July started with a number of icy mornings and while some stayed indoors, others braved the chilly temperatures to witness the wintery beauty across the region.
Hills photographer Tracy Dasler was one of these residents who didn’t shy away from her typical morning walk around Emerald Lake Park.
By Gabriella Vukman
A Hills resident is fuming at Australian energy provider AusNet for the installation of an uninsulated, high-voltage powerline in Selby State Forest.
The area of installation marks one of the State’s highest bushfire risk areas, putting thousands of residents in danger.
Selby resident Margaret worries that the $200,000 AusNet must cough up due to their negligence is not nearly enough.
“My personal thing is, and it’s too late now because it has all gone through the Supreme Court, but if they had to pay damages of a lowly $200,000 which is nothing for them, surely some of that money should have been punitive damages and surely it should have come to our local CFAs up here in the Dandenongs,” she said.
“When I saw what they did to us, I realised they left us exposed in the Selby bushland area all through the summer off 22-23 and then when they found out, it took them 47 days to rectify it. We are so lucky it was a cool summer.”
“I found out on Friday night and I alerted our Selby community page on Facebook and from the responses I’ve had, people are furious. They left us so exposed and we just didn’t know about it,” Margaret said.
“For AusNet to go and stuff up like they did and put us at risk, it’s just like being hit in the face. It is really awful,” she said.
“I thought surely the CFA should know about it but they had no clue.”
Expressing concern about the lack of information for the citizens of Selby and surrounding areas, Margaret said “we’re furious. We try to do everything we can to protect ourselves.”
“It’s really how these things are swept under the carpet and we don’t hear about them,” Margaret said.
“A risk like that and then we still don’t get to hear anything about it until the report comes out at the end. It’s infuriating. I feel so sorry for all those CFA guys. What if something had happened this summer?”
Despite the glow, Ms Dasler said it was deceiving, as nearly everything was frozen around her.
See inside for more photos of the wintery weather that stretched from Woori Yallock to Emerald and Lilydale.
Camera in hand and at the ready, she took this photo as the warm light from the rising sun began to touch the tops of the trees.
“There’s nothing we can do about it but it’s just horrible that AusNet and the like get away with this.”
Margaret discovered AusNet’s illegal activity by chance when she happened to google the electricity distributor’s website.
Informing residents straight away through a Selby community Facebook group, Margaret was astonished that her local CFA had no idea about the installation.
After constructing a 34-metre stretch of bare powerline along the heavily shrubbed Bushland Reserve in Selby just over two years ago, the electricity distributor was sued by Energy Safe Victoria for disobeying energy laws.
AusNet was in further trouble for failing to act on their illegal powerline placement, taking 47 days to correct the issue after it was discovered.
Continued page 3
By Callum Ludwig
The next stage of the Victorian Redistribution of federal electorates is underway, with objections to the Australian Electoral Commission’s (AEC) draft decision now being considered.
The Star Mail took a look at the objections relating to the Outer Eastern seats of Casey, Aston and Deakin to see what voters still want to happen locally.
As recently reported by the Star Mail, there are a number of supporters for a name change for the Casey electorate, with the Voices 4 Casey group submitting their petition in the objections with 173 signatures when the group handed it in, with 16 individuals and groups including Yarra Ranges Council and the Millgrove Resident’s Action Group supported it in the submissions before the AEC draft proposal.
In the objections, Monbulk resident Tanya Vernes, Belgrave resident Hayn Lindemans, The Victorian Greens, Marimba Wilkie and Alex Nottle joined the calls for a name change for Casey, citing confusion with the City of Casey, the significance of William Barak to the region or both as their reasoning.
In terms of electorate changes, most objections noting Casey were largely in support of the electorate remaining largely the same and/ or taking Wonga Park and some other northern suburbs, including General Manager of the McKenzie’sTourist Services bus company Brad Sanders, the Victorian branch of the Liberal Party, Voices 4 Casey, Joel McAlister, President of Yarra Valley Business Lisa Crunden, Healesville Football Netball Club President Toby Millman, Coldstream Football Netball Club President Ash Rankin, Lilydale Football Netball Club President Anthony Simmons, Kilsyth Cricket Club President Shaun Goodwin and Clark McKenzie.
Objections to the proposal for Casey focused on the missed opportunity to extend into the southern border (Emerald, Cockatoo, Gembrook) rather than the proposed northern border (Wonga Park, Christmas Hills, Panton Hill and St Andrews) while others made other suggestions as part of significantly different proposals across all or many divisions.
One objector in particular was disappointed that Wonga Park would be leaving Menzies
while two others proposed that Casey could even extend further to Warrandyte rather than into Nillumbik Shire.
In Aston, the objections focused on the proposed boundary with the Deakin electorate and subsequent transfers of parts of Ringwood, Heathmont, Bayswater North and Kilsyth South south of Canterbury Road.
Heathmont residents and community groups were particularly aggrieved by the proposal to adopt Canterbury Road as the new boundary rather than retaining the previous boundary of Dandenong Creek. The proposal effectively splits Heathmont into north and south, raising issues such as the Heathmont Tennis Club being represented by a different member than the Heathmont Station.
Heathmont residents David Harper, Prue Gill, Don Kordick, Margaret Harrington, Neil Harrington, David Gee, Joanne Hart-Parker, Donald Hamilton, Graeme Tonkin, Lynette Tonkin, Roland Ashby, Roslyn Ashby, Malcolm McDonald and Croydon resident Ann Albrecht were all concerned while the Heathmont Tennis Club and Maroondah City Council also opposed the change.
Other than the concerns regarding Heath-
mont, Aston was also put forward as a suggestion to be abolished by Colin McLaren and considered a more appropriate option for abolition by John Corcoran.
In Deakin, on top of the objections regarding the boundary with Aston, proposals for the northern and north-western boundaries have garnered split opinions from voters.
Mitcham resident Dr Paul Rival was pleased with the proposed changes for Deakin, praising bringing the remainder of Mitcham and Nunawading as well as Donvale, Park Orchards and Warrandyte South into the electorate. Dr Rival believes Donvale is primarily connected to the centres of Mitcham and Ringwood and Park orchards with Ringwood and to a lesser extent Croydon. He questioned the inclusion of parts Blackburn and Blackburn North rather than creating the western boundary at Springvale Road.
Donvale resident Clark McKenzie was also pleased with the changes, similarly citing the connection between town centres and acknowledging previous criticism of the Menzies boundaries stretching fromWonga Park to Bulleen before the proposed changes.
Negative responses came in from Wonga
Park CFA Captain Aaron Farr and Manningham City Council with both citing the historical alignment between the Manningham LGA and the Menzies electorate while Mr Farr also cited the Greater Warrandyte groups of CFAs potentially having to communicate with four federal members under proposed changes (Jagajaga, Menzies, Deakin and Casey).
Chair of the Maroondah Business Group Jenny Newman was largely supportive of the changes in Deakin due to necessity but asked in future redistributions to prioritise the reuniting of the Maroondah LGA under one electorate if possible.
Another big talking point was the disappointment from a number of objectors in regards to the errors in the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ initial projections of 2028 voter enrolment which affected their initial submissions. Victorian Labor, the Victorian Liberals, an anonymous objector, JeffWaddell and Colin McLaren all mentioned it in their objections, while Dr Mark Mulcair, Dr Charles Richardson, Mr Waddell and Victorian Labor had previously raised suspicion in the submissions process.
The error was not acknowledged and resolved until after the submissions period had ended, meaning all submissions from the public had used the incorrect projections.
In terms of the major parties’ objections:
The Victorian Liberals proposed no change to the Casey or Aston proposals from the AEC but recommended they extend no further into the Dandenong Ranges and Nillumbik Shire in future respectively. They only suggested that the portion of Burwood East included in the AEC proposal not be added to Deakin.
Victorian Labor proposed that Warranwood, Park Orchards, Ringwood North, Croydon and Croydon Hills instead go to Menzies to place Manningham Council areas in Deakin back into Menzies, the Dandenong Creek boundary for Heathmont and Ringwood be retained and Aston instead takes Bayswater North, Kilsyth, Kilsyth South and Croydon South from Deakin. Victorian Labor proposed no changes to Casey from the AEC proposal.
The Victorian Greens proposed that Cockatoo, Emerald and Gembrook enter Casey from La Trobe while making no alternative proposals for Aston or Deakin.
By Callum Ludwig
With Yarra Ranges Council’s 2024-2025 Budget having been adopted, the latest set of rate rises are set to take effect.
