here for a long time now, there are lovely people here and it’s where I’ve done a lot of artwork as well over the years,” he said.

“Whenever I’ve come back from my many overseas travels and I get back to Warburton and I think ‘Wow it’s all here, what a beautiful part of the world,”

“It’s very important to me that I live here, the house is an expression and I built it because of my love for the environment and for the community.”

Boinga’s treehouse home has been featured in a plethora of newspaper articles in The Age, The Herald Sun, the Daily Mail and of course

WIN TICKETS to : A Musical

the Star Mail as well as on TV shows such as Better Homes and Gardens, World’s Most Extreme Homes and Burke’s Backyard.

A Facebook group with over 3400 members called ‘Save BOINGA BOBS house!’ is dedicated to the continual upkeep and restoration of the iconic treehouse.

A documentary on Boinga Bob and his outsider art by Warburton filmmaker Peter Downey called ’Stupa’ is also currently in the works.

Robert ‘Boinga Bob’ Prudhoe in his Warburton treehouse.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Boinga Bob’s treehouse.

Picture: ON FILE ‘Boingaology Headquarters’.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Jump into crafty challenge

By Dongyun Kwon

A local haberdashery is running a challenge to support children and families living with cancer until the end of September.

Crumbz Craft has done several fundraisers every year but had to pause it for a while when the Covid-19 pandemic happened.

This year, they were able to restart a fundraiser with the Crumbz Craft Challenge.

Shop owner Kay Trembath said she decided to run the challenge when she met a lady who told her about a local retreat house offering respite and support to kids with cancer one Friday in the knitting group.

“We’d like to do something every year that brings the community together for a worthy cause,” she said.

“This year, we’ve chosen the Challenge organisation (Nicholas Timms Retreat) because the organisation is based in Healesville.”

The craft challenge runs for the whole of September as it is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Kay said they had yellow ribbons which were for introducing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the challenge in the shop.

“If anybody wants to pop in and buy a yellow ribbon, they can display it anywhere they like,” she said.

“They can put it on their bike, letterbox or handbag to raise awareness of the challenge.”

Kay explained the three different ways for the local community to get involved in the challenge.

The first one is crocheting.

“Crocheters are welcome to participate by crocheting squares,” she said.

“We’re going to hopefully make five throws for the challenge house.”

The second way is knitting.

“We’ll make 100 baby mittens for children in hospitals,” Kay said.

“The mittens will help babies to keep their hands warm and stop them from pulling out their life-saving tubes.”

The last is a direct donation.

“If you don’t knit or crochet but want to get involved, you can sponsor the challenge through a direct donation on our website,” she said.

Whoever is interested in supporting young children with cancer please visit Crumbz Craft’s website, www.crumbz.com.au/pages/ crumbz-challenge-for-charity.

Old cars wanted for Wandin CFA’s road rescue training

By Callum Ludwig

The Wandin Fire Brigade is calling on the community to help supply any old, unused cars for the purpose of training their specialist Road Rescue team.

Any donated cars will go a long way in helping brigade members when they turn out to real scenarios, with a high chance of dealing with serious injuries and potential deaths.

Wandin Fire Brigade 4th Lieutenant Phillip Smith is often the rescue controller for the brigade’s road rescue incidents and said they are one of only 23 brigades in the state that does road crash rescue.

“Obviously, we’re all volunteers and to keep our skills up requires frequent training, we train at least once a month for road crash rescue and to do that we’re heavily reliant on old cars that no one cares about anymore and that can be cut up,” he said.

“Yarra Valley Towing is very, very, very supportive of us and provides vehicles for us constantly but the supply is always dependent on who happens to crash their car and it gets written off by insurance companies.”

Monbulk CFA is also a principal Road Crash Rescue provider, as well as the Healesville, Upper Yarra, Lilydale, Emerald and Knox SES units.

Mr Smith said the cars are used in lots of different training scenarios.

“We’ll go through methodically and teach some of our newer members techniques that we use to take the car apart using our equipment as well as do cross-brigade scenarios where we’ll set it up on the side of the road or

on a private property and simulate an actual incident,” he said.

“Vehicles that have been involved in accidents are obviously really good for that because it simulates the damage but obviously not many people have damaged cars sitting around, but for any old car we can give it one

more last purpose in life before it goes off to the scrap heap.”

TheWandin Fire Brigade responds to road rescue incidents from Kilsyth up toWooriYallock and out to Gruyere and Yellingbo. They can also respond further abroad to more critical rescue incidents such as a cliff rescue incident in June this year near Taggerty.

Mr Smih said Wandin Fire Brigade currently has 23 qualified road crash rescue members, with a minimum crew of five required for any responses.

“There are about 13 or 14 different brigades that we will respond with for rescue and it’s really, good for us to get that opportunity to get to know the members of those brigades in a less time-critical situation where we can meet and greet and get to know faces,” he said.

“Then when it comes to the real deal, we might not know everyone, but at least we know some familiar faces where we can, it makes it easier to talk with each other and get the job done without being total strangers.”

The Road Rescue Unit at the Wandin Fire Brigade has been in action since 1963.

Anyone with cars they can donate to the brigade is encouraged to contact Yarra Valley Towing at 1300 TOW 247 and arrange for it to be picked up free of charge.

Wandin Fire Brigade members doing a Road Rescue demonstration in early 2023.

Picture: ON FILE

Crumbz Craft Owner Kay Trembath encourages the locals to participate in a challege to support kids with cancer. Pictures: DONGYUN KWON

The squares are going to be used to make five throws for the challenge house.

People are also welcome to buy a yellow ribbon to inform the challenge to others.

People who do neither knit nor crochet can still participate in the challenge through a direct donation.

Crumbz Craft is a haberdashery in Healesville.

The mittens will help babies to keep their hands warm and prevent them from pulling out the tubes.

The event attendees found it very useful.

Catching up over a cuppa

By Dongyun Kwon

Caladenia Dementia Care and Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) hosted a coffee catch up on 21 September as it is Dementia Action Week from 18 to 24 September.

Calendenia Dementia Care CEO Sarah Yeates saidVMCH and they have cooperated to

run a few events together and they organised the coffee catch up event to find more people who were not connected with their services.

“About 15 people showed up for the event despite the rainy weather,” Ms Yeates said.

“We had a lovely chat with them.

“We provided useful information about how to get support for living with dementia

while we gave them free coffee and tea.”

Ms Yeates added the event was successful and many attendees enjoyed the meeting.

“One couple said they enjoyed meeting other people who were either working or living with dementia after the event,” she said.

“They said they found it really useful to talk to other people who used our services and

Empowering seniors through free events

By Dongyun Kwon

Seniors are welcome to attend free digital literacy seminars every Monday in Badger Creek.

Seventeen sessions are sponsored by the Australian Government’s Be Connected initiative.

The series of seminars are designed to help senior citizens better understand the complexities that technology brings and help them avoid being scammed.

The format of sessions is typically sharing a short video, then discussing the key takeaways from the video and takes 30 to 45

minutes.

“The 17 sessions do not build on one another,” Be Connected presenter Mario Herodotus said.

“So if a person wants to come in and just attend one session, they could do that because we have an agenda each week and they are all individual.

“People can pick and choose which sessions they feel are important to them.”

People do not need to pre-register for the free sessions.

What they are required to do is just turn up on Monday and register with the Be Connected group.

Mr Herodotus said the reason for asking for registration was for the government to track progress for the grant.

“We just require a sign-up for our group,” he said.

“We don’t ask for a phone number or an address but just a name.”

Mr Herodotus added he received a great amount of feedback from attendees that they learnt a lot and are looking forward to future sessions after the first seminar on 11 September.

The sessions start at 3.30pm at Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed (360 Badger Creek Rd, Badger Creek).

they felt more confident being on the waiting list themselves.”

Ms Yeates said Caladenia Dementia Care would like to help more people who had not been connected yet.

She encouraged people to reach out to them through (03) 9727 2222 or Caladenia Dementia Care’s website, www.caladenia.com.au/.

Call out for volunteers

By Dongyun Kwon

HICCI needs more volunteer drivers to carry out transport assistance as demand for medical and social appointments has soared lately.

HICCI’s executive officer Alison Gommers said the transport assistance was for helping people through My Aged Care.

“Medical appointments are the priority, but people also can use the transport assistance for social appointments,” she said.

“We also provide shopping trips for them.”

Volunteer drivers have flexibility on hours and vehicles.

Ms Gommers said the hours were up to the drivers’ availability.

“They could be a day a week or a couple of days a week and they actually decide where they’d like to go,” she said.

Ms Gommers added that the drivers could drive either a HICCI’s vehicle or their own vehicle.

“The volunteers can claim their mileage back on their own vehicle,” she said.

Locals are encouraged to have a chat with HICCI about volunteering.

For more information, please visit their website, https://www.hicci.org.au/contact.

Elizabeth Baxter from VMCH (left) and Sarah Yeates from Caladenia Dementia Care (right) hosted a coffee catch up event for ementia Action Week 2023. Pictures: SUPPLIED

The first seminar was on 11 September.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Joey Joy at Healesville Sanctuary

A fuzzy-eared youngster at Healesville Sanctuary is popping its head out of mum’s pouch delighting visitors during the school holidays.

The little one with big eyes and a pink chin is the fifth offspring to experienced Koala mother, Emily.

Healesville Sanctuary Mammal Keeper Rebecca Clemenger said the joey is exploring its habitat outside the pouch for longer periods of time and gaining confidence with climbing.

“We’re very excited about this new arrival,” Ms Clemenger said.

Possum care funds

By Callum Ludwig

The Friends of the Leadbeater’s Possum (FOLP) have received a massive boost in their efforts to protect one of the state’s faunal emblems from the 2023 round of the Victorian Landcare Grants.

$19,886 has been granted to help repair, maintain and improve the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area, the only home of the lowland variety of the critically endangered critter.

FOLP President Steve Meacher said they’re really pleased to receive the funding.

“There are less than 40 animals existing at the reserve now and those 40 animals are believed to be the closest animals related to the first Leadbeater’s Possums that were identified as a new species in 1867,” he said.

“Primarily, it will extend some deer fencing which is very important, the vegetation at the reserve has been very disturbed over the years and is in a pretty poor state and we’ve been

working hard to revegetate and improve the quality of habitat down there.”

