Mail - Ranges Trader Star Mail - 5th March 2024

Woman, 70, stable after being struck by runaway motorhome in ...

By Tyler Wright

The 70-year-old woman struck by a runaway, driverless motorhome in Emerald as she pushed a toddler in a pram last Wednesday, remains in a stable condition, according to The Alfred hospital on Monday.

Emergency services worked to help the woman after the incident occurred at about 10am on Wednesday, February 28.

The motorhome, which had been parked on Belgrave-Gembrook Road, rolled down the street on to the other side of the road. A motorist had to frantically reverse his car out of the way of the runaway vehicle, which veered towards Reece Plumbing, striking the woman and child before coming to a halt at the store’s verandah.

The woman, from Emerald, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to The Alfred hospital in a stable condition, an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson confirmed. The toddler was transported by road to the Angliss Hospital in a stable condition, according to the spokesperson. No one at Reece Plumbing was injured.

Emerald Fire Brigade and Clematis Fire Brigade units responded to the scene to ensure the safety of the vehicle and the structure.

“I don’t think anyone expected this time of morning particularly on a day like this [extreme fire danger day], we were expecting other calls; not a call like that,” Emerald Fire Brigade captain Klaus Brodeck said.

“It was a really good response by the local emergency services and the issue was treated quickly. I noticed one [person] was quite shocked and left the scene... we ended up putting up tarps to block any view to show respect for the patient while she was being treated by Ambulance Victoria.”

Police said the child was not injured and the owner of the motorhome was assisting with

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Church Street and Beaconsfield-Emerald

their enquiries. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the incident. Main

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Road, according toVicTraffic. Emergency services diverted traffic on to local roads, with motorists advised to drive with caution.

People who witnessed the incident or have information are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

MCIU used a new Laser Scanner that builds a 3D model of the scene.

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Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU) checking the bus. 392100

The motorhome experienced damage to the front of the vehicle after crashing into a store front in Emerald. 392100

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Power to the people

By Corey Everitt

A Cockatoo resident has taken online to petition the State Government to secure power infrastructure in the hills after 13 February’s storm has resurfaced frustration with prolonged power outages.

Business owner Elise Turnedge created the petition on Friday 23 February on change.org, calling on the State Government to commence ‘immediate action’ to improve infrastructure and create contingency plans.

“I just think it’s time that something gets done,“ she said.

“It’s the third prolonged outage that we’ve had in 2 years, we are residents as well as business owners that are directly impacted by this.

“Most of the business here are local husband and wife family businesses that employ local people, when the power is out we have no income, our employees are not getting paid.“

Ms Turnedge runs cafe Brunch on McBride right in the centre of town, in the latest storm her business was without power for nine days, while her residence was out for just over seven days.

The cafe only reopened on Tuesday 27 February after the power seemed secure, as even after the power was back, it would go out again intermittently.

The petition calls for action in the Dandenong Ranges and the wider regional area, not just for more backup preparation and relief funding, but wider infrastructure change to

address the many prolonged outages in the last few years.

“They spend billions on a new tunnel or rail upgrades, but in the last two years nothing has been done to assist us in times like this,“ she said.

“We are in Metropolitan Melbourne and we are expected to deal with this unlike others, yet we vote, pay rates, pay taxes just the same.

“Most measure will still be affected by falling tree, to me the power needs to be put underground, not for the entire metro area but for the most at risk areas.“

The petition currently stands at over 100 signatures, if you wish to see the petition go to change.org/p/ensure-continuous-supply-ofessential-services

Unanimous support for congestion fix

By Tanya Steele

A recent petition to the local council has been approved unanimously to take action on traffic congestion issues in a suburban street in Tecoma.

Concerns for traffic congestion on Clifford Road in Tecoma were brought to the Yarra Ranges Council at their recent meeting on 27 February.

Resident Maurice Waring said the traffic through the area was building in volume every year and he recently started a petition on 2 January, which he then brought to the council.

“Thanks for the opportunity to say a few words on behalf of the petition to substantially – and I do stress the word substantially, reduce the volume of traffic using Clifford Grove in Tecoma,” he said.

Mr Waring said at the meeting that Clifford Grove is a modest street and fairly standard for the Yarra Ranges but does have a unique elongated U-shape.

The road itself connects to both McNicol and Glenfern Road and Mr Waring said that some drivers actually view this as an opportunity to treat it as though it’s ‘a fairground ride’.

“They start at one end and are trying to get to the other end of this as quickly as possible,’ he said.

Mr Waring said a survey that was conducted last October found that on average 2880 vehicles use the road every week and almost 2000 on a weekend.

Close by Clifford Grove is McNicol Road and Mr Waring also said that every morning and every afternoon, lots of children use the road to get to school from Tecoma Primary School.

“There is no crossing that is suitable and they are using that road at the busiest time of day,” he said.

Discussion followed including, covering the potential behind turning the area into

a cul de sac, installing lights along McNicol Road and possibly using one way or speed reduction options.

“The only way is overcome the problem is to break the line,” Mr Waring said, referring to Clifford Grove connecting McNicol and Glenfern Road.

Mr Waring said that a resident who had lived in the area for 20 years told him that the area gets worse every year.

Cr Child and Cr Fullager supported the

motion and it was carried unanimously.

Director of environment and infrastructure Hjalmar Phillip said in response to the presentation and subsequent discussion that everything is on the table, along with the network to consider and thanked Mr Waring’s suggestions in his petition.

“Not everything can work and everything has a flow-on effect but the team will look at it,” he said.

Cr Child and Fullager supported the motion and it was carried unanimously.

Mr Warong closed the petition online on 28 February and thanked everyone who signed.

“I am pleased to report that after presenting the petition and a supporting submission to the local council our petition was approved unanimously.

The next steps we await are from infrastructure and services who will assess the situation and the options.” his online comment said

Road worker dies on the job

A Ferntree Gully woman has died after being wedged between a ute and a truck while at work.

The road worker died in hospital following the collision in Dandenong North on Tuesday 27 February.

It is believed a utility rolled backwards into the worker, pinning her between the utility and a truck on Fillmore Road just after 7.30am.

The worker, a 55-year-old Ferntree Gully woman, was initially taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The truck driver, a 51-year-old Boronia man, was uninjured. The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are being investigated.

WorkSafe confirmed it too is investigating.

The death is the fifth confirmed workplace fatality for 2024. There were 12 work-related deaths at the same time last year.

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

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Truck fire a reminder

A recycling truck caught fire on Miller Road in The Basin on Tuesday 27 February, likely caused by a battery or gas bottle being put in a recycling bin.

After quick action from the driver the burning load was tipped out on the nearby tennis court carpark and emergency services attended to put the fire out. The carpark has since been cleaned.

No one was injured. Knox City Council issued a reminder for residents not to use their kerbside bin for the following items.

Batteries (household, car, phone, laptop, power tool, camera and lithium ion), Aerosol cans that are not empty, Household chemicals, Accelerants e.g. petrol, diesel, waste oils, Gas bottles or butane cans, Flares or ammunition and Hot coals or lit cigarettes.

For an A to Z rubbish and recycling guide to find out how to safely dispose of these items visit, knox.vic.gov.au/WasteGuide

Knox sexual assault

Transit Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a sexual assault in Knox last year.

Investigators have been told the victim, a 16-year-old girl, was waiting for the 901 bus at the Knox bus interchange about 2pm on 9 December 2023. A man approached the girl and sexually assaulted her before boarding the bus.

The offender is perceived to be Caucasian, 30-years-old with a medium build and brown hair worn in a bun.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au

Time correction

Belgrave Tecoma Township Group AGM is this week on Thursday 7 March at 6.30pm, not 7.30pm as previously reported, at the Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane in Belgrave.

Community interested in bringing their expertise or gaining experience in a new committee, to meet new people and have input to their community are invited to come along to the AGM in March.

To RSVP or get more information, email bttginc@gmail.com

ThecouncilapprovedthepetitionforCliffordGroveunanimously. Pictures:STEWARTCHAMBERS

Theroadcongestionissueshaveledtolocal MariceWaringbringingconcernstotheYarra RangesCouncil.

Support Palestine push

By Gabriella Vukman

On 26 February, Knox City Council’s Monday minutes were serenaded by a rally outside of the building.

The rally was organised by protest organisation ‘Knox For Palestine’ with the aim of obtaining an official comment from the local council seeking support for Palestine and a cease fire on Gaza.

Knox For Palestine action group founder Jye Batham said ”it was planned as a peaceful gathering of community support for Palestine.”

“Gaza is facing a humanitarian crisis due to the invasion of Israel as a result of the October 7 attack,” Mr Batham said.

“Up until now from the 7th of October more

than 30,000 civilians have been murdered in Gaza.”

Running from roughly from 6pm until 7pm before the council meeting, the rally consisted of between 70 and 80 residents from the ranges and beyond.

“It was a broad demographic so we had parents with children in prams, older folk and everyone was there in support for Palestine and was very respectful,” Mr Batham said.

“We have people in our community who have direct connections to people that are suffering in Gaza and other occupied territories of Palestine.

“We all have an interest in making sure human rights are upheld universally.”

Four speakers presented at the rally and councillors watched on before their meeting.

“We’ve been engaging with councillors in the last few weeks leading up to the rally, trying to find somebody who would be onboard with what we are doing because in order to have a motion passed you need a councillor that will endorse it and bring it to council,” Mr Batham said.

“The majority of the councillors seem to think that it is beyond their remit. The common response we’ve been getting is that it is a federal government issue.”

Mr Batham is from the Knox area himself and started the ‘Knox for Palestine’ action group after attending a number of city rallies and recognising the absence of action in his local community.

“I have been attending the rallies and nothing local groups pop up here and there but we

didn’t have anything for our area so I thought if I can’t do it who will,” he said.

“Our volunteer list grew pretty quickly and there is a lot of concern in the Knox area for what is going on and lots of people who want to see a cease fire.”

The Knox for Palestine action group has been running since the start of February.

“We’re not asking local government to make international policy, we’re asking them to make an official statement to acknowledge what is going on and the impact it is having on our community and normalise talking about it as a genocide,” he said.

“More about getting them to pass a statement rather than creating policy around international diplomacy.”

On Monday 26 February the Knox for Palestine action group held a rally at the Knox City Council building. Pictures: SUPPLIED Between 70 and 80 protesters assembled before Monday’s council meeting.

FTG roadworks complete

The new look Burwood Highway and McMahons Road, Ferntree Gully intersection is now open following the completion of major works on the project.

Coming in on time, the Burwood Highway and McMahons Road intersection upgrade recently switched on the traffic lights on 21 February to the first set of vehicles and pedestrians.

Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor said he was excited to now see the new Burwood Highway and McMahons Road intersection open to locals.

“This is all about getting people home safer and sooner,” he said.

Major Road Projects Victoria Program Director Brendan Pauwels said it’s fantastic to see the new look Burwood Highway and McMahons Road signalised intersection completed on schedule this week.”

The recent nightworks to lay the top layer of asphalt and place the line marking was completed earlier this week and the upgraded intersection is now open to traffic.

McMahons Road and Clyde Street are now open to left and right movements through the new intersection while the new pedestrian crossings also provide a safer route for locals to get across the Burwood Highway.

The Burwood Highway – McMahons Road intersection upgrade has:

· Improved efficiencies in the transport network by reducing peak hour travel time variability and increasing the number of vehicles that can travel along the corridor each hour

· Improved road safety and reducing crash rates by upgrading the intersection and installing pedestrian operated crossings

· Enabled more active and inclusive communities by making it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross the road.

Mr Taylor said he was also pleased to see the massive project finished on schedule as promised.

“Thanks to locals for your patience during works which includes a new signalised intersection, new lighting and new lanes on Burwood Highway. And of course – a big thanks to all those who worked on the project,” he said.

“This intersection is combatting congestion, saving time and proving safer journeys for drivers and pedestrians alike through Ferntree Gully,” Mr Pauwels said.

PM leads tributes for White

By Andrew Brown, AAP

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has remembered Victorian Senator Linda White as a “beloved friend and valued colleague” following her death.

Senator White, who was elected to the upper house at the 2022 federal election and represented the outer east, died overnight after a health battle, although the exact cause of death is unknown.

In February, she announced she would take leave from the Senate due to health issues.

Mr Albanese said the hearts of the Labor Party had broken following news of her death.

“Linda was formidable, a beloved friend, a valued colleague, a dedicated parliamentarian and through all her efforts in the wider Labor movement, a devout supporter of working Australians,” he said.

“As it has sadly turned out, Linda was not in the Senate for long, but she made powerful use of the brief time she had.”

Before entering federal politics, she worked for 10 years as a solicitor, while also serving as the assistant national secretary of the Australian Services Union from 1995 to 2020.

She also spent a 10-year period as the vice president of the ACTU.

Mr Albanese said Senator White left a proud legacy.

“Linda’s legacy is everywhere – from protecting workers’ entitlements in the Ansett collapse, to leading the campaign for equal pay for social and community services workers, to fighting for the right to income for members feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“Linda believed in a better, fairer and more compassionate Australia, a belief that was always backed by her energy and action.”

Foreign Minister and government Senate leader Penny Wong said her life had been defined by integrity, persistence and skill.

“Linda fought the illness that has now claimed her life privately, but with all the tenacity and determination that has marked not just her short time in the Senate, but her decades of commitment to the labour movement and Australian workers,” she said.

