for the MND cause.
Reaching a total of $113,000 for Fight MND, the Hills community banded together for their own and for the many looking to find a cure for motor neurone disease.
Star Mail photographer Gary Sissons was on the ground to capture the action. To see more, turn to page 12
Suspensions, fines and education are being handed to an outer east football club after they were stood down for unacceptable behaviour in early May.
A team official and an undisclosed number of players from the Knox football and netball club have been handed a six-week suspension after an opposing side of female football play-
ers were subject to both verbal and physical abuse.
The Eastern Netball Football League (ENFL) said it had worked closely with both clubs since the incident during the Deakin Women’s Division 1 match between Donvale Football Club and Knox FNC on May 11.
Knox Football Netball Club’s development team was stood down indefinitely after reports of unacceptable behaviour from male players
towards an opposing women’s team.
EFNL released a statement on 24 May after finalising its internal investigation that dealt out a number of consequences for the Knox FNC community.
A team official was found to have breached the AFL laws of the game 22.2.2(cc) through intimidating comments being made and was also suspended from duty for six weeks.
“Further to this, if they are found guilty of
any same or similar conduct in the next two years, they will no longer be able to hold any official team position in the EFNL,” the statement read.
“Any players who were found to have breached the EFNL vilification and discrimination policy have been suspended for a total of six weeks.”
Continued page 3
Cockatoo’s Community Bank branch is set to close in the coming months, after Bendigo Bank Community Bank has made the decision to move its Cockatoo branch to Emerald.
This transition from Cockatoo to Emerald will take place over the next few months, once the building at 344 Belgrave-Gembrook Road has been fitted out to meet the expansion requirements, with the Emerald Bendigo Bank Agency continuing to operate until then.
“We are delighted that there will be a Community Bank full-service branch in Emerald,” Emerald and District Co-Operative Chair, Ric Holland said.
“We have been running the Agency since 2009 and we are so pleased that the people of the Emerald area and beyond will have this new facility right on their doorstep.”
However, concerned Cockatoo locals have turned to online community groups to express their frustrations over the inconvenience of their branch’s closure.
“We’re extremely disappointed that this decision has been made without any community consultation,” Secretary of Connecting Cockatoo Communities, Rachel Mechielsen said.
“20 years ago the Cockatoo locals rallied together and put in hundreds of hours of volunteer work and significant fundraising to establish the bank, so to have it taken away without any consultation is extremely poor.
“I understand that the bank needs to make its operations sustainable, but that doesnt help our residents who have limited mobility or limited access to transport, or the local businesses and community groups who now need to travel to the next town up to do their banking.”
As a devout member of local emergency response groups, Ms Mechielsen also expressed concerns over the impacts that the bank, and
eventual ATM closure will have on the community in the case of another extreme weather event.
“There are also major concerns about Bendigo Bank only committing to retain the ATM for a period of some months,” she added.
“This will have a significant impact through reduced access to cash, particularly if we end up going through another storm event where people need cash because there’s no EFTPOS.
“The Bendigo bank site was one of the sites we had earmarked for power resilience to ensure that the ATM would work even in a storm event, so to have that taken away severely limits residents’ access to cash.”
However, Dandenong Ranges Community
Finance Limited Company Chair, Deb Weber, maintains that the hope is for“this new branch [to] help support the businesses and residents of the region.”
“Part of the community bank model is to put money back into the community and this is only possible when the business comes in the door. We already have a great connection with community groups, businesses and residents, and we are hoping to build on that.
“As with all things in business, there are challenges and sometimes changes have to be made.
“We are taking the opportunity to update our business model and consolidate our Upwey and Belgrave operations. The two sites are
only 2.4 km apart. The Belgrave branch will cease operations once the new branch is established in Emerald.
“This will enable us to relocate staff from both Cockatoo and Belgrave to either the new branch in Emerald or to our flagship branch in Upwey.
“ATM’s at Cockatoo and Belgrave will remain for the time being.
“We are certainly not walking away from the Belgrave area with our commitment to contributing to community groups in the area. We will still be providing support, both banking and through sponsorships. Hundreds of grants and sponsorships have benefitted groups in the Belgrave area also, and this will continue.”
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 80 already gone.
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Lilydale Line UntilearlyJuly
Operation Regal nabs drivers
From page 1
“Further to this, if they are found guilty of any conduct breaching the policy in the next two years, they will no longer be able to play in the EFNL.”
A $10,000 fine has been delivered to the club - which is to be suspended for the remainder of the season and the entire 2025 season.
Trent Larkman, an organisational and inclusivity educator said that when he hears of these kinds of situations, meaningful accountability from both individuals and the club, as well as education, are vital elements of the response.
“Rather than punitive responses, I’m much more interested in how the club can use this as an opportunity to move forward, by acknowledging the harm, repairing it, and then starting to have a meaningful conversation about what safety and inclusion mean at their club” he said.
Mr Larkman said this recent example of sexist and misogynist behaviour, is reflective of many club cultures around the country where there is an underlying culture of disrespect and hostility towards women and trans/ gender non-conforming people.
The Knox football team’s behaviour comes at a time when violence against women remains firmly in the spotlight and with good resaon.
The Knox municipality has had the highest rate of reported incidents of family violence in Melbourne’s outer east for over 20 years, with family violence rates steadily increasing in Knox over the last five years.
Mr Larkman said that the work that he does tries to help people start to understand the connections between everyday kinds of misogyny and discrimination and these high rates of family violence in the community.
“High rates of family violence are connected to these awful behaviours that are occurring towards women and trans people in sporting clubs,” he said.
Knox FNC will be required to undergo selffunded educational programs with a no-participation and no-play rule imposed.
Mr Larkman said the whole club being required to undergo the training is a good thing.
“This club just training the specific team in question would not achieve the serious kind of long-term change that we need,” he said.
“All members of the club, from the committee down to the players need to be involved in the change.’
Mr Larkman said that creating cultural change through a lens of prevention of violence against women and gender equality is a good thing for everybody.
“It doesn’t matter what your gender is, it’s a good thing for individuals in the club, the club will develop a better reputation, the club will get more participants and more funding,”
he said. It’s a win-win scenario when clubs can take this approach.”
Just last year the EFNL was praised by a women’s football team in the outer east for their dedication to an inclusive social media presence they hold for their women online.
Outer East Football Seville club player Jamee Cousens said in August of 2023 that she wants to feel equal, not just a minority when she is represented online.
“Our neighbouring league, the Eastern Football Netball League, it is unreal the difference, they post their ladders,” Ms Cousens said.
Mr Larkman said that his experience in sporting clubs is reflective of the research,
“Which suggests that men are much less likely to notice gender inequality within their
clubs, and often don’t see a problem with the status quo, and it’s not until women are provided a safe space to speak up, that we hear about all the ways that inequality is occurring within the club.”
In a Facebook post on 24 May the the Knox FNC released the EFNL statement online with the following comment.
“Following the conclusion of the independent investigation, the EFNL has released its findings regarding the incident that occurred during theWomen’s Division 1 match between Knox and Donvale.”
“We’re committed to learning from this and ensuring such behaviour isn’t repeated. Our club values inclusivity, respect, and safety for all players, officials, volunteers, and the community,” it read.
The EFNL, Donvale and Knox FNC were contacted for comment.
A 53-year-old male driver was detected speeding at 111 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on Wellington Road, Narre Warren East on Friday 7 June.
He was issued with a $529 penalty notice and his licence will be suspended for three months.
Earlier that day, a 48-year-old male driver was reported to have been driving the wrong way on Scoresby Road, Ferntree Gully. At about 3.15pm, the man was involved in a minor collision on Edward Street, Bayswater and failed to stop at the scene.
Police members from Knox Uniform and Knox highway patrol located the man and his vehicle at his home address.
The man returned a positive result for illicit drugs and an Evidentiary Breath Test result of 0.201.
He will face Court at a future date charged with numerous offences including Fail to Remain at the Scene (Collision), Fail to Exchange Details (Collision), Unlicenced Driving, Unregistered MotorVehicle, Drink-Driving, DrugDriving, DUI and combination of drink and drug-driving.
EPA to take action
After the school community in Melbourne’s outer east at Upwey Primary School recently went to national media about the dangerous condition of its oval - EPA has released a statement online.
EPAVictoria announced on 5 June that they has been working with VicTrack and the Victorian School Building Authority on the clean-up of the oval at Upwey Primary School to ensure it is safe for use by students.
In the statement issued online the EPA said that VicTrack has complied with EPA’s requirements and has engaged an appropriately qualified occupational hygienist to assess the site.
“The hygienist has issued an asbestos clearance certificate for the oval, a copy of which has been provided to EPA,” the statement read.
“EPA understands further works are underway at the site and the plan is for the oval to be available for use by students at the commencement of term 3.”
To protect parks and forests from damage during Victoria’s wet and snow seasons, temporary road and track closures will come into effect on 11 June, following the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Parks Victoria, the Conservation Regulator, and Forest Fire Management Victoria enforce seasonal closures between June and November every year when sensitive environments including waterways, cultural heritage and public access tracks are most vulnerable to damage.
Senior Manager of Enforcement at Parks Victoria Mark Breguet said from replacing broken locks, gates, chains and fencing to repairing damage to roads, tracks, and drainage – the cost of seasonal road closure breaches is significant.
“Ignorance is no excuse. We ask drivers and riders to take the time to understand and respect seasonal road closures across Victoria,” he said.
The public can help protect sensitive environments by reporting any illegal vehicle use on public land to 136 186.
TheVictorian State Government has published the feedback from their independent Network Outage Review, following community engagement sessions across the Hills at the beginning of May.
The sessions, led by a panel of experts from Consumers Australia and the Consumer Action Law Centre, invited members of the community to share their concerns surrounding the network outages and emergency response from the storms on 13 February 2024.
Over 85 community members from Monbulk, Emerald, Gembrook and Cockatoo attended the sessions, delving into the areas of planning, readiness, response and recovery.
And feedback was overwhelmingly dire, with locals expressing fears for the safety and survival of loved ones, and for those at the higher end of the community’s ageing population.
“I was hyper alert trying to work out a plan to keep my husband alive without internet or mobile phone access,” one local said.
While another noted that “we have people who are frail, infirm, and dependent on external support to go about daily lives. Not tech savvy. Then you take communications awaythey are most at risk.”
Communications dominated much of the conversation around network outages, with locals sharing in the sentiment that a reliance on inherently unreliable digital communication is impractical and dangerous in an area as vulnerable to storms and power outages as the Hills.
“The most debilitating aspect of the blackout was no mobile reception,” said one attendee.
“[It was] really scary with no communication,” added another.
And the “risk someone will die is extremely
high because communication is down.”
“Emerald Fire Station had no internet/ phones even though it was deemed a major site.”
“And the council was engaging with the community during the emergency via emails which didn’t get through because people had no power.”
From this, the panel noted that it is crucial that the Hills incorporate alternate modes of communication for when telecommunica-
tions are out, such as notice boards and community meetings.
They also identified a need for improved warnings in cases where service providers could anticipate telecommunications failings in advance, facilitating improved emergency response not only after the fact, but in community preparation and readiness.
This need for alternative modes is also apparent for AusNet’s communication, which often “had all the warmth of a thrown knife,”
according to one local.
With the app and other digital communication from the provider proving untrustworthy and difficult to access, the community would like to see greater physical and visible presence from AusNet during power outage events moving forward.
And where current flaws in communication have required residents to clear fallen power lines and wait egregious periods for debris clean up, improved communication would also minimise the need for residents to continually take matters into their own hands.
This emphasis on independent survival has seen locals taking to the dangerous task of clearing fallen power lines, as well as purchasing battery backups and generators, due to an inability to rely on the community hubs and access points that have been promised.
One resident noted that “Local hubs are more than just the “community centre” - they are the supermarket, bakery, cafes, and pubs.”