The population of lowland Leadbeater’s Possums is below 40 and is the only living population left in the wild. The highland variety lives slightly further north in the ash forests of the Central highlands, including the Yarra Ranges National Park.

Mr Meacher said that in ideal conditions, the area at Yellingbo ought to be able to support a population of around 200 possums.

“It’s beginning to show positive signs because, in the last year, there has been a substantial increase in the number of animals in theYellingbo Nature Conservation Area, which is the first time in several years we’ve actually seen an increase, so we’re quite optimistic,” he said.

“It would be nice to see the population go back to over 100, but that’s probably several years away because once you’ve done replant-

ing, it takes many years for the plants to mature and start to provide habitat.”

Both of Victoria’s faunal emblems, the Leadbeater’s Possum and the Helmeted Honeyeater, reside with the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area with Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater (FOHH) also receiving a small $500 support grant.

FOHH President Virginia Wallace said they will use their funding wisely to help in their conservation efforts.

“As a volunteer-led community organisation dedicated to saving our state bird emblem, any funding that we get is always very gratefully received, no matter how big or how small,” she said.

“The situation for the lowland Leadbeater’s Possum is quite dire, so we are absolutely glad about any funding Friends of the Leadbeater’s Possum receives, which will also improve the habitat for both species.”

Celebrating and protecting with Riverfest

By Callum Ludwig

The very first event celebrating the entirety of the Birrarung (Yarra River) is kicking off this week with various activities and opportunities to learn about the crucial waterway.

The Birrarung Riverfest is being hosted by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association (YRA) from World Rivers’ Day on Monday 24 September all the way through to Sunday 22 October.

Yarra Riverkeeper Charlotte Sterrett said the event is something theYRA and very proud of and hope to be an annual celebration of the river.

“There will be 20 events starting up in the Don Valley below the reservoir, all the way down to Port Melbourne where the river meets the sea, three events are ticketed and the rest are all free,” she said.

“We’re really encouraging people of any age to come along as a way for communities to celebrate, connect and care for our beautiful river, the lifeblood of Melbourne.”

Close to home, the YRA is holding a Nature Discovery event beginning at Haining Farm from 10.30am to 12pm on Thursday 28 September while Melbourne Water is jumping in to host a platypus spotting session at Pound Bend in Warrandyte on Friday 6 October from 5pm to 7pm.

Acting Regional Coordinator of Interpretation, Information and Education at PArks VictoriaLouiseBuggysaidParksVictoriaisthrilled to be part of the Inaugural Birrarung Riverfest.

“Haining Farm is a special site, with many fascinating creatures and features to be found once you begin exploring, activities like this one are a great way to learn how to appreciate and take care of our wonderful natural places,” she said.

“Getting into nature improves your physical, mental and social wellbeing. Spring is the perfect time to explore the outdoors, and to discover all that the Birrarung provides for both humans and the natural environment.”

The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater (FOHH) group is also getting involved, holding a planting and information session at the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area to teach attendees about the importance of floodplains for the critically endangered bird and others like the Leadbeater’s Possum.

FOHH President Virginia Wallace said she hopes the event is successful and goes on to be held regularly.

“We’re very happy to support and be involved with any efforts to encourage people to get engaged in their local habitat,” she said.

“Our waterways are really important for the health of the environment, not only up in Yellingbo, but also for the whole of Melbourne and Victoria so acknowledging what our waterways mean for us and for plants, animals and agriculture is very important.”

Prior to the start of the event, 100 children from around Yarra Glen participated in a pup-

pet parade, filled with the animals that call the river and its surrounds home.

Ms Sterrett said we have taken the river for granted for a long time.

“We’re really wanting people to engage their head, heart and hands and be inspired to advocate for and care for the river and all her critters, it journeys 242 kilometres from source to sea, covers 4000 square kilometres, a third of Victoria’s population and a third of all of our animal species,” she said.

“The more awareness brought to the issues facing the river, from over-extraction of water to pollution and stormwater, from climate change to pests and weeds, the more people are educated on how to address those and the better the outcomes are for the river overall.”

Anyone interested in finding out more or booking their place at any of the events can do so at: www.yarrariver.org.au/riverfest/.

“We don’t have a name for the joey yet and we are not sure of the sex, but as soon as we find out, we will let everybody know.”

“Sanctuary visitors will be able to see the joey snuggling with mum or riding on her back. We have even seen young joeys clinging to the side of their mother’s head!”

When the joey is about six months old, the mother koala will start producing pap - a specialised form of faeces that allows her to pass on the micro-organisms from her own gut that are essential for digesting eucalyptus.

“While this sounds a bit disgusting, pap feeding helps the joey transition from milk to gum leaves,” Ms Clemenger said.

In the wild young male koalas disperse to establish their own territory at about 12 months old, while young females may choose to stay closer to their mother into adulthood.

This behaviour is replicated at the Sanctuary.

The best time of day to see Emily and her joey along the Koala Forest track is around 10:30am when keepers provide fresh gum leaves.

Nine koalas call Healesville Sanctuary home, spending between 18 to 20 hours sleeping each day.

Koala populations in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory are listed as endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Koalas are not endangered in Victoria.

However, like all wildlife in Victoria, koalas are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 (Wildlife Act).

Threats to this species in the wild include loss of habitat, climate change, road collisions and the disease Chlamydia.

The joey is exploring its habitat outside the pouch for longer periods of time and gaining confidence with climbing.

Picture: ZOOS VICTORIA

The inaugural Birrarung Riverfest is set to celebrate and educate on the river from 24 September to 22 October. Picture: ON FILE

$20,000 from the 2023 Victorian Landcare Grants is going to the Friends of the Leadbeaters Possum.

Picture: ON FILE

Learn traditional archery

By Callum Ludwig

A Woori Yallock resident is offering an opportunity for others to learn a rare and unique sport in a social and tranquil environment.

Jerry Osadczuk, an artist whose work has also been featured in local exhibitions, lived in Japan and learnt the art of Shihan-Mato, a traditional form of Japanese archery, from his wife’s grandfather.

Mr Osadczuk brought the artistic and elegant pastime back with him to Australia and said it’s been around in Japan since the 15th century.

“As far as I know, in Australia, I’m the only person doing it and only because I studied it in Japan and did it for a long time, so I came back with a number of arrows,” he said.

“We meet once a fortnight, come and shoot arrows and have a cup of green Japanese tea, it’s a pretty relaxing thing we look forward to.”

Mr Osadczuk currently shoots with Mario Laing, who first got involved after seeing Mr Osadczuk share his interest in the sport with the Star Mail about 15 years ago. Recently, a third member died and so Mr Osadczuk hopes to share his passion with any new members who may be interested in joining them.

Mr Osadczuk said he really fell in love with it after his first time, even though he’d never really done archery before.

“I really got into the very social and a little bit spiritual and calm side of it, especially in a dojo. I continued Shihan-Mato for a few years and then I got into Kyudo which is a different form of archery with a long bow,” he said.

“I was doing both for about five years and I don’t mean to brag but I was a Fifth Dan in both, doing it nearly every day while I was running an English conversation school over there.”

Mr Osadczuk came back to Australia, specifically to Healesville, after nine years living in

Japan with the bows and arrows left to him by his wife’s grandfather after he died and starting teaching others how to participate.

‘Shihan’ means 4.5 ken, a measurement equivalent to 8.2m which is the distance between the shooter and the ‘Mato’ which means target. Shooters fire from a seated position at the target, which is only 13.6 centimetres wide, with a 1.36m long shortbow called a ‘Yumi’.

Mr Osadczuk said if you get everything right and in order, you will hit the target without even having to think about it.

“There’s a saying in Kyudo that translates to ‘One shot, one life’, essentially saying each shot counts so they don’t take it too casually, which isn’t the attitude in Shihan-Mato but it is still true,” he said.

Mr Laing said concentration is the key.

Going on a book hunt...

By Dongyun Kwon

Mental Project and Healesville Library have collaborated to run a kid’s book hunt event for the school holiday activity.

Children are encouraged to find secondhand books in zip lock bags in Queens Park, Coronation Park and the Railway Park from 16 September to 3 October.

Mental Project co-founder Steve Curry said he got an idea of the event from one of the ABC news articles he had read.

“The article was about a woman from New South Wales who started hiding children’s books in Ziploc bags,” he said.

“She got inspired by an event in America where people hide coloured rocks for children to find.

“I love the idea and it fits in with community fun excitement.”

Mr Curry expected the event to help the local kids improve their reading skills.

“I hope the event provides a free activity that encourages kids away from technology which inadvertently helps reading skills as well during the school holidays” he said.

The group secretary Gemma Seymour also started to organise the event with a small hope.

“I want this event would be a great opportunity for local children to get a habit to read more books,” she said.

Many locals are impressed by the event and show their support on a Facebook post in the Healesville Noticeboard Facebook group.

A person commented he found a few books in a park and his kids loved reading them.

Another person commented she found one in Coronation Park and wondered who was going to find the book afterwards.

The Mental Project group is planning to organise more events for the wider age groups.

“We’d like to collaborate with other community groups as well and help with skill sharing and mentoring for future events,” Mr Curry said.

People, who are interested in collaborating with them, are welcome to send an email to mentalhealesville@gmail.com.

“We need concentration and we need our eyes but I am short-sighted and my lenses are over there and I still do it always without them, a little concentration what makes you be the successful,” he said.

Shihan-Mato is more of a casual game compared to the more popular Kyudo in Japan.

According to the website of Sengan-en, a traditional home and garden built by the Shimadzu family, Shihan Mato was created in about 1568, when Ito Yoshisuke (1512-1585) attacked the head of the Shimadzu family at the time, Tadachika, at Obi Castle in the province of Hyuga. Peasants that were loyal to the Ito clan were able to distract reinforcements using their handmade bamboo bows and help the castle be captured after a five-month siege. As a gesture of goodwill to the peasants, Yoshisuke allowed them to continue practising

Shihan-Mato as an informal sport.

To this day it is popular in the Nichinan area of Miyazaki Prefecture and can be played on the grounds of Obi Castle.

Mr Osadczuk said for anyone interested, it doesn’t have to be a hard and fast commitment.