Fellow Victorian Labor senator Raff Ciccone gave an emotional tribute to his colleague at the start of a parliamentary foreign affairs and defence committee on Friday, which Senator White also served on.

“A formidable senator, I know that her loss

will be mourned by many in this place,” he said.

The committee also rose for a moment of silence before the start of proceedings.

Opposition leader in the Senate Simon Birmingham said the coalition also extended sympathies following SenatorWhite’s death.

“In her first speech, Senator White made a promise that no one in the Senate would be left wondering what she thought; that people will always know where she stands and know that she is not afraid of saying what’s on her mind,” he said.

“SenatorWhite lived up to that promise.”

In a statement, the Australian Services Union said the organisation was grieving the loss of one of its “greatest warriors”.

“Linda’s influence extends to thousands, if not millions of Australians who never had the privilege of knowing her,” the union said.

“She was relentless, passionate, highly skilled and determined to win, not for herself but for others who deserved fairness and justice.”

Workplace Minister Tony Burke said Senator White had left an extraordinary legacy.

“Linda campaigned for years in the union movement for paid family and domestic violence leave,” he said on X, formerly Twitter.

“As a senator, she helped make it law so no one would have to choose between safety and pay.”

Greens senator David Shoebridge also paid tribute, saying the upper house had lost a “fundamentally decent, honest, empathetic and intelligent force for good”.

“Right now, I’m remembering all the good she did, the principles she held and thinking of her family, friends and colleagues,” he said.

SenatorWhite is survived by her brother Michael.

AusNet pledges support

AusNet announced a $10 million Energy Resilience Community Fund (Community Fund) on Wednesday 28 February with a focus on supporting local recovery efforts and enhancing energy resilience in communities severely impacted by recent catastrophic storms and other electricity reliability challenges.

The Community Fund, which is in addition to the guaranteed service level payment and prolonged power outage payments already being provided, will function in close collaboration with relevant local councils to ensure its effective and appropriate administration.

“AusNet is committed to helping communities get back on their feet in the short term, but we also recognise the importance of working with local governments and their communities to strengthen community infrastructure and businesses and help ensure they are better prepared to withstand future weather events,” AusNet chief executive officer David Smales said.

“Therecentstormscausedunprecedented damage to local electrical infrastructure which unfortunately resulted in prolonged outages. And it is predicted these weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. In fact, this was the third catastrophic storm to affect some of these communities in as many years.”

These urgent efforts are in addition to longer-term investments AusNet will make on its electricity infrastructure to enhance its ability to withstand increased weather events due to climate change. The power supplier is working with the applicable regulators as part of its next price review to target investments.

Mr Smales said the Community Fund was recognition of the urgent need to support communities now and into the future and would focus on three key areas:

· Immediate support: The Community Fund will provide immediate support to boost local recovery efforts and assist small businesses most impacted by the power outages who are not eligible for other payments. AusNet has already provided funding to local food relief charities in affected communities to boost their capacity to feed locals who may have need-

AusNet has announced a community fund of $10 million to support residents and improve infrastructure after the storms.

ed to dispose of frozen and refrigerated food during the prolonged power outage.

· Community infrastructure and resilience: The Community Fund will collaborate with local governments to support and enhance existing community facilities that are used during and after extreme weather events so communities can access essential supplies, information, and services. This will build on work already being done as part of the Community Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Program and the Energy Resilience Systems program.

· Small business energy resilience: The Community Fund will consult with local businesses to determine their specific needs, offering support such as education and facilitation of solar and storage solutions to aid in business continuity and other initiatives aimed at fostering recovery.

“AusNet acknowledges the remarkable resilience and community spirit demonstrated in the face of adversity. We stand with the communities we serve, offering our support as they rebuild and recover,” Mr Smales said.

AusNet will collaborate closely with relevant local governments to finalise application and funding guidelines and ensure the effective management of the Community Fund.

To register your interest to receive further information and updates on the Energy Resilience Community Fund, please email ercf@ausnetservices.com.au.

Senator Linda White took leave from the Senate due to illness and sadly died on 29 February. Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

The Burwood Highway and McMahons Road intersection upgrade hopes to improve efficiencies in the transport network. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Works have completed and the roads are now open.

Jackson Taylor alongside Premier Jacinta Allan, who visited the intersection on 28 February to check out the finished works.

Picture: AUSNET

Bill brought to Parliament aims to end pork-barrelling

By Callum Ludwig

Pork-barrelling scandals have plagued Australian politics in recent years and one Independent MP has introduced a bill hoping to crack down on the shady practice.

Indi MP Helen Haines has introduced a Private Members’ Bill to the Federal Parliament to try and improve the fairness, transparency and accountability for where government funds are directed.

Dr Haines said taxpayer money should be spent on the needs of communities not the wants of the major parties.

“Funding decisions should be evidencebased, with grants awarded on merit and need,” she said,

“At election time, the major parties use taxpayer money to shore up votes in marginal seats. Rorting grants programs wastes money and destroys public trust in government processes.”

Dr Haines has worked with the Centre for Public Integrity, including Executive Director Dr Catherine Williams and Director and lawyer Geoffrey Watson SC, to help draft the bill.

“When there are so many unmet areas of need in our community, the misuse of public money is a problem Australia simply can’t afford,” Dr Williams said.

“We are not talking about millions, we are talking about billions of dollars of taxpayer’s money allocated incorrectly, inadvisably and contrary to public interest.Why not bring the spending under control?” Mr Watson said.

Both major parties have come under scrutiny for potential pork-barrelling in recent times, with the Coalition called out by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) for the ‘sports rorts’ and ‘car park rorts’ in

2020 and 2021 respectively, while the Auditor General has found the current Labor Government was only partly consistent with guidelines in awarding funding through the Building Better Regions Fund, with the third and fifth rounds of funding deemed to be‘not appropriately informed by departmental advice’ or ‘based on merit assessment results.’ Labor is also currently subject to an audit of the first round of the Community Batteries for Household Solar program.

Dr Haines said at its best, pork-barrelling is maladministration, at its worst its corruption.

“My Bill would require ministers to report to the Parliament when they have delivered money to their own electorates or gone

against the advice of their department when awarding grants,” she said.

“Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and by forcing Ministers to front up and explain themselves if they go against official advice, we are less likely to see dodgy decisions made on the eve of elections to win votes.”

The Casey electorate has featured among a few of the recent pork-barrelling scandals, with $500,000 awarded for a Belgrave reserve netball court development that didn’t meet the required merit score during the sports rorts, featuring as one of the electorates promised a project in the car parks rorts and potentially being caught up in another with Yarra Junction the recipient of a community battery.

Casey MP Aaron Violi said he’s got some concerns with the bill.

“The reality is that the role of a local member of parliament is to represent our community and to fight for the needs of our community, no one knows better than a local MP the challenges that a community faces and that’s our job,” he said.

“We should not be abdicating responsibility because a bureaucrat in Canberra looking at a spreadsheet or looking at black and white words cannot understand the intangible needs of our community.”

Mr Violi is on the Federal Government’s Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit which works with the Auditor General to review government spending.

Mr Violi said he thinks the proposed bill is a bit of grandstanding and is quite disrespectful to the Audit Committee and the Auditor General.

“We need to continue to support the Auditor General to make sure that they’re independent and that they’re well funded, and we can’t let governments or executives of any side be able to limit the workload of the Auditor General,” he said.

“We also haven’t seen any cases come before the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), so this is a new body that will potentially, and in theory, and was argued by many, stamp out some of these practices,”

“I’ve got a lot of respect for the Member for Indi, I know her quite well, but I think given the processes we’ve got in place, let’s see how the new anti-corruption commission impacts this and we’ve already got an independent Auditor-General that needs to be fully supported and funded.”

Casey breaks the mould

By Callum Ludwig

The Casey electorate has featured as a surprising outlier among concerning statistics as the number of bulk-billing GPs plummets around the country again.

Data from healthcare comparison directory Cleanbill’s Blue Report released at the start of January identified that 132 out of the 151 Federal electorates recorded a decrease in bulk billing offerings between the 2024 report and Cleanbill’s Health of the Nation report in April 2023.

Not in Casey however, as the electorate recorded an increase of three bulk-billing practices, taking the total from a dire four to a still concerning seven.

Dr Dan’s Medical Clinic in Monbulk has continued to offer bulk billing since opening at the start of 2020, despite a tough period where the clinic couldn’t accept new patients, and principal practitioner Dr Dan Jeyaseelan said that won’t be changing anytime soon.

“Even though there is pressure on businesses, there’s so much pressure on families due to the cost of living crisis that maintaining equitable healthcare I think is a pillar of what a modern society should be, so that’s why we’ve kept it,” he said.

“I think it’s crucial because a lot of people are ending up in an emergency room and so on because they cannot get access to quality health care, so I’m glad to see that the numbers of bulk-billing clinics locally have increased.”

The increase in bulk billing clinics in Casey means 18.4 per cent of the clinics in the electorate now offer bulk billing, compared to 11.8 per cent in 2023. It was the third-largest increase recorded in the country.

Dr Jeyaseelan said people need access to quality care, otherwise they delay care.

“If they delay care, then what happens is they end up with delayed presentations which are often much more significant,” he said.

“I really think maintaining bulk billing at least for standard consultations will reduce a lot of the pressure and improve total health outcomes because, through Covid, virtual medicine has sometimes meant that people have not been seen face-to-face at all.”

From November 2023, the Australian Government tripled the incentives for GPs to bulk

bill children under 16, pensioners and other concession cardholders to help reduce the cost of a visit to the GP for these demographics.

Dr Jeyaseelan said this change was the one they were waiting for.

“Interestingly, when you do bulk bill someone with a pension or healthcare card now, obviously we’re getting paid a little bit more for it but we can use that to offset bulk billing someone who doesn’t, though that’s not to say those people who don’t qualify don’t have their own financial concerns,” he said.

“These are all individual business choices, we’re passionate about maintaining bulk billing but some places, depending on their viewpoints, will be looking at different strategies to maintain the buoyancy of their practice, it is a challenging time for general practice,”

“The key is Medicare and improving rebates to then improve access and then hopefully

those clinics will follow suit, but I don’t think there’s a simple solution.”

The bulk billing incentive that kicked in back in November increases with the rurality of the practice, ranging between $6.85 to $20.65 in metro areas and from $13.15 to $39.70 in very remote areas, and is paid on top on top of the Medicare patient rebate for a GP consultation.

Casey MP Aaron Violi said the improvement in Casey is positive news and a step in the right direction.

“With an electorate that’s 2500 square kilometres, there’s a lot more that needs to be done, there’s no bulk billing in Lilydale for example, one of our larger suburban areas,” she said.

“I am planning to engage with local GPs around understanding the positive effect of the changes and discuss what more can be

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

done because it is good for us, but we need to recognise, is around 1.2 million Australians avoided seeing a doctor last year due to due to the cost,”

“When we have people not going to the doctor because they can’t afford it there are short-term, medium and long-term implications for their health which ultimately cost the system more, but more importantly, there is a significant impact on their quality of life, their family’s quality of life and it ultimately impacts our whole community.”

Mr Violi said he was also concerned about the Victorian Government’s changes to the payroll tax that will now impact GPs, which has also concerned the Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, and the reduction of subsidised mental health sessions from 20 to 10, which he believes both would help to reduce the strain on the healthcare system.

Dr Dan Jeyaseelan is glad to see bulk billing options have increased in Casey, alongside his clinic in Monbulk continuing to do so.

A netball court upgrade at the Belgrave Recreation Reserve became entwined in a recent porkbarrelling scandal.

Picture: ON FILE

LGBTQA+ body is mooted

By Callum Ludwig

The potential for a specific LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee was put to councillors at Tuesday 27 February Yarra Ranges Council meeting.

As reported by the Star Mail in January, the Victorian Pride Lobby’s Rainbow Local Government campaign is calling on councils across the state to establish LGBTIQA+ advisory committees or sub-committees similar to others that are comprised of community members who offer insight on other community concerns.

Co-lead of the Rainbow Local Government Campaign Dr Sean Mulcahy spoke at the meeting and said without an advisory committee, there’s a risk that the specific needs of local LGBTIQA+ people might be lost.

“According to the Victorian Population Health Survey, at least 6600 residents in the Yarra Ranges identify as LGBTIQA+, and an advisory committee is about giving those residents, alongside LGBTIQA+ people who work and recreate in the Yarra Ranges, a voice on issues that affect them,” he said.

“I know that Yarra Ranges Council has participated in the Victorian Pride March and also signed the Embracing Equality Pledge, which is a public commitment to making positive change as allies to LGBTIQA+ communities and our families,”

“I also note the comments from Council’s Director of Corporate Services in the Star Mail that Council is committed to creating an inclusive community, valuing the strength of diversity and addressing and preventing any discriminatory or exclusionary practices and I again want to thank you for this commitment.”

Advisory committees to Council are made up of community members affected by or involved in the topic of interest such as dis-

ability, rural areas, health and wellbeing or sustainable environment practices, which are all examples of current advisory committees established in the Yarra Ranges. Occasionally, a councillors will also be included among the committee members or may chair the committee.

Dr Mulcahy said neighbouring councils such as Casey and Manningham have established LGBTIQA+ advisory committees in their municipal districts, and he thinks it’s now time for Yarra Ranges to do the same.

