Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 25th June 2024

Yarra Ranges named a

A tale of war, love and family

By 1943, Geoffrey Heath was 19-years-old and ready to embark, as many young men did, for the Asian islands in a feeling of duty to their country.

The Royal Australian Air Force mechanic, flight engineer and, at the time of discharge, leading aircraftsman, lived through bomb raids and dense jungle environments, all so he could return home to the east of Melbourne and marry the love of his life.

81 years later, Mr Heath celebrated his 100th birthday earlier in June surrounded by his children, grand children, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

See a recount of Mr Heath’s 100 years on page 11

Mount Evelyn’s Geoff Heath celebrated his 100th birthday earlier in June. 414665

Dirty on road cut

By Mikayla van Loon

With funding cuts to the road sealing program across the Yarra Ranges, the state of dirt roads throughout the shire remains a sore point for residents.

For people living along The Crescent and Marshall Street in Mount Evelyn, who had been moved up the priority list for road sealing, the disappointment continues two years after the cuts.

The Crescent resident of 30 years Gayle Schilke has been championing advocacy with Yarra Ranges Council and local members on

behalf of a collective of residents calling for roads to be sealed.

Ms Schilke said roads like The Crescent and Marshall Street are in a “unique” position because they form a cut through to factories on Clancys Road, the school and childcare centre on Monbulk Road and access for cars into the rest of the estate.

“I’m doing this for all the dirt roads, there’s others that have got their needs as well but we have a few unique needs like we’ve got a special needs building and a DHS building. Marshall Street has a bakery and this just increases the safety need,” she said.

Event Handcrafted

“And we have walkers, especially since Covid, because the Warby Trail is just at the end.”

With high traffic movement at the moment, of both cars and trucks, Ms Schilke said she understands a made road might increase traffic use but “it needs to be safe” for drivers and walkers alike.

Having been sent a letter confirming the works would be completed within the year, Ms Schilke said it was “heartbreaking” when the news of the funding cuts were announced in October 2022.

This was a common sentiment expressed

by residents across the Yarra Ranges who had expected their road to be sealed. It has led to a number of petitions, like that for Beenak Road Yellingbo calling for special charge schemes to be explored, being submitted to Yarra Ranges Council.

Seeking action and funding for previously allocated road sealing projects, residents from Mount Evelyn joined shadow assistant minister for infrastructure and transport Tony Pasin and Casey MP Aaron Violi to launch a national road survey.

Continued page 4

FunfortheKids

Market

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Dogs put bite on posties

By Tanya Steele

Recent statistics from Australia Post on dog-related incidents against posties have listed two suburbs in the Yarra Ranges and Knox as some of the worst offenders.

Meanwhile, in Emerald, Ford and Ulmer roads in Emerald have not been receiving their post due to reports of a dog chasing a postie in the area in June.

Australia Post revealed in a press release on 17 June that Victoria has recorded 166 dogrelated incidents involving posties over the last six months.

Healesville, Nunawading, and Ferntree Gully recorded the highest number of incidents in the state.

Australia Post general manager of safety and wellbeing, Rod Maule, said he wanted to emphasise the importance of ensuring posties feel safe doing their job.

“Australia Post is calling on dog owners to take responsibility for their pets,” he said.

“Customers must understand that for many posties, it can be stressful or triggering knowing that your delivery round may involve a dog that shows aggressive behaviour.”

“Our team members just want to be able to deliver for our customers, without being attacked, harassed, or chased by dogs.”

Nationally over the past six months, more than 55 posties a week have fallen victim to dog-related incidents, amounting to 11 incidents per day.

Over 1,420 dog-related incidents have occurred in Australia in the past six months.

While no single dog breed is more likely to attack than another, Australia Post has said it is increasingly seeing it’s the smaller dogs that show aggressive behaviour.

Mr Maule said that regardless of the breed or temperament of your dog, Australia Post implores owners to secure their dog safely in

Nationally over the past six months, more than 55 posties a week have fallen victim to dogrelated incidents, amounting to 11 incidents per day. Pictures: SUPPLIED

a back garden, on a leash, or in another room when expecting parcel deliveries or mail, whether or not you are at home.

“If you are unable to restrain your dog securely, we suggest using our Parcel Lockers where possible,” he said.

Australia Post data has found that half of all incidents are taking place on customer property, with 1 in 3 occurring at the customer’s front door.

Thirty-four per cent of cases happened on the street – dogs with their owner account for 8 per cent of those incidents, and the remaining 26 per cent involved a dog who escaped a property to attack a Postie or was roaming the street.

Of particular concern are dog bites during letter deliveries, with 15 per cent of incidents occurring when a Postie places mail in letterboxes.

Posties will not make a delivery if it is un-

safe for them to do so and will cease deliveries to a customer’s home until the danger is fixed.

Cardinia Shire has recently had such a suspension,FordandUlmerroadsinEmeraldhave not been receiving their post due to reports of a dog chasing a postie in the area in June.

Cardinia Shire Council’s manager of regulatory services, Linda Ross said that Australia Post has the authority to suspend deliveries if there were safety concerns.

“We encourage pet owners to securely confine their pets and ensure their properties are safe to prevent any potential incidents,” she said.

Australia Post also reports dog-related incidents to relevant local councils to ensure enforcement is actioned.

Joanne Hammond, executive officer for communications and engagement from Yarra Ranges said that all workers and passers-by should feel safe from dogs when out and about.

“Ensuring your dog is properly socialised will greatly reduce the chances of it developing behavioural issues with other animals and people,” she said.

“This will, in turn, reduce the likelihood of an attack happening.”

“The RSPCA Dog Behaviour and Training Handbook has more information on how to train your dog or people can seek professional

help from a dog trainer or vet.”

Knox City Council treats dog attacks as a priority and will investigate all that are reported and states on their website that as a dog owner, residents must provide accommodation, supervision and care for their pet at all times.

Nationally, Australia Post data revealed Queensland continues to record the highest number of incidents in each state, followed by New South Wales and Western Australia. The number of dog incidents in each state and territory as well as the worst offending areas are:

· Queensland (466) – Stafford, Darra, and Bundamba

· New South Wales (408) – Ingleburn, Tamworth and Lidcombe

· Western Australia (215) – Rockingham, Bunbury and Gwelup

· Victoria (166) - Healesville, Nunawading and Ferntree Gully

· South Australia (114) - Glynde, Edinburgh North and Salisbury South

· Northern Territory (23) - Winnellie, Palmerston and Katherine

· Tasmania (16) - Eastern Shore Hobart and Launceston

· Australian Capital Territory (15) - Fyshwick, Mitchell and Tuggeranong

Australia Post suggested the following tips to protect posties: Residents should always keep front gates securely closed and where possible, secure dogs in the back garden (rather than the front) and keep any side gates securely closed. If you are expecting a delivery, be careful when opening your front door, ensuring your dog doesn’t run out from behind you. Securing them in another room is a great way to prevent this and if properly securing your dog is not possible, consider using our parcel lockers. Data in this article came from Australia Post, Dog Safety data, collected from 1 July 2023 to 28 May 2024.

Australia Post data has found that half of all incidents are taking place on customer property, with one in three occurring at the customer’s front door.

‘Belong in school’: fears of arrest ban

By Callum Godde, AAP

Victoria will become the first Australian state to raise the age of criminal responsibility, but legal advocates say police shouldn’t retain powers to use force on 10 and 11-year-olds.

The Allan government introduced a longawaited bill to state parliament on Tuesday to create a standalone youth justice act and lift the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the sweeping reforms would crack down on serious, high-risk and repeat offending while giving young people a chance to turn their lives around.

“Ten and 11-year-olds don’t belong in the criminal justice systems...they belong in schools,” she told reporters.

Children as young as 10 can be charged, convicted and imprisoned in every Australian state and territory except the Northern Territory, which raised the age of criminal responsibility to 12 in August 2023.

The ACT passed legislation to raise the age to 14 by 2025 with some exceptions, while Tasmania has pledged to raise the minimum age of criminal detention to 14.

In 2023, theVictorian government vowed to lift the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 years, before raising it again to 14 by 2027 with some exceptions for serious offences such as rape and murder.

If the bill passes, police won’t be allowed

to arrest or charge a child aged 10 or 11 with a crime but can move them “somewhere safe and to someone who can take care of them”.

“There will be the ability to use limited force, (such as) take the child by the arm ... to put the child into a vehicle in order to protect them, to protect the community,” AttorneyGeneral Jaclyn Symes said.

The legislation would also lower the age of prosecution for recruiting children to commit crimes from 21 to 18, closing a “loophole” being exploited by criminal syndicates as part of Victoria’s ongoing tobacco war.

Other measures include a scheme for warnings, cautions and diversions and a two-year trial using electronic monitoring of up to 50 repeat teenage offenders on bail.

An extra magistrate will be added to the Children’s Court, new sentencing principles for Aboriginal children will be introduced and there will be stronger systems for transferring those over 16 into adult prisons in certain circumstances.

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service welcomed the bill but said it strongly opposed any new police powers to engage with children aged 10 and 11 in a way that replicates criminalisation, as well as the monitoring trial.

“This is a movement towards a legal system that prioritises early intervention, diversion and rehabilitation, and we hoped that the youth justice bill would help us get there,” le-

gal service chief executive Nerita Waight said.

“But trialling electronic ankle bracelets on children is a step in the complete wrong direction.”

Youth crime in Victoria is rising, with children aged 14 to 17 linked to more than 18,700 offences in the state in 2023 - up 30 per cent from 2022.

Shadow Attorney-General Michael O’Brien said dropping 10 and 11-year-old offenders at home was not tackling the growing issue.

“It’s simply a plan to redefine it and pretend it isn’t there,” he said.

Victorian Greens Leader Ellen Sandell said slapping ankle bracelets on children as young as 14 signalled another “race to the bottom” between the major parties on law and order.

In separate legislation slated to be introduced later in 2024, police will get expanded powers to stop and search Victorians without cause for knives and other weapons in public places.

Officers are presently only allowed to stop and search people for weapons in designated areas for up to 12 hours and cannot return to the same spot for 10 days.

Victoria Police said it supports any new powers that will assist the force to search for knives and take them off the streets.

· 13YARN 13 92 76

· Lifeline 13 11 14

IN BRIEF

Solo detected at more than twice the speed limit

A 20-year-old Lysterfield male, who had only had his motorcycle learners for 12 days, was detected speeding at 126km/hr on Plymouth Road, Croydon Hills on Friday 21 June. This road has a speed limit of 60km/hr. The rider’s brand new 10-day old Motorcycle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $913.70 and he will face the Magistrates Court in relation to charges of speed dangerous, excessive speed, fail to display L plates and fail to wear hi-viz vest.

Hanza woodchippers recalled due to bolt failure

Hansa Chippers C3e, C7 and C4 models have been recalled as the blade fastening bolts can fail and the blade may be released from the cutting disc while the product is in use. Affected products include:

Hansa C7 Chipper

· Manufactured between 01/12/23 - 17/05/24

· Serial number range: HSN-C7-0015215HSN-C7-0015717

Hansa C4 Chipper

· Manufactured between 01/12/23 - 17/05/24

· Serial number range: HSN-C4-0002835HSN-C4-0002874

Hansa C3e Chipper

· Manufactured between 01/12/23 - 17/05/24

· Serial number range: HSN-C3e-0002596HSN-C3e-0002795

Serial numbers are located at the base of the inlet chute by the anvil.

