Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 16th April 2024

Primary

school

joy over prospect of Traffic solution

By Mikayla van Loon

A proposed solution to Birmingham Road’s safety concerns has been aired, 18 months after a petition was submitted by a concerned parent and resident.

Discussing the item at the Yarra Ranges council meeting on Tuesday 9 April, councillors accepted a traffic management proposal, including a bid for grant money to install a signalised intersection.

In October 2022, Star Mail spoke with lead petitioner Bosa Sofranic-Carter who was calling on the council to improve traffic flow and safety outside Birmingham Primary School in Mount Evelyn.

Receiving close to 90 signatures, Ms Sofranic-Carter said the intersection at Francis Crescent had not kept up with the growth of the suburb or the population of the school community.

“The area has grown, there’s a bigger population than when that road first became a road and it just needs an upgrade to catch up with the safety that’s required now that there are more people living in the area and using that intersection,” she said at the time.

“There are cars going in so many directions that it’s just a matter of time before, unfortunately, a tragedy happens at that intersection. It is a mismanaged intersection that needs some sort of a solution.”

Birmingham Primary School principal of 20 years,Trish Enzinger, supported the plans stat-

ing “this has been an ongoing problem” and confirmed the increases in student and parent numbers.

“The student population when I first came there was 550. It’s now reaching 700. We have one exit from the school which is at the front of the school,” she said.

“The traffic is horrendous. It backs up Francis Crescent and Swansea Road and something really does need to be done about that.”

The council’s proposal puts forward a pitch to upgrade the intersection with traffic lights, costing around $500,000 and $20,000 annually for maintenance.

Radar speed display signs and zig zag line marking have also been commissioned as part of the traffic team’s safety improvements in the more immediate future.

Grateful for the additional safety measures around the pedestrian crossing, Ms SofranicCarter said she was still unsure why it took so long for these measures to be undertaken.

“Our neighbouring schools namely Mount Evelyn Primary and Montrose Primary School have had radar signs for some time which begs the question why Birmingham Primary School, the largest school in the area, does not already have this road safety feature,” she said at the meeting on Tuesday.

“Why the students of Birmingham Primary School have not been afforded the same safety considerations as students in neighbouring schools up until now.”

Continued page 4

Tom, 10, had the best birthday surprise on Saturday 13 April getting to enjoy a ride in his favourite truck.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Outer East a rental desert

By Callum Ludwig

identified the outer-eastern areas of Melbourne as a desert for rental availability, with local government areas (LGAs) such as the Yarra Ranges, Knox and Maroondah struggling with a dearth of available properties.

PropTrack, a property market data intelligence company which was acquired by the REA group (which operates realestate.com.au) in 2018, has revealed that the outer-east region of Melbourne, which includes the Whitehorse, Knox, Yarra Ranges, Maroondah and Manningham LGAs, has a staggering low rental vacancy rate of just 0.48 per cent in March 2024.

PropTrack Economist Anne Flaherty said Melbourne’s outer east has been the city’s best performing region over the past 12 months, with more buyers and renters looking to move into the area.

“The outer east tied for the lowest vacancy rate in the country over March, with just 0.48 per cent of the region’s rental properties sitting vacant,” she said.

“Demand isn’t just being driven by renters, with the outer east seeing the strongest growth in the median home price of any region in Melbourne over the past 12 months.”

Despite the already low percentage of vacant rentals, the outereast region still saw a downward trend in the number of available rentals with quarterly and yearly decreases of 0.17 and 0.26 per cent respectively.

MsFlahertysaiddrivingtheoutperformance of the outer east is the fact that the region ticks many of the key boxes for buyers and renters.

“These include excellent road and public transport infrastructure, easy access to employment hubs, schools, and hospitality and retail amenity,” she said.

“Add to this the lifestyle appeal of the region which provides plenty of green space and access to areas such as the Dandenong Ranges

and theYarraValley.”

According to current listings on realestate. com.au, rentals are available in spatterings in key urban townships and drop off a cliff after entering even slightly more rural areas:

Ferntree Gully and Boronia in the suburban foothills of the Dandenong Ranges have some availability with 27 and 24 properties currently available between them, though the area remains highly competitive as Ray White Ferntree Gully head of property management Jenny Bolch told the Star Mail in July 2023, with an average of 11 applicants per property and a turnover of 163 properties from over 1700 applications in a quarter alone last year.

In theYarra Ranges, Mooroolbark stands out as the most prevalent place for rentals with 28 while Kilsyth is the only other suburb in the double digits with 10. Other larger suburbs like Lilydale (seven) and Chirnside Park (five), while in nearby Maroondah Croydon and Croydon North still only combine for 22 available properties. Ringwood, despite hosting more apartment-style accommodation, also only has 34 properties on offer.

Stepping into the townships on the fringes of suburbia tells a damning tale for rental home hunters as availability tanks:

In the first step outside of larger suburbs,

Montrose(zero),MtEvelyn(one),WandinNorth (zero), Coldstream (zero),The Basin (three) and Upwey (three) don’t offer much promise.

In the hills, Monbulk (two), Olinda (two), Belgrave (one) and Emerald (two) options are limited, as it is in the Upper Yarra with Seville (zero), Woori Yallock (one), Launching Place (zero), Yarra Junction (zero), Wesburn (zero), Millgrove (one) and Warby (one) all pretty barren.

Finding a home in the Valley won’t be much easier as Healesville (four) andYarra Glen (zero) also look bleak.

Director of Community Engagement at Tenants Victoria Farah Farouque said too many Victorian renters looking for safe, secure and affordable housing are facing excruciating challenges amid this elongated renting crisis.

“What we’ve seen is that, amid record low vacancy rates, no area of Melbourne is immune from the crisis and that extends to the urban fringe where traditionally people had headed to find more affordable rental housing,” she said.

“It’s really tough out there for singles, families and retirees on low and, increasingly, middle incomes who have to compete in the private rental market,”

“Part of the solution has to be to build more social housing, that is homes owned by not-forprofits or government, and can be leased out at more affordable rates.”

2021 Census data indicated there were 36,705 rented properties in the Outer East, which assuming the same number of properties were still rentals now means only 176 rental homes are currently vacant.

The data comes out at a time when Melburnian social media star and law graduate Jordan van den Berg has begun taking submissions of homes that have been vacant for over two years, and linking them to those facing homelessness and severe housing stress to legally squat in. Mr van den Berg has grown a following of over 184,000 on TikTok and over 50,000 on Instagram, largely advocating for greater rights for renters, improved quality and safety of ‘Shit Rentals’ and highlighting instances of poor conduct from real estate agencies.

The move has been divisive as Mr van den Berg was questioned by panellists on The Project on Monday 8 April, who asked whether it was a ‘sensible’ solution and if the response to the crisis should be focused on policy instead.

When asked if he thought encouraging people to squat in private properties was the right way to fix the issue byThe Project co-host Sarah Harris, Mr van den Berg said ‘let me answer your question by asking you a question.’

“Do you think it’s right we have thousands of vacant, abandoned homes while we have people living on the street,” he said.

According to an ‘Administrative data snapshot of housing’ released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics at the end of August 2023, the experimental data showed the percentage of ‘active houses’ that showed signs of recent use:

In the Outer East, the Yarra Ranges LGA had 446 (0.8 per cent) inactive houses, Maroondah had 314 (0.7 per cent) and Knox 291 (0.5 per cent).

The Outer East of Melbourne currently has the equal-lowest rental vacancy rate in the country. Picture: ON FILE

Vale Eric Dosser, beloved RSL leader

and Lilydale communities are mourning the loss of a loved community member and longest serving RSL president after Eric Dosser was found dead on Tuesday 9 April.

The 85-year-old was reported missing after last seen taking his dog for a walk early on Monday morning.

His dog was later handed into a vet clinic in Kilsyth around 5.45pm on 8 April, sparking an extensive search from police, SES and Air Wing.

“Officers discovered the deceased man on the Carrum to Warburton Trail about 8.15am [on Tuesday],” Victoria Police said.

Eric was born in South Camberwell in 1938 to Edwin and Mable Dosser, brother to Max.

Achieving his education from Camberwell Grammar School, the Box Hill State School and then Box Hill Grammar, when he left he joined the railway department and in 1957 he was in the first call up of National Service.

Completing basic training, Eric was selected to join the 3rd Training Battalion Band at Puckapunyal full time, where he performed regimental parades and services.

He even acted as a guard of honour at Essendon Airport to welcome US General Maxwell Taylor, Supreme Allied Commander in the South-West Pacific.

Eric’s National Service was a six year commitment, therefore, he was transferred to the Royal Melbourne 6th Battalion Band, where he performed at many military, Vice-Regal, State and Melbourne City Council functions.

Returning to his pre-service work on the railways, Eric became a country salesman for freight with the Victorian Railways for sixteen years, married and raised two children while living in Box Hill.

When his marriage broke down, he decided to run a service station in East Ringwood. He also met Joy, his soon to be wife.

They were married in 1978 and were able to spend a delightful 42 years together before Joy died of cancer.

The pair moved to their home in Kilsyth and in 1989, Eric sold the service station to open a fruit shop in Plymouth Road, Croydon, working there until he retired.

With a history of playing the bugle, in 1990 Eric took on the unofficial role as Lilydale RSL’s bugler.

Just three years later he was elected as president at a time when the sub-branch was looking to progress and grow after a few years of neglect.

Eric served as president from 1993 to 2003 and brought great change to the RSL.

Not only did patronage increase, renovations of the clubrooms were done and it became a family-friendly environment.

Between 1994 and 2013 he was master of ceremonies at each dawn service and Re-

membrance Day ceremony at Lilydale and increased attendance there enormously.

Eric will be remembered for championing the memory of service men and women, working to honour those who came before and passing on the knowledge to the next generation.

He encouraged programs with local schools, was co-chair of the committee to create the Shire of Lillydale World War II honour board and worked on a number of local war memorial projects, most notably the Lilydale Wall of Remembrance at the Ralph Goode Reserve.

Despite leaving his presidency in 2003 to build up the local branch of the National Servicemen’s Association, Eric returned for his second term in 2008 to help keep Lilydale RSL ‘traditional’.

“During his presidency he took the deliberate path of not having a ‘pokie palace’ but instead concentrated on veterans welfare, this is still the goal of the current executive and members,” RSL president Bill Dobson said.

“Eric was well known to many people and will be sadly missed.”

Dedicating a total of 15 years as president, Eric was the longest serving and was recognised with a life membership in 2019.

Local historian Anthony McAleer worked on Eric’s biography with him for the centenary of the Lilydale RSL.

Infringements cause concern

New Victoria Police analysis shows more than 24,000 infringements were issued in a single year for some of the simplest of road rules.

The analysis - covering the latest financial year - shows almost 8000 infringements were issued for motorists failing to obey traffic lights alone.

This includes running red lights, ignoring amber lights and disobeying traffic lane signals. A further 3000 drivers failed to obey stop signs. Incorrect use of intersections was also a concern with people failing to give way and people entering roundabouts from the wrong lane.

4300 fines were issued for people not wearing a seatbelt or not wearing one properly.

Infringements include (from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023):

· Fail to obey traffic lights - includes running red lights, ignoring amber lights and ignoring traffic lane signals: 7984

· Fail to wear seatbelt or not wearing one properly: 4284

· Fail to obey stop sign: 2935

· Fail to drive sufficient distance behind vehicle: 2177

· Fail to give way at intersection: 2023

· Fail to have headlights and taillights on at night: 1718

School zones return

Drivers on the road in the mornings and afternoons are urged to take care as school zone speed limits are in place again this week as Term 2 of 2024 commences Monday 15 April.

Drivers are reminded to be patient around school zones as speed limits return and there is an expected increase in road, pedestrian and bicycle traffic at drop-off and pick-up times.

Some school speed zones are permanent, while others operate from 8am to 9.30am, and from 2.30pm to 4pm on weekdays, with reduced speeds of 40km/h or 60km/h in school zones until the end of the school term.

Poor P-plate driver behaviour

Mooroolbark Police were patrolling Cave Hill Road in Lilydale when they witnessed a Black Holden Commodore allegedly intentionally slide the back end of the car out, while going around the roundabout at Beresford Road, all in front of a marked police car.

The 18-year-old Badger Creek man has only had his licence for three months and will now have a date with the Magistrate for improper use of a motor vehicle and careless driving. The vehicle was also impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1017.