“We’re both very social guys, we’re quite happy and friendly and we just basically talk about everyday things and sometimes we change the days if one of us is busy, so it’s flexible,” he said.

“I’ve got practice bows and arrows, so to anybody that wants to have a go, they shouldn’t think too much about it. Just come and try and if you don’t like it you don’t have to come back.”

Anyone interested can contact Mr Osadczuk at 0466 598 119.

Steve Curry (co-founder, left) and Gemma Seymour (secretary, right).

Picture: DONGYUN KWON

Jerry Osadczuk fires off an arrow as Mario Laing watches on.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Activities galore at YGLLC

The Yarra Glen and District Living and Learning Centre offers a wide range of classes and workshops and is home to many community groups.

Our vision is to provide a safe welcoming environment where skills and ideas are shared.

To make a difference to people’s lives and provide them with a greater sense of wellbeing and belonging.

Term 4 has an array of activities and groups to join, for young and old, from art classes to gardening, there’s something for everyone.

Portrait workshops with Sandra Garnham, a visual artist, are continuing throughout October on Thursdays from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

For passionate little gardeners, celebrate Children’sWeek on Monday 23 October by creating a pot and planting a seedling.

Join in a line dancing class for the Over 50s Festival celebrations or get one on one tech support on the first Tuesday of every month.

In an exploration of calming the mind and body try a range of pilates, yoga and meditation types from October to December.

If looking to explore more options around Yarra Glen, why not see what the Country Women’s Association has to offer or learn more about local history on Wednesdays until the

end of the year.

With so much happening day in and day out, there’s almost too much to choose from, so why not start today.

Yarra Glen Living and Learning Centre is located at 12-14 Anzac Avenue, Yarra Glen. To find out more, call 9730 2887 or email ygdllc@ bigpond.com. The website can be found at www.yarraglen.com/livingandlearning/index. php

Yarra Glen Living and Learning Centre’s Rhonda, Carol, Julie, Christina, Lisa and Julie Front row Di, Sandy and Carol. 346831 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Carol and Rhonda look to borrow a book. 346831

Learning to reduce anxiety

Anxiety and related mental health issues amongst young people has been increasing to alarming levels in recent years. A recent survey by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) has reported significant increases in Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Depression, suicidality or self-harm and peer relationship difficulties in the 13-18 age group.

APS President Dr Catriona Davis-McCabe commented “While for many adults the pandemic is becoming a distant memory, its effects continue to devastate children across the country.”

Increased anxiety amongst teenagers is a contributing factor in the higher than usual rates of school refusal, where the idea of attending school causes severe distress, resulting in long periods of absence and potential long term disengagement from school.

Mountain District Learning Centre in Ferntree Gully runs a specialist education reengagement program, known as The Cottage Program, which was created to accommodate young people 14 to 19 years, who have acute social anxiety and other related mental health issues, and have significant barriers to attending mainstream school.

The Cottage Program is unique in its design, offering a holistic approach to learning by providing education, in a non-school, small-group setting alongside a strong support system of youth workers, wellbeing programs and access to external programs and services.

Mountain District Learning Centre was recently recognised for the success of The Cottage Program as a nominated Finalist in the 2023 Victorian Training Awards, acknowledging that it has achieved a 95 per cent success rate. Out of 80 students enrolled over the past three years, 74 achieved a Year 10 alternative

pass, eight went on to employment and 66 continued into further study.

Mountain District Learning Centre CEO, Janet Claringbold and Board Chairperson,

Robyn Burke were honoured to receive recognition in the Community Training Provider of the Year category. They are proud of the efforts of MDLC’s Education and Training Man-

ager, Alison Percy and the teachers and youth workers who run the program for the benefit of young people who need an alternative pathway to continuing education.

Mountain

Registered Training Organisation: 3969

An

The Cottage Program is an accredited education re-engagement program designed for young people who experience acute social anxiety or other related mental health issues that present a barrier to attending education within a mainstream school environment.

The Cottage Program has fully qualified teachers, supported by youth workers and aims to re-engage young people in a postive learning environment with pathways to further education or employment

Healesville Living and Learning Centre has been providing quality programs and activities, focusing on supporting and encouraging life long learning, for more than 40 years. We are a Neighborhood House and an Adult Education provider, delivering pre-accredited training, recreational and support programs to the local community.

Term 4 at HLLC

Auslan Computer Training Writing

Environment and Sustainability

Art and Creativity Health and Wellbeing

Visit www.hllc.org.au online for more information and to enrol.

• Students are encouraged and supported in building social connections, and strengthening ongoing physical and mental health as well as emotional wellbeing.

• MDLC youth workers support the young people to overcome challenges and to engage in opportunities to build their skills and confidence.

• Youth workers help the young people to make informed choices in areas such as education pathways, health, wellbeing and relationships.

The Cottage Program is focused on building literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills through the following nationally accredited courses:

• 22472VIC Certificate I in General Education for Adults

• 22473VIC Certificate II in General Education for Adults

• 22474VIC Certificate III in General Education for Adults

Mountain District Learning Centre CEO Janet Claringbold and Board Chairperson Robyn Burke were honoured to attend the training awards night.

Picture: MDLC

Diesel hits are coming

By Callum Ludwig

‘Diesel’ (Mark Lizotte) is set to rock the stage at The Memo next month ahead of the launch of his new album ‘Bootleg Melancholy.’

Diesel, who has previously performed as Johnny Diesel, the lead singer of Johnny Diesel and The Injectors and under his birth name, will be playing in Healesville on Saturday 7 October.

Diesel said his regional tour feels like the most encompassing show he has done to date.

“I’ve really enjoyed doing the show in other parts of the country, and those who’ve seen me before are going to see a lot of different facets that you haven’t seen,” he said.

“Especially in the theatre environment, it’s just so perfect for the show that I’m doing. The great thing about art centres and theatres is they just have this beautiful consistency and as an artist, it’s great to know that I’m gonna have a great setting to do my music with good sound, good visuals and everything else.”

The show at The Memo is the fourth of his ‘Greatest Hits and Alone With Blues’ regional tour and the last one prior to the 14-track album’s release on Saturday 13 October. Alone with Blues is his 2021 album that Diesel never got a chance to perform due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic at the time.

Diesel said because he couldn’t tour Alone with Blues in 2021, he started work on another record which became Bootleg Melancholy

pretty much straight away.

“I’m still pinching myself when I get on the stage at these shows recently, I think all the travelling and all the trappings that go with touring are very familiar but when I actually get on the stage, it’s still kind of hitting me and humbling me,” he said.

“There are bits and pieces of all the records that I’ve made in Bootleg Melancholy, little bits that represent each record, but it feels like a new sound for me as well at the same time. I read somewhere one of my fans said ‘you always managed to sound new, but still like you’ which was good to hear.”

Diesel’s single ‘Forever’ has been lifted from the upcoming release and is available to stream for fans who want to get a taste of the album early.

Diesel said the jitters of releasing something is still always a bit like taking something to school for show and tell.

“You have those heart palpitations, worrying if people are gonna like it or not, mixed with excitement at the same time because I’m really excited for people to hear it,” he said.

“I think with this particular show, generally I feel like people have been walking away feeling like they’ve seen another side of me that they haven’t seen before.”

You can find out more about Diesel’s show at The Memo and get tickets at: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/Events/DIESEL.

Spring festival fun and art coming to Mont De Lancey

By Callum Ludwig

The Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead’s annual Art on the Hill exhibition featured alongside an inaugural Spring Festival last weekend

Visitors could view Art on the Hill for free on Thursday 21 September and Friday 22 September, or for a $5 entry (adult ticket) could enjoy the spring festivities as well as the exhibition over the weekend.

Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead Administrator Deb Duncan said they were very excited for the first Spring festival.

“The idea was to have a family-friendly event where we can show some of the trades, the arts and the crafts that have been done in times gone past,” she said.

“We’ve got a really good selection of everything; stitching, embroidery, weavers, spinners, a handbook binder that makes notebooks, a chair maker, beautiful glasswork and timber work and of course our own blacksmiths, preservation machinery shed and woodturners as well.”

Food and drinks were available to be had at the on-site cafe Two Peas in their Pod throughout the event, as well as the chance to try some handcrafted bread and cheeses or beers from Hop Hen Brewing.

Ms Duncan said the homestead continues to be a bit of a hidden gem.

“It gave people the opportunity to wander the gardens, which are just starting to burst forward now with spring, which is gorgeous as well as the homestead and slab kitchen which will be open as well,” she said.

“We often hear from people who come time and time again and then there’s others that come for the very first time that live quite close to here, so it’s a really good opportunity to be able to do that, especially with the perfect weather we should have.”

Kids could go for free, with activities, donkey rides, face painting and the chance to make their very own clay sculpture too.

Art on the Hill exhibition coordinator and blacksmith Paul Cacioli said this year’s exhibition featured nearly 60 pieces.

“They are mainly sculptures and paintings, from about 23 or 24 artists, both regional and local, and it’s been supported by the Association of Sculptors of Victoria, and we’ve got a really eclectic mixture including ceramics, wood carvings, marble, steel paintings, oil and acrylics,” he said.

“We’ve got some high-end sculptures, some really beautiful bronzes, we’ve got some very contemporary works as well as the traditional stuff.”

Art on the Hill is on show at Mont De Lancey.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

An intricate, homely sculpture ‘housed’ in a globe.

A peculiar pair of pals.

Diesel (Mark Lizotte) is coming to The Memo in October.

Picture: JESSE LIZOTTE

OPINION

Using herbal tonics

Herbal tonics are wonderful. And when used correctly can be transformative.

In this article I’ll define what they are and how they can enhance and lift your vitality so that you meet your day with a renewed sense of vigour.

Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years to help in all manner of health. Today, I’d like to discuss the role of using herbal adaptogens. These are a class of herbs with a sweet taste and are used to restore and replenish vitality in the body. Things like Liquorice, Withania, Siberian Ginseng, Rhodiola and Panax Ginseng are good examples. They improve physiological function and can be highly rejuvenating. Tonics are never used in an acute illness or, when you are actively receiving another treatment. It’s best to go through that situation of its own accord first and then consider tonic options. For example, during an acute cold or flu or, certain drug treatment like chemotherapy or radiation should only be augmented with tonics under the skill of a trained

Vampire tale

Healthy living

Tim Howden Paediatric Naturopath – Healesville

clinician. When used correctly they are excellent at fortifying the body’s innate ability to heal and self-repair. There are multiple situations that lend themselves to using herbal tonics.