There is a risk of serious injury from laceration to the user or bystanders if the blade is released while the product is in use.

Consumers should stop using affected products immediately.

Contact the place of purchase to arrange replacement of the blade fastening bolts.

For more information contact Hansa Products on recall@hansaproducts.com.au or by phone on 1800 426 722.

McCain frozen pizzas recalled due to the presence of metal

McCain Foods (Aust) Pty Ltd is conducting a recall of its Ham & Pineapple and BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Family Pizzas 500g

The products have been available for sale at Woolworths and independent retailers including IGA nationally; Coles, Aldi in NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, SA, NT and WA and Drakes in QLD and SA.

The affected McCain Ham & Pineapple Family Pizza 500g has a Best Before date that reads ‘APR 2025 097’ while the McCain BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Family Pizza 500g with Best Before APR 2025 097 and APR 2025 098 are also affected.

The recall is due to the presence of foreign matter (metal).

Food products containing metal may cause illness/injury if consumed.

Consumers should not eat these products. Consumers should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan speaks to media during a press conference at Parliament of Victoria in Melbourne, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Picture: AAP IMAGE/DIEGO FEDELE

State of dirt roads angers

From page 1

“What we’re doing is asking the community to express that frustration via this national survey to tell us where the national land transport network is in its poorest condition,” Mr Pasin said.

Launching the campaign in the Yarra Ranges, Mr Pasin said was intentional given the extent of the project cuts.

“The case here in the Yarra Ranges is one of the strongest around the country. This project was fully funded. It was rolling out successfully. It was on time, it was on budget and yet funding for it was cut unilaterally,” he said.

“People in this community are living in a peri-urban environment with a road network that we wouldn’t accept in remote or super remote parts of Australia.”

Casey MP Aaron Violi said the Roads of Community 10-year project was one that “ticked so many boxes” and had bipartisan support when the funding was allocated in 2019 under the Coalition government.

“The department has confirmed in Senate estimates that sealing these roads improves safety for our community. It is a project that the community is also contributing money for so it’s making the taxpayer dollar go further,” he said.

“It reduces the ongoing maintenance costs ofYarra Ranges Council so they can invest that in other infrastructure or bring rates down which is so crucial in a cost of living crisis.

“So it achieves everything, it ticks every box and it improves the lives of residents and improves their health as well.”

Ms Schilke said dust-induced asthma and breathing difficulty was not uncommon for residents on dirt roads, an impact people on her road try to mitigate by planting hedges.

“People have examples of kids on medication because of asthma because of the dust,” she said.

“When my children were young, my son had asthma quite bad, but once we pulled up the carpet, he didn’t need medications anymore and he’d just have a puffer there if he needed it, but it was because of the dust in the carpet.”

In the 30 years she’s lived at The Crescent the condition of the road has improved immensely but the final step is the sealing.

“When we moved here this road didn’t get a grade, we got nothing, you could barely get up it. And when we first moved here our house was getting flooded, our backyard flooded.”

Being a natural watercourse because the Stringybark Creek runs through the back of some properties, Ms Schilke said the addition of open drains helped but caused a secondary issue of cars backing into them or getting stuck because of the narrow road.

The Coalition’s national road survey invites residents to submit any and all road infrastructure projects requiring attention, whether it is

an intersection upgrade, congestion improvements or a new turning lane.

Mr Violi said the hope of the campaign is to prove the importance of infrastructure in the electorate of Casey and more broadly, the country.

“Investing in infrastructure drives productivity and improves community safety, and improves the lives of community members,” he said.

“It’s not acceptable to cut infrastructure spending at a time when productivity is at negative 5.2 per cent.”

A Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts spokesperson said the transport infrastructure pipeline remains steady, with no cuts to the $120 billion allocated.

“As announced at the 2024-25 Budget, the Australian Government’s total commitment in Victoria under the Infrastructure Investment Program over the next 10 years is $19.2 billion,

including $17 billion for major road and rail projects and $2.2 billion for smaller projects through programs such as Roads to Recovery and the Black Spot Program,” they said.

The department confirmed the most recent Roads to Recovery allocation for Yarra Ranges Council was $18.8 million, an increase of $8.1 million.

Funding will allow the council to select road projects that will deliver on local priorities throughout a five year period.

This was on top of the remaining $47.7 million that survived the funding allocation cut for the Roads for Community project.

“We will continue to work with the Victorian Government and local councils to deliver the highest priority transport infrastructure projects, making it easier to get around our cities and suburbs and unlocking the potential of our towns and regions.”

To complete the survey, go to www.research.net/r/2HRHBV9

The Crescent and Marshall Street residents helping launch the Coalition’s national road survey on Tuesday 18 June. 415028

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Casey MP Aaron Violi, Gayle Schilke, shadow assistant infrastructure minister Tony Pasin and Henry Schilke. 415028

YR vulnerable to disaster

By Mikayla van Loon

The Yarra Ranges has been identified in a new report released by Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (ELCA) and the Climate Council as the second most vulnerable to disasters across the country.

A new co-written report titled Too Close to Home found fourVictorian communities to be the hardest hit by natural disasters, with the Yarra Ranges ranking second behind Baw Baw.

Between 2006/07 and 2023/24, 514 local government areas were impacted at least once by a disaster requiring access to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, highlighting the severity of these events.

The report stated that “15 local government areas have sought and received Australian Government assistance for recovery from disasters at least 25 times since 2006/07”.

In Victoria, Baw Baw sought and received national assistance 47 times, the Yarra Ranges 42 times, Wellington 37 times and East Gippsland 39 times.

ELCA director Sean O’Rourke said if climate pollution isn’t cut within the decade, places like the “Yarra Ranges will likely see more disasters in future”.

“The data only goes back as far as 2006/07, not quite far enough to establish whether disasters are increasing inYarra Ranges,” he said.

“What it does show though is that the Yarra Ranges have been impacted by multiple disasters in the last 12 months alone, spanning fires, floods and destructive storms.”

ELCA founder Greg Mullins AO AFSM said these events were being fuelled by climate change, making it a more frequent and challenging job for emergency services.

“Firefighters and other emergency responders are being pushed to their limits by increasingly frequent, intensifying disasters, fuelled by climate pollution,” he said.

“They are tireless in their efforts to protect Australians but, as we saw during the Black Summer bushfires and subsequent record floods, they’re regularly being overwhelmed by climate fuelled disasters.”

Mr O’Rourke said with former heads of Australia’s state and territory emergency services leading the calls for change, they have first hand experience of the “high frequency and greater severity of disasters”.

“Federal, state and territory inquiries into bushfires and floods have highlighted that first responders are working longer hours, facing multiple challenges often with little reprieve between disasters,” he said.

“This is happening while volunteer numbers across the board are declining, leaving fewer people to do more disaster response and recovery work.”

With Lilydale and Emerald SES units being named some of the busiest in recent years and

volunteer firefighting brigades requiring more numbers, ECLA has recommended the government look at establishing new streams of emergency response.

“ELCAhasrecommendedthatgovernments build emergency capacity by establishing new non-operational emergency service volunteer units that can play a role in the planning, preparation and recovery stages of disasters, supporting operational SES to do the work on the ground,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“ELCA are also recommending that a program of paid seasonal firefighters be developed to assist rural volunteer firefighters during periods of high bushfire risk and support bushfire crews on the urban/bushland interface.”

Mr Mullins called for“urgent cuts to climate pollution” to keep communities and future generations safe from “worsening impacts”.

The report outlines five key priorities that

Mr Mullins said aim to move “from responding to disasters to preventing and preparing for them”.

These include developing a national assessment and prediction register on the risks for each community; identifying the people and places most at risk based on exposure and social and economic disadvantage; supporting community-led actions for climate adaptation and response; building household resilience; and fully implementing the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements recommendations.

Mr O’Rourke said Australia’s previous investment in disaster preparedness has been dismal against the “fury of climate-fuelled disasters”.

“After years of neglect from previous Australian governments, our efforts to protect vulnerable communities from climate harm is just getting off the ground,” he said.

“We can do so much more to help communities understand the risks they’re up against, and to manage those risks. In fact, we must –lives depend on it. Everything we do this decade determines how safe our kids and grandkids are from supercharged fires, floods and storms.”

WHAT’S ON AT THE YORK WHAT’S ON AT THE YORK

The Yarra Ranges were smashed by floods in October 2022.

Picture: ON FILE

Devastation after trees fell one by one through the night of 9 June 2021.

Picture: EMERALD SES

Overview of rates, costs

By Callum Ludwig

New figures are starting to be locked in on the finances of councils around the state, with new rates set to be adopted as budgets are finalised while remuneration for councillors is being looked at.

The Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal permitted a two per cent increase to base allowances payable to Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Councillors from 1 July 2023 and 18 December 2023 in last year’s Annual Adjustment while the Victorian Government set a rate cap of 2.75 per cent.

The Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal has Yarra Ranges Council categorised as a Category 3 council (second highest possible, behind Category 4 which is only for Melbourne City Council), meaning that the Mayor has a base allowance per annum of $130,390, $65,195 for Deputy Mayors and $39,390 for Councillors.

The Star Mail took a look at the rate rises set to be adopted at Yarra Ranges Council as well as what executives and councillors are getting paid.

Yarra Ranges residents are set to see the maximum 2.75 per cent increase in their rates in 2024/25, with the base average rate rising from $2092.70 to $2102.58. The cap for the average rate is currently $2160.40, set from the maximum allowed by previous rate rises.

All rateable properties (residential, commercial, industrial properties, farming, recreational/cultural and vacant) saw a 5.4 per cent increase in their differential rate between 2022/23 to 2023/24.

Yarra Ranges Council expects to receive $146,516,256 in revenue from this year’s total rates and municipal charges.

From July 2023 to March 2024,Yarra Ranges councillors (Johanna Skelton, Fiona McAllister,Tim Heenan, Len Cox, Richard Higgins and Andrew Fullagar) were given an allowance of

$29,153.70.

David Eastham, who became Deputy Mayor in November 2023, had an allowance of $38,903.72.

Jim Child, who stepped down as Mayor at the end of October 2023, has had an allowance of $61,336.05.

Mayor Sophie Todorov, who was Deputy Mayor before taking up the role of Mayor in November, has had an allowance of $73,749.83. Expenses claimed by councillors varied:

· Cr Higgins: $0

· Cr Skelton: $63.64

· Cr McAllister: $72.73

· Cr Cox: $457.56

· Cr Heenan: $495.35

· Cr Eastham: $1251.23

· Cr Child: $5237.74

· Cr Todorov: $5566.65

· Cr Fullagar: $5712.55

In total, between base allowances and expenses, Yarra Ranges Council has paid $367,769.25 to councillors in the nine months between July 2023 and March 2024.

According to Yarra Ranges Council’s most recent Financial Report for 2022/23, the highest-paid executive, assumed to be CEO Tammi Rose, was afforded a remuneration package between $400,000 and $400,999 for the year ending 30 June 2023.

All other council executives had a package

between $220,000 and $339,999 for the same period.