Yarra Ranges residents are set to see the maximum 2.75 per cent base increase in their rates, though there are other specific fees that have risen much higher.
Acting Director of Corporate Services at Yarra Ranges Council Jarrod Reid said as part of this year’s budgeting process,Yarra Ranges Council undertook a benchmarking exercise to compare how our fees and charges compared to neighbouring councils.
“Following the benchmarking exercise, some fees increased to a mid-range level while some fees remained the same,” he said.
“These changes will ensure that we can continue to support the delivery of these all important services to our community.”
The following are some of the more substantial increases in fees and charges in this year’s Yarra Ranges Council budget:
The fee to request a copy of a Category 2 planning application, which consists of any multi-unit applications with three or more dwellings and any commercial/industrial or retail applications, has risen from $168.19 to $300 (78.37 per cent).
The maximum registration fees for certain types of pets have increased heavily;
to other recreational clubs, while this year it has been applied.
Establishment fees for not-for-profit food premises, either at fixed locations or temporary ‘streatraders’, rose to match forprofit groups of the same business model, up 109.49 per cent from $126.50 to $265 for fixed food premises and up from $63 to $265 (320.63 per cent) for temporary ones.
Registration and renewal fees for established food premises both for and not-for profit also went up between 2.77 per cent and 26.51 per cent depending on the class and type.
Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 registered premises also saw a substantial increase in the establishment fee, up 32.91 per cent from $158 to $210.
Despite the recent impacts of flooding and drain management in the Yarra Ranges, the cost to mixed-use, industrial and commercial properties for the development of stormwater drainage on their premises has risen drastically, up to $900.
Non-desexed pets have been given a slightly larger increase on their already higher fees, going from a $149 maximum fee to $165 (10.74 per cent) for dogs and from $129 to 150 for cats (16.28 per cent).
All other standard (non-concession) registration fees have gone up by 10 per cent for dogs and 11.11 per cent for cats though foster carers of animals will now have to pay an $8 fee and it will cost a $15 fee to access pet reg-
‘Menacing’ (has caused a non-serious bite injury to a person or animal or has rushed at or chased a person), ‘Dangerous’ (declared menacing and owner issued with two infringement notices for failing to comply with requirements such as leashing or muzzling their dog in public) and restricted breed dogs have seen an increase in their maximum registration fee, going from $261 to $320 (22.61 per cent). Dangerous dogs that have undergone protective training or that are guard dogs for non-residential premises have also had the same rise.
ister information.
Impound fees for vehicles have gone up 15.11 per cent, rising from $695 to $800 while the same amount has been adopted for a new fee covering skip bins, bulk waste containers, shipping containers, clothing recycling bins and other large items.
Pony Club lease fees are the only fees for sporting clubs to have risen significantly, going from $739 to $835.00 (12.99 per cent) for small capacity clubs and from $985 to $1113.50 (13.05 per cent) for large capacity clubs. The large increase is due to GST not being applied to last year’s fees while it was
This represents a 25.57 per cent increase (from $716.74) for mixed-use and industrial properties and an 11.18 per cent increase (from $809.50) for commercial sites.
Fees to apply for tourism signage, whether it be one sign on Council or arterial roads, have also risen 28.21 per cent from $117 to $150.
Fees for crossovers, minor works and utilities which include trenching up to 30 metres all saw a large increase that slightly differed depending on how many permits were required; $498 up to $595 (19.48 per cent) for a two-permit job,
By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Monbulk CFA together with a few other rescue services were called to assist an injured woman in Mount Dandenong on Monday afternoon.
A woman injured her knee while hiking on the tracks of Mount Dandenong and was unable to be walked out due to the difficult terrain.
Monbulk CFA along with Wandin Fire Brigade, Lilydale SES, Kalorama Fire Brigade, Montrose Fire Brigade andVictoria Police were called to assist Ambulance Victoria as part of a what they call, ‘rope rescue response’ – which is a speciality that Monbulk and Wandin CFA crews do high training for annually.
Monbulk CFA captain Glenn Hickingbotham said due to the distance of the terrain, it would’ve taken great amount of time to rescue the injured woman to safety on ropes.
“We were there to setup to bring her up in a stretcher, up to a track where she could be then transported to the HEMS Air Ambulance,” Mr Hickingbotham said.
The reason why CFAs are needed in some rescue missions and not others, even in the presences of air ambulance, is because helicopters create excess amount of downwashwhen rescuing in areas where there are a lot of trees, rescuers won’t do a winch, because they have to hover overhead for four or five minutes while they do the winch and this causes potential branches and trees to break and fall onto residents that are off ground and cause further harm to casualties.
Plan A is to have the air ambulance present simultaneously ensuring there’s always a back-up plan if the helicopter can’t winch due to nearby trees or high wind.
Plan B is to ensure the ground crews such as CFA and SES are present to rescue a casualty using a litter or stretcher and ropes up to a road ambulance and then off to the hospital.
“Ambulance don’t have any rope rescue type capabilities at all,” Mr Hickingbotham said.
“A standard road ambulance will have the instruction in the back along with all their equipment and medication.”
There are around 1200 CFA brigades across the state, and only around 15 of them are qualified to do road rescue.
“We wish the lady all the very best and congratulate her son for remaining calm and being supportive to his mum and helping communicate for us to find them,” Mr Hickingbotham said.
“He did a really, really good job.”
From page 1
By law, a major electricity company must cover or place underground each new powerline that meets certain specifications when the line is being constructed in Victoria’s highest risk bushfire areas.
Energy Safe chief executive officer Leanne Hughson said said AusNet left the community exposed to increased bushfire risk for more than a year.
“If it had started a fire the consequences could have been catastrophic,” she said.
“History shows it only takes one powerline to cause a fire that can devastate a community and it’s simply unacceptable for a major company like AusNet to put the public’s safety at risk.”
Energy Safe Victoria said an internal AusNet document showed that the installation of powerlines in the highest bushfire risk ar-
eas did not “accurately reflect the requirements of the electricity safety legislation.”
“AusNet’s systems checks were not sufficient to identify its breach at the time. The breach was detected later during a review of network data,” a spokesperson said.
“The penalty of $200,000 was at the higher end of the range available for this breach, with the court finding it was appropriate given a number of factors including the community’s exposure to an increased bushfire risk.”
The court heard the situation could have been avoided entirely if AusNet had better systems and checks in place. The company has since taken steps to prevent the issue from happening again.
“Major electricity companies have a duty to operate and maintain their networks in a way that removes or mitigates bushfire risks
as far as practicable,” the spokesperson said.
“Companies must underground or insulate replacement lines when more than four consecutive spans of existing powerline in the highest bushfire risk areas need to be replaced. There have also been governmentfunded programs to underground some lines.”
The civil proceeding was issued in midMarch 2024 and finalised on 2 July 2024 in the Supreme Court of Victoria. AusNet admitted liability early in the proceeding.
The court ordered AusNet to pay $200,000 and to update all relevant internal technical documents to ensure they accurately reflect legal requirements.
Justice Stynes said the court orders may deter AusNet and other major electricity companies from breaching electricity safety laws.
A car full of teens have been involved in a serious car accident on Sunday 7 July with some of the group left seriously injured after their car came off the road and hit a tree.
The early morning crash has left the group of teenagers in hospital after their car was believed to have lost control and come off the road in Sherbrooke.
Police are currently investigating the singlevehicle crash and a Police media spokesperson said it is believed a ute carrying six occupants was travelling along Monbulk Road just after 4.30am when the driver lost control.
“The car went down an embankment and struck a tree and the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined at this stage,” they said.
Five CFA units responded from Kalista-The Patch, Belgrave and Monbulk to the incident on Monbulk Road in Sherbrooke at around 5.33am.
A CFA spokesperson said that no passengers were trapped.
“However, one passenger was down an embankment,” they said.
“The incident was deemed under safe at 6.38am and handed over to Victoria Police.”
“Three of the occupants were treated for minor injuries, one was not injured, one was taken to hospital with serious injuries and one with life-threatening injuries,” a Victoria police spokesperson said.
Ambulance Victoria later said that three teenagers were taken to Dandenong Hospital in a stable condition.
“Two other teenagers were taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious but stable condition,” they said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Car burglers spotted in Upwey Campaspe Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information after a Suzuki Swift was stolen during an aggravated burglary in Rochester.
