Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 19th March 2024

Painful experience bears fruit

By Dongyun Kwon

The story of a Yarra Ranges resident became the source of a course forYear 11 and 12 students in Victoria.

James Wood, who was a diesel mechanic, had a serious truck accident that damaged his spinal cord.

“The reason I got thrown out of the truck that day was obviously I was going too fast and I didn’t have a seatbelt on,” Mr Wood said.

“I made some wrong choices and ended up in a wheelchair for the rest of my life.”

Mr Wood established a small safety training consultancy CNB Safe based in Yarra Glen.

When Covid hit the world and all Victorians were stuck in lockdown, he wrote a book based on his experience.

The Vocational and Applied Learning Association (VALA) has launched a new program Disability Inclusion and Workplace Health and Safety: It Hurts! Expo based on Mr Wood’s book.

To read more, turn to page 11

Pay rise jackpot

By

Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells, who chaired the Aged Care Taskforce, said there

universal acceptance that something must change in order to ensure all Australians can age with the dignity, safety and high-quality care they deserve.

The University of Wollongong’s Centre for Health Service Development ’Alternative Arrangements for Residential Aged Care Staffing’ was commissioned by the Australian Government and outlined the ‘foundational elements’ and ‘key principles’ any alternative arrangements must meet when in place.

The Aged Care Taskforce report notably chose not to recommend an aged care levy, indicating instead that non-pension consum-

ers, whether residents or their family members, can be called upon to pay more towards the costs of their aged care.

The Fair Work Commission’s decision will see personal carers get a pay increase between 18.2 and 28.5 per cent, home-care staff will get a rise between 15 and 26 per cent and there will be a 6.8 per cent boost for those involved in support services.

Turn to pages 6 and 17 for more

VCAT opposes subdivision

By Callum Ludwig

A persistent property owner in Wandin North has had an appeal for a subdivision application rejected by VCAT, following an initial rejection fromYarra Ranges Council.

MV Napoleone & Co Properties Pty Ltd challenged the refusal to grant a permit by the council and referral authority MelbourneWater for a re-subdivision of two existing lots at 10 and 30 Quayle Road,Wandin North.

VCAT Member Christopher Harty said in the decision that the applicant sought to create a new lot for the existing dwelling and create a new, larger lot for the balance of the land which is and can be used for farming purposes.

“The applicant says having a larger lot retained for agricultural purposes negates the risk of the land being fragmented and allows the owner/occupier of the existing dwelling to continue in their current living arrangements,” the decision reads.

“The applicant says the proposed subdivision will support agriculture and represents an acceptable planning outcome.”

The proposed subdivision would mean that the proposed Lot 1 would change from 5.63 hectares (equivalent to 56,300 square metres) to 4422 square metres and contain the existing dwelling while the proposed Lot 2 will grow from 3.24 hectares to 8.429 hectares to create increased opportunities for agricultural use.

Mr Harty said Council’s grounds for refusing the permit generally relate to the proposed subdivision creating a small lot for an existing dwelling which will lead to a residential lifestyle lot that will be an incompatible land use with surrounding agriculture.

“The subdivision will not protect agricultural areas and will have a detrimental impact on the continuation of agricultural production in the area,” the decision reads.

Melbourne Water were also a determining referral authority in th case, due to the presence of the nearbyWild Cattle Creek.

“They [Melbourne Water] offered no objection subject to a condition requiring an amendment to the plan of subdivision to include a minimum 20-metre-wide easement on both sides ofWild Cattle Creek which dissects across the site for the purpose of wetland, floodplain, drainage, and stormwater management,” the decision reads.

10 Quayle Road has also previously seen two re-subdivision applications for the site at 524 Warburton Highway, Wandin North refused by Yarra Ranges Council. The applicant in 2013 was The Estate of Mr J M Napoleone and Mr J Napoleone in 2016.

Before considering the key issues of the case, Mr Harty was satisfied the case fit the provision under the GWZ (Green Wedge Zone) where a permit may be granted to create smaller lots, which in this case was the creation of one smaller lot involving the re-subdivision of two existing lots.

On the merits of the application, however, Mr Harty said the issues raised within the context of the review relate to the subdivision’s impact on agriculture.

“There is also an issue regarding a condition sought by MelbourneWater with respect to buffers along an existing waterway known as Wild Cattle Creek that dissects the site which the applicant says does not reasonably relate to what is being applied for or proposed,” he said.

Under the Green Wedge Zone which covers large swathes of the Yarra Ranges, the use of land for agricultural activities and protection of Green Wedge land is promoted, to the point where agriculture does not require a permit for use while a dwelling does.

Mr Harty said he notes the strategic directions include discouraging additional dwellings that would have an adverse impact on farming operations.

“I acknowledge that no additional dwellings are proposed because of the re-subdivision of the two existing lots, however, I do note Council’s concerns that creation of a small lot solely

for the existing dwelling on 10 Quayle Road would potentially lead to an adverse impact on adjoining agricultural production and activity,” the decision reads.

Yarra Ranges Council’s submission showed that in images, the land at 10 Quayle Road had an orchard while 30 Quayle Road had cleared pasture but during an inspection, Mr Harty found the orchard trees had been recently removed at 10 Quayle Road with a newly established orchard planted at 30 Quayle Road.

The site is part of the applicant’s larger overall land holding which contains fruit orchards and a processing plant the large agricultural business.

Both the applicant and Council referenced previous and existing subdivisions nearby which resulted in small lots with existing dwellingssuchas20and25WallaceRoadtothenorth of the site and on the other side of the Warburton Highway and at 40 Quayle Road to the immediate south of the site.

“The applicant says this form of subdivision, where dwellings have been effectively excised from the balance of land used for agricultural activity already exists in the area. Council takes a contrary view saying that these types of past subdivisions, although approved, are now considered to be past poor planning decisions,” the decision reads.

“Council says the proposed re-subdivision

effectively disconnects the existing dwelling on 10 Quayle Road from present agricultural activity on the land. It says the result will be to create a rural lifestyle lot with the existing dwelling potentially forming a rural residential allotment that poses a risk to the continuing ability for the adjoining land to be farmed,”

Council argued the creation of Lot 1 would result in a permanent change in the land use of Lot 1 by removing any form of agricultural activity which will impact on surrounding farming, while the applicant argued it would consolidate and protect the agricultural land on Lot 2 from fragmentation and protect it for future agricultural use.

Mr Harty was not persuaded that a permit should be granted that creates a small lot solely for an existing dwelling with the potential to create a land use conflict with agricultural activity.

“I accept that existing conflicts brought about by past planning decisions must be managed but the purpose of current planning policy is to avoid creating additional conflicts. The method of avoiding additional conflicts is clear in current planning policy,” the decision reads.

“Existing agricultural uses are to be protected by avoiding the creation of distinctly ruralresidential lifestyle properties nearby.”

While redundant due to the permit not being granted, Melbourne Water’s condition for an easement should a permit have been granted was considered relevant but also‘a rather adhoc approach to seeking improved management and protection of waterway health.’

“Whilst, I would have included the condition if I was of a mind to grant a permit, I also consider the means of implementation leaves a lot to be desired in terms of integrated planning, the decision reads.

“The absence of similar easements to the north and south of the site along this waterway makes the benefit of the inclusion of the condition somewhat weakened.”

Yarra Ranges Council update Warburton Urban Design Framework ahead of 26 March meeting

Following additional targeted consultation with key community groups in Warburton, Yarra Ranges Council will consider adopting the Warburton Urban Design Framework (UDF) later this month.

The additional consultation was committed to by Council in November 2023, and has resulted in proposals to further amend elements of the UDF that align with the community feedback, most notably retaining the tennis courts in their current location and reducing the parking provisions at the Redwood Centre.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Sophie Todorov thanked the community for these constructive conversations and their considered feedback on the document draft.

“We have an incredibly passionate and engaged community in the Upper Yarra, and this really came through when engaging on the Warburton Urban Design Framework,” she said.

“The purpose of the UDF is to help us plan for the needs and future of Warburton over the next 10 to 20 years while protecting its valued character. We already know that visitation is increasing and will continue to do so. This is great for our local businesses, and can bring employment opportunities for lo-

cals, but we need to make sure we are ready and improve the way people move around town, from walking and cycling through to driving and parking.”

The report on the UDF – which will be published in the Council Agenda – follows Council’s 28 November meeting, where Councillors deferred the adoption of the UDF to March, with further targeted community engagement scheduled.

“It’s about delivering on the vision described in theWarburton Place Plan, in maintaining the rural town feeling of Warburton,

while helping to solve the problems of more people visiting with more cars, so locals can live a little easier,” Cr Todorov said.

“Over the life of this document, we’ve received hundreds of comments and submissions, post-it notes and hard copy surveys; local newspaper articles, fantastic attendance at drop-in sessions, and one of our most extensive engagement periods on any Council document to date.”

Groups contacted as part of the targeted consultation include: ADRA, Warburton CEDA, Melbourne Water, Warburton Advancement League, Warburton Emergency Planning Group, Warburton Recreation Reserve committee, Warburton Tennis Club, Upper Yarra Sustainable Development Alliance, Upper Yarra River Reserve Committee of Management and the Yarra Riverkeeper Association.

“We’ve recently undertaken additional targeted engagement with specific groups, to help us make sure we truly heard the community and understand their needs and concerns so we can get the details right.

“For example, community feedback in this most recent round has resulted in proposed changes to the UDF which, subject to Council’s approval on 26 March, include re-

taining the tennis courts at their current location and reduced parking provisions at the Redwood Centre,”

“The end result is a document that has been subject to more than 335 written submissions, with more than 1800 comments assessed, which I think is fantastic. All of the concepts in the UDF will be subject to their own planning process and further community engagement, so locals can continue to help us shape the community outcomes.”

If Councillors adopt the Warburton UDF on 26 March, Council will then be able to seek external funding for the projects, undertake more detailed Master Plans of specific locations and develop detailed designs for specific projects. Each of these will include their own community engagement opportunities. The UDF will also provide the basis for a future Planning Scheme Amendment that proposes a Warburton-specific Design and Development Overlay (currently DDO12), to ensure the future built form of the town retains and enhances the character of the region.

For more information about the recent engagement, and to read more about the Warburton UDF visit the ShapingYarra Ranges page at: shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ warburton-urban-design-framework.

The Warburton Tennis Club courts are set to stay after an update to the Warburton

10 Quayle Road, Wandin North. 395175

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

30 Quayle Road, Wandin North. 395175

Childcare places remain hard to find

By Callum Ludwig

The availability of childcare remains dire in large parts of Australia with the Casey electorate and other outer-eastern areas no stranger to the struggle of families to find a place.

Using the research of the Mitchell Institute, the ABC published an investigative report ‘Mapping Australia’s childcare blackspots’ in 2022 that revealed that some areas of the Yarra Ranges had no access to a truly local childcare centre or were fighting for a place with 10 to 15 other children.

The situation does not appear to have gotten much better, with many families spending two years on waitlists for available spots.

Last month Casey MP Aaron Violi invited Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education Angie Bell to meet with himself and the founder of the Mums of the Hills group Belinda Young and Mr Violi said he has a significant concern about availability.

“We were hearing some really heartbreaking stories of families having to put their children on wait lists and if they haven’t put them on within weeks of being born, not being able to get them into facilities within their community, that’s limiting their ability to work and just function without the support of family,” he said.

“It’s definitely an issue across the whole electorate, but there’s no doubt that our more regional, rural and non-suburban areas are more impacted in terms of the Dandenong Ranges and the Upper Yarra, but within our suburban areas, it’s still very challenging.”

The Mount Dandenong-Olinda region had between 15.43–15.87 children competing for a childcare place locally, while the WandinSeville area also had areas where between 7.7 and 17.98 children per available place.

Ms Young said it doesn’t feel like it has gotten better for local families.

“I’ve heard of people that instead of celebrating when they’ve found out that they’re pregnant, telling their family and loved ones that they are expecting, the first people they call are the childcare centres, because they know that it’s at least a two -year wait to get into long daycare,” she said.

“It’s a really difficult situation because we are in a very tough financial situation at the moment and people are looking to go back to work earlier or do additional hours just to cover the cost of their mortgages and daily expenses and when they can’t find childcare they are unable to do that.”

Even in more suburban areas of the Outer East such as Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Montrose and Kilsyth, the data indicated there were over twice as many children as available childcare places in their local areas.

Mr Violi said a lot of young families are moving out to the Yarra Valley because it’s a beautiful place to raise a child but issues with

supply and affordability of childcare have been created.

“One of my criticisms of the government’s policy is while it’s good that they’re looking to provide relief and make it easier for families, if you put a subsidy in without increasing supply, you’re driving more demand than that increase in supply and it’s going to push the price up, and that’s exactly what we’ve seen,” he said.

“I’ve heard stories of families, they’ve had an increase of $13 a day above the subsidy in one example, and it’s not a criticism of childcare providers as such as they are struggling with increased costs like everybody, but I’m even hearing stories of childcare providers that are charging people a non-refundable deposit just to get on the waitlist.”

Mt Evelyn could welcome two new childcare centres in the near future: one is being constructed at 1A Gear Avenue after getting planning permit approval in 2023 while another is being slated for Hereford Road at the current site of Pro Futsal. Montrose is welcoming a new childcare centre near the historic Alta Dena home following a decision from VCAT to issue a permit while Woori Yallock will welcome a state-run centre in either 2027 or 2028; one of 50 being delivered across the state from

2025 to 2028.

Ms Young said we know it’s not as simple as just creating more childcare centres but any changes will have benefits for parents, particularly mums hoping to return to work.

“The childcare centres themselves are struggling to find staff so there is a real need to increase or reduce costs that are involved with training new staff and certainly providing as many incentives to encourage people into the sector without the costs being passed on to families,” she said.

“When parents have got two children that require care and the older child has got care, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee that a sibling will get care at the same place, so what we’re finding is that children are being placed in separate centres and adding 30-40 minutes to the commute,”

“Everybody’s situation is different and not every family needs or wants to access childcare but it is disproportionately affecting women because statistically, we are more likely to be the caregivers of young children and not only does it reduce their economic opportunities, but they’ve lost that connection with your work colleagues or with their area and the people they usually connect with when they can’t access childcare.”

IN BRIEF

3G phase out

Agriculture Victoria is reminding Victorian farmers of the upcoming phase out of the 3G network.

Starting from June 30 2024, the 3G network will be phased out in rural Victoria. So if you use devices that rely on a 3G SIM card for connectivity, it’s important to understand how this may impact your farm operations.

Reach out to your technology providers to ensure your devices are compatible with the upcoming changes. Stay ahead of the transition to ensure seamless connectivity on your farm.

Ausnet outage grants

AusNet has announced it will provide hardship grants for eligible AusNet residential and business customers who were without power as a result of severe weather events on Tuesday 13 February and Thursday 22 February 2024, as part of its Energy Resilience Community Fund.

Grants of $300 are being made available to cover losses that households experienced when refrigerated goods became spoiled due to power outages caused by the storms. No proof of loss is required. Grants are available to households who were without power for more than 72 hours but are not eligible for a Prolonged Power Outage Payment (PPOP) because their power was restored within a week. Proof of financial hardship can be verified simply with a healthcare or pension card.

Businesses grants of up to $5000 are available to those small business who can provide proof of specific loss. If businesses have received a PPOP, then they are eligible for the difference between the PPOP and the amount of loss incurred, up to the maximum grant amount (typically around $2,000).

Financial hardship grants will be open until 30 April 2024. Further information, including detailed eligibility criteria and how to apply, is available on AusNet’s website: ausnetservices. com.au/ERCF. Eligible customers will also be directly sent an SMS over the coming days to alert them to availability of the grants.

Car flips

Emergency services were called to a report of a car flipped over on Healesville-Kinglake Road in Chum Creek just after 2pm on Monday 11 March.

Over 8 vehicles from CFA, SES, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria responded to the accident.

“A teenage male was assessed at the scene for lacerations but didn’t require emergency treatment or transport,” an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.

The incident was deemed safe at 2.50pm.

