Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 23rd April 2024

Digging in for the community

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

The support from the Emerald community for the Dig In Community Grocery continues to grow as more locals discover just what it has to offer.

Emerald resident Jacqui Townsend has been the bright face greeting customers at the not-forprofit shop run by Emerald Community House (ECH) and the existence of the store has been immensely rewarding for her and the community.

“I love my job, because I’ve met so many great people, everyone is really appreciative - it’s just a really good and nurturing relationship between customers and the shop,” she said.

Stocking local produce every week straight from the farm or the ECH gardens, there is also a free food section and bread donations from a local bakery and the local Woolworths.

Turn to page 10 for more

spree ends

A group of teenage boys had their eastern suburbs crime spree disrupted after a police chase through Melbourne’s CBD.

The five teens, aged 14 to 17-years-old, were first spotted after an attempted armed robbery in Belgrave South,a which triggered a range of offending across the outer east.

Police will allege the teens stole thousands of dollars worth of cigarettes, as well as cash, when they hit six locations from GlenWaverley to Montrose.

Travelling in what was said to be a stolen BMW, the teens fled the final location in Boronia where police chased the car through inner suburbia and the CBD before police carefully rammed the vehicle to prevent any harm to pedestrians and other drivers.

The five teenage offenders were taken into custody and were remanded to appear before the children’s court at a later date.

Detective Inspector Rod Neylan said it was a “successful outcome” to something that could have been “a lot worse”.

The type of offending seen in this incident

and more broadly being committed by youth, Det Neylan said was a concern for police. He said the nature of crimes being committed by teenagers has changed from petty crime to more serious offences like armed robbery but police would work to “disrupt that behaviour”.

To read the detailed story, turn to page 3

Jacqui Townsend looks after the Dig In Grocery in Emerald.

Picture: SHAMSIYA HUSSAINPOOR

Police bus op brings arrests

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A recent police operation conducted at Knox City Shopping Centre’s bus bays saw transit police and protective service officers (PSOs) ride various bus routes in the area - with a police vehicle following behind - to bolster public safety.

During Operation Ride, transit police arrested six people, targeting anti-social behaviour on the bus network in Melbourne’s east.

The recent operation was conducted in various areas including Boronia Train Station and Lilydale Train Station, with this the second police presence over the school holiday period at Knox City.

The operation at Knox City was held on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 April from 3pm onwards - with police highly visible to detect and deter crime on the network and enhance public safety.

Some of the arrests included a 48-year-old

male from Dandenong for outstanding assault matters and the other was a 16-year-old boy for burglary.

Police also worked with Authorised Officers to detect fare evaders.

Transit Safety Division Acting Sergeant Kelly Dinnan said the focus was to ensure people were not only safe but felt safe wherever and whenever they used public transport.

“This operation saw Transit police officers and PSOs tasked to the east – riding various bus routes to detect and deter anti-social behaviour on-board the bus network and reassure the community,” she said.

“We also had PSOs patrolling nearby train stations and involved our public transport partners to ensure the safety of commuters.”

PSOs patrol all 216 metropolitan trains stations and four regional hubs from 6pm until the last train each night with extra patrols on weekends.

Acting Sergeant Kelly Dinnan said it’s important for the public to feel safe. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

MP in push for care clinic

By Callum Ludwig

Casey MP Aaron Violi has started a petition to push for an Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) to be established in his electorate, specifically in the Yarra Ranges.

With just seven bulk-billing GP clinics and the closest emergency department being the Maroondah Hospital, a UCC in the region would provide fully bulk-billed urgent care, taking pressure off already-strained emergency departments and reducing the potential cost and time waiting for patients.

Urgent care is for illnesses or injuries that require early medical attention but are not life-threatening, such as minor infections, minor fractures, sprains or sports injuries, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), lacerations, insect bites and rashes, minor eye and ear problems, respiratory illness, gastroenteritis or mild burns according to the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Mr Violi said all Australians deserve access to reliable and affordable healthcare that is close to home.

“Local residents have little option when it comes to urgent healthcare. Travelling over an hour to a stretched emergency room or struggling to find a bulk-billed GP appointment isn’t good enough,” he said.

“With my petition receiving almost 1,500 signatures in the first three days, it’s time Anthony Albanese listens to the needs of our community and funds a Yarra Ranges Urgent Care Clinic in the upcoming May budget.”

The Australian Government established 58 UCCs throughout the country since June 2023, all opened by the end of the year, including 10 inVictoria alone.The nearest UCC to the Casey electorate and the Yarra Ranges is located in Narre Warren.

A spokesperson for Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said it’s fantastic that Liberals like Aaron Violi recognise the value Urgent Care

Clinics are making to communities around the country.

“Medicare UCCs are making it easier for Australians to get the urgent treatment they need from highly qualified doctors and nurses, while taking pressure off local hospitals. Medicare UCCs are open seven days a week, extended hours and offer walk-in care that is fully bulk billed,” they said.

“In December last year, the Prime Minister announced a $1.2 billion package of Strengthening Medicare measures. This includes boosting funding for Urgent Care Clinics,”

“Since this announcement, the Department of Health and Aged Care has been working with state and territory governments on plans to boost the Medicare UCC program.”

A media release from the office of Mr Butler revealed there has been over 250,000 visits to UCCs since the rollout began, with almost 30 per cent of visits being parents and carers presenting for urgent care for a child under the age of 15 and almost 30 per cent of presentations in most areas being on weekends and around 25 per cent being on weekdays after 5pm, notoriously difficult times to find bulk billed appointments at a GP or be seen at the

emergency department of a hospital.

Anyone attending a UCC is asked to bring their Medicare card or number with them.

The Services for Healesville Hospital Action Group (SHHAG) previously campaigned for the Victorian Government to establish a Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC) at the Healesville Hospital, or advocate for the Federal Government to include it in the UCC rollout, in 2022 to no avail. Maroondah Hospital hosts the nearest Victorian PPCC to theYarra Ranges.

Casey residents can sign Mr Violi’s petition at aaronvioli.com.au/UrgentCare/

CaseyMPAaronViolihascalledforanUrgentCareClinictobeestablishedintheYarraRanges.

Picture:ONFILE

Selby House makes 2024 Dulux Colour Awards finals

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A local residential design project, Selby House, has been included within the list of finalists as part of the 2024 Dulux Colour Awards, for demonstrating innovative and creative use of colour in the built environment.

The finalists for the 38th annual Dulux Colour Awards were judged by five design industry professionals from Australia and New Zealand including, Shaun Carter Founder of Carter Williamson, Monique Woodward Co-Founder of Wowowa Architecture, Sarosh Mulla Director of Pac Studio, Eva-Marie Prineas Founder of Studio Prineas and Nick Travers the Co-Founder and Director of Techn? Architecture and Interior Design.

A record of more than 500 applicants entered the 2024 Dulux Colour Awards, but only 83 projects including Selby House were chosen - judged by the five well-respected judges.

This is one of the region’s most prestigious awards programs, it recognises the exceptional and innovative use of colour in the built environment - the Dulux Colour Awards attract an array of extraordinary projects. Up until 2024, awards have been given in seven categories:

· Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality.

· Commercial Interior – Workplace and Retail.

· Commercial & Multi-Residential Exterior.

· Residential Interior; Single Residential Exterior.