Police will be out and about enforcing poor driver behaviour in the wet, to reduce the road toll, which currently sits at 82 lives lost to date this year.

Four major fires, rare

Warrandyte CFA is highlighting the importance of having a working smoke alarm after attending four separate house fires in just four weeks.

CFA alongside FRV attended house fires in East Doncaster, Park Orchards, North Warrandyte and Warrandyte over the last month.

“My first message to the community is make sure you have a working smoke alarm and homefire plan, secondly, we need to be safe when lighting fires indoors, like fireplaces,” Warrandyte Captain Will Hodgson said.

Eric was well loved in his Kilsyth, Mooroolbark and Lilydale communities.

Eric Dosser, 85, was the longest serving Lilydale RSL president and will be remembered for his championing of veterans. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Joy over proposed solution

From page 1

The council has an opportunity to gain funding from Road Safety Victoria for up to $2 million under the Safe Local Roads and Streets Program, which built environment and infrastructure director Hjalmar Philipp confirmed was “through a non competitive process”.

“Each council is allocated up to $2 million to deliver prioritised road safety projects…there is a little bit of an ambiguity around whether it’s a full $2 million or not,” he said.

“We have indications that it will be so we put forward $2 million worth of work…It’s important to manage expectations around what can come out of this process.”

Councillor Tim Heenan said while the costing estimate for the signalised intersection is only half a million dollars, there are other projects and crossings the $1.5 million could be used for.

“[We] dangerous school crossings…in many wards. We have two and a half thousand square kilometres. We’ve got so many townships, we’ve got so many roads. We’ve got so many schools and we have so many problems,” he said.

Mr Philipp said the concept designs for the intersection were not yet finalised after Jenny, a Mount Evelyn resident, who was sitting in the gallery, raised concerns about the movement or eradication of a pedestrian footpath.

“It looks like they want to move the footpath and the crossing closer to the intersection. I’ve seen cars come down around the corner and end up going over the embankment down to where they want people to now cross the road,” she said.

“I don’t think it would be a very safe place to have a crossing closer to that intersection. If the old footpath could be left where it was, when it’s not school time, peo-

ple could still use the old footpath where it’s not close to the intersection.”

Cr Heenan put forward the recommendation to approve the motion and acknowledged the crossing supervisors who shared their concerns in the report.

“For a period of time in the morning and in the afternoon, it is truly something that needs to have a lot of tolerance, a lot of patience, a lot of understanding that does not always happen,” he said.

“I really take my hat off to the traffic crossing supervisor there every day because their job is so increasingly difficult because of the lack of understanding and respect from car drivers and truck drivers.

“I hope the implementation of what we’re going to do in the short term is going to help and I sincerely hope in the long term we’ll be able to get traffic crossing signals.”

It was passed unanimously.

$6m needed to upgrade Lillydale Lake facilities

By Mikayla van Loon

A multi-million-dollar, 15-year plan for the upgrade and improvement of Lillydale Lake has been adopted, setting out the vision for the major recreational hub.

The master plan estimates a total cost of $6.1 million needed to enhance existing facilities and add to the Lake’s offerings.

Yarra Ranges councillors voted on Tuesday 9 April to approve the revised draft plan which included community feedback after a consultation period from April to June last year.

Much of the commentary from the consultation was based on more accessible pathways, more shaded picnic areas, better ageranging playground equipment and more, as well as clean, toilet facilities.

Dog ownership responsibility was also raised a concern by those who answered the survey, with those items to be considered in another report being developed.

The report also noted the expected population increase for Lilydale by 2046 being 13,424 persons, with the Kinley estate set to be a large contributor to that growth.

As a regional park, the report noted the near one million visitors to the Lake per year and the suburban growth happening nearby in Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park, as well as the rest of the shire.

“This is a long time coming. It’s a 15 year strategy. It’s something that I believe is a fantastic asset for all of our population in and around Lillydale Lake, which we know by the document has been increasing exponentially in the last few years,” Councillor Tim Heenan said.

Pleased to see that the master plan took into consideration the entire Lake for upgrades, Cr Heenan said that would be something essen-

tial to cater to the future growth predicted.

“One thing that is sorely lacking… is the need to understand the needs of people on the other side of Lillydale Lake,” he said.

“That’s where we talk about the housing that abuts all those areas where they can walk to the Lake, we’ve never really catered for the understanding and how they want to have an input.”

Cr Sophie Todorov said she was impressed to see a master plan that was cost effective and focused on “accessibility to all different demographics of users”.

“It addresses many things that we can improve for everyone’s general health and wellbeing at no cost. So it’s not an extra expensive or fancy master plan, but it’s one that really suits most needs of the community,” she said.

“I was really pleased to see the detail in this plan and a few little special extras such as the parkour and hopefully we’ll see a half size basketball court there as well.

“But certainly many, many improvements earmarked for just general enjoyment and health and well being and just passive recreational activity too.”

Of the 385 contributors to the survey, 89 per cent said they supported the adjustments made to the master plan.

Councillors passed the motion unanimously.

Strategy makes a splash

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Ranges councillors have endorsed the next step for the region’s aquatic and leisure facilities at the Tuesday 9 April Council meeting. Community consultation outcomes were considered and factored into the Aquatics and Leisure Strategy which was adopted and will help inform actions regarding local amenities up to 2033.

The discussion of the item began with a speaker from the gallery named Kathy stepping forward and asking Council what they planned to do with the land left over from the closing of the Kilsyth Centenary Pool.

“Many people are very disappointed because it leaves us without a good facility but what is the plan for the Hawthory Road land, is it going to be redeveloped there with a new leisure facility and a new pool,” she said.

“Will it be sold for residential development, if so, will the proceeds of that sale go towards building a new facility,”

“You’re saying it’s going to be 10 years before we can even get a new pool and you’ve got all these outdoor pools, which are supposedly dated, so that means thatYarra Ranges is going to be without a lot of leisure facilities or pools.”

Councillors approved a draft of the strategy for community consultation at the Tuesday 24 October Council meeting, which included the initial decision to close the Kilsyth Centenary Pool due to structural damage to ‘The Dome’ and the increased costs of running the facility. Council estimated it would have cost at leats $2 million for the pool to have been reopened, Director of Built Environment and Infrastructure Hjalmar Phillipp was called upon to help respond to Kathy’s questions and said Council resolved in October what the plan is for the site.

“I’ll read out from the Council minutes, so following decommissioning, maintain the site as open space, in line with current public park and recreation land use, pending community consultation regarding its future use,” he said. “Effectively, it will be decommissioned,

maintain its open space, and nothing will happen until the community is engaged in what might happen next and that intent and objective is included in the draft aquatic strategy on page 17, which refers to exactly that point that we will create a plan first and talk to the community before any action on that site.”

An alternative motion was put forward by Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar for the site to be retained as a public park and recreational land in the 24 October 2023 meeting.

Chandler Ward Councillor David Eastham spoke to the item and said 70 per cent of the respondents during community consultation rated the objectives of the strategy a four or five, with five being absolutely in favour, and to him that says Council got a lot right.

“This strategy was very data driven, though when I say data driven, I think that there was a really good balance between community feedback, community insights, balanced really well with the data that was provided to help drive some of those key elements within the strategy,” he said.

“I know that some of the members of facilities such as the Olinda Pool, and we know the history there, I know that they met with

officers to discuss, you know, their presence within the strategy and what it meant for them as a facility, as obviously, theirs is unique, how that’s volunteer-run but an absolute success story there,”

“There’s significant investment to keep aquatic facilities up and running and to establish new ones, which we can’t do on our own so I look forward to those conversations progressing with state and federal partners to see what incredible facilities we can upgrade or deliver.”

All other aquatic and facilities will be retained and maintained, while others are slated for upgrades if all goes to plan:

The Monbulk Aquatic Centre will receive an additional program pool, an upgrade to leisure water, an extension of the gym and a new program room

The Yarra Centre will receive a new entry and cafe, an extension of the pool hall to incorporate a new warm water pool, spa and accessible change facilities, redevelopment and expansion of the gym and program rooms and the development of an external fitness zone

The Healesville Outdoor Pool will receive upgrades to improve the condition and life

of the 50M pool shell, heating of the pool, an upgrade to the changerooms and potentially a small interactive water play feature.

Lyster Ward Councillor Johanna Skelton seconded the motion and said it’s a big plan with a big impact, but nevertheless leaves enough room in there for changes to happen.

“Obviously they are going to need to happen because we have lost the Kilsyth pool and we really have a big strong need, in particular in the urban area, for a great facility,” she said.

“We’ve got 10 aquatic facilities, including the free water play, for 160 something thousand people, which is a lot of facilities for one council to have and our visitation, I saw that the top-visited centre is the Yarra Centre with 153,000 per year,”

“I had a quick look up of some of the other big councils like Knox and Monash and they have, the number I saw though it may be bigger now, was 800,000 to a million visits per year at one of their facilities.”

Yarra Ranges Council holds a long-term view to investigate the possibility of an Integrated Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Lilydale to replace the Kilsyth Centenary Pool in the Urban area of the region.

Walling Ward Councillor Len Cox OAM, who has been a vocal opponent of the decision to close the Kilsyth Centenary Pool, said he still believes the consideration should be to open or rebuild the pool in Kilsyth.

“It’s been said that we put a flash new pool in Lilydale, but there’s a couple of problems with that; we don’t have the money and we all know we won’t get it from the federal and state government because they won’t fund the sort of money that you need for a heated pool, we need anything from $80 million and upwards to do it properly,” he said.

“Not only don’t we have the money for it, but we don’t have the land for it, we’ve been looking around for that for a little while and there’s nothing suitable in Lilydale.”

Despite his reservations, Cr Cox and all the other councillors voted in favour and the motion was passed unanimously.

Traffic improvements for the intersection of Francis Crescent and Birmingham Primary School have been proposed by the council. 302905 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The dismantled dome of the Kilsyth Centenary Pool is not set for a rebuild under the newly adopted Aquatic and Leisure Strategy. Picture: ON FILE

Flood mitigation to fore

By Mikayla van Loon

Questions of drainage improvements and flood mitigation were brought once more to the fore as residents and petitioners sought answers from Yarra Ranges Council.

Rosemary Mosely was the first to ask a question at theTuesday 9 April meeting, reiterating her call for communication and consultation from the council after also submitting last month.

“A comprehensive understanding of the lay of the land and residents’ experiences of patterns of flooding would surely be a valuable resource when plans are being formulated to address and remediate an inefficient council street drainage infrastructure plus the regular ongoing maintenance regime needs to clear gutters,” she said as part of her submission.

In response to her comments and question, building environment and infrastructure director Hjalmar Philipp said the council was developing a drainage newsletter“to keep residents better informed of drainage and flooding issues which we expect to release in the coming months”.

Mr Philipp said this would be in addition to “the council’s several communication mechanisms, including directly with residents on specific issues and more broadly the council’s website.”

Lilydale Flood Watch group member Michelle also raised questions around the mitigation and prevention of flood water given the developments of Kinley and Coldstream estates, as well as if Lillydale Lake’s capacity would be increased to cater to this growth of suburbs.

Each of these items, Michelle said, were raised in a letter of complaint submitted to the council late last year.

“A clear process to respond to the 24 items raised in your previous communications has been established and signatories to that letter

have been receiving updates since December last year on the action being taken to address the issues raised; the most recent update was sent on 29th of February,” Mr Philipp said in response.

Since the letter of complaint was submitted, Mr Philipp said the council had undertaken“a series of proactive inspections and maintenance across the area and assets”, like that of improvement works at Nimblefoot Reserve and the Nelson Road crossing, in conjunction with Melbourne Water.

Mr Philipp also mentioned that the Stormwater Management Plan would be a “foundational piece” for flood mapping and drainage works across the shire.

In speaking with Star Mail, Michelle said at the top of the list when it comes to putting the stormwater plan together, “regular, empathetic and genuine face to face engagement” and “inclusive and prolonged and proactive consultation” would be a priority for residents impacted by the experience of flooding.

“[I would like to see] Yarra Ranges Council officers actively survey the land with members of the community whose streets and homes which experience flooding to accurately hear first-hand of the direction, velocity, frequency and the impact of the upstream housing subdivisions and what impact it is having downstream,” she said.

The concerns of the Lilydale Flood Watch group as a whole, as developments and hous-

ing continue to grow around the Lilydale area, Michelle said needs to be addressed before the council submits its housing strategy.