A car flipped over on Healesville-Kinglake Road in Chum Creek. Picture: DONGYUN KWON

L-R: Casey MP Aaron Violi,Mums of the Hills founder Belinda Young and Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education Angie Bell in February. Picture: SUPPLIED

Move on vexatious requests and serial complainants

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Ranges councillors have discussed some key proposals they hope to put forward to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) as motions for the next MAV State Council Meeting in May at the Tuesday 12 March council meeting.

Notably, councillors proposed as part of an alternative motion to strike out the second motion to MAV to advocate to strengthen Victorian laws on ‘vexatious requests’ and ‘serial complainants to Council’.

Before the item was even discussed by Councillors, a question from Belinda Bernadini asked for a definition of ‘vexatious’, called on Council to clarify who would determine what is viewed as a vexatious request and if passed on to MAV, what remedies would be available for residents who felt their issues hadn’t been dealt with satisfactorily and whether the changes could prohibit freedom of information.

Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Corporate Services Andrew Hilson said in a response to the question and said Council’s definition of vexatious aligns with the Victorian Ombudsman’s definition of unreasonable behaviour.

“Specifically, this relates to behaviours such as unreasonable persistence, demands and arguments, along with an unreasonable lack of cooperation and aggressive behaviour. The Victorian Ombudsman and Council’s current complaint handling policy both include several examples of each of these behaviours and can be found on each organisation’s website,” he said.

“Ultimately, the definition of vexatious requests would be defined by the state government who would draft and pass that legislation,”

“Regardless of whether the MAV motion is passed or not, residents who feel that their complaints have been unfairly rejected as vexatious or unreasonable are able to escalate their complaint to a third party agency, such as theVictorian Ombudsman, local government inspectorate or the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.”

When it came time to discuss the item, there was a speaker in objection Kathy Ricciuti who was particularly opposed to the second point in the proposed MAV motions.

Ms Ricciuti said herself and many others saw it as an attempt to shut down and shut out the community of the Yarra Ranges.

“Can you tell me what is your source of authority to block people that you are meant to be representing, what solution is offered to a resident who needs to follow up when no satisfactory resolution has been received, who determines if a complaint is vexatious, who determines if a complaint is trivial, trivial to whom,” she said.

“May I suggest that while council complaint processes are a critical mechanism for ensuring that councils and councillors are accountable to the community, these processes are increasingly being used to isolate council from the real issues on the ground,”

“They restrict accountability as well as restrict efficient and effective solutions, I feel that people across Victoria are simply asking more questions and pointing out the inefficiencies of their councils and councillors due to increased awareness.”

The Cambridge Dictionary defines vexatious as ‘difficult to deal with and causing a lot of anger, worry, or argument’, while in relation to claims, complaints or lawsuits it can often also mean that is has been brought to bring annoyance or financial cost to a defendant rather than on its merits of winning.

Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister then proposed an alternative motion she had prepared earlier, calling to strike out the second item and add an additional motion in its

place calling for the release of funding from the landfill levy.

Cr McAllister said that a number of councillors were not in support of advocacy to the Victorian Government through the MAV to strengthen laws in relation to vexatious requests.

“For me, the reason for scratching that one is, that I’m not sure what the problem is that we’re trying to fix,” she said.

“I do agree that genuine concerns and issues that haven’t been resolved and feedback to Council are an important part of how we operate in our democracy, and when it’s respectful feedback and it’s a good conversation, it’s really the basis for local government and hearing from the community.”

O’Shannassy Ward Councillor Jim Child seconded the motion and said he believes they have mechanisms within the Council to do with that particular item.

“I did sit in that Mayor’s seat for the last two years, and there were some challenges,” he said.

“There were some challenges with people that approached our Council, but I sincerely believe that we have mechanisms in place to deal with that.”

Billanook Ward Councillor Tim Heenan also supported the removal of the second

item.

Instead, Yarra Ranges councillors called for transparency on the uses of the sustainability fund, funded by the landfill levy in whichYarra Ranges Council paid $3.8 million in the last year alone.

Cr McAllister said the fund is reported to improve issues relating to waste and recycling, reduce the use of landfill and all of the things that, as a council, they are tasked to do.

“It’s a bit of a secret fund, a lot of money goes in it. Money does come out, it’s not a very transparent process, and in doing some research for tonight’s meeting, it’s really hard to find out how much money is in that landfill levy, that sustainability fund,” she said.

“We should know how much money is sitting in that fund, and it should only be allowed to be spent on specific agreed issues and opportunities locally and regionally that will improve waste, recycling, all of those other issues that local government tackles on a day-to-day basis and puts an additional charge out to our ratepayers for.”

Cr McAllister also referred to a report from the Australian Council of Recycling in 2017 called the Victorian Landfill Levy Report that estimated $500 million was forecast to be sat idle in the sustainability fund.

Flood intervention sought

By Mikayla van Loon

The mitigation of increasing flood events across the Yarra Ranges has again been raised in front of the council on the night it discussed further advocacy at a state level.

At the Yarra Ranges Council meeting on Tuesday 12 March, questions from residents pushed for answers about submitted petitions and what the council will do to address flooding in the shire.

It came as councillors also put forward a motion for advocacy items to be shared with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) at its upcoming May meeting.

Lilydale resident Susan Lee began with asking for an outcome of Rosemary Mosley’s petition which was submitted in early February and Star Mail reported on on 13 February.

“What date can the nine unit owners at 26 and 28 Chapel Street expect drainage work to commence please? All the owners are waiting for the specific date from your Drainage and Infrastructure Team,” Ms Lee said.

Built environment and infrastructure director Hjalmar Philipp responded and said the petition was being investigated “with scoping and design” the first stage of the process.

“In this case, the team will commence with catchment analysis to properly understand water flows and determine what improvements may assist, without causing downstream impacts elsewhere,” he said.

“Engineering concepts for any identified improvements are then developed, including cost estimates and a delivery plan, for consideration in Council budgets. Subject to budget confirmation, we can then start planning works on the ground.”

For that reason, Mr Philipp said an exact date could not be given but works are being undertaken.

Submitter of a different petition, SoniaWeir, also raised a question on why “it [has] taken 20 years for the council to finally listen, step up and take action to fix our drainage issues”.

Mr Philipp said the council has always allocated a budget to drainage maintenance and upgrades but the increasing events is something the council will have to work through.

“The severity and frequency of flood events are increasing, which is heavily impacting our Shire,” he said.

“Throughout 2023 the council commenced a Draft Stormwater Management Plan which is a key piece of work that will guide future priorities in this area. This plan will be available for public review late 2024.”

Michael McGill, a Lilydale resident, questioned the use of the council’s funds, with rumours of a private chef which were denied by corporate services director Andrew Hilson.

Following this discussion, councillors voted to put forward a motion that would ask the MAV to advocate on behalf of the shire for the

State Government to improve flood mapping data, develop a Flood Information Framework and invest in flood mitigation infrastructure.

The agenda outlined the rationale for these three points, suggesting the “patchwork of existing datasets is insufficient, and exposes [the] community to unnecessary risk” particularly with the impacts of climate change.

“Beyond the framework and data, urgent investment in flood mitigation infrastructure is needed to manage increasing occurrences of severe weather and flooding events across Victoria,” it states.

CouncillorTim Heenan supported the flood advocacy points made, saying “it couldn’t be said more plainly”.

Given the vastness of the shire, spreading 2500 square kilometres, 70 per cent of which Cr Heenan said is bushland, parks and crown land, has meant the flood mapping is limited for the region.

“The information is key to creating a clear and full picture of risks and it’s not readily available to councils currently and we suffer from that because of the coming together of the four shires all those years ago,” he said.

Flooding has been felt right across the municipality, with flood watch groups now established in Coldstream, Lilydale, Kallista and Belgrave as the issues of flood become more impactful, more frequent and more destructive.

The motion was passed unanimously.

Chapel Street resident Marlene had to sandbag her front door aiming to prevent water from entering her house in October 2022.

Yarra Ranges Council removed an advocacy item to put to the Municipal Association of Victoria regarding ‘vexatious requests’ and ‘serial complainants’.

Picture: ON FILE

Seniors clubs need support

By Dongyun Kwon

Local senior citizen clubs are struggling with making ends meet and asking for more support from the Yarra Ranges Council (YRC).

Yarra Valley Combined Seniors president Raymond Cooper asked councillors for more support for local senior citizen clubs at the YRC meeting on Tuesday 12 March.

Senior Citizen Clubs and Over 50’s Friendship Groups provide a relaxed environment where people can enjoy the company of others and participate in a range of social activities.

Mr Cooper said seniors clubs play an important role in helping older people.

“Seniors clubs are not just a place for old folks to sit down and have a cup of tea and a biscuit,” he said.

“They come to the clubs to actually find out things. They ask us if we can fill their forms online and we can help them with questionnaires.”

Mr Cooper said the local senior clubs wanted to improve their clubs and found the lack of support from the YRC.

“What we [Wandin Senior Citizens Centre] did recently is we put in four air conditioners and got 10-panel solar power from the government which we increased to 20 of our own backs,” he said.

“Kitchen upgrades cost us $11,000. We only got five [thousand] off from the council and the dishwasher cost us $9600 which the Bendigo Bank was very kind to give us six [thousand].

“The council would only offer us a $700 single household dishwasher which only washes six plates at a time and we feed 50 people.

“So in all, we spent $55,470 and the council contributed $5500. The Bendigo Bank gave us $6600 the government gave us $22,400 and the seniors donated $20,970.”

One of the expenditures that seniors clubs

find hard to pay is the hall hiring fee.

In the meeting, Mr Cooper claimed one of the seniors clubs that is most affected by hall rental fee is Yarra Junction Over 50’s Friendship Club.

“One club I must mention is Yarra Junction [Over 50’s Friendship Club], the council would not give them the $5000 grant because the club hasn’t got the word ‘seniors’ in their club,” he said.

“They’ve got about 30 old pensioners who are over 50 but the council only gives them a grant of $1000 a year.

Star Mail contactedYarra Junction Over 50’s Friendship Club and the club’s secretary Carole Corcoran said the reason the club didn’t put the word ‘senior’ in the name was to include a wide range of people.

“We wanted it open to other age groups because there were a lot of people up in the UpperYarra who were in need of support,” she said.

“But we never ever received any of the seniors’ funds over $5000 a year because we

didn’t use the name ‘seniors’.

“The only grant we’ve ever got from the council helped us with paying our rent to the council, they gave it to us and then we’d give it back to them to cover the rent.”

Yarra Junction Over 50’s Friendship Club has run a community free meal to help people redevelop friendships after the Covid lockdown.

“We get approximately 50 people coming along and they’re not just from Yarra Junction. We do it once a month on the thirdWednesday at the Yarraburn Centre,” Ms Corcoran said.

“We got one grant from YRC and it’s exhausted and got no other grant, so we had to look for another way to keep it going.

“We started a dance [lesson] and the money from the dance has continued to help the [community free] meal for the local people.”

To run all the activities including the community free meal, dance and games, Yarra Junction Over 50’s Friendship Club hires three YRC’s halls in Yarra Junction, Kilsyth and Mount Evelyn regularly which has burdened its finances.

“The Yarraburn Centre is $11 per hour. The Mount Evelyn Hall is the same price, $11 an hour,” Ms Corcoran said.

“The Kilsyth Hall is $87.81 per dance, [we run it] twice a month which costs over $170 per month.”

In response to the question, O’Shannassy Councillor Jim Child said he would look at what is going on at Yarra Junction Over 50’s Friendship Club.

“I was on the Upper Yarra Shire when the building [the old senior citizens hall] was built in the 1980s and it was eventually fell away because of lack of memberships and we’ve got another council building in Warburton, solely built for the senior citizens, again closed because we didn’t have that involvement of the seniors in the community,” he said.

“We’re starting to get back now, especially in Yarra Junction with the over 50s club which is absolutely amazing.

“We’ve got the other facilities like U3A in Yarra Junction, which actually uses our building and that is just a tremendous resource for the elderly to get involved with and there’s actually younger people learning so much from that facility as well. So to me, I reiterate our commitment to senior citizens and their facilities.”

The other issue that Mr Cooper mentioned was the YRC’s transport service.

The transport service provides a vital social link to our residents who are isolated or unable to utilise other modes of transport and connects them with their community.

The service is provided to seniors clubs, shopping trips, outings and medical appointments.

YRC considered stepping away from providing a transport service by 30 June this year at the Tuesday 24 October 2023 council meeting.

“There are a lot of seniors on the outskirts and they’re being told they’re going to lose their transports,” Mr Cooper said.

“When they spoke to the transport drivers, one of them heard ‘Why can’t the people on the outskirts move nearer to the town?’.”

RyrieWard Councillor Fiona McAllister said she was shocked when she heard what Mr Cooper said.

“I’d hate to think that it was ever said ‘move closer’, I’m shocked,” she said.

“We’re a municipality with two and a half thousand square kilometres, and that’s what we love and that’s why many of us don’t live in urban areas.

“It’s time to change because the funding has been pulled away, [but] the council’s commitment hasn’t pulled away.”

Yarra Junction Over 50’s Friendship Club’s free community meal. Picture: ON FILE

Sustainable funding crucial

By Callum Ludwig

The AgedTaskTaskforce set to work by the Australian Government released its final report on Monday 11 March, looking into how the sector can be properly funded now and into the future following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

The report makes 23 recommendations for options to support older people to age in place, provide equitable and sustainable funding and improve quality, innovation and transparency.

Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells, who chaired the taskforce, said there is universal acceptance that something must change in order to ensure all Australians can age with the dignity, safety and high-quality care they deserve.

“After spending their lives building up our country, we have a solemn responsibility as a nation to respectfully care for older Australians as they age,” she said.

“All of us have a stake in a sustainable, highquality and dignified aged care sector – whether it’s for our parents, ageing loved ones, or even eventually for ourselves,”

“As we consider the Taskforce Report and continue to implement the reforms of the Royal Commission, our focus will always be ensuring dignity and respect for older Australians.”

A notable point in the final report was the expected recommendation to not introduce an aged care levy as touted by the Royal Commissioners Tony Pagone QC and Lynelle Briggs AO, who made the suggestion Australia should introduce an aged care levy of 1 per cent of a person’s taxable income, which had already been rejected by the former Coalition government.

Instead, the report indicates that non-pension consumers, whether residents or their family members, can be called upon to pay more towards the costs of their aged care.

CEO of AdventCare David Reece said he thinks the government has certainly embraced the reforms.

“From a funding point of view, I think that they’ve given us a good funding outcome, par-

ticularly with the recent increase from the first of December,” he said.

“I think there are so many balls in the air at the moment, and they’re responding to so many different things,”

“But it’s a fairly balanced report and we’ll see what appetite they have to follow through on some of the initiatives.”

As reported in industry news site TheWeekly SOURCE, modelling showed that if all recommendations were accepted, the residential aged care sector could see its revenue increase by around $2.3 billion and Home Care potentially by $965 million in the first year.

Mr Reece said the main things in the report that stood out to him were the talk of increasing daily care fees and shifting away from refundable accommodation deposits.

“They talk about daily care fees and increasing them, and while some people might do that we probably would find that we don’t

need to, because you know we don’t want residents to pay more than they need to,” he said.

“Probably the bigger thing that’s always been out there is the discussion about the eventual changing out of the RADs(refundable accommodation deposits), there’s billions of dollars that the aged care facilities rely on as of now so it’s about getting an alternative capital to be able to fund that,”

“That’s been pushed out to 2035 and I think that’s that’s a good outcome because it’s going to be reviewed in 2030 and liquidity is an issue for some providers.”

RADs have to be refunded in full within 14 days of a resident leaving care and are often preferred by wealthier residents so they don’t have to make a direct contribution to their accommodation costs compared to DAPs (daily accommodation payments). The change is part of a number of measures aiming to make the costs of aged care more equitable and clear for residents and their families.

Mr Reece said he still thinks it comes back to the providers to make sure their residents and families are well informed of the costs.

“The government does have information that tries to simplify it and if they can improve that it’s well and good, and some financial advisors do a good job but it still gets back to the facility,” he said.

“We want to talk to people because we don’t want someone coming in without having a clear understanding or who might have issues paying the account,”

“If you were going in or if you had a parent or grandparent going into aged care, you wouldn’t have a lot of understanding unless you were interested about costs so we’ll run them through the basic fees and have to be pretty transparent upfront.”

The Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) and UnitingCare Australia are among the organisations that have welcomed the release of the report.

Alternative arrangements in aged care supported

By Callum Ludwig

The University of Wollongong’s Centre for Health Service Development has released its final report on ‘Alternative Arrangements for Residential Aged Care Staffing’ commissioned by the Australian Government, creating an outline for acceptable alternative arrangements when registered nurses (RNs) are not available on-site 24/7.

The AdventCare aged care facility in Warburton has been one such home that has struggled to fulfil the requirement since it was mandated in 2023, filling the gap with always having an RN on call, having arrangements with local health providers and the home’s dedicated team of enrolled nurses (ENs).

CEO of AdventCare David Reece said it was good to have recognition that not all places, particularly in the country, will be able to have registered nurses all the time.

“It shows that there are robust models like what we’ve had for years in the Yarra Ranges, and therefore that these will be acceptable,” he said.

“The thing that is going to be interesting is, and it’s probably fair enough, will have then an evaluation and monitoring system, which we’ve already done with the (Aged Care) Quality Commission, every three or six months,”

“I guess it’s a bit more paperwork for everyone to do, but you can see how it could be justified.”

The 155-page report outlined the ‘foundational elements’ and ‘key principles’ any alternative arrangements must meet when in place, provide evidence-based alternatives for when the mandated 24/7 RN requirement can’t be met and recommend ‘alternative skills mixes’ for the 24/7 RN arrangements in specialised aged care scenarios such as for the homeless or Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islanders and in low acuity residential aged care.

Mr Reece said his only concern is their continued inability to access the 24/7 Registered Nurse Supplement for Residential Aged Care due to not being able to meet the mandate.

The supplement is intended to support homes that have on average, 60 residents or less, to meet the 24/7 RN requirement, with the Department of Health and Aged Care’s site on the supplement inferring those with more on average over a calendar month receive sufficient funding through the Austra-

lian National Aged Care Classification (ANACC) Basic Subsidy.

“It’s costing us $3000 or so a month for oncall arrangements for an RN and other costs, so we are incurring costs but getting no reimbursement,” Mr Reece said.

“The thing that they didn’t address in the report, which is our next target, is to seek to have the 24-7 RN supplement modified so that if we have 50 per cent coverage (time with an RN on site), we get 50 per cent of the fee,”

“The report is saying that they recognize we’re different, and that’s good, and it’s still clinically sound, but now what we need now is additional funding, because for the Yarra Ranges, that would be about $16,000 a month if we got the full funding to go towards agency costs and the costs of extra RNs.”

The foundational elements outlined in the report include that aged care homes must be able to provide residents with suitable care around the clock ‘regardless of the geographic and contextual factors’, all staff must only ‘ work within their professional and individual scope of practice’, staff are not burdened with unsafe or inappropriate workloads to make up for a shortfall, local health services are partnered effectively with to help meet the ‘complex and chronic health needs’ of residents and alternative arrangements are effective, efficient and ‘fit for purpose in the local context’.

The report’s key principles included that facilities must have robust protocols, procedures and a clinical governance framework, recognised the ‘crucial clinical role of enrolled nurses’, identify the goal to ‘transition’ to 24/7 RN coverage during the timeframe of an approved exemption (such as through structured staff development) and to ‘embrace opportunities to utilise virtual care services’ to fill the gap where an RN is not available.

AdventCare Warburton has seen progress but still struggles to meet registered nurse requirements.

Picture: ON FILE

Funding remains a key concern surrounding the future of aged care in Australia.

Picture: ON FILE

Logging firm gets the ‘chop’

By Rachael Ward, AAP

A state-owned forestry company is being wound up after a ban on logging native trees, legal troubles and battles with environment and wildlife groups.

Victoria’s state-owned logging company will shut down within months.

A June 30 end date was revealed onWednesday during a court hearing involvingVicForests and environmental group Wombat Forestcare.

The winding-up of the body is part of the Victorian government’s decision to end native forest logging, which took effect on January 1.

Stand-down payments to VicForests contractors are due to end on June 30.

Community and Public Sector Union industrial organiser Kassey Dickie said VicForests’ 100 employees were aware the company would close on June 30.

She said workers were able to apply for about 80 other government jobs, including five-year contracts with Forest Fire Management Victoria.

“Everyone’s going to lose their job atVicForests, whether or not a large portion find other work, that remains to be seen,” Ms Dickie told AAP.

The government initially planned to phase out native logging in 2030 but brought that forward over claims the sector had become unviable because of ongoing legal action.

Ms Dickie said many workers were stressed

and finding new roles had been a “very fast process” for them.

“They’re sad I think, to sum it up, many of them have worked together for a very long time,” she said.

“They have been rushed through a process made by government in a hurry that has been pretty stressful.”

The decision comes after a series of court actions against VicForests, including a Supreme Court finding in 2022 that it failed to adequately survey and protect two endangered glider species.

Cat desexing grants open

By Callum Ludwig

At the start of March, the Victorian Government announced a renewed push to address the overpopulation of cats with a $300,000 trial program and the release of the draft cat management strategy for consultation.

Councils have been encouraged to apply for grants of up to $25,000 to help provide free and low-cost targeted desexing programs in their townships that suffer from troublesome cat populations or to support their residents facing financial hardships.

“Our goal is to create a comprehensive strategy that promotes responsible cat ownership and management acrossVictoria - to help better safeguard our native wildlife,” Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said.

TheVictorian Government’s efforts hope to increase cat desexing rates, ease the pressure on shelters and pounds, save cats from impoundment and euthanasia and improve registration rates. Animal Aid CEO Mark Menze said each year Animal Aid receives around 1000 kittens into their care.

“Sadly, and despite significant effort on our part, this number has remained consistent and predictable for the past 10 years,” he said.

“This type of grant is not new. Animal Welfare Victoria has been providing desexing grants to councils and clinics for several years. Previous funding has allowed Animal Aid to provide low/no cost desexing for 300 cats.”

In April 2023, Mr Menze detailed how the Animal Aid cattery was struggling to accommodate for the number of cats needing to be sheltered in his regular opinion column in the Star Mail.

Mr Menze said while the announced additional funding is commendable, the journey towards significant change is long.

“This latest round of funding will support the desexing of about 2,000 cats. The impact though positive, is relatively small in the broader context. A single pair of breeding cats can lead to over 2,000 offspring in just a few years, illustrating the scale of this problem,” he said.

“For a sustainable solution, we believe in the power of widespread education and accessible desexing programs. Together, with continued support and a shared vision for animal welfare, we can make a meaningful difference in tackling cat overpopulation.”

There are over 227,000 registered cats in Victoria on top of an unknown number of

overpopulation. Picture:ONFILE

unregistered, unowned or feral cats.

Director of Communities at Yarra Ranges Council Leanne Hurst said they will be submitting a grant application and welcome the announcement.

“Responsible pet ownership – keeping cats indoors and on properties, desexing and caring for their health and wellbeing is crucial for not just the wellbeing of cats, but animals in the wider environment,” she said.

“We will be submitting a grant application through the program. We see great opportunities to utilise this funding, to assist peopleinfinancialhardshipbymakingmore affordable cat desexing options available,”

“We look forward to working with the State Government and are hopeful we’ll be successful with our application.”

Anyone interested in the cat management strategy can find out more at engage. vic.gov.au/cat-management-strategy and can provide feedback up until 26 April.

Executive Director of Animal Welfare Victoria Dr Trevor Pisciotta said desexing cats helps reduce the burden of overpopulation onVictoria’s domestic animal services.

“Although 95 per cent of registered cats are desexed by the age of two, cats can have multiple litters in this time. This can sadly result in thousands of cats entering the Victorian pound and shelter system each year,” he said.

“One of the main reasons people don’t desex their pets is because they can’t afford it. These grants make cat desexing more accessible for vulnerable community members,”

“By specifically targeting semi-owned cats and addressing problem cat populations, the program also focuses on a group of cats often overlooked by desexing programs.”

would be transferred from VicForests to the the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

Victorian Greens deputy leader Ellen Sandell accusedVicForests of being “environmental vandals” and said it was about time it was shut down.

“We now need Labor to focus its environment department on restoration and protection of our forests, with specialised staff who have these skills,” she said.

Nationals Leader Peter Walsh told AAP VicForest workers had been treated “appallingly”.

“The government has no comprehension of the stress hard working VicForests employees have been under carrying out government policy directions,” he said.

Picture:ONFILE

In 2023 the Victorian Information Commissioner revealed the business used taxpayer money to illegally spy on environmentalists, using a private investigator to try to discredit them.

The case involving Wombat Forestcare will now go to mediation.

A Victorian Government spokesperson said it had helped workers transition into new roles or take redundancies since the end of 2023, with a range of support services on offer.

They said forest planning, seed collection, forest regeneration and other responsibilities

“They have done everything asked of them and deserve much better.”

VicForests recorded a net loss of $60.1 million in the 2022/23 financial year, blaming court action brought on by environmental groups.

During that time it harvested $17.9 million in timber, paid $110 million in compensation for undersupply to customers and $41 million to contractors who were not able to work.

It received $149 million from the state to fund the compensation.

VicForests, through the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, directed media queries to the government.

Aussie invention predicts power line faults

An early fault detection (EFD) system designed at RMIT University is helping to prevent bushfires and blackouts in North America, Europe and Australia.

INDTechnology, which has commercialised this innovation, is seeking funding from the Australian Government to assist with rolling out the EFD system across all single-wire earth return (SWER) networks around the country about 200,000 kilometres of power lines over the next 10 years.

With 2,500 units installed worldwide, the technology now monitors over 12,500 kms of powerlines and has prevented more than 750 failures and potentially saved lives.

The technology covers up to 5 kilometres of power lines with 2 units.

Lead RMIT researcher professor Alan Wong said the EFD system “can detect and locate faults on a powerline before they happen”.

“You can think of it like a smoke alarm for the power network,” Prof Wong said, who is also the CEO of Melbourne-based company IND Technology.

“If you place enough sensors across the network, these sensors or alarm system will send out an alert when it thinks there’s a certain risk in the network.”

On 7 February 2009, the Victorian town of Marysville was devastated by bushfire.

The fire was allegedly caused by a break in an electrical conductor on a power pole near a local sawmill.

A Marysville fire survivor Jenny Pullen said she welcomed technology that could help prevent bushfires.

“We went to so many funerals,” she said.

“The bushfire took a huge toll and there’s still people who are trying to get over it and who will never get over it.”

The EFD system is included in several wildfire mitigation plans in the US and Canada, where the Australian-made innovation is in high demand.

“According to a report by Adept Economics that we commissioned, every dollar spent on the EFD technology would generate $4.70 in expected benefits for Australia, in terms of the benefits from preventing bushfires and blackouts,” Prof Wong said.

Prof Wong said the patented sensing method and data processing algorithm can even identify the precise location of expected faults down to a 10-meter section of a pow-

erline, and enabled more proactive and costeffective management of electricity network assets.

“The EFD system is a passive-listening device,” he said.

“It listens to radio frequency signals travelling up and down power lines. Some of these radio frequency signals are generated by failing assets on the powerlines.

“The EFD system uses the radio frequency information collected by the sensors to work out where and which equipment is failing.”

With the EFD system, network owners can monitor every network asset 24/7, including during extreme weather when asset failures are likely to first appear.

During a trial of the technology, the EFD system developed by ProfWong’s team identified a failing conductor on Michael Thorne’s property in Victoria’s Porcupine Ridge.

“When I’m driving around the property, I’m looking at the stock or at the pasture, I’m not looking up at the powerline which is well above me, and it would be pretty hard to spot a broken strand even if you were paying a reasonable amount of attention,” Mr Thorne said.

“The risk is that the power line breaks, drops to the ground and starts a grass fire.

Grass fires can move very quickly, faster than a bush fire typically because the wind’s not interrupted as it flows across the grass and the fire could have swept up to the house, through the sheds and then beyond to adjacent farms very rapidly.

“In addition to the houses lost in a major fire, there’s the lives lost and lives disrupted. Fire can rip apart communities, it can destroy so much that matters.

“The idea of a fire ripping through my community is obviously deeply distressing and something that I’m keen to celebrate any tools that we have that can help reduce the risk of the kind of devastation we have seen across towns like Marysville and others in Victoria.”

Prof Wong was thrilled when his team discovered the failing conductor on Thorne’s property that the EFD system had detected.

“We always tell people that this technology can potentially save lives and prevent fires. I think in Michael’s example it captured all this essence. It has prevented a potentially catastrophic fire,” he said.

TheVictorianGovernmentistargeting catdesexingratesinabidtocontrol

StateloggingcompanyVicForestsissettobeshutdown.

Valley brigades to rescue

By Gabriella Vukman

As fires raged throughout Ballarat and across the Grampians Central Highlands in recent weeks, brigades have been rushing from far and wide to assist, and the Yarra Valley and Ranges services have missed none of the action.

From Seville to Mooroolbark to Yarra Glen, the Valley lent a significant portion of its resources to the Ballarat effort.

Graham Brown from the Coldstream CFA was part of the squad that was sent to help in Bayindeen near Ballarat.

Mr Brown said, “it was actually frightening when we got in there because the smoke was black. It was Really dark and gruesome looking.”

“My squad was allocated to asset protection which is where you just sit beside houses and make sure that the fire doesn’t come over the top of them.”

“We sat there with Mooroolbark all night waiting to see if the fire would come towards the houses but luckily the wind changed direction and went around us.We were there from 5 o’clock in the evening to 7 o’clock in the morning,” Mr Brown said.

After waiting from 5pm until 7am, Mr Brown was sent to a new location.

“We went to a place where the fire had come out of the bush and into the paddocks so we were sent there to stop it coming any further and black it all out there,” Mr Brown said.

Lilydale, Mount Evelyn, Silvan, Kallista-The Patch, Belgrave, Badger Creek,Warrandyte and Scoresby were among the District 13 CFA strike teams sent to fight the fires in the Ballarat region.

“Our strike team consisted of Coldstream, Yarra Glen, Mooroolbark and Wonga Park,” Mr Brown said.

“The Yarra Valley has been heavily involved in terms of fire fighting, sending meals, trucks and crews up to help,” Mr Brown said.

Lilydale Fire Brigade lieutenant Ron Haines shared the Lilydale CFA’s contribution to the Ballarat effort and said, “on 22nd February Lilydale’s Tanker along with other CFA tankers from Silvan, Badger Creek and Scoresby were despatched to a major wildfire just north of Beaufort.”

“The main task of the CFA tankers was to quickly extinguish these running grass fires- to prevent them spreading into farming properties and nearby houses and towns,” Mr Haines said.

Describing flames ‘leaping into the air’, Mr Haines noted the skill needed in order to manage crews fighting fires on the back of the tanker as well as manoeuvre the truck through fire.

“Again, during the recent Labour Day long weekend many hundreds and hundreds of CFA volunteers from around the State including brigade’s from the Yarra Valley District gave up their time to be on stand-by for strike teams,” Mr Haines said.

Travelling across the state and in some circumstances, the country to help out, the Valley’s local heroes are helping out abroad.

Local Valley heroes Helping out.

Picture: RON HAINES

Coldstream team fighting Bayindeen fires 77.5km from Ballarat. Picture: GRAHAM BROWN Fires tore through bushland.

The sky glowed with the colour of the flames.

Firefighters put out spot fires across the Beaufort area.

‘Critical habitat’ rejected

By Callum Ludwig

The Victorian National Park Association (VNPA) has been left dejected after an application for a Critical Habitat Determination (CHD) for the Mt Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly was rejected.

The VNPA started the push in March 2023 in response to the approval of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, worried that despite the removal of the highest-risk sections of the bike trail and the National Park protections in the area, the already limited habitat of the insect was under threat.

VNPA Parks and Nature Campaigner Jordan Crook said it was an incredibly disappointing decision.

“The stonefly lives in a small area susceptible to major threats including climate change, fire, water pollution and visitation, meaning it needs special management,” he said.

“A critical habitat determination for the wingless stonefly would have started a process to give this remarkable creature the extra care and effort required to protect it from extinction.”