While another added that even the ‘community centre’ is an unreliable refuge due to its past closures on extreme fire days.
In their response in the engagement summary, the panel and other experts collectively agreed that “community sentiment was that they must chart their own survival plans because emergency services can’t guarantee they will be able to help during storm events.
“We need more conversation about how the community can help itself,” said one attendee.
“Many community members identified that they had their own preparedness measures, including battery backups and generators, whilst others felt that they didn’t have the means and weren’t able to do more.”
They also noted that “not all community members identified generators as a suitable option for their circumstance, noting concerns including the refuelling, safe management, [and] noise.”
A new normal with some control has been decided as the best option for the urban landscape of Boronia.
Ten storey heights have been green-lit by the Knox Council after lengthy discussion at its recent meeting.
The Council endorsed the Boronia Renewal Strategy 2024 and planning scheme amendment C192knox with changes regarding Bambury Street on 27 May.
Knox Council Mayor and Chandler Ward Councillor Jude Dwight said the Boronia renewal strategy had been a huge body of work commencing more than eight years ago.
“It does identify opportunities for growth and development within the major activity centre,” she said.
“There is also an emphasis on investment in community infrastructure and services.”
Amendment C192knox seeks to implement the objectives and strategies of the Boronia Renewal Strategy 2024 by applying local policies, changes to zones and overlays to the original Knox planning scheme.
The new design and development overlaySchedule 10 will affect three areas labelled Precincts 1, 2 and 3 of the major activity centre in Boronia - adding areas north and south of the original proposition.
Mayor Dwight said the Boronia renewal strategy has been an important strategic document for the council identifying big move projects that are expected to catalyse investment within that activity centre.
“Those projects are things such as the brand new train station precinct concept, the Boronia new park precinct master plan, Dorset Square Town Centre, multipurpose hub and the green spine corridor,” she said.
Mayor Dwight said that she is a member of the Boronia Revitalisation Board and through that avenue the council has also been successful in obtaining State Government grant funding to support co-funded investments
in Boronia.
“The state government’s attention is on meeting housing targets and focusing development in activity centres,” she said.
“We have been able to get support for mandatory heights as opposed to discretionary ones which will leave a lot of uncertainty around the development in Boronia.”
Mayor Dwight said the decision to draw the activity centre boundary down the middle of Bambury and Elsie Streets was poorly thought through in her mind.
“That’s what’s been brought to light as this renewal strategy has progressed,” she said.
“It’s become obvious that there are quite drastic, unintended consequences for the area – because of that decision for residences has been an ongoing issue for over seven years and my preference would be that they have this situation resolved by moving this motion tonight.”
Baird Ward Cr Yvonne Allred said she had come to understand the potential risks of not adopting this at the meeting.
“I would encourage anyone interested particularly those who did engage with the consultation to read through this report,” she said.
“There are many sections throughout the document that address the concerns regarding building heights specifically.”
Cr Allred said the panel appointed by the planning minister has supported the provision of mandatory heights of 10 storeys for the centre to protect the views where they have been set and at the same time allow for additional growth.
“This provides this council with the best level of control possible that will ensure certainty for the community about the scale of development that we may see in the distant future,” she said.
Tirhatuan Ward Cr Nicole Seymour said she would particularly like to separate out the adoption of the Boronia renewal strategy from the adoption of C192 place and even Bambury Street.
“In principle, I am happy with the Boronia renewal strategy and 100 per cent support your position on Bambury, but if it has to be linked together and push me into a corner where it’s a matter of voting to support all or nothing, then I’m going to go with nothing,” she said.
“I am not convinced that density of up to 10 storeys in height on those four corners is reasonable at all.”
Cr Seymour compared the Boronia development to high-density living in the Dandenong area.
“My primary concern is as civic leaders, we should be trying to build neighbourhoods and civic precincts that are exemplary in terms of liveability and accessibility. And I’m not convinced that this decision will achieve that,” she said.
Dobson Ward Cr Meagan Baker said that she would not be supportive and had some concerns also.
“The 10 storey heights and the four corners of Boronia and Dorset road and its visual amenity in the proximity of the view lines of the foothills of the daily logs in principle based on the report line,” she said.
In support of the motion, Collier Ward Cr Marcia Timmers-Leitch said the council needed to have a key strategic plan for this area and felt confident in the team which had been
The unsolved mystery of a young student who went missing while on her walk to school continues on 13 years after she vanished.
The young 13-year-old girl in Boronia, who would now be 27 years old went missing in the early hours on her way to school in 2011.
Siriyakorn ‘Bung’ Siriboon, dressed in her school uniform, left her home on Elsie Street in Boronia around 8.30am on Thursday 2 June.
Bung did not arrive at school that day and has not been seen or heard from since.
She was last seen by a neighbour just after 8.30am in Elsie Street, walking towards Albert
Avenue.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas from the Homicide Squad at Victoria Police said that despite a significant investigation and a number of public appeals over the past 13 years, Bung has not been located and no one has been charged in relation to her disappearance.
“Any new information provided to police will be thoroughly investigated,” he said.
At the time of her disappearance, Bung was wearing her blue and white school uniform and carrying a school backpack.
“This backpack has never been recovered by police,” Detective Inspector Thomas said.
Bung is described as being of Thai origin,
approximately 154cm tall, thin build with long dark hair and brown eyes.
In February 2014, a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for Bung’s disappearance was announced and remains on offer.
Detective Inspector Thomas said anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
“Our thoughts remain with Bung’s family on this anniversary,” he said.
If anyone in the public has any information, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
guiding this process for a long time.
“We have done what we can to get the best outcome,” she said.
DinsdaleWard Cr and Deputy Mayor Sarina Grasso said she would definitely be supporting the alternative as did Friberg Ward Cr Susan Laukens.
“I know that when we first started the 10 storeys was quite an overwhelming thought,” she said.
“It allows certainty that we will not go any higher.”
“The planners can actually, like they said, have greater control in having design outcomes that actually really support that space.”
Taylor Ward Cr Darren Pearce said he was also supportive and said having some control in the process was a positive.
“Ten stories, an activity area and heavy rail – that’s going to be the new normal in Melbourne,” he said.
“We’re going to be having this pressure everywhere in Melbourne due to the chronic residential housing shortage we’re now experiencing.”
Scott Ward Cr Lisa Cooper said she would love to support the alternate but there was one section that she couldn’t move past.
“The remaining properties yet to be developed would be unfairly disadvantaged by their inclusion in the NRZ1 while surrounding properties have been redeveloped over time change, changing the prevailing character,” she said.
“That is such an unfair position to be putting those residents in when there’s barely any difference in the outcomes visually.”
Mayor Dwight said the alternative was really about getting closure and certainty.
“It has been a really, really difficult process to even to get to this point,” she said.
When voted as proposed the alternative motion was carried for the C192.
Council adopted the strategy and Planning Scheme Amendment C192knox on 27 May.
Funding for the Mobile Blackspot Program (MBSP) through the Federal Government’s Better Connectivity Plan (BCP) will continue to be distributed over the next three years, despite no further funding yet established for 2027/28 and beyond.
After the 2022 Federal election and the change of government, the MBSP and the Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) were brought into the BCP with an eighth round of grants expected to open later this year.
Minister for Communication Michelle Rowland said the MBSP is an important program that continues to support regional, remote, and First Nations communities through co-funding new and improved mobile connectivity.
“The program has not been cut, and we are delivering funding to the program through our $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan,” she said.
“This is a separate appropriation line in the Budget Papers, to the funding of earlier rounds of the MBSP (Rounds 1 to 5A) and the Government’s election commitment funding,”
“The Government has already delivered a number of program rounds through this Better Connectivity Plan funding; including Round 7 of the MBSP, Round 3 of the Regional Connectivity Program, the Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation Program, Round 1 of the On Farm Connectivity Program, the Broadcasting Resilience Program, an extension to the RegionalTech Hub services, and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage.”
Forward estimates in the Budget papers indicate $45,893,000, $26,526,000 and $15,562,000 are anticipated to be spent through the MBSP over the next three years with no further funding yet announced beyond that point.
$30,498,000, $22,771,000 and $7,859,000 will be spent over the same period on the Peri-
Urban Mobile Program (pUMP) which the Casey electorate will be eligible to apply for further funding through. Projects in Silvan and Menzies Creek are in progress from Round One of the PUMP, with Round Two submissions having closed in April 2024 and Round Three in the offing.
Ms Rowland said further funding is available in the Better Connectivity Plan for new rounds of the MBSP – including Round 8.
“In addition, the Government has estab-
lished the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review to examine the adequacy of regional Australia’s telecommunications, including hearing from people in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia,” she said.
“The Government has also been consulting publicly over the past six months on modernising the universal services arrangements. While this work is ongoing, the Government continues to deliver on its commitments through the Better Connectivity Plan – including further rounds of the MBSP.”
The Australian Electoral Commission has the Casey electorate listed as ‘rural’ due to it being outside of major cities. Classifications of Casey have drawn some ire, including from serving MP Aaron Violi who believes the community has previously missed out on funding opportunities and projects designated for regional and rural programs.
Under State Government jurisdiction, all of the townships in the Casey electorate are deemed metropolitan.
As recently as 2022, the Federal Government’s Modified Monash Model (MMM) for medical centres had the township of Yarra Junction as a ‘regional centre’ and the Yarra Junction Medical Centre unable to attract doctors through incentives offered to rural practices despite being 1.5km away from being classified as a ‘small rural town’. They have since been reclassified.
Casey MP AaronVioli said in the short term, he still holds concerns that the Yarra Ranges may not fall into the rural or regional classification.
“As we have seen in recent years, our community is often considered metropolitan despite our peri-urban and rural landscape,” he said.
“Our community has previously missed out on telecommunications funding under the Mobile Network Hardening Program, which provides upgrades in regional, rural and remote Australia, due to our community not being considered rural or regional. I wrote to the Minister for Communications about this last year and am hopeful that will be addressed for future funding rounds,”
“It would be devastating for our community to miss out on telecommunications funding. In black and white, the Budget papers state clearly there is no funding for mobile programs from 2027/28 and that the MBSP is concluding.”
Be
The Casey electorate looks set to survive the electoral redistribution in Victoria, with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) proposing the inner-east seat of Higgins be abolished to bring the state down to 38 seats ahead of next year’s election.
Casey had been suggested to be abolished by the Australian Labor Party in the submission process but will now instead gain a few thousand voters to bring it up the minimum requirement at a projected date in just under four years’ time. Casey MP AaronVioli said he is very happy that the electorate is remaining.
“It is a special and unique community that should be represented by one voice and it’s great to see that the Electoral Commissioners recognise that and that we will continue to have one federal voice representing theYarra Ranges Council area which is the best thing for our community,” he said.
“I know the Yarra Ranges Council put a submission in supporting that the federal seat mirrored Yarra Ranges Council because what it allows for is that I can engage in deep conversations with the Yarra Ranges Council about what’s important to them and what they’re seeing as the advocacy needs of our community and keep an open and consistent dialogue,”
“When I’m talking about our community in Canberra, it’s a lot easier and more efficient for everyone if Council’s engaging with one Federal member and one Federal member’s engaging primarily with one Council.”
If the AEC proposal goes ahead as is put forward, which is likely, Casey will also be gaining 3979 voters; 1589 voters from McEwen in the localities of Bend of Islands, Christmas Hills, Smiths Gully andWatsons Creek as well as parts of Kangaroo Ground, Kinglake, Panton Hill and St Andrews, and 2390 voters from Wonga Park, which will be taken from Menzies. This brings the total number of voters projected to reside in Casey on Monday 17 April 2028 to 122,825, 40 above the minimum requirement. MrVioli said assuming the draft stays as it is, he is very much looking forward to representing those new areas and getting out to visit the community groups there.
“There’s a lot of synergies between those areas and our existing communities, particularly Wonga Park, as a lot of people from there will shop at Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, play sport at Chirnside Park Football Club or go to Chirnside Park Primary School,” he said.