· Student work for both Australia and New

Zealand, with the coveted Australian and New Zealand Grand Prix awards, representing the pinnacle across all categories. In an exciting expansion of the program, this year, an additional category has been added in recognition of the growing area of Temporary or Installation Design.

The designers for the Selby House are Stephanie Kitingan, Jacqueline O’Brien, James Flaherty, Ashlee Pukk - they are all part of Placement Architecture firm.

The design was inspired when the client approached Placement to reconfigure the ground floor of their existing home to better orient the living spaces to an existing balcony

with a dramatic outlook across the Dandenongs.

This involved relocating the kitchen and dining to be alongside a living room to the other side of house, which meant that the additions became an exercise in joinery.

The joinery elements in this space acted as partitions to delineate use, but also as portals - which allowed a constant connection without being fully open plan.

The previous kitchen location became a dedicated entry foyer, equipped with storage for school bag drops in a mud room aesthetic, making use of the existing raked skylight roof as a feature.

A new bedroom was also added where the existing kitchen used to be.

The designers said the client wanted a space that could flex - to be functional for a bustling family of four, and to easily accommodate for entertaining.

“We were elated! It’s such an honour and privilege to be recognised alongside our peers,” one of the Placement designers said.

“Our initial inspirations came from referencing the already existing homes postmodern aesthetic - bright tones, lots of colour, and celebrating the natural light in the space and green surrounds.”

“To complement the existing features of the house as well as the pieces of art, and sentimentals in the space we referenced elements of Memphis design - where colour and pattern play in joinery, fixtures and finishes through bold colour blocking.”

A custom kidney shaped dining table was designed for the new dining area to facilitate the “flexing” of this space, with its shape be-

ing a nod to the playful shapes in the Memphis design movement.

Alongside that from a planning reference, the maxims of the 70s eco farmhouse came to mind - the sense of abundance and generosity in scale, place, and setting.

Dulux Colour Communications Manager

Andrea Lucena-Orr said expanding their program to award innovative colour use in non-permanent projects, such as exhibition spaces, installations and display suites, acknowledges the level of creativity that is being applied in this sector.

“In fact, the sophistication of the projects in this category attests to the relevance of its inclusion, they are inspirational,” she said.

Overall, the judges were impressed by the deeply considered, intelligent design pervading this year’s suite of finalists: hospitality venues and retail stores enticing customers through an understanding of colour psychology; primary schools with classrooms distinguished by colour to aid learning and navigation; and human-focused offices with masterful mood-setting palettes.

Now it’s all in the hands of judges as five of Australia and New Zealand’s most experienced architects and designers, each adept at using colour assertively in their own work, keep an eye for exemplary design, innovation and execution.

The 38th Dulux Colour Awards winners will be announced at an exclusive event at Sydney Opera House Bennelong, during Vivid Sydney on Wednesday 29 May.

For further information on this year’s finalists, judging criteria and terms and conditions, visit, dulux.com.au/colourawards

Home burn-off safety urged

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has lifted the fire restrictions and is urging residents to conduct safe burn-offs now.

Fire restrictions are now lifted across the municipalities of Yarra Ranges, Manningham, Maroondah and Knox and various other locations across the state, the CFA urges residents to prioritise safety when conducting burn-offs on their properties.

While the lifting of fire restrictions in these areas are crucial, residents are urged to be vigilant and be safe to prevent the risk of your burn off getting out of control.

The following is recommendations from the CFA for a safer burn-offs:

· Follow Regulations: Adhere to regulations or laws set by your local council.

· Monitor Weather Conditions: Pay attention to weather conditions, especially wind.

· Gusty winds and high temperatures can result in your fire escaping. If these conditions occur consider postponing or cancelling your burn-off activity.

· Create a clear area: Establish a gap in vegeta-

THE MIDDLE EAST

tion or fire break with at least three meters cleared of all flammable material and keep your burn off away from trees.

· Never Leave Unattended: Ensure there are enough people to monitor, contain, and ex-

tinguish the burn safely and effectively. Never leave a burn-off unattended.

· Register Your Burn-Off: Notify Triple Zero Victoria of your planned burn. You can register online through the Fire Per-

mits Victoria website allowing for 2 or more hours’ notice.

Alternatively, you can call Triple Zero Victoria at 1800 668 511 or email the completed Burn Off Notification Form to burnoffs@triplezero. vic.gov.au.

Notify Neighbours: Inform your neighbours if your burn-off.

By adhering to these tips, residents can conduct burn-offs safely and help reduce the risk of out-of-control fires during the postfire restriction period.

CFA A/Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andrew Booth urges people to exercise extreme caution when cleaning up properties using private burn-offs and encourage people to visit our website for tips on how to safely do that.

“It includes advice such as always checking fire restrictions with your local council and registering your burn on 1800 668 511, to check and monitor weather conditions, and having sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading.”

Visit cfa.vic.gov.au for further information about Burning Off Safely.

Designer finalists: Stephanie Kitingan, Jacqueline O’Brien, James Flaherty, Ashlee Pukk. Picture: SUPPLIED

Residents can now conduct safe burn-offs.

Picture: ON FILE

Deer cull about to begin

By Callum Ludwig Yarra

Ranges residents may notice signs near their favourite parks and trails over the coming months warning them to avoid the area at certain times.

This is because from this month through to August, Parks Victoria is working with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Melbourne Water to undertake a deer control program using firearms on their land as part of theVictorian Deer Control Strategy.

Parks Victoria District Manager Charlie Bisset said the Dandenong and Yarra Ranges contain large areas of cool temperate rainforest that are being heavily impacted by invasive species such as deer.

“Deer can cause serious damage to native animals and habitat by trampling and destroying plants, increasing grazing pressure, ring-barking young trees, fouling waterholes, causing soil erosion and spreading weeds,” she said.

“To protect these sensitive landscapes and help reduce the risk of deer and vehicle collisions in the area, Parks Victoria is conducting routine control operations as part of a comprehensive and scientific approach.”

“We are grateful to the local community for their understanding as we temporarily close areas of parkland to undertake this work, including neighbouring residents who are supportive of operations across park boundaries.”

One such Parks Victoria sign was recently discovered at the gate to the O’Shanassy Aq-

ueduct Trail, which stated the area would be closed for deer shooting between 5pm and 6am on the following dates:

22-24 April, 6-8 May, 20-22 May, 3-5 June, 24-26 June, 15-17 July, 29-31 July, 5-7 August and 19-21.

Residents living near Parks Victoria land have been notified via mail and the area will be checked for people before contractors begin work.

Deer management has been on the agenda of both the State and Federal Governments in recent times:

In October 2020, theVictorian Deer Control Strategy was announced, including $18.25 million that was allocated over the last four years for the development and delivery of deer control across Victoria.

The Victorian Government launched the Peri-urban Deer Control Plan in March 2022, identifying priority locations for deer control and aiming to create a long-term and coordinated approach to managing deer populations.

The Australian Government got on board in August 2023 with the National Feral Deer Action Plan in the hopes of helping coordinate and promote the best practices and actions to prevent the spread of feral deer and protect significant sites and areas.

Yarra Ranges Council also had DEECA funding to carry out a pilot deer control program on private and public land in the Yellingbo corridor to help protect the habitat of the Leadbeater’s Possum and Helmeted Honeyeater.

Disappointment but acceptance of Yoorook report

By Dongyun Kwon

Healesville-grown Indigenous man Dr Andrew Peters revealed his disappointment after the Victorian Government tabled its response to the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s second interim report on 3 April.