In the official statement of reasons DEECA Secretary John Bradley, who reviewed the application alongside the Scientific Advisory

Committee, based the decision on the former Minister for Planning Lizzie Blandthorn’s assessment report for the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination.

In the report, the proposed trails 1, 45, 46 and 47 were considered to pose an ‘unacceptable risk’ to the environment near the Mt Don-

na Buang summit, including adverse impacts on the Mt Donna BuangWingless Stonefly.The proposed trails were subsequently scrapped.

“The decision not to make a critical habitat determination on this occasion was because the majority of the habitat is already protected as National Park managed by Parks Victoria and as such the existing protections for the stonefly are adequate,” a DEECA spokesperson said.

“Making a critical habitat determination would not increase the conservation status of the land.”

Almost all of the Mt Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly’s habitat falls within the Yarra Ranges National Park, managed by Parks Victoria, though some smaller areas to the northeast fall within the Marysville State Forest and are managed by DEECA.

The rest of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination was approved with acceptable environmental effects, subject to modifications and an ongoing environmental management regime. Amendments were made to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme, Mr Bradley was ‘satisfied that the existing arrangements’ in place ‘adequately mitigate threats to the habitat value of the area.’

The VNPA argued in its application that despite National Park protection, the Mt Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly had suffered an 80 per cent decline in population despite being protected in a national park.

The Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s own page on the Mt Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly as part of the threatened species list admits that there is is little quantitative data on the population numbers of the Mt Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly.

“Scientists agree that a critical habitat determination should be made under the state’s Flora And Fauna Guarantees Act, an important but widely neglected tool in Victoria’s nature laws,” Mr Crook said.

“It’s time theVictorian government stepped up and used all of the tools available, like critical habitat determinations, to protect the growing list of threatened species. We need a clear annual critical habitat to-do-list, so we can tick them off, not reports that gather dust on a shelf.”

The stonefly spends its time by the streams on the mountaintop, burrowing and hiding to avoid the heat of summer, and has a relatively extraordinarily long lifespan of over two years.

Keep your ears open: Growlers get growling in Coldstream

By Mikayla van Loon

Hearing the sound of a growling grass frog may be rare but in these prime warmer months it’s important to listen out.

Ecologist, conservationist and Frogs Victoria president David De Angelis said breeding season for the growler is typically during spring and summer and is the time when they’re “most active and calling”.

The vulnerable-listed species had its last confirmed sighting in 2019 on a private property in Coldstream after two arborists Grant Harris and James Gibson heard the calls.

This led to a Melbourne Water survey of another nearby property, with the approval of the owner, and Mr De Angelis helping to confirm the good news after listening to a recording.

“[This] is exciting because the species is threatened and there are few known populations east of Melbourne,” Melbourne Water waterwatch coordinator Jane Petch said.

Mr De Angelis said because it was “the peak of their calling and breeding season, we heard up to 20 frogs” during the end of December, early January period.

Growlers are known to breed between September and March and particularly like “slow flowing water or still water to breed in”.

“You won’t usually find them in fast flowing creeks but the Stringybark Creek for example which slows in between some of these properties is that type of slow flowing creek,” Mr De Angelis said.

“Dams absolutely provide breeding habitat as well as ponds and up to larger wetlands. That’s particularly relevant in this case because that’s exactly the type of breeding habitat the frogs were rediscovered in.”

But Mr De Angelis said despite needing water to breed in, a lot of the adult growlers will do their feeding up on land.

“These wetlands that they’re holding on in, in the Coldstream area, do have some trees and shrubs, but otherwise they’re fairly open and exposed to the sun and that’s really important for maintaining that fungus at low levels so the frogs can survive,” he said.

Growling grass frogs are particularly

prone to a disease caused by the amphibian chytrid fungus which has been “causing the die-off of frogs all up the east coast of Australia” for many years.

While it is expected that growling grass frogs have always existed in the Coldstream, Gruyere and larger Yarra Valley area, with the previous known sighting being 2006, Mr De Angelis said with many of the properties being private it is hard for researchers to access dams to understand the exact population.

“Without people having maintained a record or knowing it was still in the area there was a possibility that it might have disappeared entirely

“The fear was they had disappeared from the middle to Upper Yarra catchment and more broadly.”

After the first rediscovery, Melbourne Water used automated sound recording equipment and could confirm the growlers were at a second property, something Mr De Angelis identified as being “a big relief…and very exciting”.

“Those landowners are happy to have the frogs there and to try and ensure their habitat is protected on that farm into the future so at the very least it gives us more confidence that there’s less risk of the frog disappearing entirely from the region.

“Hopefully we can find them on some other properties and in the first instance see how widespread they are still.”

One of the best ways to do so, Ms Petch said, is to take part in the Frog Census and become a citizen scientist.

“If you are wondering how to identify a Growling Grass frog then download the Frog Census App and listen to its distinctive call,” she said.

“When you make a recording using the App it is verified by an ecologist and the information is made publicly available on the Atlas of Living Australia.”

The Frog Census program has been running for over 20 years and has gathered over 14,000 frog records contributing to the understanding of the health of waterways, wetlands and frog population trends across greater Melbourne.

A female growling grass frog found in Coldstream.

Picture: DAVID DE ANGELIS

The Mt Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly.

Picture: ON FILE

Boost for uni students

By Callum Ludwig

Three new Upper Yarra university students have received a boost to their tertiary education efforts from the Community Bank of Warburton and Yarra Junction.

Ashlyn Hermansen, Lucas Rush and Grace Cole have all received a grant of $3000 to help them with the beginning of their studies through the bank’s annual scholarship program.

Ms Hermansen said she has started a Bachelor of Arts degree at Monash University, majoring in journalism.

“After watching Bridget Jones’ Diary for the first time when I was 15, I had a massive interest in journalism because I felt similar to the character and then all throughout high school, I found that I was always more passionate about my writing and the literature subjects rather than anything mathematical or to do with science,” she said.

“To write and to discuss topics about the media and all that sort of stuff, world topics, politics and came a lot more naturally to me and so I figured that was going to be something like I wanted to pursue in the future.”

Ms Hermansen is a former UpperYarra Secondary College student and is now completing her studies at Monash University’s Caulfield campus.

Ms Hermansen said the support of the grant is huge because she has just had some issues with her laptop and car.

“I’ve already started study and my laptop broke down about a week before it was supposed to start and then my car also broke down so getting to and from uni was also going to be a massive struggle,” she said.

“So far I’ve really enjoyed going into the tutorials that we have here, it’s very discussionbased, so we’ve been learning the knowledge prior and then being able to discuss the knowledge with like-minded people and develop further with other people’s opinions has been really helpful.”

Fellow Upper Yarra Secondary College alumni Lucas Rush has started a double Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science and Business (Sport Management) at

Deakin University’s Burwood campus.

Mr Rush said at first he didn’t have any plans after finishing school and wasn’t sure what he wanted to do.

“I wanted to continue learning about sport and doing sport so I just thought this was a good way to continue on that track and I do like the idea of staying in the sport conditioning and training aspect of it,” he said.

“Uni has been a lot more free and easy-going than high school so far and it’s definitely a big change but it’s been all good,”

“(The scholarship) will be really helpful because I’m already being told about all the textbooks I have to get so it will be great to put towards that.”

The Community Bank of Warburton and Yarra Junction opens for applications every

December for first-year university of TAFE students to support them as they begin their studies. The program has provided $48,000 since beginning 11 years ago.

Ex-Lilydale High School student Grace Cole is starting a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) at Deakin University’s Burwood campus and said she is really grateful for the scholarship as the fieldwork makes her course a bit more expensive.

“I’m learning about sustainability, the environment and how to safely trap and record animal species so we can help threatened species this year and next year I get to go on global placement and help everywhere around the world which is really cool,” she said.

“I am not really sure what exact career I’d like at the moment, I just know this is what I’m

passionate about, I have some friends from high school who are doing a similar course, and we’re going to volunteer with a bunch of different careers, so hopefully we can figure out which one we want.”

Ms Cole is looking forward to an opportunity to travel to Borneo next year and potentially Costa Rica the following year through her studies and explore them and their reputation as ‘biodiversity hotspots.’

“Supporting students towards tertiary study is part of the branches’ commitment to providing opportunities for our youth and ultimately building a stronger Upper Yarra community,” Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction Senior Branch Manager Kristy Sumner said.

“It’s just another part of our Community Investment program that we are very proud of.”

Box Hill Institute raises more than $17k

Box Hill Institute raised $17,500 to help students struggling to make ends meet with the help of their alumni and celebrity chefs Guy Grossi and Frank Camorra, alongside fellow Melbourne chefs Morgan Hipworth and Ian Curley.

While classes have just started for the year, 75 per cent of student welfare requests are related to financial hardship, up from 25 per cent in 2023.

The funds raised will translate to supporting hundreds of students with the essentials to ensure they can continue their education.

Box Hill Institute’s student wellbeing coor-

dinator Johanna Dutton said as the cost-ofliving crisis continues to bite, some students are choosing between eating and paying for other necessities, like public transport.

“If a student comes to us with welfare concerns, we typically ask “Have you eaten today?” and quite often the answer is ‘no’,” she said.

The money was raised through a fundraising dinner, with the celebrity chefs working with Box Hill Institute students to cater for the crowd.

In addition, items were auctioned and the chefs also donated dining experiences to each of their restaurants, such as a four-

course dinner matched with drinks for six people at Grossi Florentino.

“The importance of education in our industry is massive. We really need to encourage younger people back into our industry and give them a pathway into hospitality they can feel proud of,” Guy Grossi said.

There are many reasons why students experience financial difficulty, but some common scenarios are young people forced to leave home before they are ready or women escaping family violence and returning to study to get back on their feet.

“Students experiencing financial distress are in survival mode, which makes it diffi-

cult for them to concentrate on their studies. Through investing in their well-being, we tell them they are worth it, and we believe they will make a valuable contribution when they graduate,” Ms Dutton said.

Box Hill Institute’s CEO Grant Radford was heartened to see the level of support for students in need.

“We believe that education should be accessible to anyone who wants to pursue it. This is a wonderful outcome, and it will allow us to support many students who might otherwise struggle to stay in education,” Mr Radford said.

Celebrity chefs and cookery students collaborate to raise money for students facing hardship. Pictures: SUPPLIEDGuy Grossi and cookery students put the finishing touches on canapes at Box Hill Institute’s hardship dinner.

L-R: Lucas Rush, Grace Cole, Bendigo Bank Branch manager Kristy Sumner and Ashlyn Hermansen. Picture: SUPPLIED

Injury inspiring classrooms

By Dongyun Kwon

The story of a Yarra Ranges resident became the source of a course for Year 11 and 12 students in Victoria.

James Wood has shared his workplace injury experience to educate employees, employers and management teams on the real impact of workplace injury for over 25 years.

Mr Wood was a diesel mechanic.

In 1985, on his way to a parking bay after fixing a truck, he lost control of the truck.

“It was five to nine in the morning, so I thought if I could get back to the lunchroom by nine o’clock, I could catch up with my workmates,” Mr Wood said.

“I put my foot down a little bit, was going a little bit too quick, I lost control of the truck and the truck ended up rolling on the side of a hill.

“I got thrown out of the cabin, broke my back and damaged my spinal cord.”

Mr Wood said the accident happened due to his lack of safety awareness.

“The reason I got thrown out of the truck that day was obviously I was going too fast and I didn’t have a seatbelt on,” he said.

“I made some wrong choices and ended up in a wheelchair for the rest of my life.”

Mr Wood decided to use his experience to prevent others from a similar tragedy.

He established a small safety training consultancy CNB Safe based in Yarra Glen with some other speakers who experienced a workplace injury.

Mr Wood and his teammates have gone around Australia to share their stories to raise workplace safety awareness.

“When I first got asked to share my story at a workplace over 25 years ago, initially, I didn’t want to do it because I was a diesel mechanic and I’d never stand in front of people to do public speaking,” Mr Wood said.

“But then I thought it’s the thing that I would have liked to listen to, if somebody, who experienced an injury, turned up at my workplace and shared their story, it might have given me a little bit more of a reason to think about some of the choices that I made that day.

“So I started off the business myself and my wife started working with me and then we had other people approached to us to work with. We go out to workplaces all around Australia, share our stories and try to stop what happened to us from happening to somebody else.”

When Covid hit the world and all Victorians were stuck in lockdown, Mr Wood wrote a book based on his experience.

The book It Hurts! is about how the injury changed Mr Wood’s life.

The Vocational and Applied Learning Association (VALA) has launched a new program Disability Inclusion and Workplace Health and Safety: It Hurts! Expo based on Mr Wood’s book.

The program is a community and workplace-focused school program targeted at young people in Year 11 and Year 12 who are undertaking the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Vocational Major (VM).

VALA CEO Helene Rooks said VALA launched the program at VCE VM induction day.

“It’s a really good way for young students to learn about both disability inclusion and workplace safety,” she said.

“We got really positive feedback during the conference because teachers were really looking for meaningful programs rather than going back to textbooks, workbooks and worksheets.”

L-R: Helene Rooks,James Wood and VALA professional learning and development manager Natalie Purves. Picture: SUPPLIED

Glaucoma - a silent thief

By Dongyun Kwon

There’s an eye disease taking hold of 300,000 Australians, with more than half going about their day-to-day lives without a diagnosis or the knowledge they are affected.

In Australia, one in 10,000 babies are born with glaucoma, one in 200 have it by age 40 and one in eight have it by age 80.

Yarra Valley is also under the impact of the disease.

Eastern Eye Specialists, a local ophthalmic clinic located in Lilydale and Bayswater, founding director Dr Malvika Gupta said approximately one in eight of her patients would have glaucoma.

“It is very important to understand that many people who have glaucoma are actually not aware and many times they don’t go to the optometrist because they don’t think anything is wrong,” she said.

“More than 70 per cent actually have no symptoms, we are trying to prevent them from getting into late-stage glaucoma which could make them lose driving vision and visual field.

“Anybody who’s on doctor’s care, it’s very unlikely for them to lose their vision completely, but someone who has not been diagnosed and no treatment has been done can lose their central vision or visual field which causes legal blindness and inability to drive.”

Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) vice president associate professor Ashish Agar said the ASO was drawing attention to glaucoma, also known as the silent thief of sight, during the World Glaucoma Week from 10 to 16 March.

“Glaucoma is a condition where the eye’s

optic nerve, which provides information to our brain, is damaged with or without raised intraocular pressure,” he said.

“Glaucoma develops slowly and often without any symptoms, which is why there is such a high rate of non-detection in Australia.

“When left untreated, it can cause vision loss or lead to irreversible blindness reinforcing why awareness and early intervention are crucial.”

The first line of treatment for most patients with glaucoma is eye lasers and eye drops, which could salvage most of the disease prob-

lem and prevent further progression.

Dr Gupta said regular screening would be a key to prevent late-stage glaucoma.

“Everybody over 50 years old needs to see an optometrist every year because they can identify if you have any risk factors for developing the disease,” she said.

“If you do have risk factors, then they could refer you to the ophthalmologist.

“More people can be managed early if we pick it up early, that will save a lot of damage and the disease burden.”

Dr Gupta said there has been a remarkable progression in terms of treatment for patients with glaucoma in Yarra Valley.

“A few years ago, the laser wasn’t available within Yarra Valley, but, fortunately, we now have a laser called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty,” she said.

“It’s a laser that gently stimulates the eye to pump the eye fluid better and that helps regulate the tension on that optic nerve.

“Only when somebody needs glaucoma surgeries, we send them to eye and ear hospitals, which is extremely rare.”

Vital service continues to be provided by skilled crews

By Tanya Steele and Mikayla Van Loon

A vital life and saving service will continue to provide quality and dynamic care to patients in rural and remote locations.Ambulance Victoria (AV) has extended its contract with Babcock Australasia (Babcock) to continue providing air ambulance operations to support paramedics in providing the best care to patients across Victoria.

The Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley areas have recently seen a woman from Emerald airlifted to The Alfred Hospital in February and a Healesville man was airlifted to the Melbourne Hospital after a motor vehicle crash into Healesville High School in June 2023 - saving their lives.