“I also know a lot of people from Christmas Hills go toYarra Glen Primary School,”
“Until October we can’t campaign or engage in those communities because we don’t know how it will be finalised, but once they’re finalised I’m looking forward to getting out and talking to the community, understanding what’s important to them and making sure that their voice is heard in Canberra as well.”
In the report, the AEC also avoided changing the names of any existing divisions or bestowing the name of the abolished Higgins seat to another electorate. The Chair of the Committee and Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said theVictorian redistribution was required to enable a decrease from 39 to 38 electoral divisions.
“Under the proposal some significant changes would occur, with the boundaries of Victorian divisions being amended to accommodate the decrease,” he said.
“38 of the existing 39 division names would be retained with the Division of Higgins to be abolished.”
In the submissions process, 17 submissions put forward that the seat of Casey be renamed Barak, in honour ofWilliam Barak, aWurundjeri ngurungaeta (clan leader) and advocate for the retention of the Coranderrk Aboriginal settlement near Healesville.
These submissions came from individuals, as well as Yarra Ranges Council, the Voices For Casey group and the Millgrove Resident’s Action Group.
Mr Violi said he definitely thinks we need to continue to have a conversation around the name of Casey.
“The City of Casey to our south and the federal seat of Casey does create some confusion with both the council area and our federal area named after Sir Richard Casey, but it’s not unique and happens in a few areas, with Monash being another example,” he said.
“I think William Barak would be an appropriate name change if the AEC decided to
change the name in the future, given his connection to our community and the strong Indigenous community.”
While the changes to the seat of Casey are unlikely to have a significant impact on an election outcome, ABC election analyst Antony Green predicts that the neighbouring ‘Liberal seat of Deakin is weakened for the Liberal Party’.
Under the AEC proposal, Casey’s neighbouring electorates of Aston will gain Kilsyth South from Deakin, as well as Deakin’s parts of Bayswater North, Heathmont and Ringwood. Deakin will gain part of Burwood East, Blackburn, Blackburn North, Donvale, Mitcham, Nunawading, Park Orchards, Ringwood North and Warrandyte South.
Three submissions, including the Victorian branch of the Australian Greens proposed the seat of La Trobe taking Avonsleigh, Clematis, Emerald and Macclesfield from Casey. Parts of those townships remain the only parts of the Yarra Ranges Council area not under the Casey electorate. Mr Violi said there’s obviously some crossover in that area.
“As an example, the Emerald SES do an amazing job of looking after and protecting the Dandenong Ranges such as in the June 2021 storms and many other events so I spend time in Emerald even though it’s in La Trobe talking to the SES and other organisations because there is still that community connection,” he said.
“I’m already engaging with some of those groups in Emerald because they do service and do work in our community as well so I can understand that argument but I do think the result the AEC have come up with makes sense.”
The abolishing of the seat of Higgins also prompted some murmurs of a return from former Liberal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to challenge in his old seat of Kooyong but he publicly quashed rumours of a return to politics. Amelia Hamer had already been preselected for the seat in late March but former Liberal Party figures Jason Falinksi and Karen Andrews told Sky News Australia and ABC Radio respectively of their support for Frydenberg to run again before his announcement.
Mr Violi said Ms Hamer has the full support of Frydenberg, himself and their colleagues.
“It’s so important that we as a party, as MPs and as candidates, need to be focused on our communities and their needs and challenges and not engaging in internal discussions about ourselves, that’s not helpful,” he said.
This
To
Tecoma Primary School is a sustainability winner that was recently announced at a prestigious awards ceremony at the MCG attended by the Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos.
The school is one of the joint winners of the Community Leadership School of the Year (Primary) category at the 2024 ResourceSmart Schools Awards held in Melbourne on 4 June.
Tecoma Primary School Sustainability Teacher Deborah Langford said she is really proud to be driving the Sustainability Program at Tecoma Primary School.
“This award is a testament to the Tecoma community who are very supportive of not only our school but of this program,” she said.
“There are families, grandparents, ex-students/families and local businesses that have donated their time and products to the school or helped out at our events.”
A ResourceSmart School since 2012, the school has partnered with local group Treasuring Our Trees to improve the campus’ gardens and work in an Indigenous garden with Australian native food plants.
During Clean Up Australia Day, the school and local community put in a combined effort to clear the rail trail between Tecoma and Belgrave.
The school fosters collaboration among businesses, groups, and families, creating a network dedicated to sustainability that benefits the school as well as the broader community.
Tecoma has a robust green procurement policy prioritising the use of eco-friendly products and recycled materials.
The judging panel commended the school’s array of community initiatives and connections. In addition, their participation in the circular economy was applauded with the school caring for a brood of chickens and using money from egg sales to spend back on their gardens and chicken feed.
There were 22 schools vying for an award in Victoria’s largest celebration for primary and secondary school students, teachers and school volunteers taking sustainability action, with 11 schools taking out awards at the event.
Matt Genever, Sustainability Victoria’s CEO, said the winners had shown exemplary leadership and commitment to sustainability and were outstanding role models.
“Tecoma Primary School is leaving a wonderful legacy for future generations and I congratulate them on their success,” he said.
our school to be more sustainable.’
The Grade six grade sustainability leaders were very proud of the award and are looking forward to making more sustainable changes throughout the school.
Emma said she was really proud of the school and the’ good changes we have made to
Since 2008, ResourceSmart Schools has reached over 1,600 Victorian schools. Participating schools have planted more than 5 million trees, saved over $60 million through energy, waste and water savings and avoided over 74,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases.
“I’m looking forward to the rand opening of theYarning Circle and Indigenous garden later this year.” said Robbie.
Janelle “I’m really proud of us getting this award because we have worked so hard for it.”
Hope and Jacob thanked the greater community for all their help.
“Thanks so much to our local community,” said Hope.
“We thank all the helpers from our community for helping out with our Environment program,” said Jacob.
ResourceSmart Schools is a free Victorian government program delivering sustainability education to help Victorian schools minimise waste, save energy and water, promote biodiversity and act on climate change.
How traders, the community, some stickers, a sponsorship SOS and a Local Member got the Belgrave Lantern Parade over the line in 2024.
There’s no hiding it! We’re all feeling it! The cost of living pressures, rising stress, doing more but getting less.
Time for rest and play seems a thing of yesteryear! Everyone andeverything is affected. With all of this going on, and with a 15-year old event in jeopardy,there were some, truthfully many, that put a line, a statement in the sand, saying: ‘I don’t think so.’
But it seems that when a grand thing, a big thing, a kind and joyous bearing thing is under threat, good humans will always stand up, to keep the giving coming.
And because of this, the Belgrave Lantern Parade survives another year! On Saturday 22 June, this beloved event will again touchdown in Belgrave with over 10,000 revelers - a giant congregation of locals, out of towners, day trippers and tourists, swelling into the streets alleyways, nooks and crannies of Belgrave, attracted to the celebration of art and light in the hills.
‘Activated’ spaces and creative precinct ‘pop ups’ featuring art, music, circus arts, market stalls, workshops, DJ’s, bands, youth stages, solo artists, food trucks, fire-pits and more, await.
Local hills ‘light bearer,’ Baba Desi is enshrined this year on all of the event ‘merch.’ At 95,\ he continues to give and share and smile and welcome – virtues that also embody our community spirit.
This free event stands out as a beacon of goodwill, care and passion, which in this final hour found a sympathetic sponsor in OPTUS.
Thankfully, Bendigo Bank, Local MP Daniela De Martino, Yarra Ranges Council and the
Belgrave Traders, also stepped in and stepped up to help fill the cup.
On the longest night of the year, we in-
vite you to experience and re-experience Belgrave anew. June 22 is a homage to light, the imagination and to the community that
illuminates,nourishes and informs how Belgrave and the hills communities live, work and play together.
Big Freeze 10 made an icy splash for another year up in the hills with over $100,000 raised for Fight MND.
Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis hosted Hills MND’s Big Freeze with hundreds gathering to support the cause and see many members of the community take the plunge. The day was joined by Matt Strickland and his family, who have been leading locally for Fight MND since his diagnosis with motor
neurone disease almost a decade ago.
Pakenham MP Emma Vulin also joined the event with her family, congratulating the work of Hills MND Big Freeze and the Stickland family for their work she said inspires her after her own recent diagnosis.
Many took the slide from Hawthorn Football Club player Dylan Moore, North Melbourne Football Club player Jaidyn Stephenson to Emerald SES Unit Controller Ben Owen and Emerald RSL president Peter Maloney.
An Emerald firefighter took an icy plunge over the weekend, all in the name of charity.
Locals in the Dandenongs and surrounds came together with the hope of fundraising $50,000 for motor neurone disease (MND) research at an event which saw participants slide into a big pool of ice.
Emerald Fire Brigade 3rd Lieutenant Chris May said he wanted to pull out all stops to support event organiser Matt Stickland who suffers from MND.
“Matt and his wife Sarah wanted me to dress up as someone fun and inspirational for the event and I thought given my one-yearold is obsessed with the Wiggles, it would be fitting to go as the blue Wiggle,” said Chris.
“I then got in touch with Anthony Field, the original blue Wiggle on Instagram and explained what we were doing,” he said.
“He got back to me and said he would send a skivvy straight down from Wiggles HQ in Sydney.”
“It played out as a nice surprise at the event which was supported by Clematis Fire Brigade and Emerald SES.”
“I arrived with my turnout gear on but then revealed my outfit for the organisers. They love the story behind it!”
The Hills Big Freeze fundraiser took place on Sunday 2 June at the Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis.
The donation of four, high volume ceiling exhaust fans to a local fire brigade will make the station safer for firefighters by reducing their exposure to diesel exhaust fumes.
The Sassafrass-Ferny Creek CFA received the fans on Tuesday 4 June and are looking forward to getting them installed.
“We were quite literally blown away by this,” said Sassafras-Ferny Creek CFA brigade captain Jeff Harbourd.
The donation came about after the brigade initially sought commercial quotes for the installation a ventilation system in the vehicle engine bay at the station.
This followed member concerns at the noticeable level of diesel fumes.
Among the companies approached for quotes was Bayswater-based manufacturer Air Eng Pty Ltd.
General manager Alan Dashper went one better. A longtime resident of Sassafras, Mr Dashper gave both expert advice on suitable equipment and decided to donate the fans, valued at $8000, ‘in appreciation of the work you do for the community’.
“The CFA are pretty dedicated to what they do,” Mr Dashper said.
“We’ve been here for 35 years and we’ve been through a couple of experiences with bushfires, the brigades are central to the community up here,” he said.
“Our management team had a bit of a heads together and decided to support the brigade”.
The fans will provide for air in the engine bay to be exchanged up to 14 times an hour.
Emissions from diesel truck exhausts can pose a significant health threat to firefighters as they assemble in the engine bay to don their gear for training or when a fire call comes in.
In modern stations, exhaust systems are installed as a matter of course. While the Sas-
safras-Ferny Creek fire station is less than 25 years old, its design relied on basic mechanical ventilation.
“At our station, turnout clothing hangs on racks along the walls or between the trucks. We don’t have a separate room in which to get changed,” Mr Harbourd said.
“Whenever a truck is used, it needs to warm up for a short time. While it’s idling, exhaust fumes are pumped straight into the engine room, including over the gear racks,”
he said.
The brigade has tried to mitigate the problem by reconfiguring the parking of the vehicles, but this proved only a partial solution.
According to Safe Work Australia, the joint federal-state government body that develops workplace safety policy, exposure to diesel exhaust can have both short-term and long-term health impacts.
Short-term exposure can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, cause light-
headedness, coughing and nausea.
Long-term exposure can worsen asthma and allergies and increase the risk of heart and lung disease, including lung cancer.
Safe Work recommends the installation of exhaust fans as one option to improve air quality where diesel engines are left idling in enclosed spaces.
