Ranges Trader
Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
Lysterfield landfill proposal goes to VCAT
Storms wreak havoc across the Hills
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Power lines down near Temple Road in Selby.
Picture: KATHIE THOMAS
Trees, power, phone lines down as 2021-style storm wreaks havoc....
Hills rocked again By Tyler Wright The Hills were rocked by wild weather with locals unsure when power will be restored after damaging winds lashed the area on Tuesday 13 February. Pakenham SES Unit deputy controller Shayne Honey said they responded to reports of a tree fallen on to a house on Ladd Road in Emerald with a number of occupants trapped inside, and to assist Emerald SES. Upon arrival, three people had been able to get out of the house but two people were still
trapped inside, Mr Honey said. “Concerned gas was leaking through the home, the gas was isolated and crews removed an intact window, creating a doorway and were able to remove one of the trapped residents,“ he said. “The second trapped resident was found laying in a hallway. “After initial treatment from paramedics, SES crews used a specially designed mat and sling to extricate the male resident, some working on their knees to complete the difficult rescue.“ OFFERS EXPIRE 31/03/2024
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he said. “The branch was cut and the driver extricated from the car with the branch still impaled in his leg and transported to a Melbourne hospital via Air Ambulance.“ Emerald SES and a number of CFA brigades including Nar Nar Goon, Wandin, Monbulk and Narre Warren East also attended this event alongside Ambulance Victoria and police. Ambulance Victoria confirmed a man in his 30s was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition with a lower body injury. Continued page 5
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“Once out of the property the resident was treated again by paramedics, Mr Honey said. It is believed a person was taken to Casey Hospital. Earlier at 4.23pm, Mr Honey said, Pakenham SES Unit crews responded to a rescue in Narre Warren East, on the intersection of Wellington Road and Dorning Road, where a tree branch had fallen through a car and impaled into the driver’s leg, resting at the footwell of the car. “Crews removed the back doors and roof of the vehicle to gain better access to the driver,“
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Ward boundary review of Cardinia Shire Council Notice of preliminary report and response submissions period Preliminary report Under the Local Government Act 2020, the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) must review a council’s ward boundaries at the request of the Minister for Local Government when there has been a change in the number of voters per councillor in one or more wards. Cardinia Shire Council is one of 10 local councils to have its ward boundaries reviewed between February and April 2024 to make sure voters are represented equally at the next local council elections. The councils with ward boundaries under review have been divided into 3 groups. The VEC will soon share ward boundary options for these councils in a preliminary report.
Making a submission You are invited to make a response submission to the preliminary report to have your say on the ward boundaries of Cardinia Shire Council.
Submissions open at 9 am on Wednesday 28 February. The VEC website features a public submission tool, which you can use to map your proposed ward boundaries and make a submission. You must make your submission by 5 pm on Wednesday 20 March: • online at vec.vic.gov.au • by email to cardinia.wardreview@vec.vic.gov.au • by post to VEC, Level 11, 530 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Public information session Online public information sessions to explain the processes and open the preliminary submissions period will be held at: • 12 noon on Monday 26 February • 12 noon on Tuesday 27 February. For more information or to register please visit vec.vic.gov.au
Public submissions close at 5 pm on Wednesday 20 March
Authorised by S. Bluemmel, Electoral Commissioner, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria.
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IN BRIEF Warrants for arrest Police are appealing for public assistance to locate Joshua Cook. Community members of the outer east of Melbourne have been asked to assist police in the hunt for a man know to frequent Bayswater, Ferntree Gully and Knox. The 37-year-old has multiple warrants issued for his arrest in relation to fraud related matters. Anyone with information on his current where abouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Early morning collision
There are plans for landfill to be brought to 465 Lysterfield Road over a three-year period.
Picture: LJUBICA VANKROVIC
Landfill fight at VCAT By Tyler Wright The decision to refuse a proposal for landfill to be ‘dumped’ at a site in the Lysterfield Valley has been taken to VCAT. In October 2023, Yarra Ranges Council refused a permit or the use of land for fill disposal (innominate use), alter access to a road in Transport Zone 2, earthworks and associated vegetation removal at 465 Lysterfield Road, claiming the proposal does not ’adequately protect’ the receiving waterway, Monbulk Creek. It also posits the proposal is contrary to Clause 51.03, the purpose of the Green Wedge Zone, the Significant Landscape Overlay, the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay and the planning policy framework, and will result in the ’destruction of vegetation’ contrary to Clause 52.17, Clause 51.03, the Significant Landscape Overlay and the planning policy framework. The refusal document also claimed the propose did not ’recognise, protect and conserve green wedge land for its agricultural, environmental, historic, landscape, recreational and tourism opportunities’. The land, listed in the Victorian Heritage Database by National Trust, is owned by Salesian Society Inc, and is currently home to the Don Bosco Retreat Centre. Friends of Glenfern Green Wedge spokeswoman Johanna Selleck said people were “shocked“ the works would be so visible from their houses in Upwey and surrounds. “It’ll be highly visible from all the surrounding viewpoints and roads,“ Ms Selleck said. Don Bosco Retreat Centre director Father Shane Reade said the plan is to build a scenic lake with a “few rocks“ on the site. “We’re going to roll the top soil back, fill the valley up with with the certified soil; It’ll be
legally required and up to speed and then we just roll the top soil back across that, so it’ll be as it was except it’ll be a higher piece of land, it won’t be a valley so to speak,“ Fr Reade said. “It’s a good site, there’s a lot of people, a lot of schools lot of parishes, has a great reputation and people love its location so they won’t be doing anything turns of dismantling...we will try and do our best to make it renovated and up to speed and make it as attractive as we can.“ Fr Reade said there was “no intention“ of changing the landscape. “All we want to do is fill the valley up, roll the top soil over, have a little nice landscape lake or small lake, not a big one, just a small lake, and this does make a very artistic and also compatible and complementary to the landscape,“ he said. “The biggest hurdle is getting the permit and allaying the fears of the locals to say that we’re going to do a crazy job; we’re not doing a crazy job...[it] should be a very proud compliment to the area for what we’re doing.“ Fr Reade also said works would not take place near Monbulk Creek. “We’re aware of that and we’re working with the council to put in the new local natural trees along the creek... we understand there’s a platypus population and the first recorded platypus is from the Monbulk Creek; we know all that so we’re really respectful of that environment,“ he said. “It’s about trust really trusting us to comply with the standards and the agreements and what’s expected of us, it’s about trusting us to cooperate and we’re doing that very much. “There’s no capital gain at all from all this. It’s about offering our side for a continued meditation yoga group, and obviously we’re getting paid for the soil and that finance will be going back into renovating and keeping this
place up to speed.“ An application to review Yarra Ranges Council’s decision was submitted to VCAT by ESG Lysterfield Pty Ltd in December 2023, arguing that the council’s grounds of refusal on the basis that the proposed ‘innominate’ clean fill disposal use is ‘refuse disposal, nested under industry and prohibited in the Green Wedge Zone’ was incorrect. “The proposed use of the land for land fill disposal is an innominate use and thus requires a permit under Section 2 of the Table of Uses to the Green Wedge Zone,” the applicant’s document read. “Even if it were to be defined as refuse disposal (which is disputed), the use is not prohibited but is a Section 2 Use in the Table of Uses to the Green Wedge Zone. According to the document, the land use of land for land fill disposal is “temporary” and will “not affect the on-going existing use of the land for a religious retreat and college”. “The proposal will not result in stormwater runoff impacts that are detrimental to the environmental values, biodiversity or amenity of the area,” the document said. “The proposal will not have a detrimental impact on the Monbulk Creek or any platypus population. “Dust, noise or odour arising from the Proposal (if any) will be managed via sustainable site management practices including a site management plan.” The application also said the proposal would not result in soil degredation, the contamination of the land or the introduction of weed species and would protect and conserve biodiversity values within the surrounds. It said the proposal would not have unacceptable traffic impacts on the surrounding area.
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A Croydon teen was among five arrested following a kidnapping and series of robberies and shop thefts across Ashwood, Olinda, Ivanhoe, Richmond, Blackburn, and Springvale. Eastern Region Crime Squad investigated the offending that began on 9 February after a 15-year-old boy was approached by a group of youths on Power Avenue, Ashwood. The child was forced into a vehicle and driven from the area where he was assaulted and had personal property stolen. The victim was released from the vehicle after 30 minutes and reported the incident to police. Police will allege the same group of offenders carried out two separate liquor store thefts on 10 and 11 February on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Olinda and Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe respectively. The offending continued until 14 February before police arrested three of the teens. Two more were arrested on Thursday 15 February. A 15-year-old Croydon boy was charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, shopsteal and handle stolen goods. He was bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date. Anyone with information on the location of the vehicle is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.
Mobile located A mobile phone was handed into Boronia Police Station on Wednesday 14 February. It was originally located on the corner of Stud Road and Mountain Highway. Police are asking that if community own the phone or know who does own it, to please contact Boronia Police. Proof of ownership is required. Ref 202402E-1192
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Teens charged with robbery, kidnapping
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Emergency services responded to a two-vehicle collision in Boronia on 16 February. It is believed a Holden Colorado collided with a Jeep Wrangler on Boronia Road, just after 7am. Both drivers were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and a spokesperson from Ambulance Victoria said paramedics were called to the report of a collision. “A man believed to be in his 20s was treated for back pain and taken to Maroondah Hospital in a stable condition and another man believed to be in his 20s was taken to Dandenong Hospital in a stable condition,” they said. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage, are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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Relief centres open doors evacuation warning area, or the fires or storms have damaged your home, AND you have unmet immediate relief needs Step 2 – If you think you may be eligible for this relief payment, contact Council Free green waste drop-off for storm impacted residents Cardinia Council’s usual transfer stations in Pakenham and Lysterfield will be accepting residential amounts of green waste including storm debris, tree branches and trunks (up to 30 centimetres wide and 1 metre long), weeds, grass clippings, leaves, and flowers. Lysterfield - Thursday 15 February – Sunday 25 February Cleanaway Resource Recovery Centre (840 Wellington Rd, Lysterfield) Monday - Friday: 8am – 3:30pm Saturday: 8am-11:30am Sunday: 8am –11:30am Pakenham - Thursday 15 February – Saturday 24 February Future Recycling Transfer Station (30-32 Exchange Drive, Pakenham) Monday - Friday: 8am-3:30pm Saturday: 8am-2pm Residents must present photo ID as proof of residence within Cardinia Shire to access the free service. Waste will only be accepted from residential vehicles and trailers; commercial business operators cannot use this service. Yarra Ranges Council has opened up a food disposal services as well for residents to get rid of spoiled food at the below locations. Belgrave: Belgrave Recreation Reserve, enter from Reserve Road Belgrave South: Belgrave South Recreation Reserve, enter from Mt Morton Road Selby: Minak Reserve, enter from Wombala Road / Minak Road
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An emergency relief centre has opened at Worrell Reserve in Emerald. Cardinia Shire residents are asked to please leave bins out on their normal collection day. Drivers will do their best to collect bins, however delays may occur if road access is limited. If your bin is not collected on your normal collection day, the council says to leave it on the kerbside and drivers will return as soon as possible. For updates from the council on storm relief and recovery support visit the website at www. cardinia.vic.gov.au/stormrecovery (which will be online shortly) or its Facebook page at www.facebook.com.au/cardiniashirecouncil If you have experienced damage at your home or business, call the Victoria State Emergency Service on 132 500. Please note that the SES is experiencing a high volume of calls due to widespread storm damage across Victoria. If you need to report a road, tree, or drainage issue on Council-managed land that could
Picture: TYLER WRIGHT
pose an immediate risk to public safety, please report it online at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/report For information on power outages: www. ausnetservices.com.au/outages More information about the Yarra Ranges supports, go to www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ Council/Latest-news/Power-showers-andspoiled-food-drop-off-available Financial assistance The Victorian Government is offering emergency relief payments (via its Personal Hardship Assistance Program) to eligible community members whose homes have been impacted by the recent storms. Step 1 – Find out if you may be eligible for the payment You are eligible for a relief payment if: your principal place of residence is in an
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Relief centres are now open in Emerald and Cockatoo to provide support to residents impacted by Tuesday 13 February severe storm events. The relief centres are located at Cockatoo Community Complex (77 Pakenham Rd, Cockatoo) and Worrell Reserve (402 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald) and will be open from 9am to 5pm every day until further notice. Residents can currently visit the relief centres to report issues to the Cardinia Shire Council, get information on services in the area and get access to phone chargers. Emerald Emergency Support Team (EST) is hosting a community barbecue, which will be operating until 5pm at both relief centres. Bins are now available at the relief centres for residents to dispose of spoiled food. The centres are being staffed by the council’s Emergency Management and Community Strengthening Teams, alongside Community EST volunteers and VICSES. Significant storm damage has been experienced across Cardinia Shire, with Clematis, Emerald, Avonsleigh and Cockatoo the worstaffected areas. As of Friday morning, 7,450 properties across Yarra Ranges were without power, while many others are recovering from multiple days without power. These areas are experiencing widespread outages and significant challenges, including water supply issues, fuel shortages, power and mobile phone reception outages, fallen trees, and damage to facilities and infrastructure. Many petrol stations, shopping centres and other businesses can only accept cash payments for now. Places like Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service, 3MDR, Olinda Community House, Selby Community House and Monbulk RSL have opened their doors for charging, food storage and shower facilities.
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Trees, power, phone lines down as Hills rocked again From page 1 Emerald resident Tracy Dasler described streets around her as a “war zone” in one of the “scariest days living up in the hills”. “I was driving home when those storms hit Emerald,“ she said. “There was debris flying everywhere, trees falling, powerlines coming down and pouring rain… it was so dark, I could hardly see. I just drove straight to an area that didn’t have as many trees there and put my hazards lights on and parked with two other tradies.. until it passed.. it was so scary!” she said. “I was going to park outside a friend’s house, but decided to keep going as there were too many big trees around. Thank goodness I didn’t as they had a tree fall right where I was going to park.” Ms Dasler said once the storm had stopped, local tradies started to chop the trees up to clear the road. In Majestic Drive alone, there were about six large trees down and a car under one of them, Ms Dasler said, with cars and a truck damaged after a fallen tree hit one of her sheds. “A lady couldn’t get out of her house as a tree fell, but did somehow later on. Police checked on her and was okay. “Another lady’s car was trapped under a tree that had fallen also, she was okay also. “It was so good to see the locals come together to help where ever they could to clear the trees off the roads.” The impacts were also felt in Selby. A tree lost its top and smashed Kathie Thomas’s pergola, with the property losing big branches. “But, at that time, didn’t realise the damage in the street,“ Ms Thomas said. “Then the power went out. Later we found out it wasn’t just here in Selby, but all over the state people had lost power. “It was the following day we learnt about the Power Station [Loy Yang A] and what had happened there. No access to news, phones working intermittently, and we were careful with what we had powered up.“ Using a generator since, the clean up, expected to be lengthy, has begun on her property with the effects of the storm felt in the street. “A neighbour has lost half their roof, we heard another house had a tree go through it. We’re all without power and not being on mains water, means if we have no power, we have no water,“ Ms Thomas said. “Not everyone has a generator or solar
power so some have had to go elsewhere to stay for a couple of days, especially if they have families at home with them. “Temple Road is blocked and maybe for a few days. Fallen trees, snapped and fallen power poles, power lines all over the road – it’s a no through road for sure now. People were trying to get their kids to Belgrave South Primary on the 14th – they had to turn around and go back.“ She said the council came to place road closure signs at both ends of Temple Road. “So many come from Belgrave-Gembrook and use Maskells Hill and Temple Roads as shortcuts to Belgrave-Hallam in Belgrave South. “Petrol stations were out all over the place – it was hard to find petrol for generators unless you went to Narre Warren or beyond Ferntree Gully. But then the traffic lights were out too, main roads were bedlam.“ With the team working to remove the trees, cut them up and mulch into the early hours of Thursday, AusNet staff also assessed what lines and poles need replacing, Ms Thomas said. “They’re doing amazing work and hopefully we will have power again soon.“ A State Emergency Service (SES) spokesperson said the SES received approximately 4000 requests for assistance since 9am on 13 February. The Emerald area received approximately 280 requests for volunteer assistance. “The suburb of Emerald received approx. 70 call outs, Cockatoo received approx. 30 calls, Gembrook approx. 15 and Menzies Creek approx. 10 requests,“ the spokesperson said. “The SES has received approx. 600 calls for assistance relating to property damage across the state.“ There were still reports of damage to buildings and trees down in the Cockatoo, Emerald and Clematis area on Friday 16 February, with 22,000 AusNet customers still without power as at 7.15pm. AusNet said Emerald, Cockatoo, Mirboo North, and Metung were the hardest hit, with some of these customers expected not to receive power back until mid this week. Even Puffing Billy’s locomotive got stuck at Emerald Lake, with passengers needing to be bussed back to Belgrave to get home. Emerald Village Bakery and Cafe owner Natalie Granieri said her business suffered a loss of “thousands of dollars” due to the power outage, with the store flooded. Staff set up a portable van outside the
shop on Tuesday to sell coffees and Valentine’s Day cookies. “[We’re] just trying to get coffees out to people; most people don’t even have money because it’s all on card, so everyone’s just going to owe the bakery next time they’re in,“ Ms Ganieri said. “At the moment, we’re throwing out all our food into the dump masters anyway, but we can at least make coffees so we’re not throwing out milk. “If [people] can pay or not, I think they’re just being grateful for that, and we’ve made love heart Valentine’s Day cookies for everyone today; we made them all yesterday before the power went out.“ Unsure of when the power would come back on Ms Ganieri called the outage a “nightmare“ for the business. “All the food’s been thrown out, and most of the cooks are not here, so it’s a massive impact,“ she said. “There’s 48 staff here; we’re just down to five people here today. “You lose so much trade.“ In Cockatoo at Alma Treloar Reserve, Cardinia Shire Council had set up a relief centre, with Emergency Support Team punter Andrew McLean on hand to help. “The lack of power for everyone is the big thing and mobile signal is the killer thing,“ Mr McLean said. “But other simple things like knowing whether or not there’s a petrol station open to fill your generator up.. I went down to the Shell servo near Fountain Gate to get petrol this morning, but I understand Pakenham’s got power. “There’s a lady here who would like to fill the generator, but she’s trapped in the house because the power lines are down. So there are people in that circumstance too, a few that were in the house for a few days, and it’s going to take so long [for power to come back on].“ Mr McLean described the storm event as “monsoonal“. “It didn’t last long, 15 minutes, but it absolutely hammered us,“ he said. “You can see the trees blowing and branches coming down; we’re lucky and the neighbours seem to be lucky with no structural damage or anything, but a lot of branches down.“ He is worried it will be the “final straw“ for locals who have been in the area for years, depending on how insurance companies react. “That’s going to be a big thing; you’ve got
a hole in your roof and you need it fixed, if you’re in a long queue, that’s going to be a terrible existence.“ Senior Sergeant Brendan Michael from Pakenham police station has been feeding information from Emerald SES to the regional control centre. “Lots of trees down, power lines down across the road, so we’ll be pushing that back to try and get support,“ Sgt Michael said. “Unfortunately the entire state suffered in some way so that’s going to be a long time. “The biggest thing is the trees down, clearing roads, there’s really a reminder to the community just to watch on the roads; there’s lots of debris and there’s still trees that are still protruding out partially into some of the lanes.“ Sgt Michael urged people to take care on the roads. “They’re still slippery, quite treacherous. But we will be maintaining a presence so we’ll make sure that we’ve got police in the area driving around, being visible, and being available for providing assistance.“ At this stage a number of road closures and detours are in place but Star Mail is still gaining confirmation on specific ones. An AusNet spokesperson said field crews had restored power to 29,000 customers by 12.30pm on Thursday 15 February, with a further 11,000 reconnected on Friday night. “500 field crews and three helicopters continued work today (15 Feb) in response to over 700 incidents. We will have equivalent crews available for tomorrow’s restoration works. “Customers are continuing to receive SMS messages advising of their restoration times.“ Telstra said on Thursday 15 February teams on the ground are continuing the important work of restoring services following this week’s severe storms. “Currently, there are 96 mobile sites disrupted, and over 5200 landline services disrupted,“ the telco said on its website. “Overnight we have restored an additional 60 mobile sites. “Teams continue to work on refuelling generators in areas where mains power is still disrupted. We’re working with power authorities and other emergency services agencies to access and restore power to these sites on a more permanent basis.“ Those in immediate danger are advised to call 000. The SES can be contacted on 13 25 00.