The five-year extension of the existing arrangement for the Air Ambulance helicopter fleet, valued at more than $370 million, will come into effect from 1 January 2026.

AV Chief Executive Jane Miller said the renewed partnership, which first commenced in January 2016, would ensure AV continued to provide safe, timely and expert patient care during some of Victoria’s most logistically complex emergencies.

“This partnership helps us provide the highest level of care for every patient, no matter where they are located across the state,” Ms Miller said.

“Someone experiencing a medical emergency in a rural location can quickly receive expert care from our ground crews, further clinical support and expertise from our MICA Flight Paramedics and definitive care from a flight to one of Victoria’s high-quality trauma centres. It’s an impressive service,” she said.

Mobile intensive care ambulance (MICA) paramedic Gavin Lawley is a flight paramedic who takes on the challenge and variety the specialised position offers.

“There’s a lot of moving parts – so it’s quite a dynamic environment to work with. And that’s part of the challenge of working out there,” he said.

“It’s comforting for the community to know that if ever something happens in the remote and far-reaching locations of Victoria – and some parts of New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania – AV is equipped to provide the best possible emergency response,” Ms Miller said.

“This agreement will ensure patients who

need AV’s helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) continue to receive best care right across Victoria,” she said.

Last year, AV’s HEMS responded to 2,197 incidents, averaging 200 cases each month and Mr Lawley said the services they cover are quite varied, from airlifting complex patients, delivering blood and participating in search and rescue.

“The major role differences from a say a road MICA is the transport times and the distance we travel,” he said.

“But we do a lot of work with other rural or regional hospitals that have reached their limit of speciality care for certain patients –we also transfer the patients down to a metropolitan centre or a specific line of care in Melbourne.”

From motor vehicle accidents to primary cardiac arrest in the regional areas or remote locations, Mr Lawley said the air ambulance teams are there to provide one of the highest level of medical emergency skill sets in Victoria.

Mr Lawley said air ambulance teams also have the capability with a helicopter aircraft to complete search and rescue tasks and winching operations.

“Whether it’s water or land, we can work with other agencies to search and locate pa-

tients and perform rescues and provide medical care in remote locations when required,” he said.

AV Acting Manager Air Operations Rupert Freeman said Babcock provided AV’s HEMS operations with five AW139 helicopters and a service assurance aircraft.

“AV is in its eighth year working alongside our Babcock colleagues and we’re pleased to continue this partnership, which places a strong focus on serving the Victorian community,” he said.

Mr Lawley said the service is medically quite ‘vast’ and sees it’s own ‘peaks and troughs” in the areas they visit and call outs they attend.

“During hot weather during summer, we can get a lot more jobs involving what bodies of water whether it’s the bay, the ocean, or rivers, during those holiday periods, we find, especially in the post-Covid, a lot of people are often in the high country, so we respond to a lot of remote locations that way,” he said.

“Whenever you have people moving in and throughout the state, in peak periods, there’s an increase in road trauma.”

Mr Lawley said several factors dictate how a patient is triaged for an airlift callout and patients are triaged from their flight coordination centre, where the highly trained MICA

flight paramedics receive calls from a number of agencies including Triple zero, paediatric and neonatal specialities and search and rescue operations.

“Travel time with Victoria being quite a vast area, we provide a service where we can either get our skill set, or medical treatment to the patient to best stabilize and treat them and then bring them down to a centre or send us to the patient to bring them down as quickly as possible to the highest level of care – that’s our primary goal.”

With only five rotary and four fixed wing aircraft in the fleet, the triage is a vital part of the process and Mr Lawley said that if a primary search and rescue job comes in, it also gets triaged against other cases and available aircraft and so the workload is quite high at times.

The airlifts can make all the difference and Mr Lawley said that giving someone the support they need in the way of blood or a medical procedure and then getting them to the highest level of care in the shortest amount of time finally has a benefit to the possible health outcomes.

The job is challenging and Mr Lawley said the flight paramedics work very tightly with a three person crew, responding to cases where they can be surrounded by hospital staff at one location to being in the middle of a bush with only bystanders and the patient at the next.

“Communication and team dynamics are really important, but it’s always evolving –you have to be able to build teams and communicate really well.”

“Our MICA Flight Paramedics will continue to provide the best possible care, supported by our Babcock partners, when our patients need it most,” Mr Freeman said.

The partnership has been extended to 31 December 2030 and Mr Lawley said it was important to acknowledge the ground teams the flight crew work with - from hospital staff, SES and CFA to police and regular bystanders.

“You’re always working with different teams in different environments – we can’t do this role by ourselves.

“Bringing everyone together usually gets the best possible outcome for the patient,” he said.

The Air Ambulance helicopter fleet is valued at more than $370 million dollars. Picture: SUPPLIED

Dr Malvika Gupta. Picture: SUPPLIED

Locals outperform state

Data reveals people in the outer-east of Melbourne have outperformed the state’s average in participating in the National Cervical Screening Program.

Cancer Council Victoria has launched a new campaign to increase awareness of the importance of regular cervical screening and the option to self-collect your test.

According to AIHW data, more than 72 per cent of people in Knox and Yarra Ranges have participated in the National Cervical Screening Program, while Victoria’s average is sitting at 69 per cent.

The ‘In Your Hands’ campaign data shows more than 200 Victorians were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2022, with more than 1000 cases diagnosed in the five years of 2018 to 2022.

A Cervical Screening Test is the best way to prevent cervical cancer and is recommended every five years for women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 under the National Cervical Screening Program.

Yet, data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows around one in three eligible Victorians are still not participating in this life-saving test.

Cancer Council Victoria Screening, Early Detection and Immunisation head Kate Broun said she hopes the campaign encourages eligible women and people with a cervix to make cervical screening a priority.

“The Cervical Screening Test is unique in that it can find people at risk of cervical cancer before it even starts to develop. It does this by looking for the very common virus that causes almost all cases of cervical cancer, human papillomavirus or HPV,” she said.

“By participating in cervical screening, we can find the HPV infection and treat any cervical cell changes it may cause before they may develop into cancer. This is why it’s so important that everyone who is eligible does the test

as soon as they are due and doesn’t put it off.”

Health minister Mary-Anne Thomas is urging Victorian women to keep up to date with their cervical cancer screenings.

“With self-collection making it easier and less daunting, we are urging all women to en-

sure they keep up with their five-yearly cervical screening – the earlier the diagnosis and access to treatment, the better chance of survival,” she said.

In July 2022, the option to self-collect your Cervical Screening Test using a small swab was

expanded from limited eligibility criteria, to be made available to everyone eligible for cervical screening, something that Ms Broun said has been a significant step in addressing some of the barriers preventing people from participating.

DatashowsoneinthreeeligibleVictoriansarestillnotparticipatinginthelife-savingcervicaltest. Picture:UNSPLASH

EASTER

Benefits of Easter craft

There’s no doubt about it, the last two years have been a rollercoaster ride of change, fear and uncertainty. However, one thing that many of us have relied on is the security of home and the everyday joy found in simple pleasures.

School teacher and craft expert Shannon Wong-Nizic says that this is particularly true when it comes to children, who benefit enormously from home-based ‘back to basics’ activities such as crafting, needlework and baking.

“Creative pursuits help children feel grounded and calm - it requires them to busy their hands, put down their screens, still their minds and be present in the moment,” Shannon says.

“These are such important self-care skills for little ones to learn growing up in today’s fast-paced, news-driven world.”

Shannon says that Easter is the perfect time for parents to connect with their children through craft.

“Holiday periods like Easter provide us with a beautiful opportunity to create calming family traditions,” she says.

To help create a ‘calming craft bubble’ in your home this Easter, Shannon has put together some inspirational Easter craft activities – a cute Easter Bilby hat, perfect for the Easter Hat Parade and an ‘Eggscellent Spoonville’ activity whereby you can decorate wooden spoons to look like Easter Eggs and plant them around your neighbourhood.

To download Shannon’s Easter craft tem-

“If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that life is to be celebrated and it’s the simple things that matter the most,” says craft expert Shannon Wong-Nizic, from Oh Creative Day. Picture: SUPPLIED

plates and how-to’s, visit: visit: www.pilotpen. com.au

“Spoonville is a wonderful way to connect with friends and neighbours through sharing the joy of craft - what better time than Easter to take the time to have some fun!” says Shannon.

Shannon Wong-Nizic is a teacher, mum of three and avid crafter. She runs a popular blog and online parenting resource dedicated to all things creative, www.ohcreativeday.com

‘Egg-cellent’ time for fun

When it comes to Easter, egg decorating is somewhat of a tradition.

And if you haven’t given it a go, here’s a how-to on dyeing, painting and marbling hard boiled eggs.

The first step may be simple but place the eggs in a pot of water and bring to the boil on the stove. Then let them simmer for ten minutes and cool.

Now it gets to the creative part.

Let’s start with dyeing eggs. Fill some cups halfway with hot water, a teaspoon of vinegar and a teaspoon of food colouringrepeat with all the colours you want to use.

Carefully place the egg in the coloured water and leave for five minutes - when it’s done, you’ll have one completely coloured egg.

If you want to go one step further, use string, tape or elastic bands to create patterns.

Should marbling your eggs take your fancy, here’s two ways to try.

*Using shaving cream or whipped cream (if you’d like to eat your eggs).

Place the eggs in a bowl of vinegar and leave for 20 minutes.

Using a large dish, fill with a layer of shaving cream and add some drops of food dye - even divide the dish into two to four sections and do multiple colours.

Using a skewer, swirl and marble the colours together, then roll the egg gently over the surface of the shaving cream and once covered, place on some paper towel for 20 minutes.

Wash off excess shaving cream using a bowl of water.

* Using oil.

In a glass bowl, add one cup of hot water, a teaspoon of white vinegar and five to ten drops of food colouring (be sure to use a light colour for the base of the egg).

In another bowl, one cup of water with about 20 drops of food colouring and a tablespoon of vegetable oil.

When the egg is completely dry, place it into the bowl of oil mixture with a spoon and gently roll.

Take it out when marbled and dry on paper towel.

Other options include using watercolour paint or acrylic paint to make patterns and designs of all sorts.

Don’t forget to wear old clothes or an apron and maybe gloves too, it can get messy.

Easter joy at Blue Lotus

The Blue Lotus Water Garden has teamed up with Mad Hatter Theatrics from Warburton and the Easter Bunny to provide a magical experience for children this coming Easter.

Storybook Eggcellent Egg Hunts - The Easter Bunny and his storybook friends including Alice in Wonderland, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and others will be at the garden to conduct eggcellent Easter hunts on Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Children will be invited to search for artificial eggs to give the Easter Bunny who will swap the artificial eggs for 4 x hen sized chocolate eggs. The egg hunts run for 1 hour approximately and include entertainment by the storybook characters.

For more details and session times, please see below (note: all egg hunt tickets are limited and must be booked online, all sessions are one hour long).

Saturday 30 March

· AM Session: 10.30am

· PM Session: 1pm

· Sunday 31 March

· AM Session: 10.30am

· PM Session: 1pm

· Monday 1 April

· AM Session: 10.30am

· PM Session: 1pm

Face Painting - Lovely Lara, our very talented face painting artist will also be at the gardens each day of the weekend. She charges a small fee for her services.

Dragon Spotto - Being the year of the Dragon, kids will love this activity as they search for different things in the garden including our special dragons. If the children return their pencil after completing the challenge, they will be rewarded with a sweet treat.

Good Friday - The Blue Lotus Water Garden is open from 10am-5pm on Good Friday 29 March. Although there will be no special entertainment for children, all facilities will be open including the Flower Fairy Garden, Ice Cream Shop and our new tree house, the Dragon Spotto activity and Face Painting.

The Gardens at Easter – This Easter we will feature a brand-new attraction. Australia’s largest display of hanging baskets full of thousands of flowers. The display stretches over half a kilometre with 180 baskets containing an amazing array of colourful

begonias and petunias.

The Blue Lotus Water Garden is an ideal destination for families with over 14 acres of stunning lakes, waterfalls and amazing plant exhibits to explore. Thousands of autumn flowers will be on show including the new hanging basket display, the amazing Giant Amazon Waterlily with its huge lily pads and plenty of waterlilies and lotus to see. The gardens also contain fantastic facilities including picnic huts, BBQs, Cafe, Ice Cream Kiosk, Plant Nursery and Giftshops.

Online Bookings Essential – Tickets for the

Storybook Eggcellent Egg Hunts sessions are limited and must be booked online at bluelotus.com.au. Egg hunt tickets are available to purchase for children aged 0-15 years only. All children must be accompanied by an adult with a paid admission ticket. Child Egg hunt tickets include garden admission and entry to one egg hunt session only.

· Adult Ticket: $24.50

· Senior/Pensioner Ticket: $22

· Child Egg Hunt Ticket (must be booked online): $11

The Mad Hatter and Alice from Alice in Wonderland will be making appearances over easter at the Blue Lotus Water Gardens.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Easter egg hunts with the Easter Bunny will also be part of the holiday period.

Preventing low back pain

We’re all familiar with the age-old adage, ‘Prevention is better than the cure’.

Nowhere does this ring truer than in the realm of low back pain.

Treating back pain can be a complex, difficult and frustrating process - so what can you do to protect your back and minimise the likelihood of injury?

First things first, your back needs to be exercised.

Our spine is tough and robust and loves bending, twisting and lifting.

These things don’t hurt your back, they strengthen your back.

Exercising toughens up the muscles, ligaments and discs of your spine and keeps your back agile and flexible.

Healthy living

Ben Croxford

Physiotherapist, Leads the team at Form & Practice Mount Evelyn and Olinda

The opposite of moving - sitting and other prolonged postures - is literally the worst thing you can do for your back.

We live in the age of computers, TVs, office jobs and cars - so it shouldn’t be a surprise that

Picture:ONFILE

Anne Frank exhibition at show at Belgrave Library

“I want to be useful or bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death!... When I write I can shake off all my cares. My sorrow disappears, my spirits are revived! But, and that’s a big question, will I ever be able to write something great, will I ever become a journalist or a writer?”

Anne Frank wrote these words in April 1944.

Four months later, she and her family were arrested by the Gestapo.

She was later transported from Auschwitz to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where she died in early 1945.

She was only 15.

Anne’s diary was first published in the Netherlands in 1947.

Ten years after that, the Anne Frank Foundation was established to protect the 17th-century house in central Amsterdam where Anne and her family hid from Nazi persecution.

Officially opened in 1960, the Anne Frank House has been receiving over 1.2 million visitors from all over the world each year.

The Anne Frank House’s first international travelling exhibition was launched in 1996 and has been displayed in over 3,500 locations in 77 countries.

In Australia, the organisation has been active since 2000 with travelling exhibitions and educational activities.

The current travelling exhibition“Let Me Be Myself – The Life Story of Anne Frank” has been touring Australia since 2013. Designed to highlight the contemporary relevance of Anne’s story, the exhibition explores universal themes such as identity and belonging and encourages visitors to consider the following questions:

· How do you identify yourself? How do others define you?

· What groups do you belong to? How do others categorise you?

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

· What happens if you are not accepted by others? Where does exclusion start?

· What do you know about the struggle against persecution and discrimination?

· How do you respond to stories of Anne Frank and other young people who are the victims of war?

To this reviewer, what remains inspiring today is Anne’s optimism and faith in humanity.

Even in the most difficult of times like hers, where “ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality”, she continued to be hopeful: “It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical.

Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.”

“Although I’m only fourteen, I know quite well what I want. I know who is right and who is wrong. I have my opinions, my own ideas and principles, and although it may sound pretty mad from an adolescent, I feel more of a person than a child. I feel quite independent of anyone.”

“Who would ever think that so much went on in the soul of a young girl?”

“Let Me Be Myself – The Life story of Anne Frank” is now on display at Belgrave Library until April 20. Please, bring yourself and the young people in your family to see the exhibition.

statistics suggest back pain is more prevalent now than it has ever been.

There are lots of forms of exercise that help to prevent back pain.

This can include Pilates, strength training and even walking.

However, research suggests that almost every type of exercise out there can reduce the risk of low back pain!

It’s important to remember that if your back is deconditioned or you have a history of injuries and pain, you do need to be careful and build into new exercise routines safely.