“Stronger controls enforced and implemented now by Yarra Ranges Council on developers to reduce the impact of stormwater run off on subdivisions and low-medium rise townhouses given the Yarra Ranges Council is proposing to build 7,500 new homes on known flooding streets according to their Draft 2023 Housing Strategy,” she said.

“To me this is just wrong to knowingly expose an already vulnerable community at risk to further risk of increased flooding, and then to expose the developer and new investors, homeowners or renters to flooding, it is just so wrong.”

As the council heads towards its next budget update, Michelle said Lilydale FloodWatch has made a submission on what the group would like to see attributed to the upgrades of drainage and infrastructure.

“Drainage goes hand in hand with road design and construction. Lilydale Flood Watch has submitted a draft submission for 20242026 to the value of $33 million for the Yarra Ranges Council and State Government to invest in roads and drainage upgrade to the 26 streets listed in a combination of Letter of Complaint and Petitions sent to Yarra Ranges Council from November 2023 and February 2024 with over 300 signatories.

“We have been told to resubmit it in April when Yarra Ranges Council seeks submissions from all across the community.

“In our draft submission for $33 million to be prioritised to the 26 streets in Lilydale, we have requested that no special charge scheme should apply to funding the investment to ratepayers for the design, remediation, repair, upgrade or replacement of roads, footpaths and drainage infrastructure and ongoing monthly maintenance.”

Be

Chapel Street flooded with drains unable to cope with the excess water. Picture: MARLENE QUIGG

Permit row behind switch

It was on 15 March when Wandin Park Estate co-owner William Anker first received a phone call from a representative from the Yarra Ranges Council (YRC).

“They realised, after they discussed the event, that we didn’t have a permit to run the Adventure Dog on our property,” he said.

“They said they would get back to us regarding that, but we didn’t hear anything.”

Mr Anker eventually received another email from the council around 10.10pm on 22 March that Wandin Park Estate could not run the event.

“Under our understanding, we thought we had a permit because we had gone through with this person to tie up in planning back in 2020 and we had been granted our existing use rights permit in 2021 because we’ve been running events at Wandin Park for over 40 years,” he said.

“Apparently, we didn’t have a permit to run this event even though we had been running this event since 2018.”

Mr Anker claimed that the YRC took off the advertisement about Adventure Dog 2024 from its website after 22 April.

“We’re quite devastated. We don’t see why the event had to be cancelled from our property,” he said.

“It’s not a moneymaker for us, it’s just a great thing to help back in the community. The Adventure Dog made $100,000 last year, which was a great result.

“To be honest, it’s not a huge effect to us, but it is definitely a detrimental effect to the main organiser [Animal Aid] because they

had less than two weeks and it was too late for them to get the event off the ground.”

YRC planning and sustainable futures director Kath McClusky said council officers have spoken to the owners and their representatives of Wandin Park Estate several times during 2023 and 2024 in relation to holding events at the property.

“During those conversations, Council clarified what type of events could occur without the need to follow a planning permit process and what could not,” she said.

“Following several conversations with of-

ficers, where planning processes were not followed by the land owners, Council officers had no choice but to inform Wandin Park Estate that they did not have planning permission for the Animal Aid event.

“Council has an obligation to ensure that significant public events are run safely, to ensure that risks to members of the public are managed and minimised, and to protect amenity for community members. It also ensures that local residents are informed about the event that has been applied for and make submissions.

“This is why events on private land may require permits to operate – these permits assess traffic management and emergency management, as well as how the proposed event sites will manage the number of attendees safely.”

Despite the permit issue, Animal Aid successfully wrapped up Adventure Dog 2024 with over 840 participants and raised $95,000.

Animal Aid event manager Elle Ammann said the last-minute venue change caused difficulties in creating a new course, site and communicating with the participants, volunteers, vendors, local community and stakeholders.

“The last-minute venue change created a huge logistical challenge. We were shocked,” she said.

“The funds we raise from Adventure Dog are vital to Animal Aid’s daily operations and welfare mission. The impacts of cancelling Adventure Dog would have had very real impacts on the animals we care for.

“Cancelling Adventure Dog 2024 just wasn’t an option. Our community loves this event. Participants were coming from ACT, SA, and Queensland. These people had booked their accommodation and made their travel plans months in advance. We needed to make Adventure Dog happen no matter what.”

Ms McClusky said YRC highly values its relationship with Animal Aid and supports their work in animal welfare.

“We understand the significance of this event for their fundraising activities, and are disappointed by the circumstances,” she said.

“As soon as Council became aware that the planning permit process was not an option, an alternative location to host the Adventure Dog event was found and we are glad this important event was able to run.

“We are committed to working with Animal Aid and assisting them through the permit process for future events.”

Adventure Dog was originally held at Wandin Park Estate in Gruyere. Picture: ON FILE

Holistic gardening creating greater connections

By Mikayla van Loon

Growing exponentially in just six months, the Mooroolbark Community Garden (MCG) has just taken another step in its plan, partnering with employment support not-for-profit WCIG.

Launching the partnership on Friday 12 April, MCG president Helen vander-Hayden said when the initial talk of starting a garden happened 12 months ago, there was always a dream of partnering with an organisation like WCIG but it seemed further into the future.

A local resident, Nathan, who happened to work for WCIG passed on the message that the community garden was established and looking for an opportunity to provide support to people with disabilities, mental health challenges or who were unemployed.

“Granville [from WCIG] sent us an email and I thought this is too good to be true. Then after talking with him, and having lots of meetings and all sorts of things, it was like we could do this and it’s something that was in the back of my head when it first started,” Helen said.

“So when he came along, I thought you’re actually bringing us five years into the future of where I was thinking we could possibly go.”

The partnership in practical terms, Granville said, will offer people living with mental health or disability to enter a safe environment to help build their confidence and find a supportive community.

“What we do is we get them to come here where it’s like a workplace, but it’s not. It’s more relaxed,” he said.

“Anybody who’s unemployed in the community might be a bit fragile, so they need to be supported and nurtured. So we need the right person to get them to grow and to move to the next step.

“And then once they build that confidence and overcome those barriers, they’re then ready to get into the workforce.”

WCIG will also provide funding to upgrade the garden space to make it wheelchair accessible, with specialised matting and garden beds, as well as creating a grass nook for quiet space.

“We’re working with Glen Park Community Centre and we’re going to put job seekers in there to create the disability tables, to create the garden beds,” Granville said.

Also working with a rehab centre, Granville said many of the people who are leaving there will be welcomed to join the program at the community garden “so they can come out here, get those supports and feel comfortable”.

For Helen and the entire committee and volunteer base at MCG, being able to provide

an extra purpose within the garden they’ve created builds on the founding principle of connection.

“This garden is for them. Come down and see us. Even if it’s just to have a chat. Have a walk around or sit under the tree for half an hour. This is what the garden is all about. So it’s not just about the veggies. It’s making connections with other people in the community,” Helen said.

“[There will be] more areas for the community, we’ve got a mental health space going in. It’s just going to have grass and a couple of chairs but it’s the grass that’s important.

“Some people in these apartments don’t even have grass that they can take their shoes off and put their feet on.”

Helen said the space upgrades will also allow “far more education, we can educate

kids” about gardening, planting and seasonal growth woven into library story times and other programs with kindergartens.

“The more infrastructure we’ve got, the better we can educate and help people. The more beds we can get the more fruit and veg we can grow.”

Because WCIG is funded through the Federal Government, Granville said as work for the dole coordinator, making sure that money spreads as far as it can to help as many people as possible is the way he works.

As the Casey Federal MP, Aaron Violi said it was always good to see “multiple benefits” come from Federal money.

“It’s delivering a significant benefit to the community here in the community garden but importantly it’s creating life skills and helping those who have some challenges in life move from long term unemployment… into the workforce,” he said.

“We all know the value of a job and how that gives a greater sense of purpose and helps them to continue to contribute to society.”

Amazed at the popularity of the gardens, Helen said she somewhat underestimated how much people would use the produce but said it has been a joy to know people are able to take what they need and leave what they can.

“They’re taking some of the harvest and they’re putting in what they can afford.

“Anybody from any walk of life can come down and grab some basil or whatever and put a donation in or don’t put in a donation. If you can’t do financial, can you give some time? Or have you got old pots that you no longer need?”

The finished works are expected to be done by October, with another event formalising the partnership even further.

Kitchen sink drama unfolds

By Mikayla van Loon

A decades-old kitchen has reached its end of life at a major dementia support service in Mooroolbark and is in need of repair.

Caladenia Dementia Care has started crowdfunding for a remodel as well as putting the call out for skilled trades or project managers to help tackle the upgrade project.

Board chair Ronda Jacobs said cost estimates have come back in the realm of $180,000 because of the requirement to bring the kitchen up to current commercial standards.

“We’ve got to have an exceptionally high standard to meet…that’s when you’ve got this overlay of this huge cost that you caught up in because you just come in under that designation of a commercial kitchen,” she said.

The Hilledge Lane property, which Caladenia acquired from Yarra Ranges Council in 1991 under a peppercorn loan, hasn’t seen the kitchen be renovated since 1998.

Chief executive officer Sarah Yeates said not only are some cupboards unusable, appliances like the dishwasher, oven and fridge need replacing.

“The floor, stainless steel benching, which we’ve had some people say we do need some people so we don’t need, our cabinetry needs replacing,” she said.

“The floor is a huge issue. Everything’s got to be ripped out for the floor to be replaced with regulation non slip flooring.”

Ms Jacobs said the board did try to reduce costs by doing piecemeal fixes but if you “start adding up all those little bits, you may as well do the whole thing”.

In being completely transparent, Ms Yeates said Caladenia does have funds in reserve but those are slated for programs and providing more support to people living with dementia.

“It’s for program expansion. It’s for looking at our waiting list. It’s looking at bringing this service to other places in the eastern suburbs,” she said.

“It should be used for the people who need the service. We’ve got waiting lists. We’d rather

expand our services, do whatever we can…to address the need in the area,” Ms Jacobs said.

Currently providing support to roughly 120 people living with dementia, both later in life and early onset, Ms Yeates said the waiting list is sitting at around 15 people.

Providing healthy, hearty meals to attendees at Caladenia’s programs, Ms Yeates said, is more than just putting food on the table.

“Apart from the fact that we provide a nutritious midday meal, which often relieves a carer from having to provide a large meal at dinner time, the smell of food cooking, people helping in the kitchen, all those domestic things that remind people of their own domestic situation, childhood good memories are tied up with food.

“Sharing meals together is one of the most social things we do as humans, and that doesn’t change for people with dementia.”

Although trying to raise $100,000 to put towards the renovation, Ms Jacobs said “we really need that expertise of someone…because the board’s making decisions without the right skill set”.

“Donation isn’t the only way to do it. I think some trades who could help us out would be probably even more valuable, either with some sort of cost plus price or volunteering their time would be really helpful for the kitchen,” Ms Jacobs said.

“We desperately need someone to help us

manage the project. We don’t really know anything about building and renovation.”

Ms Yeates said spreading the word is even helpful at this point.

“Just get the word out there, talk to your friends and family. If you’ve got someone in the family who might have those skills or you know someone, maybe just spread the word, if you can’t help yourself,” she said.

To enquire about how you can help, contact Caladenia on 9727 2222 or email caladenia@ caladenia.com.au

The fundraiser has seen close to $13,000 donated so far. The GoFundMe can be found here, gofundme.com/f/help-us-bring-ourkitchen-from-1998-to-2024

MCG president Helen vander-Hayden, Casey MP Aaron Violi and WCIG’s Granville and Ashlee at the launch event. 401245

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Caladenia Dementia Care chief executive officer Sarah Yeates said it’s time to bring the kitchen into 2024. 401064

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

The kitchen has unusable cupboards and dishwasher. 401064

The kitchen has unusable cupboards and dishwasher. 401064

Brave Tom lives his dream

By Mikayla van Loon

A truck enthusiast 10-year-old was given his dream gift to celebrate the milestone birthday as truck drivers from around the Lilydale area banded together to surprise him with a visit.

Tom celebrated his 10th birthday on Saturday 13 April surrounded by his adopted Lilydale family at Lillydale Lake.

Moving from New South Wales to Sale, Victoria in the middle of last year Tom’s parents Troy and Tumay Mussio weren’t prepared when three months later Tom was diagnosed with leukaemia.