This includes the current director of planning and sustainable Ffutures Kath McClusky, director of corporate services Andrew Hilson, former director of communities Jane Price (left in late 2023) and director of built environment and infrastructure Hjalmar Philipp (who only came on board on 20 February 2023) as well as the former director ofenvironment and infrastructure Mark Varmalis (from 1 Jul 22 to 28 Aug 22) and the former director of recovery Jane Sinnamon (from 1 Jul 22 to 31 Dec 22).

A further 18 senior staff at Yarra Ranges Council had packages between $160,000 and $219,999.

A look at rates and remuneration at Yarra Ranges Council.

Picture: ON FILE

Housing targets are set

By Callum Ludwig

The Department of Transport and Planning has released draft targets for all of Victoria’s 79 councils on where future homes should be built.

The targets form part of the government’s plan forVictoria to boost housing stock by 2.24 million homes by 2051 across the state.

The Yarra Ranges has been given a target of 28,000 new homes by 2051.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Sophie Todorov said their teams are still reviewing information from the State Government following their announcement of housing targets for different municipalities.

“The draft targets are designed to create more housing choice around existing and planned public transport, jobs and services, taking current development trends and environmental hazards into consideration, to accommodate 2.24 million new homes over coming decades,” she said.

“We’ll be meeting with representatives of the Department of Transport and Planning to discuss the proposed targets, and drafting a submission on the Plan for Victoria on these targets and other areas of the document,”

“We will also be meeting with representatives from other Councils through the Municipal Association of Victoria next month to discuss this key issue.”

Maroondah City Council has been given a goal of 44,000 new homes.

Maroondah City Council Mayor Kylie Spears said the Council has done significant work over the previous years to establish the Maroondah Housing Strategy 2022 and planning controls that allow for substantial future housing growth in Maroondah.

“As a result, Council believes it is theoretically possible to meet the Victorian Government’s housing targets in Maroondah as there

is substantial capacity to absorb additional Housing, for example there is current capacity within Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre for an additional 14,800 dwellings and 1100 dwellings in the Croydon Major Activity Centre,” she said.

“To accommodate additional future growth in an effective and enduring way, it will require further detailed analysis of where the housing is best located and in what form. Our approach to housing in Maroondah has always aimed to ensure that new housing is located in areas with good access to public transport, employment and services while also

minimising environmental impacts,”

“However, the current low industry demand, coupled with permit applications in Maroondah that are approved for nearly 1000 dwellings but not yet started, are not reflective of the existing opportunity and supply.”

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has also issued a statement on the targets.

MAV president Cr David Clark said the sector welcomes the opportunity to work with the State Government to further develop housing targets for all municipalities, to ensure all councils can share in the growth of the state to

meet current and future community needs.

“We recognise housing targets are only meaningful if they are linked to specific areas of development. Sustainable growth requires the associated community infrastructure to make areas liveable and to have employment and services close by are part of the development process,” he said.

“Across Victoria’s cities, suburbs, and regional towns a key focus must be on the quality and diversity of housing type.”

Cr Clark said councils had already acknowledged their role in addressing the housing crisis and have been working hard to facilitate solutions.

“Many councils are continuing to re-zone land and lodge planning scheme amendments to allow the possibility of additional housing stock to be built. We seek to work with the Planning Minister to open up these pathways to providing new housing development opportunities,” he said.

“We will also seek to work with the development industry and the State Government to get the more than 100,000 dwellings that have already been approved by councils – but not yet begun construction – built,”

“Alongside these key partners, we’ll continue the task of stimulating development by discussing incentives to achieve these targets, reduce other market impediments, and standardise a robust, place-based, developer contribution system across the state to accelerate housing development.”

Residents across Victoria can have their say on the government’s targets until the end of August.

“While we understand the government’s rationale for setting housing targets, we are yet to know how they have arrived at the targets proposed for Knox.”

To provide feedback or learn more about the draft housing targets, visit engage.vic.gov. au/shape-our-victoria

The draft targets for each local government area can be found on the Engage Victoria website. Picture: UNSPLASH

NEWS Volunteer groups deliver

By Mikayla van Loon

The strength of the outer east’s volunteering was put on display in the annual Casey Volunteer and Community Awards, as leading organisations from the electorate were recognised for their commitment and outstanding achievements.

The list was somewhat extensive for the urban parts of the Casey electorate seeing Caladenia Dementia Care, Lilydale and District Historical Society, Mooroolbark Conference of St Vincent De Paul Society, Holy Fools, Montrose Township Group, Discovery Community Care, Veterans for Fishing, Heritage Committee of Mount Lilydale Mercy College, Salvation Army Mooroolbark Corps – Emergency Relief Service, Candlebark Community Nursery Mooroolbark and Jim Fuller Community House each being named a recipient on Saturday 15 June.

For these volunteer groups, being recognised by Federal Casey MP Aaron Violi meant a great deal.

“We are delighted to receive this award, which honours the countless hours of work that our volunteers dedicate to our Society,” Lilydale Historical Society president Maria McCarthy said.

“This recognition highlights our commitment to research and archiving, both of which are vital for preserving the history of our area.”

This was reiterated by Holy Fools founder Neal Taylor, who said receiving the recognition in front of peers and fellow volunteers highlighted the importance of this work in the Yarra Ranges.

“It means recognition beyond our organisation to our peers and other organisations throughout the Yarra Ranges. It recognises the organisation and the fact that we are volunteer run and operated,” he said.

Beyond the official recognition, Caladenia Dementia Care chief executive officer Sarah Yeates said to know the nomination came from

within the organisation was special.

“This award is very special to us as we were nominated by one of our carers – it’s lovely to be recognised in such a special way,” she said.

Discovery Community Care’s Kathi Saric said the celebration of groups from around the area was a wonderful way to “raise awareness of the great community work across our region.”

Despite the positivity of the event, many organisations face challenges every day as volunteer-run groups, from maintaining the volunteer base to finances and increased need for outreach in the community.

“We have struggled with finances and receiving donations - what was plentiful before Covid has dramatically reduced since then... The lack of volunteers too has also brought about its own issues,” Mr Taylor said

Ms McCarthy said attracting volunteers and members was one of the greatest challenges the Society faced but without the dedicated people, history would fade.

“Life is busy for families, and spare time to

give back to the community is often the last thing on many people’s lists. However, it is essential to consider how we can contribute to our community,” she said.

“Finding value in helping to maintain our local history is crucial; otherwise, valuable stories and people’s accomplishments will be forgotten.”

Somewhere like Discovery Community Care has seen rapid growth in the need for assistance as costs hit families harder.

“It highlights the great need for services like ours and others in our region. And of course with growth, comes greater expenses, so trying to keep a community organisation afloat financially is a great challenge,” Ms Saric said.

“Sadly, we saw many local community organisations closed down post-covid. We are trying to stay in the game for the sake of contributing to the overall wellbeing of our region, but funding to do so is always a challenge.”

But still the community organisation has made way for more offerings like art, gardening and lunches, something Ms Saric said all

aims to reduce social isolation.

“We have been a safe landing place for people who are struggling with life’s challenges, some suicidal, others simply overwhelmed, to come and be with others as they try to navigate their way through their current circumstances,” she said.

The milestones this year for Holy Fools have reached new heights too, celebrating 10 years of StreetAngels,15yearsofoperationandthestart of the Lilydale Homeless Resource Centre.

With a growing need for dementia support services, Ms Yeates said Caladenia is currently “providing services over and above our funding levels” because of the community desire to access such care.

“We are so proud to be a provider of respite and social activities for people living with dementia, but we also provide services to carers, and support our growing pool of volunteers,” she said.

Each organisation said similar when it came to the state of volunteerism, that the retirees make up the majority of the workforce but it would be nice to engage younger people if possible.

“We are finding recent retirees are coming in to join our volunteer team as they want to remain engaged and have a sense of purpose. The older demographic are so faithful in their volunteerism, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them,” Ms Saric said.

Flexibility was a key part of achieving that goal, according to Ms Yeates.

“Caladenia would not be where we are today without our skilled and dedicated volunteers. Volunteering is changing, and I think traditional volunteering has to change as well.

“Flexibility is paramount, being able to fit with volunteers who may have less time, or flexible time to give.”

“Volunteers are people who find true value in their community, and volunteers are always welcome and appreciated and acknowledged,” Ms McCarthy said.

Volunteering individuals are working to better others

By Mikayla van Loon

The act of volunteering for many individuals is about giving back and doing something bigger than themselves.

That was what led two recipients of a Casey Community and Volunteer Award to their volunteering decades ago.

As just two of 52 residents across the Yarra Ranges to be recognised by Casey MP Aaron Violi, Nick Lundh and Gary O’Regan share similar stories of wanting to help young people thrive.

Mr Lundh began volunteering as a 15-year-old teaching karate at the Montrose Town Hall in 1984 which has evolved over the years to see him now being an integral part of the Lilydale Community Youth Club.

“This is an important venture for me as I like to give back to the community and I see it as paying it forward,” he said.

“When I was young just like the youth of today there were many challenges that I had to face and I found Boxing and Martial Arts really helped me. In particular to self discipline, control, motivation and other great life lessons such as you must risk failure for success.”

While some young people come from troubled backgrounds, Mr Lundh said for the most part he has “great faith in today’s young people that they will make the world a better place”.

The Youth Club’s aim is to get young people fit, healthy and disciplined, while training them to be community minded.

Bringing all demographics together from police officers, to ex-criminals, men, women and children, Mr Lundh said that was the power of the club.

“We have different races, men, women and children all mixing together with no false pretences working in unity and friendship. As the saying goes, the world would be a better place if it was more like a boxing gym,” he said.

Picture: SUPPLIED

The development and the outcomes, Mr Lundh said, was the most rewarding part, seeing people he’d trained 20 or 30 years ago become leaders in their own right.

“The most rewarding aspect is to see young people transform into highly competent, great community minded and contributing citizens.”

Mr O’Regan’s contribution via Mooroolbark’s Boys’ Brigade (BB) has had a similar impact and tows a similar line of outcome, seeing young men go out into the world as leaders with compassion.

Having started with the Brigade himself as a young man, Mr O’Regan said in his early 20s he “felt in my heart a leading and desire to volunteer at Mooroolbark BB and be part of something bigger and more significant in life”.

“I had seen my own skills and self-confidence grow, I felt consistently encouraged and more and more grounded in life, as well as appreciative of the huge investment my BB leaders and mentors were making in

me,” he said.

“I saw value in what the Boys’ Brigade was already doing in the local community, so it stood out to me as a place where I knew I could not only give back, but connect with others and help youth and young men lead in their own lives.”

Some 25 years later he continues to support young men and see them grow, build confidence and skills via sports, games, outdoor adventures, camps, special events and competitions.

“I’ve found it immensely rewarding sharing with a dedicated team of BB volunteers in the growth and development of several hundred youth and young men over my 25 years as a volunteer, seeing them grow and transform to confident and responsible individuals, with a strong sense of purpose, identity and a greater realisation of their value and potential,” Mr O’Regan said.

Each humbled by the awards, Mr Lundh and Mr O’Regan said the reward was watching these young people transform in front of them and continuing the legacy they too experienced from their predecessors.

“I certainly appreciate this award but it is also dedicated to my team who help coach the kids with me, my boxers who are great mentors to others and if it wasn’t for the help and guidance that I received in my own youth I may not be in the position that I am in today which I am more grateful for,” Mr Lundh said.

