Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 26th March 2024

Ms Barasford said at her

she feels as though she really cares for the young, especially those affected by

“I’m hoping that for me to do this is in support of anyone who goes through cancer or has been touched by cancer, that we, the older generation, want a better place for you,” she said. “I haven’t seen many older women do it, I don’t know why, but I hope that by doing it I can encourage some other older people to do it too.”

Ms Barasford is now sporting a number three all over, courtesy of the Induldge and Pamper Me salon inWarburton.

Turn to page 11 for the full story

Permit debacle

By Mikayla Van Loon

After just four months of being introduced, facilitators of the container deposit scheme (CDS) in the Yarra Ranges were fearful of being shut down or fined for lack of a council approved permit.

Having received a phone call from Yarra

Ranges Council, before also receiving a letter, a local newsagency was given 10 days to apply for a permit or be shut down.

“I got my lawyer to send a letter back and we haven’t received a reply back. It’s been two weeks,” the owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said.

Similarly, owner of the LittleYarra Free Range

Egg Farm, in Launching Place, Glenn Gemmill said he was also asked to produce a permit.

“I passed it over to Visy to deal with it because they told us we didn’t need a permit. So, at the moment, I don’t know what’s going on. We’re still continuing on as normal but I haven’t heard back from Visy or the council,” he said.

Mr Gemmill said he was told by Visy they were “in discussions with the council and continue on as normal”.

The newsagency’s owner said they believe it was a misunderstanding of the rules set out under the State Government that led to this request of a permit.

Continued page 7

The broken gate can wait, until it can’t.

Livestock is the second highest killer on farms – we all know cattle can be unpredictable.

So while it may seem like a job that’ll take longer to get the tools out than do, one small repair could save a life.

Understand your responsibilities with safety around cattle at worksafe.vic.gov.au/livestock It’s never you, until it is.

Scan for farm safety support.

Local crime spike

By Dongyun Kwon

The Crime Statistics Agency has released its annual crime data for 2023, showing that criminal incidents rose in theYarra Ranges and Knox for the first time over the last few years.

The Yarra Ranges continued to drop in the number of criminal incidents in 2021 and 2022 while Knox dropped three years consecutively from 2020 to 2022.

In the Yarra Ranges, the total criminal incidents rose by 2.2 per cent compared to the previous year.

The most common criminal incident in the Yarra Ranges was breaching family violence orders, which slightly dropped to 475 incidents compared to 493 the previous year.

Family violence dropped 6.3 per cent compared to the previous year, with 1933 total family incidents.

An average of 1,217 family incidents per 100,000 people in the Yarra Ranges was below the Victorian average of 1,384.7.

Women were almost 2.5 times more likely to experience family violence, with 1386 being the affected family member compared to 545 men.

The top five hot spots in the Yarra Ranges saw 852 incidents in Lilydale (down from 918), 650 in Mooroolbark (down from 679), 478 in Chirnside Park (up from 381), 382 in Kilsyth (up from 341) and 329 in Healesville (up from 300).

Crime in the Yarra Ranges was most likely to occur at houses, slightly dropping to 1714 incidents compared to 1728 in 2022.

In Knox, total criminal incidents rose by 14.4 per cent compared to that of 2022.

The most common criminal incident in Knox was stealing from a motor vehicle, which rose to 941 incidents compared to 598 the previous year.

Family violence rose 4.1 per cent compared to the previous year, with 2009 total family incidents.

The average of 1,248.5 family incidents per 100,000 people in Knox was below the Victorian average of 1,384.7.

Women were almost three times more likely to experience family violence, with 1484 being the affected family member compared to 524 men.

The top five hot spots in Knox saw 1303 incidents in Boronia (up from 1170), 1279 in Ferntree Gully (up from 1113), 1221 in Wantirna South (up from 931), 1209 in Rowville (up from 964) and 789 in Bayswater (up from 760).

Crime in Knox was also most likely to occur at houses, rising to 2081 incidents compared to 1843 in 2022.

There were 523,523 criminal offences recorded in Victoria in the 2023 calendar year, representing an increase of 40,351 offences or 8.4 per cent from 2022.

In a statement, Victoria Police deputy commissioner regional operations Neil Paterson APM said crime in Victoria has gradually increased over the past few years asVictorian life has returned to normality post pandemic.

“When population is considered, Victoria pleasingly still has its third lowest crime rate at any point over the past decade – ahead of only 2022 and the Covid-marred 2021,” he said.

“While this is positive, that doesn’t mean there aren’t areas of concern.”

One of the crimes that has challenged Victoria Police is child offending in recent years.

Overall child and youth offenders aged 10 to 24 were responsible for 47,511 incidents, an increase of 13.8 per cent year-on-year.

Victoria Police continue to hold the young offenders accountable, with youth gang members targeted as part of Operation Alliance as well as young burglars and car thieves continually arrested and put before the courts under Operation Trinity.

These operations have led to over 5,000 combined arrests over the last year, with Operation Trinity alone leading to the arrest of almost four burglars and car thieves every day, the vast majority of children.

Mr Paterson said child offending remains a real challenge for police and a significant driver of serious and violent crime in Victoria.

“Much of the child and youth offending we’re seeing is mindless and driven by the pursuit of notoriety or social media likes. This is highlighted by the fact that police recovered 94 per cent of vehicles stolen during aggravated burglaries as part of Operation Trinity – cars stolen purely for joy riding and no financial gain,” he said.

“When interviewed, offenders are telling us they will walk up and down a street until they find a door or window that is unlocked. Our intelligence supports this, with over half of all homes burgled in key hotspots unlocked.

“While police will continue to patrol known hotspots every evening until dawn as part of Trinity, we are also calling on the community to play their part and lock their properties and cars.”

Three-vehicle collision on Maroondah Highway

Emergency services attended a three-vehicle collision on Friday 22 March.

The incident happened on Maroondah Highway, Narbethong at around 10.27am. A CFA spokesperson said four CFA units responded to the incident.

“Four CFA units responded from Marysville, Buxton and Narbethong alongside SES,“ they said.

“No occupants were trapped on scene.

“Ambulance Victoria was on scene to treat people for injuries and Victoria Police was also on scene.“

“One person was transported by road to Maroondah Hospital,“ an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.

The incident was deemed under control at 10.46am and declared safe at 10.56am. Due to the incident, the Maroondah Highway was closed to traffic in both directions through the Black Spur, between Healesville and Narbethong under the control of Victoria Police and was re-opened just before 1pm.

Vehicle accident in Coldstream

Coldstream CFA responded to a washaway as a result of an accident on the corner of Maddens Lane and Maroondah Highway in Coldstream at around 9.39am on Saturday 23 March.

The incident involved two motor vehicles.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said two people were treated for injuries.

“A woman in her 20s was transported by road to Maroondah Hospital in a stable condition with an upper body injury,“ they said.

“The other woman in her 20s was transported by road to Maroondah Hospital in a stable condition with a lower body injury.“

The incident was deemed under control at 10am and declared safe at 10.10am.

Man injured after crash

Local emergency services responded to a motor vehicle incident at Hazel Crescent, Healesville at around 5.56pm on Saturday 23 March.

The incident involved a vehicle that was on the side of the road. It required towing to bring it back onto the road. Three units responded from Healesville and Badger Creek alongside SES. A man in his 60s suffered upper body injuries and was taken in a stable condition to Maroondah Hospital.

The incident was declared safe at 6.10pm.

Mercedes Benz issues two recalls Two recalls in the same week for different issues have seen almost 7000 Mercedes Benz models recalled.

4837 GLE and GLS (model series 167) with a year range of 2019 to 2023 have been recalled due to a software issue in the transmission control module. The transmission may not downshift under certain conditions and could result in a sudden loss of engine power.

1983 Certain, AMG GT, C-Class, E-Class, SClass, SL, CLE, EQE, EQS models from 2023 to 2024 have also been recalled due to defect affecting the fuse box.

Due to a manufacturing defect, vehicle management systems connected to the fuse box may fail. If this occurs, it may lead to a sudden loss of motive power and/or a vehicle fire.

Owners of affected vehicles should contact their nearest authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership.

Criminal incidents increased in the Yarra Ranges and the Knox in 2023.

Picture: ON FILE

Green wedge protections

By Callum Ludwig

Protecting the Yarra Ranges agricultural sector will be a priority for the Victorian Government’s GreenWedge and Agricultural Land Action Plan.

The plan will outline and preserve green wedges and agricultural land on the outskirts of Melbourne.

It will also aim to protect the state’s food supply, cultural heritage sites, water catchments, conservation areas and quarries while setting the framework to allow for the growing population of the city.

“From our iconic wine regions to market gardens, our green wedges contribute not only to our economy but make Melbourne one of the best cities in the world to call home,” said Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny.

“More housing doesn’t have to come at the expense of our green wedges – that’s why we’re providing better permanent protection for these areas against over-development.”

The plan has set out 20 actions related to setting tighter controls, protecting the ‘food bowl’, planning for future farming and securing the right to farm while also allowing for smarter land use and stronger protections.

The ‘food bowl’ around the fringes of Melbourne currently supplies 41 per cent of the state’s food needs, including 80 per cent of vegetables, but without action, it could shrink to 18 per cent by the 2050s, according to the findings of the Foodprint Melbourne project in 2016.

To protect the food bowl, theVictorian Government is going to implement a new planning scheme overlay to protect key irrigated agricultural areas (including developing crite-

ria to guide it), explore opportunities for water authorities to share their views on planning permits in areas with a current or planned recycled water supply and develop a new regional policy to preserve futures opportunities for agricultural irrigation.

Protecting future farming in fringe areas relatively close to the city like the Yarra Ranges is also a priority, with agricultural policy set to be updated to protect agricultural land within 100km of Melbourne and developing a Planning Practice Note to better guide councils in assessing planning permit applications in agricultural areas.

The ‘agent of change’ principle will be expanded with the 100km around Melbourne and making the permit applicant responsible for mitigating impacts of agricultural operations with sensitive uses to protect the right to farm, including updating the Planning Policy

Framework to encourage ‘appropriate siting, design and scale’ of these uses in the 100km zone.

More updates to policy will be put in place to implement stronger protections;

Planning Practice Note 31 ‘Preparing a Green Wedge Management Plan’ will be updated to better direct green wedge planning locally,

Planning policy will be updated to emphasise the ‘non-urban values, purpose and character’ of green wedges,

A new Planning Practice Note will be developed for urban-rural interface areas like the Yarra Ranges to manage land use pressures and permanent growth.

To make smarter use of the land in the outskirts of Melbourne, planning decision guidelines and application requirements will be up-

dated for green wedge zones, a pilot program carrying out mandatory site coverage, setbacks and building heights for discretionary uses in green wedge zones will be tested and the plan will try to increase flexibility to allow for primary production and farm gate sales.

In tightening controls, new data centres in the Green Wedge Zone, Green Wedge A Zone and the Rural Conservation Zone and subdivision of small lots below the minimum lot size in some areas of the 100km zone will be prohibited, new conditions will be put in place for exhibition centres, group accommodation and hotels in green wedge zones, connections between host farm accommodation and operating agricultural properties will be encouraged and strengthened, a new permit trigger for soil dumping (clean fill) will be implemented and a new land use term for ‘community hall’ will be adopted.

All 20 actions through the plan are expected to be implemented in either the short (within the first year) or medium term (within three years) of the plan being released.

Director of Planning and Sustainable Futures at Yarra Ranges Council Kath McClusky said council officers are currently reviewing the actions in the State Government’s Green Wedge Management Plan.

“The Department of Transport and Planning has advised that there will be further opportunities for council to provide input into how the actions are implemented,” she said.

“From an initial review, the actions don’t appear to address some key issues affecting the Yarra Ranges Green Wedge including seasonal workers’ accommodation, small second dwellings, earthworks and the future of nonagricultural land uses.”

Almost all Operation Sandon recommendations ‘adopted’

By Callum Ludwig

TheVictorian Government has taken the first step in response to the July 2023 Operation Sandon report from the Independent Broadbased Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), which was sparked by allegations of corrupt conduct involving City of Casey councillors and a property developer.

The State Government has accepted 32 of IBAC’s 34 recommendations either in full or in principle, with one accepted in part.

“Victorians deserve to have trust in the state’s planning system, and we’re accepting these recommendations as part of our work to make sure good decisions are made faster – and more transparently,” said Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny.

A review of the Planning and Environment Act announced as part of last year’s Housing Statement is anticipated to update the guidelines for councils to streamline and strengthen decision-making criteria as well as tighten anti-corruption measures.

Tel:

32

“Victorians rightly have high expectations of their local councillors, and these changes will support councillors to serve the interests of their communities,” Minister for Local

Government Melissa Horne.