“It actually just came about from a sore shoulder. He had a sore right shoulder and I came home one night after work and he had a really bad fever and the shoulder was just getting progressively more sore and it was really tender,” Troy said.

“We took him to hospital the next day and did some blood tests and they said they weren’t really sure, maybe it’s just a really bad infection. We got him home, tried him on antibiotics and two days later, I was going to work and he just went into the shower and passed out.

“He said my knees are sore, my back is sore, my ankles are sore, my shoulder is sore everything’s really sore.

“We took him to the hospital at about six in the morning and probably about three or four in the afternoon, the paediatrician said ‘there’s no easy way to tell you this but there’s very strong markers for blood cancer or leukaemia’.”

Being urgently rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital, Troy and Tumay had to be in hospital with Tom full time for four weeks while he underwent treatment.

Having only moved to the southern state, with no family around to help, a fortuitous connection made years ago gave this family a home away from home in Lilydale.

A chance meeting with Janette, the now owner of the Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park, when on a trip to Horn Island not only led to Troy and Tumay meeting but to the long connection which allowed them to find accommodation as Tom went through chemo.

“When we moved to Victoria we said we’ll be able to catch up a lot more often now and we did and then a couple months laterTom fell sick and they really became our adoptive family,” Troy said.

“Basically every weekend all the kids come and they all play together and there’s a little recreation block they go to and they have campfires and sleep outs and so we’ve been drawn into their family which is really sweet

but without it, it would be really really hard.”

Not only was it Tom’s milestone birthday worth celebrating but he also just completed 10 weeks of intensive treatment and by all indications, doctors are happy with the results.

“He’s got a week of monitoring and then next week, he’ll have another daily dosage and then he can come home,” Troy said.

“Then for the next 18 months to two years it’s roughly every 10 to 14 days he’ll come in, have a round of chemo, stay for the day or maybe the night and then come home.”

Troy said for Tom the doctors had given a “very good prognosis for full recovery” early on, given his age and the type of leukaemia they were treating.

“We’re very lucky that the type of leukaemia he has is a more common type of leukaemia, and it’s one of the more treatable ones,” he said.

“The first month of treatment, they do bone marrow aspiration and they drill into his hip, take out the marrow, and they assess it to see how much leukaemia is in there and it was like 91 per cent of the cells being produced out of his bone marrow had leukaemia attached to them.

“After four weeks of treatment it went down to 0.01 per cent, which is remission. He’ll get through it but it’s just a longer journey.”

The months of 10s also continued, with Troy able to raise over $10,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation with support from friends, colleagues and strangers who have followed Tom’s journey.

Surprising Tom with his favourite Peterbilt trucks, the smile couldn’t be removed from his face as he climbed into the driver’s seat and saw the engine.

Tom said “it’s my dream” to one day drive his own truck, either a Peterbilt or Kenworth, coloured either red or black.

Tom at the wheel of his favourite Peterbilt truck. Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Tom, Sienna, Tumay and Troy were extremely grateful to truck driver Will (left) who came down to Lillydale Lake to surprise the birthday boy.

KCAG Chair Mike O’Meara expressed the group’s commitment to collaborative action.

“KCAG has a solid track record of working with other organisations to make positive changes in Kilsyth. However, there is always more that can be done,” he said.

“We believe that by harnessing the collective energy and ideas of our community members, we can achieve even greater things together.”

gram,” Mike said.

The council will be holding consultation pop-ups in the Kilsyth area on Thursday 18 April, including Collins Place shops between 8.30am to 10.30am.

Since its inception in 2014, Kilsyth Community Action Group has been a driving force behind numerous impactful projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents.

ational reserves, creation of an off-leash dog park, and advocacy campaigns like Save 150 Cambridge Road.

three to five years. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, learn about ongoing initiatives in the district, and explore ways to actively contribute to the betterment of the community.

Although coincidental, Mike believes the timing of the Kilsyth project aligns well with Yarra Ranges Council’s current consultation on its Community Engagement Policy.

“Hopefully our session will encourage greater involvement in the council’s pro-

As well as being an active member of the Yarra Ranges Township Network Group, the team has continuously demonstrated its dedication to serving the community through running activities like the annual Kilsyth Festival, supporting initiatives such as master plans for Pinks, Elizabeth Bridge and Kilsyth recre-

The Your Kilsyth, Your Say! gathering presents an opportunity for individuals to get involved in their favourite projects and collaborate on new initiatives that align with their interests and values. All attendees are encouraged to bring their energy, opinions, and enthusiasm for making Kilsyth a better place for everyone.

This event is open to all members of the Kilsyth community, regardless of age or background. No need to register in advance, just bring your ideas on the day. Light refreshments will be provided.

The Kilsyth Community Action group is hosting a gathering for residents to have their say on the future of Kilsyth. Pictures: SUPPLIED An aim of KCAG has always to bring heart to the centre of Kilsyth.

ANZAC DAY

Library adds to RSL’s role

By Mikayla van Loon

Continuing to carry out its purpose of safeguarding the history, memory and sacrifice of those who served in war, while passing on the knowledge to future generations, Lilydale RSL has installed a library.

As part of its upgrades to the 1922 building, as well as its new educational sessions, the subbranch has redesigned one of the front rooms with shelving, storing a collection of books in the now Ralphe Goode Memorial Library.

Completing the renovations of the front room, Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson said would not have been possible without the support of the Wandin/Seville Community Bank, who granted the sub-branch $6000 for the works. “To have the cabinetry done, it cost a lot more so we’re grateful to receive the extra, almost double what we initially asked for, and we’re very happy,” he said.

“We’re just grateful for Bendigo Bank Wandin/Seville for what they did for the community.”

Branch manager Jackie Butler said for the bank, it was a really worthwhile project to support because the library’s use would not be limited to just the RSL.

“We saw a benefit for this because they’re going to be utilising it for schools and it’s not just for the immediate members of the Lilydale RSL, it’s for the community but also for providing information to the children on past wars,” she said. Broken down into categories to reflect time periods and different conflicts, ranging from World War I to Vietnam, Mr Dobson said “it’s a work in progress” but slowly the RSL is building a solid collection of educational material. “We’re starting a school campaign next year and schools have put on the curriculum to come through so it will be well used,” he said.

Receiving the books through donations and ones the RSL already had, Mr Dobson said every book has been catalogued according to the regulations in Canberra.

“When you catalogue a book, there’s a section in Canberra you have to register it to. So we know every book here, where it has come from, and if it’s let out who it has gone to just like a normal library,” he said.

Seeing this as a really positive shift in how the RSL operates and what its future role looks like, Mr Dobson said the committee and its members are pleased to be heading in this direction. “Years ago, blokes treated the RSL just as a place to booze on. But nowadays, it’s more about educating the younger generation. We feel that’s our role now.

“So I think the role of the RSL has changed a lot.” The library just extends the educational material already on offer within the clubrooms, with the sub-branch receiving a State Government grant in 2022 to renovate the memorabilia room, enabling the RSL to use it as a classroom.

The multimedia room has been decked out for school groups to attend and learn about the history of war, as well as try on uniforms and hold significant items, like the bugle of Ernest Albert Pearson.

Running the first successful sessions last year with Mount Lilydale Mercy College and Lilydale Primary School, the RSL has created programs to suit various age groups and curriculum.

This Anzac Day, whether attending the Dawn Service at 5.45am at the Lilydale Cenotaph or just looking to pop down later in the morning, the library can be explored as the RSL opens its doors to patrons post service.

Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson was very grateful to Wandin/Seville Community Bank manager Jackie Butler for supporting the library. 399181

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Renovations of the 1922 building have allowed the RSL to expand its role.

The RSL’s multimedia room was part of the upgrade to become an educational hub. 354918

Intrusive questions, intimidation, suggestive jokes...

Gendered violence comes in many forms.

All are OHS issues. All are unacceptable.

WorkSafe Gendered Violence

Parkrun’s decade of fun

By Mikayla van Loon

Thousands of hours of connection, fun and positivity have been experienced over the decade of Lillydale Lake’s parkrun.

Celebrating its 10th birthday on Saturday 27 April, event directors Elka Mallon and Sally Stepniewski said to reach 10 years of anything these days feels like a milestone worth enjoying.

In 2014 founding event director Matt Fullerton was on a holiday in Queensland where he stumbled on parkrun for the first time.

Returning to Lilydale, he established the town’s very own parkrun event which now sees sometimes 300 people running, or walking, five kilometres around the Lake every Saturday morning.

Both self-confessed non-runners, Elka and Sally said that didn’t matter when they joined parkrun because of the supportive, friendly environment created by the community.

“I started walking early in the mornings with a group of mums and then once I had some confidence, I then went to my first parkrun a couple months after it started at Lillydale Lake and I’ve been hooked ever since,” Elka said.

“I was walking around Lillydale Lake and I just happened to be there on a Saturday morning so I saw all these people of all different ages with little kids through to older people, just enjoying and cheering each other on and just being this really, really nice community,” Sally said.

“That positivity kept me coming back more and more.”

Parkrun’s philosophy has always been to cater to all abilities, goals and creating fun, active behaviour.

Sally said “the community spirit is so incredibly strong” and brings so many people together, “you’ll see kids in prams, you’ll see

four and five year olds running. We even have some 80-year-olds who are out there giving it their best shot”.

This is just one of the many things, Elka said, that makes parkrun so special.

“One of the things I love about parkrun is you might get overtaken, and I may well get overtaken by a 10-year-old or a 70-year-old. There’s just such a diverse community there,” she said.

While 10 years ago, Lilydale’s parkrun event began drawing the attention of 60 regulars, just before heading into the pandemic lockdowns, Elka said those numbers were sitting around 300 weekly.

“Recently, the numbers have grown quite a bit again. So we’re back at around the 300 a week mark, which is great to have so many people out and getting active on a regular ba-

sis,” she said.

“The nice thing is it’s not just locals as well. Every week, we’ll always have someone from another location, whether it be Jells Park, whether it be from one of the ones in the UK, or New Zealand or interstate,” Sally said.

Across 10 years, there’s been 450 events, 749 volunteers and 8710 unique finishes from people taking part.

Sally said the volunteers who offer up their time each week to scan barcodes of runners and ensure parkrun goes smoothly, are of huge importance and add to the family that is Lillydale Lake parkrun.

A dress up has been used to mark anniversaries for the last few years and to celebrate 10 years, people are invited to join parkrun on 27 April wearing something beachy to match the theme ‘hang 10’.

“For some people, it’s just throwing on a Hawaiian shirt, and other people will go all out,” Elka said.

Of course too, there will be cake to mark the occasion.

And if thinking of heading to a parkrun event, Elka said you’d be embraced with open arms.

“Often it can be really daunting coming out of your comfort zone and going to an event like that for the first time but it is very welcoming.

“We encourage people of all age groups and abilities. It’s not a requirement that you run, you can walk. And we say one of the great things with parkrun is you never come last because we have a tail walker who is the last person to finish.”

More on parkrun can be found at parkrun. com.au/lillydalelake/

Lillydale Lake’s parkrun isn’t just about running but bringing fun, joy and community to the participants. Pictures: SALLY STEPNIEWSKI

Event director Sally Stepniewski (right) said ‘the community spirit is so incredibly strong’ at Lillydale Lake.

Scientific beauty meets art

By Mikayla van Loon

The scientific prowess coupled with the beauty of detailed illustrations is what meets the viewer when visiting the Transformations: Art of the Scott Sisters exhibition.

Touring from the Australian Museum the collection of 39 reproductions of the Scott sisters’ studies of Lepidoptera, the works are now featured in the Box Gallery at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum until 26 May.

The 19th century women, Helena and Harriet, museum curator Maddie Reece said “were very much women of their time” when it wasn’t deemed appropriate for women to undertake studies of this kind.

“Operating in early colonial New South Wales, where it wasn’t acceptable for women to have university degrees or professions, they came to this natural history illustration through their father who was an amateur naturalist,” she said.

Living, during their teenage years, on what was known as Ash Island, an island in the Hunter River estuary, the sisters learnt to collect and categorise caterpillars, moths and butterflies.

“Essentially they used type specimens as their first specimen and then every specimen is built off of that in a natural science perspective,” Reece said.

“In this Australian Museum collection there’s 30 of the first ever records of those species of moths, butterflies and caterpillars.”

Reece said what made the Scott sisters even more prolific for their time was their ability to collect caterpillars and larvae to document the growth throughout every stage of their development in natural habitats.