“It’s important that LGBTIQA+ residents and ratepayers in Yarra Ranges have a direct engagement on council policy, major projects and other matters, and an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee that incorporates local community members and community organisations like Rural Rainbows is an important

TheMontroseroundaboutconversiontoasignalisedintersectionisunderwaywithearly

Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

Allow extra travel time

Commuters can expect to see works getting under way at the Montrose roundabout, as the project to change the intersection to traffic lights begins.

Early works started Monday 4 March and are expected to continue until late May with the project ramping up in the latter half of the year.

The works will see the potential replacement of power poles, trenches dug, some vegetation removal, the relocation of some overhead powerlines and a construction access point.

People using Leith Road, Montrose Road, Mount Dandenong Road and Mount Dandenong Tourist Road are advised to plan ahead for delays in traffic movement during the hours of 7am and 5pm from Monday to Friday and 7am and 1pm on selected Saturdays.

One lane on each side of the road will be closed but two-way traffic will be maintained throughout the project.

The speed will be reduced to 40km per hour, with traffic controllers and electronic boards in place.

way of providing direct engagement on that work,” he said.

“We ask that the appropriate officer speak with us to understand the terms of the petition and to allow us to understand council’s position on it, we stand ready to work with council and yourselves as councillors to advance LGBTIQA+ inclusion in Yarra Ranges.”

Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar spoke to the motion first and asked if Dr Mulcahy was aware there are some LGBTIQA+ representatives on the Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee to which Dr Mulcahy said he was, but the benefit of a specific committee would be having a particular purpose of LGTBIQA+ inclusion unlike the Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee.

Lyster Ward Councillor Johanna Skelton spoke next and said she is very enthusiastic about this and does see the benefit.

“I’m very strong on people who are most affected being the best advocates for their needs in the community and we certainly see that from all the advisory committees,” she said.

“I do have the concern that gender and sexuality is still something that in a general advisory committee people may not want to bring, especially if it’s something that is personal to them,”

“I’m just wondering if you have a vision of what you found is an effective advisory committee form for councils.”

Yarra Ranges Council is currently developing the next iteration of its Equity, Access and Inclusion Strategy and is planning direct engagement with community groups such as Rural Rainbows to help advise on it.

Dr Mulcahy said what has been quite successful, particularly the Casey LGBTIQA+ advisory committee, is that it’s very clear that that committee is working with the purpose

of helping the council to develop an action plan.

“Often if it’s tied into a particular plan that the council’s developing, and I know the council is at the moment reviewing its Access, Equity and Inclusion policy, then that can be a really constructive way to frame the work of the advisory committee and make people feel as though they’re making a real difference in their contribution,” he said.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Sophie Todorov, who has been a member of the Q-East Alliance made up of community workers of seven eastern region areas to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTIA+ locals, also asked Dr Mulcahy if it might be appropriate to have an advisory committee across an eastern region group of councils such as Yarra Ranges, Knox, Maroondah and Manningham.

Dr Mulcahy said that has been successfully used before.

“If you go a bit south to Frankston and Mornington Peninsula, they have a combined advisory committee, what they call a collaborative, and I think that works quite well because people move across council boundaries firstly,” he said.

“Secondly, I think the learnings that one council has can be shared with other councils as well too, particularly in areas where this might be a first, collaborating across different council areas can be a really effective way of supporting an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee,”

“I would encourage, if this officer’s recommendation is supported today, for the appropriate officer to engage in consultation with neighbouring councils, particularly Casey and Manningham, that have already done some work within this space with a view to the potential of a regional LGBTIQA+ advisory committee.”

Residentsandbusinessesareadvisedthat dust, vibrations and noise may be common with the movement of construction vehicles and machinery.

The long term plan will see signals added to the major intersection with pedestrian access, extra lanes along Mount Dandenong Road and Leith Road, emergency response activation of the traffic lights for the CFA, additional parking spaces at the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road shops and better pedestrian connectivity.

A new speed limit of 60km per hour will also be introduced at the completion of the intersection upgrade on Canterbury Road, Mt Dandenong Road, Leith Road and Swansea Road between Arlie Crescent and Ravenswood Court.

More information can be found at vicroads.vic.gov.au/planning-and-projects/melbourne-road-projects/montrose-roundabout-intersection-upgrade

To contact someone about the project, email DOTroadprojects@roads.vic.gov.au

The Montrose Township Group will also be posting updates to its Facebook page.

ApetitionforanLGBTIQA+AdvisoryCommittee wasdiscussedataYarraRangesCouncil meeting.

Flushed with frustration

By Dongyun Kwon

Concerns regarding the state of cleanliness in Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) Facilities were raised through a question during the recent council meeting.

Resident Eric Adams asked a question to the Yarra Ranges councillors and introduced his experience on Tuesday 27 February.

“In September of last year, I asked for the ones [public toilets] at Brice Avenue to be cleaned properly,” he said.

“[After] I got a response that it had been done, I went back, checked and nothing had been done, they were still as bad as they were.”

Mr Adams said he had to contact the council several more times to get it cleaned.

“There had been a large clump of toilet paper thrown up onto the sensor for flushing urine and apparently it had been there for three months, so the urine hadn’t flushed for three months,” he said.

“[After the team cleaned it] the toilet paper remained and we had to get them to come back again to do another clean.

“That was not my issue, My issue is the goop that’s running down the wall that has been there for three or four months.”

According to the YRC’s annual report 20222023, the council allocated over $6 million to property and facility management.

Mr Adams said the services that the contractors provided should have been better for the amount of money the council paid for the contract.

“I understand that when you clean a toilet, half an hour later, someone’s used it and it’s not the same as when you cleaned it,” he said.

“But, It is just unacceptable [considering the amount the council paid]. It’s just not being done to any great standard.

“It [cleanliness of public toilets] is not the only part of the council that the checking needs to be done, the street sweeper is supposed to come around and sweep the streets every six weeks and I don’t think he comes up my street every six weeks.”

Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar said it’s a wake-up call for the council to work together to solve the issue.

“As Mr Adams pointed out, we’re a high tourist area and it’s not just the tourists that use the toilets but it’s also our local residents

who deserve better [public toilets],” he said.

“I’ve heard, time and time again, that the service is going to improve [with] different contractors but these problems persist.

“We really do need to take apart, get a new piece of paper and work on this together, community and the council.”

Built environment and infrastructure di-

rector Hjalmar Philipp responded to the question, stating that the team is looking at the current contract.

“Over the last three months, we’ve appointed more of a focus on an auditing role,” he said.

“There’s the whole back to basics on what are the specifications that are right for the

council, particularly given the comments around tourism and that’s the part of what the team is looking at and they’ll come back with the specifications to the council for the next tender.

“As part of the draft budget discussions today, we’re looking at extra funding for upgrades of toilets as well, so there’ll be for the council’s consideration as part of the budget process.”

Mountain Road Recreation Reserve receives boost

By Tyler Wright

Cockatoo’s Mountain Road Recreation Reserve is set to receive a light upgrade following a successful state government grant application by Cardinia Shire Council.

The State Government announced an investment in 12 new projects across the state as part of the Country Football and Netball Program, developed in partnership with the AFL, AFLVictoria and NetballVictoria.

Cardinia Shire Council’s Acting Coordinator Recreation Cameron Miller said a routine inspection of the four lighting poles at Mountain Road Recreation Reserve in late 2022 showed they were in poor condition.

“Cardinia Shire Council responded swiftly and took the lights down. Further investigation confirmed that the lighting poles cannot be repaired and that a full LED upgrade is needed to meet revised Standards Australia lighting standards introduced in 2021,” Mr Miller said.

“Council made a successful submission to secure funding for the lighting upgrade. The funding will be provided through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s (SRV) 2023-24 Country Football and Netball Program.”

Mr Miller said the council has awarded the contract for the lighting replacement works, which include four new light towers with new 100 lux LED lights.

“It’s expected that the works will be delivered in the first half of the 2024-25 financial year, however this timing may change depending on when the funding agreement with SRV is finalised,” he said.

“The lighting upgrade will enable local clubs and user groups including Gembrook

and Gembrook Cockatoo Auskick Centre to have full use of the reserve again.

“Council appreciates that users are eager for the upgrades, and we appreciate their patience and understanding. Along with AFL

Victoria, both groups were consulted on the lighting designs, which they all supported.We will keep user groups fully updated on timelines and progress of the lighting works.”

The program is said to have invested more than $21.3 million in 180 country football and

netball infrastructure projects over the past decade, with the 2023/24 budget providing morethan$213milliontodeliverandimprove community sports infrastructure and support initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sports clubs and organisations.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said country football and netball is “at the heart” of rural and regionalVictorian towns.

“This boost ensures even more clubs have the modern, welcoming and accessible facilities they need to continue to bring communities together,” she said.

“Better infrastructure allows clubs to nurture volunteers, encourage more participation, host more all abilities events and draw bigger crowds, creating a real buzz and boosting local economies.”

AFL Victoria Head Greg Madigan said the funding support provided via the Country Football and Netball Program continues to have a “major impact” on local football clubs and communities across the state, “which benefit greatly from the development of new and upgraded facilities”.

“AFL Victoria recognises the ongoing partnership and support of the Victorian Government, with the program to build on the significant investment in community sporting infrastructure it has delivered over the last two decades,” he said.

Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman said community sport is the “lifeblood of many of our regionalVictorian communities”.

“The Country Football and Netball Program offers invaluable support, enabling greater participation and delivering improved facilities across the state to help meet the growing demand in our game,” she said.

Cockatoo Football Netball Club

Local sporting clubs are set to have full access to the ground again. 392090

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

A public toilet in Healesville.

Picture: DONGYUN KWON

Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

Discounts out of Puff

By Tyler Wright

Puffing Billy Railway has confirmed it has scrapped the discounted locals passes for those who live in the area.

Puffing Billy CEO Peter Abbott said the railway is in the process of transitioning the Locals Pass to an “all-new” Annual Pass.

“Unlike the Locals Pass, which was limited to residents within a 10 km radius of Puffing Billy Railway, the Annual Pass will be open to all individuals, giving everyone the opportunity to travel with us as many times as they like throughout the year,” Mr Abbott said.

A purchase of the Annual Pass will secure an adult a year of unlimited rides for an adult 16 years and older for $124, and $62 for a child from four to 15 years of age.

A concession pass will cost $100, with a family of two adults and two children set back $310, compared to the Locals Pass which gave locals who lived in the area a ticket at $90 for an adult, $47 for a child, $72 for concession and $230 for a family yearly.

It is understood the Annual Pass reflects two general excursion trips each year from Belgrave Station to Emerald Lakeside, while the Locals Pass included the cost of one and a half general excursion trips per year per ticket type for the same trip.

Mr Abbott said the benefits of the Annual Pass will mirror those of the Locals Pass, offering pass holders “unlimited travel” on Puffing Billy Railway excursion train journeys and “exclusive discounts” at the attraction’s food and beverage and retail outlets.

“Additionally, Annual Pass holders will be able to conveniently purchase their passes and reserve tickets through a new online portal, ensuring a seamless and secure booking process,” he said.

Opening in 1900, the popular tourist attraction carrying hundreds of thousands of passengers each year, despite a significant

From experienced to beginner, learning and training in the practice of yoga is made easier with the help of Robert Frost.

Owner of YOGA with Robert, he specialises in weaving Buddhist meditation with developing the mind, body and spirit.

“Students attending my classes can use yoga to learn relaxation, manage pain and suffering, and achieve success in the projects and challenges of modern life,” he said.

First starting with classes in Croydon, Robert has just launched new sessions in Monbulk.

“So far about 20 locals have joined this Wednesday class, and I will be planning our expansion later in 2024 with some sessions in Emerald, Kallista, Olinda.”

For Monbulk residents, Robert might be a familiar face, as he supervises the Monbulk Primary School crossing.

Hoping to impart the benefits of the yoga discipline across all of the hills, Robert said it’s more than just the actions and movements as it’s also about emotional and social wellbeing.

“We are not sticklers for correctness in posture - classes are relaxed and sociable - anyone can drop in - just for a look-see, or to seek a new path through the wonder of life,” he said.

Providing a safe space, Robert said, classes provide “immediate comfort and relief”, with one lady attending just for an hour a week to “grieve the loss of her husband, in the company of accepting people”.

dip in patronage in 2020-2021 due to Covid-19 public health closures.

Gaye Preen, who grew up in the Dandenongs, said there should be an “overhaul” of prices for locals.

“I as a child and adult prior to moving to the South coast NSW always took a ride on PB [Puffing Billy] to me this was a calming experience for me.. you could just purchase a ticket and enjoy.. think that fun of just turning up has long gone,” Ms Preen said.

“I think there booking system is all wrong. I had never heard of locals pass...but think what a great idea it is.. and why not...locals are important not everyone can afford the ride as the prices are out of reach for the normal family...($200)... if they would bring back (locals pass) so the local can take their grandkids or themselves on a memorable ride through the Dandenong Ranges would be great.

“Since living in NSW and people ask whats good where we came from...I say everything... and what and where to visit I always say Puffing Billy... there are a lot of people that still haven’t heard of this and some [they] do but say it is too expensive.

“[I] think seriously PB needs an overhaul of pricing for locals... perhaps show where they live to get a discounted price a 40 per cent or something similar off the ticket price... they would be great for the locals.”

According to Mr Abbott, the purpose of both passes is to “provide the purpose of both passes is to provide an affordable option for the Victorian community who want to travel more than twice a year”.