Premier praises volunteers By Corey Everitt Victoria State Premier Jacinta Allan made a stop at Emerald to be on the ground in one of the worst affected areas in last week’s storm and speak with the first responding volunteers. VICSES Emerald’s station has been a site of constant activity as the organising centre of the recovery efforts after the storm on Tuesday 13 February which did significant damage through the Eastern Dandenongs. Vehicles from Forest Fire Management, CFA and Ambulance Victoria lined the large new station built only recently. Despite the tireless work, moods were upbeat on Friday 16 February when Premier Allan arrived to pay a visit to hear from the volunteers and see the recovery efforts first-hand. “The station physically is a terrific asset, but it’s what goes on inside it that really is so important and I was grateful to have the time today to come and thank the volunteers who have been working flat out since Tuesday,” Premier Allan said. “They train for this year-round, ready for these sorts of emergencies, it’s a great credit to them and also to the wider local community that you’ve got people dedicated to supporting each other in really tough times.” The Premier was also greeted by local Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino, Cardinia Shire Mayor Jack Kowarzik and Ranges Ward Counmailcommunity.com.au
Premier Jacinta Allan with Minister for Energy & Resources Lily D’Ambrosio, Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino, Mayor Jack Kowarzik, Councillor Jeff Springfield and volunteers of VICSES Emerald, Forest Fire Management and CFA. Picture: COREY EVERITT cillor Jeff Springfield. State Minister for Energy & Resources Lily D’Ambrosio also joined the meeting to speak with volunteers. Work was far from over at the time of the visit, as many roads were covered in debris and many damaged power lines and houses were still being assessed. Many parts of Emerald and Cockatoo were still without electricity. “The fact that destructive winds tore through Emerald and particularly hit this com-
munity in a really bad way, it is going to take time, as they work through street by street, literally power pole by power pole,” Premier Allan said. Volunteers relayed their experiences to Premier Allan, many referenced the June 9 2021 storms to convey the improvements since and some of the new challenges that have emerged. Though the immediate response stage is not over, Premier Allan said questions will be
asked going forward about severity of the failure from not just power, but to telecommunication. “There is no doubt that as we get out of this immediate emergency response phase and into the recovery phase, there will be more lessons to learn,” Premier Allan said. “Particularly in how the telecommunication companies need to have an understanding about their role as an essential service during times of emergency and their need to plan and prepare for that.” The council has been busy throughout the week involved in relief efforts, the Premier’s visit was a welcome acknowledgement that the State Government is listening to the shire’s worst affected areas. “It was great to have the Premier out in Emerald. Council certainly appreciates the extra support the State Government has provided to our communities,” Mayor Kowazik said. Cr Springfield said, “Whilst this has been a very difficult time for many of our local residents, It’s great to see the community spirit shine bright as everyone works together to help one another out. “It’s important to recognise the tremendous efforts and selfless dedication from the emergency service teams and volunteers, especially the Emerald SES, who jump straight into action during these disaster events.” Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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Hearty meals for helpers By Mikayla van Loon In the wake of an emergency, volunteers donate their time to respond in whatever capacity needed to provide relief, assistance and support to the affected community. And while Victoria’s SES crews, with help from CFA members, had their boots on the ground to clear roads, make homes accessible and restore some order to suburbs after Tuesday’s storms, Rapid Relief Team (RRT) volunteers were keeping their fellow volunteers well fed. Lilydale team labour coordinator Ken McAlpin said the Boronia team kicked off supplying meals on the night of the storms, with Lilydale taking over on Wednesday 14 February. “Originally, we were called up to provide dinner to the first responders, so SES and also the forestry management guys as well. So we were based at SES Knox,” he said. “We got about 10 volunteers to put on a barbecue lunch. So we had our RRT signature burgers. We did about 150 to 180 meals somewhere around there and then the same again for dinner.” RRT local team leader Tom Garrett said the initial call out of needing 220 meals expanded to having two bases, one in Emerald and one in Knox, to provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. “The SES crews have been working through the night and day to respond to calls for help and clear debris caused by the devastating storm, so the least we could do is make sure they had some hearty food to keep them going,” Mr Garrett said. As of Thursday 16 February, RRT volunteers from Boronia, Lilydale, Berwick, Melbourne and Warragul had supplied 546 meals in total, with another 525 meals to go on Friday. Mr McAlpin said for RRT’s volunteers they like to think of cooking a meal as a “little cog in
CFA volunteers enjoy a hearty meal.
After being out on the tools, CFA members returned to have a warm, freshly cooked meal by RRT. Pictures: SUPPLIED
The production line of getting over 100 meals out at a time.
the big wheel” of ensuring the emergency responders can continue their important work. “A hot meal and refreshments, it’s absolutely key. These guys come in and they’re pretty stuffed from the day, they’ve been on the tools most of them all day,” he said. “We like to see ourselves putting a smile on those faces, which we manage with a hot meal and a refreshment and then a bit of encouragement. They’re doing good work for us so it’s
as the response takes. “We take our hat off to the SES team volunteering their time. They’ve obviously got jobs too, and families and it’s good to try and put a smile on their face,” Mr McAlpin said. “We are just glad we could provide some relief to the men and women who give up their time and effort to help others. Seeing the smiles on their faces is our reward,” Mr Garrett said.
a little bit of return we can do for them. “We’re obviously volunteers too but we’re all happy to be there and engage in conversation. Every volunteer has got a little story and there’s all walks of life, so it’s a privilege to serve them and to keep them going, so they can get back out there.” From bacon and egg rolls, subway sandwiches to burgers, SES crews will continue receiving home cooked meals from RRT as long
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Cash relief on the way
Florist love shines in dark By Mikayla van Loon The day of love got off to a tough start for florists in the Yarra Ranges, with power outages hampering the normally hectic rush to buy the perfect bunch of flowers. But pushing through the chaos of generators, poor internet connectivity and phone lines being down, two florists in Mount Evelyn remained open and positive for the first busy day of the year. Forget-Me-Not Floret owner Aimee, who only took over the business just weeks ago, made an early start on bouquets, gift boxes and arrangements to get pre-orders off to customers. But being a “bit of a ghost town”, getting the message out there that they were open was quite the challenge. “The problem is we have no reception as well. So I can’t even post online, on social media and be like ‘we’re open’ because there’s nothing, it’s just buffering and doesn’t post,” she said.
By Corey Everitt As towns from Upper Beaconsfield to Gembrook sat without power for several days, many even cut off without cellular reception, Premier Jacinta Allan has confirmed the State Government will step in to compensate local businesses and help emergency relief for the Shire’s residents affected by last week’s significant storm. Premier Allan’s visited the State’s worst affected areas on Friday 16 February, including Emerald which many parts of the town are still without power for almost a week as of Monday 19 February. Premier Allan confirmed relief will be on the way through the Prolonged Power Outage Payments, a Federal and State Government scheme which provides funds to households and businesses who have lost power for seven days. “This is obviously recognising they have had it tough, but also as the power is progressively turned on for more and more customers there is still going to be a number of people who are going to take a little bit longer given the huge damage,” Premier Allan said. If still without power for seven days since the storm, households are eligible for payments of $1920 per-week for the next three weeks, while small businesses are eligible for $2927 per-week. These payments will be distributed by respective energy distributors, in this case Ausnet, who will notify customers of their eligibility and provide details for processing the application for relief payments.
With fresh, bright bunches of flowers just waiting to go out to people wanting to shower someone with love on Valentine’s Day, it would typically be a high frequency day of sales from foot traffic and phone orders. Sweet Caroline Floral Design owner Cazz said despite the challenges, it was all about staying positive and getting orders out. “It’s just a little bit quieter than it would normally be,” she said. With the shop stocked, “nicely prepared” for the big day ahead, Cazz was hopeful, and somewhat sure, regulars would stop by the shop to purchase their florals. “We’re pretty organised. We were here nice and early and made some extras so people can just grab and go,” Cazz said. Making the most of a challenging situation, florists, even without power, were ready and waiting to help make the day of love special for someone in in everybody’s life.
Premier Jacinta Allan at Emerald SES Station. Picture: COREY EVERITT Waste levies will also be waived for storm affected-residents in 21 Local Government Areas, including Cardinia. Disaster waste can be disposed of for free at local tips until 30 April. Cardinia Shire Council has been on the forefront of immediate emergency relief for residents in the hills during this time with relief centres in Emerald and Cockatoo running since Wednesday. Residents can use all these avenues to help them in this time, including the 1800 Emergency Recovery Hotline where they can find out more ways to receive help. Relief centres are still open at Worrell Reserve, 402 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald and Cockatoo Community Complex on 79 Pakenham Road, Cockatoo from 9am to 5pm.
Forget-Me-Not Floret owner Aimee works through no power getting Valentine’s orders ready on Wednesday 14 February. Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON
Yoga with Robert means: • Yoga for the Body Mind & Spirit with a practical emphasis • Yoga as a Meditation exercise, including breathing routines and the engagement of our ‘higher self’ • Above all Yoga with Robert means HAVING FUN! • Classes are free, but donations would be accepted to cover my expenses • All ages, but people will need the ability to get down and up from floor – ONCE ONLY
Yarra Ranges Council
Hard waste Collection Coming soon to your area Leave your materials, including any bundled branches, on your nature strip no earlier than a week before your collection date. For more information and to check your collection date visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/hardwaste
Council Hub, 21 Main Road, Monbulk - 9.30am, Wednesdays robertoff227@gmail.com | 0437 796 390 mailcommunity.com.au
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Only cash was being accepted at the service station in Emerald as people looked to fill up jerry cans for generators. 389299
Large trees have been uprooted on Emerald-Monbulk Road, Emerald. 389299 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
A power pole hangs on by a thread near the side of the road. Picture: KEVIN JONES
It took only 10 minutes or so of extraordinary storm violence to send the Dandenongs spinning from the 21st Century back to the 1900s. No internet, no phone connection and no power.
Crash back to dark ages By Kevin Jones When the high-fire-danger alert of Tuesday 13 February turned to a storm alert, few were prepared for what was about to unfold. I certainly wasn’t. As darkness descended and my internet connection failed at home, I drove to Monbulk to finish off my work-fromhome shift as editorial coordinator with Star News. I had only just logged on again when the wildest winds imaginable whipped up for five, maybe 10 minutes, followed by torrential rain, crashing thunder and lightning. My wife phoned - that connection had yet to fail - to tell me that all power was off at home and that she needed me straight away. After a few failed attempts, I managed to phone work to say I was out of action then drove home, my four-minute drive turning into a 20-minute one as I stopped, time and time again, to drag tree limbs off David Hill Road and Rankins Road; once with four other drivers for a particularly big one. After firing up our portable generator to get the fridge going at least, I realised that we were probably low on fuel and that I needed an extension cord or two. Sure enough, all I could find were two mostly empty jerry cans. I nipped back to Monbulk, this time along Emerald-Monbulk Road, which was covered with debris but manageable, to find that the Monny servo was closed and Murphy’s Mitre 10 was locked up. In fact, all of Monbulk seemed out of action, apart from Woolies, with its trusty generator. I aimed for Emerald and its Co-op Mitre 10. The Emerald-Monbulk Road was a mess, with ominously big trees down into properties in one particularly bad stretch between Glenvista Avenue and Lakeside Drive. I didn’t get through and was diverted down small dirt roads back towards Monbulk. I at least managed to get food from a still-open chicken shop there, selling off the last of its already cooked food. An hour or so later, I hit the road again to try to find fuel in Emerald. This time I got through. That stretch towards Lakeside Drive and the Davey Road curve near the location of the old Choo-Choos restaurant looked like a war zone. Phone and power lines were down, some draped across the bitumen, and several telegraph poles were snapped. I finally reached Emerald to find... no petrol and a township in shock. People were milling around, swapping stories and helping the SES workers, who were out in numbers. I tried to phone home. No signal any more. No internet on my phone either. “OK, make for Tecoma”, I thought. I got as far as Grantulla Road before hitting a roadclosed sign. Turning up Grantulla, I drove past Hermons Saddle Reserve. I was transported back to the scenes of 9 June 2021, with fallen trees everywhere. I went the long way through Sherbrooke Forest to Belgrave and beyond. Tecoma’s servo was closed... so was Upwey’s. 8 MAIL
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Debris is sprawled across the roadside of Emerald-Monbulk Road, Emerald. 389299 So, I made the decision to descend the Mad Mile to Ferntree Gully. I noted that I hadn’t seen a traffic light so, sure enough, all the Gully’s servos were closed due to lack of power. I then saw the Dorset Road lights were working so, encouraged, I kept on going. No luck. Before I knew it, I was beyond Mountain Gate. I gave up the search when I got as far as Knox City to find that even the big one on the corner of Stud Road was in darkness. With no communication, and no knowledge of statewide devastation, I had driven more than 50km for nothing.
On the way home, SES workers were on their massive clean-up task. They, and residents, held stop signs, slow-down signs and diversion orders. I went up roads that I barely knew existed in 35 years of living in the Dandenongs. I never did fill those jerry cans on the 13th but my generator managed to limp into the next day. I got fuel and solved my extension cord issue that day but, as I write, we still have no power and AusNet don’t expect us to have some for a few days yet. It has already been a week.