Detectives have been told a 30-year-old woman and her 37-year-old partner were asleep at their home on Baynes Road when offenders gained entry to the premises between 7pm on 18 June and 2.30am on 19 June.
It is believed the offenders stole the keys to a black 2023 Suzuki Swift and took off in the vehicle.
The Suzuki was later seen at a service station on the Murray Valley Highway in Echuca about 2.30am.
A man got out of the passenger seat, filled the car with fuel and drove off without paying.
The following day, two people were spotted on board the Suzuki on Kooringal Road in Upwey at 12.04am.
It is understood the Suzuki was ditched by the offenders and located by officers on Forest Park Road in Upwey about 4.50am on 20 Jun Investigators have released still images and CCTV footage of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
The man is perceived to be Caucasian, in his early 20s, with a slim build and blonde hair.
He was wearing a black puffer jacket, black pants, black shoes, and sunglasses on his head.
Anyone with information about the person involved is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
By Callum Ludwig
A new report by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), called ‘Ten to Men’ has found that almost half of young adult men (aged 18-29) are consistently drinking at risky levels.
The study, which surveyed over 16,000 boys and men aged between 10 and 57 four times over the last decade, found they were consuming more than four standard drinks on a typical drinking occasion – above the national alcohol guidelines – while 11 per cent were consuming around 9 standard drinks and maintaining that level consistently.
Lead of the Ten to Men program at AIFS Dr Sean Martin said the research highlights that for many men an unhealthy relationship with alcohol can start early and persist over years.
“What we can see through this longitudinal data is that drinking patterns are fairly well established by the time men reach the age of 30,” he said.
“Drinking at risky levels doesn’t only occur on the cusp of adulthood, and during a man’s early 20s – it can also carry on when adult responsibilities ramp up, including work and family commitments and into middle age,”
“For many men, unless they make a conscious decision to reduce their consumption, unhealthy drinking can affect work performance and relationships, as well as physical and mental health.”
National guidelines indicate that adults should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day, while children and young people under the age of 18 should not drink any alcohol.
Dr Martin said surveying the same men over time helps pinpoint some of the predictors of high-risk drinking later in life.
“Boys living in rural and regional areas, boys or men who smoke or take illicit drugs, and older men with disability need to be a particular focus for policies and programs aimed at reducing alcohol harms,” he said.
Boys aged 10 to 17 living in regional or rural areas were almost twice as likely as city-based boys to drink at risky levels over the 10-year period.
Psychologist in private practice and Research Fellow at addiction research and education centre Turning Point Jodie Matar said it is so important that we, as a society, address risky drinking behaviours, as early as we can.
“This can start in our homes and at our schools, whether it’s family members, professionals, schools or communities, we all need to work together to support our teens and young men,” she said.
“We have an industry that presents its products as carefree and fun, many teen boys and young men look up to Australian sports players and these role models can be influential on how teens and young people may see drinking.”
A number of boys that were aged 10 to 17 under the legal drinking age had reported high-risk drinking, with 6 per cent having consumed around 9 standard drinks on a typical
drinking occasion. Over the next decade, 13 per cent of that group were consistently drinking at risky levels.
Ms Matar said teens and young people aged 16 to 24 have the highest rates of substance use disorders compared with other age groups, with almost 1 in 10 struggling with one.
“Adolescence is a time when the brain is still developing, which means it’s more susceptible to damage from alcohol and introduction to alcohol at an earlier age is associated with a higher risk of alcohol-related harms, other substance use and mental health concerns,” she said.
“The research indicates that the younger people start drinking alcohol, the more likely they are to experience alcohol harms later in life, conversely, the later children start drinking, the less likely they are to experience alcohol-related harms later in life,”
“The evidence also shows the longer adolescents delay alcohol use, the less susceptible they are to a broad range of issues later in life.
In the long-term, we know adolescents who drink are more likely to experience poor mental health and substance use problems.”
Ms Matar advised that for information and
advice about treatment and programs specifically for young people, call theYouth Drug and Alcohol Advice (YoDAA) line at 1800 458 685 or contact the Youth Support and Advocacy Service, a statewide community service for young people aged 12-21 years who are experiencing problems related to alcohol or other drugs.
Those in need can also contact Directline, the Victorian alcohol and other drugs helpline on 1800 888 236 for counselling, information and referrals to other types of support.
Ms Matar said early intervention for adolescents is important as it can be easier to support individuals at the start of risky behaviours.
“The latest research shows there is no level of alcohol consumption that can be considered safe. Prevention through learning about the physical, emotional and social impacts of drinking alcohol, including risky drinking behaviours, can be key to helping individuals make informed choices that best support their daily lives,” she said.
“We need to have real and age-appropriate conversations with our teenagers and young people, particularly if there is any family history of addiction or issues with alcohol or other substances.”
Funded by the Department of Health and delivered through a partnership between EACH Social & Community Health, Anglicare Victoria andYouth Support & Advocacy Services (YSAS), the SURe (Substance Use Recovery) program serves the outer east, with the intake service able to be contacted at 1300 003 224.
Turning Point’s Eastern Treatment Services (TPETS) Intake Service is also located in Box Hill and be contacted at 1800 778 278
Ms Matar said as a mother of a 13-year-old boy, she is concerned about alcohol use, particularly because she has lived experience of three of four siblings having substance use issues growing up and into their adult years.
“We started having open conversations with our son around 11 to 12 years of age about intergenerational risks and the experiences of our family with addiction and the need to prevent or delay alcohol use,” she said.
“By having honest conversations from a place of concern rather than judgement, we can encourage our friends or loved ones to seek professional help,”
“Although these conversations can be hard, seeking help early can lead to much better outcomes.”
By Tanya Steele
Victoria’s tourism industry and its major events calendar put $39.3 billion into the state’s economy during the year ending March 2024 but regional tourism operators remain cautious about the results.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos announced on 25 June that Victoria’s visitor economy grew by $1.5 billion in the last quarter according to results published by the National and International Visitor Survey for Tourism Research Australia.
“These record numbers are a testament to our outstanding tourism, hospitality and events workforce and the work they put in day in, day out to ensure our state is the go-to destination for travellers from all over the world,” he said.
“We continue backing our booming tourism industry so it can keep growing and thriving - supporting thousands of jobs and businesses across Victoria.”
Victoria’s international visitors have spent $7.8 billion over the 12-month period – an 86 per cent increase year-on-year in what the announcement described as a win for local jobs, businesses and the state’s economy.
Tourism spending in Melbourne has increased by 38 per cent over the past five years and spending has also increased in regional Victoria by 57 per cent.
Visitors to Geelong and the Bellarine increased by 93 per cent compared to 2019 levels while Philip Island experienced an increase of 91 per cent and the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges were boosted by 82 per cent.
Yarra Ranges Tourism CEO Simon O’Callaghan said he remains cautious about the results.
“These are soft in real terms on the ground and in our communities,” he said.
“We are conscious that Major Events in Melbourne provide a short-term hit to the visitor economy - they do not drive a consistent approach to the business model the industry needs to sustain a regular workforce and ongoing trade. Nor do big events necessarily translate to visitors in regional Victoria.”
Mr O’Callaghan said that the recent survey highlights the need to continue proactive marketing strategies and campaigns to ensure the connection to our key visitor markets.
“These are the higher-yielding consumers who will stay overnight,” he said.
Mr O’Callaghan said in the Yarra Ranges spending for international visitors has re-
By Tanya Steele
A clear image of a fireball was captured on camera by volunteers at Mount Burnett Observatory (MBO) recently as several of the meteors made their way across the Victorian sky.
Astronomers have agreed it was a lucky sight to behold and the bright objects tracking across the winter sky that were later identified as fireballs were likely only a few centimetres big.
On Wednesday 3 July, MBO volunteers said they had heard there were multiple reports on social media of bright objects in the sky stretching from Tasmania to several hundred kilometres north of Melbourne.
The volunteers have an AllSky camera on site that records images of the sky 24/7 and were able to capture one of the objects in the moments it crossed from south to north.
On the night, secretary and committee member Kim Steere said they were able to capture the image of the first one, at 6.23 pm. “We didn’t get an image of the second event at 9.03 pm,” she said. “We suspected at the time it was a meteor, but it could have also been space junk.”