He said all existing Local Pass benefits will be honoured until their expiry date.

“We look forward to sharing further information on the Annual Pass soon and welcoming both new and existing Locals Pass holders to enjoy the benefits,” he said.

Find happiness, peace and share in new friendships as you join Robert for yoga.

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

Puffing Billy Railway stopped taking applications for the locals pass in December 2023.

Survival Day holds strong

By Tanya Steele

First Nations people, music, food and art were celebrated on Belgrave Survival Day for 2024 as community gathered from all over the Dandenong Ranges for the annual event, which has moved it’s date from away from 26 January.

Belgrave and surrounding community came from Healesville and beyond and saw huge crowds flock to Borthwick Park on Sunday 3 March - the theme set for this year’s Belgrave Survival Day was “Always”.

Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO, Senior Wurundjeri elder of the Kulin alliance in Victoria hosted a Welcome to Country and Smoking ceremony to kick off the day.

“We know that we’re not on this journey alone — we know we’ve got each and every one of you that are here today,” she said.

“We have survived and we will keep on surviving, so just a big Wominjeka (welcome), thank you, it means a lot not to do this journey alone.”

The event featured a beautiful live performance by the Djirri Djirri Dancers who took the crowd through several traditional dances and even invited community members to come up and join in the fun.

Stacie Piper proud Wurundjeri, Djadjawurrung and Ngurai Illum-Wurrung woman from the Djirri Djirri Dancers thanked the community for their support and said the date change is ‘growing momentum’.

“I just want to acknowledge the Belgrave Survival Day committee for hearing the call the call to action to change the date – it’s a difficult one,” she said.

“I know that January 26 was something that the locals all gathered here and it wasn’t to celebrate invasion it was to celebrate our survival — so I know a lot of locals really miss having it on January 26 ... it’s great to see so many people who have come out today.”

Belgrave Survival Day is an annual event that was originally held on 26 January in 2008, this year the BSD Committee and partners made the decision to change the event to Sunday 3 March.

The music line up was stellar and crowds experienced the talented sounds of Ash Dargan, who is an Indigenous Australian Yidaki (didgeridoo) player of the Larrakia people from the Northern Territory, DENNI, who is also known as (Madam pakana) from Tasmania and Naarm indie band Chasing Ghosts.

Kids played in the park, people lounged on picnic rugs and others danced while stalls served up delicious foods from Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering place and East African styled Street Foods from Afroliciouseats.

The free and all ages community event was coordinated by the Belgrave Survival Day Committee and was presented in partnership with Burrinja Cultural Centre, Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place and Yarra Ranges Council.

Getting ready and watching, some curious kids observe the preparations. Picture: TANYA STEELE

Crowds gathered to Borthwick Park on Sunday 3 March.

Participating in the smoking ceremony.

Djirri Djirri Dancers on the day.

MC Shawn Andrews said it was his 4th time hosting the event.

Musician Ash Dargan playing yidaki. DENNI soulfully entertained crowds.Powerful performance from indie rock group Chasing Ghosts.

Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO had her son Craig along to help.

Djirri Djirri are the only Wurundjeri female dance group and are traditional custodians of Narrm (Melbourne) and surrounds – Djirri Djirri means Willy Wagtail in Woiwurrung.

Vibrant retirement living

In the heart of Lilydale, where the lush Yarra Valley meets the Dandenong Ranges, stands Lilydale Valley Views – not just a retirement village, but a thriving community where residents relish every moment of their golden years. For the past 15 years, we have meticulously crafted an environment that goes beyond providing accommodation; it’s a place where the essence of retirement living is fully embraced.

Our village boasts an array of accommodation options, from stunning homes with valley views to cosy terrace living.With 139 homes, including semi-attached 2/3 bedroom units, each designed to ensure a family-like atmosphere, we prioritise creating a space that fits the unique preferences of every resident.What sets Lilydale Valley Views apart is the commitment to offering a comprehensive retirement experience. Picture a heated indoor swimming pool and spa, providing residents with an oasis for relaxation and exercise. Imagine weekly Tai Chi and dancersize sessions, tailored to keep both the body and mind active and engaged. Our village bus takes the hassle out of shopping, offering a convenient door-to-door service, freeing residents from the need to drive and park.

One of the key pillars of our community is the vibrant social committee. This dedicated group organises a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring residents always have opportunities for connection and enjoyment. From outings to social events, our calendar is brimming with activities that cater to diverse interests, creating an enriching experience for everyone. Yet, the true magic lies in the residents themselves. A wonderful group of people with a wide range of interests, they form the beating heart of our community. The warmth and genuine sense of camaraderie that have flourished over the years are truly heartwarming. Newcomers quickly find themselves embraced by the community, invited to various

BreathtakingviewsawaitresidentsatLilydaleValleyViews.

activities and social occasions, allowing them to tailor their level of engagement. At Lilydale ValleyViews, we recognise the importance of social connections for overall health and wellbeing as we age. Our environment is curated to facilitate an active and connected lifestyle, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the physical boundaries of the village.

Centrally located near essential amenities, including medical practitioners, supermarkets, and the train station – all within walking distance – Lilydale Valley Views provides a seam-

Pictures:SUPPLIED

less blend of convenience and tranquillity. The nearby Warburton Trail offers residents the opportunity for scenic walks or bike rides, while a thriving veggie/flower garden on-site adds to the communal spirit. As a testament to our commitment to excellence, we are proud to have built a retirement village that has evolved into a close-knit community. Lilydale Valley Views is not merely a place to live; it’s a place where people flourish, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and cherished moments.

In celebration of our journey and the joy of

Enjoysomequitetimewithabookfromthe extensivelibrarycollection.

Meetandminglewithfriendsinthecommunity centre.

vibrant retirement living, we invite you to explore Lilydale Valley Views. Come and witness firsthand the beauty of terrace living, stunning views, and the warm embrace of a community that defines the essence of retirement living.

For more information, contact Lilydale Valley Views at 471 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale, email manager@lilydalevalleyviews.com.au, or call 03 9735 5944 to speak with Rosemary Seymour our manager. Our doors are open from 9am to 4.30pm, welcoming you to a new chapter of vibrant retirement living.

Be part of a vibrant Community and enjoy the

Foster, kinship

By Mikayla van Loon

Gratitude and thanks filled the main dining room at Sky High last week as Anchor hosted an appreciation dinner for all the foster and kinship carers currently supporting young people.

Over 100 carers joined staff on the evening of Thursday 22 February, with Anchor chief executive officer Heidi Tucker acknowledging that “a lot of your hard work goes unseen”.

“You give your time, your resources, your space. You make room within your own families, and spend a great deal of emotional and physical energy doing what you do every day,” she said.

“It is our absolute honour as an organisation to support you in your carer work, because we know you do such an amazing job.”

Heidi said since she joined Anchor in 2015 she has seen the kinship offering “almost quadruple in size” particularly as child protection has required more foster opportunities for young people.

But so too while there have been positive changes, Heidi said the pandemic brought with it challenges as people reassessed their lives.

“The Covid pandemic and the lockdowns that followed created a seismic shift in how people prioritise their time and their home life,” she said.

“And in the years that have followed, the rising cost of living has impacted the way families make big decisions about their lives.

“For foster care, this has meant a lot of carers choosing to exit the system and a far lower rate of new carers coming into the system.”

This is especially true for younger foster carers, Heidi said, creating somewhat of a crisis, as young people struggle through living pressures of their own, making them unable to add the needs of a child to their lives.

For one young married couple, Liam and Sarah, growing up around Sarah’s parents who fostered children, Liam said helped them to un-

derstand “we didn’t need to be able to commit to long term placements”.

“We became involved in foster care because we understood the need for support for young people in out of home care and saw emergency and respite foster care as a way we could offer this support,” Liam said.

Respite care, Liam said, goes a long way to “ease the pressure on families and carers and provide better support for young people”.

Knowing how much need is out there and hearing the stories of “young people facing such challenging circumstances” is saddening for Liam and Sarah.

Despite it sometimes being challenging, Liam and Sarah said it is “very fulfilling” and being able to share just some of the privileges they have been afforded in life to create such a difference is someone else’s future.

“We see that with sufficient support and care, young people are able to flourish, families are able to build resilience and strength and communities can come together for the best futures for our next generation.

“Being involved in the lives of young people is encouraging and joyful, although challenging at times. We find immense value in how small change to our life can offer such a meaningful contribution to the broader community and impact a young person in any small or big way.”

As foster care faces the obstacle of shortages, Heidi said the future is relatively uncertain but seeing everyone in the room on Thursday brought her great comfort.

“I am reminded of the incredible strength and dedication that you demonstrate day in, day out,” she said.

“I can’t help but feel confident that wherever the system lands, there will always be people like yourselves who are willing to stand up and say ‘I care. I want to fight for our most vulnerable children to be safe’.”

For Liam and Sarah, were grateful to have been able to share space and conversation with other foster and kinship carers, to feel the support of Anchor’s staff and know their contribution was being recognised.

“It was wonderful to see so many carers in one place and to see carers who have given so much time and investment being recognised for their efforts.

“We enjoyed seeing the wealth of experience in the care team behind the young people in foster care and feeling like we could contribute to that in some small way.”

AnchorCEOHeidiTuckersaidshewasfilledwithgratitudefortheworkofthefosterandkinship carerswhodedicatesomuchtoyoungpeople. Pictures:SUPPLIED

Theroomsawover100carersjoinAnchorstaff atSkyHighonThursday22February.

SPEAKING

Fresh faces at Dr Dan’s

At Dr Dan’s Medical Clinic, we strive to provide healthcare that focuses on the whole person. Established over four years ago with a vision for innovation, community engagement, and wellbeing enhancement, our principal practitioner, Dr. Dan Jeyaseelan has been a dedicated presence in the Monbulk community since 2009. His sincere passion for the community and for providing high quality affordable and accessible health care led him to establish his own practice. At Dr Dan’s Medical Clinic, our commitment goes beyond medical care — we’re here to empower the community and contribute to a healthier, happier patient with positive outcomes.

After a period of being unable to accept new patients, we are thrilled to now be able to welcome new patients to our clinic once again! We are excited to announce a significant expansion with the addition of two new exceptional doctors, Dr. Clare Browne, and Dr. James Caddle, to our team, as well as welcoming back Dr Kalen Winters from Maternity leave. All three doctors are now open for new patient bookings. Meet Our New Practitioners:

Dr Clare Browne:

Originally from Tasmania, Clare graduated in 2018 from the University of Melbourne.With diverse experience in various medical disciplines, she started GP training in 2023 and is excited to join Dr. Dan’s Medical Clinic in Monbulk in 2024.

Clare is passionate about Aged Care, Palliative Care, and Chronic Disease Management. She completed the Sydney Child Health Program in 2022, emphasizing her commitment to holistic, patient-centred care.

Beyond work, Clare enjoys hiking, squash, baking, and spending time with family and friends. Stay tuned for appointment availability – Clare looks forward to caring for you!

Dr. James Caddle:

Graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2017. With diverse hospital experience, he’s excited to bring his passion for general practice, especially in Paediatrics, to Dr. Dan’s Medical Clinic in 2024. Beyond work, James enjoys hiking, camping, playing guitar, and spending time with his one-year-old daughter.

To honour our commitment to providing high-quality and affordable healthcare, all practitioners will be bulk billing consultations for patients with a valid Medicare card.

Minor fees may apply to specific procedures.

A warm welcome back to Dr Kalen Winters:

Dr Kalen is very excited to be returning to our clinic after taking some time off to spend with her new family.

Dr Kalen covers all general practice services with special interest in women’s health; completing a Certificate of Women’s Health in 2022 to further extend her knowledge base. Dr Winters also has a keen interest in sexual health and mental health, in particular children and youth mental health. She is an approachable, pleas-

ant, and highly skilled female practitioner who is happy to welcome new and existing patients. Upon returning to the clinic, Dr Kalen is looking forward to supporting our two new registrars, Dr Clare and Dr James, and showing them the unique joys of working in general practice. We warmly welcome Dr Kalen back!

The entire team at Dr. Dan’s Medical Clinic is elated to open our doors to new faces, continuing our journey to provide exceptional and accessible healthcare to the whole community and surrounds.

NicolaandDanJeyaseelanofDrDan’sMedicalClinic. Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERSDrKalenWintershasreturnedtotheclinic aftersometimeoff. Picture:SUPPLIED

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Rewilding Q&A at the Belgrave Library

By Gabriella Vukman

At 10am on Saturday 9 March, the Belgrave Library will be hosting Donna Cameron for a Q and A about her new ecological thriller‘The Rewilding.’

This event is free and open to all. Rsvping via the Belgrave library website prior to the event is encouraged.

Author of‘The Rewilding’ Donna Cameron said, “I will be chatting about what inspired me and the journey I went on to lead me to write ‘The Rewilding.’”

“I went through a period of suffering from climate anxiety and despair and this book arose from that,” Ms Cameron said.

“I started to research climate change and really tried to look for hope. My burning question was ‘is there hope?’”

Exploring ecological themes and travers-

ing the ideologies and issues that surround climate change, the book is about corporate whistle-blower Jagger Eckerman who exposes his father’s illegal business activities as a wealthy property developer.

Ms Cameron said, “after blowing the whistle, Jagger escapes to a cave in a national park to hide out until things blow over but he doesn’t realise that the cave is already occupied by a dreadlocked, radical eco-warrior who is hiding there on her own.”