“So a lot of the plants you see illustrated are the plants that are natural to that habitat and they’re not just there for pretty decoration. They’re actually the specimens that these particular lepidoptera were feeding off. That’s what really sets them apart,” she said.

With the help of their father, a complete volume of Australian lepidoptera began in 1851 but would not be published until 1864 af-

ter reviews of the studies took place.

“What was really exciting about that is they actually let the girls put their names on it. So it’s the illustrations of Helena and Harriet Scott with notes by him [Alexander Walter Scott].”

A second volume, co-edited by Helena, was published with help of the Australian Museum between 1890 to 1898.

As the second touring exhibition to be shown this year, Reece said it was a pleasure to be able to bring works to the Yarra Ranges so people could appreciate collections without having to travel far distances.

“We’re really excited to present it here at the Museum. While they are specimens from New SouthWales, it does speak to a really rich natural history of our region in theYarra Ranges too because there are similarities.”

Despite the Scott sisters probably never intending for their scientific works to be presented as art, Reece said “compositionally, compared to some other artists that were working in the colony at that time…These are much more beautiful”.

“They’re really beautiful compositions but they were never intended to be artworks and so this is the lens that 170 years puts over something.

“So we see these beautiful pictures because we probably don’t have that science background.”

As women in a male dominated space, Reece said the Scott sisters were respected and renowned for their knowledge of lepidoptera.

The Australian Museum has the entire Scott collection totalling roughly 600 items, includ-

ing illustrations and notebooks.

“These are reproductions. They’re high quality reproductions, they’re not the originals, and that’s because they’re so old and fragile they actually can’t tour.

“Institutions like the Australian Museum are doing stuff like this to make it more accessible to people, otherwise, they would just sit in collection storage rooms.”

Whether looking to learn more about butterflies and moths or to enjoy the beauty in the illustrations, Reece said “a show like this is it speaks across generations, everyone can find something to appreciate”.

The Yarra Ranges Regional Museum can be found on Castella Street Lilydale with its new opening hours of 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday.

Soulful southern Indian sounds of the Iyer brothers

By Mikayla van Loon

Travel to the South of India as the Iyer Brothers transport an audience using the traditional instrument of their homeland, the veena.

Coming to Montrose on Sunday 21 April, the brothers, who have been playing and sharing music known as Carnatic for over 50 years, will bring the soulful tunes to the Town Centre for the enjoyment of the broaderYarra Ranges.

Ramnath Iyer said it was in 1973 when he and his brother, Gopinath, first started to learn the veena when growing up in southern India.

“We started learning in ‘73 through three different gurus and we learned for about 15 years,” he said.

“We came to Australia, we came here to settle and since then, we’ve been also teaching and performing the traditional South Indian Carnatic music…here in Melbourne.”

The veena itself is said to have been first performed around 400 years ago and has stayed relatively the same throughout time.

“The basic structure is still the same, some new materials have been added replacing the older materials but the main instrument itself is made of jackfruit wood, which has got very good acoustic quality,” Ramnath said.

“It’s a string instrument equivalent to the sitar, in the north of India.”

For those who haven’t heard the veena played, Ramnath said “the music is based on singing”, giving it that smooth, tranquil quality.

“The instrument closely follows the vocalisation. So, in traditional South Indian music, we have lots of compositions written by masters, even from 500-600 years ago and from then on lots of compositions exist,” he said.

“So we start learning them vocally first,

and then we play them on the instrument.”

Another element of what the Iyer Brothers play, Ramnath said, is based on raga, or improvisation, “the core of Indian music, both in the north and the south”.

“Raga is a melody with a particular name, it’s got an ascending and descending scale and it’s also got other ornamental features like oscillation, different types of oscillations for the notes.

“So we try to bring that in. So in a concert we structure it so there’s about 40 to 50 per cent improvisation plus other compositions also.”

Ensuring the veena and southern Indian music continues to have a legacy here in Australia, as well as in India, Ramnath said that’s an important aspect of what he and his brother do.

The Iyer Brothers have hosted for the last eight years the Melbourne Veena Festival where their students and artists from around Australia and New Zealand are invited to play.

Two of their students Nisha Iyer and Nanthesh Sivarajah will be joining them in Montrose as supporting musicians.

“Every year, we also return to India at the end of the year in December to do performances there so we are connected there, and we are still recognised there.”

Ramnath said for the most part, he and Gopinath “will let the music speak for itself” with the occasional story told where necessary.

“The audience can expect a relaxed, soulful experience. You don’t need to know any technicalities and complexities of the music, you can just sit back and soak it in.”

After the show, Ramnath said the audience will be invited, if they wish, to get a more up close look at the instrument.

The performance will begin at 2pm.Tickets can be purchased here, yarraranges.vic.gov. au/Experience/Events/The-Iyer-Brothers

The Iyer Brothers, Ramnath and Gopinath, will be bringing their soulful sounding music to Montrose.

A 39 piece collection from the Scott sisters is on display at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum. 400425 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Harriet Scott was known for her interest in moths as well as her ability to weave landscapes into her illustrations. 400425

Helena Scott travelled quite a bit, making her more of a field naturalist. 400425

New art on show at YAVA

By Dongyun Kwon

Community members are encouraged to visit YAVA Gallery and Arts Hub Healesville to appreciate its latest exhibition Immersion: On Country.

Two artists, Marina Strocchi and Beth Williams, contributed their artworks to the exhibition.

Strocchi has lived in the Yarra Valley since April 2021 and said her artworks are a response to what she has seen around the Valley.

“I’m responding to a mixture of the agricultural impacts on the landscape and how the natural bush environment is nestled in around,” she said.

“I also like patterns of nature, the market gardens, the vineyards, the fences and the little bits and pieces that punctate areas of the landscape.”

The acrylic painter uses Belgium linen with the nature or environment theme for her artwork.

She said nature is a therapeutic good place to be.

“Nature’s a little bit overlooked in the city, so we are lucky that in this environment, we’re closer to different forms of nature whether it’s agriculture nature or bush nature,” she said.

“If art doesn’t give something from nature or humanity, I feel like it’s missing something.

“Somehow, anthropomorphise something that makes it relatable to humans, that’s what I do, in a way animate the landscape.”

The Valley in Mist is one of Strocchi’s main art pieces in the exhibition which includes the patterns of nature.

The artist said she likes Australian lights that are pretty bright compared to the northern hemisphere.

“I like the work with the bright so I convey the light by bleaching,” she said.

“I like to have organic lines, irregularities and pretty subdued colour.

“In the morning, in the Valley, it’s misty, so you get vagueness about stuff and when you look at the landscape, it’s softer.”

Another artist Williams mainly works on acrylic and canvas.

The artist said nature is a place where she can feel calm and grounded.

“I can’t survive without that, so, in my work, I tried to find the feeling of the energy and the power that I have when I’m in nature,” she said.

Williams’ art pieces are based on the response to a moment in time when the light has been in a specific way in real places.

Most of them include the sunset, sunrise light and the colour of the sky.

“I’ve been a human taxi and taking people everywhere,” Williams said.

“I took pictures when I found beautiful places and worked from the photographs.”

Height of Sky and Dance of Grass are the two main paintings that the artist drew in Coldstream.

“These both were painted in the same location and this is an amazing farm where you can see the lines of the rows of the farm coming forward,” Williams said.

“It’s funny because the old silo, the colonial structures and pine trees were crumbling but people were still farming.

“It’s a really amazing spot, so much happening there.”

She started work from the photographs since Covid happened.

“I’d prefer to be in the place and experience the place while I am painting but I am often forced to work from photographs,” the artist said.

“I didn’t start doing that until lockdown. During the lockdown, I was forced to find a different way of working.

“In fact, it’s been good because I’ve learnt to use oil and you can’t transport wet oil paintings very easily because it makes such a mess.”

Strocchi said she hopes that her works show the visitors the landscape in a different way.

“I hope they can see this area that I’ve been immersed in through my work in it but in another way, take them to a different level bringing them other insights and food for thought about landscape in this area,” she said.

Williams said she hopes the visitors feel the sense of peace, calm or intensity that she felt when she was deciding to paint that work.

“I feel like sometimes people aren’t really in nature as much as other people and they can really be drawn to experience it in a different way, maybe in a more sacred way,” she said.

MarinaStrocchi(left)andBethWilliams.

Pictures:DONGYUNKWON

StrocchiinfrontofTheValleyinMist.

WilliamswithHeightofSky.

Healthcare not accessible

All Australians deserve access to a strong, reliable, and affordable healthcare system that is close to home.

But here in the Yarra Ranges, with an electorate that spans over 2,500 square kilometres, we don’t have a single emergency department within our community.

For residents in remote parts of our electorate - whether it be Reefton,Warburton, Healesville, Powelltown or the towns in between, it can be over an hour’s drive to Maroondah Hospital or the Angliss in their time of need.

That’s why I believe it is time we had a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic here in the Yarra Ranges – a clinic that residents or family members can walk into and be bulk-billed for urgent care.

Writer’s Fest

By Christine Yunn-Yu Sun

The 2024 Melbourne Writers Festival will take place at venues across Melbourne from 8-12 May.

The event features a diverse range of conversations, talks, workshops and panels under the theme of “Ghosts” –“from ghostly characters, ghosts in the machine and ghostwriters to those enduring stories that continue to haunt us,” as described by Readings, the official bookseller.

To start with, two Pulitzer Prize-winning authors will speak about their new books.

Michael Cunningham’s Day, “a pandemic novel that never says ‘pandemic’”, follows one family on the same day (5 April) across three years (2019, 2020 and 2021).

Meanwhile, Viet Thanh Nguyen’s “highly original, blistering, and unconventional” memoir A Man of Two Faces combines personal history with the larger stories of refugeehood and colonisation.

Two authors from the 2023 Booker Prize will also talk about their books. The first is Booker-winning Paul Lynch, whose Prophet Song, a dystopian novel imagining the Republic of Ireland slipping into totalitarianism, was Ireland’s bestselling book in 2023. Meanwhile, Paul Murray’s Booker-shortlisted novel The Bee Sting features a well-to-do Irish family in financial, emotional and existential trouble.

Three past winners of Australia’s own Miles Franklin Literary Award will present their latest masterpieces, starting with Alexis Wright’s Praiseworthy, “an abundant odyssey that contains a formidable vision of Australia’s future”.

Meanwhile, Melissa Lucashenko will discuss Edenglassie, an“epic, heartrending and wryly humorous work”.

Finally, Shankari Chandran will shed light on Safe Haven, “a richly rendered portrait of displacement, refuge and the lengths people will go to for safety and love”.

And Grace Yee, winner of the 2024 Victorian Prize for Literature, will discuss her verse novel Chinese Fish, about “migration, patriarchy and racism”.

Furthermore, Debra Dank, whose 2022 book We Come With This Place won an unprecedented four prizes at the 2023 New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards, will appear at the panel “The Sands of Time”. Also present will be Robyn Davison, whose new memoir Unfinished Woman tells the legacy of her mother that inspires her bestselling 1980 bookTracks. Assuming you are feeling overwhelmed by the many dazzling prize-winners, let’s shift our focus to other inspiring books and ideas. A highlight is Australia’s own world-leading artificial intelligence expert Toby Walsh, who will examine the possibilities and perils of emerging AI technologies, from ChatGPT to facial recognition and selfdriving cars.

In the last Parliamentary sitting week, I called on the Federal Government to establish an Urgent Care Clinic in our community.

A clinic that is open early and closes late every day of the year, providing urgent care in

a GP setting so you don’t have to travel the distance or experience the lengthy delays of the emergency department.

The reality is that it is getting harder and harder to find a GP appointment. Across the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, we now have just seven fully bulk-billed clinics, with none in some of our largest towns including Lilydale, Healesville and Belgrave.

I recently met with Dr Dan’s Medical Clinic in Monbulk, Yarra Ranges Medical Centre in Wandin North, Belgrave Medical Clinic and representatives from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) who each expressed concerns over falling bulk billing rates and rising costs impacting GPs.

When residents can’t access or afford to

visit their GP, there is a flow on effect to our emergency departments and wider healthcare system.

Disappointingly, of the eight Urgent Care Clinics in Victoria, seven are in Labor or Greens held seats.

What’s worse? Many of these clinics are within a few minutes drive from functioning emergency rooms.

It’s time Labor listened to the residents of the Yarra Ranges and funded a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic that is close to home.