Astronomer at Swinburne University of Technology Allan Duffy said that seeing one fireball is always special having the chance to see two in one night so soon apart is very lucky. “Despite the incredible brightness of the event, the objects burning up would only have been a couple of centimetres across – but they were travelling at 10,000 km per hour meaning that friction with the air caused them to glow brightly and burn away,” he said. “Although incredibly empty, space does have dust and small pieces of rock and ice and even metal from the early days of the formation of our entire solar system floating around.”
“These meteor sightings are a wonderful reminder that such ancient fossil records of our beginnings are still with us floating in the depths of space, and just waiting for the earth to run into them as we go around the sun in our orbit”
Emerald Observatory Space debris optical tracking station Chief Executive Officer
Lachlan Thompson said that the meteors were one of those rare visual events that were unexpected. “These meteors although appearing bright and large are relatively harmless to humans on Earth as they are small enough to vaporise in the atmosphere,” he said. “Our job here is to track space junk and space rocks - which may become meteorites”.
Mr Thompson is located 15km from Mount Burnett and operates a a privately funded research facility for the tracking and study of space debris to provide data for space situational awareness.
Professor Duffy said it was a stunning image taken by the MBO. “They really do world-class research right there in the heart of the Dandenongs,” he said.
Any curious night-gazing public can viewtheskyaroundMelbournelivethrough the camera at the MBO at this link: https:// allsky.mbo.org.au/allsky/
Professor Duffy said to make sure people also download the’ Fireballs in the Sky’ app on their smartphones.
“You can record any future sightings and help Australian astronomers to identify if and where a meteorite may have landed and recover this sample,” he said.
turned to 87 per cent of 2019 levels, while total overnight visitors are at 72 per cent of 2019 levels.
“Melbourne and regional Victoria are getting closer to a recovery in international spending, reflecting stronger demand for international travel – however, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast have already exceeded their 2019 levels,” he said.
“This highlights the need for greater effort across the State, led by Visit Victoria and our key attractions that promote themselves to international visitors, to drive the return of these important markets to our region, which visit mid-week and off-peak.”
“Most importantly the impact of overnight spend is substantially more per visitor at $1,398 compared to domestic at $592.”
Both Melbourne and regional Victoria are behind the performance of other major cities and regional Australia on key metrics and at a state and territory level.
The results for overnight trips and spend in the March quarter 2024 were mixed when compared with the March quarter of 2023 and Victoria was down $112 million or 2%.
Mr O’Callaghan said that the recent surge in domestic demand has tapered off, leading to a weaker performance in regional Victoria, reflecting challenging economic conditions and the rebound in outbound travel.
“Visitor metrics are stagnant in real terms when taking the cost of goods sold into account, which is supported by the on-ground feedback from the industry that our tourism partners are expressing,” he said.
Tourism Research Australia’s national survey for the March quarter said that travellers to capital cities also spent more per trip at $1178 on average in the March quarter for 2024 compared to those that travelled to a regional area at $770 per trip.
Victoria’s events calendar continues into 2024 with NGV’s Melbourne Winter Masterpieces Pharoah exhibition, rugby’s State of Origin game two and international Wallabies v Wales Test, basketball’s Ballin’24, and two Australian Diamonds netball tests.
Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements said that Tourism Research Australia has forecast that Victoria’s visitor economy will reach $53 billion in 2028.
“Visit Victoria will continue to support our sector in those efforts, and our work to ensure tourism markets around the globe understand why Victoria is every bit different,” he said.
By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Monbulk CFA long-time serving captain Simon Schroder has decided to step down from his role after 12 years of leading the team.
Mr Schroder has dedicated his time volunteering with Monbulk Fire Brigade for the past 30 years, starting as a junior brigade member in 1994.
Just after two years of joining the team, he ranked up to a senior position and became an active firefighter in 1997.
“My highlight is probably people skills - being a self-employed carpenter, I’ve got a lot on but certainly, you learn how to speak to people and how to manage people,” he said.
“I’m going back to being a regular firefighter, I’ve decided that I didn’t want any commitments for the next two years, where we have our election cycle again - just to have a breather.”
Due to the rise of cost of living, people are doing more paid work than volunteering and hence volunteerism has declined not just for the CFA, but across the board.
For Mr Schroder stepping down as a captain would mean more reflection time.
“More time with the family, whom sadly, and probably felt neglected,” he said.
“It takes a lot of time, on an average three nights a week out at meetings and trainings and then on top of that, there’s the daily chores such as answering phone calls and emailshaving that weight off my shoulders is fantastic.
“While I’m looking forward to having a breather and spending more time with my family, I encourage people to ask questions and investigate and give volunteering a go, because what you get out of it can be very, very rewarding.”
When Mr Schroder joined the team three decades ago, his leadership skills shone within
the room, and he became Fifth Lieutenant in 2003 – responsible for equipment maintenance.
He remained as a lieutenant for a further eight years filling the roles of third and second lieutenants.
In 2012 he was elected as captain of the Monbulk Fire Brigade, a position that he has held for 12 years and now passed on to the new captain, Glenn Hickingbotham.
Mr Schroder’s experience as a captain has been relatively positive, but the split of CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) was a challenging time for him.
On July 1 2020, a new fire services organisation was created, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), this resulted a separation between staff and volunteers, making FRV career service and
CFA a volunteer only organisation.
Mr Schroder has been an exceptional Captain, providing strong leadership on both the fire ground as well as in the day-to-day running of the brigade, his highlight has been the outcomes of his decisions and training up new people into the brigade.
“Seeing members flourish and been able to stand on their own two feet has been a joyous thing to experience,” he said.
He sends his best wishes to the new captain, Mr Hickingbotham and he’s looking forward to spending more time with his wife Bec and three young daughters Tilly, Lucy and Emily.
Glenn Hickingbotham has been with CFA for over 33 years, a lieutenant with Monbulk CFA for about 15 years and his role as a captain commenced on 1 July.
Every two years, there’s an election where members can nominate for different positions via a secret ballot voting - the only caveat is that in order to nominate and be elected as a captain, you have to have done at least two years as a lieutenant.
“I’m both humbled and honoured to lead the team,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to working with the management team and members of the brigade to ensure we are maintaining a high level of skills in the areas of firefighting, rescue and rope rescue.”
“We have a number of different disciplines that we have to maintain skills in which is challenging for us but we’ve got a great team, and we will continue the high level of professionalism that we showed in our work and in the community.”
Mr Hickingbotham said Mr Schroder’s strength was in his charm, the way he led the members, and he would listen to everyone’s points of view and encouraged others to speak up and collaborate.
“He’s been a strong mentor to others within the brigade, myself included, about how to lead people - because it can be complex, given we’re a volunteer group, it’s quite different than leading staff in a workplace and Simon’s found that balance between the people looking after the people, and also ensuring we’re meeting that high standard of service delivery to the community when it comes to emergency response,” he said.
“He’s been highly regarded and respected within the brigade and also the broader CFA community around the hills, he’s not going anywhere.”
On behalf of Monbulk CFA, Mr Hickingbotham extends his gratitude to Mr Schroder, especially to his family because it takes a lot of support from family to do this.
By Gabriella Vukman
Fire safety and fun were on show on Saturday as the CFA visited the Belgrave Library.
On Saturday 6 July, the Belgrave Library hosted a free fire safety and CFA volunteering information session.
Equipped with fire engines, troops and fire safety booklets, the Belgrave CFA’s Saturday information event was open to attendance from all ages.
Community Safety Officer at the Belgrave CFA Bryce Mazzarella said the brigade had its fire truck up there, with firefighters in tow, so the public could have a look at the truck and all the gear.
“I’ll have community safety booklets to give out which will be like little packets with all sorts of information in them. I will also have little captain koala and fire truck lunch boxes to sell as a fundraiser for the CFA as well so people can come and get a cute little lunchbox,” Bryce said prior to the event.
“And then I will do a little half hour long presentation just on what volunteering in the CFA actually looks like.”
The Belgrave brigade was at the library from 10am until 1pm.
“A lot of people ask questions like‘how does it work’ ‘what can I do’ so I will go over time commitments and what you can do because not everybody has to be a firefighter. There’s plenty of non-operational support roles that the brigade needs doing. It takes a lot to keep the brigade running,” Mr Mazzarella said.
“There’s some cool benefits we get from volunteering at the CFA. There’s mental health programs that extend to your family as well and discount programs that you can sign up for that can help you with your weekly shops and with servicing your car and things like that.”
The purpose of the event was twofold, focusing on educating the community about fire safety as well as searching for new recruits.
Mr Mazzarella said the CFA want to get information out there, talk to people and get them thinking about things.