“She is trying to save the planet and he is just trying to save his own behind,” Ms Cameron said.

The book projects hope for managing the climate crisis and its attached issues.

Ms Cameron said, “my big discovery whilst writing this book was that hope comes through action and so‘The Rewilding’ doesn’t shy away from the reality of the whole climate

situation and the characters evolve into hope punks.”

“I wanted to channel the notion that we have the ability to turn this thing around as a species. We can’t give up, we have got to believe that we can do this.” Ms Cameron said.

“I wanted to fight the dominant narrative that we can’t do this at the moment.”

On Saturday March 9, the Belgrave Library will be hosting author Donna Cameron for a chat about her new novel ‘The Rewilding.’

Uplifting road to Patagonia

By Gabriella Vukman

Born and raised in Harkaway, filmmaker Matty Hannon’s new release ‘The Road to Patagonia’ is set to hit the Cameo cinema in Belgrave on Saturday March 16.

Shot over 16 years, ‘The Road to Patagonia’ is a heartwarming documentary centred around Matty Hannon’s journey from one side of the world to the other.

Starting out on motorbike with the aim of surfing the coastlines from Alaska to Patagonia, Matty meets the love of his life and downgrades to horseback with the film following him throughout the heights and troughs of his journey.

Mr Hannon said, “I would like people to walk away from the film feeling really uplifted and I think they do judging by the audience’s reactions.”

“One of the main messages that I wanted to instil in the film is that as humans we are just one strand in the web of life and for 98% of human history we have known this.”

“We are not the apex of the pyramid of creation. We are not the top species that has the right to just dominate and extract and treat the rest of the world like an economic resource. I am advocating for the rights of nature to be acknowledged.”

Growing up in Harkaway, Mr Hannon has fond memories of the Belgrave community and frequent trips to the Cameo with his mother.

“The Cameo cinema in Belgrave has been an institution since I was a little kid and I guess the great thing about it is that it is a place where stories are told and stories are what make our culture,” Mr Hannon said.

“When you look at somewhere like Belgrave that has such a vibrant, thriving culture that is diverse and rich in artistry, I would say that Belgrave for me feels like a sort of anomaly in Melbourne.”

Mr Hannon said, “I think the really iconic thing about Belgrave is that it has managed to keep that sense of uniqueness and community and the one thing that I learned on the trip through the different people that I interviewed, is that when you have community around you, you have strength around you. You have networks that can foster richness in your life.”

Mr Hannon discovered his love for film when he was living without running water, electricity and internet in remote Sumatra.

“I lived over there for about five years and because I was out of touch with friends and family for quite some time, I picked up a camera to document and show my family why I thought those islands were so incredible,” Mr Hannon said.

“That was the beginning of a passion for photography and cinematography but the actual impetus to create ‘The Road to Patagonia’ film happened after I came back from Sumatra and had studied film at RMIT in Melbourne.”

“After a couple of years working in the city

doing corporate video, I just knew it wasn’t for me and I was in a pretty bad place in terms of mental health,” Mr Hannon said.

Seeking a great adventure and life change to jump him out of the disconnect he was feeling, Mr Hannon purchased a one-way ticket to Alaska and packed his things.

Mr Hannon said, “I wanted to go off and find myself and heal myself. I thought I was going to make a 10-` minute vimeo documentary that I would put on the internet after I spent maybe six months editing.”

“Creating this film was a funny process be-

cause I never thought I would make a film that was this big in scale.”

“I started putting it in film festivals around Australia and internationally too and it started winning awards and that sort of thing I was approached by distributors,” Mr Hannon said.

From giant bears to dream waves to unexpected love, ‘The Road to Patagonia’ showcases the depths of humanity and the beauty of community and the natural world.

“There’s a bunch of different messages in the film and one of them is that the world is still just so beautiful and there’s still so much

to connect with and love and be proud of,” Mr Hannon said.

“Despite climate change, the plastic in our water and all of our other issues, the entire film is predicated on the idea of community and valuing community over the traditional metrics of mainstream society.”

“I would say not only does film bring people together and have a night of storytelling in a modern sense which I think is really important and enhances the messages surrounding the importance of community in the film,” Mr Hannon said.

Picture: DONNA CAMERON

New Film by Harkaway filmmaker Matty Hannon is scheduled to premier at the Cameo Cinema in Belgrave March 16. Picture: MATTY HANNON

Waste-tastic kids clean up

By Tanya Steele

Sustainability

Day.

Tecoma Primary School got a head start on Clean Up Australia Day for 2024 on Thursday 29 February with a stellar school wide effort by the primary school students.

The rail trail between Tecoma and Belgrave and the school grounds was tackled by students, teachers and school families with bags and gloves in hand and student school environmental leaders Janelle and Jacob said they thought the students did a good job.

“Although I feel like there was a lot more rubbish that’s supposed to be in the bins,” Janelle said.

“It’s good that we found it,” Emma said.

The school sustainability teacher Mrs Langford said it was fantastic to watch the pride in the students approach to a clean environment.

“Their dedication to ensuring our school grounds and the surrounding area are kept rubbish free is a testament to their vested interest in our Resource Smart School program and Sustainable Schools Policy,” she said.

The afternoon group effort saw grade three to six students picking up bottles and assorted rubbish with gloves along the scenic rail trail along Tecoma and into Belgrave.

Acting Principal Di Douple said the students who collected rubbish along the rail track at the back of the school, were very impressed with how little rubbish there was to pick up.

“It was a testament to the Tecoma community who take such pride in looking after our local environment,” she said.

Younger school members in Prep to grade two didn’t miss out and went to work cleaning up around the school grounds.

The school enjoyed participating in the nationwide event and hopes to continue to do so in the future.

Clean up Australia began 30 years ago and continues to unite Australians to care for their local environment.

Clean up Australia founder Ian Kiernan AO, who passed away on 16 October 2018 believed

RSL award for Philp

By Virginia Porter

The State President of the Returned and Services League (RSL) of Australia, Dr Rob Webster AOM visited the Dandenong Ranges Sub Branch on Monday 19 February to award an important national award to one of Sassafras’ long serving community volunteers.

Michael Philp, known to many as Sassafras’ Post Office Manager, was awarded the National Certificate of Merit with Gold Badge, the highest form of recognition for a member of the RSL who did not serve in uniform.

Michael has been the mainstay of the Dandenong Ranges RSL Sub Branch for nearly three decades, serving as treasurer, secretary and on the general committee for a total of 26 years. He is the current treasurer of the sub branch and has continuously served in that role since 2008.

In congratulating Michael for his noteworthy contribution to the RSL and the local community, Rob Webster observed that the Dandenong Ranges Sub Branch has gone through periods where it was doubtful that it would survive, but through Michael’s prudence, hard work and commitment to the RSL, the sub branch of today is vibrant and its future assured. He also observed that the sub branch is an all-volunteer operation, so in addition to being on the committee continuously for 26 years, Michael also volunteers as the membership officer, the food and beverage manager and is the primary point of contact for building and equipment maintenance issues, while still working full time at the post office.

RSL Sub Branch President, Bob Richards said “Of all those who have volunteered their time to the RSL in our region over the past three decades, or who have held office, the contribution from Michael Philp has no doubt been the most significant and without his efforts, I doubt that our Sub Branch would still be operating, let alone thriving.”

Michael was joined by his wife Louisa at the presentation and 25 RSL members

came to witness the award, which successfully had been kept a secret until his name was announced on the night by the RSL state president. The Dandenong Ranges RSL’s club rooms are at 1773 Mountain Highway in Sassafras.

that Clean Up belongs to the millions of volunteers who have taken to their streets, beaches, parks, bushland and waterways to remove the rubbish that is bothering them.

Environmental student leader Robbie said that if the students collected the amount of rubbish they did find in 30 minutes, ‘imagine what else is out there’.

Acting Principal Di Double said it was so great to see students, teachers and parents working together on the extremely important community event.

“I’d like to thank Mrs Langford, her environment team and everyone who worked together to clean up Tecoma,” she said.

Michael Philp with his certificate.

From left: Sustainability teacher Deborah with environmental leaders Emma, Robbie, Janelle, Jacob and teacher Renee. Picture: TANYA STEELE Lenix and Isaac getting into the community spirit. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Along the rail trail. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

CPP Presents

Little Women

Christmas Eve, 1862. With their father away on the frontline of the American Civil War, the four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy – journey into adulthood, each determined to pursue a life of their own terms.

CPP, Gemco productions Kemp’s curtain call

But growing up means contending with love and loss, as well as the myriad twists of fortune that can shape a lifetime.

Season: Friday April 5 – Saturday April 13.

Venue: Performing Arts Centre Boronia K-12 College Albert Ave. Boronia.

Live in the Lyre: Festival of folk – Daoiri Farrell.

Dublin-born singer and bouzouki player, Daoiri Farrell is a product of Dublin’s famous club An G?ilin Traditional Singers since launching his own solo career at the 2016 Celtic Connections, Daoiri Farrell has gone from strength to strength.

On the verge of releasing his fourth solo album in early 2023, he can boast numerous honours from BBC, Radio 2, Folk Awards to ALSR Celtic Music Accolades.

Season: Thursday March 7. At 8pm.

Songs From the Bool of Life – Deborah Conway and Willie Zygier

In a work of musical theatre written by Deborah Conway and Willie Zygier based

around her memoir Book of Life, a shimmering piece of autobiography told in eight scenes, around eight songs with Conway and Zygier exploring the nature of performing a musical life.

Season: Saturday March 23 at 8pm.

Gemco Players Community Theatre

Millies War

Based on historical events, MilliesWar is set in the 1980’s when a number of women attempted to join official Anzac Day marches across Canberra to commemorate women raped in war.

When the sleepy local branch of the local RSL met with the women in order to dissuade them from upsetting their sacred parade of remembrance, the crochety president of the RSL Club is appalled to find his own granddaughter is one if the feminists attempting to spoil their day.

Season: Friday April 12 - Sunday April 28.

Denis done delivered

Dune Part 2

Starring Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya and Rebecca Ferguson

Rated M 5/5

The follow-up to writer-director Denis Villeneuve’s Dune from 2021, Dune Part 2 is one of the greatest science fiction epics ever made.

On the desert planet Arrakis, Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) grapples with his destiny as a messianic figure for the planet’s Fremen natives.

Dune Part 2 is an enthralling, majestic sci-fi war film with a rich texture of loyalty, prophecy and conspiracy, immersing you in both a bloody multi-world conflict and one man’s struggle against controlling forces and his darker nature.

Once again, the art direction is stunning, infusing every location and artefact with life and heritage; Giedi Prime stands out with its largely black-and-white colour scheme, which highlights the stark cruelty of the Harkonnen villains.

The action sequences are brutal, riveting spectacles, but much of the tension in Part 2 comes from Paul resisting the centuriesold prophecy he is hurtling toward.

Frank Herbert’s 1965 source novel is critical of imperialism, fundamentalism and chosen one narratives, and unlike David Lynch’s sanitised Dune from 1984, Villeneuve’s Dune lucidly explores these themes.

Played to perfection by Chalamet, Paul shifts from a humble young man willing to learn from and serve the oppressed Fremen to an imposing leader of almost frightening zeal.

Chani (Zendaya) and Paul form a touching relationship early on, which sours as Paul begins to embrace his power.

Rebecca Ferguson is manipulative and captivating as Paul’s mother Lady Jessica, and Austin Butler conveys an inhuman elegance and sadism as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen.

Dune Part 2 is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

It’s hard to imagine any upcoming blockbuster in 2024 surpassing this thrilling, resplendent, thematically-rich sci-fi triumph, and I eagerly look forward to Villeneuve’s planned adaptation of the sequel novel Dune Messiah.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

CARTOON

Reading for Odesa focus

February 24 marked the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

On that day, the “Reading for Odesa” event took place simultaneously around the world “to refocus attention on the current situation in Odesa and across the whole of Ukraine”.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to the forced closure of Odesa Literary Museum, which, along with the city’s Archaeological Museum and Museum ofWestern and Oriental Art, was severely damaged by Russian missile attacks in July 2023.

Situated inside theWorld Heritage property “The Historic Centre of Odesa”, these buildings were marked by UNESCO with the Blue Shield, the distinctive emblem of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

“Reading for Odesa” was an international project celebrating Ukrainian literature.

The 15 participating Cities of Literature organised public readings of literary works by Ukrainian authors, in the belief that “literature canalwaysconstituteaninstrumentofmemory and collective conscience, even in times of war”.

These 15 cities were Milan, Wroclaw, Krakow, Edinburgh, Exeter, Lasi, Kuhmo, Lillehammer, Ljubljana, Manchester, Melbourne, Nottingham, Quebec City, Reykjavik, and Tukums.

Odesa joined the UNESCO Cities of Literature Network in 2019, which now encompasses 53 cities in 39 countries across 6 continents and a combined population of over 26 million.

In Melbourne, those wanting to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine can visit the Ukrainian Museum of Australia, which operates to “preserve, exhibit and collect artefacts, documents, books and Ukrainian folk art for exhibition, research and education which reflect the culture and history of Ukrainian immigration in Australia”.

You can also check out Ukrainian-JewishAustralian author Maria Tumarkin’s books.