An Inter-departmental Taskforce is set to be created, chaired by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and also featuring senior representatives from the Department of Transport and Planning, Department of Government Services, Victorian Public Sector Commission, Local Government Inspectorate and the Victorian Electoral Commission. The Taskforce will report back on any findings within 18 months.

Reforms of the Local Government Act announced in November 2023 are also set to include mandatory training for elected representatives (including on conflicts of interest), introduce a Councillor Code of Conduct across the state and strengthen the powers of the Minister for Local Government to address councillor conduct.

“Yarra Ranges Council takes governance and Councillor training responsibilities seriously and supports any measures that contribute to strengthening governance practices and Council decision making across

Victoria,” said Yarra Ranges Council CEO Tammi Rose.”

“We are currently considering all the Sandon recommendations.”

Other IBAC recommendations include:

· Local Government Victoria developing a Model Transparency Policy and ensuring it and Model Governance Rules are clear on the importance of open government and deliberation

· Updating Model Governance Rules to expressly prohibit councillors voting ‘en bloc’ (all at the same time) at meetings and require meeting minutes to state the names of councillors who spoke on a motion and voted for or against it

· Implement a requirement for councillors to undertake mid-term refresher training on governance, leadership, and integrity

· Removing statutory planning responsibilities from councillors and instead introducing determinative planning panels where a local council would have been the responsible authority.

of IBAC’s 34 Operation Sandon recommendations have been adopted in full or in-principle.

Tighter protections for agricultural land will be implemented as part of the Green Wedge and Agricultural Land Action Plan.

Picture: ON FILE

THE SOAKED BUT SO WHAT BIT

Op shop woes

By Callum Ludwig

A concerning rise in the number of community op shops having shut down or facing closure has arisen in theYarra Ranges and beyond, despite op and thrift shopping becoming an ever more popular pastime.

Close to home, Anglicare’s Anglicare’s Treasure Chest Op Shop in Lilydale closed from 30 June 2023, the Tecoma PWP Op Shop closed in September 2023 before being revived by a passionate local from the Basin, the Coldstream Op Shop closed for two months from January this year before new owners were able to take the reins and the Golden Opportunity Shop in Wandin North is facing closure currently without someone new to look after it.

Declining volunteer numbers, ageing volunteer populations and rising operational costs have all been cited as reasons behind the struggles.

Associate Professor Craig Furneaux leads the team at the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (ACPNS) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) which researches and teaches philanthropy, nonprofit and social enterprise skills to people across Australia.

Assoc Prof Furneaux said charity retail and op shops have been around for decades as a way for people in the community to give and for charities to channel revenue to important needs.

“The beneficiaries range from local to international causes and from animals to environments to people. There are thousands of outlets and many more volunteers, and some paid staff in larger organisations,” he said.

“Op shops facilitate in-kind giving and that’s critical to Australian philanthropy, not everyone can or wants to give cash, or they might want to help in as many ways as they can so want to donate goods as well as cash to their favourite cause or community.”

In-kind giving is the act of donating or contributing something other than me and can take the form of voluntary labour like that of the volunteers of op shops or donated goods, such as the items given to and sold in op shops themselves.

The ACPNS was commissioned by the Australian Government in 2016 to conduct the ‘Giving Australia’ paper, considered to be the largest research effort into philanthropy in order ‘to understand how, why and how much Australians give to charity.’

In the research, the ACPNS heard from focus groups and in interviews that in-kind giving and goods-based donations were perceived to achieve ‘100 per cent potential benefit’ compared to cash donations where scepticism remained about how much money actually made it people in need and provided a way to give for those who couldn’t financially.

Assoc Prof Furneaux said op shops have always been important for people on tight funds, however they are also increasingly popular with people who purchase to resell or ‘flip’ items.

“The rise of the circular economy, with the mantra of ‘recycle, reuse, refurbish repurpose

to reduce waste’, has raised the awareness of how to achieve more sustainable consumption,” he said.

“In this way, Op Shops greatly reduce environmental impact of goods which would otherwise just be sent to the local council tip. Vintage shopping and being able to affordably dress in style are also drivers here.”

Some larger organisations have also pulled out of or reduced the number of op shops they operate: Vision Australia pulled out of operating op shops in late 2019 into early 2020, Doncare has closed op shops at locations across the state since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and Animal Aid last week had to close their Lakes Entrance location.

Assoc Prof Furneaux said that there’s a range of reasons why op shops may close.

“Some organisations have not fully recovered from the pandemic which affected faceto-face activities – such as volunteering – so there may be a lack of volunteers. Volunteers are often very enthusiastic but may lack the skills required to function effectively in a retail environment such as an op shop.” he said.

“The nature of volunteering itself is also shifting with the rise in episodic volunteering, rather than long term volunteering; and commitment to a cause, rather than to a single organisation. Additionally, while volunteers are not paid, they need to be recruited, trained, supported and supervised which is a cost the charity needs to meet,”

“Finally, not all donated goods are of a quality which can be re-sold, and there is a cost involved in ensuring items for sale are clean, functional and priced in a way which represents good value. Goods which don’t meet these criteria still need to be disposed of.”

No clarity on scheme permit

From page 1

“When they set up the scheme for recycling containers, there’s a clause in this that if you are adding an extra service to your portfolio, which as an authorised newsagency, I’m adding an extra service for the community. I do not need a permit,” they said.

“But if I’m opening a brand new centre, just doing 100 per cent recycling of the containers then I do require a building permit for that.”

Taking it to State Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence, she advocated on behalf of the drop off point locations in parliament question time on 7 March.

“These small business operators are doing a wonderful service for our community, and residents want to do the right thing to support these businesses, clean up our environment and recycle cans and bottles using the scheme,” she said. “The government must ensure that the container deposit locations in our community are not cancelled or fined byYarra Ranges Council.”

Both Mr Gemmill and the Newsagency have seen overwhelming interest in the container deposit scheme.

“It’s extremely popular. I’ve had to turn people down because we don’t have enough space to take more in.That’s why I said to the council you should be working with me not against me,” the Newsagency owner said.

While seeing tens of thousands of containers dropped off every week, Mr Gemmill said luckily with bulker bags on hand, even when the bins are full, the Farm can still take more.

“We were doing five days a week at the start…but it was too much for us, we were losing track of the other parts of the business, the eggs and the strawberries,” he said. “We’ve cut down to three days a week, and we’re still doing over 60,000 items a week. 20,000 a day sometimes, it’s insane.”

Visy would not comment on the permit situation but said it has been evident the Yarra Ranges community is very supportive of the scheme, so it would work with the council for the best outcome.

“We’re thrilled at the community’s response to the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme across the Yarra Ranges,” Visy general manager CDSTim O’Donnell said. “The community has really embraced CDS Vic as a great way to further support charities, schools, community and sporting groups.

“We’re working collaboratively with the council to provide even more locations for the community to return their bottles, earn some money and clean up the environment.” As a drop off point and local resident, the newsagency owner said the benefits have been noticeable.

“Communities are supporting it 100 per cent because even if you look from Wandin toWarburton, you won’t find any cans on the side of the road, it’s all cleaned up.

“Kids are picking them up and bringing themtous.Wepaythemincashasareward.”

For now, the CDS at both locations remains the same.

Yarra Ranges Council was contacted for comment.

The Anglicare Treasure Chest Op Shop in Lilydale shut permanently in mid-2023.

Pictures: ON FILE

The PWP Op Shop in Tecoma was almost shut down in 2023.

The Golden Opportunity Shop in Wandin North is currently under the threat of closure.

Two businesses facilitating the container deposit scheme in the Yarra Ranges were asked to produce a permit or be shutdown.

Picture: ON FILE

Improving visitor habitat

By Callum Ludwig

Benwerren is benefiting from some good oldfashioned hard yakka, courtesy of Habitat for Humanity volunteers.

Thirteen days’ worth of volunteer work has helped finish a number of projects around the site all with the end goal of making the stay at Benwerren as comfortable as possible for everyone who passes through.

Benwerren chief executive officer Nichole Kelly said the efforts of the volunteers are huge for Benwerren and it is amazing the number of projects that they’ve been able to achieve and work through.

“Some of them have been on our wish list for years and years like the shade sail out the front and the retaining wall down to the river we’ve dreamed about, so it’s so exciting to see them come to fruition,” she said.

“It creates a more comfortable and safe environment, with the shade sail shading kids from the sun and the pathway that they’ve built making it safer to get down to the river, but what it also does is encourage people to be outside and enjoy the beautiful surrounds that we have here at Benwerren,”

“That just lends itself then to people being able to really rest, relax and recover by being in the outdoors.”

The volunteer effort is part of Habitat for Humanity’s Brush with Kindness volunteer program in an effort to provide practical support to women and children in need for International Women’s Day which was held at the start of March.

Volunteer Program Supervisor at Habitat for Humanity Brad Thexton said they get a lot of personal satisfaction out of it knowing what they are working on will help other people.

“The whole riverbank was overgrown with shrubs and blackberries and weeds and it hadn’t had any maintenance for a long time so we’ve taken all that back just to try and reinstate the path and the sensory garden for the

people that are staying here,” he said.

“We’re also doing a little bit of restoration on some of the kids’ play equipment, generally weak what they want done and they can give us a list of in priority and we chip away at it as best as we possibly can,”

“Often when you are working a full-time job or a normal job if you want to volunteer or you want to contribute to the community somehow it can be hard because of work so being able to incorporate that and have a job where people can help is really good.”

Habitat for Humanity’s corporate partners include Peninsular Shades, BGIS, the Commonwealth Games Committee, Core Logic, ICON, Jetcharge, LeavePlus, Partridge, Seymour Whyte, Wells Fargo, Morgans and Turner and Townsend; all of which contributed to the 40-person group of volunteers who visited the

site at some point to help out.

Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s executive director Phillip Curtis said they have been working with Benwerren since 2020.

“This was an opportunity to put in a more concentrated effort, make a much bigger difference and get some jobs done to improve the amenity and ambience of the facility,” he said.

“It’s such a peaceful place out there and to be able to maximise the use of the environment, I just think it gives everyone a boost.”

Weeding and mulching of the garden beds, fire prevention work, clearing debris and tidying up the entrance were also all on the list for volunteers and all materials were either provided by Habitat for Humanity or from other donations such as the mulch coming from someone who stayed at Benwerren in their childhood.

Horticultural netting grants now available

Applications are open for up to $150,000 to install horticultural netting over established production areas, excluding wine grapes.

The program now includes a self-installation allowance if you wish to self-install netting.

For more information and to apply visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/netting

This program is delivered by the Victorian Government on behalf of the Australian Government.

Mr Curtis said Habitat for Humanity is all about helping people have a decent place to live.

“Whether it’s offering them the opportunity to partner with us to build a new home or it’s working with a refuge and improving the conditions there for the residents or working with individuals who can’t maintain their property, we want to be able to go in and make a handson difference with a team of volunteers,” he said.

“We get a win for the organisation, we get a win for the volunteers who feel that they’ve made a difference through their hard work and contribution, and we also feel that we’ve made a difference for those we’ve helped.”

Habitat for Humanity volunteers hard at work. 396430

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Benwerren CEO Nichole Kelly (left) with Habitat for Humanity volunteers. 396430

Habitat for Humanity volunteers working to create a new pathway down to the river. 396430

Advocating for the youth

By Mikayla van Loon

Homelessness organisations from around the country, including Lilydales’s Anchor, travelled to Canberra last week to call for funding to provide housing for young people.

The Foyer Foundation led the charge, asking the Federal Government to support the building of 10 new youth foyer accommodation facilities, requesting $184 million in the upcoming budget.

Anchor chief executive officer Heidi Tucker visited the Australian capital on 18 and 19 March as part of a consortium of 13 community organisations known as FoyerInvest.

“[The] Lilydale Youth Foyer is operating at maximum capacity [of] 12 young people. A new foyer will help support up to 25-30 more young people,” she said.

“That would be a fantastic increase in our ability to support young people experiencing homelessness or who don’t have a stable homelife.”

The proposal seeks to build 40-bed units in places experiencing high rates of youth homelessness across the country.

Lilydale, in the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 census, found that 488 young people were experiencing homelessness across the outer east.

Foyer Foundation chief executive officer Liz Cameron-Smith said despite common beliefs, young people, under the age of 24, actually make up a majority of those who are homeless, equating to 40 per cent of the homeless population across Australia.

“There are too many young people being forced to couch surf, live in cars, in overcrowded or unsafe homes or even on the streets,” Ms Cameron-Smith said.

“Foyers are a proven solution that gives young people who are ready to learn and earn a way out of homelessness.

Although the current proposal only requests funding for 10 Foyers, Ms Cameron-Smith said there are more communities that have been identified as needing this type of accommodation.

“Our partners have identified 16 communities in regional, remote and metropolitan places where a Foyer would make a significant difference to the lives of the young people and their communities.