“Receiving this recognition was a humbling reminder that the work we do is valued and impactful. It’s not just about the time spent, it’s about the lives transformed and the community we’ve built and supported together,” Mr O’Regan said.

Fellow volunteer award recipients included:

· Neal Taylor – Holy Fools

· Mark Watson – Kilsyth Cricket Club

· Simone Ritchie and Pat Natoli – Montrose Community Cupboard

· Geoff Dawson – Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade (CFA)

· Peter Harris – Chirnside Park Primary School

· Sharon Chuck – Rotary Club of Lilydale

· Frank Longayroux – Lilydale Community Youth Hub

· Aunty Lou Baulch – Boorndawan Aboriginal Healing Service

· Kim and Daniel Walton – Mother’s Day Classic, Lilydale

· Andrew Ermel – Rotary, CFA & Basketball Activities

· Rhonda Carson – Caladenia Dementia Care

· Frank Haynes – Montrose Men’s Shed & service to Mooroolbark community

· Richard Moody – Lilydale & Chirnside Park CFA

· Darren Ayton – Different Journeys

· Mark Peers – Lilydale Rats Inline Hockey Club

· Bill Dobson – Lilydale RSL

· Geoff Earney – Service to Mooroolbark community

· Robyn Parker – Lilydale Township Action Group and Kreative Kids

· Lynn and Peter Menhennitt – Discovery Community Care

Mr Violi said the number of nominations this year was a testament to the strong community here in the Yarra Ranges.

“We’ve seen countless nominations for volunteers and community groups right across the Yarra Ranges, which shows just how strong our community is with so many people working to make our community even stronger,” he said.

“These volunteers and community groups are the people who go above and beyond to care for others, create strong townships, care for others, preserve local history, look after our environment, organise community events and support others in need.”

Lilydale Community Youth Club’s Nick Lundh was presented with a volunteer award from Casey MP Aaron Violi.

Members of the Lilydale and District Historical Society with Casey MP Aaron Violi.

Where to pick up your FREE Star Mail

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar3 Meadowgate Drive

CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Caltex Safeway239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK EG Fuelco Service StationChirnside Park Shopping Cr Little

Chipping Drive, 241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Chirnside Park Country Club 68 Kingswood Drive

CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar158 Nangathan Way

CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar11 The Mall

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketChuringa SC, Russo Place

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketCanterbury Road Kilsyth

KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette Unit 7/87 Colchester Road

LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC51-59 Anderson Street

LILYDALE Woolworths SupermarketMarketplace, 33 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale VillageCastella Street & Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre7 Hardy Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre1 Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station473 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale346 Main Street

LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths31 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE BP Service Station87 Warburton Highway

LILYDALE Shell Service Station469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE 7 - Eleven LilydaleCnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Coles Express469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe251 Main Street

LILYDALE Round Bird Can't Fly170 Main Street

LILYDALE The Lilydale General110 Beresford Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery96 Main Street

LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe178 Main Street

LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe222 Main Street

LILYDALE Gracious GraceCastella Street

LILYDALE Melba Coffee House33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies7/75 Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Point of View CafeLilydale Lakeside - Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE Freda's Cafe2 Clarke Street

LILYDALE Barry Plant Real Estate88 Main Street

LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate164 Main Street

LILYDALE Hello Harry245 Main Street

LILYDALE Noel Jones Real Estate 281 Main Street

LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate111-113 Main Street

LILYDALE Grubs Up1 Industrial Park Drive

LILYDALE Mc Donalds RestaurantMaroondah Highway

LILYDALE Olinda Creek HotelMaroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Crown HotelMaroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street

MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road

MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street

MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent

MOUNT EVELYN Red Robyn Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent

MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road

MOUNT EVELYN Bendigo Bank 2/35-39 Wray Cres

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket916 Mt Dandenong Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket15 Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Bendigo BankUnit 19/66 - 74 Brice Ave

MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar38 Bellara Dive

MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart108 Hayrick Lane

MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark103 Cardigan Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Express2 Cambridge Road

MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real EstateBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK L J HookerBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK Mc Donalds RestaurantManchester Road

MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale138 York Road

WANDIN NORTH Wandin Newsagency Shop 2 /18 Union Road

Recycled water pilot

A first of its kind recycled water offset program will be heading to Croydon’s Barngeong Reserve to counteract the usage of drinking water during a major infrastructure project.

Yarra Valley Water is partnering with major infrastructure delivery organisations to reduce the impact of using drinking water in construction through a new water offset program. A pilot is underway with a level crossing removal project in Melbourne’s east.

Water is essential to the delivery of major infrastructure projects. Yarra Valley Water’s Recycled Water Community Assets Program is providing an offset scheme for major projects that do not have access to recycled water during construction.

The program offsets drinking water used in construction through a scheme that enables construction organisations to fund new recycled water infrastructure elsewhere. The recycled water asset balances their drinking water footprint with a sustainable alternative supply, and provides an ongoing benefit for communities.

Under the program, a level crossing removal project will provide 300m of new recycled water main to supply Barngeong Reserve, Croydon. This will offset the drinking water used during the construction phase of removing the level crossing and provide a new, ongoing supply of recycled water to irrigate local sports fields.

Yarra Valley Water managing director Pat McCafferty said the recycled water offset program is one of the first of its kind in Australia.

“Water plays a vital role in construction, as it’s used for dust suppression and irrigation for landscaping,” he said.

“While many businesses use recycled water from nearby hydrants and fill points for construction, projects that are over 10 kilometres away from a recycled water source face challenges. The logistics of transporting water

often outweigh the benefits of purchasing recycled water due to increased emissions and costs.

“We’re offering a way to save drinking water by partnering with large infrastructure projects to invest in recycled water assets. This not only balances out the drinking water used during construction work, but also means community spaces like sports fields can be irrigated with a sustainable water supply on an ongoing basis.”

Recycled water is produced from the treatment of wastewater. It provides a safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to drinking water to water gardens and green spaces, wash clothes and cars, and flush toilets.

Maroondah Council mayor Kylie Spears said the program is expected to save the council three million litres of drinking water per year on an ongoing basis.

“Recycled water keeps our green public spaces looking wonderful and lush. While it’s not suited for drinking, it’s perfect for irrigating grass, and trees in areas such as parks, sporting facilities and golf courses,” he said.

“This project benefits Maroondah Council as it provides drought-proof use of the reserve for the local community.”

Level Crossing Removal Project program director Steve Brown said the water offset program reflected the level crossing removal project’s commitment to environmental values.

“Sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do. This innovative approach used throughout construction of level crossing removal projects allows us to reduce our water usage impacts,” he said.

“Through this partnership, we’re not only helping to offset water use for the Maroondah community, but we’re also setting a water-saving precedent for future large-scale projects in the community.”

Barngeong Reserve in Croydon will have its drinking water offset by a recycled water pilot.

Pictures: YARRA VALLEY WATER

Yarra Valley Water’s Aurora Recycled Water Facility.

Vet’s 100 years well lived

By Mikayla van Loon

From a young man growing up in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne to the Asian islands of Borneo and Morotai,WorldWar II veteran Geoffrey Heath’s 100 years have been full of memories.

He celebrated his centenary on 6 June, with a gathering of family and friends, of which there are many, on 8 June at the Mount Evelyn RSL.

The former Royal Australian Air Force Leading Aircraftman was born in Camberwell as the second youngest of six, with one sister and four brothers.

He attended Camberwell South Primary School and then to the Melbourne Technical Junior High where he trained as a mechanic.

“It was the thing everyone wanted to be in those days,” Mr Heath said.

As someone who liked to work with hands, becoming a mechanic seemed like the best fit.

His first job, however, was at the age of 17 working at Snows Department Store selling menswear before he was hired by a garage where he developed his skills in car repairs.

Living life as a teenager, Mr Heath said he would frequent the cinema and dance school, the two activities that kept him entertained.

“It was ballroom dancing and normal dancing.We were taught a lot. He was a good teacher, him and his wife. I was quite happy there,” he said.

What made it even more special was meeting his wife of 55 years, Winifred, in one of the classes.

Mr Heath said at first, Winifred didn’t like him much but over time she came around and “we got together”.

After dating for a while, the pair soon be-

came engaged.

By 1943, at 19 years of age, Mr Heath signed up to join the RAAF as an aircraft mechanic.

Sent to Shepparton, Mr Heath’s first experience as part of the RAAF was the medical, where he had 11 teeth pulled out and described getting poked by needles as feeling “like a porcupine”.

Joining the war effort without second thought, Mr Heath said “it was the thing you did in those times”.

“Training was very particular and we had to do what we were told. I learnt to keep my mouth shut.”

Conducting basic training and marching drills in Victoria, Mr Heath caught the train to Adelaide where he was taught to work on aircraft motors and how to repair them, something he said was entirely different from motor vehicles.

“Then I was posted to Mount Gambier for my first practical experience in the aircraft. Two of the aircraft I worked on crashed while I was there, not my fault, but because of pilot error,” he said.

Not just working on the ground, Mr Heath had his first flying experience in an Avro Anson aircraft, to which the pilot told him “grab a parachute, ‘you’re coming with me’”.

From Mount Gambier, Mr Heath was deployed to Townsville where he did jungle training to prepare for the terrain of the islands he was about to visit.

Boarding the American troop ship called the General McRae, it set sail for Morotai.

“And I went all over the world then.”

The journey was not without its challenges, with Mr Heath experiencing a terrible bout of seasickness, so bad he said he thinks it cured

him for the rest of the trips he would take by ship.

In Morotai, Mr Heath was posted to the 22 RSU, the salvage and repair unit, where he first worked on Kitty Hawk fighter planes. They would later become his favourite form of aircraft.

With the war going on around him, Mr Heath however, was so exhausted from the journey across the seas, he slept through the night of his first bombing raid.

The bombing would only continue as Mr Heath island hopped to nearby Labuan, a smaller island off the west coast of Borneo, where he was tasked as part of a unit to clear the airstrip.

The best way Mr Heath could describe the islands was “rugged” and “hot and humid. I walked around in a pair of shorts and not much else at all.”

“We didn’t enjoy it there but it was just one of those things we had to do.”

During his time on the islands, Mr Heath said he could not go anywhere without his rifle, whether that be to sleep or the toilet.

Serving two years, the war was declared won in 1945 and Mr Heath was transferred to 13 Squadron.

It was here that he became a flight engineer of a Venturer Bomber and was tasked to the aircraft carrying Major General Colin Hall Simpson who organised the repatriation of prisoners of war.

Only afterwards did Mr Heath realise the job he undertook, saying “we didn’t think about it, we just did it”.

Seeing the condition of the POWs, Mr Heath said, wasn’t pleasant and was quite confronting.

Discharged, instead of sailing home, Mr Heath returned to Borneo, patched up a Venturer Bomber and flew to Adelaide.

The first thing he did was call Winifred to tell her he’d see her the next day.

Arriving at Laverton airport, Mr Heath jumped the fence and hitched a ride to Melbourne and caught a tram home.

Nine weeks later, he and Winifred married.

They honeymooned in Marysville, to which Mr Heath said was “a real bush town”.

Moving from an apartment in Hawthorn to their first home in Blackburn South, Mr Heath has always lived in the east, now residing in Mount Evelyn with his daughter Jeanette, because “it’s a good place to be”.