Tumarkin was born and raised in Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine, which was recently at-

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN

tacked by Russian drones. Her 2018 debut Axiomatic won the Melbourne Prize for Literature’s Best Writing Award and was shortlisted for the Stella Prize, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, just to name a few.

As praised by The Saturday Paper: “Everyone is looking for the next Helen Garner and Maria Tumarkin shares with Garner a gimlet eye for the flaws in official systems, along with a fascination for the narratives nested in everyday lives. Axiomatic’s symphonic structure, however, recalls Svetlana Alexievich, the Belarusian journalist and Nobel Laureate.”

Talk about Alexievich, her 2013 oral history Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets delivers a powerful probe into Vladimir Putin’s nationalistic lies.

To conclude this article, we want to share the last stanzas of renowned Ukrainian author Lesya Ukrainka’s most famous poem “Contra Spem Spero” (1890), translated as “Against All Hope I Hope” by British poet Vera Rich.

In the long dark ever-viewless night-time

Not one instant shall I close my eyes.

I’ll seek ever for the star to guide me, She that reigns bright mistress of dark skies. Yes, I’ll smile, indeed, through tears and weeping

Sing my songs where evil holds its sway, Hopeless, a steadfast hope forever keeping, I shall live! You thoughts of grief, away!

Disaster legal help check

The extreme storms that swept across Melbourne in February 2024 caused significant damage for communities and community members in the east.

These storms caused severe damage to homes, businesses, roads and infrastructure, including disruption to services, with many homes still without power.

Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) remains very concerned for many communities hardest hit in the Knox andYarra Ranges areas.

The Centre has since engaged its Extreme Weather Event Response program to assist people to move from crisis to recovery, working in close collaboration with other local services and support providers.This includes the release of an updated Disaster Legal Help Check tool: eclc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Disaster-Recovery-Legal-Help.pdf

Anita Koochew

The Disaster Legal Help Check tool guides people through a list of common legal issues and how to access help.

It also aims to help people working with community members affected by the recent storm event to identify legal needs and related issues that may have arisen or been exacerbat-

ed following the storms.

Since 2009, ECLC has been providing legal help in response to extreme weather including bushfires, storms and floods, which continue to increase in regularity and severity due to climate change.

ECLC recognises that communities already experiencing marginalisation or complex life challenges are often impacted the most and need additional support to recover.

ECLC legal services director Belinda Lo said many people don’t realise they have a legal problem until well after the extreme weather event has occurred.

“We are working with all our local councils and other services to support people on the ground,” she said.

“This legal help check is another tool that can save people additional problems down the

track. “People who identify legal issues can come to us for assistance or referral.”

Belinda mentioned that a major concern for the centre is also the often observed increase in family violence after an extreme weather event. “We’ve seen that historically, ECLC unfortunately sees a surge in calls for help for family violence post severe weather events,” she said.

The Centre will continue to work closely with its partners to provide legal help, support and referrals to affected community members.

We urge community members living in the east to reach out for help because no one should have to go through this alone.

If you or someone you know needs free legal assistance due to family violence or the severe storms, please visit eclc.org.au/help or call 1300 32 53 00.

By Maria Millers Ozymandias

Percy Bysshe Shelley

I met a traveller from an antique land

Who said: “Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert . . . Near them, on the sand,

Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,

And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,

Tell that its sculptor well those passions read

Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,

The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed:

And on the pedestal these words appear:

‘My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:

Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!’

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay

Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare

The lone and level sands stretch far away.”

Not long after the British Museum acquired a fragment of a statue of the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses11, known as Ozymandias in Greek, English Romantic poet Percy – Bryce Shelley wrote a sonnet about the crumbling statue found in the desert as a reminder that no amount of power can stave off inevitable fate and the passage of time.

Even the ‘‘king of kings’’ is powerless and all that survived of him is the king’s ‘‘sneer of cold command’’, captured so well by the sculptor.

Here is art surviving and preserving past history. But history is not set in stone and our understanding of the past changes.

Our views on women’s suffrage, sexuality, medicine, education, child-rearing and masculinity are not the same as they were 50 years ago, and will be different again in another 50 years.

So even though a work of art survives, its

significance and meaning may change.

Last week a bronze statue of Captain Cook was toppled off its plinth outside Captain Cooks Cottage, in the Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne. The cottage had been the home of Cook’s parents in Great Ayton, North Yorkshire and there is no record whether he ever lived there. Yet it has stood as a tourist attraction since 1934.

And it’s the third time a memorial to Captain Cook has been damaged in Melbourne this year. A statue at St Kilda’s Jacka Boulevard was also sawn off at the ankles the day before Australia Day. This follows a series of recent attacks on other statues and monuments elsewhere, bearing Cook’s name, particularly around the time of Australia Day.

But removing statues and monuments is not confined to Australia. In the wake of the Black Lives Matter it is a worldwide phenomenon, particularly when they are of individuals associated with divisive aspects of history. Statues are symbolic and so is the act of tearing them down.

Australia is only just becoming ready to accept the truth of its history the good, the bad and the ugly. But for many brought up in the romantic narratives of the settler society and on selective history taught in schools there is often a reluctance to face the reality of our

past. There is a high incidence of toxic nostalgia at large.

Guardian journalist on indigenous affairs, Paul Daley, believes that unless history strives for truth it is nothing more than propaganda.

There is nothing intrinsically educational about a statue, memorial or place name What is needed is context. But there are of course differences of opinion.

ANU history professor Bruce Scales has said that removing statues altogether “removed that opportunity for discussion”, and suggested updating them with fuller historical accounts he calls ‘dialogical memorialisation’ rather than ripping down existing statues and monuments we should be adding plaques to explain their history from a modern perspective.

What then is achieved by vandalising statues of Cook? Was he the ogre and instrument of dispossession that some paint him? Or was he a man of his time?

To some Indigenous Australians Cook’s statues are symbols of the establishment of colonial Australia that resulted in the dispossession and destruction of thousands of indigenous communities. Strangely statues of Cook appear in place he never visited.

Cook has many defenders who point out his voyages were prompted only by specific scientific goals. A skilled navigator, surveyor, cartographer and captain he led three successful expeditions.

But there is no doubt that Cook sailed with orders to take possession of new territories in the name of the King of Great Britain “with the consent of the natives”.

And he certainly did not have the consent of indigenous people when he claimed New South Wales for the king, when he landed on what he called Possession Island at the tip of Cape York, on August 22, 1770.

However, it seems that Cook may have been

made to shoulder the blame of our past mistakes unfairly.

There are many more (some we now recognize, others yet unnamed) who played a larger role in the wrongs against indigenous Australians. The poet W H Auden once said: A dead man who never caused others to die seldom rates a statue.

Perhaps it’s time to erect statues to both men and women beyond the powerful, that we all might see ourselves in the figures that are represented.

Or do we need statues and monuments at all? Could they be seen as outdated furnishings of civic space? A convenience for pigeons and a backdrop for tourist selfies.

Those in favour of statues argue that public art in cities offers a sense of meaning and identification for its residents whether in the form of murals, installations, sculptures and statue.

Ideally then, public art should inspire people to engage and encourage discussion. Productive public discussions are however at a premium in our culture and would unlikely reach consensus. But maybe it’s worth a try.

The last words should go to Spike Milligan’s short poem calling for a monument for that humble staple food, porridge.

Porridge

Why is there no monument

To Porridge in our land?

It it’s good enough to eat,

It’s good enough to stand!

On a plinth in London

A statue we should see

Of Porridge made in Scotland

Signed, “Oatmeal, O.

B.

E.

(By a young dog of three)

Local cricket club gets funds to improve club facilities

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A local cricket club in the outer eastern suburbs has received a grant to improve the club’s canteen facilities.

CitiPower, the sponsor of the Victorian Cricket team have donated over $80,000 to 17 clubs aroundVictoria as part of their Canteen Grants Program.

The state’s fast bowler, Mitch Perry came down to his junior cricket club and gave the good news that Knoxfield Knights Cricket Club is one of the 17 clubs to be awarded the grants.

Perry said it’s always great fun to get back to his local club - a place with some really good memories with his mates in junior cricket.

“The dream as a young kid was to play out here with my old man and my mates.”

He said the stepping stones from grass-

roots cricket to premier cricket have been outstanding and Mr Perry hopes more junior cricketers are given the same chance as him.

“If you’ve got a healthy canteen, then you’ve got a healthy club especially when people come down and watch the game, they

would want to have a cold beer or hot dog. So I think it’s important to meet these needs to keep the club supported.”

Knoxfield Knights Cricket Club president Greg Paroissien said the funding is enormous for them, because local clubs struggle to raise

money on their own.

He said the only form of income they have for their club is by selling things through the canteen and over the bar. “To be able to have a dishwasher means we can do away with buying paper plates and bamboo cutlery which everyone hates eating off.”

The donations will not only allow the club to have a dishwasher but it’ll free up funds to spend in other areas that will help the kids get better and parents have to spend less.

“We can afford to buy other things and help coaching, and equipment, it’ll go a long way,” Paroissien said.

CitiPower general manager Scott Russell said the company has granted funds to more than 80 local cricket clubs to improve their electrical infrastructure. “We all know how essential canteens are to local clubs, but it’s also the one place where electrical safety risks are most likely to be found.”

Mitch Perry spent his Tuesday afternoon playing with junior cricketers at his former club. Picture: ANDREW CRAIG

To

1, 19-down Author of Alice'sAdventuresin Wonderland (5,7)

4 Practical (9)

9 Controller of meeting (5)

10 Ship’s petty officer (9)

11 Birds of prey (6)

12 Severe or harmful (8)

14 Makes a good point (10)

15 – de toilette (3)

17 Extraterrestrial craft (1.1.1)

19 Black and white (10)

23 Period of instruction (8)

24 Protozoan (6)

26 Music-makers (9)

27 Soldier of Hebrew Bible (5)

28 Replicated (9)

29 Sham (5)

DOWN

1 Cabinet (6)

2 Argue noisily and angrily (7)

3 Waitstaff (7)

4 Bars (4)

5 Extremely greedy (10)

6 Govern incompetently (7)

7 Acrobatic apparatus (7)

8 Interpret (8)

13 Group of owls (10)

16 Rump (8)

18 Perfect (7)

19 See 1-across

20 Member of ancient Germanic tribe (7)

21 Breastbone (7)

22 Somewhat (6)

25 Utilised (4)

3 LETTERS

4 LETTERS

Today’s Aim:

19

No. 175

No. 175

No.

PROPERTY

EMBRACE SERENITY AND LUXURY ON 8.5 ACRES

EMBRACE SERENITY AND LUXURY ON 8.5 ACRES

NESTLED amidst the picturesque beauty of Upper Beaconsfield, discover your dream home on a sprawling 33610m2 of lush land. This fully renovated four-bedroom haven combines designer style with the tranquillity of country living, offering the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication.

Step inside to find spacious living areas adorned with polished floorboards and a central warm and inviting solid fuel fire—a welcoming space for both relaxation and entertainment. The heart of the home, a gourmet granite kitchen, awaits with its walkin pantry, abundant storage, and impressive array of appliances, including two ovens, hotplates, dishwasher, and a captivating tepanyaki plate that adds the Wow factor to any meal ensuring a culinary delight for any occassion.

Indulge in the luxury of state-of-the-art bathrooms, featuring floor-to-ceiling tiles, double vanities, and the latest fittings and fixtures, including a mirror defroster.

Experience year-round comfort with two 10kw reverse cycle systems, ensuring optimal climate control no matter the season. Convenience is key with internal access to the double remote garage, providing all-weather accessibility.

Outside, the possibilities are endless, with ample space for your four-legged friends to roam, along with equestrian facilities including shelters, a tack room, stable, dam, and a 20x40 arena—a paradise for horse enthusiasts.

A separate shed offers versatility, perfect for a man cave, hobbyist retreat, or extra storage space. Situated just a short drive from Upper Beaconsfield shops and schools, and surrounded by highly regarded private and public educational institutions, this home offers the country lifestyle you desire with the convenience you need.

Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to own your slice of paradise in Upper Beaconsfield. Contact us today to arrange a viewing and make this stunning property your forever home. ●

COMMUNITY GROUPS WIN WITH RAFFLE

DANDENONG Ranges Community Finance Limited operates Community Bank Upwey, Belgrave and Cockatoo-Gembrook branches, and launched their Community Raffle in November 2023 as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations. The raffle prize pool is $25,000 in gold bullion, and 46 local community groups have signed up to sell tickets so far.

With all (100%) proceeds from ticket sales going back to the selling group, this is a fantastic opportunity to turbocharge fundraising efforts.

Online promotion to club/group members is encouraged, and posters are supplied to help spread the word. Unique QR codes direct supporters to buy tickets to benefit

individual clubs.

“We are very excited to give this opportunity to our community groups and hope that they are able to raise money for their organisation’s benefit. The raffle closes on 1 May 2024, and we are looking forward to contacting the winners with the exciting news on the 2 May.

It’s such a great opportunity for everyone

to benefit, whether it’s your community group getting much needed funds, or you are one of the lucky winners of the gold. WIN – WIN!,” Deb Weber, Dandenong Ranges Community Finance Limited Chair said.

If your group still hasn’t signed up to sell tickets, contact communityraffle@drcbg.com. au to find out how!