“An investment of $184 million in this budget will mean we can get to work on delivering

10 more Foyers.”

Ms Tucker confirmed there has been a high demand of support being sought by young people in the outer east, saying two to three are turned away each week from accessing accommodation because the Foyer is full.

“Young people can stay in their Foyer property for up to two years, so vacancy in the program doesn’t become available all that often,” she said.

“We also know there are plenty of young people who will be perfect for this program but aren’t actively seeking out services relevant to them. Young people who live in Healesville and Warburton, are unlikely to leave their area and present to services in Lilydale, or Ringwood.”

Foyer accommodation provides young people aged 16 to 21, who are willing to engage in their own growth and development, as well as community, with education, employment and overall well-being support.

Ms Tucker said it’s about “lifting aspirations of both young people who have experienced disadvantage and those around them” while focusing on their “strengths and talents”.

“The Lilydale Youth Foyer is a safe, secure and affordable setting to live and study, where young people are also concurrently supported as part of the program to develop their skills, independence, and resources needed to achieve their personal goals,” Ms Tucker said.

This has been evidenced by some of the current residents living and thriving at the Lilydale Youth Foyer.

For Connor, who moved around a lot with his dad prior to moving into the Foyer, it was a scary but rewarding change that has helped him achieve goals he never thought possible.

“The Lilydale Youth Foyer is very welcoming. At first you feel awkward because you don’t know anybody. When you move around a lot... you don’t know if you can trust someone, or if they are going to be nice. But it’s been really easy to make friends here,” he said.

“I finished Year 12 and have got the skills to be able to live sustainably. My goal is to find work that helps me to live comfortably. I don’t have to make millions. Just be able to pay my way and live to the best of my abilities.”

While the responsibility is quite big, signing a lease to live at the Foyer and requirement to engage in education or work, Ommy said, “I was excited from the start because I knew I had an opportunity to be somewhere safe.”

Many of the young people who find support within the Foyer have experienced unstable beginnings and potential trauma, whether it be from moving around from place to place or disengagement from school.

“Some of our current Foyer students have experienced rough sleeping or living in tents. Couch surfing is very common. For many, the

experience of uncertainty, constant upheaval and moving from motels and temporary accommodation with parents is common,” Ms Tucker said.

“It’s no surprise that young people living like this might struggle to be able to engage in school, or transition into the workforce in an easy way.

“What is most impressive and heroic about these young people is the determination and motivation we see in them to improve their own situation, and their excitement in reconnecting with education or training once they achieve a certain level of safety and stability in a program like Foyer.”

A Foyer Foundation report called Under One Roof found that for every dollar invested in the Youth Foyer program, it generated an additional $6 in benefits and modelling found 65 per cent of young people in a Foyer were in employment on exit, reducing the need for welfare by $47,330 per person.

“Our housing and support system is operating well beyond capacity. Two in three young people seeking medium-term housing support are turned away.Youth Foyers address this gap,” Ms Cameron-Smith said.

“This not only benefits each young person, it also has positive impacts for their families, communities and our economy.”

Ms Tucker said Foyers have evidenced based research to prove the worth they provide to communities but with tens of thousands of young people without permanent housing, more is still needed.

“There are an estimated 40,000 unaccompanied children and young people in homelessness each year in Australia without their families,” she said.

“For those young people with serious drug and alcohol issues and perhaps involvement with the justice system, Foyer provides a positive next step that delivers stability and hope while recovering from these challenges…but they are not for everyone.

“Yarra Ranges is also without any youth refuge or supported crisis accommodation.Young people are getting pushed further and further into the city to get much needed accommodation. This causes further instability and hardship in a young person from theYarra Ranges.”

The Federal Government budget is expected in May.

Empublishment Project students prepare for launch

By Callum Ludwig

The newly-published Upper Yarra Secondary College (UYSC) students who participated in the Empublishment Project held the public launch of their book on Saturday 23 March at theWarburton Arts Centre.

Prior to the launch of their book ‘Vignette: A Collection of Short Stories by Young Writers of the Yarra Valley’, some of the students shared what they got out of the journey towards being published.

Year 8 student Joe said when he first saw the Empublishment Project, he thought it would just be a short course that taught them a bit about writing, they’d write a couple of stories and then it would be over.

“I didn’t expect to go on for so long, that’d be a whole eight months of writing a full story that would turn into a whole book, which was pretty exciting to find out,” he said.

“It feels like it (the book launch) has come so quickly because the past eight months have felt so fast personally and I’m just really excited that my family gets to come and see what I’ve done over these months,”

“I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys or wants to learn more about writing because it just gives you so many skills that you can put into your work, like learning about world-building and discovering what’s happening around characters which I felt was a really good skill.”

The program was initially planned as a twelve-week writing course but due to popular demand and the momentum and enthusiasm the students brought to the table, it grew into the eight-month passion project it has become.

Year 10 student Steven said he’d always been more interested in maths and science and chose to do the course for something different.

“I thought it would be interesting to do something more creative like a writing course and whale it was a bit stressful at times, it was very fun and rewarding,” he said.

“I learned about how to create more interesting characters in character development because I recall stories that I’ve written in the past and the characters were pretty one dimensional and none of the characters in my story were super fleshed out and deep so t I think I learned a lot in that area,”

“(Facilitator) Phoebe is awesome, she’s very fun and very smart and I cannot believe how much stuff she gets done and how much

she taught us and helped us out.”

Students delved into a variety of genres in the eleven stories that feature in the book, including fantasy, sci-fi and speculative fiction in dystopian and post-apocalyptic settings.

Year 10 student Jack said it feels like they’ve accomplished something really great, especially for their age.

“On the other hand, it feels really surreal and it’s something I don’t think any of us thought we would have done,” he said.

“If I had one tip for any future students doing the Empublishment Project would be to come up with a storyline or a timeline and then work really hard around that because the editing process was hard.”

Some of the storylines include a princess seeking a peaceful way to end the rule of a ty-

rant, a queer girl in a fantasy world who learns appearances can be deceiving, runaway princes and thieves team up in a changedhistory adventure, a girl made of clouds learns how to fall, teenagers escape from a government compound in a post-apocalyptic and try to save their friends from body-stealing AI and many more.

Year 9 students Hayley and Ariel wrote a story together and Hayley said it was called The Runaways.

“It was about two sisters who got adopted into an abusive household by an old cranky guy named Greg and then they decided that they were going to escape,” she said.

“They make a whole plan and then they run away and the whole story is based on all the challenges they face trying to get away safely,”

“I’d recommend it because people that write stories generally don’t work on them for super long times when they’re our age, they usually just write them for fun so this teaches you how to be committed to one story and it makes you think about editing and character development and using different strategies.”

The project has been so popular that students are continuing with a ‘Write Club’ to held at the Yarra Junction Library from Term 2 onwards, where they held a number of extra afternoon sessions already as well as their time at school. Year 10 student Anika also wanted to thank facilitator Phoebe Lines for all her help and work to help them.

Year 8 students Minna and Alice, Year 9 student Finn (who is homeschooled but came along to join the sessions) and Year 10 students Margherita, Minka and Maddie also participated in the program.

All the ‘Empublished’ students with Phoebe Lines (back middle) and Sophie Farinacci ( back right).

Picture: KATE BAKER

Lilydale Youth Foyer residents have found stability and friendship. Picture: SUPPLIED

Every ride helps SES

By Dongyun Kwon

A local business will be making regular donations to the Healesville SES.

Yarra Valley Rides director Scott Bennett reached out to Healesville SES controller Andrew Worley, explaining he wanted to give some of the profits back to the community.

“I was looking at different organisations and charities,” he said.

“The Healesville SES, they don’t seem to get a lot of funding.

“I follow them on Facebook and they have done a great job lately with all the floods and the bushfires and rescue, so I reached out to them to help them.”

Yarra Valley Rides will donate $1 per every Yarra Valley Rides booking to the SES Healesville Unit.

“At the end of every month, I’ll give them a sum of $1 for every booking we do,” Mr Ben-

nett said.

“The first donation will be at the end of this month and it will run continuously until one day I close my business.”

Yarra Valley Rides has been providing transport services for eight years from private transfers and wedding transfers toYarraValley tours.

Mr Worley said the donation was a good idea to support emergency services.

“The donation will be put towards muchneeded rescue equipment and vehicles,” he said.

“Every year, SES units are only provided with a small amount of funding through the government but unfortunately that only covers running costs.

“So, units have to fundraise and seek donations and apply for grants for equipment, vehicles and facilities improvements.”

Preparing for bushfire and using a defibrillator

By Dongyun Kwon Badger Creek CFA had a

special open day on Sunday 17 March.

The brigade opened its station and hosted two events for community members, one was the defibrillator information session and the other was the bushfire information session.

It recently installed a defibrillator at the front of the station for community use thanks to funding from Healesville Bendigo Bank.

Badger Creek CFA captain Mike Thomas said some part of the funding was a component of educating people about the use of the defibrillator and that was the reason why the brigade decided to host a special event.

“The opportunity was given for people to come along on Sunday morning to see what the defibrillator was all about and where its location was,” he said.

“The other part was about bushfire awareness, things about how we can get our properties prepared in the case of bushfires.

“It’s always a good time to think about preparing our properties and ourselves for bushfires so that we can build resiliency to the community.”

The event started at 11am and finished at 1pm with about 15 people from the community coming along.

John Bolton from District 13 CFA came to the event and held the bushfire information session.

“He’s a specialist and trained. He has got all the up-to-date information about bush-

Pictures: SUPPLIED

fires,” Mr Thomas said.

“We’d like to see our community become resilient and this was our way of doing that.”

CPR

Bushfire

Yarra Valley Rides will donate $1 per every Yarra Valley Rides booking to the SES Healesville Unit. Picture: SUPPIED

It’s all gone for a cause

By Callum Ludwig

A Warburton resident is sporting a new look in support of the World’s Greatest Shave.

70-year-oldWendy Barasford shaved off her hair to show support for the initiative, which has run for 26 years and raised over $300 million for blood cancer research.

Ms Barasford said at her age, she feels as though she really cares for the young, especially those affected by cancer.

“I’m hoping that for me to do this is in support of anyone who goes through cancer or has been touched by cancer, that we, the older generation, want a better place for you,” she said.

“I haven’t seen many older women do it, I don’t know why, but I hope that by doing it I can encourage some other older people to do it too.”

Ms Barasford is now sporting a number three all over, courtesy of the Induldge and Pamper Me salon in Warburton.

Ms Barasford said she felt like she had to do something about it for all the people she knows who have had cancer and for everyone who will.

“I’ve been touched by cancer, my husband just had cancer because it came back two years ago and I had a friend just die because of it,” she said.

“I have three grandsons, they’re 18, 11 and 5 and we’re so grateful and one day I hope cancer isn’t a word they have to think about,”

“One thing that really struck me was when I visited a friend in Millgrove who is in her 50s and we spoke about cancer because she has terminal cancer, and what struck me the most was when she looked me in the eyes and said ‘I am dying, Wendy, I am actually dying and there is no cure’ and there was nothing to left to say.”

The Leukaemia Foundation which runs

the World’s Greatest Shave shared that over 140,000 Australian families are affected by blood cancer right now, with 16 Australians

being killed by the disease every day.

What did Ms Barasford think of her new trim?

“I feel great and it looks alright, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, I’ve done it and I’m really happy about it,” she said.

Hit a trail, try a class: Time to get moving for Active April

By Mikayla van Loon

The cooler temperatures of autumn may be showing up but health organisations across the Yarra Ranges are encouraging people this April to not let that stop them from getting active.

The joint collaboration between Inspiro, Eastern Health, Belgravia Leisure, Yarra Ranges Council and Reclink will see free activities, free class passes and other events hosted throughout the month of April to get people up and about.

“We want to encourage people in the community to be active in whatever way suits them,” Inspiro health promotion officer Megan McInerney said.

“So whether that is just exploring a local trail or taking the kids to the park, whatever works for them, we just want to encourage the community to move a little bit more and explore the beautiful Yarra Ranges.”

From walking groups, to pop up volleyball and a soccer clinic, as well as special dance inspired library storytimes, a variety of facilitated options means hopefully there’s something for everyone.

Monbulk Aquatic Centre access and inclusion coordinator Ruby Southam said ensuring there’s programs for all ages and abilities was a key part and was the reason for offering the soccer clinic.

“So that will be looking at people from eight years old, up until maybe mid teens. There’s two coaches and it’s just for one event and one day during the school holidays,” she said.

“We’ve done two in the previous school holidays and we’re looking at a partnership with Monbulk Soccer Club, to do an all abilities soccer program in the future. So it’s like a stepping stone and keeping the interest in the area for kids to get into soccer.”