“We want to say a huge thanks,” said Mr Harbourd.
Your favourite winter wine festival is back on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd of June to bring you all handcrafted wine, delicious bites & live music over two days!
Get a taste of the hidden gems of the Valley with a weekend full of wine tasting, live music, delicious bites and stunning scenery across nine participating family-run wineries for the 2024 Shortest Lunch!
It's the perfect way to enjoy a break from winter hibernation with your whole family, best friends, and even your fur babies (with most venues being dog-friendly)!
Adding to the excitement, your Star Mail has 3 double weekend passes to giveaway to readers!
Community Bank Monbulk & District operates on a profit for purpose model, which means revenue generated by customers banking such as loans and deposits are reinvested back to the local community. This keeps money here in the local area via programs such as sponsorship and grants.
Monbulk & District Community Enterprises Limited, the owner of the franchise for Community Bank Monbulk & District has recently been certified as a Social Traders Social Enterprise. This will not create any changes for our customers, but formally recognises the good we do in the community. We are part of a
group of businesses that exist to create a fairer and more sustainable world.
After returning nearly $1 million of profits back into the Monbulk & District community, we are so proud of this recognition and look forward to supporting more community projects and initiatives for years to come.
Thanks to the support of our customers, shareholders, branch staff and volunteer company board we have been able to grow to be one of the biggest sources of community funding in Monbulk.
Monbulk Jewellers stands out as a rare gem situated at the heart of the town.
Founded three decades ago by fine artist, gem expert, and jewellery designer Kenneth S Hunt (Ken) and his wife Helen, the shop has been supported by a dedicated team including their daughters Rachel and Jess.
Jenny Hopkins, the initial assistant, remains an integral part of this family enterprise.
Throughout the years, Monbulk Jewellers has flourished, attracting patrons who appreciate exquisite jewellery, gemstones, and highquality fine art.
The store specialises in Australian gems and jewellery, serving both locals and tourists with friendly service, diverse product offerings, and comprehensive jewellery services.
Their on-site master jeweller, Mgrdic Gelgec (Michael), adept with both gold and silver, handles quality repairs, remodelling, and custom jewellery creations.
The shop proudly presents a unique handmade jewellery collection‘Unique by Monbulk Jewellers’ where Ken sources gemstones and designs, and Michael skilfully crafts these designs into stunning pieces.
Monbulk Jewellers invites you to admire their creations, displayed proudly in the shop’s front window and inside.
The business takes pride in its growth and deeply values the support of the local community over the past three decades.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Monbulk Jewellers at 102 Main Road, Monbulk. Operating hours are 9am - 5pm Monday – Friday, and 9am - 2pm on Saturdays.
For further details, contact 0490 316 050, email ken@masterstouch.com.au, or explore their website at monbulkjewellers.com.au. Come see the
On the morning of Tuesday 28 May, beloved hills protector, advocate and pillar of the community Betty Marsden OAM passed away.
Ms Marsden’s long list of achievements extends from securing Birdsland Reserve to being president of the shire of Sherbrooke to receiving an OAM in 2011 for service to conservation, community and the environment along with a Yarra Ranges Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award. These achievements are a testament to her long, full life, spent being committed to protecting the Dandenongs and surrounding areas.
Described by many as a community hero, Ms Marsden’s memory is sure to live on, her legacy being passed down for generations to come.
President of the Dandenong Ranges branch of the National Trust of Australia and friend and colleague of Betty Marsden, Carolyn Ebdon said, “I just found her to be a wealth of information and knowledge. She was so astute with planning issues. She understood the planning scheme so well.”
“She was instrumental in securing the Birdsland and making sure that the 75 acres of land was bought by Sherbrooke Shire Council,” Ms Ebdon said.
“We’ve got her to thank for that plus a number of other things. She looked after the Dandenongs and made sure we were protected. I loved her dearly.”
Having lived in Kallista for over 50 years, Ms Marsden was deeply entrenched in the community, serving as a steadfast president of the Save the Dandenongs League, Vice president of the Dandenong Ranges Branch of the National trust of Australia, and council member for seven years among other areas.
Ms Ebdon said, “Betty moved to Kallista in the 1970s and she became very quickly involved in the Save the Dandenongs League and then she was elected to shire of Sherbrooke Council in 1982. She served for about seven years as a councillor as well as shire president for one of those years.”
“She had been in declining health since last year. She resigned as president of the save the Dandenongs league, she stepped down,” Ms
Ebdon said.
After a gradual decline in health, Betty Marsden succumbed to pneumonia on the morning of Tuesday 4 May, and her funeral attended by many taking place on Friday 7 June.
Ms Ebdon said,“I spoke with her just a week before she passed. She sounded quite ok.”
“I was going to go and see her on Wednesday. I told her the week before that I would come and visit her. She wasn’t really getting out much,” Ms Ebdon said.
“She was having a lot of difficulty walking and another friend and I were going to go and see her and take her a pie for lunch - she loved meat pies.”
Ms Marsden’s legacy extends beyond her commitment to the Hills community to her in-
herent thoughtfulness and love for meat pies.
“The Lysterfield valley was one of the areas that Betty had a great attachment to and just last Christmas for example, she wasn’t able to get out to get Christmas cards easily but she found a card with a landscape picture on the front of it and sent it to me as a Christmas card. It had this lovely Australian landscape on the front,” Ms Marsden said.
“She said, ‘I’m sending this to you because it looks like the LysterfieldValley and goodluck with protecting it.’”
“Those things mean a lot to me. We shared the same love of the Dandenongs and we were interested in protecting and preserving as much as we can,” Ms Ebdon said.
Ms Marsden was also a trained singer in her
youth.
“She always sounded very authoritative. She had a very deep, musical voice,” Ms Ebdon said.
“She had been a trained singer in her younger years and it certainly showed in her speaking voice. She always had that lovely, deep mellifluous tone,” Ms Ebdon said.
“As soon as she spoke she was able to command an audience because she had that authoritative way.”
Betty Marsden’s activism commenced at a time where the Hills were under significant threat of over development.
By the 1970s, the city had crept out to the bottom of the Hills and there was a lot of pressure for housing and development.
Long serving CFA volunteer and convener of the ‘Friends of Ferny Creek’ group John Schauble said, “Betty was one of a number of people who took decisive action in those days to slow the development down and ensure that the environment and the Hills remained a special place.”
“I didn’t know Betty very well but she was such a personality in the hills over so many years that everyone met or had dealings with her,” Mr Schauble said.
“The Dandenongs would be a very different place if it hadn’t been for her efforts to conserve and protect many parts of the hills.”
At a time where old values and approaches were paramount, Ms Marsden stood up for her own methods in order to help her community.
Mr Schauble said,“Even with fuel reduction burning and land clearance she was trying to inspire a different way of dealing with these issues which put her in conflict with older ways of leadership at the time.”
“I hope that people will remember her as someone who worked for her whole life from the time she moved to the Dandenongs in the 1970s to secure the Hills as a special place for melbourne.”
It is safe to say that Betty Marsden OAM has left an indelible mark on the Hills and surrounding community and her legacy and memory will continue to live on through organisations such as ‘Save the Dandenongs League’ and places such as the Birdsland Reserve.
Plans by the Tecoma Centenary Committee (TCC) are moving along. The group is busy preparing for its first community event, the much-loved annual Lantern Parade in Belgrave on Saturday 22 June from 5 to 8 pm. Community members are warmly invited to join the TCC group as they walk through Belgrave with their lanterns – please bring along your own lantern, light or torch too if you would like to!
TCC members will also be doing lanternmaking at the Belgrave Library onWednesdays from 1pm to 3pm and invite Tecoma residents
and beyond to join them.
The next major event will be the creation of the Floral Carpet in preparation for its formal presentation at the Tecoma Primary School on Friday 11 October (more details to come on this in the coming weeks). The carpet will reflect the original rhododendron floral carpet created 100 years ago –this year’s carpet will include a variety of flowers and closer to the date requests will be sent out for any contributions of flowers that the community can provide.
The floral sensation will be created by the Tecoma Centenary Committee along with
help from the Belgrave and Tecoma Township Group and Tecoma Primary School. Any community members are welcome to participate and any assistance in creating the carpet (which will be big!) will be gratefully accepted. Leading up to the end of the year more events are in hand, including a fete and the formal celebration of the naming of Tecoma Station on 1 December. If you would like to become involved in this exciting time you can email the Tecoma Centenary Committee at tecoma100years@ gmail.com
Beauty, Stamps and some creepy crawlies have burst on to the Ferntree Gully mural scene as a result of a collaborative street art project.
These two new mural artworks can be spied on the wall of Mel’s Beauty Corner, on ‘The Avenue’ in Ferntree Gully.
Both murals are a collaboration between four well known Melbourne street artists. ‘The flower Child’ mural, is collaboration between artists Elizabeth Gleeson and Stampz and the botanical and insect work was created by Manda Lane and N2o.
Hills artist Elizabeth Gleeson said, “Stampz reached out to me one day, having already done a mockup of an artwork that combined both our styles together and asked if I would be happy to create this and put this out into the world somewhere and as you can see the artwork itself is so beautiful, I said ‘yes’ immediately,” Ms Gleeson said.
“Stampz and I have named our artwork ‘Flower Child’ and it comprises one of his signature styles which is to create artwork in a vintage stamp style. This work of a child’s face featuring some beautiful flowers is a bit of a new direction for him,” Ms Gleeson said.
“The border around the work is made up of intricate botanicals with the weaving of gold vines and flowers which lends itself really well to that whole vintage feel and is overall a collaboration between him and myself.”
After scouting for spots, artist Stampz decided to use the bare wall of Mel’s Beauty Corner.
Ms Gleeson said, “Stampz had been scouting walls and it needed to be something where we could ask the business owner if they would be happy to have something on their wall.”
“So we approached the business owner at Mel’s Beauty Corner and asked her if she’s like some actual beautiful artwork on the side of her business wall that faces that laneway because it just keeps getting graffitied over and over,” Ms Gleeson said.
“Stampz lives in Ferntree Gully so he is a local and he really wanted to do something that
was quite close and that wall just seemed perfect for it and thankfully Mel was up for having the artwork there.”
For Stampz, working locally was an important part of the collaboration.
Local Artist Stampz said, “Flower Child has so many meanings to me. As a local, working out of a studio in Collingwood and primarily placing my work in the CBD, it was so nice to collaborate with other local artists in our neck of the woods.”
Being a personal project, the artists funded
The sounds of Hawaii could be heard through the halls of Emerald Primary School over the weekend, as part of the annual Hills Ukelele Festival.
Bands on the main stage included The Poet & The Fool, The Ukelele Scotsman and The Tuck Shop Ladies, while the Sunday program included performances from a variety of bands including Woodville, Skull and Cat and the Cartel.
Gazette photographer GARY SISSONS captured all of the tunes and stylish displays.
Ms Gleeson said.
The murals are a combination of the specialisations of each artist.
Ms Gleeson said, “The large mural that is to the left of ‘Flower Child’ by Manda Lane and N20 features bugs and botanicals.”
“N20 really loves doing bugs. She is obsessed with bugs and her brightly coloured, patterned work along the wall ties in with mine and Stamz’s works.”
“Manda Lane who specialises in freestyle botanicals, has done works all over Melbourne and is really well known for them and she has collaborated in this mural by creating a complimentary background for the bugs,” Ms Gleeson said.
The artworks are a mixture of spray and pot paint and artists Stampz and Gleeson employed stencils on ‘Flower Child.’
Ms Glesson said, “Both works were a combination of stencil work and brush painting. Quite complex involvement of stencils on our part.”
“It was a really big stencil with two layers and each stencil had around three sheets of paper each and then N20’s work was lots of stencils where Manda Lane’s was a freestyle of the botanicals.”
The process of painting the murals fostered much community attention and engagement.
the murals themselves and completed the artworks over the weekend from May 25th to 26th.