Sometimes it is best to get some guidance in the most appropriate and effective ways to exercise.

CARTOON

The risk of developing back pain is also strongly correlated with being overweight, poor diet and low sleep-quality - suggesting to us that maintaining a healthy lifestyle both significantly prevents and treats low back pain.

So, if you really want to look after your back, get out there and get moving!

Ben Croxford is a Physiotherapist and leads the team at Form and Practice Mt Evelyn, Olinda and Chirnside Park.

His writings explore his favourite health topics, challenge common myths and aim to empower you to take control of your own health.

Find out more at formandpractice.com.au

Rose Glass shatters viewer expectations

Love Lies Bleeding

Starring Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian and Ed Harris

Rated MA15+ 4.5/5

Directed by Rose Glass, Love Lies Bleeding is a surreal, genre-bending romantic thriller.

In 1989, Lou (Kristen Stewart), a gym manager, falls in love with Jackie (Katy O’Brian), an ambitious bodybuilder, but the couple are quickly pulled into a criminal underworld.

Stewart cements her status as an enthralling character actor, and the Amazonian O’Brian balances gentleness and vulnerability with growing rage and a slipping hold on reality.

The droning electronic score enhances the seedy atmosphere, and the camerawork frames the human body as sensual and grotesque – sometimes both at once.

Lou and Jackie’s sweet relationship is stretched to breaking point as good intentions go south and the traumatic past Lou tried to escape reasserts itself.

Love Lies Bleeding grips the viewer with an intensely morally grey landscape – psychopaths showing kindness, a blackmailing manic pixie dream girl, love and cruelty coexisting – and a taut plot that tightens unbearably toward the end.

Love Lies Bleeding’s style has Lynchian

notes, with its vibe of heightened reality, moments of body horror and several scenes that pay clear tribute to BlueVelvet and Lost Highway, but still feels fresh and bold, and Ed Harris’s Lou Sr. is like a subtler, more scheming take on Blue Velvet villain Frank Booth.

In 2024, I described Ana Lily Amirpour’s A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night as the best David Lynch movie that Lynch didn’t make, and Love Lies Bleeding reveals Glass as another worthy successor to Lynch.

Comparing this with 2024’s other lesbian crime caper, Love Lies Bleeding is more macabre and compelling, and Drive-Away Dolls is lighter, brighter and more fun.

A touching but confronting and extremely tense thriller with dashes of horror and dark comedy, Love Lies Bleeding is playing in select Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

BelgraveLibrarywillbehosttoanAnneFrankexhibition.

Bumper pay rise on the way for aged care

By Maeve Bannister and Samantha Lock, AAP Australia’s

aged care workers are celebrating a substantial pay rise after a years-long campaign their union says will usher a “new era of decency and dignity”.

Aged-care workers have showered each other in streamers and struggled to hold back their tears after hearing they would receive a big pay rise to ensure they could carry out their work with the “dignity” older Australians deserve.

About 400,000 workers will receive a wage boost of up to 28 per cent after the Fair Work Commission delivered a landmark decision for the sector.

It comes after nearly four years of fighting since the Health Services Union in 2020 lodged an application for a 25 per cent increase across the board.

“These people aren’t just our friends ... these people are our family,” reporters were told on Friday by Mark Castieau, a retired aged-care chef and one of the original applicants.

Personal carers are set to get an increase between 18.2 and 28.5 per cent, home-care staff will get a rise between 15 and 26 per cent and there will be a 6.8 per cent boost for those involved in support services under the commission’s decision, which was delivered on Friday.

The commission awarded an interim 15 per cent pay rise to direct-care employees at the end of 2022, with the industrial umpire saying this was plainly justified by

work-value reasons.

Since then, the union has continued to push for a comprehensive increase for all staff.

The union’s national president Gerard Hayes said it was a historic improvement for those working in the sector.

“This is an historic improvement that will usher in a new era of decency and dignity in our aged care homes,” he said.

“Dignity comes to aged care, older people will not be treated as commodities.

“This decision will go a long way to ensure that people can age with dignity and people can care for people without going into poverty.”

Mr Hayes said the decision puts many members in a position where they can do one job, as opposed to two or three jobs.

“We will see a lot of people, particularly in regional NSW, start to move out of hospitals into aged care, because they love the work,” he told reporters.

Mr Hayes also acknowledged the significance of the decision for what he describes as an overwhelmingly feminised workforce.

“The average superannuation balance of our women is $18,000 which is just unacceptable ... this will go a long way to changing that,” he said.

The federal government agreed to support the previous, 15 per cent increase for publicly funded facilities, and has backed the push for a further rise.

The commission’s latest decision, which includes the earlier rise, will be finalised after submissions from the interested parties, with the phasing-in schedule still to be decided.

The 15 per cent increase kicked in at the start of the 2023/24 financial year.

The Australia Institute said the aged-care pay decision was a crucial call that would improve the lives of elderly Australians.

“For too long, aged-care work has been undervalued and low paid,” the left-leaning think tank’s policy director Fiona Macdonald said.

“The Fair Work Commission’s decision to award additional pay rises, on top of an interim 15 per cent wage rise, is vital to fixing this.”

Anglicare Australia, Catholic Health Australia, Uniting and the Aged and Community Care Providers Association all called on the government to stand by its commitment to fully fund the rise.

“The federal government must deliver on its commitment to fully fund these wage rises as soon as possible, including any leave entitlements,” Catholic Health director Laura Haylen said.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the government was examining the “lengthy and highly detailed” content of the decision.

“We have committed to provide funding to support increases to award wages made by the Fair Work Commission in this matter and that will help deliver a higher standard of care for older Australians,” he said in a statement.

Embracing Anzac spirit

Victorian students are encouraged to explore how Victorians came together to build the Shrine of Remembrance and other war memorials as part of the 2024 Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize competition.

Veterans minister Natalie Suleyman today announced the opening of the annual award competition which invites students inYears 9 to 12 inVictoria to apply for a unique international study tour opportunity.

“The Spirit of Anzac Prize is a creative way young leaders can reflect on our nation’s history, the sacrifice associated with military service and the unique friendship between Victoria and Türkiye,” Ms Suleyman said.

“I encourage all eligible young Victorians to consider applying for a once-ina-lifetime educational opportunity.”

Students are asked to delve deeper into the essence of the Anzac spirit as they develop their submissions, which can take the form of written pieces, creative works, and digital presentations.

The Prize delivers on the Allan Labor Government’s 2022 election commitment to give 12 young students the opportunity to join a fully funded study tour.

This year, the selected students will embark on an unforgettable journey to battlefields and commemorative sites in Türkiye, retracing the experience of Australian men and women at war on the Gallipoli Peninsula and surrounds.

The Spirit of Anzac Prize also offers students the opportunity to participate in a unique education program that fosters understanding and appreciation for our nation’s Anzac spirit.

Since its inception in 2005, the Spirit of Anzac Prize has supported more than 500 students embark on journeys to significant military and historical sites across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

Applications are open until Monday 29 April.

To apply or find out more visit www. vic.gov.au/premiers-spirit-anzac-prize

55 Rayner Court

The application for the 2024 Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize competition is open.

Picture:

Aged care employees could see an increase of as much as 28 per cent in their salary.

Picture: ON FILE

The Best of France 2.0

By Seth Lukas Hynes

On March 17, the Memorial Hall in Healesville hosted the tenth annual Healesville Mini Film Festival.

Organised by theYarra Ranges Film Society, the Healesville Mini Film Festival consists of a triple-feature of films sharing a director, theme or source culture.

The second French-themed Mini Film Festival (the first was in 2020), The Best of France 2.0 event screened three recent French films to a large, highly-engaged audience.

Full Time (2021), written and directed by Éric Gravel, could be described as a domestic thriller.

The film follows Julie (Laure Calamy, in a Venice Film Festival award-winning performance), a single mother with two children who works as the head maid at an expensive hotel.

Full Time draws extraordinary suspense from the mundane and the familiar sensation of working hard to go nowhere: Julie’s weariness weighs on her as she scrapes by amid cute but exhausting kids, a soul-crushing job, financial woes and transport strikes in the background that jeopardise her current work and any hope of progress. Julie’s struggles are well-developed and build to a heartwrenching climax, and Irène Dresel’s harsh electronic score amplifies the tension.

The audience’s averaged rating for Full Time was 4.1 out of 5, and I gave it a 5.

Driving Madeleine (2022), directed by Christian Carion, is a gentler drama about a stolid taxi driver named Charles (Dany Boon) who drives an old lady with a fascinating past named Madeleine (Line Renaud).

Driving Madeleine is endearing, well-acted and nicely-shot, but unlike the tight, relentless Full Time, Driving Madeleine just doesn’t have much tension, as Charles and Madeleine bond

almost instantly in their easygoing journey.

The hardhitting flashbacks to Madeleine’s traumatic youth are a jarring tonal shift, and while they address the poor state of women’s rights in the mid-twentieth century, they still feel exploitative.

The audience’s average rating for Driving Madeleine was 4.6, but I gave it a more modest 3.

Resembling a discount Mamma Mia with

no musical numbers, Two Tickets to Greece (2022) is an annoying comedy about Blandine (Olivia Cote), a socially-reserved woman who reluctantly goes on a Greek vacation with her old friend Magalie (Laure Calamy, who is unrecognisably vivacious – and obnoxious – from her austere role in Full Time).

Two Tickets to Greece features lively energy and stunning cinematography in vibrant locales, but as an autistic viewer, this film was a squirmingly uncomfortable watch in which

a happy loner is constantly forced into social situations she doesn’t want.

Two Tickets to Greece drew plenty of laughs from the audience, whose average rating was a fairly high 3.9, but I don’t think I laughed once, and gave it a 2.

The films on offer gave diminishing returns in terms of quality, but the Best of France 2.0 Healesville Mini Film Festival was still a very successful event, and I look forward to next year’s Mini Film Festival.

Healesville Mini Film Festival 2024. Picture: SUPPLIED

Old staircase to be gone

By Dongyun Kwon

Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed is looking forward to having a new staircase thanks to the Men’s Shed Funding Program from the State Government.

The Men’s Shed will receive over $7000 as part of the funding program.

Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed president Alan Jones said the grant would help them pay half of the cost to replace the old staircase.

“It’s excellent and we’re wrapped in it,” Mr Jones said.

“It’s given us an opportunity to do something we’ve wanted to do for some years.”

The current staircase is steep and narrow so it is difficult to access for people who are infirm.

“We did put a chair [stairlift] here, but because the staircase was so narrow, that restrict-

ed access to go up and down,” Mr Jones said.

“What we’ve decided to do is to put a wider and a lot less steep staircase in to make it easier for access even for the people who have difficulty.”

There are currently more than 360 communities across Victoria with men’s sheds throughout Victoria.

The Victorian Government has proudly provided 487 grants to Men’s Sheds since 2015.

Carers and volunteers minister Ros Spence said Men’s Sheds provide a welcoming place to learn new skills, contribute to the community and improve mental health and wellbeing.

“These grants help to establish new Men’s Sheds, complete repairs, and make improvements that ensure they are safe, remain fit for purpose, and are accessible to all members,” she said.

The current staircase.

Pictures: DONGYUN KWON

The current staircase is steep and narrow so it is difficult to access for people who are infirm.

No.

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

ACROSS

1 Australian desert (7)

5 Spectacles (7)

9 Filmed information (11)

10 Miriti palm (3)

11 Pot belly (6)

12 Hinged (7)

14 Passionate (4)

15 Attraction (10)

17 Perspicacious (10)

19 Male elephant (4)

20 Electromotive force (7)

22 Flippancy (6)

25 Fall behind (3)

26 Unwanted (11)

28 Defecate (7)

29 Equal; even – (7)

DOWN

1 Team (4)

2 Car-fixers (9)

3 Boy’s name (5)

4 Uncaringness (11)

5 Indian state (3)

6 Whenever (7)

7 Avoid (5)

8 Absence of motion (10)

12 Reporters (11)

13 American theatrical/musical institution (10)

16 Impartial (9)

18 Rubbing out (7)

21 Sound reasoning (5)

23 Piece of poetry (5)

24 Scottish loch (4)

27 Pass away (3)

DECODER

WORDFIT

3 LETTERS ACE ANT APE ARE BEE CAW DNA ELF ERA HOP ICE KEG LOT ODE PER RAG ROE RUM SEC SPY TAR THE USE

9-LETTER WORD

Today’s Aim:

15

words: Excellent

4 LETTERS AYES CREW GLEE ICES IONS KEYS OVAL PEST RATS RIOT ROAR SAYS TARS TROT USES

ALONE ALPHA CACTI CLOVE CORPS CYCLE ENACT ESSAY EVADE GEESE HENCE IRONY ISSUE LADEN MATTE MEDAL PEACE PRIOR RACER RENEW RESET ROBIN ROLES SANER SEARS SIRES SNIDE SPLAT STEMS STEWS STYLE TERSE THOSE TONES UNSET VERVE WARDS WASTE

LETTERS EASIER ERECTS SETTER URGING

LETTERS ADAMANT APPEASE CREMATE IMMENSE OMNIBUS SITUATE

8

No. 177

No. 177

No. 177

PROPERTY

COME HOME TO THAT VIEW EVERY NIGHT

WOW! VIEWS! GRAND 4 BEDROOM HOME

THIS property is absolutely bursting with possibilities!

The grand 1970s build solid brick home is immaculate.

Featuring 4 large bedrooms, each with built in wardrobes, and a large rumpus room or teenagers retreat.

The master bedroom features BIRs, and an ensuite with a double shower and a toilet.

The further 3 bedrooms are serviced by a large family bathroom with a corner spa, shower and separate toilet.

There are two lounge rooms, a formal dining room, and a vast kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a 1200mm Kleenmaid gas stove that is open plan with a dining space.

The home is elegant with high ceilings, and unobstructed private garden and valley views.

There is not even a glimpse of the neighbours!

The home has reverse cycle air heating/ cooling.

There is also a free standing wood fire in the lounge room for cosy nights in.

Externally there is a covered entertaining area overlooking the yard.

The property is currently a commercial

blueberry farm, although being sold not as a going concern, the infrastructure including two cool rooms, extensive shedding, the blue berry plants and associated irrigation set up (approx. 12,000 plants of 12 different varieties), and significant netting system in great condition are all available, some via negotiation to continue this income stream. Or if you would prefer to use these gently undulating acres for another interest then the owners are happy to assist with the removal of some or all of the infrastructure.

There is also a large approx. four-car garage with concrete floor, power and lights with a large storage and workshop area. There is also a great chicken coop and established rose garden. The whole property is beautifully maintained, and features an orchard with a variety of fruit trees.

This property has it all so don’t miss out - CALL TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE INSPECTION

TODAY! Call Karen Peele on 0419 430 950.

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. ●

STORYBOOK SERENITY, SPECTACULAR VIEWS

DISCOVER the allure of this meticulously maintained, storybook home, perched atop a hill with majestic views of the rural landscape in central Emerald. Boasting a flexible floor plan designed for modern family living, the residence spans over 6500m2 , perfectly positioned to capture the stunning vista.

Externally, the homestead exudes the charm of yesteryear, while inside, character meets contemporary with thoughtful modern improvements.

Ideal for families who value space, the floor plan unfolds with 3 separate living areas. A central lounge, complete with a wet bar and fireplace, provides an inviting space for intimate gatherings. The main lounge showcases soaring high ceilings with exposed beams, an abundance of windows, and a private balcony – the perfect spot for your morning coffee as you watch the sunrise.

The tastefully improved, fully equipped kitchen is both functional and stylish, featuring quality stainless steel appliances, a stone benchtop, ample bench, and cupboard space, sure to impress the family chef. The lower level accommodates two bedrooms, a stunning bathroom with a claw foot bath, and a living area – an ideal retreat for younger family members or a versatile home office space.

The private master bedroom is light-filled, offering His and Her’s walk-in robes and a beautifully renovated ensuite. The final bedroom is spacious and includes a built-in robe. Abundant outdoor entertaining spaces, including a stunning rear deck and alfresco area, provide the perfect setting for both entertaining and unwinding.