I will continue calling on the government to improve bulk billing and invest in the healthcare our community deserves. You can add your voice to my fight by signing my petition at AaronVioli.com.au/UrgentCare

Character growth makes wartime drama

Civil War

Starring Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura and Cailee Spaeny

MA15+

4.25/5

The fourth film from writer-director Alex Garland, Civil War is a riveting, superbly-crafted character drama set against the backdrop of war.

In a near-future America split by civil war, a group of photojournalists make their way to Washington D.C. to witness the end of the conflict.

Kirsten Dunst is phenomenal as Lee, a legendary photojournalist; Lee is stern and professional, numbed by the traumatic events she has witnessed, but compassionate deep down.

highlighted with strategic silence for the terror to sink in. These battles are also often punctuated with evocative photo snaps; these shots add a further layer to the tension, showing these bursts of brutality both as a safe blackand-white archive and the stressful unfolding event itself.

Some viewers may be disappointed with the minimal world-building.

Beyond Nick Offerman as a dictatorial President, we gain little insight on why the US fractured into warring groups (and many have commented on the absurdity of Texas and California being on the same side).

Rounded out by Stephen McKinley Henderson as their wise mentor Sammy, the cast is fleshed-out and compelling, with that one perfect shot as the focal point of their development.

Harsh, visceral and unheroic, the battle sequences feature concussive sound design

As her group, which includes wisecracking colleague Joel (Wagner Moura), press further through war-torn America, the horrors they experience weigh even on these desensitised veterans, while their tagalong Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), who begins as an overwhelmed kid, hardens and grows instincts as a war photographer.

Some may find this shallow, but Civil War is more concerned with everyday people surviving and documenting the chaos than its ideological source (though one scene is a little too blatant with this apolitical ethos).

A stark, supremely suspenseful character drama driven by war, Civil War is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

OAKLANDS - OLD WORLD CHARM MEETS MODERN COMFORT PROPERTY

OAKLANDS - OLD WORLD CHARM MEETS MODERN COMFORT

NESTLED on a sprawling 8792m2 estate, Oaklands is a landmark property that invites you to immerse yourself in a serene haven of lush gardens and timeless elegance. With its picturesque setting boasting rhododendrons, camellias, majestic Oaks, and an abundance of fruit trees including lemon, lime, fig, avocadoes, apples, mulberry, and olives, this property is a true botanical paradise.

Step inside the enchanting 1920’s character weatherboard house, where every corner exudes warmth and charm. Adorned with wrap-around verandah, strapping, picture rails, lead light features and polished timber floors, this home effortlessly blends period features with modern amenities.

The heart of the home is the country-style kitchen, complete with a 5-burner Falcon stove, Asko dishwasher, granite benches, and a bay window offering stunning views of the sprawling yard and beyond to Port Phillip. With two living areas, including a lounge featuring an atmospheric wood fire, relaxation is guaranteed.

Oaklands offers four bedrooms, including a master with a full ensuite, and a spacious family bathroom boasting a clawfoot bathperfect for unwinding after a long day. Gas ducted heating and split systems ensure year-round comfort.

Outside, the fully fenced property boasts two road accesses, ample parking, a large shed, garden shed, and a holding yard for your four-legged friends. Expansive grassed areas provide an ideal playground for pets and children.

For added convenience, solar panels help reduce costs, while a self-contained studio offers versatility - ideal for an adult child, relative, or home office (STCA). You can even continue the current lease if desired.

Located within easy reach of Emerald township and major arterial roads, Oaklands presents a rare opportunity to embrace a country lifestyle without sacrificing convenience.

Don’t miss your chance to make Oaklands your own slice of paradise. Contact us today to arrange your private viewing. ●

20 ACRES WITH VIEWS, FARMHOUSE AND HORSE FACILITIES

WELCOME to your own slice of paradise, nestled on a picturesque 20-acre property, offering breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. This is much more than just a home; it’s a lifestyle upgrade for the discerning buyer seeking tranquility and space.

Embrace the beauty of nature with sprawling pastures, majestic gums and serene landscapes; float in a picturesque spring fed dam nestled in the light bushland, where the wildlife freely roam and enjoy their own peaceful life as well.

The charming 3 bedroom farmhouse showcases a newly renovated kitchen, bathroom and laundry, that perfectly blends contemporary style with rustic charm. And you will experience the delight of rural living with a spacious verandah and large undercover decked entertaining area, ideal for hosting gatherings or simply unwinding amidst the tranquility of nature.

Calling all horse lovers! This property boasts a 50 x 20 arena and round yard providing ample space for training and riding. Additionally, there are multiple paddocks for grazing and the spring fed dam ensures a constant water supply. Your equine companions can also be pampered with a hot wash and a rest in the stables ensuring their comfort and wellbeing.

Get your hands dirty in the workshop and shed, perfect for housing all the tools and farm equipment, and you can get a glimpse into the property’s history with the original Circa 1915 barn, providing endless possibilities for restoration or repurposing.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a hobby farm, or a haven for your beloved horses, this property is set to tick all the boxes. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own your own piece of paradise where you can let your dreams unfold in this idyllic countryside setting. ●

HOME WITH GREAT AMERICAN BARN

THIS property offers fantastic value! There is a beautifully maintained 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home that would be ideal for the largest of families and entertaining and there is plenty of room for the granny flat if you want to bring the in-laws along.

The grand, north facing home with ducted heating throughout is positioned to the front of this flat park like fully fenced block with cleared lawns amongst established trees. When you enter the house through the leadlight feature doors, you will discover split level living in this bright and fresh home. There are 4 bedrooms on the upper level, with the first two offering built in wardrobes and one with a cute bay window for curling up with your favourite book. These bedrooms utilise the family bathroom with a dual vanity, shower and bath. Then discover a third bedroom/study with ceiling fan, before finding the master bedroom to the rear of the home. The master bedroom has a walk in wardrobe, ceiling fan, ensuite and private views over the block.

On the lower level, there is a grand dining room/family room that is open plan with the kitchen and has views out to the expansive, north facing deck. The kitchen is well-appointed and brightly lit with natural light and features electric cooking and plenty of preparation and storage space. There is then a second large dining/lounge room with a cosy woodfire and split system air-conditioner for the ultimate in year round comfort.

The deck is gorgeous, flooded with sunlight and ready for endless evenings enjoying the sounds and sights of native wildlife.

To the side of the block is a shed with power, and then to the rear of the block is a 3 bay American barn, with 1 bay roller door and a pedestrian door. The barn is insulated, has a concrete floor, power, lights, water available and a mezzanine for all your storage needs. There is also assorted fruit trees, low maintenance lawns and gardens and 6 solar panels to cut those ever rising costs of living.

This fantastic property is conveniently located within moments of the Cockatoo Main Street, yet feels tranquil and privatemake sure this one is on the top of your list for Saturday.

Call to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

4VistaCourt,Gembrook

$840,000 -$895,000

WalktoGembrookMainstreet &EnjoyTheGorgeousGarden!

Thisprivate& lowmaintenance3 bedroom,2 bathroomhomeis ashortstrollfromthemainstreet. Featuring2 separatedrivewayentries,thereareplentyofpossibilitieswiththishome.Thehomehas anopenplankitchen/lounge/diningroomthatenjoysviewsouttothebackgarden& hasa split systemAC.Thekitcheniswellequippedwitha gasstove &oven&abutlerspantry.Themaster bedroomenjoysitsownsplitsystemAC,BIRs& ensuite.Thereare 2furtherbedroomsbothwithBIRs. Thereisa lovelyfamilybathroomwith ashower&aseparatebath.Thereisalsoductedheating throughoutthehome& plentyofnaturallight.Outsideis adelightinthefullyfencedbackyard.The manicuredgarden& lawnistranquilwithanarrayoffruittrees.Thereisalsoa securitysystemwith alarm& cameras, &sensorlightingatthefrontofthehome.

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

BethanySullivan M 0438844968

44DevonAvenue,Cockatoo

$1,050,000 -$1,150,000

Lovely 4BedroomHome,ClosetoCockatoowithGreatAmericanBarn! Beautifullymaintained 4bedroom,2 bathroomhome.Thehomehasductedheating &ispositioned tothefrontofthisflatparklikefullyfencedblockwithclearedlawnsamongstestablishedtrees. Featuring:leadlightfeaturefrontdoor,splitlevelliving, 2bedroomswithBIR,Mastersuitewithensuite, WIR& ceilingfan,familybathroomwith adualvanity,shower &bath, &a 4thbedroom/studywith ceilingfan.Thereis agranddiningroomthatisopenplanwiththekitchen &hasviewsouttothe expansivedeck.Thereis asecondlargeloungeroomwith acosywoodfire &splitsystemAC.The deckisgorgeous&floodedwithsunlight.TotherearoftheblockisaninsulatedAmericanbarn, with 1bayrollerdoor,a pedestriandoor,concretefloor,power,lights&amezzanine.Thereisalsoa handytapnexttothebarn,assortedfruittrees,a shedwithpower, &6 solarpanelswiththehome.

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

9SeaviewStreet,Emerald $1,100,000 -$1,200,000

NestledinEmeraldisthisDelightful &SpaciousHomeonapprox.3.5acres! Thishomeis adelightwithit’scirculardriveway &grandlobbywith abifurcatedstaircase.This homehasa formaldiningroom,& expansivekitchenwithnaturalgraniteisland &semi-integrated dishwasher,1200mmDoubleFalconOven&awalkinpantry.Thereisa bedroomnearthefrontof thehomewitha WIR& BIR.Thereisalsoa familybathroomwith acornerspabath& shower.On thisflooris acosyloungeroom,witha woodfire &a splitsystemACenjoyingviewsouttothewrap aroundverandah.Downstairsisa kidsrumpusroom &storagearea.Upstairsare 3largebedrooms(2 withBIRs).Themasterbedroomhasa WIR& ensuite.Thishomehasductedheating,a semi-fenced paddock,a gardenshed,establishedgardens,andlovelynaturalbushareaincluding aseasonal creek!

$780,000 -$850,000

BethanySullivan M 0438844968

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY ENTERTAINER

NESTLED just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant town of Cockatoo, this 4-bedroom residence offers a cozy retreat perfect for families seeking a peaceful lifestyle.

Step inside and explore a warm and inviting timber kitchen, fully equipped with modern appliances including a dishwasher, gas cooktop, and electric oven—perfect for crafting delicious meals and cherished moments with your loved ones. Additionally, this kitchen boasts a convenient servery window that opens up, providing seamless access to the top deck, where you can enjoy the outdoors while preparing meals.

The master suite beckons with its walk-in robe, ensuite, and a private balcony, offering a tranquil haven for relaxation. Meanwhile, three additional bedrooms, each with built-in robes, provide ample space for children or guests. Need a quiet spot to focus or work from home? The study offers the perfect solution.

Stay cozy all year round with gas ducted heating throughout the home plus a free standing wood heater perfect for those chilly hills nights. Keep cool in summer with a split system cooling and heating unit.

Downstairs, indulge in the massive rumpus/entertaining area complete with a bar, providing the ultimate setting for memorable moments and celebrations. Bi-fold doors seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the sense of space and flow.

Outside, the spacious outdoor entertaining area features an open fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for gatherings with family and friends.

This residence offers a peaceful lifestyle while still being within easy reach of local amenities and attractions.

Don’t miss the chance to make this delightful property your family’s new home. ●

HISTORIC CHARM MEETS MODERN CONVENIENCE

STEP back in time to circa 1919 with this enchanting double-fronted Federation Bungalow residence nestled on Old Fernshaw Road in Healesville. Let this captivating property steal your heart, as I know it will.

Brimming with character and boasting stunning north facing rear views, this heritage-listed property offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of history while enjoying the comforts of contemporary living. Built with meticulous attention to detail, this attic-storey residence showcases typical Federation Bungalow features such as a high pitched, single hipped roof, and a full-length verandah adorned with a frieze/fretwork.

The varied textures, stuccoed front wall combination, and intricate door detailing exude timeless elegance and display original architectural splendour. From lead light glazing to high ceilings and an open fireplace, the interior exudes warmth and charm. Double glazing in select windows, including the stairway, frames breathtaking views of Mt St Leonard to the north.

Lovingly maintained with impeccable upkeep over the years has seamlessly integrated heritage charm with modern convenience. Plantation shutters, gas ducted heating, and reverse cycle split systems ensure year-round comfort, while a northfacing sunroom and covered rear verandah provide idyllic spaces for relaxation and entertainment.