Post-surgery, to accelerate wound healing. post-viral fatigue conditions (Glandular fever, Ross River Fever, EBV, Long Covid), During a stint of chronic stress (mental, physical, emotional), night sweats unrelated to acute illness, medication or hormonal shifts. Adaptogens can be used to enhance physical performance

and reduce post exercise fatigue. Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng) was used first by Russian cosmonauts to reduce fatigue and stress from cosmic radiation during space travel. It’s a great herb. There are multiple ways to use these herbs from tea, tincture, fluid extracts to decoction and use in soups of sorts. The biggest difference between is that teas and decoction tend to produce weaker extracts and as such larger volumes of both herbal material and quantity consumed is required to result in good outcomes. The preferred method is with a tablet or liquid extract. But, as with all things natural medicine there are potential pitfalls of the DIY method including incorrect product, tainted product, illegal product as well as issues around interactions with other drugs and the like.

Always consult your trusted degree-qualified practitioner to prescribe you an effective and safe protocol. So, if you’ve been struggling with low energy and poor vitality driven by issues like Long-Covid, take solace in knowing that herbal adaptogens may just be the ticket.

Hard-hitting Australian young novel

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN

A review of I Had Such Friends by Meg Gatland-Veness

El Cond Starring Jaime Vadell, Alfredo Castro and Paula Luchsinger

Rated MA15+

3.5/5

El Conde (Spanish for “The Count”) is a darkly funny, historically-conscious Chilean horror film marred by needless narration. Tired of eternal life, the vampire Augusto Pinochet (Jaime Vadell), formerly the dictator of Chile, meets with his five children to discuss their inheritance.

El Conde’s witty dialogue and squabbling, morally grey performances explore Pinochet’s despotic legacy and bring the complicated bonds of family to a macabre extreme.

Pinochet is torn between immortality and the relief of death, and his children love him but want him dead for his money. Paula Luchsinger conveys remarkable grace and subtle madness as a nun sent to kill Pinochet under the cover of an audit.

The narrative has a strong current of scheming and treachery on multiple fronts, and Pinochet’s grizzly hunts, with a soaring Vivaldi score and Pinochet literally soaring through the city for fresh victims, have an ironic grandeur: a dictator as a monster of the night in full uniform.

With its dark humour, class themes and focus on an aristocratic vampire whose world has left him behind, El Conde most closely resembles Paul Morrissey’s 1974 film Blood for Dracula.

El Conde’s biggest flaw is its obtrusive, incongruently posh British narration, which frequently explains things we can clearly see or infer in the scene.

The narration provides some laughs – the almost Julia Childs-like commentary over Pinochet drinking a victim’s heart in a blender is one of the funniest moments of the year – and it sets up a late-film twist that you may find ingenious or infuriating; I’m somewhere in the middle.

The film also peters out with an unsatisfying ending.

A gruesome, funny and cleverly-written horror film with unwelcome narration and a conclusion that may lose you, El Conde is streaming on Netflix.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

All Theatres

So, you require backstage help in your theatres? Have you read about theVeteran suicides? How can you help?

Coming soon to theatres Kemp’s curtain call

Go to your local RSL and speak to the President. Ask if he has any veterans and ex-servicemen looking to assimilate into the community. Explain your needs for offstage assistance and maybe you might help save a life.

Veterans have trouble settling in once they have left the service and this would be a good way to assimilate into their local community.

There are always vacancies for electricians, bar staff, carpenters, scene shifters, bio box staff, front of house, even a chance for someone to learn a new craft. Consider this appeal, speak to your local RSL and the possibility of aiding a veteran to settle in the community. you might save a life.

Burrinja Theatre

Bakehouse Cozen tour – Lloyd Spiegel Trio

The 14 time Australian Blues Award winner has one of the most interesting stories in music, having grown up on stage learning from and touring with the founding fathers of modern Blues.

The current show features the incredibly talented Lisa Baird on trombone and longtime collaborator Tim Burnham on drums. Combined with Spiegel’s guitar wizardry, powerful vocal performance and knack for storytelling, this trio with a twist delivers a truly unique entertainment that reinvents the blues and dispels the cliches associated with it.

This tour celebrates the release of Bakehouse Dozen. Recorded live with no overdubs at Melbourne iconic Bakehouse studios, the album offers reimagined versions of songs from Spiegel’s last 13 multi-award winning

CARTOON

recordings and showcases the raw energy and depth of the trio signalling what’s to come.

Season: Friday 6 October at 8pm Burrinja Theatre

The Basin Theatre Belle

The Walker sisters’ mother has eaten some bad tuna and been taken to hospital. Again. When oldest sister Penny calls to inform her five sisters a series of phone calls ensues. Second oldest Aneece is too busy being bitter at their mother to talk to Peggy. Audrey prefers to put Huckle, her ventriloquist dummy, on the phone instead of speaking to her sister and Sherry has changed her name to Dust, who is more interested in abstract poetry with her current lover than discussing their mother’s various ailments . Rosanne’s life is falling apart, yet she still seems to come second to her husband’s midlife crisis and youngest sister Paige is having romantic troubles all of which takes precedence over their mother’s latest drama. All in all Peggy doesn’t have much luck gaining sympathy for Mama.

· Season: October 5 – 15. Bookings: 1300 784 668

Remember:

The Bakery@1812. Phantom Call Season: October 5 – 28. Bookings: 9758 3964.

The title of Australian author Meg Gatland-Veness’s YA novel comes from the final lines of W.B. Yeats’s poem “The Municipal Gallery Revisited”: “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends / And say my glory was I had such friends.”

As the poet revisits old friends and old memories, he is “heart-smitten with emotion”, immersed in a wave of nostalgia and gratitude. In comparison, the first-person narrator Hamish in I Had Such Friends recalls his teenage years with much sorrow and regret:

“Sometimes we talk about the past, but it gets harder and harder each time. Sometimes we just cry.”

Seventeen-year-old Hamish lives on a cabbage farm and has extremely low self-esteem. As the second least popular student in his country-town high school, he envies those who are more popular and better looking, such as school captain Charlie and his girlfriend Annie. Hamish finds it difficult to engage with those around him, particularly after the death of his little sister. Not that he enjoys the company of his one and only friend Martin, although their friendship does help reduce the amount of bullying they receive daily.

The turning point comes after Charlie’s death in a car crash. As Hamish gets pulled into the lives of those left behind, he realises that nothing is as it seems. The truths are far more complicated and alarming, the darker sides of Australian youth, school and family culture both undesirable and unavoidable. One of the hard-hitting themes in the book is the impact of toxic masculinity on how teenagers perceive others and themselves. Not just the misconception that masculinity means being physically strong and superior, but the false assumption has become so prevalent that those failing to abide by it are deemed, by others and even by themselves, as weak and deserving ridicule and derision.

The author’s own teaching experience has enabled her to explore another unpleasant yet undeniable part of the true nature of a universal high school experience – the use of aggression and violence against those who deviate from the commonly accepted social “norms”. Whether it is Hamish or his more popular friends, bullying happens whenever an individual is judged to be above, below or away from the “standards” recognised and upheld by the collective. But the most vivid depiction is of the haunting, desperate feeling of loneliness that Hamish and his friends often experience, especially when they are with their family. Every teenager in the story has secrets that they cannot share with their parents, for fear of not being understood, accepted, believed and/or supported. While this feeling of isolation helps them bond with each other, it also deepens their own sense of vulnerability and helplessness.

As the author’s first novel, I Had Such Friends displays the kind of raw brilliance that only debut writers possess, rich in emotions and empathy. While Hamish’s penchant for self-deprecation is occasionally excessive, his is an authentic voice full of love and compassion for his friends. It is this devotion that gives us hope.

COMMUNITY DIARY COMMUNITY DIARY

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Upcoming Casey for Yes events

Casey for Yes is holding a number of events throughout the electorate in the lead up to The Voice referendum on 14 October.

A Conversation supporting the YES vote events are a community forum where Casey forYes representatives will help share why they want Casey residents should vote Yes in next

month’s referendum.

Yea and Healesville hosted events on Monday 25 September, with one still to come for Warburton on Monday 2 October 7pm.

Anyone interested in attending can RSVP at: www.yes23.com.au/a_conversation_supporting_the_yes_vote_-_warburton.

Burra Bingo at Warburton Bowls Club

Join the Warburton Bowls Club starting 11 October for four bingo nights to kick off the season.

There will be games, prizes, refreshments and drinks at bar prices. Bring your friends and family for this fun community night out and get to know your local club members.

Doors open at 6.30pm.

A chance to grab grants for local sports clubs

The latest round of theVictorian government’s Sporting Club Grants program will continue to break barriers for grassroots sport and recre-

ation organisations, encouraging local communities to stay healthy and active.

Applications are now open for the Sporting Club Grants program, which sees a strong focus on supporting, celebrating and building the capacity of sports volunteers in vital roles from administration to coaching and umpiring.

Available grants include up to $750 to support athlete travel, up to $1,000 for uniforms, equipment and resources that improve accessibility and engagement, up to $2,000 for projects to strengthen volunteering and officiating or up to $4,000 to deliver a new sport or recreation program.

Applications for this round close at 4pm on 12 October 2023.

For more information and to apply, visit https://sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/ our-grants/sporting-club-grants-program.

Celebrating multiculturalism

The State government is supporting Victoria’s multicultural communities to celebrate, share and preserve their culture with a new round of festivals and events grants.

Regional communities will also benefit through the Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund with more than $1 million available to support multicultural festivals and events in regional Victoria, with no cap on funding requests.

“I’m so proud of the role the Multicultural Festival and Events program has played, and continues to play, in supporting Victorian festivals and events that showcase our state’s dynamic cultural diversity,” Multicultural affairs minister Colin Brooks said.

Grants of up to $50,000 are available to organisations in metropolitan areas to host events that celebrate and showcase culture and strengthen Victoria’s vibrant multiculturalism.

“I fully encourage organisations to apply for this funding that will help bring your events to life, as these events are contributors to our multicultural spirit and the richness of community life here in Victoria,” Mr Brooks said.

Applications are open from 21 September until 27 October.