Working full time, first for Camberwell Council as a mechanic and then for Ringwood Council as a cost clerk, Mr Heath worked part time jobs as well as a theatre usher, as a football umpire, a petrol station assistant and at the Ringwood bowling alley teaching people how to bowl.

“He was a man of many talents,” Jeanette said.

“He was always busy. I never knew him to be able to sit still.”

Mr and Mrs Heath had five beautiful children, Colin, Don, Brian, Bev and Jeanette, and have extended the family to 14 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

Sadly, Winifred died in 2001 after being ill but the couple were able to share many happy years together, especially travelling around Australia in their caravan.

“I’ve had a great life, with good people to look after me and I’ve been able to look after them.”

World War II veteran Geoffrey (Geoff) Norman Heath, turned 100 on 6 June. 414665

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERSMr Heath was just 19 years old when he joined the RAAF and journeyed to the Asian islands of Morotai and Borneo. 414665

NEWS Probus Club’s 40th year

The Probus Club of Croydon celebrated its 40th birthday earlier this month bringing about memories and photos from the past.

Bring members and the committee together on 12 June at Club Kilsyth’s Cambridge Room, it was a wonderful celebration for the collective of friends.

Croydon MP David Hodgett presented club president Karin Standish with a 40th anniversary certificate.

“With approximately 85 members the club offers a range of social activities and outings, offering a great way to connect with other members of the community and make new friendships,” Mr Hodgett posted to social media.

“Congratulations to the club on this wonderful achievement.”

After the presentation there was a short break enabling Mr Hodgett, his assistant Emma Gallagher and members to share Probus fellowship.

At the break’s conclusion, the general meeting was held and then a member gave an interesting Getting To Know You presentation, followed by members and guests taking part in a hilarious game of football bingo.

A delicious luncheon followed the meeting and was enjoyed by all.

A record of the Club’s history was on display for members to peruse, including newspaper clippings, photograph albums and records of past activities.

The combined member club of men and women always welcomes new members, with meetings held on the second Wednesday of the month at 10am at Club Kilsyth.

Gratitude

for community who gave generously

The Yarra Ranges community came out in droves to support local not-for-profit Holy Fools by donating personal care items through a shopping centre initiative.

From from Monday 27 May until Sunday 16 June shoppers at LilydaleVillage were invited to donate deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, tissues, hand sanitiser, toothbrushes and other personal hygiene supplies that would go on to make care packs for Holy Fools to distribute in July.

Lilydale Village, owned by ISPT, extended its heartfelt thanks to the Yarra Ranges community for their support during Operation Care Pack, highlighting the overwhelming response it received.

This community-driven initiative aimed at providing personal care packs to vulnerable community members in theYarra Ranges was able to garner $3,219 worth of care

pack items which were generously donated.

Lilydale Village centre manager Mark Ensor expressed his appreciation for the community’s generosity.

“It’s wonderful to see the community rallying behind such a worthwhile cause and providing much-needed assistance to those facing challenges, especially during the Winter season,” he said.

In addition, Ensor extended special recognition and gratitude to the exceptional volunteers from Holy Fools, who will dedicate their time to distributing the personal car packs over the coming weeks.

Operation Care Pack has played an important role in ensuring the wellbeing of individuals in need. Lilydale Village, together with Holy Fools, is proud of its commitment to making a positive impact within our community.

Lauren Pascale and Esther Liu from Lilydale Village with the donations collected throughout Operation Care Pack. Picture: SUPPLIED

Croydon MP David Hodgett presenting the anniversary certificate to president Karin Standish.

With the sun out on a crisp Sunday morning, Montrose Recreation Reserve came alive with sports goers, as the netball and football community came together for a display of talent and skill.

The Montrose Football Netball Club’s Girls Day Out was unmatched in its support from the opening time of 9am, with the junior girls kicking off the day with their regular play, while the netball courts were filled with exhibition matches.

Female made and owned market stalls surrounded the ground and guest speakers were welcomed into the pavilion throughout the day to share their story of growth, achievement and development.

With the focus being togetherness, wellbeing and women supporting women, the crowds certainly got behind the theme of the day.

The Under 12s kicked off the day of play with Montrose versing Wantirna South.

The market stalls showcased handmade floral arrangements, skincare and artworks, all female led.

While football and netball were the two main sports on display, a cricket net allowed all to try their hand at batting.

Montrose FNC, Chirnside Park Netball Club and Montrose Netball Club came together to showcase the sport with the help of JC Assist.

Ebony and Ivory owner Ebony Miller was proud to be part of the women’s run day by hosting a market stall of hand painted goodies.

A fantasy novel review PASSION FOR

PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

A review of Babel by R.F. Kuang

The full title of American author R.F. Kuang’s 2022 Nebula Award-winning fantasy novel is “Babel, or the Necessity ofViolence: an Arcane History of Oxford Translators’ Revolution”. The book won the 2023 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel and was named the 2023 Fiction Book of the Year by the British Book Awards.

Babel is set in an alternative-reality 1830s England, when the British Empire’s global economic and colonial supremacy is at its peak. The story follows Robin, an orphan from Canton who is taken to London to study languages and the art of translation. He enrols in the Royal Institution of Translation, nicknamed “Babel”, in Oxford.

At Babel, Robin and his friends – Ramy, Letty and Victoire – study a wide range of classic and contemporary languages and fully immerse themselves in the joy of pursuing knowledge and academic excellence. The indepth depiction of their research and the evolution of their friendship is both exhilarating and heart-warming.

However, Robin soon discovers Babel’s real function is to cultivate translators from various colonies so that they can facilitate the British Empire’s dominance over them. An even more important contribution the foreign-born translators are expected to make is to the “silver working”, the making of magical silver bars that solidify Britain’s status as a leading imperialist nation.

Specifically, translators like Robin are trained to capture what is “lost in translation” between words in different languages that have similar, but not identical, meanings. The power harnessed from that subtle difference is then manifested in enchanted silver bars, which not only boosts industrial and agricultural production but also enhances weaponry, heals injuries, and more. The author’s illustration of Robin’s inner conflicts is candid, intricate, and empathetic. As much as he desires a comfortable life in his adopted country, he is deeply troubled by what he sees there – not just the pervasive poverty, unemployment and general distress caused by technological advances, but also the exploitation of the poor by the rich, powerful elite.

Worse, as Robin witnesses the British’s contempt against the Chinese, and further learns the Empire’s plan to launch a war and force China into accepting free trade and opium, he becomes convinced that violence is necessary

The full title of American author R.F. Kuang’s 2022 Nebula Award-winning fantasy novel is “Babel, or the Necessity of Violence: an Arcane History of Oxford Translators’ Revolution”. Picture: SUPPLIED

in the preservation of peace. But how can a handful of students counter the whole mighty Empire?

Babel is a controversial book, with readers either embracing it or criticising its writing as being “didactic and lecturer-y”. There is no doubt that those enthralled by action-packed, fast-paced thrillers will find the book “disappointing” and “slow”. Yet, for the patient and inquisitive eye, the meticulously researched and splendidly crafted story is heart-achingly beautiful.

Meanwhile, the book’s other commendable features include its memorable characters – especially how their motives and goals are shaped by their backgrounds – and the extensive use of footnotes. The latter is particularly enticing, as the notes successfully merge the historical with the speculative, creating a fantastical world where the heroes’ quests – some admirable while others pitiful – become our own.

Highly recommended.

Linklater hits a home run with scintillating Hit Man

Hit Man

Starring Glen Powell and Adria Arjona

Rated MA15+ 4.5/5

Hit Man is a scintillating, brilliantly-written crime comedy by Richard Linklater.

Gary Johnson (Glen Powell, who also co-wrote the film with Linklater), a college professor and police technician, becomes an undercover fake hitman entrapping his clients.

Posing as the hitman Ron, Gary falls for his new client Madison Masters (Adria Arjona).

Linklater is one of the best actor’s directors working today, and Hit Man is full of engaging performances and rich, literary yet natural dialogue.

Powell is a chameleon as Gary, taking on markedly different personae for each sting operation, and through his electric chemistry with Madison, it’s fun to see the mild-mannered Gary become more like his rugged alter-ego Ron.

The well-paced plot feels easygoing yet suspenseful, with several layers of intrigue and an invigorating sense of fact and fiction blurring, as a real murder scheme intertwines with Gary/Ron’s police acting

and romantic fantasy.

Hit Man is loosely based on a 2001 Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth about the real Gary Johnson, who took on various false identities to aid in the arrest of over seventy people seeking to hire contract killers.

Hit Man is Linklater’s second collaboration with Hollandsworth, with their first being the 2011 true story crime comedy Bernie.

For a more action-focused assassinthemed comedy, watch The Killer by David Fincher (which was my seventh-best film of 2023), but Hit Man is a clever, witty, sexy comedy available for streaming on Netflix.

- Seth Lukas

Hynes

Burrinja Theatre call out for young Bell Curve performers

Burrinja Theatre

Bell Curve Call Out

Are you an experienced musician or a music enthusiast? Are you between the ages of 12 and 25? Keen to try your hand at bell ringing?

Burrinja wants to hear from you.

Be a part of local, high quality art music event presenting contemporary music com posed by an award winning composer.

Bell Curve is a contemporary spatial performance work for twelve independent bellringers composed by Eugen Ughetti and performed with the Federation Bells.

Bell Curve is a site-specific work that will come unique to Burrinja.

The presentation will occur in unconventional locations in venue (foyer, gallery etc.) or even multiple locations.

The presentation of Bell Curve will be part of the company’s After Dark program alongside other programmed events such as exhibition openings, artist talks, children’s activities, gallery tours and workshops.

Days of commitment are:

· Wednesday 10 July, three hours (time TBC), first half of Bell Curve

· Thursday 11 July, three hours (time TBC), learn second half of Bell Curve

· Friday 12 July, three hours (TBC), putting it all together.

· Saturday 13 July, full day, time (TBC), dress rehearsal and performance.

· Contact Office 9754 1509 Mon - Fri. 9am5pm.

Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances

Inventi Ensemble

award Winning Chamber Music

Three simple notes open the famous Symphonic Dances by Rachmaninov which then evolves into an unique work like no other.

Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Rahmonov’s birth, his Symphonic Dances receive the Inventi treatment.

This beautiful and rich symphonic work features the colours and textures that Rachmaninov is famous for.

Arranged for flute, oboe, bassoon, violin and cello.

This musical adventure will be the latest triumph in Inventi’s musical exploration.

· Season: Saturday 27 July at 2pm.

· Venue: Burrinja Theatre

Centrestage Youth Theatre @ The 1812 Theatre

Radium Girls

In 1920 radium was a miracle cure/ Madame Curie an international celebrity and luminous watches the latest rage; until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious affliction.

Season closes 13 July.

Eltham Little Theatre

presents Into the Woods JR.

Once upon a time Eltham Little Theatre cordially invites you to a far-off kingdom to meet a fair maiden a sad young lad and s childless baker with his wife.

Be careful what you wish for, as Stephen Sondheim’s and James Laines cock-eyed fairytale comes to life in this adaptation of their groundbreaking.

Tony Award winning musical not the Woods JR features all your favourite characters – Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack ( and his beanstalk) and the Witch – in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables.