For the Hills community, it is all too much to bear after the horror of the 9 June storm. Emerald and Cockatoo have drop-in crisis centres and the memories have come flooding back for many. This storm wasn’t as damaging as the 2021 event but try telling that to people who have had their properties and vehicles damaged. I love my hills but Mother Nature sure makes it hard to live here at times. To think we started that day on fire alert with revolting heat and high winds. The last thing we expected was a 9 June replay in torrential rain. mailcommunity.com.au
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Telco frustration builds By Mikayla van Loon, with AAP Frustration is a word that has been used multiple times by residents across the outer east to describe the lack of connection they experienced in the aftermath of the storms. Unable to send or receive calls and text messages, access weather or emergency notifications, access the internet and in some cases make SOS calls to 000, the dangers of living through another storm event and power outage have been brought to the surface. After the most recent and lengthy power outage in 2021, which also downed telecommunications towers, the Mount Evelyn Community Forum page was lit up with questions of ‘didn’t we learn from last time?’ “My mobile phone was absolutely useless yesterday (Tues 13 Feb) upon losing power. Couldn’t send or receive a text message, no internet, no calls. Totally ridiculous. Same as the June 2021 big storms,” Elizabeth Gibson posted to the Forum. “You would have hoped that lessons were learnt. Obviously not. I went to public meetings where this very issue was raised time and time again,” Stan Van Leeuwen said. “Nothing’s changed since Black Saturday. It’s disgusting,” Deborah Milton also commented. Many people said the most concerning aspect of not having telecommunications access was feeling “isolated, uninformed and useless in a crisis”, being unable to check on friends or know what was happening locally. “The only connection to what was happening in the world I had during the power cut was AM Radio,” Joshua Williams said. “Considering we are in a fire risk area, there must be some redundancy built into the telecommunications infrastructure in our area, before it goes from being a temporary inconvenience to an issue that could affect lives.” While Telstra said it was “using back-up generators while we wait for power to be restored” where it could, over 200 mobile sites were disrupted as of Wednesday 14 February. About 230 phone towers were still offline on Thursday as Telstra, Optus and TPG crews
With power cables destroyed across Hills communities, telecommunications infrastructure has also been called into question as people were disconnected from service after the storms. Picture: KATHIE THOMAS raced to reconnect services, AAP reported. Premier Jacinta Allan said it was reasonable to question if telcos should have more batteries and generators around towers as backup power sources for severe weather events. “We saw the same thing coming out of Queensland with the cyclone event before Christmas,” the premier said. “The reality is everyone relies on their mobile phone. Very few people have a landline. “This has really emerged strongly out of this event this week as something that needs much greater focus and attention at both levels of government, but also the telecommunications companies have to come to the table with solutions.” In March last year, after the Yarra Ranges missed out on Improving Mobile Coverage
Jo continued operations as best she could.
Round funding, Federal Casey MP Aaron Violi said it was unfathomable that in a high prone bushfire, flooding and storm region, funding was not provided to secure mobile connection in this area. “Communication is something that has to be above politics because it can be life and death. It’s an essential service that should be treated as such,” he told Star Mail at the time. Returning to the issue in Parliament on Wednesday 14 February, Mr Violi shared the struggles with communications minister Michelle Rowland. “It’s a continual frustration for my community. The Dandenong Ranges, the Upper Yarra, the Yarra Valley, it’s a 40 to 50 minute drive with no traffic from the CBD but anyone that visits knows it’s not suburban,” he said.
Pictures: TANYA STEELE
“It’s beautiful nature, it’s farmland, it’s agriculture, it’s mountains. It’s challenging terrain and there’s a lot of beautiful trees. There’s a lot of tall trees, hundreds of feet and the problem is when there’s a storm, the trees fall down, and we lose power and when we lose power in our community, we lose communications. “While phones are very convenient, when there’s no internet, no phone reception, they’re the most useless thing in the world.” Calling for bipartisan support to improve the infrastructure, Mr Violi said this was an essential service that “is one of the biggest challenges our communities face”. “What we need to do as governments and this is not a criticism of the government. This is bipartisan because it is a challenging situation. I acknowledge the terrain, the topography. “It’s not about politics. It’s about working in a bipartisan way to make them as safe as possible.” Monash University associate professors Roger Dargaville and Behrooz Bahrani said as climate change continues to bring more natural emergencies, “this incident serves as a wake-up call” for “creating a robust, adaptable energy infrastructure” that can withstand these events. “As a result of climate change we are bound to have more wild weather conditions in the future and our energy systems must learn to adapt and grapple with such situations more often,” associate prof Dargaville said. “Building on the urgency highlighted by Victoria’s power outages, it’s clear that accelerating the adoption of renewables is not just an environmental imperative but a strategic necessity for energy security,” associate prof Bahrani said. Yarra Ranges Mayor, Sophie Todorov said that staff were working with AusNet, telecommunications companies and the State Government to address the outages and its impacts. “We will continue to advocate for our communities to the State Government. We know there will be a long path ahead with removing debris and fallen trees, and we’ll be working to make sure we get the best support we can,” she said.
The shop remained open without power on Valentine’s Day and still had no internet for operations for days afterward.
Love, trust and community helps ease Valentine’s turmoil By Tanya Steele Valentine’s Day is the calendar event for florists across the globe and for one small business in Tecoma, the recent storm caused havoc with the day. Jo from Rhoda Floral Design in Tecoma was devastated when the storm hit Victoria on Tuesday afternoon. “I think I haven’t processed this fully yet, I’m still trying to catch up and do damage control,” she said. “I know for a fact that I’ve missed orders, I’m trying not to think about that.” The onsite refrigeration for her stock failed on Tuesday afternoon as the power dropped and she was immediately thrown into a busy mailcommunity.com.au
evening moving flowers into fresh water. “I lost my fridges and the air-con in the shop, it got really hot and it did not cool down – I had to throw quite a lot out,” she said. “Our roof leaked a little bit as well and we had roses that got wet – roses particularly if you get the heads wet, they will go mouldy.” Leading up to Valentine’s Day is a huge undertaking for florists and Jo said the day before can have huge impacts on sales. “The day before you usually have all the people on the way home picking up flowers for the next morning,” she said. “A few days beforehand you prepare all the flowers and do a lot of social media to remind people it’s happening.”
Jo has been a florist for over 13 years and this Valentine’s Day is her first as a business owner – having taken over the location in late 2023. “I’ve always had a dream to own a shop, my inheritance from my late grandmother helped to buy this business,” she said. “The shop is named Rhoda Floral Design in her memory.” The lack of internet and power meant some orders were lost and Jo worked late into the evening Tuesday and all day without power on Valentine’s Day, salvaging what she could. Jo’s partner, her father visiting from the UK and close friends also pitched in to help
clean up and help with floor sales and deliveries. “We plugged the ring light in and candles and things, and we decided to go ahead with deliveries,” Jo said. Jo said people who did come across Tuesday and Wednesday had been battling with traffic and storm damages and told her they were ‘so glad’ she stayed open. The store operated as best it could without power and connection on Valentine’s Day, accepting cash and trust from the people who walked in late in Wednesday evening for flowers. “Trust goes both ways – but I feel like Tecoma is such a good community,” she said. Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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Timber industry fallout: Concerns amid unemployment By Gabriella Vukman With the recent shutdown of the Victorian timber industry, complaints and inquiries have arisen as to how those in the industry are to be compensated after being left jobless. Moreover, concern surrounding the economies of regional, rural and other Victorian towns who were dependent upon the jobs and dollars generated by the timber industry and forest management are also coming to light. Former seed collector Brendon Clark said, “I was told I would be looked after but I just haven’t and now I’m on the verge of bankruptcy.” Mr Clark was contracted to VicForests, with a Labor Government promise in 2019 to “phase out native timber logging by 2030,” leaving him with roughly eleven years to rewire his business, re-think his profession, work out how to let his staff go and find another job. “The government promised us the ability to transition and we were encouraged to keep our equipment up-to-date, so I invested into the transition,” Mr Clark said. “Now I have been left with nothing and I’m not getting any support at all. “I have got $5000 worth of vehicle bills per month to pay off for two cars that aren’t worth their repayments because they have depreciated.” While there are some from the timber industry who are being compensated for their contracts to VicForests, there are many who are yet to receive support. General Manager at the Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA), Tim Lester said, “Some timber industry providers can’t even get their loss of income recognised by the government.”
Timber Industry workers left reeling after sudden shutdown. “The government uses the fact that their contracts are written in a particular way to say ‘you don’t get anything,’” Mr Lester said. Where some contractors are able to exit the industry, terminate their VicForests contract and receive an advanced payment up until June 2024, recognition of extensions made to these contracts, limited income during the time of the industry closure and super contributions are yet to be recognised. Mr Lester said, “one of the big issues here is that these businesses themselves have a value.” “People will won’t draw a salary or a wage or will take a lower rate than they otherwise would, because they are investing that back
Picture: ON FILE
into the business.” “That investment, which is often people’s superannuation now does not exist, so that in effect, is saying that people’s superannuation has gone,” Mr Lester said.” Further, the distress for the welfare of towns and individuals also extends to encompass forest and fire management protocols that are reliant upon the timber industry. State silviculture and native forest management consultant Owen Bassett said, “the Victorian Strategic Seedbank [previously managed by VicForests via the timber industry] is critical to the survival of many strands of Alpine Ash in Victoria.” “There is over 100,000 ha of young forest
growth ‘at risk’, should a bushfire burn these forests in the next five years.” “At present, there is very low canopy seed storage even in mature Alpine and Mountain Ash,” Mr Bassett said. Where previously forest management depended on the machinery and trained individuals of the timber industry such as seed collectors, critical questions circle the unknown future of forest management. Mr Bassett said, “the immediate future is unknown.” “Following the demise of the timber industry, there is some confusion for how seed will be collected and managed and where the funds would come from,” Mr Bassett said. “Loss of our forests would impact so many values such as biodiversity, carbon sequestration, National Park values to humans, water values- to name a few.” Currently, development strategies are yet to be adapted from the scheduled closure of the timber Industry in 2030. Mr Lester said, “the most unrecognised decision of this premature closure is that if you remove those secure timber industry jobs, people will do what they have to to survive and find work elsewhere and that means they may not be supporting the local school, cafe or doctor.” “All of this showcases that the interest of the state is not in support of the people,” Mr Lester said. What the $800 million that was generated by the timber industry will be replaced by now is unclear. Upon being asked about the future of economies and workers who relied on the timber industry as well as plans for forest management, VicForests did not provide a comment.
Not going anywhere soon By Mikayla van Loon Despite fears of Mount Evelyn’s futsal hub turning into a McDonald’s, the owners want to reassure people this transition is not happening any time soon, nor will it be the end of the sport in the area. When the proposal for a McDonald’s and childcare centre was put forward at the end of last year with a permit submission to Yarra Ranges Council, views of support and criticism were aired. But for Pro Futsal director Steven Campbell and centre manager Tervel Atanasov, who took over the site in 2021, it was the questions of closure and potential loss of the stadium that were frequent. “We’re not in a massive rush. So in working with the landlord and for us it’s going to be business as usual until the end of the winter season, which is around mid September but we’re actually quite confident that it will be extended to the end of the year,” Mr Campbell said. “So we are here for at least three quarters of 2024 and should be all the way to the end of 2024 and that gives us enough time to properly put a plan in place moving forward.” When Mr Campbell and Mr Atanasov originally acquired the lease of the futsal stadium there was talk of redeveloping the site into residential, so the news this time did not come as a surprise. “When the new landlord bought it, we knew they would be developing at some stage, we just didn’t know when or what,” Mr Campbell said. “It wasn’t a surprise, the timing of it was probably more difficult because we were half expecting that something would be put on the permit but again, we didn’t know what the outcome would be, if it was residential and commercial.” With 110 teams signed up regularly throughout the two seasons, with people travelling mostly from a 30 minute radius but some from Pakenham and closer to Melbourne, that equates to 1200 people walking through the door. 10 MAIL
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The Pro Futsal Stadium has been eyed by multinational corporation McDonald’s with plans submitted to build at the site. 385191 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Pro Futsal Mount Evelyn centre manager Tervel Atanasov and director Steven Campbell have no plans of leaving soon despite proposals for a McDonald’s and childcare centre to be built. Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON “We’re definitely a hub. Not just a club, not just somewhere to play but actually where lots of people come in. Lots of clubs have formed here. Lots of people do their social nights for the week here,” Mr Atanasov said. Over the three years Pro Futsal has been operating out of the centre, Mr Atanasov said there have been some challenges, like parking and crossing the road safely, so they’re understanding that for some this may remove some of those impacts. “We’ve had a lot of big building in a small town so we’ve had a lot of, not issues but friction points over the years,” he said. “Neighbours and parking and just the things that are associated with the building so we quite amicably always try and find a middle ground.” Others, like No McDonald’s Mount Evelyn
founder Amy Kidd, the increased traffic from a fast food outlet is just one reason for opposing the development. “My partner and I moved to Mount Evelyn because we love the community vibe and quiet, leafy streets. The last thing we want is golden arches beaming through the night, increased traffic, and the smell of fries wafting over our back fence,” she said. “The proposed location for the McDonald’s development makes absolutely no sense. It’s smack-bang in the middle of a residential area with no other shops around. And Lilydale McDonald’s is just seven minutes down the road.” Ms Kidd said she does appreciate the need for more childcare services in the area and can support this use for the site. “I’m very supportive of the proposal for a childcare centre to be built on Hereford Road.
The current stadium houses four premium surface courts. Mount Evelyn desperately needs more childcare services. But a fast-food restaurant has no place on this residential site.” Although no plans are approved as yet, Mr Atanasov said Pro Futsal will look for other options with the local area to provide the futsal community a continued ability to play. “We’re looking at a few things. Whether this building continues or not isn’t really up to us. But whether futsal continues is “So we know we will be able to find a new venue hopefully and just get cracking and it might not be big and blue, or four courts, but it’ll still be fun.” Looking at opportunities to partner with schools or community halls, Mr Campbell said they will consider every option to find the right one for the Yarra Ranges and broader futsal community. mailcommunity.com.au
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Brigades ready to protect By Callum Ludwig Hoddles Creek Fire Brigade joined a recent training exercise to help improve its capability to support a neighbouring brigade. Alongside the Pakenham Upper CFA and Cockatoo CFA, Hoddles Creek brigade members were given a tour of Gilwell Park in Gembrook by the Gembrook CFA and park staff. Hoddles Creek CFA’s First Lieutenant Brett Kerford said they learnt the park is a pretty significant area for local groups and events. “The scouts are based there, a number of the tree companies train their new hires out there, they are putting in new infrastructure like rock walls and Tough Mudder type infrastructure for people to enjoy, as well as a lot of campers and big events,” he said. “It’s a place where a huge amount of people can be there at any one time, which is something everyone has got to be aware of if a fire or other major emergency hits the area, which we have to factor into our plans when we are protecting them and the infrastructure.” Scout activities have been held at the campsite since 1925 and by the end of the year, the land had been gifted to the Boy Scout Association. Mr Kerford said it’s important to protect because some of the infrastructure has been there for so many years. “There’s a few challenges in regards to access to water, being a bushy area, so for the Gembrook brigade and Gilwell Park staff to invite us out and pass on their knowledge is vitally important,” he said. “Having a bit of a game plan for when you go there could make a huge difference, even though of course you do have to make it up on the fly based on the challenges presented to you.” Gilwell Park is over 160 hectares in area with over 50 buildings on site to protect.
The park is often frequented by campers and scouts and even holds an LGBTIQA+ music and arts festival each year.
CFA crews from Hoddles Creek, Cockatoo and Pakenham Upper where invited out to Gilwell Park by Gembrook CFA and park staff. Pictures: SUPPLIED
Scouts groups have been using the park site for almost 100 years.
Mr Kerford said local knowledge, particularly in regards to a fire, is hugely important. “Knowing where a fire might come from, which areas are safer than others, we saw with a the recent fire out past Gladysdale where the local knowledge of the Little Yarra, Yarra Junc-
bers got a lot out of it.” The upcoming ‘Gaytimes’ music and arts festival will be held at Gilwell Park from 23 to 25 February, with thousands of attendees set to make the trip to the Dandenong Ranges destination for the event.
tion brigades and ourselves helped direct supporting brigades as to where they could provide the most help,” he said. “We’d like to thank the Gembrook brigade and the Gilwell Park staff for inviting us along, it was very much appreciated and our mem-
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OHS sentencing review By Mikayla van Loon The way occupational health and safety offences (OHS) are sentenced in Victoria is under review, with the Yarra Ranges community able to provide input next month. The Sentencing Advisory Council has been tasked by the State Government to undertake an inquiry into the current sentencing practices, like fines and potential reforms that could be made. Being 20 years since the implementation of Occupational Health and Safety Act in 2004, Sentencing Advisory Council chief executive officer Dr Paul McGorrery said it’s “timely to be reviewing whether the sentencing aspects of that legislation are operating as they should”. Engaging with the community is an important part of the review process, with the Council heading to regional and metropolitan townships to conduct consultations. The Council will be conducting a session at the Lillydale Lake Community Room on 18 March to research whether OHS serves its purpose in keeping employers and employees safe. “One of the things that governments ask the Council to investigate is whether the current sentencing practices align with community expectations because that’s a good gauge of whether or not you’re achieving the purposes of sentencing and maintaining public confidence in the justice system as a whole,” Dr McGorrery said. “We’ll be asking members of the community to sentence a real life OHS case themselves and their view, and then we’ll tell them what sentence was imposed in the real case, we’ll compare the differences between the two and ask them how appropriate they thought the sentence in the real case was. “The findings of that process are going to significantly inform the extent to which there might need to be changes.”