Inclusivity is also a major focus for Reclink’s volleyball program, trying to provide an accessible activity for young people.

“Yarra Ranges youth who want to access sports and active recreation face barriers

such as lack of transport, insufficient social support, financial constraints, and fear of being judged or bullied,” Reclink’s Anthea Merson said.

“Reclink runs inclusive, fun activities to support Yarra Ranges young people to be more physically active. We’re excited to be part of Active April, partnering with awesome organisations to get more people having fun and physically active.”

There will be a beach volleyball session at Lillydale Lake and an indoor volleyball clinic at Yarra Centre through the two week school break.

If getting to an in-person session is not possible, Reclink will also be providing online classes in things like yoga, pilates, zumba and tai chi.

“Then there’s some activities people can do on their own. We’ve got some nature walk treasure hunt activity sheets that families can download from the web page,” Megan said.

“We’ve got an Active April pass, so it’s a free pass for Monbulk Aquatic Centre or Yarra Centre for a free swim, gym or group

fitness class.”

Ruby said the group classes across the two centres may be limited depending on availability but people are still encouraged to try out a session or access the gym and pool to get a feel for the place.

“It’s just to get a general grasp of what a class is like and get a different feel for it. They do also get access to the pool if they want it or the gym, so it’s just getting familiar with the environment,” she said.

“Trying a new environment they haven’t before can be daunting or just coming for a swim in the holidays because I think that appeals to a lot of kids or families.”

Trying to promote “being active across the lifespan”, Megan said Active April is also about changing the perception of what being active means.

“There’s a whole range of ways you can be active, you don’t need to be going for a run to be active. You can be gardening to be active, you can be taking your grandkids to the playground to be active. Throwing a ball to the dog can be active,” she said.

“So just dispelling the thought of OK physical activity has to be this big thing. It doesn’t, it’s just moving your body.”

And while getting active in April is positive, health promotion officer from Eastern Health, Casey Dykes, said longevity of active behaviour is always the goal.

“Health promotion always tries to bring that sustainability lens, how can we create ongoing sustained changes?,” she said.

“If someone comes to a one off event, that’s awesome, and we’re so grateful for that, but if we can get people coming back or they try something with us once and then they go into it in the community beyond that point, it’s like a waterfall effect that we’re looking to have.”

Check out all the ways to get involved and active in April by visiting inspiro.org.au/ news/inspiro-is-encouraging-everyone-inthe-community-to-get-active-in-the-yarraranges-during-april/

The passes, activity worksheets and an event calendar of all the activities can be found here.

Inspiro’s Megan McInerney, Belgravia Leisure’s Sandra Kelly, Monbulk Aquatic Centre’s Ruby Southam and Eastern Health’s Casey Dykes are working together to bring Active April to the Yarra Ranges.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Wendy Barasford (front) with hairdresser Melissa and owner Maria from Indulge and Pamper Me before her haircut. 396447

L-R: Owner Maria, hairdresser Melissa and Wendy post-shave. 396447

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Let the shave begin! 396447

ECOSS garden a winner

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Valley ECOSS’ Community Garden has been named as the winner of Community Gardens Australia’s Sustainability Champion award for 2023.

A few ECOSS team members and community garden volunteers from the All-Abilities program came together for the exciting announcement to watch on as the awards ceremony was held via Zoom.

Executive Director of Yarra Valley ECOSS Chelsea McNab said they were really excited to receive the award.

“It places us more on the map, we’re pretty proud of our community garden but we are also hosting the statewide community gardens gathering on April 20 so it it was great timing to try and raise the energy for that,” she said.

“I think we won the award because the garden is very inclusive, as most of the gardeners are living with other abilities in the garden and they also did recognise that we’re using biochar, have got community compost and donate the food to the Oonah Indigenous Tucker Bag program and the Koha Community Cafe.”

Volunteers have come from Melba Support Services and Interchange Outer East among other places to tend to the ever-evolving ECOSS garden. Ms McNab said it was great to have the efforts of the volunteers recognised.

“Kaylee who has been volunteering in the community garden for six years, came along

and she was so excited especially as she got to meet Costa (Georgiades, of television show Costa’s Garden Odyssey),” she said.

“The experiences are so rich, you get to learn from others and to share your skills and it brings so much joy to people’s lives by just connecting with others in the garden, in such a beautiful space,”

“Growing food that then is donated feels really good, like you’re doing something for you know for the broader society, and I would encourage anyone and everyone to join a community garden.”

The Sustainability Champion award was judged on ‘gardens using great ideas that improve environmental resilience’.

Ms McNab said in the near future, gardeners at ECOSS will be up the all the usual stuff for this time of year with autumn plantings and lots of mulching.

“We just extended the new lemon orchard in the back area, and things and the design are always changing in there,” she said.

“We’ve had some biochar test plots happening and we’ve been looking at the differences in growth where we’re using biochar, other than that it’s just general like maintenance at the moment,”

“It takes a lot of work just to keep it weeded and keep the pathways in good condition so we are in a bit of a downtime for the moment while we prepare for autumn.”

Giro Della Donna is relocating to Marysville

By Callum Ludwig

The Giro Della Donna event which has called Warburton home since its inception is set for a slight change of scenery this year when it returns in November.

The start and finish line has been moved to Marysville, but Mt Donna Buang and the edge of Warburton will still feature on the course.

Event Director Michael Hands said it is sad to leave Warburton after some great years there, but there are a few key reasons they are doing this.

“I think the first and most important is that in addition to the recreational rides that have formed the heart of the event, we’re actually entering a couple of elite races and criteriums to the program this year,” he said.

“It’ll be part of the national road series of events and that’s good for the event, but what it means is we need a lot more room around the start-finish area for their footprint and also for all the criterium, which is a name for a circuit race.”

The National Road Series is a series of bike races held each year and is the chief domestic road racing competition for professional cyclists to compete against each other. The 2024

Giro Della Donna is set to be the last race featured in the series for the calendar year.

Traditionally the Giro Della Donna consisted of the 55km Gravel Giro on the Saturday and the 125km Giro Della Donna on the Sunday of the event weekend, as well as the free Picollo Giro ride popular with local families also held on Saturday.

Mr Hands said there’s nowhere in Warburton that really works as a circuit, while Marysville does.

“The Sunday races and rides are the same loops as they’ve always been, but it’s just that the start and finish is in Marysville, so it means the riders and the racers this time will be coming up the Acheron Way and then descending Mt Donna Buang into the edge of Warburton before turning east again to head out to Reefton and back up towards Cumberland Junction and Lake Mountain,” he said.

“It is still an event for whole the region and people will need to stay in a whole lot more areas than Marysville, it needs more beds than that, so we’ll certainly be doing our best to promoteWarburton and the surrounds and working with the authorities and so forth on that.”

The 2023 Giro Della Donna was postponed

to 2024 due to forecast thunderstorms and heavy rain over the weekend it was set to take place, having already been pushed back into the traditional November timeslot at the advice of VicRoads and the Department of Transport while repair works on AcheronWay were completed.

It also has faced backlash from some sections of the Warburton community in recent years for the impact of local traffic conditions, while other residents have welcomed the increased activity in the township and the excitement of hosting a major event.

Mr Hands said they want to acknowledge and thank everyone in Warburton for all the great years while they look forward to continuing in a slightly different way.

“It’s a beautiful spot, there’s great people and we’ve had a great time there, so we certainly are leaving reluctantly, operationally, we just need more room,” he said.

“If I was to put a tag on for it, I’d say it’s the most beautiful ride and the most beautiful place for it, they’re stunning roads and you have the mountains, you have forests, you have the river, have the smell of the eucalypt and the wildlife, it’s uniquely beautiful among rides and races throughout the country.”

TheGiroDellaDonnaisrelocatingthestart andfinishlinetoMarysville. Picture:ONFILE

Cailie with some cucumbers from the garden.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

ECOSS team members and volunteers tuning in for the awards ceremony.

Hard at work.

Floral

By Dongyun Kwon AWarburton

Crystal Tan is a watercolourist, who draws mainly flowers and has exhibited over 10 art pieces that she drew last year.

“I love watercolour because it’s got beautiful, translucent, ethereal qualities,” she said.

“I like painting flowers because flowers provide all the shapes, colours and textures of nature that are vibrant and colourful.”

Tan got into watercolour painting four years ago during the Covid pandemic and taught the skills by herself through YouTube videos.

“My kids were learning art on YouTube at home and I joined in a few of their tutorials. That was when I realised it was possible for me to learn online,” Tan said.

“Because we had nothing else to do [during the pandemic], I just did that for a month and I ordered all of my supplies online.

“Then I started my Instagram account and I got a lot of wonderful feedback from the online community and it just kept feeding my motivation.”

One day, Penn Studio School of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States approached her asking if she could teach a painting online class.

To prepare for teaching online, Tan started off her own YouTube channel.

Tan said it was easy for her to teach online because she also learnt her painting skills online.

“I practiced filming myself talking while painting and then I edited the video. Since I had three videos that I practised, I thought ‘Why not just start a YouTube channel?’ and I

created it and uploaded my videos and told my people on Instagram,” she said.

“I ended up teaching a five-week Zoom online class for Penn Studio School of Art last August and I will do another session with them in September this year.

“I just launched Patreon online doing monthly live classes three weeks ago and I’m doing my first one next week and I also started teaching face-to-face in my studio in Warburton.”

Art has helped Tan deal with her depression.

Tan said she has noticed there are a lot of things in art since she started painting.

“The process of putting painting down on

paper is very therapeutic. If you do watercolour, you would also know that the magical quality of the paint spreads across the paper in a very beautiful way and that process alone is so soothing,” She said.

“It also has a beautiful open-endedness. You start it with a black page and you can go in a direction, you’re in control of what colour to put down and what mark to make, you can go very abstract or very realistic, it’s all up to you.

“The whole freedom of the open-endedness is so powerful when you’re feeling stuck and you’re feeling like you cannot control everything in your life.

“When you practise daily and you’re getting better and better at it, you will feel a sense of pride. There’s also spiritual devotion, where

you’re just observing out of your own identity and time flies, you don’t think about the past or the future, you’re just looking at the present.”

The opening night successfully marked the launch of the display of Tan’s colourful watercolour florals on Thursday 21 March.

Tokar Estate Cellar Door is open from 10.30am to 5pm every Thursday to Sunday, located at 6 Maddens Lane Coldstream.

For more information about Tan’s exhibition, visitYAVA’s website yava.org.au/tokar and about Crystal Tan and her workshops, visit Crystal Tan’s website crystaltanart.com/warburtonworkshops

Tan got into watercolour painting four years ago during the Covid pandemic and taught the skills by herself through YouTube videos.

Art has helped Tan deal with her depression.

Crystal Tan and her Family.

Pictures: DONGYUN KWON The opening night marked the launch of Tan’s colourful watercolour florals successfully on Thursday 21 March.

A glimpse into the past

By Callum Ludwig

The Upper Yarra Historical Society successfully held its Step into the Past event over the weekend of 15 and 16 March.

In perfect weather, over 90 attendees came along over the two nights to see the three performances, with Mad Hatters Theatrics performing small vignettes accompanied by historical images from the Upper Yarra Museum’s collection which were projected on screens around Warburton by the Little Projector Company.

Starting at the former Warburton station platform, the audience travelled back to the 1920s and joined Mr & Mrs Hewitt as they enjoyed a honeymoon in Warburton. Mrs Hewitt was reminiscing about their walks around the Valley, their picnics by the Yarra and the wonderful services Warburton offered for wary travellers from Melbourne. It was then time for Mr & Mrs Hewitt to board their train back to Melbourne while the participants continued by foot to the Warburton RSL Peace Garden.

The setting at the Peace Garden invited reflection from attendees, who stopped to see the 47 stainless steel ‘birds of peace’ taking flight in the Garden to honour the 47 men from the Warburton area, who never returned from their service inWW1. The birds are amidst stylised trees as a symbol of the treed area these men called home. At the Peace Garden participants witnessed a moving scene from the war years where a soldier lying in the trenches is writing a letter to his beloved wife back home.

The evening finished at St.Mary’s Hall where Betty, Sylvia and Mavis were discussing the current affairs of the Valley in 1950s on the train on their way home from Lilydale to Warburton. Life was good in theValley in those years: there was lots of work if you wanted it. Be it in the timber industry, building the Upper Yarra dam, at the Sanitarium Health Food Company or the Weet Bix Factory, as it was

known to the locals. The Adventist Warburton Hydro and Hospital, known affectionately as the Hydro, was growing every decade. There were plenty of shops and services in the area and plans for a new high school to service the ever-growing Upper Yarra Valley were in progress, not to mention the highlight of the social calendar; Queen Elizabeth’s visit toWarburton.