The musical centres on a baker and his wife who want to have a child, Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival and Jack who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set out on a journey to break the curse and wind up changed forever.

· Season: Saturday 6 July at 1pm and 5pm. Sunday 7 July at 1pm.

· Saturday 13 July at 1pm and 5pm. Sunday 14 July at

PROPERTY

A SPECTACULAR PROPERTY WITH INCOME POTENTIAL

A SPECTACULAR PROPERTY WITH INCOME POTENTIAL

VILLA Raedward, set in two acres of stunning, mature, low maintenance garden, offers three architecturally designed separate dwellings; a grand, three-storey villa and two separate one bedroom residences approved for short-stay accommodation which is in high demand in the Yarra Valley. The Grand Villa is a luxurious palazzo style, with a pivotal 11- metre-high central void, offering enormous light and surrounded by staircase to access the four bedrooms and extraordinary bathrooms. Three of the main bedrooms are complete with their own balcony that each celebrate the magnificent views of the mountain range and rolling pastured fields.

The main Villa features also include a study, two marble bathrooms, powder room, large kitchen with walk-in pantry, 3 additional separate living areas, a wine cellar and storage facility, enormous laundry and downstairs shower room, gymnasium, sizeable walk-in linen, and storage room, and a massive 12.5 x 7.1 garage with direct entry off the circular driveway, under floor heating, two magnificent fireplaces, solar panels to keep running costs to a minimal.

The two guest accommodations each have their own courtyard, luxury bathrooms, kitchens with high end fixtures and fittings including stone benchtops and separate under cover parking. Both the one-bedroom residence patios have vistas of the most stunning water feature and treelined colonnade.

Elsewhere the gardens feature mature trees and flowering shrubs, extensive lawns, a secluded Japanese garden, and an expansive pergola-colonnade leading to a gazebo with fabulous pizza oven.

Seasonal fruit and vegetables are available year-round from the orchard and superb raised vegetable gardens.

There is also a Tuscan style outbuilding with 3 large 2.6 x 6 metre spaces, each with double doors, perfect for mechanical storage, potting shed, or even artistic workspace. For further information call Property Partners today.

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. ●

“ “

Paul has been an absolute pleasure to work with. From the moment we met, he made it his mission to help us find our dream home. Buying a house is a stressful process for the best of us, but with Paul’s support we managed to buy our first house with relative ease. He answered all of our many phone calls and questions with a kind word and plenty of encouragement. Thank you to Paul and the team at property partners! You helped make our dream come true! ~ Buyer

“ “

I chose Property Partners because I sought a savvy and dedicated agent in Paul Marra. His engaging and personable manner rewarded and eased the selling experience. He was extremely generous with his insight, time and advice, before and after the sale, which was achieved quickly and effectively. ~ Seller

EXPERIENCE SERENITY IN YOUR IDYLLIC RETREAT

NESTLED on over half an acre of picturesque land, just a short 15 minute drive from the vibrant trendy town of Warburton and boasting frontage to the serene McMahons Creek, this charming, solid mud brick home offers the ultimate weekend escape or permanent refuge from the hustle and bustle.

This delightful residence boasts an airy open plan layout, featuring a generously sized bedroom with space for additional beds for guests. The rustic kitchen, complete with a stunning wood burning stove, not only promises delicious homemade bread but also ensures warmth and comfort during the cooler months, complemented by an inviting open fire and efficient wood heater. Additional highlights include a spacious laundry area, a quaint bathroom with shower over bath, and a large undercover entertaining/storage space at the rear of the home, which could potentially be enclosed as a further living space or bedrooms (STCA).

The highlight is undoubtedly the breathtaking view of McMahons Creek, whether admired through the expansive windows while relaxing by the toasty open fire or savoured from the shade of the front verandah or paved entertaining area in the shade of a tree. Impeccably maintained inside and out, this property exudes peace, tranquility, and inspiration, offering an unparalleled connection to nature amidst rolling grass and the soothing sounds of native birdlife and babbling creek.

This extraordinary property must be seen to be fully appreciated – seize the opportunity to own your own slice of paradise today. ●

ModernConvenientEasyCareliving

Agreatlocationandconvenientlypositionedthisneathomeoffers alowmaintenanceeasycare lifestyle.Offering 2greatsizebedroomswithbuiltinrobesand asemiensuite,spaciousopenplan living/loungeareawithanopenplanmodernkitchenwithamplebenchandcupboardspace. Entertainoutsideinallseasonswith acoveredentertainingareait’stheidealspottorelaxandenjoy thecolorfulvista,carparkingisallsortedwithlargecarportplusextracarortrailerspace. Aneatpropertyina superblocationjust ashortstrolltoYarraJunctionsshoppinghub,localschools, transportandtheYarraCentrewith avarietyofsportingfacilitiestosuitthewholefamily.

31FishermanDrive,Reefton$695,000 -$760,000

Escapetoyourriversideparadise!

Nestledonover1&1/2acresoflushland,andenjoyingadjacentriverreserve,thisenchanting propertyoffers alifestyleoftranquillityandleisure.Asthedayfadesintoevening,retreattoyour expansiverearveranda.Youcanunwindamidstnature’sbeauty,perhapsindulgingina soothing soakintheoutdoorclawfootbath.Inside, acozyambiancebeckons,courtesyoftheslow combustionwoodfireandsplitsystem,ensuringyear-roundcomfortforyourfamily.Thewarmthofa lovelytimberkitchenprovidesamplespacetocookup afeast.Withtwoinvitingbedroomsandan additionalprivatestudioorguestroom,completewithitsownlittledeck,thepropertyoffersversatility andseclusion.Safetyandsecurityareparamount,thankstothefencedbackyard,providingpeace ofmindforbothchildrenandpetsalike.Don’tmissout...Yourriversideparadiseawaits!

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

Inspection: Sat2:00-2:30pm 2 A 1 B

FantasticfamilyhomewithdreamyValleyviews Stepinsidethisspacioussplitlevelfamilyhome,locatedin ahighlysoughtafterarea.Thehouseis bathedinnaturallight,featuring aperfectlysituatedlivingareawithstunningmountainviews.Enjoy yourmorningsonthelargefrontdeck.Themasterbedroom,convenientlylocatedoffthemainliving area,servesasa peacefulretreat,completewithanensuiteand adeepdoublerobe.Theupper levelopenstothediningandkitchenarea,allclosetobedrooms2 and3 andbothequippedwith builtinrobesand aloftstorage.Stepthroughthebackdoortodiscoverfullyfenced,securecovered patioarea,overlookinga lovelygardenlandscapethatbacksonto apaddock.Thelocationis fantastic,withtheWarburtonRailTrailjust ashortwalkaway,andconvenientaccesstopublic transportandlocalshops.Thisisa homeyou’llbeproudtocallyourown.

GrandHomewith5 bedroomsina SuperbLocation

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

HOME FOCUS

CHARMING HOME WITH IMMENSE VERSATILITY

PRIVATE inspections by appointment only, please contact Rachel Eastwood or Daniel Steen to book in today.

Nestled peacefully into a sought-after Ferny Creek location, with easy access to all amenities including local bus route, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Ferny Creek Primary School, Upper Ferntree Gully Train Station and only a 50 minute drive to the city this one of a kind property on a 2696sqm block will offer a true Hills lifestyle.

Complimented by an extremely versatile floorplan, this double-storey family sized home boasts a spacious lower level bedroom, bathroom/laundry and private deck. On the upper level, a covered walkway leads the way to the second studio/bedroom also with its own private bathroom. With a freestanding studio also on offer, this property is brimming with possibilities for large or extended families and investors alike.

The main section of the home also boasts flexibility within its floorplan. The lounge contains beautiful picture windows, a warm wood fire, and beautiful timber floors flow into the kitchen with breakfast bar, pressed metal splash back and gas cooker. In addition to the main bedroom with modern ensuite, decking and the bonus bedroom with built-in robes, there is a second living area that could serve as a comfortable extra bedroom with ample storage.

With additional features including split system heating/cooling, multiple outdoor entertaining areas, a double carport, garden shed, and wood shed, this is the perfect, one of a kind property with tree top views and Kookaburras that come to visit. Unique 2,696sqm (approx.) property near transport, schools, and parkland. Several options for growing families and investors.

· Infrared sauna and outdoor shower, perfect for the health conscience person who seeks a retreat.

Versatile double-storey residence with stylish kitchen with breakfast bar. Lounge with wood fire and main bedroom with modern ensuite.

· Featuring a vegetable garden in the back yard.

· Double carport and several superb outdoor entertaining areas.

Property address known as 133 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Ferny Creek, however 14 Kallamondah Road, Ferny Creek is being used for access throughout the sales campaign. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

HOME FOCUS

DELIGHTFUL TOWNHOUSE 3 YEARS OLD

TAKE advantage of the benefits of buying new with this gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse with single lock-up garage, walking distance to Healesville’s main street.

Contemporary by design, and complete with high quality fixtures and fittings, this property has a successful history of holiday rental, providing the astute investor with a platform for lucrative returns.

The home comprises master bedroom (with en suite and walk-in robe), builtin robes to all other bedrooms, and an additional study nook. There are block-out blinds upstairs, and LED lighting throughout with dimmers. The home is all class: complete with stone bench tops, blackbutt flooring, authentic wool carpets, and a great yard with pergola. You can admire the northfacing view from inside the dining room, upstairs bedroom, backyard and study area. The home is heated with gas ducted heating and cooled with reverse cycles upstairs and downstairs.

Text 3.5CROWLEY to 0448 820 022 for more information. ●

HOME FOCUS

GORGEOUS AVONSLEIGH LOCATION

THIS beautifully presented four bedroom home is the ideal family home. Situated on over an acre of manicured gardens with established trees, this property is calling all those who love to potter outdoors.

Relax an unwind on the private wrap around side and rear deck as you overlook the bulbs coming up and your children or pets enjoying the open space.

Then wander inside to find a cosy carpeted sunken loungeroom with woodfire heater and solid cornice plastering and welcoming arch windows.

Hardwood floors lead through to the kitchen which is open plan with the dining area with plenty of space for a generous table and has a split system AC. The kitchen is well equipped with a 900mm gas stove top, electric oven, large central stone island, and a stainless steel dishwasher and rangehood. The home also offers gas ducted heating.

Then continue flowing through the home to find a second loungeroom with direct access to the rear deck. This loungeroom not only offers a split system AC, and gorgeous views of the garden, but also a door down to the cellar. Then there is a spacious laundry with plenty of storage and bench space.

The bedrooms are zoned along the home with two generous bedrooms with built-in robes to the rear of the home, then a family bathroom with a bath and separate shower. Continue along the hallway to find another bedroom with built-in wardrobes and at the front of the home is a luxurious master bedroom. The master bedroom has built in wardrobes, and a modern ensuite with a walk in shower, toilet and vanity.

Externally in the established gardens is a garden shed, double carport attached to the home, and an under house workshop area. 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. ●

4NanganaStreet,Cockatoo$790,000 -$865,000

BeautifulCountryHomelessthan 5minutestotown!