An OHS community consultation will be held at the Lillydale Lake Community Room in March. 331739 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS An initial review process of the OHS system found that over the last 10 years, the average fine was $69,000, the smallest was $600 and the largest was $1 million. OHS fines can be up to $1.7 million for a business and $350,000 for individuals. Reviews over the last 30 years have also found fines to not be a good enough deterrent for businesses and individuals. “The maximum penalty for any offence in Victoria typically increases in line with inflation. So the maximum for an employer breach-
ing their duty 20 years or so ago, was about $950,000,”Dr McGorrery. “As of this year, it’s now over $1.7 million. So it’s almost doubled over the last 20 years. What we haven’t seen is an almost doubling in the amount of fines being imposed in these sorts of cases. In fact in some jurisdictions the median fine has actually declined. “So the statistics at least, are very suggestive that fines have not increased in accordance with inflation.” Needing a cross section of community
feedback to inform the potential changes to the OHS sentencing, Dr McGorrery said is because cases of workplace misconduct or lack of safety occurs everywhere. “OHS offences are evenly spread across Victoria. There’s maybe a slight over representation in the Barwon southwest region with Geelong but really, it’s not so significant to point out. I’d say there’s quite an even spread across the state. “The types of employment people engage in will be a significant factor. What we actually found was about 65 per cent, or two thirds of OHS cases occur in the construction and manufacturing industries.” While fines are not the only option for sentencing, with imprisonment, community corrections orders, diversions and undertakings, Dr McGorrery said the review will also explore restorative justice and other methods to improve workplace safety. “There’s evidence that it might be more useful to also include conditions requiring safety improvement works, either for their own organisation or the broader industry. “Of course, it would need to be something above and beyond what they should have been doing in the first place before they got prosecuted for an OHS offence.” These methods would not replace sentencing but something that “runs concurrently alongside the criminal justice process” so businesses and individuals do not “avoid punishment”. The Sentencing Advisory Council will be seeking community feedback until 31 May via the community consultations and written submissions online at engage.vic.gov.au/sentencing-ohs-offences-in-victoria or emailing contact@sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au Dr McGorrery said a report will be delivered to the Attorney General and the Minister for WorkSafe at the end of the year with potential reforms.
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ADVERTORIAL
Soulful Sounds and Family Fun: Live on the Lawn 2024 Delivers Burrinja's Live on the Lawn festival is back for its fourth consecutive year, and it's shaping up to be the highlight of this summer's cultural calendar. Scheduled for Saturday, February 24th, this event promises an unforgettable fusion of soulful tunes and family-friendly festivities, making it a day of pure joy and entertainment for all ages. Leading the charge in the musical line-up are some of Australia's finest acts. Cookin’ on 3 Burners, renowned for their electrifying Hammond organ-driven performances, will keep the crowd grooving with their tight drum breaks and soulful melodies. Joining them is Sweet Talk, whose high-energy live shows and vintage-inspired sound are guaranteed to whip audiences into a frenzy with infectious boogie beats.
Picture: ANNE COMER
The twilight world awaits By Tanya Steele The experience of the world at twilight can be special as the shyer fauna of the bush emerges for the night. The annual twilight picnic hosted by the Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushland gave the community the chance to experience nocturnal nature and get to know the group itself on Saturday 10 February. Longtime member Marilyn Thomas from the Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushland said the Saturday evening is designed to kick off the group for the year and invite newcomers. “We had around thirty people to attend and there was also a family new to Upwey who came to see what we were about,” she said. The group met to have their picnic then headed off into the bush with torches to see what they could spot. Ms Thomas said the groups walked off down to the trails and paused now and then to listen for animals. “We saw a couple of brushtails - who tend to sit up on the branches and stare down at you they’re easy to see,” she said. “We were also being followed by a group of tawny frogmouths, who were swooping for bugs from the torchlight,” she said. “We also saw a couple of very active ringtails and some sugar gliders – they tend to cling tightly on the underside of the branches when they see people because they’re very small and very shy.” The group progressed down to the creek seeing golden orb spiders out and yellow-bel-
lied wattle birds snoozing along the way. “We didn’t hear too many frogs, you tend to see a lot of them in wintertime,” Ms Thomas said. The group were also able to spot eels in the water of the creek Ms Thomas said they could hear microbats flying around. “They’re very quick,” she said. Glenfern Valley sits roughly between the Ferntree Gully National Park and the Birdsland Reserve and Ms Thomas said having the preserved bushland is useful as it provides a continuous stretch for wildlife. “Sometimes even just a line of native trees along the street will help link up to areas because the birds will move from one tree to another, and the insects and so on,” she said. The group has weeding working bees once a month and focuses on specific areas of the reserve depending on the time of year. “When you have new people in there, we just give them a quick demonstration of what you pull up and what you don’t,” Ms Thomas said. Members new and old enjoyed the kick off event and Ms Thomas said they are looking forward to their first working bee on Sunday 16 November. “They certainly enjoyed coming and learning something about the neighbourhood,” she said. “Walking through the bush at night time is very different, it’s quite pleasant walking through the dog and trying to listen to the sounds and see if there’s anything you can identify.”
Adding a touch of local flavour is Hills singer-songwriter Maggie Alley, whose narrative lyrics and haunting vocals draw comparisons to the legendary Patti Smith. However, Live on the Lawn is not just about music; it's a celebration for the whole family. From kids' activities to art, lawn games, and delicious food offerings, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The festivities extend beyond the music, with ongoing exhibitions like ARCHIVING THE FUTURE, showcasing objects and artifacts from the depths of the Burrinja archive, and An Unconscious Voice by Aimee McCallum, a poetic exploration of Mother Nature's emotional spectrum. And for those craving more soul-stirring music, mark your calendars for March 7th, when Irish folk sensation Daoirí Farrell (fresh from his tour in the States) takes the stage at the Lyre Room for a night of mesmerizing melodies. So, whether you're a music enthusiast, an art aficionado, or simply seeking a day of family fun, Live on the Lawn 2024 promises to be an experience like no other. Don't miss out on the magic – mark your calendars and prepare to create lasting memories at Burrinja's premier summer event. For more information and tickets, visit burrinja.org.au.
.COMING UP AT BURRINJA
COOKIN’ ON 3 BURNERS
ROSCOE JAMES IRWIN + BAND
MAGGIE ALLEY
CHARLIE NEEDS BRACES SWEET TALK 12670055-JB08-24
A sugar glider spotted on the walk.
But the musical journey doesn't end there. Roscoe James Irwin + All Star Band will delve deep into the world of funk, featuring Melbourne's top musicians to keep the grooves flowing all day long. Also on the bill is Charlie Woods' latest music project, Charlie Needs Braces, a radiant blend of loopers and trumpet that reflects the sunlit geography of her native Naarm.
.RALPH McTELL .DAOIRI FARELL
.FESTIVAL OF FOLK
.FESTIVAL OF FOLK
02.03.24 @ 8PM | THEATRE
07.03.24 @ 8PM | LYRE ROOM
Burrinja Cultural Centre, Wurundjeri Country, 351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey, 3158. Wed - Sun | 10am-4pm 03 9754 8723 | hello@burrinja.org.au
Members gather before the walk. mailcommunity.com.au
learn more burrinja.org.au
*FREE ENTRY (Adult: $25 pp deposit+ / U12 FREE) +Free event tickets with a $25 deposit. On the day, choose to transfer the deposit to the bar, support artists, or get a refund. Non-attendance forfeits the deposit.
Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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MAIL 13
NEWS
Upper Ferntree Gully Primary focusses on building relationships with their ‘Friendology’ program. Pictures: TABITHA O’BRIEN
The program will kick off with an activities day scheduled for 21 Feb.
Friends for life in Upper FTG By Gabriella Vukman This year Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School has implemented a new program commencing 21 February and running for the year’s duration. The program, titled ‘friendology’ is intended to build communication and relationship skills in order to foster a healthy learning environment. UFTG PS Principal Tabitha O’brien said “we want kids to be happy at school and most of the time the thing that kids talk about that makes them want to come to school, while we would like to think it’s learning, is actually friendship most of the time.”
“Hanging out with their friends at playtime can be a highlight and we know if they have really successful relationships and friendships with each other, then they are going to be happier to come to school and learn,” Tabitha said. Whilst the school has previously focussed on bullying, branching out into the building of strong relationships and coping mechanisms when it comes to navigating other students is the school’s top priority. Ms O’brien said, “the program is created by an organisation called ‘you are strong’ and it focuses on the fact that friendships aren’t perfect and it actively teaches the kids how to have healthy disagreements and solve prob-
lems.” “We are a small school with 69 students so we talk to the kids about it being a bit like a family where they are learning social skills and coping mechanisms instead of saying ‘i’m being bullied,” Ms O’brien said. “We want to teach our students that we don’t have to be best friends with everyone but it’s important that we follow our school values and are respectful and that we focus on the relationships that are in our lives.” Students will enjoy an activity-filled day at school for the ‘Friendology’ program’s launch on February 21. Tabitha said, “the program talks about
friendship ninjas so we’re going to have a bit of a ninja afternoon with all of the kids and then it will go from there throughout the rest of the year and we’ll just keep going with it.” Program sessions will take place weekly and are tailored based on individual assessment and age group. “I guess we are quite different because we do offer a small school,” Tabitha said. “We really look at our students’ individual needs.” “I think the fact that we know all of our students really well, allows us to look at what their individual needs are and look for programs that help to support them as they go through primary school,” Tabitha said.
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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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OPEN DAYS
Come along for a look Hi, my name is Nick Frederiksen, and I am exceptionally fortunate to be the newly appointed Principal of St Paul’s Monbulk. Although only a few weeks into the role, it is clearly evident that it is a wonderful and welcoming community. Here is a little about myself My wife Kate and I have three children: Grace (5), George (2), and Adeline (11 months). Grace started her Prep journey this year. It has been a great experience being on the other side of the fence, and I appreciate the anxiety of a child beginning their time at primary school. Previously, I have been a teacher for 16 years, with the last seven years as Deputy Principal of St Joseph’s Boronia. I was fortunate to be appointed as Acting Principal of Sacred Heart Yea for the second half of last year, giving me an insight into the important role of principal. At Boronia, I also held the positions of 1/2 classroom teacher, Religious Education Leader, Teaching and Learning Leader, ICT leader, and STEM teacher, covering many areas I am passionate about. Between my degrees, I have also run campsites in France, the UK, and Austria. I love sports and currently volunteer at the Essendon Football Club (which might not endear me to some families) with the VFLW and AFLW teams. I also drive players and support staff for the Australian Open Tennis tournament. I love to volunteer, and although not currently volunteering with camps, I have spent most of my adult life running camps for children and adults with a disability through Melbourne Legacy and Oz Child/Interchange, another area I am greatly passionate about. Although I have only been with the St Paul’s Community for the past few weeks, I feel incredibly grateful for the warm welcome I have received. I love the fact that I already consider
New Principal Nick Frederiksen wants to welcome pre-schoolers for a taste of what prep will be like at St Paul’s Primary School. myself part of this great community. At St Paul’s, our children are at the centre of everything we do. We are strongly committed to providing a safe and harmonious school environment where successful relationships thrive. The strength lies in the close partnerships between students, staff, parents, and the wider community, which is highly valued by us all. We promote and develop positive and respectful relationships. The school motto is: ‘Love One Another,’ and we act this out in a caring, cooperative, purposeful and success-
oriented environment. At St. Paul’s, we use an explicit instruction approach to Learning and Teaching in Literacy and Numeracy with a strong focus on developing core skills. Explicit instruction centres around key components – warm up/ daily review, teacher instruction, guided and independent practice - as students are shown what to do and how to do it and provided with multiple opportunities to experience and celebrate success. The school strives to engage all students
Picture: SUPPLIED
and community members to be 21st-century learners by effectively using learning technologies and Google Apps for Education (G.A.F.E) through 1-1 devices (Chromebooks and iPads). Furthermore, the school has an Inquiry learning focus in learning areas of the curriculum, including History, Science, Geography, P.E and Health, Arts, Technologies and a range of General Capabilities. Please call Helen in our office on (03) 9756 7201 and book in for a school tour. I would love to show you around!
Head start is helping more students earn wings More students will get the skills they need and walk straight into the jobs they want, thanks to the expansion of a Victorian Government program allowing students to finish Year 12 while pursuing paid training. Premier Jacinta Allan and education minister Ben Carroll today visited Interair at Essendon Airport to announce that every student at a government secondary school can now participate in Head Start. Head Start is a nation-leading program that gives students who are eager to enter the workforce the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship while finishing school. “Head Start is a great option for students, allowing them to complete Year 12 while getting paid and working towards a qualification that will set them up for their future,” education minister Ben Carroll said. Completed alongside a VCE, VCE Vocational Major or Victorian Pathways Certificate, the initiative offers students paid onthe-job training while providing employers with well-matched and highly motivated young workers. Interair is one of the many companies offering students apprenticeships while they finish VCE. Last year, Interair took on Sunbury Downs College graduate William Paul for two days a week, allowing him to become the first student in Victoria to undertake aircraft maintenance as a schoolbased apprenticeship through Head Start. Last year, 288 schools had at least one student start a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, with the most popular choices being carpentry, hospitality and electrotechnology. More than 3,300 students participated in Head Start in 2023, which carefully matched them with employers to deliver a successful and rewarding placement for everyone. Head Start students get ongoing support
Head Start is a nation-leading program that gives students who are eager to enter the workforce the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship while finishing school. Picture: UNSPLASH from the Head Start team through Year 11 and 12, helping them to manage the demands of work, school and training. Nearly 3,000 employers have hosted a Head Start school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. 96 per cent of participating employers with fewer than 20 employees say they would recommend the program. Premier Jacinta Allan said young people shouldn’t have to choose between finishing their studies and pursuing paid training. “Tradies are in high demand, and this means more workers for the jobs our state needs,” she said. The program is showing great results to date, with the apprentice and trainee retention rate at 87 per cent, significantly higher than the rate for full time apprentices and trainees of 54 per cent. The expansion of Head Start to all government secondary schools following the successful pilot is part of the Labor Government’s $639 million investment in reforms to senior secondary pathways. To find out more about Head Start, including how to provide an employment opportunity, visit apprenticeships.vic.gov.au/head-start 12668378-MP08-24
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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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MAIL 15
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Boo Seeka to visit Belgrave By Tyler Wright ARIA chart featured artist Boo Seeka, AKA Ben Gumbleton, is bringing his national tour for new album Midnight Highlight to Belgrave next month. On Sunday 4 March, Boo Seeka will perform at Sooki Lounge - now for the fifth time - as part of the tour, following the release of single Come With Me in December last year. “It’s been amazing,” Gumbleton said of the reception to the album, which was released on 18 January. “Someone said to me a while ago when I was going through that first little week out of when we had Kingdom Leader and Deception Bay and full of our first three songs that were put out, and I was stressing about doing the first album, like ‘what’s everyone going to think? Is everyone going to like it?’...and then someone said to me ‘it’s something that you’ve created and you’ve got to love, and then after that, once you put it out in the world, it’s none of your business anymore; people are going to love it, people are going to hate it, but that’s just how it is.’ “I’ve really taken that in with this whole record, and the good thing is everyone seems to love it... a lot of people are saying that it’s a really good mixture of the first album and the second album; I feel like there’s a really good middle ground of the two, which is great for this third album.” Gumbleton recently arrived home to Australia after touring Europe and the UK supporting another home-grown outift, indie folk band Boy & Bear. “That was incredible, sold out tour over there with them and those guys have become like family to us now; just super inspiring,” Gumbleton said. “I listened to their records even before I met them; incredible songwriters, incredible people and just an honour to be on the road with
Boo Seeka, AKA Ben Gumbleton, will visit Belgrave on his national tour for his new album. them. “We’re definitely on a high from that tour coming back to our Australian album tour.” Following the news that popular regional music festival had been cancelled due to insufficient ticket sales, Gumbleton said people should “support live music”. “[Groovin the Moo] is the best regional touring festival going around,” he said. “We all know how hard it is just financially at the moment, cost of living is very high; if you
love live music, I know a lot of bands ourselves included doing everything we can to make a ticket price very affordable. “We’re not asking for much, literally enough to be basically covering our costs and enough for us to feed ourselves at the end of it, so we’re doing everything we can on our end, and if people can spare that extra $35 to go and see, again, if it’s not us, go and spend it on somebody else and keep this industry alive.” For those attending the Boo Seeka gig at Sooki Lounge, Gumbleton said he wants con-
Picture: NED KELLY cert goers to “forget all their worries in the world” for an hour and 10 minutes. “And enjoy themselves and dance and sing and have a good time and be in a room with people that enjoy everything that we love doing. “For the people that haven’t seen us before, get ready to see a long lanky man dancing around for an hour and 10 to the point of passing out.” For tickets to the upcoming concern, visit Oztix.