Features abound with zoned refrigerated cooling and gas heating, coonara, wine cellar, and picturesque views from most rooms. Manicured lawns and exquisite mature species create a picturesque setting, offering ample space for kids and animals to play. A double remote garage, over-height carport for caravan or boat, sealed driveway, and remote gate adds both convenience and privacy.

The prestigious address is as convenient as it is impressive, neighbouring superb properties on acreage, and within walking distance to Emerald Village, schools, parkland, and public transport.

This enchanting storybook home seamlessly blends timeless charm with modern convenience, offering a lifestyle of tranquillity and sophistication in the heart of Emerald. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 49

Contact: Riley Nicholas 0488

FAMILY HAVEN WITH SUPER-SIZED HOME

THIS

and

along with a family

areas.

a unique blend of timber, stone, and vibrant colours, this home exudes character and charm. The centrally located kitchen provides ample bench and cupboard space, overlooking a sizable rumpus room and adjacent dining area, perfect for effortless entertaining.

The

and a spacious family room that leads out to a vast undercover outdoor space, fully enclosed making it safe for children and pets and ideal for those big family gatherings. A further decking area with a shade sail offers a retreat for warmer days, complete with an outdoor bar for the ultimate in entertaining. The property also offers the convenience of dual access, ample off street parking, including space for larger vehicles, under house storage, and a substantial garage/workshop with power and a concrete floor.

With a myriad of features, this home is sure to meet the needs of all family members and is a must see for discerning buyers. l

Address:

Description:

Contact:

• Twocontiguoustitlescomprisingatotal landareaof32ha*(80ac*),offeredfor saleasawholeorasseparateproperties

• Versatilebreedingplatformequally suitedforcattle,sheep,orequine pursuits

• Perennialgrass&cloverpastureswith fertilesoiltypes

• 6ML*waterentitlementaswellas frontagetotheMcRaeCreek

• Reliableannualrainfall(915mm*)&ideal climaticconditions

• Improvementsincludeafour-bedroom cedarwoodhomestead,shed& undercovercarport

• Located10km*fromWooriYallock, 20km*fromHealesville&50km*from Melbourne

• OriginalownershipofTibooburraAngus Stud&Vineyard

PeterBalharrie

CHOOSE PARADISE IN MT TOOLEBEWONG

VERY rarely does a property with this much allure open its doors. Located on tightly held Mount Toolebewong, this property of approx. 88 acres (with approx. 4 acres cleared) provides character home and log cabin in the most magical setting, a decades-old established garden, and the seclusion of the bush, all a mere 10 minutes from the Healesville township.

Main House

The home of timber, shiplap construction has been thoughtfully renovated and entirely repainted. It provides 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with wraparound verandas and a balcony from which to soak in the morning and afternoon sunlight. The gorgeous character kitchen is equipped with both wood and gas stoves for your pleasure. This home absolutely oozes old world charm.

Studio – The Simple Life Cabin

You must experience this warm inviting space: it carries an aura of comfort and calm that is owed in part to tasteful decor, and also its redgum sleeper construction. The cabin is a successful bed and breakfast, and a Top 5 Riparide escape, with 485 stays hosted, and an annual turnover of $82,000 (gross as at 2023). With these credentials, the Cabin has been featured on Tourism Australia’s website for Top Tiny Stays and is a major asset for the enterprising buyer. Features include claw foot bath, kitchenette and timber floors.

The property is a handbook in selfsufficiency, at a time when homesteading is ascendant. Enjoy enclosed vegetable gardens, securely fenced for poultry, and a solar panel system with back-up batteries and generator. Mount Toolebewong provides fresh spring water to the home, and completes the self-sufficiency offering for those looking at reducing their environmental footprint and enhancing their way of life. This is your chance to secure a home that provides the ultimate privacy and seclusion every day of the year. Whether you are an artist or creative, passionate about living on the land, or seeking the perfect weekender or B and B investment, we guarantee 139 Nyora Road will deliver on your aspirations. Text 139NYORA to 0448 820 022 for more information. l

Address: 139 Nyora Road, MOUNT TOOLEBEWONG

Contact: Rob Verhagen phone: 0448 820 022, email:

MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE WITH INTEGRITY

Integrity Real Estate is a family-owned real estate agency servicing the Yarra Valley, Kinglake Ranges and surrounds. Our team draws on over 70 years real estate experience to provide premium property services, with unmatched personal service that only a family company can provide.

UNASSUMING ELEGANCE IN GREAT SPOT

PROUDLY positioned and perfectly presented, this charming home oozes character and charm from the moment you arrive. Boasting multiple living areas, stunning views and space for everyone in the family, this home provides the lifestyle and atmosphere you’ve been searching for!

The lounge room, adorned with floor-toceiling windows, offers a breathtaking view and a comforting warmth emanating from the beautiful fireplace. The well-appointed kitchen, boasting stainless steel appliances, overlooks the meals and family area, creating a harmonious flow with spacious living zones just a step away.

The master bedroom is a haven of comfort, featuring a beautifully renovated ensuite and a walk-in robe. Four additional bedrooms are thoughtfully positioned in close proximity to central bathrooms on both floors, ensuring convenience and practicality for the entire household.

The outdoor space is nothing short of breathtaking, with a fantastic alfresco zone surrounded by well-kept lawn and enhanced privacy courtesy of a meticulously designed garden. This outdoor oasis includes a fabulous deck and meandering pathways, creating cosy pockets to relax and unwind. The home is equipped with comprehensive features, including gas ducted heating, split system air-conditioning, and ceiling fans throughout. The property has sealed drive access from Menin Rd with a double remote garage, workshop and multiple storage spaces adds practicality to this charming abode.

Conveniently situated within an easy stroll to Monbulk shops and the Aquatic Centre, as well as Monbulk Primary School and Monbulk Secondary College, this residence also offers easy access to buses heading to Belgrave and Lilydale stations. Key features include a stunning outdoor area, beautiful decked living space, spacious entertaining areas for gatherings, and efficient heating and cooling systems. Experience the perfect

54

49

4

510

2

2

BEAUTIFUL HOME, BEAUTIFUL LOCATION

IF you are looking to either expand your portfolio, or begin the journey to financial freedom through property, then you absolutely cannot pass this gem up. Complete with the dream tenants who love this home as their own, you have the security of a 12 month lease (or longer if you like).

Alternatively, if you want a home for yourself, to love and enjoy for years to come, provided you have the ability to purchase with a view to moving in after January 2025, then please call me to inspect.

Indulge in the epitome of effortless living with this impeccably presented threebedroom home, poised for you to seamlessly transition into a lifestyle of unparalleled comfort. Revel in the timeless elegance of the split-level design, featuring cathedral ceilings that accentuate the flexible floor plan with two distinct living zones, each offering breathtaking valley views.

Bask in the natural light that bathes the living areas, creating a warm ambiance complemented by a well-appointed kitchen boasting modern amenities, including a dishwasher, ample cupboard space, and a convenient breakfast counter. The three robed bedrooms, including a master with direct access to the spacious main bathroom, ensure both style and functionality.

Nestled on the sun-drenched side of the street, this residence comes complete with a front deck offering a perfect spot to soak up the sun, and a secure private yard at the rear – an idyllic haven for both children and pets. Additional features encompass a single carport, gas ducted heating, a sizable storage shed at the rear, and a host of other premium inclusions.

Conveniently located within a short stroll to local shops, bus stops, and the picturesque Warburton Trail, this home invites you to experience the perfect blend of modern living and natural beauty. Envision yourself on the sunny front deck, daydreaming about the moments you’ll soon create in your new abode.

Please call to discuss and arrange a private inspection of this gorgeous home. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 18 Carroll Street, WOORI YALLOCK Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 garage Price: $600,000-$660,000 Inspect: By appointment

Contact: Samantha Price 0438 795 190, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION. 5967 1277

8AzaleaCourt,Warburton

$600,000-$650,000

Quietcourtlivingwithmountainviews Ifquietcourtliving,northfacing,sunny,andneatas apinhomearewhatisonyourbuyingcriteria, thenlooknofurther.Offering 2bedrooms,themainbedroomishugewithgenerousbuilt-inrobes andneutraltonesthroughoutwithlargewindowstoadmireyoursurrounds.Theloungeroomislovely andsunfilled,certainlytakingthemountainviewsforyoutoabsorbyourselfin.LuxuryVinylwood flooringthroughoutgive amodernfeelandlookwhilebeingconvenient.Thekitchenisquality timberthathasbeentastefullyupdatedandallowsenoughroomfora diningtablealso.Updated bathroom,plentyofstoragethroughout,and agreatlaundrywithcupboardsgalore.Outsideisa wellmaintainedyeteasygardentotinkeraroundin.Carportwithdirectentrytothehome,anda gorgeousverandatocompleteyourdayandtakeinallofyournaturalbeautythatsurroundsyou.

RebeccaDoolan

M 0401832068

Inspection:

Fri5:00-5:30pm

2 A 1 B 1 C

22HilltopCourt,YarraJunction

$540,000-$570,000

Charminghomebeautifullypresented Thischarminghomeisbeautifullypresentedinsideandoutandissuretopleasetheminuteyou arrive.Situatedina quiet,peacefulspotsurroundedbybushlandyetjustminuteswalktoYarra Junctionsshoppinghub,schoolsandtransport.Thehomeoffers 2greatsizebedroomsbothwith builtinrobes, aseparatedining/mealsandlounge/livingareasofferplentyofspaceandplenty ofroomtomove.Thekitcheniswellappointedandhasplentyofbenchandcupboardspace. Outsideboastsa coveredentertainingareaplusbeautifullandscapedgardensallaroundthe homewith astunningarrayoffloweringplants,shrubsandtreesplus agardenshedandamplecar accommodationandextraparkingspace.A beautifulhomeina greatlocationwithnothingtodo butrelaxandenjoythecolorful,picturesquesurrounds.

DavidCarroll M 0419539320

Inspection:

Sat10:00-10:30am

2 A 1 B 1 C

8CallopStreet,EastWarburton$500,000-$550,000 RebeccaDoolan

Escapetoyourserenetreehouseretreatnestledalongthetranquilriverbanks. Ifyouyearntowakeuptonature’schoirandthegentlemelodyoftheflowingriver,thenlookno further.Situatedjust abrief10minutedrivefromthevibranttownshipofWarburton,,withtheYarra Rivermeanderingbyyourdoorstep,thisisanopportunityyouwon’twanttoletslipaway.Offering comfortandconvenience,thiscozyhomefeaturestwobedrooms, awellappointedbathroom,and anopenplankitchen,dining,andloungeareawithoriginalcharm.A woodburningfireplacestands readytocastitswarmglowonchillyevenings,whilethediningareaspillsoutontoa charmingdeck, invitingyoutobaskinthegreatoutdoorsandsavourthecrispcountryair. Agenerousundercover areaandcarportroundoutthisidylliccountrysideretreat,ensuringeveryaspectofyourescapeis seamlesslycateredfor.

50GlenwrightAvenue,WooriYallock $630,000-$690,000

Brilliantbuyinginsoughtafterlocation

Stepinto ahomethateffortlesslycombinesconvenience,familycomfort,and atouchofstyle. Nestledina fantasticlocation,just aleisurelystrollawayfromtheWarburtontrail,localvillage shops,parks,school,andpublictransport,thispropertyis awinninginvestmentinbothconvenience andconnectivity.Inside,discoverthreegenerouslysizedbedrooms,eachequippedwithbuilt-in robes.Themodernkitchenoffersamplebenchandstoragespaceandseamlesslyconnectstothe adjacentmealsarea,providingflowtoyouroutdooroasisforenjoyableentertaining.Thefamily bathroomis aretreatinitself,featuring aluxurioustubfor asoothingsoak,floor-to-ceilingtiling,and abright,airyambiance.Thetandemcarportensuresampleparkingspaceforyourvehicles.Withits perfectblendofpracticality,comfort,andstyle,don’tmissoutonthisopportunitytomakeityours!

SamanthaPrice M 0438795190

Inspection: ByAppointment

3 A 1 B 2 C

“THE PENTHOUSE”- TRANQUIL GETAWAY

WITH breathtaking Million Dollar views that stretch out all the way to Arthur’s Seat and Port Philip Bay this property really gives you a warm welcoming homey feel that makes you never want to leave.

A private tranquil getaway located in one of the best pockets of the Dandenong Ranges with a vast amount of natural sunlight throughout.

Comprising of 3 good size bedrooms all with robing, 2 bright and beautifully presented bathrooms one with jacuzzi soaker tub, modern kitchen with gas appliances, spacious soft close draws, plenty of storage space, stone bench tops and dishwasher which seamlessly flows

onto a generous dining area and large living area opening up onto the deck with amazing views.

Features include recently upgraded ducted heating, x2 split systems, great sized fully fenced back yard with outdoor entertaining area offering plenty of potential and incredible views from the south facing deck which includes many sightings of colourful birds flying past and incredible sunsets in the backdrop.

Set in a great location being within 5 min from Upwey Township, Upwey Train Station, Glenfern Valley Bushlands, Upwey South Primary, Upwey Primary and Upwey High School. ●

8TosariRoad,KALORAMA

$395,000Asking

Thisparceloflandoffers agenerous5,241sqm(approx.)ofspacetosetyourpropertyplans inmotion(STCA).Theperfectplacefor anewpicturesqueHillshome,thisenticingblockis anopportunitynottobemissed.Planyourviewingtoday.

SuzieBrannelly

M 0490506910| E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

2/1468BurwoodHighway,UPWEY

2 A 1 B 1 C

ThiscontemporaryhomeintheheartofUpweyistheperfectfindinthispicturesquesuburb. Withfewfreestandingunitsinthearea,thisdelightfulpropertyistheidealinvestment. Situatedinanexclusivepocketofonly 3homes,thispropertyisimmediatelymemorable. Thetimelessweatherboardexteriorwithsinglegarageandcoveredentryevokes awarm andwelcomingfeel.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

Whetheryouarea firsttimehomebuyeroraninvestorsearchingfortheidealenhancement ofyourpropertyportfolio,thisunittickstheboxesof abrilliantinvestment.Offeringaneasy-

RachelEastwood

97546888

1689BurwoodHighway,BelgraveVIC3160

www.chandlerandco.com.au office@chandlerandco.com.au

THEBEENAK CEMETERY TRUST

Trust member positions

Are you interested in making a meaningful contribution to your community, learning new skills and preserving local history for future generations?

The Beenak Cemetery Trust is seeking volunteer trust members. In this role you will gain hands-on experience in managing a public cemetery and valuable governance skills as a member of a public board. Free governance training is provided.

Who should apply?

Applications are welcome from community members with a range of skills and experiences including administration, committees, and groundskeeping. Women and people from diverse backgrounds are actively encouraged to seek appointment. Current trust members whose terms of appointment are due to expire are welcome to apply for reappointment.

What it means to be a Victorian cemetery trust member

Cemetery trust members are appointed by the Governor in Council for a term of up to five years on the recommendation of the Minister for Health. Cemetery trusts are responsible for the management of public cemeteries, including planning for future cemetery services for their communities. More information about the role is available at <https://www.health.vic. gov.au/cemeteries-and-crematoria/class-bcemetery-trust-appointments>.

How to register your interest

Simply contact the Beenak Cemetery Trust as follows within two weeks of the date of this advertisement:

The Beenak Cemetery Trust contact details:

0403 239 888

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We encourage applications from people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and from lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, intersex and queer people. The trust will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

F40794

Backing local sport clubs

By Mikayla van Loon

Since opening in 2020 The Sporting Globe Chirnside Park has been a major supporter of grassroots sport, providing thousands of dollars worth of monetary support.

Sponsoring clubs locally like Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park, as well as further afield like Silvan, Wandin and Healesville, the playing groups have this year received over $100,000.

Franchisees Eloise Wallace and Dave Sinclair each grew up around sport and have now found a love in providing for community sports clubs and their players.

“Dave and I have both grown up in the Yarra Valley so we’re local and we’ve been involved in sports all our lives and this is a really good chance for us to be able to give back to the Community,” Eloise said.

“We are really proud and passionate about sponsoring local grassroots sports teams and being engaged with our local communities.”

Over the three years, at least 30 clubs across football, cricket, basketball, soccer, netball, gridiron and rugby have been sponsored in some way.