Thischarming 3bedroom,2 bathroomfamilyhomewithDLUG,isconvenientlylocatedlessthan5 minutestotheCockatooshoppingprecinct.Insidediscoverslateflooringthroughoutthelivingareas &carpetinthebedrooms.Thekitchenisopenplanwiththecosydiningroomwithwoodfireheater, &adjoinstheloungeroomcompletewithgasheater& ceilingfans.Thekitchenoffersplentyof bench& pantryspace, adishwasher,gasstovetop& anoven.Thereis alargelaundrywithit’sown externalaccess, &a familybathroomwithupdatedvanity&afantasticoriginalsunkenbathtub.2 of thebedroomsfeatureBIRs,& theexpansivemasterbedroomhasa walkthroughwardrobe &private ensuitewithshower& toilet.Wanderoutsidetodiscovera terracedbackyard, aDLUGwithconcrete floor,power &lights,&a3m*3mshed.

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451 3 A 2 B 2 C

Architecturallydesignedwithhighceilings,4 largebedrooms&3livingareas &anopenplan kitchen/diningspace.Therearespottedgumfloorsthroughoutthelivingareas,newcarpetinthe bedrooms& itisfreshlypaintedthroughout.Thereisductedgasheating,& evaporativecooling. Thekitchenhassoft-closedrawers,SSdishwasher&anewfreestandingdualfuelstove.Themaster bedroomopensthroughFrenchdoorsontothenorth-facingdeck &includesa WIR& ensuitewitha doubleshower.Thefurther3 spaciousbedroomsallenjoygardenviews.ThereareslimlineLEDlight switches,Cat 5ethernetcablingtoallbedrooms& theloungeroom,& useofwatertankstoflush toilets.Thewrap-arounddeckprovidesviewsoftheestablishedgardens &thefullyfencedbackyard. Thereisa firepitarea,vegetableplots,fruit &ornamentaltrees.

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

PerfectlylocatedintheheartofMonbulkthisfamilyhomefeatures 4robedbedrooms,& 2 bathroomsincluding afamilybathroomcompletewith abathtub,thishomehas afunctionalfloor plan.Themasterbedroomhasanensuite &WIR &islocatednear alargeformallivingroom,whilst2 oftheremainingbedroomsarelocatednearthespacious,openplankitchen &familyroom.Thereis aseparatediningroomwhichcouldbeutilisedas ahomeoffice/study.Addtothefeatures atoasty woodfireinthefamilyroom,gasductedheatingthroughout,floorboards, awell-appointedkitchen &securityshuttersonnearlyallwindows& doors.Outsideisthehuge,private,undercoverdeck, perfectforentertainingallyearround,a DLUG,2 furthergarden/woodsheds&alovelysideyard.

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Expend (3)

3 Choice (10)

10 Applaud (7)

11 Southern Pacific region (7)

12 Facilities of a building (9)

13 Ancient South American civilisation (4)

15 Florida fort (10)

17 Large jug (4)

19 Accepted standard (4)

20 Child of one’s child (10)

23 Keyboard error (4)

25 Insipid (9)

27 Members of a powerful military caste in feudal Japan (7)

28 Hub for military planes (7)

29 They protect the eyes from the glare (10)

30 Charter (3)

DOWN

1 Ineffectual (10)

2 The British Treasury (9)

4 Rest (9)

5 Moves steadily (5)

6 Watery (6)

7 Babysitter (5)

8 Web auction site (4)

9 Acting with ease (6)

14 Rainbow-coloured (10)

16 Painting of the countryside (9)

18 British civil service (coll) (9)

21 Said when raising a glass (6)

22 Light reddish brown (6)

24 Arab state (5)

25 Counterparts (5)

26 Egyptian goddess (4)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used

colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

No. 191 No. 191

SPORT McMahon whistles 500th

By Mikayla van Loon

Racking up 500 umpired games over nearly three decades, Mooroolbark’s Matthew McMahon started his humble umpiring career as a teenager, something his daughter has now followed.

Stepping out onto the field for the 500th time donning the umpires green on Saturday 15 June, it was made even more special for McMahon as his daughter, 15 and son stepped out with him as both a field and goal umpire respectively.

The Eastern Football Netball League’s women’s veterans clash between Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park at Kiloran Reserve was selected as the game he’d umpire for the milestone so McMahon could share it with his daughter.

“That was fantastic. My daughter took up umpiring last year and she rekindled my interest to get back involved and to do a lot more,” he said.

“I could have done it a couple of weeks earlier, but I wanted to plan it to be with her, so I could do my 500th game with her. It means a lot more than just umpiring a game.”

Hitting their first milestone last year by umpiring a grand final together, McMahon said that and his 500th would always stick out as two of the best memories in his 26 years of umpiring.

Always a lover of sport, no matter the code, McMahon began umpiring in 1998 to help out his brother’s football team and to earn some pocket money.

When he could no longer play the game himself after having shoulder reconstruction surgeries, McMahon said umpiring allowed him to still enjoy the game he loved.

“I get paid to watch the greatest game on earth, AFL football, from the middle of the ground,” he said.

Throughout the years McMahon said “cultural shift has absolutely moved in the right direction”, providing a more inclusive environment, encouraging female participation and working to end the abuse of umpires.

“It’s definitely come a long way where the teams and clubs support the umpires more now. People talk about abuse but it’s certainly not there like it used to be,” he said.

“The clubs are a lot more respectful and a lot better with it these days maybe because there’s more education going around. My daughter’s 15 and I wouldn’t let her do it if it

was something she was going to cop backlash from.”

McMahon said celebrating his 500th was a perfect example of players and clubs really getting behind the umpires, with the teams forming a guard of honour, holding up a banner for him to run through and balloons denoting 500.

“It’s just fantastic for them to recognise an umpire from a playing point of view and understand that the game’s not going to go ahead without umpires.”

While most of the time these days McMahon likes to umpire the veterans football, he has umpired games across all age groups.

“That’s just a great competition where, because I’ve been doing it for so long, you know all the players and there is mutual respect there. So I’ve done a few grand finals in that division, which has been exciting and really enjoyable.

“And being a local, I’ll be down at the shops and players from teams will bump into me and say hello and we’ll have a chat. There’s just this local sport inclusiveness in the area.”

Although still having a passion for the game and umpiring, McMahon said he was now really enjoying helping young people.

“With my daughter taking it up last year, I got involved in helping out with the juniors and I just enjoy helping the young kids coming through now as well. I know what it was like starting out and we didn’t have support people back then.

“And the more they get involved, one day I can retire.”

Despite having said he would retire after reaching 500 games, McMahon will still don the umpires greens for some time, even if it is just to be out on the field with his kids again.

Primary schools invited to enter expanded 9v9 comp

AFL Victoria and School Sport Victoria (SSV) have partnered to launch an expanded ninea-side Australian rules football competition for primary schools across the state.

Following a successful pilot last year, there will be 33 ‘Gala Day’ 9v9 competitions held across Victoria throughout July and August in 2024, during Term 3 of the school year. The Gala Day for the Dandenong and Yarra Ranges will be held on Friday 2 August at WallyTew Reserve, Ferntree Gully while there will also be a Gala Day for Knox (Friday 30 August: Lewis Park, Wantirna South), Maroondah (Monday 26 August, Templestowe Reserve) and Cardinia schools Wednesday 7 August, Casey Fields Oval 2 and 3) alongside other regions.

Registration is free for SSV Victorian primary school members, with the program open to students in grades four to six to participate. There will be a girls division and a boys/mixed division at each of the 9v9 Gala Days.

Schools can enter more than one team in each division depending on their participation numbers.

First and second place from each event will progress to region level events (dates and locations to be confirmed), ahead of the State Championships being held on Wednesday, 27 November 2024 at La Trobe University in Bundoora.

The 9v9 format, involving reduced player numbers from the conventional 18-a-

side football format, is designed to provide greater participation opportunities for more students and schools. Games are played on a smaller field size, allowing for multiple matches to take place on a full-size oval.

The increased number of Gala Days in 2024 comes after an eight-event pilot was successfully run in 2023, with the expanded program this year coming in ahead of 9v9 being introduced as the SSV Australian Football

Primary competition format in 2025.

Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan, said AFL Victoria is committed to enhancing the student experience and having more students and children playing and enjoying Australian rules football.

“We’re delighted with the expansion of the SSV 9v9 Australian rules football program in 2024 and, equally, excited about the full

implementation across the SSV program in 2025,” he said.

“We think there’s improved delivery efficiency, the opportunity for more schools to be able to participate in the SSV competition, including multiple teams from the one school. Equally important this year is the education focus which we’re committed to so that SSV Coordinators, teachers and schools are fully equipped for 2025.”

Jamie Parsons, School Sport Victoria CEO, is incredibly excited about the expansion of the 9v9 format in 2024 building on the success of the pilots in 2023.

“The evidence is clear, the format will provide a better student experience with more students constantly involved in the play with the modified rules,” he said.

“We look forward to working with AFL Victoria to educate and support School Sport Victoria coordinators and Victorian schools through 2024 ahead of the full implementation of the 9v9 format as the School Sport Victoria Australian Football Primary competition in 2025.”

To support schools taking part, AFL Victoria will provide 9v9 kits consisting of balls, goals and playing bibs for SSV Coordinators. Additionally, there will be a focus on educating students, schools, teachers and SSV Coordinators on the new format, rules, umpiring and the ground set up at the Gala Days for this year and in preparation for 2025.

Matthew McMahon umpired his 500th football game with his daughter and son also taking to the field with him.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The Chirnside Park and Mooroolbark women’s veterans teams formed a guard of honour.

Outer East scoreboard

By Armin Richter FOOTBALL PREMIER DIVISION

· Seniors: Upwey-Tecoma 9.7.61 def Pakenham 7.10.52; Narre Warren 10.7.67 def Woori Yallock 9.8.62;Wandin 18.12.120 def Emerald 7.6.48; Olinda-Ferny Creek 10.14.74 def Mt. Evelyn 8.10.58; Officer 15.10.100 def Berwick Springs 6.5.41; Monbulk 10.12.72 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 9.5.59

· Reserves: Upwey-Tecoma 17.10.112 def Pakenham 0.0.0; Narre Warren 11.2.68 def Woori Yallock 10.5.65; Wandin 14.10.94 def Emerald 1.0.6; Mt. Evelyn 7.8.50 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 5.5.35; Gembrook-Cockatoo 11.4.70 def Monbulk 5.14.44; Officer 16.12.108 def Berwick Springs 5.1.31

DIVISION ONE

· Seniors: Powelltown 10.17.77 def Yarra Junction 10.12.72; Yea 11.10.76 def Alexandra 10.12.72; Warburton-Millgrove 12.9.81 def Seville 11.8.74; Belgrave 24.22.166 def Yarra Glen 6.4.40; Healesville bye

· Reserves: Powelltown 8.3.51 drewYarra Junction 6.15.51;Yea 13.6.84 def Alexandra 3.3.21; Seville 9.5.59 def Warburton-Millgrove 5.4.34; Belgrave 28.21.189 def Yarra Glen 3.1.19; Healesville bye

· UNDER 19s: Pakenham 7.12.54 def UpweyTecoma 5.5.35; Officer 8.7.55 def Wandin 6.6.34; Narre Warren 22.10.142 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 2.1.13

· UNDER 18s: Upwey-Tecoma 19.21.135 def Seville 1.1.7; Healesville 11.10.76 def Woori Yallock 2.3.15; Mt. Evelyn 3.19.37 def OlindaFerny Creek 4.5.29