Selby musician to perform at Hello Sunshine Festival By Tyler Wright Selby musician Anya Hynninen is set to hit her biggest stage yet as she prepares to perform at the upcoming Hello Sunshine Festival in Scoresby. AKA Anya Alchemy, Hynninen reached the final six contestants in Australian Idol’s 2023 season, representing the Hills with her soulful voice and ballads. “I think I’m writing a lot more, so I feel like the songs are definitely getting better,” Hynninen said. “During Idol [my] writing went to a whole other level because it was so competitive, we did all these rehearsals during the day and then I’d go back to the apartment and just write because I was like ‘I could get booted off anytime, I might as well have some good songs.’ “I feel like it’s definitely a lot more thought out now and I want every song to be great instead of just a filler, so I think I definitely have higher standards now...but that’s a good thing I think.” On Saturday 2 March, the 20 -year-old will perform a 40-minute set at the Caribbean Gardens, with acts including The Veronicas, The Temper Trap, Pete Murray, Bliss N Eso and Brad Cox also set to take the stage, with close to 10,000 people set to flock to the venue on the day. “It’s the biggest crowd I’ve ever played and I’ve never done a festival that big, but I’m very, very excited,” Hynninen said. “We’ve been rehearsing our butts off, so hopefully it sounds good...we’re doing all originals and I’m trying to lean a little bit country, I think it kind of suits the vibe with Brad Cox and Pete Murray.” As for performing alongside such big names, Hynninen called the experience “crazy”. “My manager keeps saying ‘I want to introduce you to them,’ and that part of me is 16 MAIL
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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
like ‘yay’ and part of me is like ‘no, don’t do it,’ I’m like ‘what do you even say?’” she said. “I’m going to be, I think, very awkward, but I’m excited to just shake their hands and say, ‘oh my God, I love you so much,’ and then cry.” Preparing to release new music in April, Hynninen said she has been rehearsing on her drummer’s parents’ property in Richmond. “My dummer has this old converted classroom, portable classroom on his parents’ property...twice a week we’ll go down and we’ll stand up for five hours in this classroom,” she said. “Obviously I live in the Hills and the drummer and bassist live in the Cranbourne area, so we all try and meet up twice a week and go through everything.” While she is in a “healthy and long-term relationship,” Hynninen said she has sourced inspiration from her brother’s “huge break up” for song material. “There’s not a lot of heartbreak songs I can write from my perspective, so it’s easy to get his opinion and what he’s going through and then write that down from his perspective, because it’s a lot easier I feel like to write about a character that isn’t you. “He hates it, and I think I dig in a little bit as well, I get really honest; he’s like ‘whoa’.” Hello Sunshine Festival organisers announced Hynninen would be joining the line up via social media on Tuesday 30 January. “We’re so excited to announce that Anya Alchemy has just been added to the Hello Sunshine 2024 line up!” the post read. “You’ve probably heard her powerful vocals on last years Australian Idol or through her soulful singles. “We’ll see you there.” The festival is set to inject millions into the local economy. For tickets, visit Oztix.
Selby’s Anya Hynninen, AKA Anya Alchemy, will take the stage for her biggest gig yet at the Hello Sunshine Festival in Scoresby next month. Picture: FARLEY WEBB mailcommunity.com.au
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The VANNS come to town Australian rock and roll band The VANNS are bringing their regional tour to Sooki Lounge in Belgrave. South Coast boys Jimmy Vann on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Cameron Little on lead guitar, vocals and keys,Tom Switlek on bass and backing vocals and Andrew ‘Banjo’ Banovich taking over drums and vocals, are approaching their 21-date regional tour with their album Last Of Your Kind. Switlek said the outfit decided to go on a big regional tour because of their “fun” nature. “Every time we do a regional tour, we’ve always enjoyed it, so we just kind of thought ‘let’s do a big 21-day one and see how it goes,’” Switlek said. “We played [Sooki Lounge] on our last regional tour... It’s a cool venue, so we thought we’d go back there. Nice area too, really stunning landscapes.” Last Of Your Kind charted at number eight on the ARIA Albums Chart, number two on the Australian Albums Chart, as well as being long-listed for the Australian Music Prize. It also achieved the lucrative triple j Feature Album spot during release, signallinng a moment of striking elevation for the four piece. Switlek said a live show is where the band thrives. “I enjoy listening to the recordings...but I think we define ourselves as a live band.” A big tour, Switlek said is “not really” daunting. “It’s exciting more than anything, I reckon by now we’re kind of all used to the travelling and non-stop playing,” he said. A performance of new and older songs will be held on Thursday 29 February. For tickets to The VANNS’ gig, visit www. thevannsband.com
Four-piece outfit The VANNS are kicking off their regional tour.
Picture: SUPPLIED
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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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MAIL 17
RETIRE IN STYLE
Peppertree Hill offers country living at its best.
Pictures: SUPPLIED
The large indoor swimming pool is one way to get active at Peppertree Hill.
A lifestyle like no other What does your perfect day look like? Is it a family outing to beautiful Rowville Lakes? A leisurely hike through the Dandenong Ranges? Or time to unwind and chat with friends over a cuppa? Well, the good news is when you live at Peppertree Hill, you don’t have to choose! Located in the heart of Rowville, close to golf courses, scenic parks, and only a walk
away from Stud Park Shopping Centre, offers country living at its best. Get active or unwind - you choose how to spend your time Within Peppertree Hill, you’ll find a world of activities. Want to invigorate your mornings or cool down on a sunny afternoon? Dive into our indoor heated swimming pool. Do you feel crafty and want to let your
creativity flow? Use the onsite hobby shed or the handy workshop to get started on your next project. Or come down for a cuppa and a chat in the community centre, conveniently located right in the heart of the village. The possibilities really are endless, and with a variety of social activities and clubs as well as an onsite hairdresser and chemist
deliveries, you’ll have everything you need to achieve your personal wellbeing goals. So, what does your perfect day look like? Book a tour of Peppertree Hill now or come visit our next big event to see what your retirement could be like. Visit keytonevents.com.au for more information.
Calling all music enthusiasts Join us at Peppertree Hill retirement village for a fun filled morning tea and enjoy the smooth sounds of Matt Callan perform Elvis, Sinatra, Dean Martin and more! Be inspired by the rhythm of retirement living.
Wednesday 13 March 10:30am-12pm 15 Fulham Road, Rowville RSVP essential. Scan the QR code today keytonevents.com.au
12653404-AP08-24
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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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NEWS
Hundred years to celebrate By Tanya Steele A longtime Boronia community member has celebrated a special milestone recently - 100 years old and counting. Trijntje (pronounced Truce) said it was ‘a bit of a surprise’ to get to the centenary mark but has enjoyed an afternoon high tea in celebration. Daughter Bardina Cameron said around 30 family and friends gathered to celebrate her mother’s birthday and the high tea had “all the trimmings”. Born in January 1924, Trijntje moved to Australia in 1955 by boat from Rotterdam, Holland and said “there was not much work in Holland” and a friend had moved to Australia a few years previously. “We came over on the ship the M.S. Sibayuk, with husband, Tony, my children and my brother,” Trijntje said. “We ended up living in the Western districts for around five years, my father took work as a builder,” said Ms Cameron. The family later moved from the Basin and then onwards to Boronia. “And my father got a job at the Salvation Army Boys Training Centre at the bases – he was a carpenter. So he was teaching carpentry there,” Ms Cameron said. “She’s done a very good job of getting where she is,” Ms Cameron said. Ms Cameraon said her mother looked after a lot of the grandchildren over the years, enjoys a bit of bingo and often went on holidays with her sister to Queensland. “She likes to garden - she had beautiful roses,” she said. The centenarian has celebrated many milestones in her life including 50 years of living in Australia in 2005 and writing a novel about her life. Titled “Life’s Stories” Tryntje wrote her family a book of her history, recounting her early childhood and years spent in Holland during war times and detailing her move to Australia. “...The first week of May 1940, on a beautiful spring day, we were woken by the sound of planes and shooting…our lives changed, it was a very uncertain time, the Germans took over and nothing was the same any more,” she wrote. The book is quite detailed and Trijntje recounts living without power and dwindling food supplies. “Everything was on coupons and we were being fed from central kitchens... First, it was not too bad, but later on, you couldn’t eat the soup it was like dirty, thick water,” she wrote. Of the end of the war she wrote, “ We all went out of bed and took to the streets and everyone joined in the singing, we were free after five years of war.” On the long boat journey to Australia in October 1955 Trijntje and her family celebrated the crossing of the equator on board. “We had a party, it was so great,” and later docked in Fremantle, Western Australia. “The first impression is that everything was so big… “ she wrote.
The family rode by train across to Melbourne and began their chapter in the east of Australia, initially living on a farm near Wynarka “50 miles from the Murray Bridge”. “There was a cow I had to milk every night, I was dead scared of it.” she wrote. By 1963 Trijntje and her family had moved several times but had settled in a house in Boronia, her husband sadly passed away young at the age of 45.
Trijntje recounted in her book that it took her a while to get to grips with it… “I went back to work and that was the best thing I could have done.” Trijntje now lives in a retirement home but keeps in touch with family and friends via a tablet. “I email and send messages and we FaceTime, I talk to some family in Holland,” Trijntje said.
Trijntje has nine great-grandchildren and has been knitting each of them a teddy, her current aim is to get the final two finished. “I’m very proud of all of my family, they’re all we’re all doing well and the grandchildren are doing well,” she said. “Very happy with the way things have turned out.”
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Trijntje (pronounced Truce) said it was ‘a bit of a surprise’ to get to the centenary mark but has enjoyed an afternoon high tea in celebration. Picture: SUPPLIED
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AVONSLEIGH Avonsleigh News & General Store 445 Belgrave Gembrook Road BELGRAVE Belgrave Newsagency 1704 Burwood Highway BELGRAVE Woolworths Supermarket 1629 Burwood Highway
EMERALD Bell Real Estate 313 Main Street FERNTREE GULLY Upper Ferntree Gully Newsagents, 1202 Burwood Highway FERNTREE GULLY Glenfern Road Milk Bar , 83 Glenfern Road
MONBULK Monbulk Newsagency & Officesmart 76 Main Street OLINDA Monbulk Bowling Club, 11 Moores Road OLINDA Olinda Cellars Shop 7/540 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road
BELGRAVE IGA 151 Belgrave-Hallam Road BELGRAVE Chandler & Co Real Estate 1689 Burwood Hwy
FERNTREE GULLY Coles Supermarket Mountain Gate SC Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY Woolworths Supermarket Mountain Gate SC
OLINDA Ranges at Olinda 5 Old Main Road OLINDA IGA Supermarket 1526 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road
BELGRAVE First National Real Estate 1660 Burwood Highway Belgrave BELGRAVE SOUTH Belgrave South Motors 138 Belgrave-Hallam Rd BORONIA Boronia Mall Newsagent Corner Floriston Road & Chandler Road
Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY Mountain Gate Newsagency & Lotto Mountain Gate SC 9b Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY IGA Ferntree Gully, 107 Station Street
OLINDA Bell Real Estate 11 Main Road SASSAFRAS Sassafras General Store 391 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road SILVAN Shell Princi Motors, 275 - 277 Monbulk Road
COCKATOO Ranges First National Shop 2, 24 McBride Street COCKATOO IGA Cockatoo 34 McBride Street
TECOMA BP Service Station 1524 Burwood Highway TECOMA Bon Ton General Store 1537 Burwood Highway
EMERALD Kaye Charles RE 12a Kilvington Drive EMERALD Ritchies SUPA IGA 342 Belgrave-Gembrook Road EMERALD Emerald Village Newsagency 4 Kilvington Drive
FERNTREE GULLY Shell Service Station 1140 Burwood Highway FERNY CREEK Ferny Creek & Post Office 195 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road GEMBROOK Gembrook Post Office& Newsagent 72 Main Street GEMBROOK IGA Supermarket 83/85 Main Street
EMERALD Woolworths Supermarket Belgrave Gembrook Road EMERALD Auto Plus More Petrol Station 365 Main Street
KALORAMA Post Office 1209 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road MONBULK Best Repairs & Accessories Monbulk - 26 Main Road
TREMONT Caltex Service Station 100 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road UPWEY Newsagent 18 Main Street
EMERALD Shell Service Station 336 Main Street EMERALD Barry Plant Real Estate 1/ 321 Main Street
MONBULK Food Express 128 Main Road MONBULK Woolworths Supermarket Main Road & Moores Road
UPWEY IGA Supermarket 62-64 Main Street UPWEY Yarra Ranges Shire Council 40 Main Street
12652353-AA48-23
TECOMA O’Brien Real Estate 1567 Burwood Highway TECOMA McDonald’s Restaurant 1529 Burwood Highway THE PATCH The Patch Store and Post office 16 The Patch Road
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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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MAIL 19
OPINION
It’s a trying time Happy new year – and I hope the start of 2024 has been a good one for you and yours. I do hope you had the chance to spend some time with friends and family. But we’re back at it after a summer break for what I know will be another big year for our whole community. Right across our community and our state, we’ve had a trying couple of months, weather wise. I wanted to, first and foremost, importantly give mention to all our local emergency service volunteers who’ve kept working right through the summer break, especially during the recent floods and weather events we’ve seen. Thanks always for what you do. Container Deposit Scheme Don’t forget to get your 10 cent refund for eligible containers! The Container Deposit Scheme is now up and about. The Mitre 10 Reverse Vending Machine in Bayswater has been one of the most popular spots in the state. There are other locations you can go to as well and there are more coming online soon. Head to cds.vic.org.au for more information. Burwood Highway Works Nearly Complete A safer and better Burwood Highway is nearly here, with the intersection upgrade works at
The state of
affairs Jackson Taylor Bayswater MP McMahons Road and Clyde Street, Ferntree Gully, almost finished! I visited the construction site recently to see just how it’s shaping up. The vehicle detectors are in, and the final asphalt layer is now in – ready for lights to be switched on and the intersection opened in late February for a betterBurwood Highway! State Basketball Centre – Officially Open! Just the other day, I was absolutely stoked to stand alongside Premier Jacinta Allan and the local community to declare the new State Basketball Centre in Wantirna South officially open! When Victoria has more basketballers than every other state combined, you need a place where elite athletes and community players can come together. The State Basketball Centre re-
development has increased the number of courts to play on. Added training facilities for everyone to use - from NBL and WNBL teams, to local clubs and casual use. As well as the addition of a new, state-of-the-art gymnastics facility. This new centre will get more people playing, boost fan bases and support local jobs. And dare I say it…it’s a slam dunk. In other news… The new state-of-the-art cricket nets and lanes at Guy Turner Reserve are open. Delivered $5,000 to the Chinese Association of Victoria to help them put on their annual Chinese New Year festival. The new Knox Regional Netball Centre – cofunded by the State Labor Government – has been officially opened. Made it easier to put a granny-flat in your backyard. The brand new Knox Library is well on track for completion early this year. It’s been one year since the first bub was born as a result of our nation-first public IVF scheme. And on another note, do you have unclaimed money sitting out there? The State Revenue Office has $109 million of refunds, bonds, interest and unclaimed cash just waiting for Victorians to collect.
CARTOON
Bland and irritating
Madame Web Starring Dakota Johnson, Tahar Rahim and Sydney Sweeney Rated M 2/5 Madame Web is a bland, tedious, often irritating superhero film. Cassie Webb (Dakota Johnson), a withdrawn New York paramedic, develops clairvoyant powers after an accident and must protect three teenage girls from a superpowered killer. The fourth film in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (following the sloppy but fun Venom films and the atrocious Morbius), Madame Web is a boring superhero caper and an unappetizing teaser for future movies.While Johnson plays her role with gusto, Cassie is a very prickly, rude protagonist, and her development consists solely of learning her past (which we already knew from the very start of the movie) and stepping up to protect the girls. Strip away the snark, and Cassie has hardly any personality. The aforementioned girls are also thinly-developed, and Celeste O’Connor is intensely unlikeable as Mattie Franklin. Tahar Rahim is rarely intimidating as the villain Ezekiel Sims, and his quest to kill the girls before they kill him in the future carries little weight when you don’t care much about his targets.Moreover, the brief glimpses of them as spider-themed superheroes just makes us want to see that movie instead. Madame Web is slow, lurching and contrived, and full of clunky dialogue and blunt exposition.The portrayal of Cassie’s clairvoyance early on is tense and unsettling, but the action (save for some cool moments) is flat and fleeting. The climax achieves two feats I thought were impossible: making a final battle with fireworks look washed out, and making the way Cassie saves the day look like a rubbish Deus Ex Machina despite it being established (with heavy-handed dialogue) earlier in the film.This review allows you to foresee and avoid this unexciting, annoying superhero dud, which is playing in most Victorian cinemas. - Seth Lukas Hynes
Busy stage at Little Theatre for Yes, Prime Minister The 1812 Theatre Mother and Son The stage adaptation of this much loved iconic Australian sitcom takes the story into a modern day setting with the use of mobile phones, Skype calls to the grandchildren and other contemporary references. Written by Geoffrey Atherden, the writer of the original TV series, with all the same wellconstructed characters, the storyline follows Arthur as he trues to plan for a special (and much deserved) vacation away with his new girlfriend. But Maggie and Arthur’s scheming brother throws all sorts of obstacles in his path. Season opens Thursday February 22 and runs to March 15. Bookings: 9758 3964 Eltham Little Theatre – A Review Yes Prime Minister The United Kingdom is in crisis: debts are spiralling; unemployment is on the rise and the fragile coalition cabinet led by Prime Minister Jim Hacker is at breaking point. But salvation may exist in the form of a complex pipeline deal with the oil-rich country of Kumranistan that would entitle the government to a multi-trillion-pound loan.