Ms Gleeson said, “Mel, the owner of Mel’s Beauty Corner, was so delighted because we said that we would do the mural at our own cost as a personal art project.
“Because the wall was so big, we suggested that some of our artist friends also do some work there and they were super keen to collaborate on a project there as well and Mel was super happy to have that as well,”
Ms Gleeson said, “It was a personal project so it didn’t involve community in the start, but what did happen and what always happens when you are creating street art, is that you get to engage with the community in such a meaningful way.”
“We met so many members of the community who would stop back in each day, again and again to check on the progress and the response was overwhelmingly positive. People just loved it,” Ms Gleeson said.
“The connection with the community that we had whilst we were there was just really lovely and meaningful and it was wonderful to be able to contribute to the Ferntree Gully community,” Ms Gleeson said.
A fresh layout and fresh owners have kept an iconic thrifting haven open in the hills of outer east Melbourne.
The Foothills Community Opportunity Shop has taken over the previous PwP op shop in Tecoma and has been ‘softly’ opened since 6 May.
“We will formally open in the next few weeks,” said Manager Sandy Kemp - who also manages the Foothill’s sister op shop in Mountain Gate.
The op shop has been reorganised and Ms Kemp said locals have been enjoying popping in for a look.
“It took us about five weeks to put the place together - we have reworked everything in here,” she said.
“They are very, very happy to see it open again and love the fresh layout”.
Tecoma PWP (Parents without Partners) shut its doors on Monday 18 March and the
manager at the time Ms Hazelman has been trying to salvage the op shop since late September 2023.
The store had been opening part-time after Ms Hazelman took over management from Norma Boyse, who stepped down from the store after 20 years of service.
Foothills also acquired the long-running Mountain Gate Community OpShop in Ferntree Gully in September 2022.
With a fresh lease on life some of the volunteers previously involved with PwP have remained on staff but Ms Kemp they are always looking for more people.
“At the moment we are not open on Thursdays because we don’t have enough staff,” she said.
Anyone can volunteer by going online to the Foothills Community Care website.
“There is one requirement everybody needs to have a working with children clearance,” said Ms Kemp.
We live in a culture that celebrates youth, particularly the body beautiful, and even poets have mostly concentrated on ageing as a loss of physical vigour, health and love. Rarely do they celebrate the positives.
Poets Matthew Arnold and William Butler Yeats both took a different but somewhat negative approach to ageing. Matthew Arnold’s
Growing Old gives a morose picture of old age. It is to spend long days
And not once feel that we were ever young. It is to add, immured
In the hot prison of the present, month
To month with weary pain.
While in When You Are Old Yeats depicts old age with regret:
When you are old and gray and full of sleep, And nodding by the fire,take down this book, And slowly read, and dream of the soft look Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
Probably before settling down to reading a book some of you may spend half an hour or more looking for your reading glasses and with the cold weather you may be also feeling some weary aches and pains. Across the world people are living longer, without doubt brought about by improvements in healthcare, nutrition and technology. But we still face some age related conditions that make life hard not just for those afflicted but also for their loved ones. Dementia, a condition characterised by memory loss and cognitive decline is on the rise and causes a lot of grief for families, so gently captured by Bill Collins in Forgetfulness:
The name of the author is the first to go followed obediently by the title, the plot, the heartbreaking conclusion, the entire novel which suddenly becomes one you have never
read, never even heard of, as if, one by one, the memories you used to harbor decided to retire to the southern hemisphere of the brain, to a little fishing village where there are no phones.
It is of course inevitable, that in Australia as elsewhere, we are faced with the challenge of how do we care for our aged and who pays?
By 2042 it is estimated that there will be just under 1.4 million Australians aged 85 years and over. Today 25 per cent of those over 65 live alone. Currently over 68,000 are waiting for a home package. Disturbingly in some cases there is no home as people over 65 make up seven percent of the homeless population. Around 840,000 Australians over 65 were born overseas and though traditionally they often come from cultures where they were cared by their families, often this is no longer possible. These are sobering statistics but we have already lived through the failures of aged residential care facilities, exposed during the pandemic. Now we are becoming more aware of the shortfalls in providing adequate at home care packages. The government policy has been to encourage people to stay in their homes in familiar surroundings and community as long as possible and be supported by a
home care package. Most would endorse this policy but it is clear that the system is floundering and many are left to fend for themselves, sometimes with disastrous consequences. The glossy brochures about at home care promise far more than they deliver. The waiting time for getting a package is unacceptably long and some die before getting one.
The Commonwealth Government funds the sector and provides an oversight, while the providers attend to the day-to-day running of the facilities of at home programs. Many of the providers are unable to help with the daily needs of the elderly due to shortfalls in funding and staff, and a shortage of volunteers. Also the help home care staff can give is limited by the rules imposed of what they can and what they can’t do and by time strictures.
For many transport is a major issue whether it be to attend a medical appointment or buy necessary personal items, or simply to visit family or friends. In some areas taxis are nonexistent or unavailable for short trips. Fear of isolation and the car being the only means to do these normal activities means that some elderly are holding on to driving licenses long after they should. Undoubtedly as with any private enterprise there are some dodgy providers.You hear stories of clients being charged for services provided at home while they were in hospital and double booking fees. With the recent revelations of NDIS rorts it would be hoped similar scrutiny is applied to aged care package providers and possible civil penalties imposed for provider breaches of standards,
Caring for aged parents can be difficult. Many who are unable to provide filial care because of work demands or their own family responsibilities often find it emotionally stressful to have to place their parents into residential care. Family members often struggling with work and family pressures are taking time off to care for aged relatives.
The growing numbers of the elderly, and at
the same time the marked decrease in the birth rate, is at the nub of the problem. The question for future governments is how to fund this ongoing situation. Compared to other high income countries Australia spends a lot less on aged care; 1.2 per cent of GDP compared say to Denmark which spends 4.3 per cent.An uncomfortable national conversation is needed where all possible models are looked at.
The vexed question is who pays? Politicians know there are no votes in aged care. There is also the question of how we approach the inevitability of ageing. Mark Twain supposedly said: ‘Age is an issue of mind over matter, if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter.’ In other words, if you have a positive attitude to growing old and refuse to define yourself by your age, it doesn’t matter. That is of course if you are in robust health and have a home, family and friends. But for those less lucky there should be easily accessed, well funded and administered at home and residential aged care programs.
Halleluiah by Mary Oliver
Everyone should be born into this world happy and loving everything.
But in truth it rarely works that way.
For myself, I have spent my life clamoring toward it.
Halleluiah, anyway I’m not where I started!
And have you too been trudging like that, sometimes almost forgetting how wondrous the world is and how miraculously kind some people can be?
And have you too decided that probably nothing important is ever easy?
Not, say, for the first sixty years.
Halleluiah, I’m sixty now, and even a little more, and some days I feel I have wings.
Over recent months, we’ve asked the community to share their thoughts, expertise and experiences with us, as we begin shaping our Council Plan for the next four years.
Quite simply, this plan is one of the most important documents that Council has; it will shape our goals and our activities, how we manage spaces and our budget.
It helps us plan for our incredible natural environment, including the people, animals and plants who call this wonderful region home.
Through online surveys, community popups and our recent summits, we’ve engaged with more than 800 community members in person, received more than 700 submissions online and gathered more than 100 community members and group representatives at three summits.
But this was just the first step.
The panel will review what we’ve heard so far, ask questions, consider and debate some of the more difficult decisions Council is facing.
We’ll then ask the panel to make recommendations, which we’ll bring back to the community for more feedback.
We’ve captured detailed feedback, which will be invaluable as we start to draft our plan.
The Watchers Starring Dakota Fanning and Olwen Fouere
Rated M 3.75/5
The Watchers is an engrossing, atmospheric horror film and a solid directorial debut for Ishana Shyamalan (M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter).
Mina (Dakota Fanning), a young artist, finds herself trapped in a remote forest in Ireland, observed every night by mysterious creatures called the Watchers.
The Watchers is a deeply eerie experience, drawing unease from both the claustrophobic “coop” the characters live in and the vast murky forest.
The Watchers are a little-seen but fearsome presence, and the characters are simple but engaging – the brash but good-hearted boy Daniel (Oliver Finnegan), the hopeful dancer girl Ciara (Georgina Campbell), the stoic no-nonsense leader Madeline (Olwen Fouere).
The warm hues inside the coop contrast with the prisoners’ stress and their grim situation, and in a very interesting cinematography decision, every face other than Mina’s in the opening is angled away or out-of-focus, which highlights the closed-off nature of the coop.
The coop is a stage for the Watchers to study their human prisoners, but the film somewhat squanders this intriguing premise.
We gain little sense of a routine or norm for the Watchers to study, with much of the lopsided tension coming from Mina and the others breaking the rules (and Mina’s traumatic past is very flimsy).
Even so, the later narrative reveals unknown depths of observation for a gripping, brilliant climax.
TheWatchers is an unfocused but unsettling film with a great ending, but the dialogue is a major roadblock.
Even M. Night’s good films can feel slightly stilted, but The Watchers unceremoniously dumps its lore on us and is full of blunt lines that needlessly describe shots or impressions that we can easily glean ourselves.
A promising horror debut from Ishana Shyamalan, The Watchers is playing in most Victorian cinemas.
- Seth Lukas Hynes
We currently have expressions of interests open for community panel sessions – we’re putting together a panel that reflects the Yarra Ranges, its diverse range of age, gender, race, languages, income, education and other criteria.
Applications for the panel close on 30 June, for four sessions beginning 17 July, so I’d strongly encourage anyone interested in sharing their thoughts to visit shaping.yarraranges. vic.gov.au to find out more and to register their interest.
Participants will be compensated for their time.
I look forward to seeing many more community members engage in this process, and to see that feedback represented in our next Draft Plan.
Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre
Suite Surrender
It’s 1942, and two of Hollywood’s biggest divas have descended upon the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel, assistants, luggage, and legendary feud with one other in tow.
Everything seems to be in order for their wartime performance. that is, until they are somehow assigned to the same suite. Mistaken identities, overblown egos, double extenders, and a lap dog named Miss Boodles round out this hilarious riot of a love note to the classic 30s and 40s.
Season: Thursday June 27 – Saturday July 13.
Bookings: 9735 1777
Burrinja Theatre
351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey
Greece Lightning – Garry Star
An overzealous idiot attempts to perform all of Greek Mythology in order to save his Hellenic homeland from economic ruin.
Never before has Medusa been looser, Achilles more sillies or Uranus so heinous. Having single handedly saved the performing arts in 2918 with his multi-award debut show Garry Stan Performs Everything, comic wunderkind Garry returns with another anarchic masterclass not to be mythed.
Season: Thursday June 13 at 7.30pm
Venue: Lyric Room
The Mind Field – Arj Barker
All of reality. As we can ever possibly know it exists exclusively in our minds. Armed with this knowledge, Arj sets out to answer some of Life’s biggest Questions. Why are we here? Are we alone in the Universe? Why does it hurt when we pee? You’ll laugh and you’ll learn, but you can never look at anything the same once you enter.
Season: Friday June 21 at 8pm
Venue: Burrinja Theatre
The Round Theatre
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Presented by Babirra Music Theatre
Based on the 1994 film of the same name Priscilla, Queen of the Desert follows the journey of three drag performers as they drive across the Australian outback in their bus named Priscilla.
The bus, Priscilla, really featured onstage. Congratulations to the set builders for a terrific job on the bus. It was open on one side and on the other, there were various lights illuminating the side. The front was a regular bus with headlights, the name Pricsilla in the destination board and when the scene with a singer on top of the bus with the trailing costume the bus lost the rear end for the scene. A large cast, unfortunately the column doesn’t give space to highlight each player but the standard set by the cast certainly made the evening. Costuming was magnificent and in the final scene all the Australian animals were represented. And the frilled lizards left the audience agog.