Following careful consideration, the Government has accepted four of the recommendations in full, 24 in principle, another 15 have remained under consideration and three have been rejected.

Treaty and First Peoples minister Natalie Hutchins said the Victorian Government thanked First Peoples who participated in the inquiry and appeared before the Commission for their ongoing strength and resilience.

“The Yoorrook Justice Commission’s work is globally groundbreaking. Victoria’s truthtelling process is a historic opportunity to hear the stories of our past that have been buried,” she said.

“These are stories that all Victorians need to hear. Treaty and Truth, led by Aboriginal people, is the best way to deliver improved outcomes and close the gap.”

“Every Yoorrook Justice Commission inquiry allows the Victorian Government to develop a deeper understanding of the discrimination that has been built into state government policies and approaches.”

Swinburne University of Technology Indigenous Studies Associate Professor Peters said he was disappointed to have only four recommendations fully accepted as the vast majority of these recommendations were very reasonable and achievable.

“We can hope that those under consideration will be accepted and involved in further discussion, but when dealing with our parliamentary system, nothing is easy,” he said.

“I understand that the Government has pressures from all angles, but this is a peoplerelated crisis that has been happening for decades, and nothing previously has addressed it adequately.

“It’s been 33 years since the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, so it’s long past time that effective action is taken, and that means changing attitudes of our decision-makers and refocusing some priorities.”

Dr Peters is a Yarra Yarra and Yorta Yorta man who grew up in Healesville and has family connections to a number of other mobs from around Victoria,

Yarra Yarra is a name that emerged from

Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve, near Healesville, where they have a very strong family connection.

Dr Peters said it’s a really difficult process as Indigenous People are essentially challenging a political institution that’s been in place, and relatively unchanged, for 150 years.

“However, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be challenged, or shouldn’t be changed,” he said. History shows that we need to vastly improve our connection to Indigenous peoples, culture and history, and as a first step, we need the government to hear Aboriginal voices within these discussions.

“In the area of criminal justice and child protection, these voices are absolutely critical to addressing a deep-seated ongoing crisis.”

The Healesville-grown man said there

are parts of the Yarra Valley that have always been inclusive of Aboriginal People and other parts not so much.

“It’s clearly a better situation now for Aboriginal people than it was 30 years ago, but there’s still a long way to go,” he said.

“You’ll be able to find stories of racism and exclusion still exist in parts of our society, and the Yarra Valley is no different.

“There are a number of positive things happening, however, through the council, our schools, and Aboriginal organisations. I always found, through playing sport in the Valley, that I personally didn’t feel excluded from much, and people seemed to accept and respect me as an Aboriginal person.”

The Indigenous studies educator said education is one of the keys to making the region more inclusive.

“Too many non-Aboriginal Australians are disconnected from Aboriginal Culture and History, and in the Yarra Valley in particular, we should all be really proud of our connections,” Dr Peters said.

“Learning about and with Aboriginal people is a great way to build pride in ourselves and connect with each other and our history.

“We are certainly moving in a positive direction, but there’s always more that can be done, especially as the towns in the Valley grow. Healesville is very different now from the town I grew up in.

“My mum, the late Aunty Dot, always used to say that we should all live our lives with respect, caring and sharing. If we all did this, I honestly believe we’d have a much more inclusive and happy society.”

Professor Eleanor Bourke speaks during a public hearing of the Yoorrook Justice Commission in Melbourne on Monday 8 May in 2023.

Picture: DIEGO FEDELE

Deer control is being undertaken on Parks Victoria land over the coming months.

Picture: ON FILE A Parks Victoria sign on the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail gate.

Picture: SUPPLIED

By Gabriella Vukman

The familiar phone signal issues that accompany calls to and from the Hills are unrelenting.

“Must be a ‘Hills’ thing,” Gareth said. “Unfortunately I can’t move the landline to fix it. Can you hear me OK?”

Chief executive officer and creative director at Burrinja Cultural Centre Gareth Hart is stepping down from their position.

After over 15 years of working at the centre, Gareth has decided to take a break, hoping that someone passionate and creative will fill their shoes.

Gareth said: “I started to feel that my resilience was a little low this year and I was thinking about how I care for myself as well as care for this organisation, the community and the team. I have a responsibility to do what is right for the organisation and for the community and I sensed that I needed some rest and I think it’s the best thing for this community that I make way for a new leader who has the drive and passion to lead into the future.”

“I am excited for my future and finding some more time to balance both my work life and my life but I will be very sad not to walk through the doors every day into this thriving colourful, creative jackpot of a centre so I’m quite torn,” Gareth said.

Gareth is a passionate and eloquently spoken person with a subtle sense of humour presenting itself every now and then during our discussion.

in Burrinja wind

In 2008, Gareth kick-started their affiliation with the Cultural Centre with multiple small projects including a community dance project in 2009 before landing a permanent job in 2014.

“I’ve been in this CEO/Director role since 2020 and Burrinja is such a fabulous place to work in the sense of seeing artists at every stage of their career with a whole different range of interests from visual arts to performing arts to people just coming in to be inspired or challenged by a piece of art. You get to see everything here -a whole range of community and artists come through the building so it’s so diverse in that way and I just love this part of the job.”

Upon becoming CEO in 2020, the first few years of Gareth’s experience in the role were marred by Covid-19 and severe flooding.

“Lockdowns were an incredibly challenging time to be alive but also to step into a leadership job and support a team that are all experiencing the lockdowns not to mention trying to find ways to share art with the community and support peoples health and wellbeing and their social connection when the entire world was telling us not to connect,” they said.

“In among the [pandemic we had the very intense storms of June 2021, and so all of that happened in my first 18 months in the job and it was incredibly difficult leading through that period. I just kept believing that it was never more important to have art in our lives because art can bring us together, it can celebrate who we are and it can bring joy and colour to our lives, so when the community couldn’t come to the art, we needed to bring the art to the community,” they said.

Gareth is proud of the new relationships they have been able to develop with organisations such as Vic Health and Creative Victoria as well as of continuing their relationship with the Yarra Ranges Council during their time as CEO.

“It has been wonderful to lean into the collaborations with other organisations. That is something I really thrive on and find a lot of excitement and enjoyment in. The small things have also been wonderful. For example, one time the finance manager came to me and said ‘I’ve got this great idea for this thing in the theatre that works with our ageing population. I read the strategic plan and we haven’t done something for that community before.’ I just thought that was brilliant to come from the finance manager.”

A suggestion from one of Burrinja’s technicians to play an acknowledgement of country at the start of every show was also recounted by Gareth as a fond memory.

“I thought ‘how brilliant!’ That’s not coming from the CEO, or the senior producer or the indigenous advisory committee. That’s coming from the people on the ground who are doing the work,” Gareth said.

“Little moments like that have felt really powerful to me as well as the big stuff like more queer art, more art that looks at our mental health or the climate crisis.”

Gareth hopes they have been able to con-

tribute their own flavour to Burrinja over the years “I guess I was really conscious of the context in which I stepped into my role as CEO. It was the early stage of the pandemic, Burrinja had gone through a huge redevelopment after almost a third of our building had been demolished. I hope that under my leadership Burrinja has been able to grow. I hope Burrinja feels exciting and dynamic, it always did but I hope that I was able to bring a bit of a flavour to that.”