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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
Kemp’s curtain call A well set stage of the interior of Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country estate. A busy stage with a lounge one side and the office on the other. Sir Humphrey Appleby was played by Adrew McAliece, good projection and really caught the feeling of such a character. The Prime Minister’s Principal Private Secretary Bernard Woolley was given positive performance by Matthew Todd. The Prime Minister, Jim Hacker, was played by Julian Campobasso, giving, and capturing the essence of such a role. The Prime Minister’s head of policy, Claire Sutton, was played by Joanna Karaknikolopoulos who gave a good portrayal of such a character. The Kumranistan Ambassador was played
by Adam Lofthouse. Who also gave a good interpretation of the role. There were several more characters, but space does not allow time on same. Needless to say they added to the delight of the evening. Overall the show was fair but whether or not it is the acoustics or the players but the actor were rather quiet and at the rear were hard to hear. Whether or not this can be rectified is unknown at the present. The Rocky Horror Show Tells the story of Brad and his fiancee Kanet, two squeaky clean college kids who while driving to a friend’s place have a flat tyre in a storm and walk two miles to a castle where they hope to find a telephone. Where they meet Dr FrankN-Furter an extra-terrestrial mad scientist from the galaxy of Transylvania where people like to party. Well, Brad and Janet will never have such an evening. Athenaeum Theatre Melbourne is the venue for the Melbourne performance and what an evening of fun, mayhem and delight. Jason Donovan was Dr Frank-N-Furter and what a performance. Jason gave his all and really caught the character as envisaged A wonderful portrayal and a great welcome back to Melbourne for Jason. Joel Creasy was the Narrator, a terrific por-
trayal of the character. Joel really caught the character and with his replies to some hecklers in the audience was a sheer delight. Joel projects well and gave a stunning performance. Blake Bowden was Brad, the innocent young college student. Blake caught the character with finesse giving a good interpretation of the role, he also worked well with his fiancee Janet. Janet was played by Deirdre Khoo who captured the essence of the sweet young newly engaged young student. Well, she was until entering Dr Frank-N-Furter’s castle.Stellar Perry played the roles of the usherette and Magenta. As the usherette Stellar opened the program. Appearing on stage as the curtains opened. As Magenta she gave a stirling performance. The butler, Riff Raff was played by Henry Rollo. This performance was one of the highlights of the evening. He really caught the essence of the character giving a great performance.The cast and the stars gave a great evening of theatre and were highly enjoyed by the audience.A great production with smooth moving sets, good music and of course, The Time Warp, which was very popular, do much so that in the final bows the audience demanded it again. The result was a standing ovation for a wonderful evening of theatre. mailcommunity.com.au
NEWS
The ferocity of a storm By Maria Millers The wind begun to rock the grass With threatening tunes and low, He flung a menace at the earth, A menace at the sky. The leaves unhooked themselves from trees And started all abroad; The dust did scoop itself like hands And throw away the road. - Emily Dickinson We had been warned that bad weather was on the way; there were explanations of how the winds would possibly impact and there was talk of catastrophic conditions for some areas. But then weather predictions have often been way off the mark and perhaps the cool summer brought complacency that once again we would escape a major weather event. American Poet Emily Dickinson writing in the late 19 th century captured the ferocity of a storm, similar to the one last Tuesday across Victoria, zigzagging and choosing to impact some areas whilst leaving others mildly affected as is the nature of some storms. Its power was frightening: wind that uprooted trees, brought down powerline, horizontal rain and hail that lashed windows.
WOORILLA WORDS Then the noise of flying debris and property damage changed everything in minutes to something that resembled a war zone. For most of us, unaccustomed as we are to inconvenience let alone deprivation, the power failure meant that, none of what we are accustomed to have at the flick of a switch or a click, was available: supermarkets, shops, cafes, ATMs and of course the Internet. Suddenly there was no connectivity and since cash became the only accepted payment people panicked. In my front garden there is now a huge mound of branches severed from the magnificent old maple tree that was the reason I chose this place to live. The gutters are hanging by a thread and additional debris from far afield is strewn
everywhere, brought about by the ferocious wind. Up and down the roads around the area there is widespread tree damage and powerlines dislodged by the falling tree limbs. Big gum trees with their shallow root systems cling precariously to steep banks. One wonders if this is a tragedy waiting to happen. There are so many questions we should be asking: from the obvious dereliction of duty in maintaining the infrastructure of our grid in good repair to the reluctance to properly maintain trees from impacting on powerlines, and perhaps acknowledging that certain trees should be removed, or at least maintained more stringently by arborists in areas where they could cause problems. In this wide brown land of ours we have witnessed many times the powerful and destructive forces of nature that have captured the imagination of poets and scientists alike. From bushfires, floods to cyclones stories of resilience are legion. However that is not to diminish the fact that some have undoubtedly found the last week a struggle and overwhelming. In her poem, The Fury of Rainstorms, Anne Sexton acknowledges feelings of despair and a
desire for solace amid all the chaos generated by a storm. However she decides that: Depression is boring, I think and I would do better to make some soup and light up the cave. It may be hard to choose to ignore that the temporary inconveniences we are experiencing pale into insignificance when put up against the constant unrelenting grind of daily survival for so many millions on this planet. And once the storm passes in the wake of its destruction hopefully comes a cycle of renewal. The Fury of Rain Storms The rain drums down like red ants, each bouncing off my window. The ants are in great pain and they cry out as they hit as if their little legs were only stitched on and their heads pasted. And oh they bring to mind the grave, so humble, so willing to be beat upon with its awful lettering and the body lying underneath without an umbrella. Depression is boring, I think and I would do better to make some soup and light up the cave.
New faces, new committee in store at township group MAIL SNIPPETS WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HILLS BTTG invites community to AGM New members and committee appointments are in store at the upcoming annual general meeting for The Belgrave Tecoma Township Group. The Belgrave Tecoma Township group (BTTG) is holding its AGM at 6.30pm on Thursday 7 March at Belgrave Library and extends a welcoming invitation to local community members who would like to attend. The group has been inactive for several months and needs to reactivate so it can successfully run community projects and contribute to local activities, such as the Tecoma Centenary Celebrations. BTTG was formed through the amalgamation of BRAG – Belgrave Regional Action Group and TVAG the Tecoma Village Action Group. Both these groups had been actively running for several years and then decided to amalgamate to become more active and cover a broader area. A new Executive will be appointed at the AGM and any local residents who feel they have the skills, interest and maybe experience, are warmly invited to nominate. New members will be greatly appreciated and are encouraged to join. Contact to the BTTG can be made via email at bttgInc@gmail.com Olinda Creek Trail ride campaign All riders are welcome to a relaxed ride this week to help campaign for a beautiful new trail proposed in the Yarra Ranges. Proponents of the extension and upgrading of the Olinda Creek Trail have organised a ride along parts of the proposed route, which will connect Olinda to Lilydale. The Shire of Yarra Ranges is expected to move forward with funding for a feasibility study for the trail this year, which will establish its viability and form a platform for attracting funds from governments mailcommunity.com.au
Calls for the Olinda Creek Trail to link Lilydale to Olinda have culminated in a ride on 22 February.
Picture: ON FILE
Belgrave Library will host the Belgrave Tecoma Township Group annual general meeting on 7 March. sources. Now, to keep the issue front and centre, local advocates have organised a ride to take supporters along to meet up with the mayor and councillors and show them what the community is missing out on. Riders will meet on Thursday 22 February at Tramway Road carpark off York
Road, Mount Evelyn at 9.15am for a 9.30am start. Riders will start from the ‘Amazing Coffee Van’ at Tramway Road for a 19km ride to Olinda along the well-formed bush trails through Silvan and Olinda forest, then via the Rupert Hamer arboretum and past the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens to
Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON
the Ranges Cafe at Olinda at around 11.3011.45am. The ride initially follows Warrawee Road, Murrumbung Road, and Wombalano Road – quiet suburban streets – before joining Pipeline Track. Ride organiser Ron Thomas will lead, some riders will use GPS mapping and there are markers along the way. Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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MAIL 21
PUZZLES No. 173
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.
easy
1
9 2
5 2 3 7 3 9 1 4
3 6 7 2 5
9 9 1 4 6
9 8 4 1 6 3 1 7 8
5
6 3 2
ACROSS
No. 173
DOWN
1
Remains (5)
4
Artworks (9)
9
System of principles (5)
10
Soaked (9)
11
Not mature (6)
12
Haughty (8)
14
Unfaithful (9)
15
Pride (3)
17
Donkey (3)
19
TV advertisement (10)
23
Number comprehension (8)
24
Computer network linking newsgroups (6)
26
Items of great worth (9)
27
Seance board (5)
28
At least (coll) (9)
29
Fashion (5)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 16 18 19 20 21 22 25
Salt (7) Steamed (7) Surgeon’s instrument (7) Sit for an artist (4) Gatecrasher (10) Fears (7) A salt or ester of nitric acid (7) Insurrection (8) A thin noodle (10) Circus (8) Country in Horn of Africa (7) Dried fruit (7) Traditions (7) Yearly payment (7) Lolling (2,4) Island (4)
9 medium
8
QUICK CROSSWORD
3 6 7 5 8 5 9 5 1
DECODER
No. 173
3 4
5 7 3 1 5 4 1 9 8 7 3
hard
6
3
4
5
6
8
10 11 12 13
Q
Y
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
1
2
3
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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”.
T
E
Today’s Aim: 17 words: Good 26 words: Very good
R
U
A
C
1 4 8 9 6 5 2 3 7 5 2 6 8 3 7 9 1 4 7 9 3 4 2 1 5 6 8 4 1 2 5 7 3 8 9 6 3 6 7 2 8 9 1 4 5 8 5 9 1 4 6 3 7 2 2 7 5 3 9 4 6 8 1 9 8 4 6 1 2 7 5 3 6 3 1 7 5 8 4 2 9
5 7 8 1 3 6 2 4 9 4 6 2 7 9 5 1 3 8 1 3 9 2 8 4 7 5 6 3 8 4 6 2 9 5 1 7 2 9 1 5 4 7 6 8 3 6 5 7 3 1 8 9 2 4 8 1 6 9 5 3 4 7 2 7 2 3 4 6 1 8 9 5 9 4 5 8 7 2 3 6 1
R
U
V
acre, acute, care, caret, carr, cart, carte, carter, carve, carver, cater, cave, crate, crater, crave, cruet, curare, curate, cure, curt, CURVATURE, curve, cute, cuter, ecru, eruct, race, racer, react, recta, recur, trace, tracer, truce, verruca
6 4 1 5 7 3 9 2 8 5 2 9 4 8 1 3 7 6 7 8 3 6 2 9 4 5 1 4 9 2 1 6 8 7 3 5 8 6 7 9 3 5 1 4 2 3 1 5 7 4 2 6 8 9 1 7 4 8 5 6 2 9 3 2 5 6 3 9 4 8 1 7 9 3 8 2 1 7 5 6 4 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
9
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
35 words: Excellent
hard
7
3 LETTERS ADD ADS AGO AIL APE AVO EAT ERA GOO HAT HID HUH IRS LEE LEG OLD OWL PEP RAP ROE SEE SIN SIX THE
R T D B S U C F H G L PW
medium
2
E K A O MN I Z J V X Q Y
easy
1
14
5 9 4 8 7 3 9 1 2 1 7 5 3 3 5 2 6 1 8 2 5 9 4 8 7 4
WORDFIT
4 LETTERS ARMS ASKS BASS BIAS BOOR CAVE EDIT HENS ICES MACE PACE SETS SINE TACT 5 LETTERS ADEPT AGILE AIMED AURAL
No. 173
& / ( $ 1 6 ( '
AWARE BASTE BOOST CATCH CHASM CHUTE CLUES CREPE DUCTS EDGES ELECT ERASE ERROR EVENS EXERT HAVEN HERBS HOONS INEPT MIRTH OASES OBOES PAUSE
POPPY PREEN PSALM RADII RAGER RINSE RISEN RIVER ROOTS SANER SENSE SLING SMILE SPENT STEAK TABLE TENDS TENET TESTS THEME USAGE VOTER YESES
6 LETTERS ENDERS ENTRAP INSURE MISHAP
8 LETTERS CLEANSED DETONATE MATUREST TRAVERSE
7 LETTERS DRESSES ERUDITE OPERATE OVERRAN TITTERS TRASHED
& + $ 6 0 7 + ( 0 ( % $ 6 7 ( $ 8 5 $ / $ , 0 ( ' 5 $ ' , , ( 9 ( 1 6 & + 8 7 ( 6 / , 1 * + $ 7 ' 8 & 7 6 / ( ( 3 ( 3 ( 1 7 5 $ 3 0 , 5 7 + 6 ( 7 6 2 3 ( 5 $ 7 ( ( 5 $ & $ 9 ( , & ( 6 , 1 ( 3 7 $ * 2 6 , 1 ( 7 5 $ 9 ( 5 6 ( 2 9 ( 5 5 $ 1 7 , 7 7 ( 5 6 & / ( $ 1 6 ( ' % 2 2 5 2 / ' + ( 5 % 6 ( ' , 7 $ 5 0 6 / ( * 7 5 $ 6 + ( ' 3 $ & ( 2 % 2 ( 6 , 1 6 8 5 ( + 2 2 1 6 $ ' ' 6 , ; 2: / 3 $ 8 6 ( 2 $ 6 ( 6 ( 5 $ 6 ( 6 7 ( $ . 5 $ * ( 5 3 5 ( ( 1 < ( 6 ( 6 7 ( 6 7 6 6 3 ( 1 7
SUDOKU
23-02-24
William Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS
9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12567433-SN37-22
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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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PROPERTY
“MANNABY” A BEAUTIFUL LIFESTYLE
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
“MANNABY“ - A BEAUTIFUL LIFESTYLE ARCHITECTURALLY designed and brimming with beautiful elements, this property is a unique offering within walking distance to Belgrave township, Belgrave Recreational Reserve and Birdsland Reserve. With an elevated aspect with vista views and an inground pool perfect for families, a lifetime of enjoyment is available at this elegant home. From the commanding exterior to the clever drive-through double garage, this home is instantly impressive. The welcoming wraparound verandah invites you to discover the interior rich with character. Ceiling roses, ornate cornicing, wood fire, and reclaimed French doors and timber floors in the formal lounge elevate the architectural integrity. At
its heart, the crisp white kitchen with stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances, and walk-in pantry is ideal for entertaining. The family room makes a marvellous addition to this home’s convenient layout. Bright and spacious bedrooms, including the ensuite main with WIR, enhance the comfort in this quality home. With extras including gas ducted heating, split system heating/cooling, garden shed, chook house with run and solar heating and ionizer on the picturesque pool, every consideration has been made to create this spectacular home. Beautifully blending lifestyle and location, this property will certainly impress. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 4 Merrigum Lane, BELGRAVE Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $780,000 - $850,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Suzie Brannelly 0490 506 910, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 24 MAIL
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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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HOME FOCUS
EXQUISITE LIFESTYLE RETREAT ON 5 ACRES INDULGE in the pinnacle of opulent rural living across this sprawling 5-acre estate, seamlessly fusing modern comforts with the serene allure of the countryside. Step into a meticulously designed fully renovated 5-bedroom residence that beckons you into a sanctuary of refinement and repose. The master bedroom, complete with an ensuite and walk-in robe, stands as a testament to both style and functionality, accompanied by four additional bedrooms featuring built-in robes. Addressing every need, the home boasts a well-appointed main bathroom, a dedicated study, and a second living area. At the heart of the home lies a contemporary kitchen, adorned with stone benchtops and enhanced by the convenience of a butler’s pantry, alongside the timeless elegance of floating timber floors. Electric ducted heating and cooling plus an inbuilt fireplace guarantee year-round comfort, while the practicality of a ducted vacuum system simplifies maintenance. Descending to the lower level reveals
a fully equipped salon, offering versatile space for work, guest accommodation, or a teenage retreat. The double garage seamlessly integrates under the roofline, providing secure parking. Step outside into an outdoor haven featuring an inviting alfresco area leading to a refreshing plunge pool. From the deck, soak in the breathtaking bay views, creating an oasis of relaxation amidst natural beauty. Explore the rural delights of this property, complete with a generously sized chicken coop for fresh eggs, a large shed with 3 phase power also boasting a man cave, and expansive paddocks at the rear – ideal for horses, cows, sheep, goats, or your preferred livestock. This residence beckons you to relish the best of both worlds, where modern luxury converges with the tranquility of the countryside. Seize the opportunity to make this dream retreat your own. Contact us today to register yourself for the open homes, please bring along photo ID to be checked at the door upon entry. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 193 Belgrave-Hallam Road, BELGRAVE SOUTH Description: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 8 garage Price: $2,100,000 - $2,310,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Dave Reilly, 0437 347 665, BARRY PLANT EMERALD mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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MAIL 25
HOME FOCUS
BELGRAVE BEAUTY WITH VIEWS EXPERIENCE the allure of this chic Belgrave home, boasting captivating tree-top views and convenient proximity to public transport. Spanning 1,173m2, the residence features terraced gardens and an abundance of light. Revel in the ambiance of three luminous bedrooms including master with walk-in robes and ensuite, a family bathroom with a charming claw foot tub, rain shower, and heated towel rails and complemented by two living spaces graced with stunning leadlight feature windows and leafy vistas. There is ample built-in cabinetry and a unique lower-level room which is accessible both externally and internally via a hatch door. The space offers room for your own small business, hobby room, gym or office space. There are also solar panels for energy efficiency. Whether entertaining in the sundrenched private patio, cultivating vegetables in raised beds, or tinkering in the shed, the options are yours to explore. Positioned in close proximity to Belgrave village and public transport, this distinctive home provides a wonderful opportunity to reside close to town. Don’t miss the chance to plan your inspection today and make this unique and stylish home your own. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 70 Belgrave-Hallam Road, BELGRAVE Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $740,000 - $810,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sue Colic 0421 772 610 and Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218, BARRY PLANT EMERALD 26 MAIL
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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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6 OLD MONBULK ROAD BELGRAVE
620 BEENAK ROAD YELLINGBO
6 ZIG ZAG ROAD BELGRAVE HEIGHTS
ENCHANTING RESIDENCE, PRIME LOCATION
YOUR PERFECT LIFESTYLE AWAITS
ENDLESS POTENTIAL
3A
3A
2A
1B
1D
FOR SALE $690,000 - $750,000 OFI By Appointment
DAVE REILLY 0437 347 665 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
1B
6D
FOR SALE $895,000 - $980,000 OFI By Appointment
RILEY NICHOLAS 0488 501 218 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
1B
FOR SALE $560,000 - $610,000 OFI By Appointment
JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
45 EmErald monbulk road EMERALD
32 OLD GEMBROOK ROAD EMERALD
Lot G 1230 Pakenham Road MT BURNETT
COUNTRY LIFESTYLE ON 1.5 ACRES!