“If you go up to the library and the fire truck is there it might trigger your memory so that you think ‘oh I’ve got to change the smoke alarms’ or ‘oh I’ve got to put another smoke alarm in the kids bedrooms.,” he said.
“Hopefully triggering that little bit of talking about it gets people to actually do something for fire safety whether it’s home or bushfire safety.”
Mr Mazzarella organised the talk, choosing the Belgrave Library for its public resources.
“The reason why I wanted to do it with the library is because libraries are fantastic places in terms of community access,” he said.
“A lot of people don’t want to go to or are forgetting about them in the modern tech world when libraries do heaps of stuff. Besides just loaning books, they have programs to help people.”
“I was hoping that doing it with the library as well would give them a huge boost in visibility in the community.”
The library event was designed to bring the CFA and the community together.
Mr Mazzarella said they want to remind people that they are still here.
“Just because it’s the middle of winter doesn’t mean we go away. A lot of people tend to think that the CFA only does bushfires but really, we do everything,” he said. “This event is important to the community because CFA brigades need the community to work. The CFA wouldn’t work if the community did not help us and I don’t think the community would work very well if we didn’t help them.”
“It’s a very mutual friendship. We need volunteers, we need support to run and operate and the good side of that is we help people in emergencies and when people are having a bad day they give us a cool and hopefully we can make that bad day not so bad.”
Whilst currently the Belgrave CFA is operating at 100 per cent capacity, they are always looking for new volunteers.
Mr Mazzarella said that many hands make light work and that there are a lot of members that have been around for twenty or thirty years who are getting older and we need to get people in to replace them because there is a turnover.
“Every organisation has a turnover,” he said.
“The more young people we get the better and even if it is another CFA, in Upwey or Monbulk, every CFA is always recruiting.”
Another thing the CFA is always looking for is funding.
Mr Mazzarella said that unfortunately the state is a little bit money poor at the moment and it’s a bit of an issue with a lot of the brigades just trying to keep afloat.”
“There’s never enough funding in the State Government to fund every little thing that every CFA in Victoria wants. There’s 1400 brigades so there’s a lot of underlying stuff that needs to go around,” he said.
“We’re trying to replace our little transit van we use to transport the juniors around for our junior brigade program and make sure that we have a little bit of money there,.”
Encouraging everyone to come on down and have a good time, Mr Mazzarella said that even if you just want to come down and look at the fire truck and take a photo with it, that’s fine.
“It always puts a smile on our faces.”
By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Ferntree Gully’s St Joseph’s College has been nominated for the 2024 Victorian Training Awards finalists in the category of‘Small Training Provider of the Year Award.’
Training and Skills Minister Gayle Tierney announced the 40 finalists in the 70th Victorian Training Awards, which recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations in the Victorian vocational education sector.
St Joseph’s College has been a registered training organisation for nearly 20 years.
Electro technology was introduced in 2018 and the plumbing facility has been running in the last 12 months.
The school’s principal, Cathy Livington stated in a LinkedIn post, the recognition is a testament to the school’s collective dedication in providing exceptional vocational education and training.
“It reflects the hard work and commitment of every team memver, whcih profoundly impacts our students success and the broader community,” she stated on her LinkedIn account.
St Joseph’s College director of RTO and pathways Vivienne Egan said she’s very proud of the team at St Joseph’s and their facilities.
“We work very hard to provide exceptional vocational education and training to secondary school students in the eastern suburbs,” Ms Egan said.
“Since covid, it’s been very difficult, especially when vocational education and training is applied teaching, students come and learn skills from certificate II in building and construction, electro technology and plumbing.”
“Whatever skill they are taught in class, they apply that to build their projects in class and in their respective field.”
The Vocational Education and Training
(VET) is designed for secondary students in Year 10 – 12 who reside in the Eastern corridor of Victoria – operated through Mullum VET Cluster, a co-operative group of government, Catholic and independent schools operating in partnership with RegisteredTraining Organisations and TAFE’s.
The students haven’t been able to do their training due to the disruption of Covid-19 but with the school’s consistent efforts and new facilities, it has seen a surge in applicants.
“In the past year, our enrolments have doubled, which has been fantastic, and that has a lot to do with the wonderful trainers we have at St Joseph’s,” she said.
“We had building construction, and we had
electro technology, and we’ve just finished building a plumbing facility for students.”
“The students are able to do work in a space that simulates real world experiences – it’s been hard, but it’s also been very rewarding this past year.”
Ms Egan said despite the disruption in the last couple of years, the school has worked hard to ensure students are trained to industry standards.
“Our trainers are really looking after the best interests of the students, and training them for jobs of the future,” she said.
When Ms Egan applied for the award, she didn’t expect to hear back due to the high number of applications.
“I was encouraged by our principal, Kathy Livingston who is a great supporter of vocational education and training – I didn’t expect to hear back but it’s a lovely recognition, it means we’re doing things well, and it’s fantastic to be recognised for that,” she said.
“As a finalist, it’s an honour to be recognised and we will continue building on our wonderful facilities, and developing our students, knowledge and skills.”
The school’s motto is “Agite Quae Didicistis,” which means, put into practice what you have learned.
The winners will be announced on Friday 30 August 2024.
place to keep the most precious of things. A place to embrace the awe and wonder of nature.
Showcasing exquisite puppetry, an enigmatic host, audience interaction and a world of rare and exotic animals, ARC by Erth is a profound experience that embraces the natural world and the creatures that cohabit this place we call Earth.
ARC by Erth will be performed at The Memo Healesville Thursday 25th July, 2024 at 6PM Bought to the community by Yarra Ranges Council - CULTURE TRACKS
Star Mail have a family pass to the show on offer to one lucky reader
By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
The aspiring to inspire Upwey parents ran the Gold Coast Marathon virtually on Sunday 7 July to raise funds for Leukaemia Foundation.
While David Leslie and his wife, Louisa Leslie are frequent runners, this year’s run and fundraising was unlike any other.
At the start of June, their daughter Maisy Leslie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cancer – a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects white blood cells, it’s also the most common childhood cancer.
“I was definitely in shock, but a mother’s instinct, I sort of knew something wasn’t quite right,” Ms Leslie said.
She said there weren’t many visible symptoms other than Maisy feeling tired after school – which she thought was normal since Maisy was entering into her teenage years.
“I thought she was just bumming around a little bit, but then during netball, I noticed she would get tired very easily and she began to look pale,” Ms Leslie said.
“One weekend, we noticed her lymph nodes in her neck had popped up on both sides - like the size of blueberries thrown up into her neck and into her skull.”
In a 24-hour period, the lymph nodes flared up through her neck, under the armpit and over her body.
Ms Leslie rushed her daughter to the hospital; she was then referred to a paediatrician.
At first, they thought it was a virus, but four days later after several blood tests, results showed the 12-year-old Maisy had leukaemia in her blood - she was then sent to Monash Children’s Hospital.
Maisy’s diagnosis is not genetic related.
According to the Leukaemia Foundation, in Australia, on a daily average 53 people, or one person in every 27 minutes are told they have blood cancer.
The organisation provides a range of support services to Australians affected by blood cancer – these services include accommodation while they are undergoing treatment, assistance with transport to appointments, education, and information around their specific type of cancer, as well as other practical, financial, emotional and mental health support.
These services are available to individuals and families impacted by blood cancer living in metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote areas.
The Leukaemia Foundation has found that blood cancers combined is the second highest cause of cancer related deaths in the country making blood cancer one of the nation’s most deadly cancers.
Currently more than 140,000 people are living with blood cancer or a related blood disorder in Australia today.
Mr Leslie has setup a fundraising page via the Leukaemia Foundation to help the organisation continue delivering its direct support and services for families who are impacted by blood cancer.
So far, more than $12,000 have been raised.
It is every parent’s worst nightmare to hear that their child has the monstrous disease.
But the 12-year-old’s parents said they have been overwhelmed with their family’s and community’s support – they don’t feel alone in this challenging journey ahead.
The Leslie family extends their deepest
gratitude to everyone who donated, and they hope the community continues to shed a light in their path by donating to Maisy’s cause to take a stand against blood cancer.
On Sunday, Ms Leslie finished the half marathon (21.1 km) in just over 2 and a half hours.
“I’m either keep getting sick or having to pull out because of an injury, this was my third attempt at a half marathon,” she said.
“I pulled out of training because Maisy got sick, I ran but not for a personal best or anything – I was just getting the kilometres done and raise funds for a cause that’s very important to me.”