Championing the art of listening, Gareth believes in the power of the community voice.

“My advice to the next CEO would be to listen. This community has a voice and this community is so beautifully bold and they tell you what they need so I think the advice is just to listen. I think listening is an incredibly powerful skill that we are not excellent at. There is a lot of emphasis on speaking and being heard and I think that it is a very powerful thing to listen to people and communities and we don’t do that enough.”

Gareth’s wish for the next CEO also includes bringing an exciting array of creative possibilities to fruition at the Centre.

“I really hope that the next CEO feels excited about the possibilities of the future but not necessarily bound by the past. I think the past is really important and that it informs what we do in the future but we’re not bound to the past. I would hope that a new director has an exciting vision for something that hasn’t yet happened in the future of the organisation.”

“I would like to extend a genuine thanks to everybody who has been part of my journey, especially the team here at Burrinja, the board, the Yarra Ranges Council, all of our partners in the community, all of the artists that have been part of my time here , that have made it incredible special and definitely the hardest decision of my career was to leave this job. ‘‘

Gareth Hart has decided to step down after over 15 years of collaboration at the Burrinja Cultural Centre. Picture: SUPPLIED

Shed setting fine example

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

The Cockatoo Hills Men’s Shed Inc (HMS) has generously donated a large Sienna Pine outdoor picnic table setting to the Macclesfield CFA.

HMS is a small but impactful organisation that provides men with the opportunity to receive social support and develop a range of skills, competencies and renewed confidence and independence to lead healthy and happy lives within their community.

Macclesfield CFA Assistant Treasurer, Elona Bast contacted the Hills Men’s Shed to order a picnic table for the crew to sit on, but she was surprised with what she was offered.

“When we’re at the fire station, sometimes we have social nights, or we’ve come back from a fire and we’re having a bit of a feed, it’s really good to be able to sit somewhere comfortably and just have a social drink and wind down,” she said.

“I started sourcing out for picnic tables to have in area and the local Hills Men’s Shed had these [picnic tables] advertised, and they were so superior in quality to some of the other ones that we saw online.”

“They generously offered us buy one get one free, it’s a huge saving to the community and everyone’s really happy.”

Organisations like the CFA heavily rely on community fundraising, and donations like this helps them save a lot of that fundraising.

“We work really hard to fundraise, it’s a lot of man hours, so to recoup some of the money for the tables and to be able to have a table given to us that we don’t have to fundraise for is just totally amazing,” she said.

Ms Bast said it’s great the community sticks together.

“I really like approaching the Hills Men’s Shed because they are a community-based programme, it’s great that one organisation can support another organisation,” she said.

Treasurer Steven Ross has been with the Hills Men’s Shed for two years, he said the organisation has donated many tables to other CFA brigades.

“CFA Macclesfield contacted us and said they were looking to buy two 2.4 metre outdoor picnic tables, she had been looking around for them - she liked the tables we made because they looked a lot more solid and a lot more refined than the others,” he said.

After receiving the CFA’s inquiry, Mr Ross discussed it with the rest of the committee before responding back.

A large Sienna Pine outdoor picnic table typically costs around $700 each, but the HMS decided to charge the CFA crew for just one of the tables and gave the other for free.

Mr Ross has moved to Cockatoo from the city, and he said the community has been absolutely amazing with their support.

“I joined the Men’s Shed in order to meet other like-minded people, it’s just been fantastic, we support the local CFAs, and they do an amazing job for us,” he said.

“We also donated a table to the SES in Emerald because they go out of their way to help the community.”

The Hills Men’s Shed started as a place where men can get together and discuss men’s issues, but it has grown to be a lot more than that.

“A lot [of] people come and do their hobbies, some people do woodworking, some people do metalwork, all sorts of things go on,” Mr Ross said.

“Some of our members just come here for a chat, and we have some female members as well, which surprises people.

“Mental health is a big issue around here.”

Many of the HMS are senior members of the community, often they are experiencing grief of losing a loved one, feeling loneliness and disconnected from the rest of the society.

“We’ve got people that have had their wives pass away, it’s a big thing for them to come out and socialise after that,” Mr Ross said.

‘Every third Saturday of each month, the organisation participates in the Cockatoo Country Market – an opportunity where younger members meet the senior members.

“Our younger guys that are working full time, they can’t come on a Tuesday and Wednesday, so this once-a-month market participation really helps connect everyone,” Mr Ross said.

“We’ve got plenty of members, but we’re always on the lookout for more.”

“The younger members that want to come and use the tools, it’s only costing them $30 a year, and then they get access to all the equipment inside, it’s just unbeatable - you can’t find that sort of value anywhere else.”

HMS is an incorporated association which commenced after considerable community consultation in 2008.

HMS is supported by Cardinia Shire, Cockatoo Neighbourhood House, Cockatoo Township Committee, Emerald Rotary Club, MIND Australia and Monash Health.

Mr Ross said a lot of people out there are lonely and this is a great outlet for them.

“Getting rid of that loneliness, even if it’s just for a couple of hours, couple of times a week, it’s really good for them - otherwise you just find people just sitting at home doing absolutely nothing,” he said.

“In here, you don’t even have to ask for help, people are just willing to get up and help each other.”

“The older guys - they’ve all taught me something.”

You can connect with the Hills Mens Shed via their Facebook page - visit, facebook.com/ hillsshed.

Macclesfield CFA crew members are grateful for HMS donation. Pictures: SHAMSIYA HUSSAINPOOR

Macclesfield CFA only sought a picnic table but got much more.Cockatoo Hills Mens Shed kindly donate a picnic setting.

DON’T DO IT YOURSELF

Always hire a licensed electrician. Doing your own electrical work is extremely dangerous – and it’s illegal.

To find out more visit esv.vic.gov.au/DDIY

New teen reading research

By Christine Yunn-Yu Sun

In September 2023, we reported the findings of the Australia Reads Research Review to help readers understand contemporary reading trends.

A non-profit organisation, Australia Reads promotes “the positive impacts of books and reading on our society”. Its mission is to “get more people reading more books, more often”.

Australia Reads recently released a new report from the “Teen Reading in the Digital Era” research project at Deakin University, which offers “insights into book discovery and reading for pleasure in Australian teens”. Here, “reading for pleasure” is defined as reading that “makes us happier, healthier, and more empathetic” and “helps us to make sense of ourselves”.

The “Discovering a Good Read” report is based on a survey of 13,217 Australian teenage readers from acrossVictoria, New SouthWales, Queensland and Western Australia between March 2022 and June 2023.

CARTOON

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

Its findings show that those surveyed engage extensively with social media and video games.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, reading ranks low in the hierarchy of leisure activities for Australian secondary school students, with 25% not engaging it on a typical weekday during the school term.

When asked about the frequency with which they read for pleasure in a typical week during the school term, 29% of teenag-

A truly great horror movie

Late Night With The Devil

Starring David Dasmalchian, Ingrid Torelli and Ian Bliss

MA15+

4.5/5

Late Night With The Devil is an enthralling, ingenious horror film from Australian brothers Cameron and Colin Cairnes.

In 1977, TV host Jack Delroy (David Dasmalchian) invites Lilly (Ingrid Torelli), a young girl supposedly possessed by a demon, and her doctor June Ross-Mitchell (Laura Gordon) onto his late-night talk show.