SENIOR WOMEN

· Division 1: Pakenham 6.2.38 def UpweyTecoma 3.2.20; Belgrave 2.4.16 def Berwick Springs 1.5.11; Healesville 8.10.58 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 2.2.14

· Division 2: Warburton-Wesburn 13.16.94 def Seville 2.0.12; Officer 14.12.96 def ThorntonEildon 2.2.14; Emerald 2.12.24 def Wandin 3.3.21; Woori Yallock 5.3.33 def Monbulk 4.5.29

NETBALL PREMIER DIVISION

· A Grade: Pakenham 49 def Upwey-Tecoma 32; Narre Warren 78 def Woori Yallock 24; Wandin 68 def Emerald 48; Mt. Evelyn 66 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 29; Monbulk 90 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 27, ROC 75 def Berwick

Springs 26

· B Grade: Pakenham 53 def Upwey-Tecoma 45; Narre Warren 56 def Woori Yallock 53; Wandin 70 def Emerald 26; Mt. Evelyn 72 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 34; Monbulk 47 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 34; ROC 87 def Berwick

Springs 27

· C Grade: Pakenham 32 def Upwey-Tecoma 27; Narre Warren 66 def Woori Yallock 14; Wandin 40 def Emerald 23; Mt. Evelyn 56 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 31; Monbulk 30 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 29; ROC 73 def Berwick

Springs 8

· D Grade: Pakenham 32 def Upwey-Tecoma

18; Narre Warren 58 def Woori Yallock 22; Emerald 24 def Wandin 22; Mt. Evelyn 21 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 5; Monbulk 27 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 7; ROC 58 def Berwick

Springs 3

DIVISION ONE

· A Grade: Yea 38 def Alexandra 36; Seville 48 def Warburton-Millgrove 44; Yarra Glen 56 def Belgrave 53; Healesville + Yarra Junction byes

· B Grade: Powelltown 36 def Yarra Junction 32; Yea 42 def Alecandra 19; Seville 64 def Warburton-Millgrove 23; Yarra Glen 51 def Belgrave 42; Healesville bye

· C Grade: Yarra Junction 37 def Powelltown 13; Yea 40 def Alexandra 18; Seville 36 def Warburton-Millgrove 32; Yarra Glen 48 def Belgrave 34; Healesville bye

· D Grade: Yarra Junction 29 def Powelltown 20; Alexandra 42 defYea 9; Seville 45 defWarburton-Millgrove 17; Belgrave 23 def Yarra Glen 20

· 17 & Under Premier: ROC 57 def Mt. Evelyn 9; Pakenham 35 def Berwick 12; Narre Warren 43 defWooriYallock 20;Wandin bye

· 15 & Under East: Berwick 22 def Pakenham 19; Woori Yallock 31 def Narre Warren 28, Monbulk 28 def Beaconsfield 15; ROC bye

Two wins and a loss sees Lilydale through round eight

By Joanna Campe

Round 8 results for Lilydale Tennis Club in the Eastern Region Tennis Competition.

Junior Open Singles Doubles 1 Lilydale v Yarra Glen

After round 7 Lilydale was sitting outside the top 4 without a win yet for the season.

Lilydale was represented by Adam Paladino, Ari Marappan and Ryan Taylor. Lilydale played away this week against

secondplacedteamYarraGlen.Itwasatough outing for Lilydale who fought hard but were outplayed on the day.Yarra Glen won the day 6 sets to 0 – winning 37 games to Lilydale 12.

Result: 6-0, 6-1, 6-1, 6-4, 6-1, 7-5

Junior Open Singles Doubles 8 Lilydale v Parkwood

After round 7 Lilydale was sitting just outside the top 4 on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by Olivia Mason, Ivy Pieper and Haady Aziz.

Lilydale played at home this week against Parkwood. Lilydale were too strong on the day eventually winning the day 6 sets to 0 –winning 37 games to 14

Result: 7-5, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2

Open Rubbers 20 v Mooroolbark Heights

After round 7 Lilydale was sitting just outside the top 4 on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by Rishabh Chowdhury and Tim Bassett.

Lilydale played at home this week against

Mooroolbark Heights. In a very competitive match it was Lilydale who came away with the win 3 sets to 2– winning 25 games to 18.

Result: 6-2, 6-3, 6-1, 4-6, 3-6 Lilydale Tennis club welcomes all players of any age and ability. For information on how to join Lilydale Tennis Club, visit play. tennis.com.au/lilydaletennisclub. For all coaching enquiries (juniors and adults), contact Andrew at Pro Touch Tennis Academy ptta.com.au/contact

Adam Paladino, Ari Marappan and Ryan Taylor faced second placed Yarra Glen.

Pictures: SUPPLIED Olivia Mason, Ivy Pieper and Haady Aziz defeated Parkwood.

Peri Reid of Monbulk scores one of her 55 goals in A Grade.

Picture: ARMIN RICHTER

Barkerettes share points

By Peter Stephenson

First against second, the two best attacks, the two best defences, the top five scorers in the league (one Collingwood followed by four Barkerettes). By any measure, these were the two best sides in the league, with daylight third. Anticipation was high, especially after the Barkerettes’ thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 victory at Esther Park in round 1. However, could they stop Hannah Robinson, who had so far scored in every game this season?

Sunshine bathed Richmond’s Kevin Bartlett Reserve for Division 3 East’s match of the season. Barkers began the day two points ahead of City, but even after this game there would still be eight games to play.

The first chance came on four minutes and fell to Rebecca Brown, but she shot wide. Seven minutes later, Amy D’Ortenzio laid a heavy challenge on an opponent but the ref waved play on, so would we have a physical encounter? In a good start for Barkers, a shot inside the penalty area forced a good tip over from City keeper Lerae Sandy.

Collingwood then gave Barkers a couple of real scares. On 21 minutes, City’s Isla Tremlett was clean through but Ashleigh Fraraccio saved point-blank.Then a City free-kick on the left was curled over the bar. Next the league’s most dangerous striker, Robinson, was given a ball to chase, but Fraraccio was out quickly to clear.

Having survived a brief siege, Barkers then hit City on the counter. A through ball was played for D’Ortenzio, she outpaced the chasing defenders and hit a shot beyond Sandy into the net to give Barkers the lead.

Barkers had their tails up and finished the half well. Kelly Butera crossed for Brown, who swept the ball over. Then on the stroke of halftime, Zahra Goodman crossed superbly from the right to the near post, where D’Ortenzio managed to half-volley the ball over with the goal at her mercy. Half-time: Collingwood 0-1 Barkers, with the visitors good value for the lead.

Barkers began the second half well, with Butera having a shot saved, then D’Ortenzio crossed from the left for Butera to shoot, but it was saved. Now, though, the balance of the game shifted.

Having taken charge of the game with an aggressive stance, Barkers allowed Collingwood back in the game, and in particular allowed Robinson to show what she’s capable of. On the hour, City found their key striker some distance from goal, but she turned and still put in a dangerous shot just past the far post. The warning wasn’t heeded, and eventually a wellweighted ball from Brianne Buckingham set Robinson free, and she slipped the ball wide of Fraraccio to make it 1-1.

The rest of the game saw Collingwood put lots of pressure on Barkers, who have Fraraccio to thank for some vital clearances – her speed off her line in recent weeks has been a noticeable bonus for the Barkers defence. Up front, the introduction of Charlotte McCullough late on was causing Collingwood all sorts of problems. She was aggressive and chased every ball tirelessly, but Barkers couldn’t quite prise open the City defence one more time. Fulltime: Collingwood 1-1 Barkers.

In the end Barkers may have been relieved to come away with a point, yet it still could have been three if that chance for D’Ortenzio had stayed down. This was a bruising encounter for both sides, and they’re probably relieved they won’t have to face each other again this year. Barkers weren’t quite at their best today, but this was still good enough to preserve their lead at the top. The banana skin for the rest of the year will be that the majority of remaining games are away from the Kennel, so there’s a long way to go.

Barkers fall to league leaders in Dendy Park clash

By Peter Stephenson

A dull cold day at Brighton’s Dendy Park saw Mooroolbark Soccer Club’s men’s seniors (fourth) visit league leaders Hampton East Brighton. Barkers had never lost to HEB, and made two changes to the side which had beaten North Caulfield 5-1, with Ben Cooper and Chris Marshall making way for Ray Markley and Mark Naumowicz.

The first chance fell to HEB on six minutes. A crossfield ball was played to the right, and a low ball was played into the box, where Delfin Esara had to stretch to get his shot in, but it was just wide. HEB soon imposed their physical game upon Barkers and had much more of the territory in a tight opening.

Barkers’ best chance of the half came on 22 minutes, when Steve Nittoli had space to shoot, but a toe poke hit the post, when a cleaner hit might have hit the target. Three minutes later, Nittoli conceded a free kick in his own half for a foul on Esara. Mackie Simmons stepped up and curled the kick over the bar.

Just after the half hour, Liam Burford played the ball inside from the left to Simmons. He took the ball wide then crossed to the far post, where a soaring header from Miguel Diaz went just wide.

Seven minutes before the break, Barkers won a free kick 10 yards inside the HEB half. Aaron Porcaro played the ball into the box, and it was cleared out to Christian Porcaro, who hit a long punt over the bar. Half-time: HEB 0-0 Barkers, with Barkers relieved to still be level, having been under siege for most of the half.

It took less than two minutes into the second half for HEB to break the deadlock.

The ball was played down the left wing, a defender failed to cut it out, and the ball was crossed low for the unmarked Diaz to hit the ball across the wrongfooted Naumowicz into the net for 1-0 HEB. Barkers almost hit back immediately.

A free kick on the left from Ross Clark was played out to A.Porcaro, who hit a shot through a crowded penalty area that went just wide. Then a sucker punch from HEB. On 53 minutes, the ball was crossed from the left to the far post, it was headed down and across goal, and Burford was on hand to head the ball into an empty net with Naumowicz stranded.

Barkers’ response came from Clark, who managed to wriggle free of markers before hitting a low shot from 20 yards which was comfortably saved by the diving Bernard Paris. Ten minutes later, HEB once again hustled Barkers off the ball, and Richard Morrissy crossed from the right for Simmons to blast the ball home for 3-0 HEB.

It wasn’t until 12 minutes from time that Barkers really tested Paris. Sean Perrin put a good ball through for Geordie Scott, who turned and hit a goalbound shot which Paris did well to turn over the bar. Then Barkers won a free kick in midfield. It was played forward, and Maxim Solovyev found himself with only Paris to beat, and neatly headed

over him into the net to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Within a minute Solovyev hit the ball into an empty net, but the referee had seen an infringement, possibly by Scott on Paris, and the goal was ruled out. The rest of the game saw the unsavoury spectacle of repeated auditions by the Brighton Thespian Society, but by then they had put the game beyond Barkers’ reach. Full-time: HEB 3-1 Barkers.

There’s no question that HEB deserved the points – they were hungrier and more aggressive than Barkers. They repeatedly banged on the Barkers door and knocked it down three times, while Barkers only began to penetrate at the other end when it was too late.

It was a tough match up between Mooroolbark and Collingwood, seeing the teams draw in the clash of the season.

Picture: ON FILE

The men’s seniors were defeated by the State League South East 2 leaders Hampton East Brighton. Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

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