The lighting, by Jason Bovaired, was outstanding and added to the production. The sound designer Marcello Lo Ricco certainly added to the evening and Babirra is to be congratulated on presenting such an evening.
This year’s National Reconciliation Week took place from 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in our nation’s reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision, respectively.
Initiated in 1993 and formally started in 1996, the National Reconciliation Week is a time“for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia”.
As we all know, this year’s theme is “Now More Than Ever”. In the words of Reconciliation Australia: “Now more than ever, the work continues. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.”
This means our work in building a nation strengthened by respective relationships between Australia’s diverse communities does not stop at the conclusion of the National Reconciliation Week. Rather, it must go on, and we can all play our part.
In no particular order, below is a list of ten books published in the past five years that this reviewer can recommend as takeaways from this year’s National Reconciliation Week.
1. Praiseworthy by Alexis Wright: This is the story of a small town in Australia’s north that faces an ecological catastrophe.
2. Dropbear by Evelyn Araluen: A collection of fierce and confronting poems, cleverly using a mixture of poetry and essay to interrogate the complexities of colonial and personal histories.
3. The White Girl by Tony Birch: A truly memorable story of a grandmother’s love and courage as she tries to protect her granddaughter from being removed from their community.
4. Song of the Crocodile by Nardi Simpson: Three generations of an indigenous family are witnesses of the rapid social and environmental changes that sweep through their town.
5. Killing for Country: A Family Story by David Marr: A journalist and author’s personal reckoning of the fact that his forebears had served with the brutal Native Police in the bloodiest years on the frontier.
6. Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams) by Anita Heiss: An epic story of love, loss, and belonging, as a young woman sets out along the river of her ancestors, in search of lost family and country.
7. Tell Me Why: The Story of My Life and My Music by Archie Roach: An intimate memoir of a member of the Stolen Generation, full of forgiveness, compassion, and the healing power of music.
8. We Come With This Place by Debra Dank: This heart-achingly honest and graceful memoir “shows a powerful path forward from colonial trauma towards a space of mutual respect and self-determining futures”.
9. Robert Runs by Mariah Sweetman: A fast-paced thriller based on the author’s great-great grandfather, Robert “Goupong” Anderson, who was once the fastest man in Australia and world record holder.
10. Story Doctors by Boori Monty Pryor: Illustrated by Rita Sinclair, this slim yet thought provoking volume is all about storytelling as a way of healing. Not just to heal relations between peoples and communities, but also our relations with ourselves.
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
ACROSS
1 Suns (5)
4 Stages (9)
9 Sneak (5)
10 Bite-sized appetiser (5,4)
11 Work of Charles Dickens – Twist (6)
12 Nullify (8)
14 Preferred things (10)
15 First book of the Christian Bible (abbr) (3)
17 Pile (3)
19 Self-centred (10)
23 Women’s underwear and nightwear (8)
24 Doctor (6)
26 Happen (9)
27 Smooth transition (5)
28 Settler (9)
29 ‘Not on your – !’ (coll) (5)
DOWN
1 Aid (6)
2 The A in USA (7)
3 Highest rank (coll) (7)
4 Pontiff (4)
5 Exercises (10)
6 – contract, a standardised forward contract (7)
7 Rampaging (7)
8 Scalpel users (8)
13 First concerns (10)
16 Logical (8)
18 Arcade game involving steel balls (7)
19 1970s band, – Lake and Palmer (7)
20 Treachery (7)
21 Against the law (7)
22 Throughway (6)
25 Close (4)
AMID picturesque rolling hills and pastures this breathtaking property, just minutes from the heart of Macclesfield, reveals an inspiring blend of natural beauty, serene living, and lifestyle on approximately 20 private acres. Views over a mesmerising countryside present a symphony of colours and life throughout the seasons from landscaped surroundings, starry nights, a phenomenal and private setting for everyday living on an extraordinary scale.
The Locale: Macclesfield 57 km east of Melbourne’s CBD. Known for amazing vistas, fertile land, country zen, sunny aspect, community vibes.
The Residence:
Architecturally unique and on a generous scale, it incorporates a quality attached unit for multi-generational living. Expansive use of glass to bring the outside to your chairside, views from every window.
Featuring:
· 5 zoned bedrooms, 3 ensuited. A study.
· Designated children’s wing with customized study area.
· Luxurious bathroom.
· Near new top-of-the-line kitchen, Smeg 1100 mm stove.
· 4 living spaces (or 5 including unit).
· Indoor heated pool and spa. Wet bar area with sink, fridge and washing machine.
· Leading out from pool area a huge deck or covered verandah.
· Covered outdoor entertaining from billiard room.
· Ambience of wood fires, convenience of split systems and gas heater.
· Abundant storage throughout.
· Laundry.
Infrastructure:
· 13.6 kw solar and 13.2 kw Tesla battery.
· Equine – stables x 3, tack room, feed and viewing room, all powered, hot and cold water with a washing machine, also day paddocks, menage and round yard.
· 15 separate paddocks, most with running water and all gated. Two solid field shelters. Electric fencing to most paddocks.
· Liveability- carport x 2 (dry house access), high clearance carport 9 x 12m, garage x 3, wood store, hay shed/storage. Fenced playground. Vegie garden. Chook house.
· Electric gates, circular driveway.
· Beautiful established gardens and lush lawns.
8 Brodrick Road in Macclesfield presents inviting options for those looking for a country estate with access to the many local towns surrounding it but also Melbourne’s CBD. The estate can be whatever you have dreamed it can be. Your home. Your haven. Your zen. ●
THIS outstanding home with a clever layout and gorgeous treed views awaits it’s next family. Arrive via the asphalt driveway to discover plenty of off street parking a fully fenced yard welcoming you into the home.
The home is open plan with the freshly updated kitchen with generous butlers pantry, spreading into the lounge/dining room. The loungeroom features floor to ceiling windows and is flooded with natural light and offers beautiful nature views alongside the comfort of hydronic heating and a split system air conditioner. There are then two bedrooms both with builtin-wardrobes on this floor, and then the stylishly updated family bathroom complete with a soaker bath tub, separate shower, and a toilet. The home features a great study at the top of the stairs, and then discover the parents retreat on the lower level.
Downstairs discover a master bedroom with spacious walk in wardrobe, a living area with plenty of storage, and then a workshop, laundry and external access.
Outside this lovely property offers a covered entertaining area with built in BBQ/ pizza oven, and a firepit/decking area to enjoy tranquil moments with nature.
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. ●
IF you a seeking a central town location with the privacy and feel of country living then look no further than this one! Situated at the end of a quiet court, this home sits proudly on the 2,053m2 allotment.
The charming character weatherboard home offers a perfect opportunity for growing families to move in and enjoy, boasting multiple living spaces ensuring everyone in the family has their own space. In the heart of the home, the kitchen features stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher, Granite benchtops, a bounty of storage and handy walk-in pantry.
The adjoining living room and separate dining area has striking vaulted ceilings.
A wood fire in the living room creates a cozy ambiance during the cooler months.
If you require more space, there is a separate living area with a versatile upstairs mezzanine that could be configured to suit your needs.
The home offers five bedrooms in total, downstairs the master suite is complete with an ensuite bathroom and built-in robes.
Bedroom two features built-in robes and easy access to the second bathroom. Upstairs there is an additional three bedrooms, all with built-in robes which are serviced by bathroom three. The upstairs landing offers a great open study option for the kids.
For year-round comfort, there is ducted
heating throughout as well as three splitsystems. Western Australian Karri timber floors, exposed beams, picture windows, feature pendant lighting and soaring vaulted ceilings all add to the appeal.
The elevated setting provides restful tree top views which can be enjoyed throughout the home and from the front verandah and balconies. Also under roofline there is a remote double garage with internal access.
Outside discover your own private country escape, the garden has been cleverly landscaped to make the most of the half an acre allotment.
The decked and covered outdoor entertaining area is perfect for year-round enjoyment. Take the red brick garden path and meander through the gardens to discover the great chook pen and run.
For the green thumb there is a variety of fruit trees scattered across the property. For the toys and tools there are two garden sheds.
There is fantastic off-street parking with the added bonus of a sealed driveway.
Located within an easy stroll to the Main Street of Gembrook, restaurants, cafes, primary school, kindergarten, parkland, public transport and the renowned Puffing Billy Railway is all right at your fingertips.
This property offers the perfect blend of country and urban living, move in and reap the rewards for years to come. ●
4
THIS property offers fantastic value! There is a beautifully maintained, north facing, 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 inlaws 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 airconditioner 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. ●
Location!Charm!Privacy &Paddocks!
Thislovinglymaintained2 bedroom, 1bathroomhomewithdelightful10ftceilings,ispositionedwell backfromtheroadwith2 wellfenced &maintainedpaddockstothefrontoftheproperty.Thereare 2furtherpaddocks&abushpaddockwith aspringfeddam&acreektotherearoftheproperty. Thehomeisinvitingwithhardwoodflooring,& anopenplandesignforthekitchen/diningarea. Potterinthekitchenwhilstsoakingintheviewsacrossthepaddocks& enjoyingthewarmthfrom thewoodfireinthediningroom.Thediningroomflowstotheloungeroomwhichhasprivateviews overtherearpaddock.Thereis aspaciousfamilybathroom &twogenerousbedrooms.Themaster bedroomhasa splitsystemAC &plentyofstorage.Externallythere’sa doublecarport, a3.3m*7.5m studio,&aconcreteflooredworkshopareaunderthehouse &anadditionalstoragespace.
Opportunity,ViewsandIdealLocationAwaitWithThisCharmingCottage! ThismixedzoningpropertylocatedontheGembrookMainStreetisdirectlyoppositetheGembrook PrimarySchool &offersviewstotheWarburtonRanges.Renovatethe 2bedroom,1 bathroomminers cottagewithwelcomingfrontverandah,ordemolish& buildyourdreamhomeorbusiness(STCA)on this1051sqmallotment.Situatedbehind amaintainedhedge,therearetwodriveways,allowingfor plentyofoff-streetparking.Thehomeitselfhas acosyfrontverandah &leadlightfeaturefrontdoor. Enterthehometodiscoverthefrontloungeroomwithopenwoodfire.Thereis amasterbedroom andthenflowthroughtothekitchenwithfreestandingwoodfireandelectricstove/oven.Then discover asecondbedroom.Totherearofthehomeisa generouslaundry,bathroomwith ashower overbath,andmudroom/secondsittingarea.Externallythereisa shedinthefullyfencedrearyard. 39MainStreet,Gembrook$780,000
KarenPeele M 0419430950
Spacious 4BedroomFamilyHomewithPonyPaddock! There’sa welcomingentertainingareanearthefrontdoor,&thefloatingfloorboardsinviteyouin. Thenthereare 2bedroomswithBIRs.Thereisthena loungeroomwith acosywoodfire,& thehome flowstoa masterbedroomwith aBIR &a largeWIRthatcouldpotentiallybe agreatensuitespace (STCA).Thezonedlivingthenhasanotherbedroomwith aBIR,& thereisa lovelystudy/homeoffice areawith atreedoutlook.Thekitchen& diningareaareopenplan& thecharmingkitchenhasa woodfire,gasstovetop,oven& dishwasher,aswellasa walkinpantry/butlerspantry.Thehomethen continuesalongtoanupdatedlaundry &bathroom.Thishomealsofeaturesgasductedheating! Externallyis aponypaddockwith aponyshed,plentyofOSP,anda DLUGatthefrontofthehome.