Late Night With The Devil superbly recreates the rowdy, sensational vibe of seventies late-night television, and Dasmalchian is fantastic as Jack Delroy, a charismatic showman who figuratively sells his soul for ratings. Torelli conveys a sweet, vulnerable yet subtly sinister persona as Lilly.

Ian Bliss is the rude voice of reason as Carmichael the Conjurer, a magician turned skeptic based on James Randi; not just a source of snarky commentary, Carmichael is a major player in the ever-worsening situation.

Late Night With The Devil features plenty of dry humour and a steady escalation of dread and intrigue.

The first act immediately catches us and Jack off-guard with startling turns, and the clever screenplay has you constantly ques-

tion whether Lilly’s demonic possession and other spooky phenomena are real or delusions, right until the ghastly climax.

This is a much better demonic possession-themed film than last year’s The Exorcist: Believer, but also the stylistic antithesis of Asteroid City (this is a weird comparison, but hear me out).

Like Asteroid City, Late Night With The Devil has layers of artifice, including a documentary framing device and the juxtaposition of colour and black-and-white behind-the-scenes footage, but still strives for realism and genuine tension, instead of Asteroid City’s self-sabotaging admission of fakeness.

A chilling, taut and tightly-written horror film, Late Night With The Devil is playing in mostVictorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

ers admit they don’t read books in their free time.

Meanwhile,amongthosesecondaryschoolers who do read, 73% mainly read print books, compared to 18% who read print books and ebooks equally and 10% who prefer using ebook readers.

In terms of genre, 58% prefer fiction, compared to 9% for non-fiction and 29% who enjoy both equally.

Interestingly, based on the frequency and time spent reading, as well as feelings about reading books for pleasure, the report identifies seven distinct reading clusters – Book Abstainer (33%), Casual Dabbler (16%), Fiction Fanatic (12%), Regular Bookworm (10%), Holiday Browser (10%), Sparse Reader (10), and Rushed Fans (9%).

A Book Abstainer is characterised as one who “doesn’t read books at all”, has “neutral to negative feelings about reading” and “rarely reads articles or blogs”.

Understandably, Book Abstainers are the

most active on social media.

They are also most likely to report that their friends’ reading habits closely match their own lack of engagement with books.

Indeed, important lessons may be learned from the reasons that Book Abstainers give for not reading.

These include: “I prefer doing other things”, “I don’t like reading”, “reading is not fun”, “it’s hard to find anything good to read”, “I read at school so I don’t want to read at home”, “I’m not very good at reading”, and “there are not many books about people like me”.

Finally, Australia Reads recommends seven ways to support teenagers in reading for pleasure, starting with allowing them to choose their own reading material.

While parents can help invest in school libraries and librarians, they themselves can also start reading and make it a social activity among family and friends. Parents can further carve out time in their busy life schedule for young people to read, especially during the holidays.

Comedy coming to Upwey

Burrinja Theatre

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow.

Australia’s premier comedy roadshow is coming Upwey.

Australia’s biggest and best comedy spectacular is setting off on its 26th annual road trip around the country. Showcasing the finest talents from the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, we’re delivering a dose of laughter right on your doorstep.

Get ready for a well-deserved blast of comedy when the Roadshow hits the Burrinja stage! Season: Friday April 26 at 7.30pm.

Lilydale Athenaeum theatre

Still Alice Alice is a university professor on the verge of Alzheimer’s Disease.

The play takes the audience through such a deliberating time for the whole family until there is no hope. A very good production of such a subject.

The director, Alan Burrows has done wonderful job in the direction and co-design of the set, which consists of six square archways along each side ad at the stage rear, surmounted by black curtains.

The balance of the stage is furnished as a normal house but as Alice moves further along with Alzheimer’s the stage empties like her mind.Very effective.

Alice was played by wo ladies. As ;Alice Angela Glennie gave a stunning performance capturing the full fall throughout Alzheimer from the very beginning to the final scene.

A wonderful portrayal. Herself was played by Audrey-Maeve Barker, as Herself she was behind Alice answering some of the questions and telling Alice some of the answers.

A good performance. Kohn, Alice’s husband, was given a very good performance by Phil Lambert.

In his role he had to understand what Alice was going through, keep his own job while trying out for a new position, helping his adult children understand the reason that their mother id how she is.

A very good portrayal. Lachlan Glennie gave a great interpretation of Alice’s son Tom and also played Dean.

Not easy having two roles but Lachlan handled the characters with expertise. His sister Lydia, a budding actress, much to her mother’s discontent.

Francesca Carl t gave a very good performance in both roles as Lydia and as Beth. Fiona Carter was Alice’s Doctor Tamara. Fiona captured the character as envisaged adding to the high standard of the production. Ian Frost was Dr Davis, who found that Alice was suffering from Alzheimer’s. Ian caught the feel of such a character giving a good portrayal in the role.

A wonderful evening of theatre which closes April 26. Don’t miss it.

The Basin Theatre

Berlin

Tom is an Australian abroad, Charlotte is a Berliner through and through.

After meeting in a bar, sparks fly between

Kemp’s curtain call

them and she invites him to spend the night at her place.

The Basin set was audience left a kitchen and audience right was the lounge room with a central sofa. There were stairs up to the bedroom and on the wall of the staircase was hanging a painting.

A two hander with Charlotte played by Anatasia Sidorova andTom played by AaronWilson.

Both actors gave credible performances but sometimes it was a little hard to hear. Tom was stabbed in the arm but unfortunately, he carried on the rest of the play as if nothing happed. A little disappointing as it appeared to be a severe wound but there was no blood (which could have been added) and he did not appear to suffer greatly.

Overall it is an interesting play and was enjoyed by the Friday night audience.

Eltham Little Theatre

The Peppercorn Tree Set in 1993 suburban Melbourne, The Peppercorn Tree tells the story of Jonah Clarke who during an early morning raid inWorldWar iiTobruk, makes a split second decision with repercussions that grew to overshadow his life and future relationships.

ELT had its foyer decorated to suit the play with many Rembrance day poppies across the wall with a peppercorn tree in the middle surmounted by a digger’s hat.

The stage was set as a lounge room of a house suiting the period.

The furnishings were an hospital bed, Behind it was a window looking out to a wonderful reproduction of a peppercorn tree. Audience right was the entrance door and on the side was a door leading to the kitchen.

There was some shall we say off language which suited the character and the role.

Jonah Clarke was played by Rowan Francis who really captured the soul of the character. A wonderful portrayal and one not to forget. His second wife, Grace, was given a stirling understanding performance by Genevieve Ryan. Genevieve caught the essence of the second wife and worked well with Rowan Francis.

Zoe Pilgrim played by Hannah Bolt was the biographer trying to write Jonah’s story. A good and sympathetic portrayal.

Michael Clarke, Jonah’s son by his first wife was played byWarrick Smith.

Another great performance adding to the high standard of the production. |Then through the window we had Evelyn (Evie) Clarke, Jonah’s first wife who appeared as a ghost, great makeup and costuming with a good performance.

A good evening of theatre with a few laughs, poignancy and memopries.

Plant sales grow dreams

By Mikayla van Loon

The Yarra View Bushland Nursery (YVBN) car park sale is back for another year, showcasing an array of plants ready for the garden.

For the second year in a row, YVBN will be opening up the car park on York Road for a week to sell a “huge variety” of plants, while also welcoming the community into the nursery to learn about employment and the social enterprise.