“They’re sponsored with a combination of cash and vouchers. The vouchers are a good way to engage the clubs and players,” Eloise said.

“The clubs use the vouchers as they wish, from players’ performance awards to prizes for club fundraising raffles.

“Every year we have ticked over the $100,000 mark in sponsorship, so we’re well over $300,000 to-date.”

For Chirnside Park Cricket Club president Michael McDonnell having a venue so accommodating of the club’s functions has made a huge difference to camaraderie.

Announcements

BROOKS

Bob

Longtime Yarra Junction resident Bob Brooks passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Saturday the 9th of March.

After 45 years in Settlement Road, he had spent the last 5 years of his life at Karinya Village until the final month of his life.

Bob loved people and the community in the Upper Yarra district. His funeral will be held at 11am Wednesday 20 March at Killara Estate, Sunnyside Road, Seville East. A light lunch will follow the service.

Bob would want you to be careful turning off the Warby Highway into Sunnyside Road at the top of the hill.

“We do team selections here sometimes through season, out of season and even just regular weekend sessions to get the boys or even the girls in the women’s team together,” he said.

“Even the parents of the junior teams come down just to hang out, catch up.

It’s good for bonding rather than being in the club rooms.”

Mooroolbark Football Club has also been majorly supported by The Sporting Globe, now reciprocating the support by having the logo on the team jumpers.

“So them jumping on board, our partnership and relationship has really got bigger, which is great for any sporting club to have that backing from them and they want to be a part of our club as well,” Mooroolbark FC copresident Craig Pretty said.

But also being financially assisted, Craig said, has helped both the junior and senior clubs provide the essentials to play the game they love.

“Financially it helps us and it goes towards the players, it goes towards the juniors, it goes towards helping with equipment for the juniors and seniors,” he said.

“So really it’s giving us more money to be able to spend on those sorts of things as well.”

While some sponsorships have supplied new equipment, over at Chirnside Park Junior Football Club, president Marcus Robinson said it has helped establish new programs to better care for players.

“It also goes towards programs that we’re running. We’re running a new one this year around suicide prevention. So we’re going to get some third parties in,” he said.

“So it’s some vocational pieces around that and also some education around cyber bullying. That’s something the funds from The Sporting Globe have helped us to reach out to the community, not just the football club but for siblings and parents, the whole footprint.”

As a combined Chirnside Park Football Netball Club, Marcus said “we’re really pushing the boundaries because it’s a lot more than just football [or netball]” and the club has been working on providing programs for all ages.

“Football is a lot bigger than just kicking a ball around on Saturday or Sunday. So we really want to have that community ethos and get everyone involved and have a safe place for our junior players and our senior players.”

Chirnside Park Cricket Club president Michael McDonnell, The Sporting Globe franchise manager Eloise Wallace, Wandin Netball Club representatives, Mooroolbark Football Club president Craig Pretty and Chirnside Park Junior Football Club president Marcus Robinson. 394811 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Bowls wraps up

By Garry Lewis

Warburton Bowls Club held its Presentation Night on Friday evening at the Clubrooms with a good crowd in attendance. Following a delicious roast meal the following awards were presented to the winners of each Intra Club event.

2023 Winter Competition:

· Singles 21 Up- Rayna Zunneberg

· Winter Pairs- Noel Donohue and Max Reynolds.

2023/2024 Summer Competition-

· George Saker 100 Up- Fred Wagenaar

· President’s Handicap- Rhys Doughty-Cowell, Minor Champion- Clint Muratore

· Club Pairs Champions- Christopher Lord and Steven Lord

· Ladies’ Singles Champion- Rayna Zunneberg, Runner Up- Madisyn Nicolandos

· Men’s Singles Champion- Chris Neale, Runner Up- Christopher Lord

· Most Improved- Madisyn Nicolandos

Good luck to Rayna Zunneberg and Chris Neale as they represent the Burras in the Eastern Ranges Bowls Region Champion of Champions event.

Club President, Tony Van Meurs, then presented the Best Club Person Award to relatively new members, Aimee Dostie and Mat Stoessiger, in recognition of their outstanding contribution towards the club this past season.

The Club’s Annual General Meeting will be held in the clubrooms on Friday April 19 at 7pm.

Following the success of the recent Bingo Nights leading up to the Barefoot Bowls, another series of four Bingo Nights will commence from Wednesday March 20 at the Warburton Bowls Club, Warburton Recreation Reserve. Eyes down at 7pm. Clubrooms open from 6.30pm. Great prizes and lots of fun. Ev-

eryone is welcome to attend.

Social Bowls continues to be played on Mondays from 12 midday with everyone including new and beginning players encouraged to attend. Come along and give

Bowls a try.

Finally, theWarburton Bowls Club sincerely thanks the Upper Yarra Star Mail Newspaper for supporting the Burras and local community sport during the past season.

Galloping fun across the weekend

By Anita Prowse

Perfect weather for all the equestrian fun in the Valley on the weekend.

Pheonix Riding Club held their Dressage Jackpot at Wesburn Park on Sunday.

Jackpot winners were –

· Advanced – Jodie Barton on Rockfield’s Choccolata from Macclesfield ARC

· Level 1 – Mandy Edwards on San Sassy from Yarra Glen ARC

· Level 2 – Kathryn Bavaro on Bloomfield Vivante from Bunyip EC

· Level 3 – Aleesha Whitelock on Thorwood New Orleans from Upper Yarra ARC

· Level 4 – Kimberly Cochrane on Golden Goal from Pheonix RC

· Level 5 – Janet Fry on Hollywood Sweet So-

phia from Gembrook RC

· Walk/trot – Sandra Mayes on Barboa from Pheonix RC.

Well done competitors, sponsors and the Pheonix RC committee and members for running a really great event. Working Equitation at Shirley Heights next Sunday promises to be worth a look if anyone is looking for something to do.

Heating up at the club

By Ron Hottes

The V.V.V’s: no event this week due to the public holiday.

Wednesday 13 March, Stableford:

Andy Lockey is a popular local member. Lately, he has been battling somewhat with a health issue, so many members were very pleased to see that Andy has hit a rich vein of golfing form. This good form culminated in Andy winning this day’s event with a crackin’ round netting him 39 points. Good job, Andy. It wasn’t a clear-cut win though, as a countback was needed to separate Andy from Josh Hin, who also posted a 39-point round. Josh had to be content with the runnerup voucher. Balls got down to 36, which by the way, meant your Loyal Scribe got a rare one. NTPs were taken home by Tex Van Der Kooi (3rd), Chris Fall (5th again), and Neil‘Mr. Scotland’ Leckerby for both the 9th and the 12th.

Twilight:

With top Ten positions hotting up for about 20+ regular Twilighters, a win on the night is like gold right now. Hitting a gold vein on this night was Rob Ferguson, who amassed an impressive 21 points to put him into serious calculations for the Shootout. This week’s runner-up was the Club Skipper, Ray Gilmore, who posted a 20-point round. Good work, Mr. Happy. Balls reached down to 19 points only. There were only 2 NTP recipients because talented young gun Angus Hall took home two of them (1st and 3rd.) The NTP for the 9th was won by Pacey Luttgens, another promising youngster. The full listing of the TopTen who qualify for the April 4Shootout will be published in two weeks time.

Saturday 16 March, Stableford:

Pleasant weather greeted the field this time, making for some pleasant results. The overall best score on the day was attributed to Lee Creedy who recorded a neat 37 points for the A-Grade prize. Lee won this on a countback from Clinton Toohey who had to be content with the runner-up voucher. The B-Grade voucher was taken home by Stuart Patrick recording a 36-point round. Stuart also won on a countback from Peter Whitehead. Interestingly, balls only reached 35 in A-Grade, but went all the way down to 31 in B-Grade. The NTP winners on the day were Clint Toohey ( a double whammy on the 3rd and the 5th), Sam Dennis (9th), Tim McKail (12th) and Shane ‘Bomber’ Campbell (15th).

Chris Neale after receiving his Men’s Singles Champion Award at the recent Presentation Night. Picture: SUPPLIED

Perfect weather for riding.

Pleasant weather greeted Warburton golfers. Picture: ON FILE

Wandin cricketers suffer defeat

By Bryce Edwards

Wandin U14s vs Yarra Glen - written by

David Marshall

Wandin’s U14 team met Yarra Glen at home for the Grand Final, but unfortunately, it was not Wandin’s day. Losing the toss and being put into bat, Wandin’s bats struggled to form a meaningful partnership together with tight bowling from Yarra Glen having the Doggies on the back foot from the very start. At the top of the order, the only shining light was Tyler Seeger making a well-controlled 42 off 45 balls. Will Johnson (8) and Kai Lowrie (13) tried their best at the bottom order to put some runs on the board however Wandin was only able to muster up 9 for 100 at the end of the first half of their innings.

Wandin’s bowlers tried their best to contain Yarra Glen’s batters but they were able to consolidate their strong position, losing only one wicket, to finish their first half of their innings only 13 runs behind. Continuing their innings on the second day, Yarra Glen was able to put the foot down and finish with a strong total of 5 for 182. Wickets were spread around the Wandin bowlers. Wandin came back in for the second half of their innings but with only 1 wicket in hand, it was going to be a tough ask and before too long,Wandin lost its last wicket and finished 103.

Congratulations to Yarra Glen for a strong all-round performance. To the Wandin U14s boys, congratulations on a wonderful season –you should all be proud of your efforts. Each and every one of you had improved significantly and the future is bright at the Wandin Cricket Club, with the juniors now filtering into the senior teams.

Wandin Cricket Club would like to express gratitude to all involved in our Junior teams, including the coaches, committee, parents and most importantly all the boys and girls. The club eagerly anticipates further development next year and continuing to expand our teams in all areas.

Wandin 2nd XI v Healsville 2nd XI - written by

Rick Painter

With a grand final birth on offer, day one would see Healesville win the toss and elect to bat first.

Healesville openers B Damrow (34) and M Wallace(41) would lay a solid foundation before J Galvin would take two quick wickets to have Healesville 2/50. With Wandin bowling

well but not being able to dismiss J Heywood (90), Healesville built partnerships through the middle order and gave hthemselves a healthy total of 9/284 after their 80 overs with Galvin, Trembath and Jason Kneebone being the pick of the bowlers.

On day two, Wandin would lose two wickets early before partnerships between D Marshall (73) and J Galvin and then with captain R Painter (49) would see Wandin with a chance of victory if they could up the run rate and consolidate wickets. Good contributions from D Trembath (36) and Jason Kneebone (22*) would see Wandin be competitive but fall 45 runs short of the target. B Damrow 4/52 would be the chief destroyer for Healesville.

All though it would be a disappointing end to the season for Wandin on the field, the club finds itself in a great position where it’s growing, with a lot of kids coming through the ranks and a lot of great things happening off-field, it’s exciting times ahead for this proud club.

Wandin Womens vs Kilsyth in the Grand Final

This week the Wandin women’s cricket team

took on top of the ladder Kilsyth.

Wandin won the toss and elected to bat first, unfortunately for the women they did not get off to their usual good start. Wickets quickly fell and the women were 6/17.

Jaquie Lowrie went in for Wandin and did a fantastic job, retiring on 20 and getting the women to finish the 30 overs.

Wandin ended their batting innings on 63, it was going to be a big challenge to defend this but the ladies were up for the challenge.

Wandin bowlers did their job really well, Olivia Edwards and Tangi Clancy took a wicket each.

Unfortunately, Kilsyth chased down the runs in the 15th over and got the win.

Although Wandin didn’t get the win, the club could not be more proud of the women for getting this far in the season.

In the two years the team has been playing they have made a semi-final and now a grand final.

The Wandin women are only growing and improving and are ready to take on the 24/25 season.

One Healesville side remains in the hunt

By Chris Handasyde

Seniors 1st XI: Semi Final - Healesville 154 defeated by East Ringwood 8/156 Playing at East Ringwood, Healesville lost the toss and was sent into bat. A horror start had openers Tom Handasyde and Mark Powell sitting back in the pavilion for ducks. This situation got worse as the top 5 batters all got out cheaply with the score on a measly 5/22. Luke Chandler and Rod Woodford started a rebuild but Rod joined his team mates in the pavilion on 10 and the score was 6/45. Kris Anderson and Luke Chandler put on 56 and got the score to 101 before Kris was out for 33. Luke was batting well but running out of partners as the tail fought on for a long as possible before they were knocked over for 154 with Luke Chandler remaining not out on 60. With 23 overs remaining on day 1, Healesville needed early wickets and an early wicket to Rod Woodford and Mitch Tampaline had East Ringwood 2/9. They steadied to be 2/35 overnight. Needing to bowl them out, Healesville struggled to get the third wicket but Rod Woodford captured an LBW that had them 3/60 which then turned into 5/70 real quick. A 38-run partnership followed by a 43-run partnership got them to 7/151. Another wicket and East Ringwood were nervous at 8/151. However, the lack of runs proved the difference as East Ringwood passed Healesville and knocked the Bloods out of the finals, though the side fought hard and never gave up which was pleasing.

Seniors 2nd XI: Semi Final - Healesville 9/284 defeated Wandin 238

Healesville batted first and got off to a solid start with Brenton Damrow 34 and Max Wallace 38. Jonny Heywood showed his class with 90 and the same safe reliable batting from Ben Wallace 17, Scott Fawdry 26, Darcy English 27 ensured partnerships were built and the score continued to build. Some good late hitting from Tom Dalley 23* off 21 balls who was well supported by Brodie Grace 6* with the 2 putting on 30 runs and lasting to the 80 over mark gave Healesville a decent score to defend. Tom Dalley and Jack Drummond opened the bowl-

Celebration round

By Jamie Strudley

The final round of athletics action for Yarra Ranges’ Little Athletics club members, celebration round, was an opportunity for parents to join in the fun. Our little athletics athletes thrived on the chance to beat mum and/or dad in their running, jumping and throwing events.

There was plenty of encouragement from around the track and undoubtedly sore bodies afterwards. The level of laughter, smiles and friendly banter was fun to see and hear.

Next weekend is the presentation morning for our little athletics athletes. Check emails and socials for the schedule.

Carolyn Rosenbrock continued her fine run of form this summer taking out theVictoria Masters 3000m track walk title, recording 16.43.96. Carolyn also took out the 1500m walk in 8.09.99

Ash Almond had a big weekend at the Masters championships. Competing in the 30-34 age group, Ash took gold in Hammer (24.99m), Javelin (48.11m) and 110 Hurdles (22.22) and silver in High Jump (1.45m) and Discus (29.75m).

Jared Byrne and Max Savill-Bentley competed in the Wangaratta Marathon. Max finishing fourth in a smart 2 hours 47.32 minutes, Jared in 5th running 2 hours 51.37.

We had six athletes competing at the final Vic Milers event for the season. Zoe Clarke chased hard over 800m to record 2.21.53. Kristina Nackovski had one of her best runs of the season to record 2.34.43. Pete Nackovski and Craig Hewitson went head to head in the opening 800m race of the evening, Pete running 2.20.6 and Craig 2.31.9.

Brigette Rice returned to racing over 1500m running 4.50.66 while Harry Norman ran a solid 3.51.23 in the Men’s A race.

Cross country training for under 12yo’s will start up on Tuesday evenings in April, enjoy the rest! Seniors training (13yo plus) is on Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability. Go to www.lavic.com.au or www. athsvic.org.au or email info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au for information about events and registration. Cross Country is coming!

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

ing and both captured a wicket to haveWandin 2/33. Some good partnerships from Wandin were offset by tight run-restricting bowling and the odd wicket which kept the advantage to Healesville. Brenton Damrow captured 4/52 from 21 overs and 6 other bowlers all got a wicket each as we bowled Wandin out for 238. This has now booked Healesville into the Grand Final versus St Andrews next week.

Junior Presentation Night – Friday 22 March

5.30pm at Queens Park

Senior Presentation Night – Friday 19 April

6pm at Healesville RSL

Wandin’s U14 grand finalists.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Under 11s little athletes competed against their parents in the final round of the season. Picture: SUPPLED

Healesville Cricket Club results. Picture: ON FILE

Adelaide

Hawthorn

Sydney

Western

Richmond