For more information visit www.vic.gov.au/ multicultural-festivals-and-events-program.

Donne’s timeless wisdom

By Maria Millers

Donne has always been one of my favourite poets. For someone who lived in the late 16th and early 17th century his poetry still speaks loudly to modern concerns. Such is the timeless power of great poetry.

No Man Is an Island is not really a poem, but part of a sermon delivered by Donne, as an Anglican Priest in 1623, at a time when he was seriously ill.

We could call it a prose poem but it appears consistently in anthologies set out in stanzas as a poem.

His message is so relevant for an age when rampant individualism is lauded and encouraged. And yet, during the pandemic we learnt the hard way what Donne essentially argues in this poem: that people need each other; that community is important not only for our physical needs but also for our psychological wellbeing.

We are after all social animals that thrive on human contact and depend on each other.

As he points out: No man is an island; Entire of itself

Today what occurs on the other side of a shrinking globalized world is not only instantly available to us but can impinge on our lives in many different ways, so it’s not really an option to ignore the many challenges that exist, both environmental and political.

This week there were two disasters: the Earthquake in Morocco and floods of biblical proportions in Lybia. Thousands have died and thousands are still missing: both

His final words are a reminder that in the end we all face the same fate: And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee. Picture: UNSPLASH

events far removed from concerns of most Australians, grappling with day to day problems.

Donne reminds us however, that Any man’s death diminishes me; Because I am involved in mankind

For some the disasters may be just a disruption to travel plans in the case of Morocco, but for others it may bring a new awareness that perhaps such cataclysmic events could be somehow related to our actions, however faraway they occur.

Donne’s world was much more confined but he understood that events elsewhere mat-

tered: If a clod be washed away by the sea ; Europe is the less

His final words are a reminder that in the end we all face the same fate: And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.

No Man Is an Island

No man is an island, Entire of itself; Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main.

Warburton Shell Service

If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, As well as if a promontory were: As well as if a manor of thy friend’s Or of thine own were. Any man’s death diminishes me, Because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.

John Donne

Submissions to the Woorilla Prize 2023 close 30 September

634-638 Warburton Highway

Wandin North Fast Fuel Wandin 389-391 Warburton Highway

Wandin North IGA X-Press Wandin North Plus Liquor 388 Warburton Highway

Wandin North Landmark Harcourts Wandin Real Estate 1/362 Warburton Highway

Wandin North Wandin Newsagency Shop 18/2 Union Road

Warburton IGA Supermarket 3465 Warburton Highway

Warburton K G Thomas Ply Ltd Insurance 1/3395 Warburton Highway

Warburton The Valley Bakery Warburton 3415 Warburton Highway

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 One who believes in sharing evenly amongst the community  (9)

6 Temperate (4)

10 Poem (3)

11 Armour that covers the chest (11)

12 To make more attractive (8)

13 Difficult (6)

14 Puerto Rican actor, – Guzmán (4)

15 Expresses disapproval (7)

20 Supervisors (7)

21 Landlocked West African country (4)

25 Discharge (6)

26 Producing haze (8)

28 Ornamentation (11)

29 Phone program (abbr) (3)

30 Preservative (4)

31 Visible features of an area (9)

DOWN

1 Grow rapidly (8)

2 A species of buttercup (8)

DECODER

3 Heads of a monastery (6)

4 Beyond words, indescribable (9)

5 Examine (4)

7 Roma is its capital (6)

8 Dragnet (6)

9 Work; use (7)

16 Height (9)

17 Line dividing the earth and the sky (7)

18 Vista (8)

19 First name of Italian composer Verdi (8)

22 Strata (6)

23 Sudden gust of wind (6)

24 Indicates (6)

27 One of the seasons (US) (4)

WORDFIT

9-LETTER WORD

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

sign, signing, signs, sing, singing, sings, sins, snag, snags

assign, ASSIGNING, gags, gains, gassing, gins, nags, nisi, sags, sang,

HOME WITH 3 LIVING AREAS

COMMANDING on an elevated position to take in the beautiful treed vistas, this residence is as functional as it is appealing. Set amongst a near ¼ acre allotment that has been beautifully landscaped. Families will enjoy the safe child friendly court position and the efficient floorplan which blends communal family zones and still offers parental privacy when required. You are spoilt for choice with three separate living spaces. This young home built in 2013 is light, bright, and airy, the current owners have meticulously maintained it. It is the perfect property to enjoy the indoor/outdoor lifestyle we all love. The residence offers:

· 4 bedrooms all with robes

· Zoned master suite with bathroom and walk-in robe

· New carpets

· Superbly appointed kitchen, Caesarstone benchtops, walk in pantry, SS appliances, and lovely views to the rear yard.

· 3 separate living areas

· Spacious bathroom with bath and separate shower

· Roomy laundry with excellent storage

· Remote double garage with interior access. Sealed road access.

HOME ESSENTIALS

· Outdoor covered dining, extended paving makes for easy entertaining

· Abundant storage throughout

· Secure rear yard for pets

· Gas ducted heating

If you are looking to escape to a quieter existence in a welcoming township of community minded people, Gembrook will really be a pleasing tree-change. Somewhere you can see yourself living for a long time, raising the family, or just having room to move in beautiful surrounds, 9 Kookaburra Court, Gembrook should be on the top of your list. ●

FOUR BEDROOM HOME ON HALF ACRE

A very rare package.

This big family home is only a few years young featuring two living areas, 4 bedrooms and a work from home office.

Meander across the road for a fresh coffee and cake, set on a fabulous half acre of land ( 2406 sq.m) with two titles and good vehicle access via separate driveways.

The brick veneer home has a double garage with internal access, and there is so much space outside with lawn areas, veggie garden and plenty of room for the kids to play. Master bedroom with ensuite and walkin robe, continue down the hall to the heart of the home being the kitchen, complete with walk in pantry, island bench and big open plan living area.

There is even a powder room and family bathroom, a gorgeous private alfresco off the living area that also gives you full access to your big backyard. Tiled floors throughout keep it simple and easy to clean, good quality blinds and the added extra of external shutters for that hot sunshine. Gas ducted heating for those cold winter nights, located close to The Flying Apron, Artisan Baker, Mill House Fromagerie and the Warburton Hotel.

Also only minutes walk to primary school, Rail Trail, and a bus stop right out front.

Not far is the Wesburn Park for all your recreational needs.

You will love this entire package. Call now for inspection. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 2895 Warburton Highway, WESBURN Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $890,000 - $975,000

Contact: Leah Bannerman 0448 924 266, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

Inspect: By appointment

SaturdayAuctionDate1:00pm21stOct

Have you been searching for the perfect opportunity to craft your dream home or investment? Look no further! Nestled in the serene embrace of Badger Creek, this home welcomes you with the opportunity to improve your investment as you go along.

The lounge room and bedrooms boast floorboards while the pitched ceilings create an inviting sense of space and airiness The kitchen/dining room area features a tiled floor, offering the perfect canvas for your culinary aspirations. All three bedrooms come complete with built-in robes, providing ample storage while maintaining the home's spacious ambiance. Whether you're seeking a family haven or an investment with rental potential, this property offers the comfort and functionality you desire.

Don't miss out on this incredible canvas for your dreams. Yes, there is work to be done both inside and out but opportunities like this are far and few between in today's market. Contact Jane today on 0432 375 940 to schedule a viewing.

EMBRACE ULTIMATE FAMILY LIVING

INTRODUCING this immaculate 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home on a 1800 sqm block.

The highlights are boundless, starting with the recently renovated kitchen that will surely delight any culinary enthusiast.

Complemented by the beautiful hardwood floorboards throughout the home add a touch of elegance and warmth.

The flexible floorplan is designed to accommodate various living arrangements, featuring four bedrooms plus a generous home office or additional bedroom if required.

Entertaining guests is a breeze with the open plan lounge flowing into the dining area and rumpus room, all seamlessly connecting to a covered outdoor entertaining space.

It’s the perfect spot for gatherings and relaxing moments, allowing you to enjoy indoor-outdoor living, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply relaxing with your loved ones. The recent renovation has brought forth a stunning kitchen, with plenty of storage and countertop space, plus a new laundry which brings functionality to this charming abode.

Families with children and pets will appreciate the fully fenced backyard, providing a safe and secure space for kids and pets to play freely. Additionally, ample off-street parking for vehicles, caravans, or boats ensures that all your parking needs are met.

Extra features include: 2.7m high ceilings in the main living area, gas ducted heating throughout plus an Ultimate fan-forced wood heater in the lounge, evaporative cooling for year-round comfort and robes to all bedrooms.

This exceptional family home is accessed via a dual access service road and has so much to offer, from its recent upgrades to its spacious layout and location, close to Belgrave and Emerald. If you’re looking for a property that checks all the boxes, don’t miss the opportunity to make this house your new home! ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 174 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, MENZIES CREEK Description:

Contact: Jan Brewster 0409 558 805, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111

Commandinganelevatedpositionwithbeautifultreedvistas,thisresidenceisas functionalasitisappealingandissetamongstanearly¼acreallotmentthathasbeen beautifullylandscaped.Setinasafecourtpositionandfeaturesanefficientfloorplan, allbedroomswithBIR’s/WIR,superbkitchenwithCeasarstonebenchtops&WIP,laundry roomwithexcellentstorage,newcarpets,GdH,fullyfenced backyard,remotegarage withinternalaccess.Builtin2013,thereisnothingtodoexceptmoveinandenjoy!

CHARMINGRESIDENCEWITHSTUNNINGGARDENS

thiswonderful1950’sbuilt6-acre(mainlyflat)propertyis offeredforsaleforthefirsttime. thegardensareglorious,burstingwithSpringcoloursandtheresidenceoffersFrench dooraccessontothecoveredpatio,spacioustimberkitchen,light-filledlivingwithstone accentedfireplace,hardwoodfloors,grand-sizedbathroom, asecondshower‘room,’ WC,largelaundry,coveredentertainingareawithopenfireplace,4paddocks,anold tenniscourt,woodshed,stable,garage,workshop,covered storeandanothershed.

12.5 ACRES (APPROX) WITH VIEWS

A prime real estate parcel is on offer here, in a fabulous location directly opposite the iconic Warburton Trail, awaiting your dream home to be unearthed. The acreage has power already connected, water tanks and some infrastructure that will have you temporarily sheltered while you embark on the build.