INDULGE in the epitome of quality, comfort, and style with this meticulously designed property, offering a lifestyle of sophistication and

Standing proudly on 13 acres, this custom designed and craftsman built stone home captures panoramic views and stunning sunrises over Kurth Kiln, Bunyip State Park and beyond, creating a picturesque backdrop for your everyday life. Ideally situated between Emerald and Monbulk townships, this home provides easy access to the award-winning wineries of the Yarra Valley. Indulge with luxurious living throughout with 9 ft ceilings, Sydney Bluegum flooring, zoned refrigerated cooling/heating and four generous living/dining zones. Quality Axminster carpet, leadlight windows and doors, imported French stone tiling, double hung windows, French doors, open fireplace with antique mantle plus another log fire surrounded by Coldstream stone adding a touch of elegance. The master room is a sanctuary with stunning views, his and hers walk-in robes, and a relaxing large spa bath – a perfect retreat at the end of the day. The stylish Smith & Smith kitchen features granite benchtops, integrated Asko dishwasher and ilive oven and provides seamless integration to spacious family living zones and alfresco outdoor dining.

The large wrap around verandahs set the scene for total relaxation plus absolute serenity is assured down by the fish stocked dam complete with wood fire barbecue, jetty and picnic area. The rose-lined driveway sets the stage for the picturesque journey to your dream home which is surrounded by 7 thoughtfully separated paddocks. There is also a huge 11 x 10m barn, expansive 4 car garage including workshop, separate hay and tractor storage, chook pen, dog run, wood storage and 2 top of the range horse stables, hot/cold wash bay, cattle yards and ramp. Catering to the equestrian enthusiast within you there is easy access to the Pony Club grounds and many riding trails begin at your doorstep.

For those seeking a relaxed lifestyle with sealed road access surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, a thriving veggie patch and fruit orchard – we welcome you to embark on a journey of timeless elegance & country charm. When only the best will do, inspect today. ●

4

3

4

an indoor conservatory, complete with garden beds, fishpond, woodfire, water and power.

Externally there is a single carport with the home, and a fully fenced yard ideal for use by the Bed & Breakfast clientele.

The magic is awaiting to be rediscovered as you meander the garden you will discover pathways and garden edging giving a glimpse to the possibility of an amazing garden. The breadth of plants is fantastic, including established fruit trees. There is a 3 bay garage + workshop area with concreted floor, power, lights and woodfire. A wood shed, a Poly tunnel, new 45000L water tank, a 15000L water tank, and a grand 15m * 8m brick and glass glasshouse with power and water.

This property has it all so don’t miss outcall 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: 54 Kirkpatricks Road, MACCLESFIELD

Contact: Bethany Day 0438 844 968 or Brennan Mileto

200SoldiersRoad,Beenak

$950,000 -$1,045,000

AnOutstandingApprox.9 Acres,withAbundantShedding &a2StoreyHome! Offeringapprox.9 acresofflattogentlyslopinglandwithanareaofbush& thenlargecleared& wellfencedpaddockswithelectricfencing.Thereis aroundyard,&ascenicdam.Thehomeis convenientlylaidout,with adoublecarportatthefrontentry& then acosywoodfireheaterinthe loungeroom.Thereis abuiltinbarintheloungeroom &theloungehasa vaultedceiling& isopen planwiththekitchen.Thereare2 bedroomsdownstairs, &thefamilybathroom.Upstairsdiscover alargemasterbedroomwithexposedrafters &Julietbalconyoverlookingthewellmaintained paddocks.Externallyis aDLUGwithglassslidingdoors&3internalrooms,onewitha woodfire heater.There’salsoanouthouse &numerousmiscellaneoussheds &fenceddogyards.Thishome hasmainselectricity& tankwater.

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$850,000 -$920,000

WalktoGembrookMainstreet &EnjoyTheGorgeousGarden!

Thisprivate& lowmaintenance 3bedroom,2 bathroomhomeis ashortstrollfromthemainstreet. Featuring2 separatedrivewayentries,thereareplentyofpossibilitieswiththishome.Thehomehas anopenplankitchen/lounge/diningroomthatenjoysviewsouttothebackgarden &has asplit systemAC.Thekitcheniswellequippedwitha gasstove &oven&abutlerspantry.Themaster bedroomenjoysitsownsplitsystemAC,BIRs& ensuite.Thereare 2furtherbedroomsbothwithBIRs. Thereisa lovelyfamilybathroomwith ashower&aseparatebath.Thereisalsoductedheating throughoutthehome &plentyofnaturallight.Outsideis adelightinthefullyfencedbackyard.The manicuredgarden& lawnistranquilwithanarrayoffruittrees.Thereisalso asecuritysystemwith alarm& cameras, &sensorlightingatthefrontofthehome.

BethanySullivan M 0438844968

3 A

48aBeaconsfield-EmeraldRoad,Emerald$1,750,000 -$1,925,000

BeautifulHomeinEmeraldonapprox.23acreswithViews!

Thissolid3 bedroom,2 bathroom,brickhomeonjustunder1/4acreisliterally a500mflatwalktoIGA intheheartofEmerald.Somefeaturesinclude:#Flatblock #Landscapedgardens #Fullyfenced backyardfordogs

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20ChurchStreet,Emerald $800,000 -$880,000 SamanthaScott

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MEDITERRANEAN FLARE IN GREAT LOCATION

MAGNIFICENT “Lugano“ boasts a touch of Mediterranean style paired with a topnotch location. Situated steps from Belgrave Outdoor Pool, train and bus transport, schools, and Belgrave’s bustling restaurant and entertainment precinct, this splendid property blends prestige and position to perfection.

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· 3 bright bedrooms including main with spa ensuite and walk-in robe

· Versatile 4th bedroom/rumpus room and relaxing sitting room ●

CHARMINGHILLSHIDEAWAYON1.5ACRES

M

FORSALE

RS ALE 25-27ColomboRoad,BELGRAVE $750,000to$799,000 EXCEPTIONALCOMFORT&ENTICINGOUTDOORAREAS 3 A 1 B 2 C

ThiswonderfulweatherboardresidenceinapeacefulpocketofBelgraveoffersidyllic

serene2,971sqm(approx.)landscape,recently restumpedtocreatepotentialforfurtherlivingspace,andwrappedindeckingfor

BradConder

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2 A 1 B 1 C

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SharynChandler

Big Monbulk CC

Monbulk Cricket Club finished off their home and away season with a few massive wins over the weekend.

The club won five out of six games on Saturday, with the 1st XI only losing a thriller in the last over.

In a reunion function, the MCC welcomed back many of their past players and life members to remember its first XI premierships from 93-94 and 98-99.

· First XI - Monbulk 9/178 (T. Utting 42, B. Martin 25, J. Fenby 24, K. Storey 22*) def by South Belgrave 9/179 (K. Storey 4/26).

· 4/26 and 22* to Keels Storey and 42 to Tyren Utting. Finished 3rd and play a home final v St John’s next Saturday/Sunday.

· - Second XI – Monbulk 3/146 (J. Fraser 62*, K. Snyman 36*) def South Belgrave 10/142 (C. Broekhof 3/31, J. Fraser 2/27, E. Blenkiron 2/31).

· Jason Fraser 62*, Kyle Snyman 36* and 3 wickets to Craig Broekhof. Finished top of ladder and will play a semi next weekend

· - Third XI – Monbulk 3/148 (M. Winzenreid 75*, T. Watson 25, C. Hooper 23) def The Basin 7/147 (T. Rickard 2/24).

· 75* to Matt Winzenried as the 3s finished the season strong with 2 great wins, but a game out of top 4.

· - Fourth XI – Monbulk 8/204 (T. Fleming 67, X Hourigan 28, J. Mackay 25*, S. Hooper 24, D. Williams 24*) def Johnson Park 10/124 (L. Tilley 4/28, D. Blenkiron 2/28).

· 67 to Todd Fleming and 4 wickets to Lachlan Tilly. 4s got back on winners list, finished top of ladder and will play a home semi (high school) next weekend.

· -Fifth XI – Monbulk 4/301 (B. Brockwell 102*, T. Berman 102*, J. Dekkers 47) def Aura Vale 10/107 (L. Hehir 3/30, K. Beecroft 2/14, T. Berman 2/8, J. Dekkers 2/23).

Centuries to Tom Berman and skipper

102* Brayden Brockwell. Over 500 runs this season for skipper Brocky.93-94 first XI premiers.

Brayden Brockwell (both 102*) helped the 5ths to another win finishing just out of finals in a strong one day comp.

· U16’s: Monbulk 3/85 (W. Meyer 34*, K. Sutton 23) def Eildon Park Wildcats 9/83 (R. Tudor 5/7, S. Blenkiron 2/6).

· Amazing figures of 5/7 from Ry Tudor and another 34* to Will Meyer to continue his amazing season. Finished 3rd and will play an away semi next weekend.

· U12’s: Monbulk 4/82 (F. Ratten 21, N. Taylor 11*, Z. Czaja 8) def Rowville Brown 8/74 (J.

Chudasko 2/1, F. Ratten 2/5, N. Taylor 2/17).

· Fast 9’s: Monbulk 1/79 (H. Grigg 16*, A. Arnott 13*, M. Demant Roddy 11*) def Gembrook 10/21 (L. Hutton 3/1, H. Watson 1/1, M. Demant Roddy 1/0).

· Super 7s: No scores

98-99 first XI premiers.

SPORT

Tigers drop Wildcats thriller

By Sean Talbot

In a weekend that saw the Upwey Ferntree Gully and Waverley baseball clubs square off against each other in five different divisions, the Premier League Tigers were unable to claim the points in a last inning thriller that saw the Wildcats manufacture the go-ahead run in the top of the 9th inning to claim a win by the narrowest of margins.

With the Tigers handing the start to Wes de Jong and Waverley countering with Jamie Papanicolaou, it was a clash of contrasting styles as the crafty de Jong competed with Papanicolaou who, though rehabbing from an arm injury, claimed bragging rights when it comes to having the better fastball velocity. Waverley threatened to strike first in the top of the 1st inning after Rhys Longstaff doubled and Liam Evans walked, however de Jong induced a fielder’s choice to end the inning. The Tigers in turn then looked to get on the board in the bottom half of the 1st afterWade McConnon walked and Jordan Elliott was drilled by a pitch with one out, however Josh Hendricks popped out and Donavon Hendricks lined out to end the frame.

An uneventful 2nd innings saw both pitchers’ breeze through without much fuss, and while de Jong was able to hang a third scoreless innings against the Wildcats, his contemporary was not so fortunate and saw Upwey take their first lead of the game. Pete Schroeders singled, McConnon walked again, and Elliott was also walked to load the bases with no outs before singles to the Hendricks brothers and a sacrifice fly by Jack Ratcliffe quickly pushed the score to 3-0 before Papanicolaou struck out Staci Rogers and Harvey Chinn lined a hard hit ball for a fly out. The Tigers however were not out of the woodwork, as the Wildcats counterpunched with four runs in the top of the 4th inning to take a 4-3 lead. Longstaff and Evans both singled before Mitchell Lording singled with two outs to lead the bases. Shakore Bragg-Taylor worked the first of his three walks on the day to bring home the visitors first run of the game before a Jack Ratcliffe error allowed Evans to score. Homfray then singled to right field to score Lording and Bragg-Taylor, and before the Tigers could say “what the heck just happened?!” they trailed 4-3.

Not looking to be outdone on their home turf, Upwey threw a haymaker counter punch in the bottom of the 4th, as Nick Rice was drilled with a pitch, Schroeders was walked and Elliott was plunked for the second time for the day, ending Papanicolaou’s day and bringing Tyler Evans in from the bullpen for Waverley, looking to steady the ship. It was not to be however, as both Hendricks’ worked walks to tie the game then put the Tigers ahead, Ratcliffe grounded into a fielder’s choice to score Schroeders, Rogers lifted a sacrifice fly and Chinn doubled for his first hit of the season to see Upwey score five for the frame and see themselves back in front, this time leading 8-4. de Jong again found himself in trouble in the top of the 5th as Longstaff and Evans again both singled to lead off the inning, however a timely double play and a groundout saw de Jong escape with the lead intact and his day come to an end. Upwey looked to score again in the bottom half of the inning, however McConnon was struck with the ball on a ball in play from Elliott to be out due to runners’ interference before Elliott was picked off to end the frame.

Ryder Wilson was called upon to start the 6th for the home side, however he immediately issues walks to Lording and Bragg-Taylor while battling release point issues. A fly ball secured the first out of the inning, however a wild pitch advanced both runners to second and third before Homfray grounded out to Ratcliffe to score Lording and reduce the lead to 8-5 before a weak fly ball to Schroeders ended the half inning. The Tigers were unable to capitalise on a J Hendricks lead off walk, as D Hendricks grounded into a double play that saw a hotly contested and dubious call at first base go against the Tigers. Waverley scored again in the top of the 7th as Longstaff led off with a double (his fourth hit of the game) before advancing to third on the same play as

Schroeders could not find the handle on the ball before eventually scoring on an Evans ground ball to narrow the margin to 8-6.