“Maybe one day, I will return to do a proper half marathon where I am in a better position and trained.”
Mr Leslie, Maisy’s stepfather ran his second full marathon (42.2 km) on the weekend and he finished just under four hours.
They finished their runs at 2pm at the Fat Goat in Upwey on Sunday.
The couple have done several fun-runs to raise money for different charity organisations in the past.
Though running with a crowd of people, in a warmer temperature and a flatter surface seems a lot more desirable and easier than running in a hilly route, by yourself and in Melbourne’s cold weather – but for Maisy’s parents the reason behind their challenge was not only stronger but also extremely important.
“I’ve got a really strong network of friends and people that we know through our corporate lives, and we thought this was a great opportunity to genuinely raise money for a foundation that’s been really important towards Children’s Cancer Research, specifically leukaemia and blood cancers – that’s the main drive for me and Louisa,” he said.
To help with Maisy’s treatment, donate here: fundraise.leukaemia.org.au/fundraisers/Maisytaylor/running-for-leukaemia?
The Rotary Club of Emerald & District, in conjunction with The Rotary clubs of Monbulk & District and Belgrave, is hosting a free public information forum to discuss current mental health issues affecting young people.
This major community event will be aimed at raising public awareness of some of the problems young people face and where they and their families and carers can access support.The evening will be filled with topical discussions and education with health care professionals and local supports within the Shires of Cardinia and Yarra Ranges and other online platforms.
The Forum will be held at St Marks Church, Church Street, Emerald on Thursday 25 July at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start and will conclude at approximately 9.15pm.
The event will be both face-to-face and on Zoom. Registration for the Forum will be through TryBooking, entry is free.
Professor Sophie Havighurst from the Psychology Department at Melbourne University will be the keynote speaker followed by Jayson a young person from the community who will share his lived experience of mental health issues. After a break when attendees can visit several informative displays, there will be an Open Forum where Professor Sophie, Jayson, Dr Dan and Emma McCall from Headspace will answer questions from the audience.
The organisers sincerely thank our sponsors, Rotary District 9810, the Cardinia Foundation, the Community Bank-Monbulk (Bendigo Bank), Vibe Health and Fitness and the Emerald Psychology Practice for their financial support.
For further information about the Forum, sponsors and registration details please visit emeraldrotary.org.au/page/talkin-it-up.
The Rotary Club of Emerald & District also wish to recognise the Emerald Psychology Practice which has been providing psychology and counselling services to the hills and beyond for over 10 years.
ing awareness of neurodiversity, gender issues, self-harm, substance abuse and many more problems that young people are facing.
Mental Health has come a long way in the past 20 years. Our understanding of many psychological issues has advanced. There is grow-
Whilst the Covid pandemic is behind us, the challenges that young people endured are still prevalent today.
Creating awareness reduces stigma and as a
psychology service, we are committed to supporting initiatives that reduce stigma in mental health. The Youth Mental Health forum is a free public event that aims to provide education and support to young people and their carers. It is an opportunity to learn about issues that young people may be struggling with and the avenues of help that are available.
While most people probably tried to avoid getting out of bed as long as possible on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 July as the winter chill settled in, a few residents around the Yarra Ranges braved the conditions to capture some truly beautiful moments.
Here is a selection of photos from theValley and the Hills as the frost touched nearly everything it could over two icy mornings.
Bureau of Meteorology community information officer Brooke Pagel said on Thursday morning that Coldstream dropped down to minus 2.1 overnight making it one of the coldest places in greater Melbourne area.
“Temperatures at ground level can be many degrees lower than those recorded by standard weather stations, especially in these calm conditions with very clear skies,” she said.
“We will see those light to moderate south to south easterly winds gradually turning to more of an eastern, north easterly flow going into Friday, leading to milder conditions for Friday morning.”
People have been flocking from far and wide to view the spectacle which is Puffing Billy’s Train of Lights and thanks to the Rotary Club of Emerald and District, they have not been going home hungry, with the club hosting a ‘barbecue ultramarathon’ over all 25 nights.
The Puffing Billy Train of Lights experience is being held from June 28 to July 12.
Rotary Club of Emerald and District treasurer Shalini Penny said the club was excited to take part in the growing event.
“Last year, the event took place over 18 nights,” she said.
“However, it was so successful that it is running over 25 nights this year.
“The popularity from last year saw tickets selling out within 2 hours of them going on sale.”
Ms Penny said the club has been able to feed 260 passengers when they disembark at the halfway point of the trip at Gembrook.
“Last year when Puffing Billy Railway approached Emerald Rotary with the proposition of running a barbecue on each night of
the Train of Lights extravaganza, the club eagerly presented the idea to its members,” she said.
“Following an overwhelming response, it was unanimously decided that they would rise to the challenge and work all 18 consecu-
tive nights - imagine having the same conversation this year for 25 nights.
“Not surprisingly, the members were fully behind the venture with family members stepping up to assist.”
This year’s event kicked off with a trial run evening for volunteer groups on Thursday 27 June.
Ms Penny said organiser John Henderson has prepared a comprehensive roster of volunteers throughout the event, while support came from Alan from Emerald Meats supplying the sausages, the Cockatoo Bakery supply the bread and Emerald Fruit Barn’s Aldo helping supply the onions.
“Determining the quantities of sausages, bread, and onions required posed a challenge last year,” she said.
“However, this year we have a much better idea of stock requirements.
“It is hoped that with the success of this event to date that Emerald Rotary can continue in the years to come as it allows the club to generate much needed funds, which are passed onto the local community.”
By Tanya Steele
Skywatchers and star lovers will have the chance to take a tour of the Mount Burnett Observatory (MBO) this month as the facility opens its doors to the public.
The Mount Burnett Observatory is open with the support of Eastern Dandenong Ranges Business and Tourism is part of the Melbourne Open House event on the weekend of 27 and 28 of July.
MBO volunteers will be onsite conducting daytime and evening tours of the iconic Monash Dome and there will be many displays and activities for the public to enjoy.
MBO Secretary Kim Steere said MBO is a fun place to learn and the volunteers are always happy to share their knowledge with visitors.
“I’ve been a member for five years, it’s such a welcoming place,” she said.
The Open House Melbourne showcases unique and unusual architecture that people don’t normally get to see - from cemeteries, radio stations, bluestone structures, churches and even an old asylum.
“This will be the third year MBO are taking part and we originally applied because of the Monash dome,” Ms Steere said.
“The visitors will get to see the dome and they’ll see the large telescope,’” she said.
The Monash Dome houses a telescope with an 18-inch mirror which gives members and visitors magnificent views of the night sky.
The observatory was originally built in 1972 by Monash University as a research facility.
“Students would travel up and use it for observing,” said Ms Steere.
The original telescope in the Monash Dome was used by students and staff to study variable stars. Another feature of the site, the Log Cabin was added in 1975 and it provided onsite facilities for students conducting observations. In the early 2000s the facility was no longer needed by Monash University and fell into disrepair. In 2011 an enthusiastic group of local astronomers took over the site and began its restoration, with the aim of preserving the facility and using it to promote astronomy and science to the broader community.
“A group of locals who were interested in astronomy got together and thought, hey, why don’t we just start this up as a club?,” said Ms Steere.
The observatory now services a growing membership of astronomers pursuing a range of activities, including astrophotography, radio astronomy, outreach programs and a Young Observers group.
Ms Steere said the way that people use MBO is always evolving and astrophotography is quite popular at the facility.
“Volunteers will talk to the public about how to get sky good photos with your phone,” she said.
MBO volunteers walked at the recent Bel-
grave Lantern Parade and had a blast and taught members of the crowd how to capture photos of the moon while they were there.
“You can get photos through smaller telescopes using your phone,” she said.
The volunteers have a great time in pursuit of astronomy and stargazing and Ms Steere said the viewing the recent aurora borealis (northern lights) was a lot of fun.
“We were like a bunch of kids in a lolly shop,” she said.
Ms Steere said the chance to learn to use the telescopes at the open weekend is a great opportunity for the general public.
“People will be able to use the telescopes - if the weather’s good people will be able to look through the telescope in the Monash dome and use the dobs,” she said.
Dobsonian telescopes are smaller portable telescopes that swivel on a base and Ms Steere said they are quite easy to learn to use.
Visitors will also be able to talk to the MBO Radio Astronomy experts about the mindblowing future of astronomy as there are also tours running during the day.