Cranking up for festival

By Callum Ludwig

Fresh off the back of the successful Step into the Past event, preparation is already underway for the Upper Yarra Historical Society’s annual Crank Up Heritage and Community Festival.

Held each year in either March or April, this year’s Crank Up will take place at the Upper Yarra Museum on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 April.

Upper Yarra Historical Society president Lee Pannett the more interest they can generate, the better off local history is and history as a whole will be.

“History is a learning experience there for everyone, so I think with that in mind, a couple of events and especially with the Steps into the Past being such a successful event, hopefully, that puts us in the forefront of most people’s minds and we get a few extra people down to Crank Up for the weekend,” he said.

“If you enjoy going out to weekend events and want to see something different to the normal market or show, come along and have a look around and see what’s on offer.”

The Crank Up event has run in Yarra Junction for over 40 years, including displays of vintage machinery (both moving and stationery), live blacksmithing, old-fashioned heritage trades and skills as well as live music and activities.

There will be a vintage car show on Saturday and a wood chop competition that always excites spectators on Sunday.

A lot of the machinery and displays are inspired by the history of the Upper Yarra, particularly the importance of the timber industry in the growth of the region and the historic railway line.

Mr Pannett said without the timber industry in the UpperYarra, theYarraValley wouldn’t be what it is today.

“It’s very important that we celebrate the history of the native timber industry, especially with the slow demise of the industry and the event that it will probably totally shut down over the next couple of years, so the woodchop and those sorts of events will become more important,” he said.

“The wood chop is very popular, Australiawide and of course, a vintage-style sport like that just sparks people’s interest, people enjoy coming back and watching people work hard to win the competition.”

Crank Up is the biggest fundraising event for the Upper Yarra Historical Society and the museum for the year, with tickets for adults costing $15, tickets for concessions at $10 and kids allowed to enter for free.

Sub-branch.

After the last performance, guests enjoyed tea and sweets served with live music performed by local musicians Lucy and Bryce Richards.

The Step into the Past event was supported by Yarra Ranges Council, the Warburton Advancement League and the Warburton RSL

Anyone interested in finding out more about Upper Yarra Valley history is welcome to visit the Upper Yarra Museum in Yarra Junction, open on Wednesdays Sundays from 10am till 4 pm.Visit the website for further information upperyarramuseum.org.au/.

Fun drive with 70yo vehicle

By Dongyun Kwon

Austin Champ is a 1/4 ton truck built from 1952 to 1955 and used by the British Army.

The owners of the car organised an annual event called Champ Camp in 1997 and, this year, they were based in Lilydale and drove around Yarra Valley from Saturday 16 to Thursday 21 March.

One of the participants, Malcolm Hayes said he has participated in Champ Camp since the very first one in 1997.

“Originally, a guy from England, who wrote a book about Austin Champ, was coming to Australia, so we thought we’d better organise something to get a few friends together with the vehicles,” he said.

“When he came here in 1997, we had so much fun and we just thought we’d keep doing it every year. It started off quite small but now it’s 20 or so vehicles most years.”

About 40 people with 17 Austin Champs attended Cham Camp 2024.

During the event, the participants drove

around Yarra Valley’s attractions including The Coombes Cottage, Redwood Forest, Maroondah Dam, Healesville Sanctuary, Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk.

Mr Hayes said he likes the Austin Champ’s engine.

“They have a Rolls-Royce engine and were used by the British military,” he said.

“They’re very special machines, unusual and very advanced for their time in the 1950s.

“They can be completely submerged with a snorkel raised and drive through the sea.”

Lovers of a military vehicle enjoyed driving in Yarra Valley.

Champ Camp 2024 group photo.

Picture: DONGYUN KWON

Austin Champ is a 1/4 ton truck built from 1952 to 1955 and used by the British Army.

Picture: TRACY DASLER

Crank Up’s display of vintage machinery is back at the start of April. Pictures: ON FILE

The annual wood chop competition makes for a fascinating watch.

L-R: ‘Betty, Sylvia and Mavis’ discussed the Upper Yarra Valley lifestyle in the 50s on the train home from Lilydale. Pictures: PETER DOWNEY

The visit to the Peace Garden was a time for reflection.

Attendees enjoy tea, sweets and live music after the event.

Millgrove is getting lit up

By Callum Ludwig

An exciting event is set to light up Millgrove with all residents encouraged to come along.

The Millgrove Light Trail will be on display on Saturday 20 April and will show off a history of the township throughout the ages.

CEO Claire Ruby James and Manager and Trainer Christopher Anthony James of The Dreaming Space are both Millgrove residents and said they are both excited to be bringing the event to their hometown.

“We live in Millgrove and we travel into the city to perform most of the time so it’s an absolute pleasure to bring our creativity home and to share our perspective and our gifts of creating magical spaces for people,” Ms James said.

“The event is based on helping people to become aware of the history of this land and of theYarra Ranges through an artistic reenactment of various pivotal moments that brought everyone to Millgrove and to the Yarra Valley,” Mr James said.

“It’s gained a lot of momentum already, we know we’re probably going to be booked out because 50 people have already booked their place.”

The story told on the trail starts in 1851 when John and Brig Kennedy first ventured to the town from Ireland, having left their country to escape the poor potato farming conditions, chase the gold rush in Ballarat and were later sponsored by the government through the land selection process to farm and develop the land in Millgrove.

Ms James said the event will start at the Millgrove CFA where attendees can gather before the walk begins.

“From there, we’ll be taking you along the river and back up through some of the historical houses, back up through the shops and into the present-day future of our hopes and dreams for Millgrove,” she said.

“It’s absolutely imperative for people to get out and about into the area to really connect and appreciate how lucky we are in the diversity of the nature around us and of what came before us and what people before us had to do to create the space that we’re now able to live and thrive in.”

The event has been organised by The Dreaming Space and the Millgrove Residents Action Group (MRAG) with the support of the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise and Yarra Ranges Council.

An MRAG spokesperson said the group is super excited and very pleased to be presenting this interactive all-age community event.

“The Light Trail is part of a four-year journey, sharing and celebrating the township, the following years, two, three, and four, from 2024 to 2027, will build on this wonderful beginning,” they said.

“Events like these, we believe, provide the residents with a sense of pride, and a sense of inclusion, which builds resilience, the Light Trail is a fun way to educate and share the unique aspects of Millgrove and it is a chance to connect with fellow neighbours, which is sometimes difficult in our busy lives,”

The MISFIT Theatre group will be the performers depicting the historic scenes along the walk.

The MRAG spokesperson said attendees will be experiencing Millgrove in a different light, literally.

“The guided tour will showcase the wonders of the beautiful spaces at night time, enjoying local entertainment, and an adventure into history,” they said.

“There are so many facets to enjoy; the night walk, intriguing stories about this town came to be, socialising with other locals, and yummy food is available from the local traders at the end of the tour.”

Come for a wander through the history of Millgrove.

Picture: ON FILE

Considering the future of the area

On Tuesday 26 March at the Yarra Ranges Council meeting, we will consider the commencement of community engagement for our Council Plan – one of the largest and most significant documents we have.

The Council Plan is a four-year document, which sets out our high-level goals as an organisation. Everything we do comes from, or funnels up to, these goals.

These goals help us move the region to where the community tells us they want to be, so it’s important that we take the time to hear from community and really get them right.

If endorsed by Council, staff will be hosting pop-up booths across the municipality in coming months, at events and popular locations, to gather perspectives from a wide range

From my desk

Sophie Todorov

Mayor of Yarra Ranges

of visitors and locals.

We’ll have hard-copy and digital surveys, community summits and conversations with Council’s advisory committees, aiming to get as much information as possible from community members of all backgrounds, beliefs,

abilities and ages.

As part of the engagement, we’re proposing to establish a representative community panel, who will develop recommendations to Council on issues affecting the entire region – those recommendations will go back to the community and make sure they’re on the right track.

Next year, the 2025-29 Council Plan will start to take shape; we’ll have opportunities for the community to get involved then, too.

So this is a call to any community members interested in sharing their thoughts, their time or their expertise – sign up at shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au, get involved in the engagement and keep your eyes peeled for more ways to get involved.

Reader recommendation: Willa Cather

Reader Jill, from Mt Evelyn, recently recommended American author Willa Cather’s O Pioneers! (1913), The Song of the Lark (1915) and My Antonia (1918).

In Jill’s words, these are “excellent, beautifully written and evocative”.

“Although the stories are works of fiction, they bring to life the scenery and society of the American West which has long since disappeared.”

These books are often referred to as Cather’s “Prairie Trilogy”, as they portray life on the Great Plains, the western part of the flatland in North America between the Appalachian Plateau and the Rocky Mountains.

Throughout the 19th century, settlers of mainly European backgrounds migrated to the Great Plains as part of a vast westward expansion.

Born in Virginia in 1873, Cather’s family moved to Nebraska when she was nine years old.

Her time in that frontier state was a formative experience, as the vastness of the prairie and the diverse cultural backgrounds of the local immigrant families left her with a deep impression.

Cather started writing during her university years, but it was only after the Prairie Trilogy became popular that her work was widely recognised. She was praised for having ordinary people as characters and using plainspoken language in her books, as well as “bringing Nebraska to the wider world for the first time”.

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

Inspired by a poem by Walt Whitman, O Pioneers! tells the story of a farming family of Swedish-American immigrants in Nebraska at the turn of the 20th century.

Meanwhile, The Song of the Lark tells the story of a talented singer from Colorado who finds success in New York City but never forgets her small home town. As Jill explains, this story is regarded as the most autobiographical of Cather’s novels.

But it is My Antonia that truly showcases the American West as one of the novel’s most memorable characters. The book tells the stories of Jim, an orphaned boy from Virginia, and Antonia, the elder daughter in a family of Bohemian immigrants. (As Jill clarifies, “Bohemia” is another name for “Czechoslovakia”, now Czech Republic.)

Both are brought to Nebraska as children and raised as pioneers near the end of the 19th century.

Narrated from Jim’s perspective, My An-

Entertainment is coming

1812 Theatre

The Fire Raisers

Fires are becoming something of a problem.

But Biedermann has it all under control. A respected member of the community with a loving wife and a flourishing business; surely nothing can stop him.

The great philanthrope, he is happy to meet his civic duty and give shelter to two new houseguests and when they start filling the attic with petrol drums, he’ll help them wire the fuse.

Season: April 4 – 27.

CPP Community Theatre

Little Women

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

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

Season: Friday April 5 – Sunday April 13.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre

Still Alice Alice Howland is a university professor at the height of her career when she is diag-

Empire Queen fun

Empire Queen: The Golden Age of Magic Starring Chris Dane Owens, Ciel Post and Jason Schulz

Unrated 3.5/5

Empire Queen: The Golden Age of Magic is a campy, charming but bloated fantasy romp from musician and filmmaker Chris Dane Owens.

In the fantasy realm of Alerion, Commander Jade Cross (Owens) must find the Sovereign Wand and bring the peasant girl Arra (Ciel Post) to her rightful place on the throne.

tonia paints a vivid picture of pioneering life in the AmericanWest where farming is an essential part of everyday existence.

The lifelong friendship between Jim and Antonia is shaped with a sense of place –both natural landscapes and domestic spaces, where adventures, families and communities are found.

It is interesting that My Antonia is described as “a departure from the focus on wealthy families in American literature”.

Indeed, it is said that even F. Scott Fitzgerald considered his own The Great Gatsby a failure in comparison to My Antonia.

Cather received the Pulitzer Prize for her 1922 novel One of Ours, which is set during the First World War.

However, it is the Prairie Trilogy that defines her as a novelist of the frontier and pioneer experience.

Thanks again to Jill for recommending this extraordinary author.

Note: “Reader Recommendation” is a new series of articles featuring outstanding authors and books recommended by our readers.

Its origin can be traced back to June 2022, when reader Elizabeth from Clematis recommended English author Richmal Crompton’s Just William (1922).

If you, too, like to recommend a favourite author or book – either Australian or international – please drop a note to Christine Sun via christine.yunnyu.sun@gmail. com.

Kemp’s curtain call CARTOON

nosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Fiercely independent, with a husband and two children, Alice strives to make sense of her changing world as her memory begins to fail.

Season: Thursday April 18 – Friday April 26.

The Basin Theatre Berlin

Charlotte is a Berliner through and through.

Tom is a foreigner travelling around Europe. After meeting in a bar, sparks fly between them, and she invites him to spend the night at her place.

As they navigate the ritual of seduction, their desire gives way to secrets that cannot be ignored, and questions neither of them can answer.

Season: Previews Thursday April 18, Gala Opening Friday April 19 - Sunday April 28.

Empire Queen is a long-term passion project for writer-director Owens (who co-wrote and co-directed the film with Jason Schulz), whose eighties-style power metal song Shine On Me and its music video are classics of early YouTube.