“We mainly have natives, grevillea, callistemons and eucalypts but then we’ve also got camellias going in this year, a different range of exotics and hedging plants,” sales manager Amelia Cabret said.

“We’re also going to be doing some super specials in the actual garden center as well for tube stock, just to bring the buyers in through once they’ve gone through the carpark sale into the actual garden center. So there’ll be a lot of different varieties of plants available.”

Having seen the success of the June car park sale in 2024, Amelia said this year the team decided to bring it forward to autumn because that’s when everything is at its peak.

“Autumn is generally when we hold the most amount of stock. We’re coming off the peak growing season for the year and the nursery is quite full, and then heading into winter it slows down,” she said.

“So we’ve got all this a lot of premium stock available this year and we’d like to sell it through but it’s also a really great opportunity to get new customers down and into the retail section that may not have shopped with us before and introduce them to what we do.”

General manager Scott Buckland said not only is the sale about the financial benefit for the nursery but about engaging with the broader community about howYVBN works to support people with a disability.

“We’re starting to get a lot more active in

promoting what we do to the general public. There is a demographic that doesn’t quite understand exactly what employing people with disability means,” he said.

“So we’re now becoming far louder and prouder about what we do and that connection of selling plants actually then generates employment opportunities for the people we support.”

Scott said while some “mystery” still remains behind whatYVBN does for many in the community it’s important to try and change that.

With a few nurseries along the York Road strip, Scott said “our main point of difference is the fact that we’re a social enterprise and there’s a purpose behind that spend”.

As the nursery grows, so too does the ability to support more workers.

Adapting to flexible lifestyle changes over the last few years, Scott said “we’ve probably got more people working for us” but the hours are still the same.

“One of the big changes though, is our support structure. We’ve now got 10 dedicated training staff, so they fully qualified, trained

up support workers,” he said.

That allows staff members to broaden their skill sets, whether learning the point of sale system or driving machinery because of the additional resources helping to educate onsite.

The holistic approach to learning means Scott and the team are seeing “a real uplift in skill sets” meaning staff can work across various parts of the nursery, if they choose, and feel comfortable in doing so.

Employment coaches have been an integral part of the support structure, setting goals for employees and finding dedicated training that suits each individual.

Externally, YVBN has partnered with the Nursery Garden Industry of Victoria (NGIV) to provide horticulture training through the Grow You Future Program, which provides on the job opportunities to people from “the long term unemployed to refugees and other vulnerable or disadvantaged groups” which has seen three new staff members be employed.

The growth, support structure and new opportunities, Scott said, means YVBN has employment places needing to be filled. To find out more, go to yvbn.com.au or call 9737 0400.

Native plants like callistemons will be on sale over the week of 3-11 May.

Yarra View Bushland Nursery supports people with disabilities to find employment and every plant sale counts. Pictures: SUPPLIED

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD

DECODER

WORDFIT

9-LETTER WORD

PROPERTY

CLASSIC 1920’S ARCHITECTURE, CONTEMPORARY RESIDENCE

CLASSIC 1920’S ARCHITECTURE, CONTEMPORARY RESIDENCE

THIS beautiful reimaging of a classic 1920’s home on 1/4 acre creates a synergy of past and present with architectural elements as a backdrop to modern family design. From the front porch to the back deck and everything in between has been designed and remastered with purpose and to a high standard.

As you enter 10 ft ceilings give you the grandeur of days gone by, then you take in the sophistication of the contemporary interior and know this home is something special.

Featuring:

· 4 bedrooms or 3 and a formal lounge

· The master – private and spacious – full rain shower ensuite and BIR’s

· Luxurious bathroom – soaking tub - rain shower – stone topped dual vanity - customized lighting, heated towel rails and auto fans

· A state of the art, white and bright kitchen awaits and will delight the avid chefs of the family. Abundant cabinetry and quality appliances.

· The living and dining room, with wood fire will be the ‘meeting place’ of the home, family comes together to eat, relax, and chat about the day.

· An attic is a fabulous ‘extra’ space, gaming room, theatre, office, yoga/meditation, even a library the choice is yours.

· A huge laundry completes the home.

· Oak laminate flooring, new carpets, NBN, data networked, ducted heating, wood fire, split system

Outdoors:

· Useable and fenced 1051m2, established gardens and lush fernery

· A four-car remote garage, rear access, and interior access into the home

· Sealed driveway

· A front porch, perfect for morning coffee

· Spacious covered rear deck with views across Gembrook

· Shed, power and wood store

Location:

Perfect location, just opposite the Primary School, walk into town for a coffee and cake, dinner, also bush walks and trail rides nearby, also 15 minutes to Pakenham rail connections, a bus stop nearby. Country lifestyle in contemporary splendour. Nothing left to do except unpack, this home offers the ultimate convenience for busy buyers seeking a hassle-free transition. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

GORGEOUS CLEARED FLAT ACRE WITH DUAL ACCOMMODATION

THIS outstanding property with wrap around verandah is bursting with potential. Bring the whole family with the dual accommodation, perfect for the older parents or teenage children. Or consider the Bed & Breakfast (STCA) or income potential (STCA) from the second dwelling.

This home is ideally positioned in the heart of Avonsleigh on a flat acre with manicured established gardens. Within a fully fenced block with electric gates, is this much loved home that has recently been painted externally, and cleverly updated internally in both the main home and second residence.

The main home offers period charm with polished floor boards, dado paneling, brick fireplace, as well as an inset wood heater, 900mm gas stove, farm sink, and modern conveniences of ducted gas heating and split system air conditioning. There are three charming bedrooms in the main residence and 3 living areas or 2 living and a fourth bedroom option to enjoy. The master bedroom has a walk in wardrobe, ceiling fan, and ensuite with walk in shower and toilet, whilst the further two bedrooms are serviced by a family bathroom complete with a shower over the bath.

Then access the second dwelling from the wrap around verandah to find a fully self-contained home. Step inside to discover an open plan kitchen and living space. The kitchen is equipped with stone benchtops, corner pantry, and stainless steel dishwasher. There is a master bedroom with a ceiling fan & built in wardrobe & direct access to the deck. There is a handy European laundry and then a bathroom with walk in shower and toilet.

Externally there is plenty of storage and carparking, with a double carport, a shed, and then a double garage with a single carport. There is also a large fully lined American barn (7m*11m) with remote roller door entry, insulated roof, mezzanine, concrete floor, power and lights. Added to all of these features is 1.6kW of solar and this property is walking distance to the local school and public bus stops, Avonsleigh General Store and Bam Bams restaurant. This property has it all so don’t miss outcall to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

LIVE THE GOOD LIFE ON YOUR 6 ACRES

IF you have been dreaming of that rare small acreage holding (25,124 sqm approx.) close to town, this could be the one.

A large family home that offers huge living rooms, feature fireplace and combustion wood fires. A real chief’s kitchen with central island bar, dishwasher, 900 stainless steel cooker and ample cupboard space. Four or five bedrooms or home office/kids toy room. All well serviced by three bathrooms.