“They’re very keen and very knowledgeable and the group is growing,” said Ms Steere
“They have got dishes on the roof collecting radio wave information,” she said.
The MBO Young Observers team will also be on hand to help young astronomers with
astronomy craft activities at the big weekend. People can book for the open day online and tours will run during the daytime on Saturday 27 July at 10 am, 11.30 am, 1 pm and 2.30 pm.
The evening tours will run at 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm.
Bookings are required and a $7 booking fee applies.
https://events.humanitix.com/mountburnett-observatory
All ages are welcome, with partial wheelchair access available and accessible parking nearby, this is an outdoor event, so come prepared for the weather.
Those attending are advised to look for the MBO board at the driveway entrance at 420 Paternoster Road in Mount Burnett and to please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the ground can be uneven.
At the moment Ms Steere said that viewing the night sky is spectacular.
“Winter is fabulous for the Milky Way - it’s right overhead and there is so much to see,” she said.
“You can view the tail of the Scorpion, the Southern Cross and the Jewel Box,” she said.
By Matthew Sims
The Rotary Club of Emerald and District have welcomed in its new board for the 2024-25 period.
The club hosted its changeover dinner at Marybrooke Manor in Sherbrooke on Sunday 23 June with a country and western theme, with outgoing president Sangeeta Bajaj stepping down with incoming president Kelly McAllister entering the top role. Other appointments were:
· Vice President - Emma Clark;
· Treasurer - Shalini Penny;
· Secretary - Toni-Anne Griffin;
· Community - Tina McInerney and Hita Mistry;
· Youth - Marcus Adams;
· International - Catherine Elfick;
· Membership and Marketing - Kris Ash;
· Vocational - Gayle Barrot;
· Sustainability & Environment - Ken Miller;
· Fundraising - Sangeeta Bajaj; and
· Foundation - Peter Brock.
Ms McAllister said the event was an opportunity to acknowledge the club’s progress and
achievements while also recognising where it can improve.
“We’re not here to simply maintain the status quo or rest on our laurels,” she said.
“We’re here to innovate, to push boundaries, and to make things even better - better for our community, better for our club, and better for ourselves.
“We’ll do this by continuing to listen, to learn, and to adapt, by seeking feedback and embracing criticism, and by encouraging ex-
By Matthew Sims
Eighty clubs across the East and South East districts of Melbourne and into the Mornington Peninsula have come together in Pakenham over the weekend to celebrate the merging of two districts into one new district - District 9815.
The merging came off the back of one of the districts falling below the threshold of 1100 members, with District 9810 and 9820 merging into the new district during an official merging and changeover celebration on Saturday 29 June at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
New District Governor Colin Byron said there were about 300 people in attendance across 54 clubs, including the Rotary clubs of Pakenham and Casey.
“It was a very good night,” he said.
Rotary International has more than 1.4 million members across more than 200 countries, including members across Rotaract clubs for students and young professionals, Interact clubs for young leaders aged 12 to 18 in high schools and Earlyact clubs for primary school students.
Mr Byron said the aim of the new district would be in attracting new members across all age groups and supporting a Rotary-wide transition towards more specific groups.
“Whilst Australia has a significant amount of people willing to volunteer, young people don’t want to come to a dinner every week,” he said.
“We’re now adopting a new model for more cause-based initiatives.
“There’s a lot of new club formats.”
Mr Byron said there were a number of areas which Rotary acts in, including peace, environment and maternal health, with anybody welcome to propose a new club to support people within their community.
“If somebody has a cause, it could be an idea we can develop into a club,” he said.
Mr Byron said Rotary was also excited to continue towards the eradication of polio after becoming a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and reducing global polio cases by 99.9 per cent since its first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.
“If we eliminate it, it could be only the second disease to be eliminated,” he said.
perimentation and calculated risk-taking.”
Ms McAllister said co-operation and collaboration with other Rotary clubs would be a key part of continuing to grow.
“Together, we can continue achieve great things,” she said.
“Let us approach our committees with gusto and do the most we can to support our committee chairs by sharing the load, being proactive, accommodating and working with purpose.
“When we work with purpose, we become better versions of ourselves, we develop new skills, new strengths and new perspectives.”
Ms McAllister said her door was always open for suggestions.
“Whilst criticism is sometimes hard to hear I welcome your thoughts and ideas,” she said.
“All I ask is that we continue to treat each other with love and respect and understand we are all here for the same reasons & volunteering to make this world a better place.
“Let’s rather not be a part of the problem but rather be a part of the solution.”
For more information on the club, visit www.emeraldrotary.org.au
Mr Byron said the new district was looking forward to how new models could be implemented.
“We’re introducing a change in our operational model,” he said.
“We need to do more impactful projects.
“Rotary is trying to focus on what we can do to make a difference.”
For more information on District 9815, visit rotary9815.org.au
Open Door Community Care runs the fabulous not-for-profit Op Shop and Laneway Nursery that operates out of 61-63 Main Street. Monbulk. Working in partnership with Open Door Community Church, ODCCARE has provided wonderful services to people living in the local hills area for more than 20 years.
We are dedicated to supporting locals through the Op Shop, the Food Pantry and Community support roles. Volunteering at the Op Shop and Laneway Nursery provides
an opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends, and assist others. It’s a great way for people regardless of age, cultural background, or circumstances to get involved in our welcoming local community.
Our volunteers complete a wide range of tasks including sorting, pricing, stacking shelves and retail. The plant nursery has many good quality, affordable plants and the Nursery team do an incredible job keeping it neat, tidy and well-watered and they offer some excellent gardening advice. If you love
plants join the Nursery Team today! There are so many opportunities to volunteer, so we encourage you to consider how you might get involved and what time you can give in supporting others.
Open Door Playgroup
If you have young children or grandchildren Open Door Playgroup runs every Wednesday morning from 10am - 11.30am in the Open Door Community Church Hall, during School Terms for the cost of a gold coin dona-
tion. Our coordinator, Janet is a highly skilled childhood educator, and this fun-filled, creative program is open to all families and carers with children aged 0-5 years. For more information contact:
· Open Door Playgroup phone number: 0493 772 924
· Open Door Playgroup email: opendoorplaygroup@gmail.com
· Church Hall: Cnr. David Hill Road and Moxham’s Road, Monbulk, 3793.
Community Bank Monbulk & District recently held their annual Community Awards Night.
The event was attended by volunteer members from 48 local clubs and organisations, Federal MP Aaron Violi and representatives from Yarra Ranges Council.
The evening celebrated the recent accreditation by Monbulk & District Community Enterprises Limited, the owner of the franchise of Community Bank Monbulk & District as a Social Traders Social Enterprise.
Company Chairman Leo Koelewyn said a Social Enterprise is a business that puts people and the environment first.
“Certification with Social Traders was an important step for us to gain recognition as a social enterprise, connect with social enterprises across Australia, and access further opportunities to strengthen our community impact,” he said.
“The community banking sector is the perfect demonstration of what’s possible – taking the traditional banking model and turning it on its head to deliver community value. Since opening the community bank in 2012 Monbulk & District Community Enterprises Limited has strategically invested profits generated through their Community Bank partnership with Bendigo Bank back into the local commu-
nity. Revenue generated by customers’ banking such as loans and deposits are reinvested back to the local community.”
At the event it was announced that Community Bank Monbulk & District has contributed over $1 million to the local community through grants, donations and sponsorships. Funding programs within the community, including supporting community wellbeing and mental health. A fantastic milestone which would not have been possible without the support of Community Bank Monbulk & District’s customers, shareholders, branch staff and volunteer board of directors.
Senior Branch Manager Aimee te Boekhorst
said they are so excited to have reached over $1 million in community contributions.
“We are focused on supporting programs and initiatives that serve those in the community that need it most and supporting grassroots initiatives which foster meaningful change at a local level,” she said.
“We are creating a purposeful impact on our community and helping our town to thrive.”
If you would like to bank locally and support your community at the same time, contact Community Bank Monbulk & District on 9752 1130 or drop in and see us at 70 Main Road Monbulk.
The human microbiome (HMB) is simply fantastic! It is made up from a combination of micro-organisms including, bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa that exist in and on the surfaces of your body.
The majority of these organisms reside within your gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and weigh up to 2kg in a healthy adult. Building a better microbiome will have a lasting and positive effect on your whole health.
Let me share with you some tips on why this is important and how you can achieve excellent results.