BrennanMileto
AaronDay M 0407365994
52PatonsRoad,Macclesfield$1,700,000 -$1,870,000
StylishlyRenovatedHomewithEquineInfrastructureonNearly20acres! Featuringa 40m*20msandmenage,dayyards,electricfencedpaddocks,hotwash,tack room,floatstorage,hayshed,a 3-baybarn,cross-countrycourse,mainswater &a comfortable 4-bedroom,2 bathroom,‘Hamptons’stylehomewithviews &zonedheating& cooling.Thehome has2 loungeareas, adiningarea& entertainingdeck.Themasterbedroomhasa walk-through robe,ceilingfan &ensuite.Theopenplankitchen/dining/livingareahas awoodfire &a 900mmgas stove& anelectricoven,& thelaundryhasa dryingcupboard.Thereare 3furtherbedroomswith BIRs &a familybathroom.Thestockyardshaveloadingramps,thereare5 paddockswithwater,day yards,tackroom,feedshed,hotwashbay,haystorage &machinerystorage.Thereis apermanent creek,a Springfeddam,a chickenrun,anall-weathergraveldriveway, &lockupgarage.
SamanthaScott M 0438680032
4 A 2 B 8 C
HEREIN lies a half-acre family haven with gorgeous green outlooks, immaculate interior, enticing outdoor entertaining areas, and tandem carport for convenience.
Situated a short stroll from Sassafras Creek, Baynes Park, Monbulk Aquatic Centre, and Main Road’s shopping and cafes, a wonderful lifestyle awaits here for one lucky family.
This superb split-level weatherboard home features bright open spaces and finishes executed to an exacting standard. From the large deck, access is afforded into the lower level featuring a fresh white colour palette, quality carpet, and clerestory windows that saturate the lounge in natural light. Also on this level is the generous main bedroom with walk-in robe and modern ensuite with floating vanity.
On the upper level, the open concept meals area with magnificent gable windows and kitchen with stone benchtops, high-end appliances, and breakfast bar serves as the heart of the home. With 2 further bedrooms with built-in robes plus a stylish bathroom
with soaking tub also on this level, this home pairs form and function with ease. Furthermore, families will appreciate the top floor retreat with vaulted ceilings and picture windows. Providing supplementary living room plus an entry point to the generous attic, this bonus space is certain to see a lot of use.
This turn-key residence is ready for a new family to move right in and immediately enjoy all that is on offer. Promising to impress, prompt inspection is advised. Plan your viewing today.
· 2,107sqm (approx.) property with lush views and easy access to amenities
· Enticing outdoor entertaining areas including 2 decks and a large paved patio
· Immaculate split-level interior with ensuite main bedroom and a bonus upper level retreat with attic storage
· Quality kitchen with sleek cabinetry and inviting breakfast bar
· Expansive gable and clerestory windows, gas ducted heating, split system heating/ cooling, and tandem carport. ●
The Gembrook Community Group Inc (GCG) has put a call out for interested community members to step up into executive roles to prevent the group being forced to discontinue.
All members of the GCG executive, including the chairperson, vice chairperson, treasurer and secretary, would be vacating their positions at the upcoming annual general meeting on Tuesday 6 August from 7pm at the Gembrook Community Centre.
Secretary Maria Romanin said the group was first established in 2017 as an independent incorporated association.
“Since its establishment, it has worked as a voice for the Gembrook community,” she said.
“This means that we avidly advocate to all levels of government and key stakeholders on identified issues and opportunities for the benefit of the Gembrook community.
“If the executive roles are not filled, there will be no Gembrook Community Group and hence, no voice for Gembrook.”
Ms Romanin said following the Covid pandemic lockdowns, the group had seen a decrease in the number of volunteers.
“We’re pulling teeth trying to get volunteers,” she said.
“The GCG executive are putting a callout to the community to join the group to continue being an important voice for the community.
“By volunteering for GCG, not only will you take an active part in building your community, but you will make connections and friendships with others.
The most recent achievements of the GCG have included the reduction of the speed limit to 50 km/h through the township as a result of advocacy to the Department of Transport and Planning and the establishment of a Road Action Group which would advocate for further safety measures for Main Street, advocate to
Cardinia Council for improvement to maintenance of unsealed roads and advocate to the Federal Government for the reinstatement of funding for the Sealing the Hills program.
Ms Romanin said the group were flexible with how much time people were able to volunteer towards the group and its projects.
“GCG understands that people are timepoor,” she said.
“The executive meets regularly and the general membership meet at least four times per year.
“Each meeting runs for approximately two
hours and future to the meeting times, members who volunteer to lead a project or working group may need to devote two hours per week at the most for the life of the project.”
For more information, contact gembrookcommunitygroup@outlook.com
The round two grant recipients of this year’s Sporting Club Grants Program have been announced, with 11 clubs across the Yarra Ranges receiving an all-important boost from the state government.
The program boasts four categories for funding and is aimed at supporting grassroots sporting clubs and organisations across the state, hoping to address barriers to participation, while helping clubs cultivate safe and sustainable practices that contribute to social and active local communities.
Using their funding to continue breaking down gender-based sports barriers is Category 1 grant recipient Belgrave Junior Football Club, whose funding for uniforms and equipment will go towards new playing jumpers for their under 12 girls.
“The club has worked really hard to try and encourage young girls to play football at Belgrave, and we’ve been successful,” Club president Paul Piaser said.
“We don’t say no to new recruits. With girls football, the more the merrier, and just over 50 per cent of the registered playing members at our club are female, so this grant is going to support us with that growth.”
Also receiving grants for on-field uniform and equipment are 1st Lilydale Scout Group, Monbulk Aquatic Club, Seville Football Netball Club and Yarra Junction Eagles Junior Football Club Incorporated.
Lilydale Football and Netball Club Incorporated, Montrose Scout Group and Seville Cricket Club Inc have also received grants to strengthen their volunteering and officiating, along with Lilydale Croquet Club who have received funding to go towards access and engagement.
“We’ll be using it to buy a laptop and a camera for training and coaches purposes, so that they can practise and review their skills and see how they can improve their game,” Lilydale Croquet Club President, John Thomson said.
“This is something completely new for us, but we’ve seen it being used very effectively and it will undoubtedly help our members.”
Lilydale Swimming Club Inc and Yarra Ranges Athletics will also be benefiting from funding centred on competing, with funds provided to assist with travel, accommodation and event registration costs for individual athletes selected to attend representative competition, selection trials or training camps. The
With the King’s Birthday public holiday giving all Outer East Premier Division sides a rest, let’s have a look at the Senior Football season so far.
With eight rounds played and 10 games to go, almost every side has faced off and the ladder is shaping up.
Two sides are sitting pretty on the top of the ladder having not yet lost a game; Narre Warren and Woori Yallock.
The Magpies take the top spot solely on their points differential, with last year’s losing grand finalist statistically the best offensive and defensive team in the competition this year, conceding only 363 points while piling on 949 of their own.
Will Howe has continued his strong form in the forward line from season’s past, kicking 35 goals for the season to sit three clear on top of the league’s goalkicking charts while he has also been ably supported by the Toner’s; Sam (29 goals) and Daniel (15).
Tom Toner, Kurt Mutimer and Howe have been among the most consistent performers, featuring among the best players five times each.
Woori Yallock’s return to winning ways under Brendan Donovan has also been spearheaded by the strong form of a forward, with Taylor Gibson’s haul of 32 goals the second-best in the league.
There’s plenty of positivity for the Tigers with the return of their netball program, improvement from the Reserves who have struggled in recent years and a very promising group of Under 18s players.
Blake Muir, Kane Thompson and Gibson have featured in the Tiger’s best on four occasions each, while Joshua Neal and Kynan French have hit the scoreboard with 20 and 12 goals respectively.
Reigning premiersWandin has missed out on the four premiership points on only two occasions, losing only to the teams above after dropping away in the second half against the Magpies and being downed by two late goals from Kane Thompson when up against Woori Yallock.
Still a forward line including Aaron Mullett (21 goals), Clinton Johnson (20 goals) and Jordan Jaworski (14 goals) contains plenty of firepower in one of the league’s best attacking teams.
Captain Patty Bruzzese (7 times in best) remains inspirational while Chayce Black and Mullett (4 times) continue to stand out.
Two double-barrelled sides in the Hills occupy the next two spots on the ladder and
with a 5-3 record: Olinda-Ferny Creek and Upwey-Tecoma.
The Tigers from Tecoma can call upon Daniel Waters (15 goals) and Nathan Waterman (11) for goals while Glenn Costas (6 times in best), SamWicks (5 times) and Lachlan Hughes (4 times) have been the top performers.
The Bloods have been led from the front by Matthew Scharenberg (7 times in best), Percy Hyett (6 times) and Francis Seal (5 times) while Mathieu Rosier (13), Scharenberg (12) and Lachlan Taylor (10) are in double-digits goals for the season.
Mt Evelyn and Officer have reached this point of the season with an even ledger, both recording four wins and four losses.
The Rovers’ Bayley Forbes (6 times in best), Matthew Gibbons, Jack Hourihan and Damion Kift (5 times) have been impressive while their scoring power has come from Callum Urquhart (15 goals), Matt Gordon (11) and Bailey Garbett (8).
The Kangaroos can count on Jake Gains (7 times in best), Brent Moloney and Zach Charles (5 times) to deliver the goods each week while Mark Seedsman (15 goals) and Riley Wierzbicki (10) have been the side’s
sharpshooters in front of goal.
Pakenham and Gembrook-Cockatoo have managed to pick up multiple wins this season and hold the eighth and ninth spots respectively.
Rhys Clacy (6 times in best), Jake Thompson, Jai Rout and James Harrison (4 times) are who the Lions turn to on a regular basis while Rout (16 goals), Samuel Kors (12), Bailey Stiles and Thompson (9) are keeping goal umpires busy.
The Brookers have shared the responsibility with Benjamin Schultze, Michael Bourne, Caleb Marshall, Konner Allcott and Patrick Snoxell (all 4 times in best) each taking their opportunities to shine while Michael Firrito (11 goals) and MylesWareham (10) have been far and away their key avenues to goal.
No side in Premier Division is without a win in this year’s competition with Monbulk, Emerald and Berwick Springs all picking up a solitary victory.
The Hawks’ Lochlan Beecroft (8 times in best) is the only player in the competition to feature in his side’s best players in every game, though he’s been ably supported by Joshua Spencer (7 times). Monbulk’s leading goalkicker is Ziggy Hatherley with 16.
The Bombers have been competitive after coming up from Division One with new recruit Ewan Wadsworth (5 times in best) and Steven Kapahnke (4 times) not struggling to mix it with the best while Jared Derksen (10 goals) and Ben Lewis (7) have kept the scoreboard ticking over.
Michael Misso (6 times in best) has been the standout for theTitans while Rhys Fletcher, Kayden Buselli, Matt Soutter-Smith and Luke Morrell have also been solid contributors. Berwick Springs has struggled to score strongly but not for want of trying from Jett Kearney and Kayden Buselli (8 goals). Following the break, all sides will compete in Sockit2MND round:
· Officer will host Monbulk
· Mt Evelyn will welcome Narre Warren
· Wandin will play Olinda-Ferny Creek at The Kennel
· Gembrook-Cockatoo will take on theTigers of an Upwey-Tecoma persuasion at home
· The clash of the big cats will take place in WooriYallock as the home side takes on the Lions from Pakenham
· Berwick Springs will look to make the most of the home ground advantage to leapfrog Emerald on the ladder.
The Queen’s/King’s Birthday weekend was traditionally set aside for interleague contests, although interleague matches haven’t happened at Senior level football since the formation of Outer East. It is now just a bye weekend predominantly, with some junior interleague matches taking place to represent the region. Alexandra hosted Seville as the only senior fixture for the weekend.
The Outer East Football competitions have been in flux since Yarra Ranges F.L. (previously YVMDFL) merged with South-East in 2019. In 2024 Outer East reverted to a two Division competition structure when Hallam returned to Southern FNL after one season, Broadford went into recess and Yea reformed. This left 21 Senior clubs, with 12 in Premier and 9 in Division 1.