Outside has been ideally set up for the contractor seeking massive parking and shedding as you can even drive right around the house with ease for trucks/excavator and machinery parking. A high span 15m x 9m barn - (with loft storage plus secure safe room), a 9m x 4.2m garage and an 8.7m x 3.7m workshop will cater for all your needs and more! The land is approximately half cleared and divided into several paddocks, two dams with resident ducks and the balance being a beautiful backdrop of natural rainforest with visiting bush wallabies, echidnas and of course native birdlife that love to be fed on the deck. Also, there is a three-pen chook house or it could be used for sheep and goat shelter if you wish. Land is suitable for farm animals but not a horse or pony. With a location that feels like you’re in the country, yet Belgrave township and train station are only a 5 minute drive away via a made road. With an easy commute to the city with Wellington Road not far and yet still enjoy the sweet sound of Puffing Billy’s whistle through the ‘Hills’.

If you have dreamed about your ‘Tree Change’ enough, now you can make it come true. ●

4.5ACresOFYOUrLIFesTYLedreAMAWAITs!

Thispropertyissuretopiqueyourinterest.Accessedbya sealedroad,hasgoodfencing, ashedand adam.Thegentleslopinglandwhichismostlyclearedhas asmallpocket ofbush -readyandwaitingfora ponyortwo.Theresidenceisfullofcharacterwith highceilings,polishedfloorboards,sashwindows,a lovelyveranda, alight &bright contemporarykitchen,lounge/dining,ductedheating,wood fire,splitsystem,underfloor insulation,mainswaterandgas.hasroomandscopetoextendforfuturerequirements. 2

Featuringa flat ½acre (2,353 sqm)blockwith anortherly aspectcaptivatingall-day sunshine.This fabulous location hasbeautifulvalleyviews,issurroundedbyqualityhomes, andcanaccommodate off-streetparkingfor multiple cars.Theopportunity exists to renovate andoffersgoodfoundations withnewsteel& concretestumps andother features include A/C, awood fire,downstairsunit/livingpotential,walkingdistance to a primaryschoolandbusstopwitheasyaccessto shops,trainstationandservices. 3 A

JanBrewster 0409558805

Thisdream‘Getaway’offersyoucompleteprivacyandstunningsunsetsonthehorizon. Theearthymudbrickhomesitson3,591sqmandhasbeencompletelyupdated/ renovatedandfeaturestwolivingrooms,modernbathrooms,qualitykitchenappliances central combustion woodfire&twosplitsystems.hugeterracedoutdoor livingspaces, veggiegarden,doublecarportandthreestoragesheds.Only aminute’swalktothebus stop, 7minutedrive toUpperFerntreeGullytrain,shoppingcentre&the ‘1000steps’walk.

studynook,twolargefencedpaddocks,doublegarage,3 bay7.5mx 10.5mshedwith mezzanine &power.MinutestoGembrookTownship,a shortdrivetoPakenham& rail connections,trailrides,hikes& adventurestobehadexploringthebushandsurrounds.

JanetHawkins 0409117432

ErinDavies 0493136937

WALK TO GEMBROOK MAIN STREET AND ENJOY THE GORGEOUS GARDEN

THIS lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is positioned just a short stroll from the main street, yet is private and low maintenance. With the Puffing Billy Train Station, playgrounds, primary school, restaurants, IGA and other amenities just moments away.

With a welcoming flower filled front garden, and two separate driveway entries, there are plenty of possibilities with this home. Bring your caravan and enjoy the off street parking between adventures.

The home is well designed with an open plan kitchen/lounge/dining room that enjoys views out to the back garden and has a split system air conditioner. The kitchen is well equipped with a gas stove, oven and a butler’s pantry.

The master bedroom enjoys its own split system air conditioner, built in wardrobes and ensuite. There are two further bedrooms both with built in wardrobes. There is a welcoming family bathroom with a shower and a separate bath. Whilst there is ducted heating throughout the home and plenty of natural light.

Outside is delight in the fully fenced backyard. The manicured garden and lawn is tranquil with an array of fruit trees. There is also a security system with alarm and cameras, and sensor lighting at the front of the home.

This home is a must to see.

This property has it all so don’t miss outcall to arrange a private inspection today.

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

HOME ESSENTIALS

SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME WITH ELEGANCE

LOCATED in a tranquil yet conveniently positioned area of rapidly evolving Beaconsfield, this spacious family entertainer is beautifully presented and effortlessly stylish. Ready to move into and guaranteed to impress, 20 Hammerwood Green is a standout property suitable for both homebuyers and investors. It’s a real gem.

Perfectly situated on a quiet street, this modern home directly faces expansive parkland, an adventure playground, and an off-leash dog park-ideal for keeping an eye on your children while they play nearby.

Entering through the impeccable landscaping and double doors, you’ll be greeted by brand new timber-look flooring, high ceilings, and bright, open spaces.

Designed for easy living, the layout features an expansive open-plan family/ dining area that connects seamlessly to a versatile rumpus room with ample storageperfect for a kids’ retreat-and a sleek designer kitchen.

The kitchen is a chef’s delight, boasting smart stone benchtops, a stunning aqua glass splashback, premium 900mm oven, dishwasher, and a large walk-in pantry.

Further exploration reveals a front-facing study, walk-in linen closet, spacious laundry with built-in storage, a sparkling central bathroom with separate WC, and four generously-sized bedrooms, three with plush new carpets and robes.

The massive master bedroom is a luxurious retreat with a walk-in robe and deluxe ensuite featuring a supersized double vanity and rainfall shower.

Enhancing comfort and prestige, the home includes ducted heating, evaporative cooling, split-system AC, NBN connectivity, LED downlights, pendant lighting, stone-top vanities, and dual blinds throughout.

Outside, there’s a double garage, a garden shed, well-presented backyard, and a undercover decked alfresco area with built-in BBQ and outdoor kitchen-perfect for entertaining.

Just moments from your doorstep, you’ll find elite schools, shopping centres, medical facilities, parks, public transport, and major highways.

Presented immaculately throughout, this home is a true delight. Don’t miss your chance to view it! ●

8HardyStreet,SELBY

NestledontheedgeofSherbrookeForestwithbeautifulwalkingtrailsclosebyandthe soundofPuffingBillyintheneardistance,thisbrickveneer,threebedroomhomeis positionedperfectlyforboth apeacefullifestyleandeasyaccesstobothBurwoodHwy andWellingtonRoad.Completewithlargeshed/garageandsealeddriveway,the propertyiswelldesignedwithgreataccessforanytradieandwithyourgreatideas.

SharynChandler

M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

393MonbulkRoad,MONBULK

$1,030,000 -$1,130,000

FLEXIBLE FAMILYHOMEWITHOFFICE &OUTBUILDINGS

5 A 2 B 2 C

Thisidyllicpropertywith avastvarietyofbonusfeatureswillsurpassexpectationswithits scaleandversatility.Featuring agenerousfamilyhomeand 2uniqueoutbuildingsthatcan bestyledtosuityour requirements,this2,319sqm(approx.)propertyisperfectforgrowing families,multi-generationalliving,andthosewhoworkfromhome.

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

97546888

12FerneryRoad,UPWEY

Nestledintothisquietcul-de-sacawaits abeautifulfamilyhomeonpeacefulpark-like gardens.ClosetoBurrinjaCulturalCentre,Glenfern ValleyBushlandReserve,Upwey townshipandtrainstation,andtheeaseof WellingtonRoadtofreewayaccess,this characterhomeoffers apicture-perfectcityfringelifestyle.