This home offers 2 bathrooms, a country kitchen and a versatile living space to include attic offers a fabulous retreat, perfect for an extra bedroom, study, or workfrom-home area, allowing for flexible living arrangements to suit your needs.

Step outside to discover a landscaped and enchanting old fashioned gardens boasting a rich tapestry of flora. From deciduous colour trees to a variety fruit trees including citrus along with apricot, fig, quince, feijoa and bosc pear plus more, the ever-changing landscape offers a feast for the senses year-round. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of Healesville’s history while enjoying the best of modern living just a short walk from the township and all it’s amazing amenities. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE WITH INTEGRITY

CHARACTER LIVING IN PARK ROAD, WARBURTON, THE LOCATION TO BE

THIS charming weatherboard home is an ideal choice for weekend getaways or downsizing.

Boasting 2 bedrooms plus a study / 3rd bedroom, it offers flexibility to suit your lifestyle. The open plan kitchen features ample natural light, a spacious gas oven, a cozy wood fire, and ceiling fans throughout for year round comfort.

The main bedroom offers generous storage, while the updated bathroom includes a vanity, shower and toilet.

The character home comes with the comfort of recent renovations including new roof, weatherboards replaced just to name a few of the major improvements.

Outside, the highlight is the deck with cafe blinds and breathtaking mountain views, perfect for relaxation. With a fully fenced, low maintenance yard and convenient access to the main street, waterpark, Yarra river walk, and all the delights of Warburton, this home offers both comfort and convenience. ●

6BellbirdAvenue,LaunchingPlace

FamilyLivingwithViewsandSpace

$680,000-$720,000

Nestledina popularandsoughtafterlocationthismuchlovedfamilyhomehasloadstooffer, situatedon ahugeblockofapprox.1780sqm.Thehomeoffers 3bedroomsincluding asemiensuiteinthemainbedroomandfreshmainbathroom,goodsizekitchenwithplentyofbenchand cupboardspace.A separatemeals/diningareaoffersextraroomplusthefamily/loungeareaisthe idealspottoadmirethecolourfulscenery,unwindandenjoythepicturesqueYarraValleyviews fromtherearverandah.Anexpansiverearyardwithplentyofspacetospreadoutandexplore, greataccessforcars,boats,trailersandcaravanswithconvenientseparateaccesstotherearand sideyard.A doublelockupgarageandestablishedgardenscompletethisidealfamilyhomeina desirablesemirurallocationandjusta shortstrolltolocalschools,shopsandtransport.

DavidCarroll M 0419539320

Inspection:

50WongaRoad,Millgrove

HappyHomeSweetHome!

$595,000-$650,000

Thisinvitinghomecertainlycaptivatesyoufromthemomentyouenter.Spaceiskeyherewithhigh cathedralceilings,splitlevellivingflowingouttoestablishedgardensandpathswhereentertaining willbe adelightwith aBalinesestylehuttuckedawayprivately,youwillfeel amillionmilesaway fromthehustleandbustle.Thisbrickhomeoffers 3bedrooms, 2bathrooms,themasterwithupdated ensuiteandgardenviews,a wonderfulspacetowakeupin.Stunningrenovatedkitchen,modern neutralcolours,greatbenchandcupboardspace.Mainsgasductedheating& splitsystemwill coveryourheatingandcoolingneedsforyearroundcomfort.Newblinds,floorboardsit’sallready foryoutomoveinandenjoy,additionsbeing alargegarage,carport,plentyofparkingandallof thisjust ashortstrolltotheYarrariver,publictransportandlocalshops.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

Inspection: Sat11:00-11:30am

66ShirleyCrescent,WooriYallock

$640,000-$690,000

IdealLocationforFamilyFriendlyLivinginthisGorgeousHome!

Experiencethejoyofcomfortandstyleinthisimmaculateresidence,wherelovelyviewsarejust thebeginning.Threespaciouscarpetedbedroomscomplementedbya stunningmainbathroom featuringanindulgentoversizedshowerand achicfreestandingbath.Revelinthefreshallureof floorboardsthroughoutthelivingzone,leadingyouto acontemporarykitchenadornedwithsleek gascookingfacilitiesandamplebenchandcupboardspace.Theadjacentmealsareaseamlessly openstoyourexpansivedeckandcoveredentertainingarea.Embracetheoutdoorsinthe generouslysizedfullylandscapedbackyard,providingamplespaceforchildrenandpetstoplay freely.Nestledina primelocation,thisistheidealfamilyabode,justminutesawayfromlocalschools, shops,andtransportoptions.Don’tmissyourchancetocallthisgorgeouspropertyhome.

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,anda double roomwithanensuite,offeringabundantlivingspace.Anadditionalstudiohasa further3 bedsif requiredseparatetothemainresidence.2 largegarages,ampleundercoverentertainingareaand wellestablishedgardensthatreallycomplimentthisenchantinghome.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

Inspection: Sat3:00-3:30pm

EXCEPTIONAL LIVING WITH BAY VIEWS

BUILT with quality and craftsmanship as a main priority, this beautifully kept and well-maintained property boasts a versatile floorplan, allowing for a variety of living or work purposes.

Bursting with natural light and with stunning views that take in the nearby green valleys and reach out to Port Phillip Bay and also the You Yangs, this home offers three oversized bedrooms, the master with spacious walk-in robe and full ensuite plus a home office (or 4th bedroom) with built in desks.

Open plan and with plenty of space, the main lounge room flows easily into the dining area and modern kitchen that boasts extended butler’s pantry, large island work bench, stainless steel appliances and stone benchtops. Perfect for a Friday night movie, the second living area acts as an ideal theatre / media room with its in-built speakers, allowing for extended living for any size family.

Downstairs, an oversized double garage is linked to a huge workshop area that could potentially become another bedroom, living room or work space. Extended storage throughout this area invites a range of possibilities for the new owner to adapt and expand this already generous floorplan to their needs.

Meticulously detailed, the home also comes complete with ducted vacuum, natural gas plumbed BBQ, double glazed windows, solar hot water alarm system and motorized blinds to the main bedroom. Heating and cooling is well taken care of with gas ducted heating throughout as well as ducted air conditioning and a wood fire for those wintery months.

Outside, if you can take your eyes of the incredible view, you will also discover excellent parking, caravan carport, 2 x 11,000 ltr water tanks, established, landscaped gardens and a rear balcony where you can sit for hours and take in your new surrounds.

Within an easy walk to public transport and only a short drive from Belgrave, Emerald and Monbulk townships, this exceptional property will impress on every level. ●

3SeymourStreet,BELGRAVE $730,000 -$760,000

Highlyconvenient &centrallylocatedbeingjust ashortstrollawayfromBelgraveTownship, thisdelightfulbright &lighthill residencepresentsanexcellentopportunityforfirsthome buyers,downsizerorinvestorsseekingtoexpandtheirpropertyportfolio.Readytomovein &startenjoyingyournewlife.

BradConder M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

Locatedin aquiet,convenientandsought-afterarea,closetolocalshopsandwithgreat accesstoboth WellingtonRoadandalsoBurwoodHwy,thistwobedroomhomehasbeen pricedperfectlyforfirsthomebuyers,downsizersandinvestorswhoarelookingforan opportunitytosecureahomeatanentrylevelprice.

SharynChandler M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

Locatedina tranquilyetconvenientlypositionedareaofrapidlyevolvingBeaconsfield,this spaciousfamilyentertainerisbeautifullypresentedandeffortlesslystylish.Readytomove intoandguaranteedtoimpress,20HammerwoodGreenis astandoutpropertysuitablefor bothhomebuyersandinvestors.It’s arealgem!

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

Hereinliesa half-acrefamilyhavenwithgorgeousgreenoutlooks,immaculateinterior, enticingoutdoorentertainingareas,andtandemcarportforconvenience.Situateda shortstrollfromSassafrasCreek,BaynesPark,MonbulkAquaticCentre,andMainRoad’s shoppingandcafes,awonderfullifestyleawaitshereforoneluckyfamily.

BradConder M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

PUZZLES QUICK CROSSWORD

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.

DECODER WORDFIT 9-LETTER WORD

Winners and losers across Outer East premier division

By Armin Ritcher OUTER EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD FOOTBALL

PREMIER DIVISION

· Seniors: Narre Warren 19.11.125 def Pakenham 11.10.76; Wandin 10.17.77 def Mt. Evelyn 10.11.71; Upwey-Tecoma 11.14.80 def Monbulk 8.10.58; Olinda-Ferny Creek 15.13.103 def Emerald 6.9.45; Woori Yallock 14.7.91 def Officer 9.2.56; Gembrook-Cockatoo 10.8.68 def Berwick Springs 8.12.60

· Reserves: Narre Warren 19.15.129 def Pakenham 1.1.7;Wandin 9.10.64 def Mt. Evelyn 2.7.19; Upwey-Tecoma 12.8.80 def Monbulk 4.5.29; Olinda-Ferny Creek 9.12.66 def Emerald 6.10.46; Officer 17.13.115 def Woori Yallock 5.5.35; Berwick Springs 3.11.29 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 3.7.25

DIVISION ONE

· Seniors: Yarra Junction 16.10.106 def Powelltown 10.5.65; Alexandra 22.9.141 def Yea 10.5.65; Warburton-Millgrove 11.7.73 def Seville 8.8.56; Belgrave 25.12.162 def Yarra Glen 8.5.53; Healesville bye

· Reserves: Powelltown 9.6.60 defYarra Junction 6.9.45; Alexandra 14.9.93 def Yea 0.6.6; Seville 9.11.65 def Warburton-Millgrove 3.6.24; Belgrave 23.17.155 def Yarra Glen 0.3.3; Healesville bye

UNDER 19s

NarreWarren 15.13.103 def Pakenham 4.7.31; Upwey-Tecoma 13.14.92 def Wandin 1.8.14; Officer 9.10.64 def Gembrook-Cockatoo

6.6.42

UNDER 18s

Mt. Evelyn 13.14.92 def Olinda-Ferny Creek

6.7.43; Woori Yallock 13.15.93 def Seville 3.5.23; Healesville 14.14.98 def Upwey-Tecoma 4.8.32

SENIOR WOMEN

· Division 1: Berwick Springs 2.4.16 def Belgrave 1.3.9; Upwey-Tecoma 4.4.28 def Pakenham 1.5.11; Healesville 4.14.38 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 3.2.20

· Division 2: Monbulk 8.6.54 def Emerald 2.1.13; Warburton-Wesburn 9.9.63 def Seville 5.7.37; Woori Yallock 5.14.44 def Officer 1.4.10; Wandin 8.10.58 def ThorntonEildon 0.3.3

NETBALL PREMIER DIVISION

· A Grade: Narre Warren 53 def Pakenham

38; Wandin 55 def Mt. Evelyn 45; Monbulk

68 def Upwey-Tecoma 46; Emerald 67 def

Olinda-Ferny Creek 46; ROC 44 def Woori

Yallock 40; Gembrook-Cockatoo 50 def

Berwick Springs 37

· B Grade: Narre Warren 49 def Pakenham 36; Mt. Evelyn 52 def Wandin 31; Monbulk

67 def Upwey-Tecoma 42; Olinda-Ferny Creek 47 def Emerald 44; ROC 72 def Woori

Yallock 50; Gembrook-Cockatoo 45 def

Berwick Springs 25

· C Grade: Pakenham 31 def Narre Warren 27; Wandin 29 def Mt. Evelyn 18; Monbulk 40 def Upwey-Tecoma 30; Emerald 37 def

Olinda-Ferny Creek 25; ROC 58 def Woori

Yallock 19; Gembrook-Cockatoo 38 def

Berwick Springs 18

· D Grade: Pakenham 24 def Narre Warren 22; Wandin 27 def Mt. Evelyn 9; UpweyTecoma 34 def Monbulk 19; Olinda-Ferny Creek 26 def Emerald 21; ROC 41 def Woori Yallock 12; Berwick Springs 23 def def Gembrook-Cockatoo 11

DIVISION ONE

· A Grade: Yarra Junction 78 def Powelltown 19; Alexandra 52 def Yea 38; WarburtonMillgrove 49 def Seville 43;Yarra Glen 47 def Belgrave 36; Healesville bye

· B Grade: Yarra Junction 60 def Powelltown 8, Yea 45 def Alexandra 31; Seville 56 def Warburton-Millgrove 24; Belgrave 46 def Yarra Glen 33; Healesville bye

· C Grade: Yarra Junction 25 def Healesville 6; Yea 27 def Alexandra 18; Seville 29 def

Warburton-Millgrove 27; Yarra Glen 32 def

Belgrave 28

· D Grade: Alexandra 37 defYea 11; Seville 43 def Warburton-Millgrove 15; Yarra Glen 20 def Belgrave 8; Yarra Junction bye

· 17 & Under Premier: Narre Warren 43 def

Pakenham 23; Wandin 44 def Mt. Evelyn 0; ROC 62 def Woori Yallock 8; Berwick, Berwick Springs + Olinda-Ferny Creek byes

· 15 & Under East: Pakenham 33 def Narre

Warren 11; ROC 39 def Woori Yallock 11; Monbulk 25 def Berwick 23; Beaconsfield + Berwick Springs byes

Mixed bag on the greens

By John Thomson

On Monday 8 April, Lilydale made the long trip down to the Mornington Croquet Club.