CENTRAL EMERALD WONDER
SPACE, OPPORTUNITY AND LOCATION.
4A
4A
2B
2D
FOR SALE $890,000 - $970,000 OFI by appointment
JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
2B
8D
FOR SALE $1,550,000 - $1,690,000 OFI By Appointment
68.6 Acres GAYLE BARROT 0408 195 767 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
FOR SALE $1,000,000-$1,100,000 OFI By appointment
SUE COLIC 0421 772 610 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
5 Kitchener Parade COCKATOO
33 Beaconsfield emerald road EMERALD
70 BELGRAVE-HALLAM ROAD BELGRAVE
YOUR FAMILY HAVEN WITH VIEWS
CHARACTER FILLED HOME ON OVER 1.5AC
BELGRAVE BEAUTY WITH VIEWS
4A
5A
3A
2B
2D
FOR SALE $750,000 - $825,000 OFI By appointment
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SUE COLIC 0421 772 610 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
3B
4D
FOR SALE $1,480,000 - $1,570,000 OFI By appointment
JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
2B
2D
FOR SALE $740,000 - $810,000 OFI By Appointment
SUE COLIC 0421 772 610 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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MAIL 27
HOME FOCUS
MODERN AND STYLISH EQUINE PROPERTY ON APPROXIMATELY FIVE ACRES WHAT a fantastic opportunity! Rarely do you find a home of this quality paired with a usable nearly 5 acres of land carefully designed to maximize grazing potential and ease of care for your horses or four legged friends. The home is located less than 5 minutes to Gembrook township, and is surrounded by farming properties offering beautiful vistas. The expansive 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom family home is wrapped with a welcoming front verandah and has a grand entry. There is a formal loungeroom & a master bedroom with a large walk in wardrobe and ensuite. Conveniently located near the master
bedroom is a further bedroom with ceiling fan and built in robes. The home with its high ceilings, double glazed large windows, and reverse cycle air conditioning is a delight to explore. Flow through to the central open plan kitchen/dining/lounge area to discover the hub of the home that is flooded with natural light, and offers a wood fire heater, and kitchen with a large walk in pantry. The kitchen also has a 900mm gas stove/ oven, stainless steel appliances including dishwasher and Caesar stone benchtops. At the other end of the home, there is a lovely laundry with it’s own external access,
a study/office area, and then three further bedrooms, all with ceiling fans and built in wardrobes. These bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom complete with bath and shower. There is also a handy separate toilet. Externally the acreage is divided into 5 fully fenced paddocks, fenced with either electric fencing or mesh fencing. These paddocks are connected through a central laneway which allows for ease of care by having one central hay station & water station. The main gateways are reinforced with Geohex. There is plenty of parking available
making it easy to store you float for short trips out to the nearby riding trails or to the local horse riding clubs such as Gembrook Adult Riding Club and Cockatoo Pony Club. This property has it all so don’t miss out call to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 100 Gembrook Tonimbuk Road, GEMBROOK Description: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Price: $1.25 - $1.35 mil. Inspect: By appointment Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 or Bethany Day 0438 844 968, BELL REAL ESTATE EMERALD 28 MAIL
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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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P 5968 6222 311-313 Main Street Emerald
100 Gembrook-Tonimbuk Road, Gembrook
$1,250,000 - $1,350,000
5 Belvedere Court, Gembrook
$850,000 - $920,000
Stylish Equine Property on approx. 5 acres!
Style, Comfort & Exceptional Location Await in the Heart of Gembrook!
The expansive 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has a formal loungeroom & a master bedroom with a large WIR & ensuite. Near the master bedroom is a further bedroom with ceiling fan & BIRs. The home has high ceilings, double glazed large windows, & reverse cycle AC. The central open plan kitchen/ dining/lounge area is flooded with natural light, & offers a wood fire heater, & kitchen with a large walk in pantry. The kitchen has a 900mm gas stove/oven, & SS appliances including dishwasher & Caesar stone benchtops. There is a laundry with it’s own external access, a study/office area, & then 3 further bedrooms, all with ceiling fans & BIRs. These bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom & separate toilet. Externally the acreage is divided into 5 fully fenced paddocks. This home utilizes gas bottles, tank water, has 4kW solar with 18 solar panels, & mains electricity.
This character home features 4 spacious bedrooms, all with BIRs, & 2 large living areas, with great outdoor entertaining spaces. Features include high ceilings, quality light fittings, & polished floorboards throughout. This home also offers a swim spa. The Master Bedroom has a WIR & ensuite. The formal living/dining room awaits your next dinner party. When it comes to relaxing, snuggle in by the wood fire in the loungeroom. The kitchen has white cabinetry including a rangehood, stone benchtops & features a SMEG gas cooktop & electric oven, stainless steel dishwasher, & generous walk in pantry. Outside is an undercover entertaining area & there is a great rear deck in the fully fenced rear yard. Add to all this mains gas ducted heating, & 5kW of solar. There is a large double lock up garage with work bench area and two garden sheds to enjoy.
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
Bethany Day M 0438 844 968
5
39 Main Street, Gembrook
A
2
B
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
C
$780,000 - $850,000
4
48a Beaconsfield-Emerald Road, Emerald
A
2
B 2 C
$1,750,000 - $1,925,000
Opportunity, Views and Ideal Location Await With This Charming Cottage!
Beautiful Home in Emerald on approx. 23 acres with Views!
This mixed zoning property located on the Gembrook Main Street is directly opposite the Gembrook Primary School & offers views to the Warburton Ranges. Renovate the 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom miners cottage with welcoming front verandah, or demolish & build your dream home or business (STCA) on this 1051 sqm allotment. Situated behind a maintained hedge, there are two driveways, allowing for plenty of off-street parking. The home itself has a cosy front verandah & lead light feature front door. Enter the home to discover the front loungeroom with open wood fire. There is a master bedroom and then flow through to the kitchen with free standing woodfire and electric stove/oven. Then discover a second bedroom. To the rear of the home is a generous laundry, bathroom with a shower over bath, and mudroom/second sitting area. Externally there is a shed in the fully fenced rear yard.
This outstanding 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home situated on approx. 23 Acres offers gorgeous views across cleared paddocks to Cardinia Reservoir. This stone constructed home has a wood fire heater, acoustic strawboard vaulted ceiling, giant windows soaking in the view & plenty of natural light. The kitchen is vast, with a gas stove top & electric oven, & plenty of bench space. Unwind in the second loungeroom with an open fire place & a stunning study area. There is a master bedroom featuring a walk through wardrobe to the ensuite. The further 2 bedrooms have BIRs & are serviced by a family bathroom. Externally there is a cleared paddock with a central treed gully. The grounds contain a pizza oven, a high double carport attached to the home, & in the backyard area is a double garage with power, lights & concreted floor. This property has mains power, gas & water.
Karen Peele M 0419 430 950
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
2
A
1
B
C
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
3
A
3
B 4 C
bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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MAIL 29
HOME FOCUS
SELLING SUNSETS - UPPER FERNTREE GULLY OVERLOOKING a mesmerising view that takes in the city skyline and the sparkling lights of nearby suburbs below, this well maintained and much-loved property is now for sale. With a backdrop of breathtaking colours each and every sunset, the home boasts spacious living that spans over two levels and includes 4 bedrooms (or 3 plus home office), 3 living areas and a fully functional kitchen that allows you to take in the inground, salt chlorinated, solar heated pool all whilst preparing dinner! Gas ducted heating runs throughout as well as multiple air conditioners for extra comfort in the warmer months. Outside, a large expanse of paving and timber decking can be found both by the pool and at the front of the home where you can enjoy a BBQ with family and friends or just settle in to watch the weather roll in. Fully sealed, the driveway may look a little steep but drive it once and you will see that it is very easy and has excellent parking for at least 5 cars at the top including a large double carport. Located between both the Upper Ferntree Gully and Upwey Main shopping hubs, train stations, National Park and plenty of great cafes and restaurants, this thoughtfully designed home could soon be yours. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 1341 Burwood Highway, UPPER FERNTREE GULLY Description: 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 garage Price: $780,000 - $850,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Rachel Eastwood 0401 117 761 or Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 30 MAIL
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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
mailcommunity.com.au
Real Estate you can trust! We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE
10 Reuben Street, FERNTREE GULLY
$695,000 - $750,000
CHARMING HOME CLOSE TO ENDLESS CONVENIENCES
3A1B2C
FOR SALE
468 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, OLINDA
$1,500,000 - $1,600,000 5A4B2C
HISTORIC “HATHAWAY”
With a lovely level allotment, a key location close to amenities, and a charming brick home suitable for any stage of life, it will be easy to imagine living here. A complete lifestyle and investment package near Mountain Gate Shopping Centre, Dobson Park, Ferntree Gully Station, Westfield Knox, and Eastlink, this is a smart purchase and a wonderful place to call home.
Featured in Home Beautiful magazine in 1928 and held by the same family for nearly 50 years, historic “Hathaway” is a testament to timeless architecture paired with the warmth of a family home. A joy to behold set on 6,865sqm (approx.) of lush landscape framed by Copper beech trees, this residence will capture imaginations of architectural enthusiasts searching for their forever property.
Brad Conder
Suzie Brannelly
M 0422 639 115 | E brad@chandlerandco.com.au
M 0490 506 910 | E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au
FOR SALE
16 Woodlands Crescent, NARRE WARREN CUTE, CONVENIENT & CLOSE TO EVERYTHING!
$660,000-$699,000 3A1B1C
FOR SALE
2A Kumbada Avenue, UPWEY
$550,000 - $590,000
NEAR-FLAT BLOCK WITH APPROVED PLANS IN PRIME LOCATION!
Situated in a quiet pocket, only a short walk to Sweeney Reserve and minutes from Narre Warren Train Station, this much loved 3 bedroom brick veneer home comes complete with an open plan design, updated kitchen with island bench and stainless steel appliances and timber floorboards.
So rarely found in Upwey, with approved plans this flat front block (500m2 approx) located on a quiet street walking distance to Upwey Main Street provides one lucky purchaser the chance to build their brand new dream home (Subject To Council Approval).
Brad Conder
Brad Conder
M 0422 639 115 | E brad@chandlerandco.com.au
M 0422 639 115 | E brad@chandlerandco.com.au
Daniel Steen
Daniel Steen
M 0434 979 142 | E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au
M 0434 979 142 | E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au
9754 6888 1689 Burwood Highway, Belgrave VIC 3160 www.chandlerandco.com.au of fice@chandlerandco.com.au mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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MAIL 31
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Currently operating Excavator, tipper truck and posi track loader. Servicing the Yarra valley community
12668973-FC07-24
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1178985-CG14-15
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SPORT
Wrapping up with big day By Jamie Strudley Yarra Ranges Athletics AVSL team had a big day in the final round of the AVSL series for 202324. Some outstanding results and plenty of PB’s augers well for some excellent performances at the Victoria Championships starting next weekend. AVSL round 12 results: Women 100m: Elisabeth Coffey 14.77 (0.8); Kathi Hewitson 17.36 (+0.0); Anne-Marie Ebbels 20.57; 200m: Ashleigh Rooke 27.81 (-1.7); 400m: Ashleigh Rooke 65.62; Kristina Nackovski 66.10; 1500m: Carolyn Rosenbrock 6:45.8h; Emilie Garside 7:59.2h; 400m Hurdles: Shani Bullard 89.93; 1500m Walk: Carolyn Rosenbrock 8:16.8h; Emilie Garside 8:48.6h; Brienna Coffey 9:21.7h; 4x200m: Yarra Ranges 2:03.34; Discus: Hayley Wilkins 30.50m; Ashleigh Rooke 28.51m; Meg Sparkes 26.83m; Shot Put: Hayley Wilkins 8.56m; Ashleigh Rooke 8.10m; Meg Sparkes 6.84m; Shani Bullard 6.80m; Hammer: Sarah Ebbels 31.17m; Anne-Marie Ebbels 29.31m; Kathi Hewitson 22.56m; Meg Sparkes 13.95m; Javelin: Hayley Wilkins 31.61m; Ashleigh Rooke 25.36m; Meg Sparkes 19.89m; AnneMarie Ebbels 13.07m; Long Jump: Shani Bullard 4.08m; Elisabeth Coffey 3.95m; Brienna Coffey 3.21m; Erica Purcell 2.91m; Kathi Hewitson 2.60m; Triple Jump: Shani Bullard 9.22m; Men 100m: Mitchell Mullens 11.39 (+0.0); Liam Russell 12.36 (1.4); Joseph Johnston 14.04 (+0.0); Craig Hewitson 14.13 (-1.0); 400m: Mitchell Mullens 53.54; Liam Russell 54.63; Craig Hewitson 63.95; Joseph Johnston
Girls 1st Arizona Peel, 2nd Holly Yorke, 3rd 65.92; · 12 Pippa Congreve · 1500m: Liam Russell 4:35.3h; Girls 1st Mackenzie Graham, 2nd Karlie · 13 · 4x200m: Yarra Ranges 1:45.70; Little athletics action continues this weekvan Zyl, 3rd Janna Rodriguez · Javelin: Ash Almond 52.60m; end. Check socials and website for early events, 14 Girls 1st Brookley Horsburgh, 2nd Emily Jump: Liam Russell 5.56m; Ash Almond · group warm ups from 8.45am. Our seniors will · Long Fiedler, 3rd Tori Kincaid 4.68m; Craig Hewitson 3.68m; be competed at Lakeside Stadium as the VictoriGirls 1st Acacia Anderson-Bonsor, 2nd · 15 an Track & Field Championships get under way · Shot Put: Ash Almond 8.89m; Bethany Vine, 3rd Alisha Morris Training for our six-12yo continues on TuesLittle Athletics returned after a week off for Re16 Girls 1st Stephanie van Bemmel, 2nd Sasha days from 4pm. Seniors training (13yo+) is on gion Championships. Our athletes were eager · Maggs Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30pm at Morrito get back into some little athletics fun on a 17 Girls 1st Chloe Morris, 2nd Abbey Bartlett son Reserve. Check the socials and website for sunny Saturday morning. We also presented · Boys 1st Joe Layton, 2nd Dylan Andrews, 3rd more details and sessions available with our · 6Jacob medals to our Multi Event champions as below Rayner throws and jumps coaches. Yarra Ranges Athlet1st Elke Egeberg, 2nd Daisy Murphy, · 63rdGirls 7 Boys 1st Fox Fernandes, 2nd Angus Con- ics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any · Emily Cooke greve, 3rd Harry Russell age or ability. 1st Leni Stephens, 2nd Lilah Martin, · 73rdGirls 8 Boys 1st Charlie Darwall, 2nd Harry Clau· If you, or someone you know, wants to join in Isabella Patience sen, 3rd Xavier Sultana the fun of track & field registration is now open. 8 Girls 1st Ivy Ingle, 2nd Isla Aborowa, 3rd · Holly Rayner 1st Theodore Russell, 2nd Brock Peel, Go to www.lavic.com.au or www.athsvic.org.au · 93rdBoys Riley Yorke or email info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au for Girls 1st Zahra Lehmann, 2nd Imogen Mc- · 10 Boys 1st Evan Kennedy, 2nd Jack Huon, 3rd information about events and registration. · 9Millan, 3rd Georgia Cooke Jesse Pettet For information on training, how to join or Girls 1st Etta Thoma, 2nd Milly Hall, 3rd · 11 Boys 1st Koby Stephens, 2nd Xander Som- trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the · 10 Lilah Fear mers, 3rd Kristian Sultana website at yarrarangesathletics.org.au or check Girls 1st Caitlyn McKerlie, 2nd Maisie Cof- · 12 Boys 1st Ilikimi Tove, 2nd Zack Paternoster, us out on Facebook. Run, Jump, Throw…too · 11 3rd Dihain Rathnayake easy! fey, 3rd Lucy Oettinger
Trades & Services
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DAWSONS 12402861-RA44-18
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ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
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· 13 Boys 1st Jay Burke, 2nd Tobyn Harris Boys 1st Zac McMillan, 2nd Ryder Holland, · 14 3rd Finn Rossthorn Boys 1st Mitchell Pointon, 2nd Blake Sa· 15 loyedoff Boys 1st James Crome-Smith, 2nd William · 16 Van Bert, 3rd Andre’ Johanson
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Network Classifieds! Are you a persuasive communicator with a passion for sales? Are you looking for a flexible, casual, or part-time role that allows you to showcase your skills and earn some extra income? Look no further! Network Classifieds, a leading online and print classified advertising platform serving multiple mastheads across Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and NT, is seeking enthusiastic Telephone Sales Representatives to join our dynamic team. About Network Classifieds Network Classifieds is at the forefront of connecting buyers and sellers across multiple regions in Australia. With a strong online and print presence, we help communities find the perfect deals, services, and opportunities. As a Telephone Sales Representative, you'll play a crucial role in driving our sales efforts and expanding our network. What You'll Do • Engage with potential customers over the phone to promote our advertising solutions. • Build and maintain strong customer relationships. • Understand customer needs and provide tailored advertising solutions. • Meet and exceed sales targets and performance goals. • Collaborate with a motivated and supportive team. Requirements • Strong communication and interpersonal skills. • Confidence in making outbound sales calls. • Motivated, goal-oriented, and results-driven. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Previous sales or customer service experience is a plus, but not required. How to Apply If you're ready to take on this exciting role with the flexibility you desire, we want to hear from you! Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant skills and why you're interested in joining Network Classifieds as a Telephone Sales Representative to Sue Hall, Classified Advertising Manager, at sales@networkclassifieds.com.au. Join us in helping our diverse communities connect, buy, and sell through effective advertising solutions. Be a part of the Network Classifieds team and make a difference in the world of classifieds! 12667087-MS05-24