With open fields and jaw dropping mountain views of the Warburton Ranges, there are several beautiful options for you to site your new home (stca) and start realising your dream.

Previously occupied as a wholesale nursery, there are some sheds, watering systems, stunning well established fruit trees, and feature a light mix of ornamental and native trees for privacy and appeal.

With approximately a 3 minute drive, or a 20 minute walk to the hub of the Yarra Junction township, this property provides a rural lifestyle with all of the conveniences nearby. Yarra Junction has primary and high schools, Woolworths, doctors, dentists, sporting clubs and the list goes onpretty much all you need for your everyday requirements.

Call anytime for a private inspection of this special property. No pedestrian access available. ●

CottageCharmonalovelybigblock!

Thisprettyproperty,fullofcharmandcharacterisaperfectfirsthomeorwouldbeidealforafamily needingspacewithasuperbparceloflandof927squaremetres!3spaciousbedrooms,astudy, andalovelycosyloungewithductedheatingandsplitsystemcooler/heater.Thekitchen/meals zoneisopenplanandveryspaciouswithamplestorageandbenchspaceandalovinglyupdated bathroomoffersaneatandlight-filledspacewiththeconvenienceof2toiletsisabonusforfamily peace.Outdoorsyouwillenjoyaspaciousreardeckthatoverlooksyourbeautifulyard,complete withveggiegarden,cubbyhouse,gardenshedwithpower,alockupshed/studiowithpower, concretefloorandamezzanine,andadoublecarport.EnjoyashortstrolltotheWarburtonTrail, WooriYallockshops,schoolandpublictransport.Thisisagreatpropertytocallhome.

EntertaininStyleandClassallyearround

Situatedinpeaceful,picturesquesemiruralsurroundsandwithsensationalYarraValleyviewsto admireit’saplaceyouwon’twanttoleave.Thehomeissuperblypresentedinsideandoutand offers3greatsizebedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesandaluxuriousmainbathroom.Sitback,relax andenjoytheeverchangingValleyviewsfromthespaciousfamily/livingroom,plusanadditional meals/diningarea,thekitchenwillimpresswithmodernuptodateappliancesandqualityfixtures andfittingswithamplebenchandcupboardspace.Outsideisanentertainersparadisewhere youcanentertaininstyleallyearroundwithahugecoveredentertainingarea.Loadsofcar accommodationwithadoublecarportandseparatelockupgarage.Afantasticwelllookedafter home,withgreatviewsandsituatedinaverysoughtafterarea,it’sagreatplacetocallhome.

10LittleJoeCourt,Wesburn$990,000-$1,080,000

FamilyLivingwithLoadsofSpaceandConvenience

Positionedtoplease&offeringloadsofspaceinsideandout,boasting4generousbedroomsand includinganensuiteandwalkthroughrobeinthemainbedroom.Theopenplankitchenoffers amplebenchandcupboardspacewithqualityappliancesandfittingsthroughout,hugelivingareas withseparatefamily/lounge/livingroomandmealsareawithplentyofroom.Ductedheating,wood heatingandevaporativecoolingthroughoutofferyearroundcomfort.Wellover1acre(4476sqm) ofestablishedgardensandlushlawnsthekidsandpetswillloveit,alargelockuphighclearance garage/workshopprovidestheidealspotforcaravans,boats,trucksandtrailers,plusaseparate2 cargarageandtool/gardenshed.Asuperbfamilyhomeinapopularandverysoughtafterarea locatedinaquietcourtwithgreatmountainviews.

DavidCarroll

M 0419539320

Inspection: Sat12.00-12.30pm 4 A 2 B 8 C

FAMILYCOMFORTSPACEANDCONVENIENCE

Somethingalittledifferentandcertainlyveryuniqueandveryimpressive,thisbeautifullypresented homeoffers3bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobes.Greatsizelivingspacewithalargefamily/livingroom andseparatemeals/diningarea,thekitchenisamazingwithstunningtimberbenchtopsandloads ofbenchandcupboardspace.Thewholefamilywilllovetheoutdoorswithgreatusablefrontand backyardswithplentyofspaceforthekidsandpetstorunaroundandenjoyandexplore.Sitback relaxandadmirethesuperbmountainviewsfromtheentertainingdeckandBBQarea,asuperb familypropertyconvenientlypositionedjustashortwalktolocalschools,shops,transportandthe Yarrariverandwalkingtrail,agreatplacetocallhome.

EXCEPTIONAL PRESENTATION AND OUTLOOK

WITH exceptional presentation and exquisite treetop outlooks, this impressive property is the ultimate Hills retreat. Positioned for practicality steps from Baynes Park, Monbulk Aquatic Centre, and Main Road amenities, you will feel tucked away from busy life without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

This spectacular residence sits atop a wide, sweeping drive with ample parking that leads to a under-house carport. Through the beautifully bright foyer with stylish study or home office space, you are led upstairs to a series of sophisticated spaces suited to growing families. Spotted Gum Timber flooring and floor to ceiling architecturally designed windows line each room, beginning in the dining area and lounge with a cosy wood fire with custom accent wall. From here, the floorplan flows into the open plan family room, meals area, and kitchen with wall oven, stainless steel dishwasher, and inviting island seating. For seamless and seasonal indoor-outdoor enjoyment, this level connects to the covered balcony at the front and the open and covered decking at the rear for entertaining year-round.

Keeping the focus firmly on comfort are the spacious bedrooms provided. Each bedroom is adorned with built-in robes and the main bedroom boasts a walk-in robe, elegant ensuite with claw foot tub, and private balcony.

Set upon a splendid 1,434sqm (approx.) allotment with mature gardens and magnificent outlooks, this move-in ready residence makes it easy to imagine living here. Inspection will impress.

· Spacious and sun-filled foyer with large windows for a warm and inviting feel

· Open plan dining area and lounge with timber floors and cosy wood fire

· Quality kitchen with wall oven overlooking the meals area and family room

· Main bedroom with walk-in robe, ensuite with claw foot tub, and balcony

· Family bedrooms with built-in robes positioned near the stylish bathroom Gas ducted heating, large carport, and prime position steps from town ●

OnthefringeoftheDandenongRangesNationalParkandwiththefamous1000Steps almostatyourfrontdoor,thisbeautifullypresentedapartmentgivesyouthebestofboth worlds–AcitylivingfeelwithconvenienceandwithinafriendlyHillscommunity.

SharynChandler

M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

RachelEastwood M 0401117761| E rachel@chandlerandco.com.au

Enjoythischaracter-filledhomeonacovetedlevelallotmentwithinwalkingdistanceof Upweytownshipandtrainstation.Suitedtobuyershopingtosecuretheperfectblendof moderncomfortandtimelesscharm,thispropertywillmakealastingimpression.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

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

1JamesStreet,SELBY

$690,000to$720,000

WHIMSICALHOMEINWONDERFULPOCKETPOSITION 3 A 1 B 2 C

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

SuzieBrannelly

M 0490506910| E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

28GrantullaRoad,SELBY $2,100,000-$2,300,000 78ACRESOFCOTSWOLDVALLEYVIEWS

3 A 1 B 8 C

Offeredforsaleforthefirsttimeinalmost50years,oneofthemosticonicproperties throughouttheDandenongRangesisnowavailableforsale.Situatedontheedge ofSherbrookeForest,stretchingasfarastheeyecansee,theincredibleviewstakein Westernport,PortPhillipBayandthethousandsoftwinklinglightsinbetween.The78acres (approx.)ofmostlycleared,undulatinglandhasbeautiful,richsoilandhasbeenpartofthe Endersby’sdaffodilfarmsince1974.

SharynChandler

M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

GlennChandler

M 0418410689| E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

Young equestrian to shine

By Callum Ludwig

A talented young member of the Seville Pony Club is set to compete at the Pony Club Australia National Championships next month.

Emily Hudak has been selected for the second year running to compete with TeamVictoria, who are aiming for back-to-back titles at the event in Perth on.

Emily said it is an exciting experience and she is very happy to have the chance to represent Victoria.

“I competed in the Nationals two years ago, and it was online because of Covid but it was lots of fun, I am a bit more excited this time because I know how it runs now,” she said.

“I’m very excited to get to do it in person this time and make the trip there.”

The Pony Club Australia National Championships are held every two years, with the event moving from state to state each event.

Prior to the online 2021 event, the last in-person event was held in 2019 at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.

Emily said she has been riding horses for 12 to 13 years of her life, and a member of the pony club for 11 of those.

“I’ve always wanted to represent Victoria but I didn’t know it was going to be so soon. There’s three sections of the championships, the written phase is a test on paper, then you go over and in person and answer some more questions, and finally, there’s a team games area where you work with your team,” she said.

“I feel like I’ll be pretty good at the games, but I’m not sure how I’ll go in the written section.”

The Pony Club Australia National Championships consists of teams made up of sub-junior, junior and senior riders both male and female from each state competing in dressage, show jumping, combined training, mounted games, tetrathlon and a quiz with the points

Trades & Services

totalled at the end to decide the winning state. Seville Pony Club’s District Commissioner Lori Hill said Emily is a great role model and horsewoman.

“We are very proud of her, she looks after her horses exceptionally, is a dedicated rider and has got great community spirit,” she said.

“She even recently organised an event at

our Pony Club and then donated some of the funds to another Pony Club that had burnt down, all of her own back so for a 15-year-old, that’s a massive achievement.”

General Classifieds

Emily Hudak and one of her three horses Freddie at the Seville Pony Club.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

SPORT Celebration night for club

By Dongyun Kwon

Healesville Soccer Club senior members gathered to commemorate the 2023 season on 9 September at the Badger Creek BlueberryWinery.

The club had two senior men’s teams for the first time and both teams did their best with incredibly positive team spirits.

Club President Suzanne Tyzack said the club had great achievements during the season.

“It was fantastic to have so many senior men playing this year after having not even one senior men’s team in 2019,” she said.

“Our players ranged in age from 14 to almost 60.

“Both our senior men teams were put in divisions much higher than we anticipated.

“However, the players had a great season with the camaraderie they built which made us look forward to the next season.”

The senior women’s team also wrapped up their second season with a remarkable result.