Upwey were sat down in order in the bottom half as T Evans had truly settled into his work, with Upwey calling on Rogers for the 8th in a high pressure situation in the righty’s first appearance of the season. Two quick outs for Waverley turned into a two-run, two-out rally as Bragg-Taylor walked, Homfray singled, Maxfield singled and Longstaff singled again (his fifth hit for the game) to tie the game at 8-8 before Jarrod Turner was called on to escape the jam. An unintentional/intentional walk to L Evans loaded the bases, however Turner induced a weak fly ball to end the inning. Upwey were again sat down in order, sending the game to the 9th with the result not very much up for grabs. Turner recorded a quick first out before Lording singled to give the Wildcats a chance. Pinch hitter Jordy Ley saw his bat shattered by a Turner fastball, however Lording was able to scamper to second base to put a runner in scoring position, before Ned Hargreaves doubled to right field to score the go-ahead run and give Waverley a 9-8 lead. The Hendricks brothers looked to get the Tigers going in the bottom of the 9th, however Josh saw a hard hit ground ball deflected off the foot of T Evans for the first out before Donavon was robbed by an amazing diving play in right by FinnWeichard to find the Tigers down to their last out and looking for a miracle. Ratcliffe singled to give the Tigers hope, however Rogers grounded in a fielder’s choice to end the game.

While Upwey never want to drop a game to Waverley, it does give them a great idea of what to expect come finals and sees the season series finish with each club claiming a win and a draw for good measure. The result sees Upwey retain their grip on third place, still sporting the strongest offence and stingiest defence. The Tigers will travel to Tulip Street to take on Sandringham on Tuesday night before hosting Blackburn on Saturday to wrap up the regular season.

The Reserves looked to end their regular season on a win as they look forward to finals as they faced a Waverley team that had lost four of its previous six games coming into their matchup with Upwey as both teams wanted a win to create some momentum. It was a day for errors and missed opportunities in the end, as the squads committed a com-

bined seven errors and each threw away scoring opportunities and chances to break the game open for themselves. With Upwey and Waverley riding the terrific start of Sean Meldrum and JoshWhite respectively, both teams produced an inning that scored three runs, however neither team was able to find the killer blow to put the game away and take the win, with a 4-4 draw a seemingly fitting result.

Randy Senn and Manning Davison led the way for the Tigers with two hits apiece, whilst Meldrum threw 5 innings for an eventual nodecision in what was one of his best starts to date this season as he prepares to shoulder the majority of the innings for the Tigers in the finals. The result, coupled with Essendon’s 13-0 loss to Blackburn sees the Tigers jump back into first place and secure a home final this coming weekend, a great result for a team that started strong, stumbled out of the blocks after the break and have seen a number of players in and out of the team in recent weeks.

The Thirds travelled to Napier Park and promptly spent the late afternoon feasting on Wildcat, handing the hosts an 11-2 belting on home turf. Scoring four in the 2nd, three in the 6th and singles in the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th whilst tallying 12 hits, the Tigers ensured the result was never in doubt as they ran away with the game against the old rival, who committed five errors on the day and looked completely outplayed by the Yellow and Black Attack.

Daniel Williams (3 hits, 2 RBI), coach Tarquin Booth (2 hits, 3 RBI). Shaun Irvine (2 hits) and Kole Halupecki (2 hits) were the pick of the Tigers hitters, whilst Dan Smith went the distance on the mound, throwing 6 innings, surrendering just 3 hits and 2 walks whilst striking out 7 to earn the win in an appearance that may see him called upon for a spot in the Reserves in the coming weeks.

The win ensures the Tigers finish the regular season in third place on the ladder, two games behind Sandringham in third whilst being a full game clear of Waverley in fourth as they will play an away final this coming weekend.

The Fourths also were on the road and were looking to lock down another win on their impressive season, however they were unable to hold a 6-3 lead in the last inning as theWildcats exploded for five runs to stun the Tigers and steal an 8-6 result over the ladder

leaders. Richard Ferguson took the start for Upwey and was firmly in control of the Waverley hitters as his team scored freely before running into trouble in the bottom of the 5th inning, as a hit batter, a walk and a single to lead off the inning ended his day and summoned Dom McGrath from the bullpen (right field), however the Wildcats used a base hit, two fielder’s choices, stolen bases and an error to produce five, leaving Upwey on their heels and out of time to mount one last comeback.

The result however does not change the ladder for the Tigers, as their undefeated streak to start the season ensures they will finish in 1st and earn a home final next weekend, another terrific result for the club.

Regional Metro East 5ths scores were not available at time of writing; however, the team will not be able to make the Top Four, unfortunately ending their season.

The Regional Metro South 6ths travelled the KH Wearne Reserve to take on ladder leader Springvale and were dealt a respectable 11-4 loss. In a season that has seen the Lions play arguably below where they are capable of whilst remaining undefeated and bring the heavy premiership favorites, the Tigers can take solace in the fact that this was one of the closer results they have made Springvale work for this season. The result sees the Tigers finish the season in seventh place with a 5-13 record, also unfortunately ending their season.

The Lady Tigers also travelled to Waverley on Saturday, weathering the storm of a threerun 1st inning and a four-run 3rd inning from the hosts to rally in the 4th and 5th innings to grind out a 7-7 draw against the Lady Cats. Chelsea Mosbey and Jess McDonald shared pitching duties, whilst eight Lady Tiger hitters recorded either a hit, a walk or both in another fantastic team effort.

Whilst a draw was not the desired outcome, it retains their season long momentum coming into finals as they look to run the gauntlet and secure the premiership that eluded them last season.

The draw will see Upwey remain clear in second place with a 15-1-1 record behind only Chelsea, whilst ensuring they will have a home final against Waverley in a rematch this coming weekend in what should be an absolute barnburner.

Upwey Ferntree Gully Baseball Club’s senior playing group.

Picture: ADAM BATTYE

Sad results for Monbulk Bowling Club

By Jack Rollings

Saturday Pennant. Cool, cloudy, a slight breeze, perfect for bowling.

Two Monbulk sides played in Section Grand Finals, and they had all the intensity, hopes and heartbreaks of grand finals in any sport.

A whole different ball game from the home and away games.

Monbulk 2 played at Heathmont against Cockatoo.

Monbulk had won the preliminary final in convincing fashion just six days earlier, so the Monbulk bowlers knew they were in with a chance, even though Cockatoo had got the better of them at their last meeting.

Graeme Goller’s team led all day and won their rink 20 shots to 15.

Case Broekhof’s team stayed in touch for most of the day but dropped three crucial 3s that made the difference. Monbulk lost the rink 13 shots to 21.

Don Barnetson’s team started strongly and led 7 shots to 1 going into the sixth end.

After that Cockatoo put the pressure on and Monbulk could only pick up three more ends for the day, for minor scores.

By the halfway mark Cockatoo had hit the front and then they stormed home.

Monbulk lost the rink 11 shots to 25.

Andy Smith’s team won thirteen ends to eight. But a couple of their losses were 3s and that made for a very close finish. Monbulk managed to hold on and win the rink 18 shots to 15.

Overall Monbulk lost the Section Grand Final 62 shots to 76.

That’s the end of their season but, after they lick their wounds from this weekend, they should be able to reflect positively on their encouraging performance.

And the side will be rewarded with a promotion to Division 5 next season.

Monbulk 3 travelled to Upwey-Tecoma to play against Healesville in the Section Grand Final of the 12-a-side competition.

Only a few days earlier they had beaten Healesville convincingly in the semi-final. But that was on Monbulk’s home ground.

This time they were playing on a new synthetic surface that was a lot slower than Monbulk’s.

Early in the day, the Monbulk bowlers were often pulling up short of the head, leaving a wall of bowls that the skips had to negotiate.

In spite of that, at the halfway mark, Monbulk was in front by 5 shots and ready to fight on.

Chris Sullivan’s team was in front at halfway, but Healesville grabbed a couple of big multiples in the run home.

Monbulk eventually lost the rink 18 shots to 22.

Mike Harris’ team had a very strong front half, and even going into the fourteenth end, they were leading by 10 shots. Then Healesville put on a run of six winning ends, to gobble up the margin and get their noses in front. Monbulk was able to steady and take the final two ends to win the rink 18 shots to 16.

Graeme Godkin’s team won more ends,

but they also dropped three 5s, a 4 and a 3, which meant Healesville was able to stay in front for most of the day and Monbulk lost the rink 16 shots to 30.

Overall Monbulk lost the Section Grand Final 52 shots to 68.

There were some encouraging individual and team performances throughout the season and there will be a lot to look forward to next season, especially if Monbulk can attract a few new players and push their way into the 16-a-side competition.

The finals of the Monbulk Singles Club Championships were held on Friday.

There were quite a few spectators to watch the evening games in perfect autumn conditions.

In the men’s event Brian Smith competed against Tony French.

There were no previous club singles titles for either man but, both men play as skips in the Monbulk top side, and they each brought a lot of game play experience to the event.

Scores were close early on, then Tony was able to put a few ends together and claim the last crucial shots to take the title.

In the women’s event AnneWard was competing in her first singles final.

She was up against Jenny Holmes who has won the title several times.

It was a case of handing over the baton.

Even though most of the game was very close, and with scores level on 19 shots all, Anne was able to grab a couple of multiples right at the end to take a convincing win.

There will surely be more wins to follow.

Duo off to conquer America

By Sean Talbot Local Upwey baseballers

Ryder

Wilson

and Jack

Ratcliffe

have received news that they will represent Australia in the Under 18 National Junior Squad.

The duo are set to tour the United States in September and October of this year and for Ratcliffe, it represents his second opportunity to compete in theWorld Cup whilstWilson will fly the flag for the first time.

Ratcliffe said that the feeling of playing for your country is a really unique and special feeling.

“You will forever be able to say you played for Australia, nobody can take that away from you. It’s an amazing honour I do with great pride,” he said.

Wilson said that the thought of pulling on that green and gold jersey that says Australia on the front is absolutely electric.

“Easily one of the best feelings if my career so far,” he said.

The squad, made up of 43 of the country’s best young players (including fellow Victorians Tane Graham, Robinson Smith, Addison Bishop-Worn, Ty Daniels, Ben Howard, Will Kent (a teammate of Ratcliffe and Wilson during winter season at Greenhills Montmorency) and Pittsburgh Pirates recent signee Jayden Kim) will take part in high intensity training sessions and games against other local representative squads and will be witnessed by professional scouts and college recruiters from multiple Division 1 schools from around the country in an opportunity that is sure to lead to more signings for the young group.

Ratcliffe was born into the baseball world as both his father Simon and Uncle Brendan both played for Upwey, Victoria and Australia.

“I was always at the field watching Dad’s games,” he said.

“I always wanted to play baseball and started with playing t-ball from the age of 6, I joined the U10 baseball team and immediately fell in love with the sport and since then,

Ratcliffe has previously been selected in multiple representative teams for Charter, State, and National teams and even played for the US touring team in January of 2024.

“The reward of selection in last year’s U18 Australian World Cup team gave me more knowledge and confidence to strive to develop to keep playing at an international level,” he said.

“I’ve worked hard and have been fortunate enough to see my hard work pay off.”

Wilson grew up watching a lot of cricket and his Dad is from England.

“I enjoyed watching Glenn Maxwell play, especially given how well he hit the ball and how strong his throwing arm was in the field,” he said.

Wilson’s parents found a local baseball club for him to try as a way to keep my throwing arm in shape and continue to work on my

hand-eye coordination during the winter.

“Since then, I gave away cricket and focused all my time and energy on baseball,” he said.

Ratcliffe has predominantly played a shortstop position but often plays second base, mixing in some pitching appearances, while Wilson is more of a utility player – playing middle infield, all of the outfield and more game time as a pitcher.

“I was selected as a pitcher only for the recent National Championships – which we won,” Wilson said.

Ratcliffe and Wilson have both played in the USA before - going to South Carolina to represent Australia at the Senior League World Series along with other Upwey teammates Ash Geary-Smith and Ethan Jenkins

Practice for the upcoming will be coordinated in each state through a specialised program and the team won’t play as a complete squad until they get to America.

Wilson said that along with the duo working with Victoria’s high-performance Coach Damian Shanahan he will be working out multiple times a week.

“It’s to ensure we are in peak shape once it’s time to go away as we want to put our best foot forward for the coaches and scouts in attendance,” he said.

“I will continue to take batting practice and groundballs with Dad and be working out in the gym to be ready,” Ratcliffe said.

Upwey Ferntree Gully club coach Donavon as well as Greenhills Montmorency Baseball Club head coach and Upwey Ferntree Gully teammate Wade McConnon also reached out to Sean wanting to wish their two superstars the best of luck.

Coach Donavonsaid he couldn’t be prouder of both players and that Wilson has worked hard on both baseball and himself.

“His maturity, focus on detail and work ethic have provided him these recent opportunities in the game and he has the talent and charisma to go with it,” he said.

“Ratcliffe has had an exceptional year and comes from great pedigree –he is forging his own path now.

“He is a brilliant ball player who knows the game and what needs to be done.”

Teammate Wade McConnon said both players have worked incredibly hard to get where they are.

“The opportunity in front of them is a testament to their unwavering commitment and passion to their craft,” he said.

“Not only is it a pleasure to coach these two young men, but I also get to play alongside them which is special to me – they both provide me with a ton of energy when I take the field and I’m sure they will offer their teams mates the same.”

Wilson and Ratcliffe will continue to both play key roles for the Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers as they march towards finals and a potential three-peat of the Division 1 championship before turning their attention to winter season, where they along with Wade McConnon and Sean Talbot they will represent Greenhills Montmorency as they continue preparations leading up to their departure.

2024ClubChampionsTonyFrenchand AnneWard. Picture:SUPPLIED

JackRatcliffe. Picture:SUPPLIED

RyderWilson. Picture:SUPPLIED