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

SuzieBrannelly

M 0490506910| E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

214EmeraldMonbulkRoad,MONBULK

$895,000 -$970,000

TURN-KEYHOMEINEASYREACHOFTOWN 3 A 2 B 2 C

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

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

1689BurwoodHighway,BelgraveVIC3160

www.chandlerandco.com.au

office@chandlerandco.com.au

Clarke, Rice shine in SA

By Jamie Strudley

Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes were in action at the Australian Junior Track and Field Championships in Adelaide last week. Events for athletes from U13 through to U18 age groups made for a busy week of athletics.

Zoe Clarke competed in the U16 Girls 800m. Zoe ran a fantastic race in a very tough heat, missing qualification to the final running 2.26.06. Brigette Rice was competing in the Women U18 3000m and 1500m finals. Brigette ran a brave race in her 3000m to record 10.41.98. She backed up the following day in the 1500m running a solid race to record 4.49.22

Our Saturday morning cross country season got under way on Saturday morning. Heavy fog over Lilydale Lake made for an interesting start to the day. A good turnout of athletes and parents made for a fun morning of cross country. Results will be available later in the week.

This coming Saturday will be at Margaret Lewis Reserve, Coldstream for round 2. Warm up at 8.45am with the first event starting at 9.00am. Anyone able to help with course set up (from 7.30am), timing, recording or pack up please contact the club on info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au or let us know on Saturday.

Opening round of the Athletics Victoria XCR season is this coming weekend. YRA has entered several teams and look forward to opening the season with some good results.

Cross country training for all club members us on Tuesday evenings from 5.30pm. 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 here!

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! Brigette Rice competing for Victoria.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Eagles win in a nailbiter

Coming off the back of two losses, the Ferntree Gully Eagles were looking to redeem themselves in the third round against Silvan.

Despite the hot-out-of-the-gate approach from Silvan’s seniors, leading the Eagles at the first break 21-8, the Gully pulled the score back to just two-points the difference at half time.

Gaining momentum from the start of the third term, it was Ferntree Gully that took the lead 47-43.

The tight tussle meant it was anyone’s game but the Eagles were keen for a win no matter the score.

And that they did.

Holding on until the end, it was a one-point win to the Eagles 60-59.

The home game result could not have been greater for the somewhat dilapidated team, with injuries and illness plaguing the players.

Shane Woolley led the goal scoring with four goals.

Best players included Shane Woolley, Brodie Harrison, Jack Flannery, Riley Williams, Jordan Church and Jayden Purdon.

Heading into round 4, the Gully travels to Surrey Park for the first time after the Panthers made their way up to Division 3 having won the premiership last year.

Surrey Park currently sits third on the ladder while Ferntree Gully is eighth.

Seville, Belgrave to clash in inaugural Ingram Cup

By Callum Ludwig

A new marquee fixture in the AFL Outer East calendar has been pencilled in for the first time, with both clubs involved hopeful to make it a regular occurrence.

The Seville and Belgrave Football Netball Clubs will clash on Anzac Day in what is being coined the inaugural George Ingram Cup. Seville Football Netball Club Secretary Grant Tucker said it’ll be great for the club and the community.

“We’ve only had the Seville War Memorial up for three years, but we want to get the message out there we’re just trying to re-educate the new generation about the war and what it’s all about,” he said.

“With George Ingram being a member of the town, we get to pay our respects to him as well as the other soldiers who were from the town.”

The best player on the ground for each of Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s football matches will be presented with the Ingram Medallion, in honour of Seville’s Victoria Cross recipient George Ingram while the best on ground for senior netball will be presented with the Robertson Medallion in honour of Seville sisters Constance, Jessie and Ruby Robertson who all served in World War Two.

George Ingram VC fought on the Western Front and received the Victoria Cross for his feat of bravery in reclaiming the village of Montbrehain in France, with himself and other Australian soldiers overcoming multiple enemy posts in their attack and Ingram believed to have killed at least 40 enemy soldiers in this encounter, while accounting for many more as others surrendered or were captured, including a house containing 30 soldiers which he captured himself.

Sergeant Constance Roberston spent four years with the Women’s Auxiliary of the Royal Australian Air Force at various airfields and bases in Victoria and New South Wales, Lieutenant Jessie Robertson served for six years with the Australian Army Medical Women’s Service throughout Australia and overseas in New Guinea before then offering to volunteer as a Welfare Officer for Australian occupation troops serving in Japan when she was discharged and Corporal Ruby Robertson served for two years with the Australian Women’s Army Service at military bases around Melbourne.

MrTucker said a donation from the game’s proceeds will go to the Lilydale RSL and they they hope the support from the town for

the recent services at the war memorial will translate over to support of the club on Anzac Day

“After we did a lot of fundraising to get to where the memorial was, it was pretty disappointing so the idea of this is to get the story out there of what we’re trying to do and get the community back behind it to get more support and funding for the war memorial as well as funding for the new rooms and making Seville a premier sporting reserve in the Yarra Valley.”

“Belgrave don’t have any marquee games but they were supportive of the cause and pretty excited to get behind the game, so there’s an element of excitement for both clubs.”

Funds raised from the day will go towards

the repair of the Seville War Memorial and to the Lilydale RSL’s welfare funds as well as the upcoming rebuilding of the Seville Football Netball Club’s clubrooms.

Seville FNC played their first games on the newly resurfaced oval in Round One against Warburton-Millgrove and with the seniors being beaten, they will be keen to pick up their first win on the new home turf when they welcome Belgrave, who kicked off their season with a comprehensive win overYarra Glen.

Belgrave Senior Footballer Daniel Ryan said it will be really good for both clubs to have something in the books that happens every year that everyone can get around and support.

“All the boys are really hoping that the game against Seville will go well, Patty Schill

has done a lot of off-season work to get all these new boys in and we thought the team was looking strong last year before injuries got the best of us and now with injured players back and new players in, we think we’ve got a really strong chance against Seville,” he said.

“We’ve really just got to look at how Seville plays and how they have beaten us and other teams over the last few years us and figure out what we can do ourselves to negate their game while doing what we do best,”

“We are a good team out of the middle and our backs are strong and will play up tight, while we’ve been working on our leading patterns and forward 50 entries, so as we saw against Yarra Glen, we hope to get some big scores on the board.”

Ferntree Gully scored their first win for the season against Silvan in a nailbiter finish.

Picture: SUPPLIED

L-R: Seville Women’s footballers Jen ‘Dutchie’ Vermeulen, Ness Jackson, coach Daniel ‘Izzy’ Ismail, Club Secretary Grant Tucker, A-Grade netballer Alexis Tucker and Senior footballer Jack Nolan. Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Unwavering commitment to delivering excellence!

Welcome to Clovelly Cottage. Nestled in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges but still within close proximity to the Boronia Junction shopping precinct and amenities, it is a place our residents are proud to call home. Featuring abundant indoor and outdoor spaces with a choice of private sanctuaries and communal living, we are dedicated to delivering excellence in care and services that enable residents to live well and celebrate the autumn years of their life.

Why Clovelly Cottage?

A comprehensive leisure and lifestyle program designed to engage and entertain with ample opportunity to socialise and connect with others.

Delicious and highly nutritious meals meticulously planned by an executive chef, and all prepared fresh on site in a modern commercial kitchen.

The culture of care and genuine regard for residents is exemplary. - Gwen (daughter of resident)

A dedicated nursing team on site to provide round-the-clock care ensuring residents receive the highest quality of clinical care at all times. Walk-ins Welcome autumnagedcare.com.au