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SPORT
Tigers back on win list By Sean Talbot It was all smiles under blue albeit windy skies on the weekend for the Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers as they swept the Williamstown Wolves in all four games the two clubs played in. Neal and Hendricks both breezed through their first innings, with Neal picking off Jack Ratcliffe after the young Tiger doubled with two outs in the top of the second to escape any potential danger, while Hendricks found himself in more danger than was wanted in the bottom half of the inning. Neal and Hendricks traded a scoreless third inning each, however Hendricks was unable to match his contemporaries scoreless fourth inning, as McDonald again led off with a single, advancing to second on Neal’s groundball to Ratcliffe at second base before Carrison singled again to put runners on the corners with one out. Narasaki then lined a ball to Andy Kane in left field which scored McDonald who was tagging up, however Kane dropped the ball on the transfer from his glove to throwing hand and the call was made that Kane did not have control, leading Upwey to register a rare 7-6 putout to catch Carrison halfway between first and second and more than a little frustrated at the umpires inability to communicate the call. Gray grounded out to the Upwey skipper to end the frame, however Williamstown took to the top of the fifth with a 1-0 lead and Neal looking firmly in control. Neal tried to sneak a fastball past Rogers on the inner half of the plate and paid for it dearly as Rogers was able to barrel the ball up, catch the jet stream that was blowing out to left-center and clear the fence for a two-run home run, putting the Tigers on top 2-1 and taking back the momentum the Wolves created in the previous inning. The lead was short lived however, as backto-back two-out doubles to Sam Reale and Yo Takehara evened the score at 2-2, putting Williamstown right back in the game. Nick Rice doubled to centerfield and came around to score on Wade McConnon’s double, his second hit of the game, giving the Tigers the lead again 3-2. Neal came back to induce a groundball from Jordan Elliott before Josh Hendricks struck out on a foul tip to end the inning. Teenage fireballer Ryder Wilson created an immediate impact, getting Cruiel to pop out on the first pitch before Aaron Green grounded out and Reale struck out, sending the game to the eighth inning with the result still very much up for grabs. Rice was tattooed with a pitch to lead off the inning before Pete Schroeders laid down a gorgeous sacrifice bunt to move Rice to second and give the Tigers hope of increasing their lead. McConnon was next to bat, taking ball one before absolutely unloading on a deep fly ball that cleared the left field wall for the Tigers second two-run home run of the game, pushing the Upwey lead to 5-2 and ending Neal’s game. Jason Lester surrendered a single to Elliott on a 2-2 count before he unfortunately lost his arm slot and his control, walking J Hendricks and Wilson on four pitches apiece to load the bases and none out. Rickard again went to the bullpen, this time calling on Daniel Chircop who had raced to Greenwich Reserve from Melbourne Ballpark where he was seen in a Team Australia uniform assisting the green and hold. Elliott scored the Tigers sixth run of the game on a wild pitch that moved J Hendricks and Wilson to third and second respectively before Rogers reached on an error by Cruiel that scored J Hendricks and Wilson on the play, pushing the score to 8-2 in favor of the Tigers. Kane worked a walk after Rogers moved to third on another wild pitch, however he was subsequently picked off to become the third Tigers runner lost on bases to end the 8th inning with the score 8-2. Wilson made short work of the Wolves in the bottom half, getting Takehara to line out to Schroeders before McDonald popped out in foul territory and Neal struck out. Wes de Jong was called on from the bullpen to handle the 9th inning, slamming the gate 34 MAIL
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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
Tigers centerfielder Staci Rogers. shut on the Wolves and sealing the Tigers 10-2 win. The 2nds looked to win their second game against Williamstown and did so in emphatic fashion to the tune of a 10-0 scoreline and a combined no-hit shutout between Sean Meldrum and Josh Yung. Trading a scoreless first inning with Wolves starter Sam Reale, the Tigers struck first in the second inning as Matt Cameron worked a four-pitch walk and advanced to third on a single off the bat of Will Richardson that landed in the Bermuda Triangle between first base, second base and right field. Stuart Milz battled but was struck out before Shaun Irvine was also struck out, however the ball got away from Williamstown catcher Nathan Di Blasi and allowed Cameron to scamper home. Meldrum worked a scoreless second inning before he and Reale again traded a scoreless third. Richardson led off the fourth inning and picked up his second hit of the game with a bunt that caught the Williamstown defense by surprise before Milz was again set down on strikes. Richardson stole second and advanced on a balk by Reale before Irvine worked a six-pitch walk, putting runners at the corners. Jayden Christie-Dossetter then came unglued on a pitch down in the zone, belting a triple to deep left field that scored Richardson with ease before Irvine chugged home, pushing the score to 3-0. Ash Geary-Smith worked his own six-pitch walk which saw Rickard pay a visit to his start-
Picture: ADAM BATTYE er to settle him down and work out how to best approach the Wolves middle order which was due up. Michael Oxworth proceeded to lash the first pitch he saw over the right field fence for a three-run home run, pushing the Tigers lead to 6-0 before Randy Senn flew out and Davison struck out to end the inning. Meldrum finally allowed his first baserunner of the game in the top of the fourth as an errant fastball caught Scott Meager in the head before Mitch Clement walked to put two on with one out, however Meldrum was able to get an incredibly rare 8-5 putout on a shallow fly ball to centerfield before striking out Walter LeFevre. Emerson Rickard recorded two outs on three pitches after getting Cameron and Richardson to both weakly ground out, however the Wolves produced a spirited two-out rally, as Mark Jones and Irvine both singled before Christie-Dossetter hit his second triple of the game to push the score to 8-0. Geary-Smith beat out a groundball to Clement at first base that E Rickard was unable to cover, Oxworth singled to move Geary-Smith to third however Senn hit a ball to deep centerfield that was caught and ended the inning with Upwey firmly in control and in possession of a 9-0 lead. Jung was absolutely miserly in his best appearance to date on the season, striking out five of the six hitters he faced to keep the Wolves off the board while facing on the minimum for his two innings of work. The Tigers pushed the score to 10-0 in the
top of the sixth as Davison led off with a single off of relief pitcher Cooper Rickard, advanced on Cameron’s ground out and scored on Jones’ two-out error to Meager at second base. The 3rds picked up an impressive 9-4 win against a spirited visiting squad that battled hard in the batters box and made the hosts work for their runs. Dan Smith threw 3 innings, giving up 6 hits for 4 runs (4 earned) while keeping his side firmly in the game. Scoring in multiple innings, the side was led by Steve Johnson who picked up 3 hits from his 3 at-bats whilst being supported by Sam Griffiths, who went 2 from 3. Harry Snoxell relieved Smith in the top of the fifth and was fantastic in his appearance, giving up no hits, no walks, no runs, striking out 2 and facing the minimum six hitters. “This was really a game of two halves against a very plucky opposition Jett [Williamstown pitcher Jett Popinski] did a great job throwing the complete game for Willy (sic), however our boys worked their way back into the game and leaned on their experience against a young side, executing when it mattered to pull away with the game,” coach Tarquin Booth said. With coach Richard Ferguson getting the start for his team, the Tigers surrendered a run in the top of the first and another in the fourth to find themselves trailing 2-0 after four complete innings and facing the possibility of back-to-back losses. Chris Chalmers led off the bottom of the fifth with a base hit and, after attempting to sacrifice his out, Paul Sadler reached base on a three-base error to score the Tigers first run of the game and close the gap to 2-1. Steve Williams singled to score Sadler to tie the game, and Ferguson was able to held his own cause with an RBI single to score Williams to give Upwey the lead 3-2. Grizzled veteran Dom McGrath closed out the game and slammed the door shut on Williamstown to lock up the win for the home squad, their 14th in 15 games for the season which sees them still clear in the first place on the ladder. The Regional Metro East 5ths were unable to secure the points, losing a thrilling game to Mulgrave that saw the Tigers unable to hold a three run lead going into the bottom of the last inning as the Rebels rallied to score four runs and walk off 9-8 winners. In a sign of how competitive the game was, runs were scored by either one or both teams in every inning besides the third as the scorers were certainly kept busy throughout the afternoon. Riley Johnson did his best to keep his side in the game, throwing 5 1/3 innings, giving up 9 hits and 3 walks to surrender 8 runs (4 earned), while Marc Livingston was tagged for a hit and two walks in the last inning to be saddled with the loss. Playing away against an experienced Blackburn side, the Regional Metro South 6ths were dealt the same results the Upwey 1sts, 3rds and 4ths were last weekend as they were handed an 18-5 drubbing at the hands of the Burners in a game that was out of their hands early and only got worse from there. The loss all but ensures the Tigers are mathematically unable to secure a top-four spot and will not be playing finals at the end of the season, a disappointing result. The Lady Tigers were manhandled by the Dolphins and handed their first loss of the season to the tune of an 11-3 result. Scoring three runs in the top of the first inning, it was all Chelsea from that point onward as the Dolphins scored six in the first, three in the second and two in the fourth to run away with the game and even the season series 1-1. Despite jumping the home side with three runs in the top of the first on the back of their hot start offense, the Lady Tigers committed four errors in an uncharacteristic display from a team that has outmatched all that have come before them this season, playing catch up for one of the few times but failing to catch their opponents who have scored an incredible 229 runs for the season whilst surrendering a mere 57 in return. mailcommunity.com.au
SPORT
Convincing Monny effort By Jack Rollings Saturday pennant The final home and away round. The weather was warm, sunny, no wind. You couldn’t have ordered a better day for bowling. Monbulk 1 travelled down the road to Upwey-Tecoma. Monbulk was sitting fifth on the ladder, hoping for a big win, and some other matches to go against the odds, in order to break through to a finals berth with this one last chance. Their opponents? Upwey-Tecoma followed their own script, and they were never going to give up any points without a battle. Jim Bras’ team had a game of two very different halves. Monbulk struggled in the first half, giving up two 3s and a 5. At the halfway mark they trailed by 8 shots. After the break Monbulk picked up an early 3, then not long after another 3, then another 3, to trail by just 3 shots with five ends to go. The race home was close, but Upwey managed to hold onto their lead. Monbulk lost the rink 18 shots to 21. Tony French’s team also struggled early, winning only three singles in the front half. After the break they strung a few wins together to reduce the margin to 3 shots. With three ends to go, it all seemed possible. But Upwey then stamped their authority and picked up 8 shots over those final ends to dash the Monbulk hopes. Monbulk lost the rink 11 shots to 21 Brian Smith’s team was the one winning rink for Monbulk. They may not have won as many ends, but their wins included two 3s and a 4, while, in a disciplined performance, they gave away not even a single clanger.
Ken Cowling from Monbulk 3. Picture: SUPPLIED Monbulk won the rink 19 shots to 15 Eric Markham’s team was also under pressure in the front half, managing only one winning end for a single shot, and trailing by 23 shots. Several damaging Monbulk clangers made the opposition scores progress rapidly. In the run home Monbulk picked up some good multiples to jump into double figures and then into the twenties, but it wasn’t enough to catch Upwey-Tecoma. Monbulk lost the rink 21 shots to 37 Overall, it was a convincing loss for the Mon-
bulk top side, 68 shots to 94, with only one rink up. They finished the season in fifth place, out of the finals, but well clear of being relegated to a lower division. However, with seven wins, six losses, and a draw, there are several positives to take from this season. They will lick their wounds and be a stronger and better side next season. Monbulk 2 played at home against Mulgrave Country Club 5 Andy Smith’s team got the early jump and led by 9 shots going into the seventh end. Then the Mulgrave bowlers adapted to the green and put a few wins together, to lead by 4 shots with just two ends to go. Monbulk responded with a 3 shotter, then a single, to force the draw, 17 shots all. Don Barnetson’s team also dominated in the front half and even led by 12 shots going into the eighth end. But Mulgrave came back stronger after the break and picked up some multiples to take the lead. With three ends to go, Monbulk trailed by 2 shots, but they steadied and took those final ends to win the rink 22 shots to 20. Case Broekhof’s team had a dingdong battle for most of the day, with multiples won by both sides and several lead changes. Then, in the run home, Monbulk took control, winning the final seven ends and taking the rink 32 shots to 16. Graeme Goller’s team kept their opponents to just two wins in the front half and led by 8 shots. Mulgrave came back stronger after the break and won more ends than Monbulk, but they couldn’t quite bridge the gap. Monbulk held on and won the rink 17 shots to 14.
Overall Monbulk won the round 88 shots to 67 with three winning rinks and a draw. This means they end the home and away season on top of the ladder, with eight wins, four losses and two draws. And it also means that Monbulk gains the double chance and a homeground final next week. Monbulk 3 played away against Ringwood Graeme Godkin’s team was up by 6 shots at the halfway mark and had dropped only four ends. After the break, Ringwood won six ends in a row, to catch up and then put their noses in front. But Monbulk rallied and put together some big wins in sight of the finish. They won the rink 23 shots to 16 Chris Sullivan’s team led all day. They picked up a couple of good multiples and they didn’t drop a single clanger. It was a strong performance. They won the rink 23 shots to 15. Mike Harris’ team suffered some early big losses and trailed by 12 shots going into the sixth end. Then they staged a comeback over a few ends and reduced the margin to 4. In the back half both teams traded blows with Ringwood managing to keep in front. Monbulk lost the rink 15 shots to 24 Overall Monbulk won the round 61 shots to 55 with two rinks up. They have finished on top of the ladder with eight wins, four losses, a draw and a bye. Next week they will play a home-ground final, knowing they also have the double chance. So, next Saturday, from 1pm, there will be two Monbulk sides playing semi-finals at Monbulk. That’s a great result for the Monbulk club… so far. Let’s hope there’s still more successes to wring out of this season.
Winds no dampener for Eastern golfers at Yering The destructive winds this week knocked down trees on many golf courses, but Yering Meadows escaped damage. A complete change from round 2 where high temperatures dehydrated all players. Round 3 began with cool conditions building to pleasant mid 20s. Only a few standout individuals with all team results being very close. New works on holes 1 to 9 resulted in changes to the prepared program. 19 to 27 were added to compensate. Some mis directions had players scurrying to find the correct tees. Fortunately, the short delays in hit offs did nothing to dampen enthusiasm or slow play down. Most groups had returned to the club house before 12.30 and were seated. Convivial conversation over drinks as lunches were served. An excellent presentation of chicken, pork, potatoes, pumpkin and salad, was highlighted by host manager Col Morgans and ac-
knowledged with applause by everyone. As the last group arrived a little slower than most, announcements could be made. Greens, Fairways, efforts by ground staff and team managers from Yering Meadows were favourably commented on, and again catering was praised. The group ladders changed a little from the first week and there will be more jostling of positions after results are posted. The three tied results and the other three close ones will have everyone on their toes for round four at Gardiners Run on Friday. Results Green group Eastern 4 1/2 def Gardiners Run 3 1/2. Heritage 4 tied with Eastwood 4. Yering Meadows 4 tied with Churchill/ Waverley 4. Gold group Yering Meadows 4 1/2 def Churchill/Waverley 3 1/2. Heritage 5 def Eastwood 3. Eastern 4 tied with Gardiners Run 4. More entertaining golf for everyone and safe travelling till next week.
Brendan Wilson from Yering Meadows defeating Barry Mitchell 3/2.
Cornell van Dort. Yering meadows goes down valiantly.
By David Waters
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Barry Mitchell from Churchill Waverley hitting off at Yering Meadows.
Pictures: SUPPLIED
Tuesday, 20 February, 2024
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