Empire Queen is corny but made with clear passion and enthusiasm as a tribute to silly fantasy movies.

With its attractive cast in beautiful locations, upbeat tone, whimsical score and opulent art direction (subpar CGI and obvious greenscreen be damned), Empire Queen is a very enjoyable lightweight adventure, and Mary Elise Hayden stands out among the cast with haughty venom as Queen Gwendolyn. For fans of Shine On Me, it’s also fun to spot where Empire Queen expands upon the viral 2008 music video.

Empire Queen is a rewarding watch for viewers with a liking for cheesy movies, but it’s far too long at nearly 2.5 hours, and bogged down with heavy exposition and multiple quests for fantasy Macguffins. Moreover, while the film has plenty of funny moments, some of the dialogue and performances are too stilted and awkward even for a corny movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Despite the film’s faults, Owens realising his dream project after nearly twenty years is a net good, and Empire Queen: The Golden Age of Magic is a campy fun time that you can rent or buy on Amazon Prime and Vimeo.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

COMMUNITY DIARY

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Pride Crafternoon in Yarra Junction

Young LGTBIQIA+ people aged 13-19 are welcome to come along to a Pride ‘Crafternoon’ on Saturday 6 April.

The event will be held at EACH in Yarra Junction from 1pm to 3pm and is a great opportunity to get creative and make new friends in a safe space.

Sign up now so you don’t miss out: trybooking. com/1176121.

There will be games and books, banner designing, badge making and some afternoon tea. The event is delivered by Eastern Health, EACH and Yarra Ranges Council.

Round Two of UYCE Community Grants opened

The Upper Yarra Community Enterprise, comprised of the Warburton and Yarra Junction, promised a second round of Community Grants this year and is pleased to announce it is now open.

If your community group, club, or organisation has a wish list project then a community grant could be just the help you need to make it a reality.

Proposals need to be within or service the UpperYarra region as defined by towns with postcodes 3799 and 3797.

Eligibility criteria do apply so please read the

Grant Program Guidelines available on our website prior to commencing.

Applications opened on Wednesday 20 March and close Monday 29 April.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome by email.

To apply, visit communitybankwarburtonyarrajunction.smartygrants.com.au.

Enquiries – email admin@upperyarra.net.au

Easter library closures

Your Library is encouraging locals to stock up on books as well as chocolate for the Easter break as most libraries will be temporarily closed for the holiday.

All libraries, with the exception of Realm in Ringwood, will be closed for the Easter long weekend from Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April.

Realm Library will be open on Saturday 30 March and Monday 1 April from 10am to 5pm.

Hillcrest CFA’s Good Friday appeal

Hillcrest CFA members will take to the streets on two separate occasions to raise money for the Good Friday Appeal.

The first of which happened on Wednesday 20 March from 5.30pm to 7.30pm while the second will be throughout Good Friday itself, starting from 9.30am.

On Wednesday 20 March, brigade members covered Cairncroft Avenue, Alpine Boulevard, Cairnview Court, Grand Panorama Court and Scenic Drive in Woori Yallock.

For those who missed out last Wednesday or who may not be home but still wish to donate, go to: fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au/ fundraisers/WooriYallock.

FEAST workshop

Embark on the transformative journey of FEAST: An Exploration of Self-Love at the Warburton Waterwheel gallery on Tuesday 26 march from 7pm to 9pm.

The two-hour evening workshop is designed to nurture, celebrate, and deepen our connection with our own bodies.

Some art supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you have a preferred medium or special connection to them. Attendees are encouraged to dress in a way that is comfortable for them.

Please contact Miriam via miriamfathalla@ gmail.com with any questions.

Dingo order debacle

The Victorian Government announced that, effective from 14 March, the dingo unprotection order will conclude in northwest Victoria following new research, strong advice and the effectiveness of non-lethal dingo control methods to protect livestock.

Farmers in the northwest of the state will be supported by a $550,000 investment to adopt alternate non-lethal control methods via a pilot of measures, such as exclusion fencing and guardian animals. This funding will also support the management of other pests including feral goats, wild pigs and foxes.

In other parts of Victoria, dingo control measures will remain unchanged - giving stability to farmers in need of protecting their livestock. The dingo unprotection order allowed property owners to take lethal action to protect their properties from dingoes and wild dogs within a three kilometre Livestock Protection Buffer.

The Government’s review into its wild dog management policies will be finalised in the next six months and consider the new research alongside the impacts on livestock.

Dingoes play an important role in the ecosystem and the latest Arthur Rylah Institute data shows the dingo population in the northwest is at risk of extinction, with as few as 40 dingoes left.

Whilst dingo numbers are much greater in other parts of the state, they remain a threatened species and are protected under the Wildlife Act.

Where livestock are being significantly impacted and there are no other control options available, all farmers – including those in northwestVictoria – can apply for an Authority to Control Wildlife permit to use lethal control methods.

Local libraries will close for Easter.

Picture: ON FILE

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Baby dog (coll) (3)

3 Linguistic (10)

10 Zeppelin (7)

11 Bedbound (7)

12 Stimulus (9)

13 That following (4)

15 African horned animal (10)

17 Agricultural land (4)

19 Old sailor (coll) (4)

20 Taking over leadership (10)

23 German automobile manufacturer (4)

25 Work independently (9)

27 Speech (7)

28 Ships (7)

29 Expert (10)

30 Idiot boxes (3)

DOWN

1 Act of stealing other’s work (10)

2 Narrow-minded (9)

4 Pleasure (9)

5 Doubly (5)

6 Gulch (6)

7 Sepals of a flower (5)

8 Vein of metal (4)

9 A Japanese religion (6)

14 Literary assistant who copies manuscripts, etc (10)

16 Us (9)

18 Relative position (9)

21 The best at (6)

22 Beachgoer’s two-piece (6)

24 Father’s brother (5)

25 Ultimate (5)

26 Inserts (4)

nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in

37

No. 178

No. 178

No. 178

PROPERTY

DISCOVER SERENITY AND PEACE

DISCOVER SERENITY AND PEACE

EXPERIENCE the epitome of Yarra Valley living at 40 Rayner Court, Yarra Junction.

This exceptional property, spanning just over 40 acres of scenic splendor offers luxury, privacy, and natural beauty to create an unparalleled retreat.

Thoughtfully designed and impeccably maintained, this recently constructed contemporary family home embodies the essence of modern country living. Perched high atop a paddock, the grand residence welcomes you with wrap-around verandahs and panoramic 360-degree views of the idyllic valley landscape, inviting you to embrace the calmness of slow living.

Step inside to discover a haven of elegance and comfort, where neutral tones and spacious open-concept living areas set the stage for memorable gatherings with family and friends. The luxurious kitchen, complete with expansive Csearstone countertops and a butler’s pantry, caters to culinary enthusiasts, while the inviting living area offers a serene retreat with wood fire heating and breathtaking vista views. Ascend to the upper level to find the spacious primary suite, featuring a private balcony, secondary lounge, and a luxurious ensuite with a soaking tub, double shower, and walk-in-robe.

6 Additional bedrooms (on the ground level), each with built-in robes and shared ensuites ensure ample accommodation for family members or guests. Practical amenities include a wellequipped laundry designed for efficiency and convenience.

A fabulous guest wing provides the perfect escape for teenagers or visiting guests, boasting ample space for entertainment and relaxation, as well as a fully functional kitchen and ensuite bedroom.

Outside, a delightful alfresco oasis invites outdoor dining and relaxation, featuring a built-in barbecue and adjustable blinds for added comfort. Meanwhile, behind the home, discover undercover vehicle storage and an array of sheds catering to diverse practical needs, including storage for hay and machinery, as well as a fully enclosed workshop.

Seven expansive paddocks, along with three smaller ones, are thoughtfully sectioned and prepared to comfortably house your cattle, horses, or other livestock. The property is connected to mains power while harnessing solar energy, complemented by ample water tanks for sustainable living.

Situated a short drive to the vibrant township of Yarra Junction and its amenities, as well as the picturesque Yarra River and Warburton Rail Trail, this remarkable home embodies the quintessential Australian dream. Don’t miss your chance to experience the lifestyle you’ve always imagined. Contact our team today to arrange a private inspection of this stunning property. Call 03 5967 1800 and step into your own slice of Yarra Valley paradise. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 40 Rayner Court, YARRA JUNCTION

Contact: Chris Lord 5967 1800, PROFESSIONALS YARRA

Mt Gambier limestone masterpiece that will captivate you the moment you arrive at the impressive front gates. Step inside and be impressed even more with this luxurious residence, versatile and innovative in every way. Showcasing upscale family living at it’s finest featuring 4 large bedrooms all with built in robes plus a luxurious ensuite in the main bedroom and a king size walk in robe.

A focus on entertaining and relaxation with the main living, family and dining areas seamlessly and effortlessly connecting and blending with the outdoors via huge sliding doors. The kitchen is exceptional with quality, premium fixtures and finishes plus a butler’s pantry and prep station.

Venture outdoors and be exhilarated and excited, a haven for the horse enthusiast with multiple paddocks, quality fencing and numerous horse shelters plus a riding arena. A large high clearance garage and ‘garaport’ offers plenty of space for floats, trucks, trailers, heavy equipment and caravans.

Off grid living with a high end state of the art multiple solar panel system, lithium battery bank and generator back up, intelligently designed with current high end components and with long term energy efficiency in mind.

A magnificent property showcasing the picturesque and colourful scenery of the Yarra Valley at it’s finest attractive and captivating from all angles. A premium property for those wanting quality, luxury, style and grace, a dream country and rural acreage lifestyle that the whole family will enjoy with something for everyone on offer, it’s a place you will love to call home. ●

General Excellence and Marketing Awards, held at Grand Hyatt Melbourne on Saturday night.

The awards recognise the achievements of First National’s Victorian and Tasmanian agents throughout 2023, with winners now competing for the network’s National Awards, which will be announced at the network’s annual convention in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this May.

First National Ranges, principal, Mick Dolphin, says these awards are a testament to my staff’s dedication to serving our clients

with the highest level of professionalism and integrity. We are incredibly proud of their success and grateful for the contributions they make to our company and the real estate industry as a whole.

At the awards presentation, the Ranges First National team received the following awards:

· Jan Brewster – Silver Sales Award of Excellence

· Amy Carson – Silver Property Management Award of Excellence

· Grant Skipsey – Silver Sales Awards of Excellence

· Mick Dolphin – Diamond Sales Awards of

Excellence

Key staff members were also recognised for their individual performances:

Amy Carson received another year in ‘The Elite’ (top 15 in Victoria) for her work in our Rental Department

Mick Dolphin also received another year in ‘The Elite’ (top 15 in Victoria)

The Rental Department was also acknowledged for their efforts being named the number 1 Highest Property Management team providing the highest return for our clients in VIC – maximizing our residential property management revenue for clients, focusing on strategies like increasing

occupancy rates, optimizing rental pricing, reducing vacancies, and implementing costeffective maintenance practices. Additionally, providing excellent tenant services leads to longer tenancies and higher tenant retention rates, ultimately boosting revenue for property owners.

Mick Dolphin said the First National General Excellence and Marketing Awards are an important event as they encourage First National’s agents to aspire to an ongoing process of performance improvement that benefits customers.●

Group winners

Silver award winners

GEMBROOK

BRICKVENEERHOMEWITHPOTENTIALON4.99Ha!

Privatelylocatedneartheendof ano-throughroad,down alongdriveway,thisproperty is offered forsale forthefirsttime.Beatonewithnature,withwildlifeonyourdoorstep

This1980’s homeneedssomeTLCbuthasso much potential!Featuringa centralliving areawithtimberfloorboards,galleykitchen,workshop,shadehouse/storageareanear thehouse&agardenshedoutback.Private,yeta convenient5-minute driveawayto Gembrooktownship,offeringanIGA,shops,cafes,bus,Primaryschool&aservicestation!

MickDolphin 0429684522

ErinDavies 0493136937

ASUPErB5 ACrES!

GEMBROOK LoT4-130GEMBrook-TonIMBUkrD

MINUTESTOGEMBROOKTOWNSHIP

Theperfectblendofconvenienceandserenity,these 5acres,accessedvia asealed road,awaitsyourvisiontobecomea reality(STCA).Thelifestylewillbeidyllic,andit allbeginshere.Thelandismainlyclearedandscenicallyblessed,overlookinga dam. YouareminutestoGembrookTownship,cafes,specialtyshops,restaurants,fabulous amenities,primaryschool,busconnections,horsetrailsandhikes.Connectionsatthe gateareelectricityandtelephone.Domesticwaterrightswithscopetoincrease.