Premier Division is interesting at both ends of the ladder. Narre Warren, Woori Yallock and Wandin are again setting the pace in the fight for the flag. Very little separates Upwey-Tecoma in fourth place to Pakenham in eighth, in the battle for the remaining finals spots. The bottom four also hold intrigue as the League have announced that Premier will revert to 10 clubs next year, meaning that three clubs are to be relegated and one promoted, assuming no clubs depart to join other competitions. This leaves Gembrook-Cockatoo, Monbulk, Emerald and Berwick Springs looking to secure enough wins to avoid the drop.Will Howe (NW) leads the goal-kicking with 35, from Taylor Gibson (WY) 32 and Sam Toner (NW) 29. Premier Division Ladders Seniors (W, L, D)
1. Narre Warren (8, 0, 0)
2. Woori Yallock (8, 0, 0)
3. Wandin (6, 2, 0)
4. Upwey-Tecoma (5, 3, 0)
5. Olinda-Ferny Creek (5, 3, 0)
6. Mt. Evelyn (4, 4, 0)
7. Officer (4, 4, 0)
8. Pakenham (3, 5, 0)
9. Gembrook-Cockatoo (2, 6, 0)
10.Monbulk (1, 7, 0)
11.Emerald (1, 7, 0)
12.Berwick Springs (1, 7, 0)
Premier Division Reserves (W, L, D)
1. Upwey-Tecoma (7, 1, 0)
2. Narre Warren (6, 2, 0)
3. Wandin (6, 2, 0)
4. Officer (5, 3, 0)
5. Gembrook-Cockatoo (5, 3, 0)
6. Mt. Evelyn (5, 3, 0)
7. Pakenham (4, 4, 0)
8. Monbulk (4, 4, 0)
9. Olinda-Ferny Creek (3, 5, 0)
10.Woori Yallock (2, 6, 0)
11.Berwick Springs (1, 7, 0)
12.Emerald (0, 8, 0)
In Division 1 the top 5 clubs have shown that they can all match it with each other on their day. The resurgence of Belgrave and the return of Yea have been highlights. Corbin Sutherland (Yea) leads the goal-kicking with 33, ahead of former West Coast, North Melbourne and Richmond player Aaron Edwards (H) on 28 and Alexandra pair William Stewart and Edward Watkin on 26 and 25 respectively. Division 1 Ladders Seniors (W, L, D, Bye)
1. Alexandra (6, 1, 0, 1)
2. Seville (5, 1, 1, 1)
3. Healesville (5, 2, 0, 1)
4. Warburton-Millgrove (6, 2, 0, 0)
5. Belgrave (4, 2, 1, 1)
6. Yea (3, 4, 0, 1)
7. Yarra Junction (1, 6, 0, 1)
8. Yarra Glen (1, 6, 0, 1)
9. Powelltown (0, 6, 0, 1) Reserves (W, L, D, Bye)
1. Belgrave (7, 0, 0, 1)
2. Seville (6, 1, 0, 1)
3. Healesville (5, 2, 0, 1)
4. Warburton-Millgrove (5, 3, 0, 0)
5. Alexandra (4, 3, 0, 1)
6. Yea (3, 4, 0, 1)
7. Yarra Junction (1, 6, 0, 1)
Women’s Football continues to grow as Monbulk take on the newly formed Emerald in 2024. Pictures: ARMIN RICHTER Monbulk A Grade captain Stephanie Ferguson out reaches her Upwey opponent in Round 1.
8. Powelltown (1, 5, 0, 1)
9. Yarra Glen (0, 7, 0, 1)
11 of the 21 clubs have been able to field either an Under 19 or Under 18 side, and UpweyTecoma has been able to field a side in both. These age groups are struggling statewide for numbers although the standard of matches has been good. In the Under 19s Dejan Janjic (NW) leads the goal-kicking on 25, from Sam Murray (U-T) on 22 and Jack Hamilton (O) 19. For the Under 18’s Ronan Taylor (WY) on 16, is just ahead of teammate Max Rees and Jace Hamilton (Mt.E) on 15.
Under 19s Ladder (W, L, D)
1. Narre Warren (8, 0, 0)
2. Upwey-Tecoma (4, 2, 0)
3. Pakenham (4, 2, 0)
4. Officer (3, 5, 0)
5. Gembrook-Cockatoo (1, 5, 0)
6. Wandin (0, 5, 0)
Under 18s Ladder (W, L, D)
1. Woori Yallock (6, 0, 1)
2. Mt. Evelyn (5, 1, 1)
3. Healesville (5, 2, 0)
4. Upwey-Tecoma (3, 4, 0)
5. Olinda-Ferny Creek (1, 6, 0)
6. Seville (0, 7, 0) Women’s footy keeps growing and expanding. There are now 14 clubs in the Outer East, with Emerald and Warburton-Wesburn debuting in 2024, while Mt. Evelyn competes in the EFL. Leading goal-kickers in Division 1 are Aiesha Kolaritsch (Pak) on 23, well ahead of Olivia Edwards (O-FC) on 17 and Jessica Occhipinti (U-T) 11. In Division 2 they are Jade McCormick (Mon) on 18, ahead of Molly Webb (E) on 16 and Warburton-Wesburn teammates Madi Ward and Jade Mewburn on 14 and 13 respectively.
Division 1 Ladder (W, L,D)
1. Pakenham (7, 1, 0)
2. Healesville (7, 1, 0)
3. Upwey-Tecoma (5, 2, 0)
4. Olinda-Ferny Creek (2, 6, 0)
5. Belgrave (1, 6, 0)
6. Berwick Springs (1, 6, 0)
Division 2 Ladder (W, L, D)
1. Warburton-Wesburn (7, 1, 0)
2. Monbulk (7, 1, 0)
3. Woori Yallock (6, 1, 1)
4. Wandin (4, 3, 1)
5. Emerald (3, 5, 1)
6. Officer (2, 5, 1)
7. Seville (1, 7, 0)
8. Thornton-Eildon (0, 8, 0)
NETBALL
The Outer East Netball competition is of a very good level, containing numerous players with national and state league experience, including former Diamond Erin Bell (Narre Warren) and Australian Under 21 captain Stephanie Ferguson (Monbulk). With all team fielding sides and no byes this year, the Bea-
consfield and Brewick teams have been forced out. Narre Warren, Wandin and Mt. Evelyn are the early pacesetters in A Grade Premier Division. Leading goal shooters are Emmalia Blake (Wan) 317, Rory Barr (Mt.E) 305, Kaylah Loulanting (E) 268, Issabella O’Shannasy (ROC) 227, Grace Ioelu (NW) 207, Elly Stewart (Mon) 192 and Erin Bell (NW) 179. Premier Division
A Grade ladder (W, L, D)
1. Narre Warren (8, 0, 0)
2. Wandin (7, 1, 0)
3. Mt. Evelyn (6, 1, 1)
4. Pakenham (5, 3, 0)
5. Emerald (5, 3, 0)
6. Monbulk (4, 3, 1)
7. ROC (4, 4, 0)
8. Upwey-Tecoma (3, 5, 0)
9. Woori Yallock (2, 6, 0)
10.Gembrook-Cockatoo (2, 6, 0)
11.Olinda-Ferny Creek (1, 7, 0)
12.Berwick Springs (0, 8, 0)
B Grade (W, L, D)
1. Narre Warren (8, 0, 0)
2. Mt. Evelyn (7, 1, 0)
3. ROC (6, 2, 0)
4. Pakenham (5, 2, 1)
5. Woori Yallock (5, 3, 0)
6. Wandin (5, 3, 0)
7. Monbulk (3, 4, 1)
8. Upwey-Tecoma (3, 5, 0)
9. Gembrook-Cockatoo (3, 5, 0)
10.Olinda-Ferny Creek (1, 7, 0)
11.Berwick Springs (1, 7, 0)
12.Emerald (0, 8, 0)
C Grade (W, L, D)
1. Narre Warren (7, 1, 0)
2. Wandin (7, 1, 0)
3. Pakenham (7, 1, 0)
4. ROC (6, 2, 0)
5. Mt. Evelyn (5, 3, 0)
6. Monbulk (4, 4, 0)
7. Upwey-Tecoma (4, 4, 0)
8. Emerald (3, 5, 0)
9. Gembrook-Cockatoo (3, 5, 0)
10.Olinda-Ferny Creek (1, 7, 0)
11.Woori Yallock (1, 7, 0)
12.Berwick Springs (0, 8, 0)
D Grade (W, L, D)
1. ROC (7, 0, 1)
2. Wandin (7, 1, 0)
3. Narre Warren (6, 1, 1)
4. Pakenham (6, 2, 0)
5. Woori Yallock (5, 3, 0)
6. Upwey-Tecoma (5, 3, 0)
7. Olinda-Ferny Creek (4, 4, 0)
8. Mt. Evelyn (3, 5, 0)
9. Emerald (3, 5, 0)
10.Berwick Springs (1, 7, 0)
11.Monbulk (0, 8, 0)
12.Gembrook-Cockatoo (0, 8, 0)
In Division 1 Warburton-Millgrove, Seville and Yarra Glen are out in front. Leading goal shooters to date are Madeline Hargrave (YG)
298, Bianca Daniels (W-M) 219, Amy Stanley (H) 187 and Jorja Gesler (A) 157
Division 1 ladders
A Grade (W, L, D, Bye)
1. Warburton-Millgrove (7, 0, 0, 1)
2. Seville (6, 1, 0, 1)
3. Yarra Glen (5, 2, 0, 1)
4. Alexandra (4, 3, 0, 1)
5. Healesville (3, 4, 0, 1)
6. Belgrave (2, 4, 0, 2)
7. Yarra Junction (2, 5, 0, 1)
8. Yea (0, 6, 0, 2)
B Grade (W, L, D, Bye)
1. Seville (7, 0, 0, 1)
2. Warburton-Millgrove (6, 2, 0, 0)
3. Belgrave (5, 2, 0, 1)
4. Yarra Glen (4, 3, 0, 1)
5. Yea (4, 3, 0, 1)
6. Yarra Junction (3, 4, 0, 1)
7. Healesville (2, 5, 0, 1)
8. Alexandra (1, 6, 0, 1)
9. Powelltown (0, 7, 0, 1)
C Grade (W, L, D, Bye)
1. Yarra Glen (7, 0, 0, 1)
2. Seville (6, 1, 0, 1)
3. Warburton-Millgrove (6, 2, 0, 0)
4. Belgrave (4, 3, 0, 1)
5. Yea (4, 3, 0, 1)
6. Yarra Junction (2, 5, 0, 1)
7. Alexandra (1, 6, 0, 1)
8. Healesville (1, 6, 0, 1)
9. Powelltown (0, 5, 0, 1)
D Grade (W, L, D, Bye)
1. Seville (5, 0, 0, 3)
2. Warburton-Millgrove (5, 2, 0, 1)
3. Alexandra (4, 2, 0, 2)
4. Yarra Glen (4, 2, 0, 2)
5. Belgrave (3, 3, 0, 2)
6. Yea (2, 4, 0, 2)
7. Powelltown (0, 3, 0, 1)
8. Yarra Junction (0, 7, 0, 1)
Under 17 Premier (W, L, D, Bye)
1. ROC (7, 0, 0, 1)
2. Wandin (7, 0, 0, 1)
3. Narre Warren (4, 3, 0, 1)
4. Woori Yallock (2, 4, 1, 1)
5. Pakenham (2, 5, 0, 1)
6. Berwick (1, 4, 1, 2)
7. Mt. Evelyn (0, 7, 0, 1)
Under 15 East (W, L, D, Bye)
1. ROC (7, 0, 0, 1)
2. Monbulk (5, 2, 1, 0)
3. Berwick (4, 2, 0, 2)
4. Pakenham (3, 4, 0, 1)
5. Narre Warren (2, 3, 1, 2)
6. Beaconsfield (1, 6, 0, 1)
7. Woori Yallock (1, 6, 0, 1)
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