They ended up taking runners-up for the season with their effort and combination among the players.

“The players started the season off with a fitness program to be fit and ready to play in the winter,” President Tyzack said.

“The preseason was highly successful with a record amount of sign-ups for the team.”

The team harmony reached the climax with two coaches.

Former President Klaus Gottwald took the first half of the season and Maddie Campbell, who is only 17, stepped in for the second half.

“The combination of a few new players and the hard work of existing players with proper coaching made the team highly competitive

that sat at the top of the ladder majority of the season,” president Tyzack said.

Thecelebrationnightsuccessfullyrecapped the season by recognising the achievements of both individual players and teams.

Healesville Soccer Club is recruiting new

players for the next season, more information at: www.healesvillesoccerclub.com.au.

Season Awards

· MVP: Johnny Caloutas (Senior men’s first), Josh Bloink (Senior reserves), Sarah Cunnian (Women’s)

· Top 5 best and fairest in the league: Sarah Cunnian, Brian Winrow

· Dave Blair Club Spirit Award (the most dedication, teammanship and sportsmanship player throughout the season): Elvis Negron Baca

Fierce Bulldogs have their day toppling Narre Warren

By Marcus Uhe

A 63-point win in Saturday’s Outer East Football Netball League Premier Division grand final saw Wandin secure its ninth senior premiership in emphatic fashion, ending Narre Warren’s reign as champions of the competition in the last two completed seasons.

The battle-hardened and brutal Bulldogs were at their brilliant best, running their Magpie opponents ragged at Officer Recreation Reserve in the 21.15 141 to 11.12 78 victory.

Momentum swung violently in the first quarter that ended with a slightWandin lead, having bookended the term with two goals.

Clint Johnson and Patrick Hodgett kicked the opening two as NarreWarren started slow after their week off, but hit back quickly with the next four in 10 minutes.

Having weathered the early storm, and with fatigue likely to factor as the game continued, there were danger signs for the Bulldogs who were missing opportunities on goal, a common theme of the season.

But Daniel Hirst and Aaron Mullett goals in time-on ensured the Bulldogs hit the lead at quarter time as spectators took their breath following an absorbing half-hour.

A rapid first quarter gave way to a much slower and controlled second, as both sides adjusted to the physicality of the occasion.

The first four goals of the quarter were traded, Brodie Atkins’ snap under pressure at ground level a highlight for the Bulldogs after absorbing pressure for long stretches.

Two goals in three minutes seemed to awaken the dangerous Will Howe, who had little impact on the contest to this point.

But a pair of contested marks and accurate kicks saw him work his way into the action, much to the dread of the boisterous Wandin army.

Things threatened to unravel for Wandin, but they never lost their composure.

Two goals to both Mullett and Hodgett and one to Joel Garner late in term saw the Bulldogs open up a 29-point lead at half time

to leave their opponents stunned.

Wandin entered the rooms full of life, where Narre Warren was flat-footed and looking for answers.

Rarely had they been challenged to this extent, the shock and confusion was written all-over the defending premier’s faces and body language.

Little changed to begin the second half, with Wandin sniffing blood and out for the kill.

Connor Smith and Mullett both missed chances to open the term before Joel Garner and Cody Hirst showed the forwards how it’s done after combining at stoppages, as the lead grew to 44, the largest of the afternoon on the back of seven straight majors.

Howe finally offered a reply for the Magpies, who kicked the next three asWandin appeared to tire.

Kicks out of the back half strayed out of bounds on the full, as numbers clogged the

back half under weight of pressure from further afield.

Goals to Peter Gentile and Riley Siwes for the Magpies cut the lead down to 23 points, before Hodgett answered again late in the term for a 29-point buffer as the sides changed neds for one final time in 2023.

The first goal of the final term was going to set the tone for the remainder of the match, and it was Connor Smith who did the damage within 13 seconds.

Much like he had in the third term, the pocket rocket emerged from the congestion in the middle of the ground with a flying shot on the run, but this time he kicked truly to bring the Wandin army back to life.

Howe answered back for the Magpies shortly after, but that would their final push, as the final minutes turned from contest to procession for the premiers to be.

Jordan Jaworski, Mullett, Hodgett and Johnson all goaled as the minutes ticked

away, before Baha Men’s “Who let the dogs out?” rung out around the ground following the final siren.

Cody Hirst was awarded best on ground, while Mullett finished with six goals and Hodgett five in the club’s first senior premiership since 2018.

NARRE WARREN 4.3 7.5 10.8 11.12(78)

WANDIN 4.7 11.10 14.13 21.15(141)

· Narre Warren Goals: Will Howe 3, Corey Bader 2, Harrison Brain, Jesse Davies, Peter Gentile,Tom Miller, Riley Siwes,TomToner. Best: Cameron Miller, Brad Scalzo, Travis Callahan, Peter Gentile, Jesse Davies, Joel Zietsman.

· Wandin Goals: Aaron Mullett 6, Patrick Hodgett 5, Clinton Johnson 3, Joel Garner 2, Brodie Atkins, Cody Hirst, Daniel Hirst, Jordan Jaworski, Connor Smith. Best: Cody Hirst, Patrick Hodgett, Aaron Mullett, Chayce Black, Joel Garner, Patty Bruzzese.

· Best on ground: Cody Hirst - Wandin.

Jordan Spencer (24 Wandin) comes crashing down. 362388

Picture: ROB CAREWYoung gun Connor Smith (1 Wandin, left) after his goal in the 4th quarter.

Healesville Soccer Club had a celebration night for senior teams on 9 September.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Women’s MVP: Sarah Cunnian.

Hirst at the heart of club

By Marcus Uhe

Cody Hirst described the bond between the playing group at Wandin as a ‘brotherhood’, and the reality is not too far removed from the analogy.

The midfielder, who was crowned bestafield in the grand final triumph over Narre Warren, had the special distinction of winning a senior premiership with his brother Daniel. They, along with the Hodgett’s (Sam and Patrick) and the Garner’s (Joel andTodd) made up a quarter of the premiership side on Saturday.

But to simplify a brotherhood to just the legitimate bloodlines would not do the connection within the squad justice.

“To do it with us and the Byrnes, the Hodgetts, we’ve known each other for years, and the Garners, we all went to primary school together,” Hirst said after the game.

“To win one together means the absolute world.

“The whole club, everyone’s a real brotherhood and I love it.

“To do it with my brother as well, I’m speechless.”

Hirst was the standout among a quality band of midfielders on Saturday, covering the ground with ease and racking up possessions at will, while joining Daniel on the goalkicker’s list for the first time this season.

For Hirst, who finished second in the league best-and-fairest behind one of Saturday’s combatants in Tom Miller, the dominant performance was the culmination of an incredible year for the club, his second in red white and blue.

Things could have gone either way midway through the second quarter, when Narre Warren were landing blow-after-blow after an early Wandin onslaught.

But the Bulldogs had an intangible forged through the fire and hardship of getting to the last day of the season the hard way; belief.

Mullett the missing piece

By Marcus Uhe

Aaron Mullett has seen plenty in his time in football but - up until Saturday - premiership success had eluded him

A sense of relief mixed with satisfaction emanated from the former North Melbourne and Carlton defender after Wandin’s grand final win, with a premiership medallion finally resting against his chest.

Last season was as close as he had come, but a brutal thrashing at the hands of East Ringwood, playing for Mooroolbark, in the Eastern Football Netball League left that box on his career resume unchecked.

Joining a side in need of an extra piece or two to put them ‘over the top’ and bolster their premiership credentials, Mullett fit the bill like a hand in a glove.

Despiteanastyhamstringinjuryinround five ruling him out of much of the season, he was as dynamic and influential as anyone in the competition when he took to the park, with bags of nine, six (twice), five and four on his way to 43 goals for the season.

With fellow recruit Jordan Jaworski (40 goals), Mullett, Clint Johnson (52),Tom Merlino (20) and Patrick Hodgett (14) quickly formed the nucleus of an explosive forward mix that left defenders helpless, on the receiving end of sumptuous delivery from the classy midfielders.

His 50-metre bomb with time ticking down in Saturday’s grand final, to put the finishing touches on the grand final win, a performance in which he kicked six, was the perfect crescendo on a difficult but ultimately rewarding season.

“I had a bad loss last year with Mooroolbark and I was really keen to finish my career with a flag,” Mullett said.

“I was pretty much done after we lost that flag last year, so I thought, why not? Give it one more chance, hopefully enjoy my footy, and it just stemmed from there.

“I knew we were close, knew it was a great group, and they definitely impressed me as a football club.

“It’s a great culture and I just loved being a part of it.”

To return to action was a feat in itself for the 31-year-old, as setbacks kept him off the field for 13 weeks.There were times where he doubted whether he would be able to contribute to the Bulldogs as he battled his way back to full-fitness, and as a result, whether his football career was being snatched away from him without his approval.

For someone whose relationship to the game that has given him so much had become frayed, it would have been a cruel twist of fate, not only for the man himself, but the Bulldog community, who embraced him early in his tenure atWandin, and made him and his family feel welcome.

“For me (there were) moments 10 weeks ago where I thought, ‘this is never going to happen for me’,” Mullett said.

“I thought my hamstring was done, I was only one or two little setbacks away from missing finals.

“I had times where I thought, that was it, or I thought I was miles off, and then, all of a sudden, in the last four/five weeks, everything started to turn a little bit.

“I put in a heap of work, so to get back, probably the last couple of weeks was the only time it started to feel really good.

“There was a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes, a lot of money spent on my body.

“Financially, it’s cost me a lot to try and get myself up, so it’s all made it worthwhile now.

“I’ve had a lot of injuries along the way but it’s times like this where you think‘I can’t give it up now, these moments are too special.’”

To watch him in the finals series, without knowing what it took to get back on the park, you would be none the wiser.

He didn’t lack speed, his trademark long bombs didn’t lose any distance and his reflexes were cat-like; multiple occasions forced him to collect the ball at ground level at speed, turn and kick, all in the one motion, leaving his defenders gobsmacked and spectators in awe.

For someone that admitted to fighting mental battles before games, he credited the support of the football club in healing the wounds left by the brutal life at the top level. “I found it really hard, and still do find it really hard to get myself up for games,” he explained. “It’s a ruthless environment, AFL football, so I’ve got to always bring it back to players, supporters and why you play local footy, and why it’s so important to, not just the players, but the community.