MickDolphin 0429684522

ErinDavies 0493136937

771SqMFLATLAnD,BUnGALoW& STUDIo

abungalowwithbathroom,studio, BIrstoallbedrooms,spaciousliving& dining,greatnaturallight,timberkitchenwitha breakfastbar,amplestorage,entryvestibuleforaddedsecurity,securitylight,wheelchair accessible,dualdriveway, flat771sqm allotment, easycare garden,gardenshed, outdoorsink &BBqarea,ductedheating &splitsystem.Zoned(nrZ)Schedule4 (nrZ4)

MickDolphin 0429684522

ErinDavies 0493136937

HOME FOCUS

place to call home, then this may be for you. Offering 2 bedrooms, the main bedroom is huge with generous built-in robes and neutral tones throughout - with large windows to admire your surrounds.

The lounge room is lovely and sun filled, certainly taking the mountain views for you to sit back and absorb yourself in. Luxury Vinyl wood flooring throughout give a modern feel and look while being convenient. The kitchen is quality timber that has been tastefully updated and allows enough room for a dining table also.

Updated bathroom, plenty of storage throughout, and a great laundry with cupboards galore. Outside is a well maintained yet easy garden to tinker around in. Carport with direct entry to the home, making unpacking the shopping a breeze, and a gorgeous veranda to complete your day and take in all of your natural beauty that surrounds you.

Short stroll down to the Yarra river, shops and delights of Warburton. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Contact: Rebecca Doolan 0401 832 068,

7MartyrRoad,Warburton$770,000-$830,000

AGrandHomein aSuperbLocation

Anopportunityisnowavailableforpurchaserstoenjoythisgorgeousaccommodationopportunityor tohave adelightfulplacetocallhomewithspaceforalltheextendedfamily.Stepinsidethiswarm invitinghome,theloungewithpicturewindowswith amesmerisingview.Thekitchenislovelywith quirkyoriginalfeatures,a centrepieceofthehomeoverlookingthelargesunroomandformaldining, aperfectplacetogatherfor afamilymeal.Thegroundflooralsohostsa bedroom,bathroom,and separatetoilet,whileupstairsrevealstwoadditionalbedrooms, amainbathroom,and adouble roomwithanensuite,offeringabundantlivingspace.Anadditionalstudiohasa further3 bedsif requiredseparatetothemainresidence.2 largegarages,ampleundercoverentertainingareaand wellestablishedgardensthatreallycomplimentthisenchantinghome. Adistinctivepropertyina

RebeccaDoolan

M 0401832068

Inspection: Thurs4:00-4:30pm

2/6QueenStreet,YarraJunction

Charminghomewithviewsandconvenience

$550,000

Thischarminghomehasa warmhomelyfeelthroughout,neatandwellpresentedandwith 3great sizebedroomsand2 separatebathroomsit’stheidealhomeforthegrowingfamilytoliveandenjoy. Thespaciousfamily/loungeareagiveseveryoneplentyofroomtomoveandwithpicturesque distantmountainviewsit’s agreatspottositbackandrelaxandadmiretheoutlook,separate meals/diningareaanopenplankitchenwithamplebenchandcupboardspace.Outsideboasts greatspaceaswellwith acoveredentertainingareaanda biggrassyfrontyardthekidsandpets willlove,convenientlylocatedjust ashortwalktolocalschools,shopsandtransport, agreatfamily homein agreatlocation.

9ReidStreet,Wesburn

BeautifulFamilyHomewithViewsandEasyLiving

$700,000-$770,000

Imaginewakinguptoblissfulsunlightstreamingthroughthewindows,illuminatingthecharacterfilledambianceofthis3 bedroom,2 bathroomgem.Offeringfabulousstorage, a900mlovenand dishwasher,thekitchenisfulloffunctionalityandcharm.Theadjacentmealsareacatersfora large familydiningtableand ahugelivingspaceisbigenoughtobedividedintoseparatezonesorsimply spreadoutandenjoytheroom.3 wellproportionedbedrooms;themastersuiteenjoyingFrench doorsthatopentothedeckwiththosegloriousviewstowakeupto,andprovideswalk-inrobeand ensuitewithlargeshowerandtimbervanity.Thefamilybathroomoozesa gorgeouscountryvibe with abigvanityandispositionedperfectlyforsharedaccess.Situatedina quietcourtlocation,this fabulousfamily-friendlyhomeoffers asanctuarywherememorieswillbemade.

18CarrollStreet,WooriYallock $600,000-$660,000

BeautifulHome,BeautifulLocation

Indulgeintheepitomeofeffortlesslivingwiththisimpeccablypresentedthree-bedroomhome.Revel inthetimelesseleganceofthesplit-leveldesign,featuringcathedralceilingsthataccentuatethe flexiblefloorplanwithtwodistinctlivingzones,eachofferingbreathtakingvalleyviews.Thethree robedbedrooms,includinga masterwithdirectaccesstothespaciousmainbathroom,ensure bothstyleandfunctionality.Thisresidencecomescompletewith afrontdeckand asecureprivate yardattherear.Additionalfeaturesencompassa singlecarport,gasductedheating,and asizable storageshedattherear.Convenientlylocated,thishomeinvitesyoutoexperiencetheperfect blendofmodernlivingandnaturalbeauty.Completewiththedreamtenantswholovethishomeas theirown,youhavethesecurityofa 12monthlease(orlongerifdesired).

SECLUDED BLISS

NESTLED on just over 2.5 acres of serene land lies this captivating, newly constructed family home. A picturesque tree lined driveway welcomes you, leading to a home embraced by breathtaking mountain views. The property borders Britannia Creek, offering ample opportunities to craft your idyllic landscape.

Elevate your experience as you ascend to the expansive covered deck, featuring a high pitched roof, creating the perfect setting for entertaining or unwinding amidst the splendor of nature. Stepping inside, you’ll be greeted by the timeless elegance of hardwood flooring that beautifully complements the home’s neutral palette. The open plan design effortlessly blends the kitchen, living, and dining areas, creating a seamless flow that fosters a harmonious atmosphere for gatherings or moments of relaxation. Bathed in natural light, the kitchen is a delightful focal point, featuring ample storage, expansive countertops, and a generous island bar-a perfect space for both culinary creativity and casual dining.

Gorgeous barn doors divide the living spaces from the bedrooms. The primary suite indulges with its own private access to the deck, walk in robe, and luxurious ensuite. Three additional bedrooms, two appointed with built in robes and ceiling fans, share a centrally located bathroom featuring a modern shower, bath, and vanity.

Year round comfort is ensured by the wood fire heater, ducted heating, split system cooling, and ceiling fans throughout. Clever design seamlessly connects the laundry to the garage, enhancing both functionality and convenience for your daily routines.

Outside, a generous shed serves as both a workshop and guest retreat, boasting a well designed layout, mezzanine storage, wood fire heater, and split system cooling. Just steps away, a covered carport and

machinery storage await, providing practical solutions for your vehicle and equipment needs. Additionally, a chook house and flourishing vegetable garden are established, offering delightful opportunities for self-

Address:

Contact:

5967 1800,

sustaining living right at your doorstep.

Positioned just a short drive from Yarra Junction, this property offers a serene retreat within reach of vibrant community amenities, including schools, recreational

facilities, the Little Yarra River, and the Warburton Rail Trail. Embrace the opportunity to make this tranquil haven your own – schedule your inspection today with our dedicated team at 5967 1800. ●

•Idealcanvasin aprime Warburtonlocation

•Walkingdistanceto Warburtontownship

•PositioneddirectlyoppositetheYarraRiver

•T

•Therearepolishedtimber

FAMILY OASIS WITH POOL AND TENNIS COURT

TREAT yourself to a tour of this stylish lifestyle property situated on one of Upwey’s finest residential roads, a stone’s throw from Upwey South Primary School, childcare, train station and bus transport.

Boasting a landscaped 2,132sqm (approx.) block bursting with features including a swimming pool and tennis court, this property is what fabulous family living is all about.

The striking façade with rich timber and standing seam Colorbond cladding is enhanced with a family-friendly level garden and a single garage. Upon entry, engineered wideboard timber floors and hydronic heating add welcome warmth. At the front of the dwelling is the rumpus room/home office with ample storage and access to the large laundry with stone benchtops and guest WC.

The hub of the home is the open concept living area featuring a custom timber accent wall and a chefs’ kitchen with expansive island, Siemens and Miele appliances, and walk-in pantry. From here you can step out through bifold doors to your own private

oasis featuring covered and open decking and views of the tennis court, pool, veggie garden, firepit area, and powered studio.

On the upper level with large balcony, there are 5 unique bedrooms with quality wool carpet and plenty of storage accompanied by a family bathroom with spa tub. Two of these rooms feature ensuites and walk-in robes, including the parents’ retreat with private balcony, dressing room, and luxurious ensuite with egg tub, dual sink vanity with stone benchtops, dual rain showers, and make-up station.

A feast for the senses, this property invites you to explore and make yourself at home. Plan your viewing today.

· 2,132sqm (approx.) property with landscaped gardens

· Tennis court, swimming pool, veggie beds, firepit area, and powered shed

· Timber and standing seam Colorbond exterior with single garage

· Versatile and stylish interior with engineered timber floors and hydronic heating

· Magnificent chefs’ kitchen with Siemens and Miele appliances ●

Enjoyendlessversatilityandcompletecomfortatthismove-inready residenceonalevel quarter-acre landscape.Enrichedwithanoversizedoublegaragewithmezzanineand welcomingoutdoorentertainingareas,thispropertyisalovelylifestylepackage.

BradConder

M

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

ThiscontemporaryhomeintheheartofUpweyistheperfect findinthispicturesquesuburb. Withfewfreestandingunitsinthearea,thisdelightfulpropertyistheidealinvestment. Situatedinanexclusivepocketofonly 3homes,thispropertyisimmediatelymemorable. Thetimelessweatherboardexteriorwithsinglegarageandcoveredentryevokes awarm andwelcomingfeel.

SuzieBrannelly

97546888

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

1689BurwoodHighway,BelgraveVIC3160

NOTIFICATION under

WaterAct1989

Anapplicationhasbeen madetoMelbourne Waterforconstruction licenceunderSec67of theWaterActwhichmay affectyou.

Detailsoftheapplication areasfollows:

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76BoundaryRoad, Coldstream

Theapplicationisfor: Waterway/Workstoexistingonstreamdam/TributaryofStringybarkCreek Theapplicant'snameis MVNapoleone MelbourneWater'sFile No465/620/5000

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MelbourneWater Unit1/88MerrindaleDve CroydonSouth,Vic3136

Thiscanbedoneduring officehoursbyappointmentandisfreeof charge.Foranappointmentpleasetelephone 131722.Anypersonwho maybeaffectedbythe grantingofthisapplicationmayobjectormake othersubmissionstoMelbourneWater.Anyobjectionsmust: -beinwriting, -includereasonsforthe objection, -statehowtheobjector willbeaffectedand -bemailedtoMelbourne Water,DiversionsTeam atPOBox4342, Melbourne,Vic,3001.

Anyresponseisrequested within30daysfromthe dateofthisnotification. Shouldaresponsenotbe receivedwithinthis period,MelbourneWater maydeterminetheapplication.

Note: Anyprivateorpublicnotificationmustprovidethe ownersoroccupiersof thenatureoftheproposal (iewhatisproposed), timeavailableforcommentsorobjections(30 days)andtheaddressto whichanysuchcomments orobjectionsshouldbe forwardedto.(Melbourne Water,POBox4342, Melbourne,Vic,3001)

Little Athletics on show

By Jamie Strudley

The Little Athletics summer season finished this week with the end of season presentation day.

An opportunity to recognise the achievements of our club athletes, helpers and officials, it was great to see a huge turn out of families enjoying the barbecue and acknowledging Yarra Ranges Athletics’ athletes. Major award winners were:

· Sprint Athlete of the Year - Koby S and Zahra LehmLann

· Distance Athlete of the Year - James C and Zoe C

· Walk Athlete of the Year - Beau M and Tillie S

· Jump Athlete of the Year - Brock P and Emily P

· Throws Athlete of the Year - IIikimi T and Shania T

· Hurdles Athlete of the Year - Kristian S and Emily F

· Combined Event Athlete of the Year - Micah F and Brookley H

· Don Cruse award - Dominic N

· Petra Sank award - Brienna C

· Rob Belli award - Mia Strudley

· President award Boys - Xander S

· President award Girls - Arizona P

· Distinguished Service Award - Katie Clark

· Family Award - Coffey Family

Some of the seniors continued their preparation for championships ahead, with some excellent performances.