The morning started out cool so it was on with the jackets, then out came the sun, so it was off with the jackets, then the clouds rolled in over the bay with a couple of showers of rain, so it was on with the jackets again. But besides the changing weather it was a good day for croquet.

Lilydale’s team this week consisted of Glenn Crook, Craig McCracken and John Thomson. John Thomson and Craig McCracken played in the doubles. The first hoop seemed to take a long time as both teams struggled to run the hoop, eventually Mornington ran the hoop. Mornington slipped out to an early lead and although Craig and John tried to claw their way back into the game, the early lead that Mornington had proved to be too much. Mornington 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops.

In the first of the singles games Glenn Crook played. Glenn set up well on the first hoop and was able to run it, but his Mornington opponent was not to be denied and ran the next three hoops. It seemed that the Lilydale players were having trouble adapting to the very fast pace of the Mornington court. The Mornington player built on his lead and went on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops.

In the next singles Craig McCracken was playing. After having played already in the doubles Craig was able to adapt to the faster court surface. This game was extremely close, with both players positioning their balls well and running hoops. After 12 hoops had been played it was six hoops a piece, so it was down to the 13th hoop to decide the winner. Craig was first to the hoop and set up perfectly and on his next shot was able to run the hoop and win the game 7 hoops to Mornington 6 hoops.

At the lunch break it was Mornington 2 games 20 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 14 hoops. So, with two singles games to go Lilydale had to win both games and make up 6 hoops, a tough call.

John Thomson played in this game. Both players played well and the game was going hoop for hoop. At the tenth hoop the scores were 5 a piece then John was able to run the next two hoops and win the game 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.

This win evened up the games at 2 games all but Lilydale were still behind by 4 hoops.

In the last singles it was Glenn Crook playing. Glenn was struggling with the faster court and his Mornington opponent was able to capitalize on this and went on to win the game 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops.

The final scores for the day. Mornington 3 games 32 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 24 hoops.

In Division two, Lilydale hosted the Morn-

ington division two side.

The Lilydale division two team this week consisted of Alan Jones, Kerri McCracken and Mick Crawley.

In the doubles Alan Jones and Kerri McCracken teamed up. Alan and Kerri got off to a flying start and did not let their opponents get a look in. Lilydale went on to have a comfortable win 7 hoops to Mornington 1 hoop.

The first singles saw Alan Jones play. Alan has been in some really good form of late and this game was no exception. Alan started strongly and again did not let his opponent settle into the game. Lilydale 7 hoops to Mornington 1 hoop.

In the next singles Mick Crawley was playing his first game for the day. Mick started the game well and although his Mornington opponent was trying to get back into the game, Mick was able to hang on to his lead and go on to win the game 7 hoops to Mornington 3 hoops.

The score at the lunch break was Lilydale 3 games 21 hoops to Mornington 0 games 5 hoops. With just two singles games to be played Lilydale had the day wrapped up so it was just down to see if Mornington were able to fight back or were Lilydale going to hold onto their dominance of this match.

Kerri McCracken played in the first singles after lunch. This game was a much tighter fought out game with both players battling hard for each hoop. Towards the end Kerri was able to get a slight break and went on to win 7 hoops to Mornington 5 hoops.

Mick Crawley played in the last game. Mick has been improving each week and is becoming a very good and consistent player. Just

like in his first singles game Mick started well and kept the pressure on during the game and went on to have a comfortable win 7 hoops to Mornington 1 hoop.

The final scores were Lilydale 5 games 35 hoops to Mornington 0 games 11 hoops.

This resounding win will hopefully give the Lilydale division two side a boost up the ladder.

On Thursday 11 April, the Lilydale handicap team travelled to Kew.

The Lilydale team consisted of Craig McCracken, Alan Jones, Kerri McCracken and Colleen Howlett.

The day started off with a singles game in which Lilydale’s Alan Jones played. The Kew player was starting with one hoop advantage over Alan. The Kew player started well and was able to not only keep Alan from making ground but was able to run a couple of extra hoops. The final score Kew 7 hoops Lilydale 3 hoops.

The first doubles game saw Craig and Kerri McCracken team up. Again, the Kew team started with a one hoop advantage over Lilydale. Once again, the Kew team started well and did not let Craig and Kerri settle into the game and went on to have a convincing win 7 hoops to Lilydale 1 hoop.

In the next singles game Kerri McCracken was back on the court. Both the Kew and Lilydale players were evenly matched in this game. Kerri was obviously keen to make amends for the loss in the doubles and was able to set up an early break and hold that until the end, Lilydale 7 hoops to Kew 3 hoops.

In the next Doubles Craig McCracken and

Colleen Howlett were playing. This was Colleen’s first game for the day. The Kew team were starting with a one hoop advantage over Lilydale. Craig and Colleen started well and soon had that one hoop advantage of Kew’s made up and with both Craig and Colleen playing well were able to win the game 7 hoops to Kew 4 hoops.

At the lunch break Lilydale had evened the scores somewhat. Kew 2 games 21 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 18 hoops.

With one singles and one doubles to come and only three hoops the difference the final result was still up in the air.

Alan Jones played in the last singles. Alan was starting two hoops behind his opponent. Alan started well and had soon made up one of those hoops, but the Kew player was not going to make it easy for Alan. The game went hoop for hoop for a while, then Alan got a break and was able to make up the second hoop and pull ahead. Lilydale 7 hoops to Kew 5 hoops.

This win put Lilydale in front by one game but they were also still one hoop behind Kew.

The last game of the day was a doubles and Colleen Howlett and Kerri McCracken teamed up. There was no advantage to either team in this game.

The team from Kew got off to a flying start and did not give the Lilydale pair much of a look in. Kew went on to have a comfortable win 7 hoops to Lilydale 1 hoop.

The final scores for the day, Kew 3 games 33 hoops to Lilydale 3 games 26 hoops. Although both teams were even in games Kew won the day by 7 hoops.

Mick Crawley helped lead Lilydale to a win against Mornington. 400939

A full croquet timetable was back on Monday 8 April, seeing the division one and two teams play Mornington. 309068 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Barkers suffer heavy loss

By Peter Stephenson

The sun was out at Esther Park as Mooroolbark Soccer Club (fourth) hosted the Peninsula Strikers (second) in round 3 of State 2SE. There had been only two draws in 24 previous meetings between the clubs, and an average of over four goals a game, so entertainment was all but guaranteed. In team news, Daniel Aye was back from suspension and Ben Cooper was debuting. They replaced Sean Perrin and Ryan Smith in the starting XI.

After six minutes, Geordie Scott almost made a goal out of nothing as he flicked the ball just wide from a near post cross. Two minutes later, though, it was Strikers who drew first blood when a free kick was played across the box, and Cooper Andrews executed a bicycle kick into the net for the opener. Then Campbell Steedman sent Taylan Geylan down the left wing. His cross was mis-kicked by a defender, and Riley Anderton hit a snap shot wide.

Barkers were working hard but not penetrating, until Ray Markley won a ball on 21 minutes. He slipped it to Scott, who almost released B Cooper, but the debutant was offside. Four minutes later, Strikers made Barkers pay when a long clearance saw the Barkers defence leave the ball for one another, allowing Wayne Gordon to steal in and lob Mark Naumowicz to make it 2-0 Strikers. At this point, Strikers were well on top, but now Barkers gained the momentum.

Ross Clark hit a corner to find Brett Tronconi stooping to head over. Then Aye hit a long low shot to test Faraz Zenoozi in the Strikers goal. Aye then attacked at the edge of the box and threaded a low ball across to the unmarked Scott. The man with the striker’s instinct needed no invitation to tuck the ball home to halve the deficit to 2-1.

Both sides missed promising chances before the break. Strikers’ Steedman hit a firsttime shot which Naumowicz clawed around the post, then Steve Nittoli, Scott and Markley set up Clark, who flashed a shot across goal from the right. Clark then fed Markley, who volleyed over at the far post. Half-time: Mooroolbark 1-2 Peninsula Strikers.

As the second half began, Strikers broke quickly and seemed certain to score again, but a Dan Higgins tackle saved the day. Clark and Aye were trying to unlock the away defence but were thwarted. The introduction of substitute John-Paul Cooper had an immediate impact,

as he and Aye combined to set up Scott, who hit the bar from close range. This was to prove costly for Barkers.

Just after the hour, Geylan and Steedman worked down the right to cross for Andrews, who volleyed in at the far post for 3-1. J-P Cooper continued to try to create danger and get Barkers back in the game, but with eight minutes left, Andrews broke down the left and crossed low for Tom Wood, who made it 4-1 from close range. In stoppage time, a tired home defence lost the ball again and allowed Strikers to construct a nice attack, ending in Woods scoring again. Full-time: Mooroolbark 1-5 Peninsula Strikers.

This was an odd game. Barkers have the players to cause most sides trouble in this league, but they looked tired today against a

side that was able to take its chances. Barkers drop to seventh and Strikers remain second. No time to dwell, though, as next is a visit to local rivals Knox City (tenth).

The men’s reserves lost 0-2 to Strikers, while men’s thirds lost 1-5 to South East United, and the over 35s lost 1-5 to Lilydale Montrose United.

Next week sees a full program of soccer for the first time this year as women and juniors kick off. On Friday, women’s seniors host Collingwood City (Esther Park, 8.30pm). On Saturday, men’s seniors and reserves visit Knox City (Egan Lee Reserve, Knoxfield, 1pm/3pm).

On Sunday, the women’s second team makes its debut with a visit to Glen Eira (Lord Reserve, Carnegie, 3pm). See you down the Kennel!

Australian Championships test Yarra Ranges athletes

By Jamie Strudley

Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes were in action at the Australian Track and Field Championships in Adelaide over the weekend.

Sarah Ebbels was the first club athlete competing. A fantastic personal best of 35.14m to finish 20th in a very competitive Women Under 20 Hammer Throw competition.

Friday was day two of the Australian Track and Field Championships in Adelaide. Yarra Ranges Athletics had two athletes competing. Ash Almond was near his best in Open Men’s Javelin qualifying, throwing a massive 51.28m to finish 16th.

The final event of the day saw Olivia Twining competing in the Open Women’s 3000m steeplechase. In a field stacked with Olympians, Olivia ran close to her season best to finish 13th in 11.22.56.

So good to see the club’s athletes competing against the nation’s best. The championships continue this week with Brigette Rice (1500 and 3000) and Zoe Clarke (800) competing.

This coming Saturday is the opening round of theYarra Ranges Cross Country season with round 1 at Lillydale Lake. Warm up at 8.45am with the first event starting at 9am. Anyone able to help please contact the club on info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au

Cross country training for under 12-yearolds 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 www.lavic.com.au or www.athsvic. org.au or email info@yarrarangesathletics. org.au for information about events and registration. Cross Country is coming!

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

Olivia Twinning competed in the steeplechase finishing 13th.

Sarah Ebbels made her personal

Mooroolbark’s seniors were left hanging their head after a disappointing loss against the Peninsula Strikers. Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

The Barkers just could not find the goals instead giving them away to the Strikers.

Adam Bunn .............................................................23

Greg Spence...........................................................25

Michael Robinson...................................................28

Aaron Violi MP ........................................................30

Cal Ludwig ..............................................................24

Ron Munday ...........................................................28

Sam Failla ...............................................................31

Micah Calheiros......................................................30