“They get so much enjoyment out of us playing well and me kicking goals, so it’s those moments you’ve got to reflect on.

Whether he goes around again next year is a decision to be made in the coming months, but the results of Saturday’s triumph have certainly influenced his mindset from the beginning of the year. Whatever he decides, the Wandin community will be forever indebted to him for his 10 sensational games that delivered the ultimate reward.

“We talked about it all year and in pre-season we all showed up,” he said.

“We had a few little hiccups throughout the year but we dealt with it, overcame them and it’s the best feeling in the world.

“We knew the tide was going to change, we knew they were going to come.

“Their midfield is really good, Miller, (Kurt) Mutimer, (Tom) Toner, we knew it was going to happen.

“We knew we had to stick our process and we knew that we’d be right.

“That game could have gone two ways, it was a bit of a flip of the coin.

“We had the belief. Our footy club is all about belief and we talk about it.

“To the Wandin army, to our supporters who come out, it was like having a 23rd man out there.

“They’re a great outfit, so to run over the top of them and get the job done, I’m pretty speechless, I’m so proud of them.”

Top day for first ever comp

By Anita Prowse

Sunday saw Wesburn Park host its first ever EA competition, with Melba Equestrian Club’s first Dressage competition.

The weather gods smiled and it was fantastic to see both local and riders from further afield coming together in such a beautiful setting. Travel costs, registrations and general upkeep are now making things so much harder for competitors to keep up with, it was a great day out, for many, closer to home and very reasonably priced.

Reports were glowing on all aspects of the event and facilities, congratulations to Melba EC for running a brilliant event in our Valley.

· Results included – Novice freestyle – 1 st Fern Wright on Fawks Wyntersun 2 nd Skye Wright on Fawks Southern Aurora

· Novice 2.1 – 1 st Sophie Bennett on Illoura 2 nd Faye Hinchliffe on Valhala Valkyrie

· Novice 2.3 – 1 st Louisa Inge on Aber Formira Mi 2 nd Faye Henchliffe on Valhala Valkyrie

· Prelim 1.1- 1 st Paula Heffernan on Gentry Park Royalty 2 nd Keyarra-Lee Smith on Yoicks Elanor

· Childrens Prelim – 1 st Aisha Heinrich on Bertone 2 nd Katie Chamberlain on Maestoso Mopoke

· Junior Freestyle- 1 st Olivia Jackson on Woodleigh Rockstar

· CDN1*Int.- 1 st Bianca Joyce on Desire SP 2 nd Ashleigh Atwell on Champagne Perrier

EA competition and Equestrian Club’s first Dressage competition at Wesburn Park on Sunday 24 September. Picture: SUPPLIED

· CDN2*Int- 1 st Louise Maguire on Mithril Vagabond 2 nd LeanneWilliams on Avoca Solomon

· CDN1*PSG- 1 st Louisa Inge on Road To Jamieson 2 nd Kerrie Aumann on Kerron Park Merlin

· Elem 3.3- 1 st Kylie Pedder on Dicavalli 2 nd Mandy Edwards on San Sassy

· Elem Freestyle- 1 st Sophie Pomie on Hollingrove Dillon 2 nd Jane Riley on Successful Strides Rain

Congratulations to all involved.

Great golfing on the green

By Ron Hottes

Wednesday 20 September, Stableford:

With the weather gods now regularly playing their part, it only naturally follows that winning scores will be more impressive. On this day, there were two very impressive scores. As the course is drying out, providing more run and with the greens in cherry-ripe condition, the winning score of 39 well-earnt points is no surprise. Stuart Patrick was the player who achieved that. But he only receives the top gong after a countback was needed to separate Stuart from unlucky runner-up, Glenn Forbes. Glenn should also be proud of that result. If you posted a 35+ card, you can also claim a ball, and well done. This day’s NTPs went home with P.K. (3rd), David Waterman (9th), Alan McDonald (12th) and finally Laurie Doyle (15th).

Saturday 23 September, Stableford:

With continued perfect golfing weather, the outstanding results continue to be posted. A healthy field, numbers-wise, contested this day’s comp, with the member who stood out the most being Lee Creedy. This was the result of him accumulating an outstanding point total of 40, easily the best A-Grade result of the day. Darryl Ward collected the runner-up

The results were outstanding with the perfect golfing weather. Picture: ON FILE

voucher with 36 points. Good result for both of you, Lee and Darryl. In B-Grade, a 35-point total was enough to get Matthew Maloney over the line- but only just. Matt won that top prize by squeezing out Trevor Porter after a fairly close countback. Clearly Matt’s back nine was the better of the two. In this grade, balls reached down to 32, yet in A-Grade they only extended to 34. NTP winners on this day were Jack Sheehan (3rd), Clinton Toohey (5th), Paul Osbourne (9th), Geoff Fall (12th) and Tom Barr (15th).

Aaron Mullett puts the finishing touches on Wandin’s grand final masterpiece. 362388

Picture: ROB CAREW

Cody Hirst with his well-earned silverware as the best player on the ground in the grand final.

362388 Picture: ROB CAREW

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2020 BMW X3 CNV718

$65,990

LUXURY 4WD WAGON IN IMMACULATE CONDITION WITH SPORTS AUTO 8 SPD TRANSMISSION, TWIN TURBO 2.0 LT MOTOR WITH 185 KW POWER, LEATHER INTERIOR, HEATED FRONT SEATS, FRONT & REAR PARK SENSORS, 360 CAMERA, PANORAMIC SUNROOF, KEYLESS ENTRY WITH BUTTON START, HEAD UP DISPLAY, RADAR CRUISE CONTROL, AUTOMATED PARKING, APPLE CARPLAY, ANDROID AUTO CONNECTIVITY, SAT NAV, LANE ACTIVE ASSIST, BLIND SPOT SENSOR WITH ACTIVE ASSIST, FRONT & REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT, CRASH AVOIDANCE WITH BRAKING (LOW SPD), PEDESTRIAN AVOIDANCE WITH BRAKING, ROAD SIGN RECOGNITION, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, RWC & WARRANTY.

$18,990

$45,990

1 OWNER LUXURY 4WD UTE IN AS NEW CONDITION WITH LOW KMS, FULL DEALER SERVICE HISTORY, 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING WITH NEW CAR WARRANTY TILL 07/2027.

AUTO HEADLIGHTS, SAT NAV, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, KEYLESS ENTRY WITH STARTER BUTTON, HEATED DOOR MIRRORS, LED DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS, FOG LIGHTS, FULL DEALER SERVICE HISTORY, WHITE DUCO, 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING, RWC & WARRANTY.

$25,990

1 OWNER VEHICLE WITH FULL DEALER SERVICE HISTORY, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, MIVEC 2.0 LT MOTOR, CURTAIN AIRBAGS, ABS BRAKES, STABILITY & TRACTION CTL, FULL ELECTRICS, CLIMATE AIR CONDITIONING, CRUISE CONTROL, ALLOY WHEELS, LED DAYTIME LAMPS, REVERSING CAMERA, REVERSING SENSORS, PRIVACY GLASS, MAPS VIA APPLE CARPLAY / ANDROID AUTO CONNECTIVITY, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, VOICE COMMAND, LIGHTNING BLUE METALLIC DUCO, 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING, RWC & WARRANTY.

SPORTS AUTO 6 SPD TRANSMISSION, 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING, CRASH AVOIDANCE WITH BRAKING (HIGH & LOW SPD), LANE DEPARTURE WARNING WITH PASSIVE STEER ASSIST, FRONTAL COLLISION WARNING, FRONT & REAR PARK SENSORS, REVERSING CAMERA, MAPS VIA APPLE CARPLAY / ANDROID AUTO CONNECTIVITY, AUTO HEADLIGHTS, LED DAYTIME LAMPS, HEATED DOOR MIRRORS, DIGITAL RADIO RECEIVER, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, VOICE COMMAND, WHITE DUCO, BALANCE OF 7 YEAR NEW CAR WARRANTY.

$19,990

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

$45,990

SPORTY 1 OWNER WAGON IN SUPERB CONDITION WITH 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING, AUTO 7 SPEED TRANSMISSION, TURBO 2.0 LT PETROL MOTOR WITH 180 KW POWER, DUAL ZONE CLIMATE AIR CONDITIONING, FRONT & REAR PARK SENSORS, REVERSING CAMERA, AUTOMATED PARKING, KEYLESS ENTRY WITH BUTTON START, CRASH AVOIDANCE WITH BRAKING (LOW & HIGH SPEED), FRONTAL COLLISION WARNING, REAR TRAFFIC ALERT WITH BRAKING, LANE KEEP ASSIST, RADAR CRUISE CONTROL, SAT NAV, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, VOICE COMMAND, AUTO HEADLIGHTS, RAIN SENSING WIPERS, LED DAYTIME LAMPS, ELECTRIC FRONT SEATS, FRONT & REAR SEAT HEATING, DRIVER SEAT MEMORY SETTING, APPLE CARPLAY / ANDROID AUTO CONNECTIVITY, PRIVACY GLASS, LOWERED SPORT SUSPENSION, ELECTRIC TAILGATE, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, WHITE DUCO, RWC & WARRANTY.

HI-PERFORMANCE REAR WHEEL DRIVE FASTBACK WITH LOW KMS, SPORTS AUTO 8 SPD TRANSMISSION, V6 TWIN TURBO 6 CYL MOTOR WITH 272 KW POWER, 510 NM TORQUE, 5 STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATING, LEATHER INTERIOR, DUAL ZONE CLIMATE AIR CONDITIONING, SAT NAV, APPLE CARPLAY, ANDROID AUTO, FRONT & REAR PARK SENSORS, REVERSING CAMERA, RADAR CRUISE CONTROL, CRASH AVOIDANCE WITH LOW & HIGH SPEED BRAKING, FRONTAL COLLISION WARNING, LANE KEEPING ACTIVE ASSIST, KEYLESS ENTRY WITH BUTTON START, AUTO HEADLIGHTS, RAIN SENSING WIPERS, LED DAYTIME LAMPS, HEATED DOOR MIRRORS, GREY DUCO, BALANCE OF 7 YEAR NEW CAR WARRANTY.

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