HVC Results:

Women

· 200m: Ashleigh Rooke 27.15 (+0.0); Georgia Boundy 27.75 (-0.5);

· Discus: Ashleigh Rooke 28.69m;

Men

· Javelin: Ash Almond 53.62m

Box Hill Burn Results:

· Women 5000m: Olivia Twining 18:15.98; KatrinaWinger 18:38.02; Grace Muller 18:38.46;

· Men 5000m: Harry Norman 14:34.49; Kellie Angel competed in the Australian Ultra Running Short Course trail Championships in Noosa over the weekend. A 50km slog through mud challenged all competitors with

Kellie eventually taking out the national title and gold medal. Well done Kellie.

Cross country training for under 12yos will start up on Tuesday evenings in April, with the club cross country season starting 20 April. 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 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!

Arizona was presented with the Presidents Award from Yarra Ranges Athletics president Max Savill-Bentley. Pictures: SUPPLIED The RobBelli Award went to Mia Strudley.

Distinguished Service Award recipient Katie Clarke.

Petra Sank Award recipient Brienna.

Dom received the 2024 Don Cruse Award.

Healesville falls short in decider

By Chris Handasyde

Healesville 147 defeated by St Andrews 6/150 Playing at St Andrews’ home ground inWantirna, Healesville captain Scott Fawdry won the toss and elected to bat.

Openers MaxWallace and Brenton Damrow got the Bloods off to a steady start until Damaz was bowled for 10 with the score on 17.

Jonny Heywood came to the crease and was watchful early and put on a 20-run partnership until Max Wallace was run out for 18. Losing constant wickets was Healesville’s downfall as the score reached 6/84.

Ben Wallace and Scott Fawdry steadied the innings putting on a 37-run partnership but Ben Wallace was then bowled and Curtis Adamson followed soon after and the Bloods were in trouble at 8/125.

Scott Fawdry was caught on 33 and Jack Drummond scored 12 before he was bowled and the innings was over at 147. Early wickets were going to be vital against the top team. Tom Dalley and Jack Drummond opened the bowling with Tom capturing 2 early wickets and St Andrews were 2/29.

Riley Cameron got a caught and bowled so now it was 3/43. Healesville were pressing for another wicket or two before stumps but it wasn’t to be and overnight St Andrews was 3/53.

On day two, Healesville went back to their opening bowlers Tom Dalley and Jack Drummond in pursuit of wickets. But a match-winning partnership of 79 was built before Max

A couple of late wickets had St Andrews on 6/146 before they passed the Healesville score.

Congratulations to St Andrews who finished top of the ladder and proved to be the best team this season.

The first three-phase Equitation event was held at Shirley Heights over the weekend. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Top event

By Anita Prowse

Working Equitation Yarra Valley held its first ever three-phase Equitation on Sunday at Shirley Heights EC in Gladysdale.

The Healesville Cricket Club’s Senior Presentation Night will be held on Friday 19 April from 6pm at the Healesville RSL.

Sitting last on the ladder with four rounds left, who would have thought Healesville were going to make finals let alone be playing in the Grand Final. The spirited fightback late in the season was impressive.

Tip top conditions and scores at the club

By Ron Hottes

The V.V.V’s:

A smaller field of starters than in recent times, took to the course, playing the front nine this week. The hottest Venus this week was none other than Merilyn McDonald, who posted a very impressive 20 points.The daily runner-up, Annelies Duivenvoorden, posted a 17-point result. There were no NTP winners.

Also, don’t forget that the V.V.V’s welcome new members, or even green-fee guests, you just need to turn up from 9am onwards, any Monday morning.

Wednesday 20 March, Stableford:

A cooler and windier day confronted a healthy size field. Conditions were ideal for golfers to score well, and David Hatt scored very well indeed, amassing a 38-point result. Good result for the ex-president. The next best score was posted by Dale Horrobin, and his 35 solid points saw him awarded the runner-up voucher. If you posted a 33+ result, you have

won a ball. NTP prizes went home with David Wappett (3rd), Your Loyal Scribe (5th), Steuart Hawke (9th), Ken White (12th) and Hatty (15th).

Twilight:

The penultimate Home and Away event was played out under pleasant, cloudy skies. Jeff Gill had a day out resulting in a 21-point nine holes. This injects him up the Shootout leaderboard, although he would need another result like that next week to give him real prospects of finishing Top Ten (unlike his son, who is already there). Peter Fox was the runner-up with a solid 19 points, grabbing that prize on a countback from the unlucky but seriously talentedVicki Hottes.The ball rundown extended to 17. The 3 NTP winners were Clint Toohey (10th), Paul Osbourne (12th) and Pacey Luttgens (15th).

The final Top 10 listing for the famous Shootout will be announced in next week’s edition. The Shootout will be played on Thursday 4 April from 4.30 pm.

Saturday 23 March, Par:

On this day, the weather was delightful, the course was in tip-top condition and the large field of 50+ used those ideal conditions to ‘make hay while the sun shines’. The best result on the day was posted by Peter Fox with a super impressive 41 points ( Foxy has been threatening to post this score in recent games, so it has finally clicked into position for him).

The A-Grade runner-up was Pennant Captain Luke Patrick who returned a 39-point result.

The B-Grade winner was none other than Your Loyal Scribe, who posted a rare win, with 38 points being enough to outscore newish member, Robert Mills who posted a 37-point result.

In both grades, the ball rundown finished at 36. The five daily NTP prizes went home with Lee Creedy (3rd), Geoff Fall (5th), Stuart Patrick (9th), Josh Hin (12th) and Ken White who seems to have a mortgage on the tricky 15th recently.

Winners were –

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

· Level 2 – Anita Dickson on Divine Legacy from Gembrook RC

· Level 3 – Rosemarie Hazzard- Ellis on Eskimo Pie from WE Yarra Valley

· Level 4 – Melissa Mitchell on Ingleside Exceptional from Bannockburn/Teesdale RC

· Level 5 – Katherine Ellis on Sundance

Montanna WE Yarra Valley

Nice to see a 3 Phase competition in the Valley finally, well done to running committee, sponsors and competitors.

The Wandin International Horse Trials is always a favourite, major winners were –

· CCI 4* - Molly Lines on Tadpole

· CCI 3* - Sophia Hill on Seattle Park

· CCI 2* - Natalie Davies on Camilla Elmare

· CCI 1* div 1 – Amy Getts-Wheeler on Sharvalley Wild Thing

· CCI 1* div 2 – Teegan Ashby on Confidential Tae

Well done everyone and Happy Riding.

Warburton

Wallace captured their fourth wicket when the score was on 122.

Healesville Cricket Club results.

Picture: ON FILE

Healesville scores talent

By Dongyun Kwon

Healesville Football and Netball Club (FNC) is set for the 2024 season with the signing of an ex-AFL player.

Aaron Edwards, who had a long career in AFL andVFL, has joined the club, thanks to his relationship with the club’s vice president Simon Gordon and the coach Ryan Webster.

The forward played 94 games in AFL for three different clubs; West Coast, North Melbourne and Richmond and also played for Frankston Football Club in VFL.

Football wasn’t Edwards’ first sport he got into.

Edwards said he’d never played footy until he was about 14.

“My background is Polynesian, so rugby was the number one sport,” he said.

“I started footy late. I played rugby beforehand and played a bit of soccer beforehand.”

His footy journey started from one of the junior football clubs in Hampton Park.

“Then, I joined another junior football club in Endeavour Hills which was a division 1 club and I had good success there,” Edwards said.

“I ended up getting picked to represent Dandenong Stingrays which was my area’s Tac Cup team. I played not much in my first year but I had a reasonably good second year.

“I was lucky enough to get drafted by the West Coast Eagles in the rookie draft pick nine. After that, I played a year for Frankston Football Club which was a VFL team and I had a good year and got drafted again by North Melbourne.”

Edwards spent about six years in North Melbourne where he spent most of his football career, playing 78 games before he got traded to Richmond Tigers where he spent two years.

had a few injuries. The frustration of injuring yourself is hard when you try to get back in because once you lose your spot, it’s very hard to get back in.”

To overcome the frustrations, Edwards focused on what he could control.

“There’s nothing you can do besides play well and train well,” Edwards said.

Edwards said he has developed a good relationship with the Healesville FNC’s vice president Simon Gordon and coach Ryan Webster since he met them in the Bali Masters 2023.

“They asked me if I wanted to come along and play footy together,” he said.

“A lot of football clubs are very much the same. There are good people and coaches around and everyone wants to help out players.

“But there is obviously a difference between the professional and amateur level, in terms of talent.”

Aaron Edwards played with Healesville FNC for a practice match for the first time on Saturday 23 March.

Healesville FNC president Toby Nillman said Edwards’ experience would improve the team’s performance.

“He’s one of 22 and we’ve got to get the best 22 to win a premiership,” he said.

“As a community club, we are trying to do our best to attract good players to improve football in our club and our community.”

The 40-year-old player said he had to get through intense competition to get into the playlist every week.

The most memorable part of his professional career was winning a final in 2007 against Hawthorn when he played for North Melbourne, although his team ended up failing to advance to the grand final in that season. His first debut game for AFL withWest Coast against Richmond on MCG and a milestone of 50 games were also meaningful to him.

“Each football club has 42 to 44 players on the AFL list and only 20 get to play every week,” he said.

“There were frustrations. Sometimes you get taken out of the team when you thought you shouldn’t have, there were also times you were hoping to get a game and you missed out.

“Also injuries. I have broken my leg and I’ve

The ex-AFL player said listening to coaches, learning kicking and hard work are the priorities for the kids who want to be professional footballers.

“If you kick well, you could build everything else around that,” Edwards said.

“If you can’t kick, you won’t get drafted but if you can kick well, you can be a very good player who can play many positions.”

Nyko earns VFL spot with Essendon Football Club

By Dongyun Kwon

Healesville based football player made one big step forward to reach his dream to be an AFL player.

Former Healesville Junior Football Club (JFC) player Cam Nyko was selected for Essendon Football Club’s VFL 2024 playing list.

Healesville JFC president Zach Coleman said he was wrapped when he heard about it.

“It’s an amazing reward for Cam’s hard work,” he said.

“He is a very smart and responsible footy player, uses the ball exceptionally well with good vision. He can see what’s going to happen, two or three moves ahead.”

Nyko’s passion for footy started from his first footy game in 2010 when he filled in for his brother’s footy team when he was five.

After he moved to Healesville from Queensland when he was six, he joined Healesville JFC to learn basic skills and team play.

Nyko said winning the Under 12 premiership is one of the special moments he remembers out of his 10 years of experience within the club.

“In 2017, we won many games and went undefeated,” he said.

“The reason why we won the premiership in that year was because we were all pretty close to one another and everyone was friends in that team.

“It reflected on our team camaraderie and we could perform well as one team in the games.”

The 19-year-old player, at 180 centimetres tall and 80 kilograms, plays half back wing and midfield.

Nyko had to get through some frustrated moments when he failed to get drafted by any VFL clubs in 2023 and during the 2024 preseason, North Melbourne’s VFL Club didn’t offer him a contract.

Despite the frustration, he didn’t give up his dream, rather, he tried harder to get closer to his dream.

“I had to find another VFL team and my manager was ringing around a lot ofVFL clubs asking if I could come train and then Essendon said yes and they offered me a contact about a week later after chatting,” Nyko said.

Essendon’s VFL Senior Coach Blake Caracella said Nyko joined the club through Essendon’s recruiting network.

“Cam has been on a modified training schedule with us over the last month in his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury,” he said.

“He has shown a strong appetite to work and has a real creative flair to his game, which will add to the excitement of our young team this year.

“We look forward to Cam returning to full training and games in the near future.”

Nyko has been training with Essendon every Monday and Wednesday since the middle of February.

“I like the training a lot, the facilities are really good and all the players are really nice,” Nyko said.

“I get there at about 4.30pm on the training day. We do team training and do a gym after training and I leave Essedon at about nine o’clock and then get home at about 10 o’clock.

“We’ve been playing practice matches on Fridays but I’m not able to play in the practice matches because I’m injured right now and still doing rehab.”

Nyko had to get surgery on both his shoulders after he dislocated them and is at the end of the rehab process.

He will be able to return to the field in two or three weeks.

The young talented player said he wants to go to the next level.

“VFL contract is definitely not satisfied with. I hopefully will be an AFL player one day,” the 19-year-old player said.

Mr Coleman said Healesville JFC is wishing nothing but success for the next chapter of Nyko’s football journey.

“He is a really good kid and across his generation, so he’s got mates across the 18-yearoldgroupallthewaythroughdownto15-yearold players,” he said.

“He took almost a mentor type role, imported some knowledge and experience across different levels. So, from a football club perspective, we’d love to have him around the club.

“We all want to see him at the AFL level soon.”

Nyko at Essendon’s training.

Picture: ESSENDON FC

Nyko played for Healesvill JFC for about 10 years. Picture: SUPPLIED

Aaron Edwards training during his time with the Tigers. Picture: RICHMOND FOOTBALL CLUB