Imagine your microbiome as a complex eco-system, like a beautiful rainforest, made up thousands of different species, both symbiotic, pathogenic and opportunistic.
Tim Howden Paediatric Naturopath
crobes can affect the important tight junctions in our Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) which protect our brain from unwanted infection.
The gut really is the seat of all health.
These microbes occupy many locations on and in your body and many of the subgroups of microbes are unique to you and your social group. Importantly, these populations can be greatly influenced by environmental factors like diet and lifestyle.
Our microbial diversity is what makes us unique and allows our bodies to flourish, grow, repair and combat illness.
It’s not so much the numbers of particular species that are important compared to the overall diversity.
A well balanced plant-rich whole food diet will keep your microbes happy and when your microbes are happy it usually follows suit that you are too.
There is significant evidence to suggest that our microbes influence emotional responses such as anxiety, depression and stress response. Our HMB affects neurotransmitter production of dopamine, serotonin, adrenalin, noradrenalin, and GABA.
There is also evidence to suggest that mi-
It is a dynamic environment, constantly influx, and involved in a complex array of biological functions including neurotransmission, immune modulation, nutrient production, hormone signalling and energy production to name just a few.
A review ofWhat IWould Do toYou by Georgia Harper.
What I Would Do to You, by Australian psychologist and author Georgia Harper, is an intense and confronting novel.
Despite its slow and steady pace, the story packs a punch that hits your heart and mind when you least expect it.
The astonishingly accomplished debut novel tells the story of Stella and Matisse in near-future Australia, whose 10-year-old daughter Lucy is horrifically murdered.
With the death penalty reintroduced, they are allowed to personally execute the perpetrator in any way they choose.
“Twenty-four hours alone in a room with the condemned. No cameras. No microphones. Just whatever punishment they decide befits the crime.”
If this sounds like what you think the families of victims of violent crimes would want – think again.
Through the eyes of Octavia, the courtappointed counsellor, we see how the couple and their two older children – Lucy’s brother Sebastian and sister Hannah –grieve and grapple with emotional and moral issues relating to the forthcoming execution.
Octavia helps unearth the secrets from Stella’s and Matisse’s past lives, as well as Sebastian’s inner struggles as the only male member of the family.
However, it is through Hannah, the other first-person narrator, that we truly see the horrendous impact of the crime on those left behind.
Hannah is also affected by her own dark past, and her evolution throughout the book is something to behold.
Indeed, Hannah’s and Octavia’s perspectives are the two bookends framing a whole set of complex issues that we as readers are invited to explore.
For example, where is the fine line between retribution and revenge?
Between the need to protect the community and that of rehabilitating the perpetrators, which one is more important
and urgent?
What privileges dare we have, and what obligations and responsibilities are we compelled to face, in matters of someone else’s life and death?
What I Would Do to You is not an easy read.
As a psychologist who has worked with both serious violent offenders and victimsurvivors of crime, the author deals out details of the story delicately, adeptly maintaining the tension and suspense while encouraging readers to empathise with the characters every step of the way.
Meanwhile, the story’s pacing is measured for a reason, as some details are too vividly disturbing to be easily stomached.
The boundaries that we rely on for our society to function properly – public vs private, professional vs personal, expectation vs entitlement, commitment vs conformity, pain vs peace – are deliberately blurred. We as readers are thrown out of balance, unsettled.
“What would you do?” asks the book. Anyone who is yet to read this novel can sit comfortably at home while casually offering a remark, recalling an anecdote, imagining a scenario, or passing a judgement.
But once you have read the book, you will feel the need to think carefully before an answer can be found.
In the author’s words:“Fiction...is a place to explore things that may never happen, and dsometimes should never happen.”
Highly recommended, with trigger warning.
Certainly probiotics can aid the HMB but, there may be other things you can try before embarking on a supplement regime.
Finding the right diet to suit your needs, tweaking habits that improve digestive function such as meal times and thorough chewing and reducing consumption of harmful things like alcohol, sugar and highly refined and processed food will help proliferate healthy microbial populations.
If you are unsure about what diet best suits your needs it may be worthwhile seeking out an experienced and qualified health practitioner to guide you.
Looking after and building a better microbiome is highly beneficial for overall health.
Hippocrates was correct when he stated more than 2500 years ago all disease begins in the gut!
Kalki 2898 AD
Starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone
Rated M 4/5
Kalki 2898 AD is an exuberant, beautiful and thrilling (but messy) Indian science fiction epic based on Hindu mythology.
Set in a postapocalyptic far future, the film follows several factions as they seek to protect or capture Sumathi (Deepika Padukone), a pregnant woman bearing the reincarnated god Kalki.
The action sequences, which range from balletic brawls and superhuman scuffles to sprawling battles, are thrilling, endlessly creative and incredibly fun; many of the overthe-top action beats put a big grin on my face. Prabhas is a charming anti-hero as the bounty hunter Bhairava, and Amitabh Bachchan is a formidable, towering presence as the protector Ashwatthama.
Kalki has stunning visuals (some janky CGI notwithstanding) and an epic score by Santhosh Narayanan, and the city of Kasi offers a uniquely Hindu spin on the cyberpunk aesthetic.
Kalki is replete with the gravitas and joyful excess typical of Indian cinema, but the
heavy exposition and comic relief between Bhairava and his AI companion Bujji can be overbearing; thankfully, much of this is confined to the slow first act (which also has some abrupt editing).
Though well-acted all-round, the supporting characters are somewhat shallow, the film splits our focus with too many villains, and Padukone leaves little impression as Sumathi.
For many viewers (including myself), the rule of cool will largely override these flaws, but the distractingly poor dubbing for the actors is less excusable.
Despite some pacing, character and audio issues, Kalki 2898 AD is an immensely satisfying sci-fi epic playing in select Victorian cinemas.
The Boy From Oz
Produced by Theatrical a new Musical The atre Company founded in 2020 to add to Mel bourne’s theatre world.
The company’s production of The Boy From Oz has certainly shown the love of musical the atre from its production and audience reaction.
The current show is a wonderful production.
Of course the story is about the life of Peter Allen, his childhood life wanting to sing ad go on to bigtime show business.
The production was basic.
The set comprised of an illuminated arch at centre stage rear and in front a grand piano, plus a small piano brought onstage as required.
Peter Allen was played and sang by Matthew Hadgraft.
A superb performance.
Matthew was onstage the whole evening never missing a beat, with great audience participation and amazing energy.
He dominated the production and is definitely an asset to any theatre.
As a young lad, Peter was on opening night portrayed by Reuben Koronczyk.
Peter’s mother was given a good interpretation by Maureen Andrew.
She worked well with the young Peter Allen and the older Peter Alen.
Judy Garland was portrayed by Saskia Penn. Saska captured the essence of Judy Garland and worked well with Matthew.
Liza Minelli was given a great performance with feeling by Sarah Monteaux actually looked like Leza Minelli which made the audience feel they were actually watching Peter’s life.
The was a chorus of three singers, Silvia Kokkinos., Tara Lichenstein and Angelina Sevastopoulos They were background to Peter Allen and on occasion did their own singing.
A large cast of singers and dancers all adding to the enjoyment of the evening with some terrific musical spots and dancing. A very enjoyable evening for the first night audience.
CPP Community Theatre news
There are new shows in town both in Melbourne and at CPP.
There is always so much to do between finishing the play and starting the musical, and this year has been no exception.
Away from the stage CPP has been busy raising much needed funds at the annual Bunnings Barbecue and gearing up for the mid-year fundraiser.
This year to celebrate Christmas in July the company will be bringing back a fan favourite, the trivia night. This night is always a good natured but hotly contested competition to come away with the first prize.
After a flurry of information nights and auditions, the company has cast their production of Hello Dolly and rehearsals have begun in earnest.
WELCOME to a sanctuary of elegance and comfort at 55 Mountain Rd, Cockatoo. This newly built masterpiece is a testament to modern luxury and refined taste, whilst still encompassing the very best of country living.
Step inside and be greeted by soaring high ceilings and the warmth of hardwood flooring that flows seamlessly throughout and enjoy the unparalleled interior design this home has to offer. The master suite is a private retreat, featuring his and hers walk-through robes that lead to a spacious and opulent ensuite. Indulge in the double vanity complete with stone bench tops, unwind in the large free standing soaking bath surrounded by floor to ceiling tiles, or rejuvenate in the expansive shower, all while enjoying the serene tree top views just beyond your vast windows. Three additional bedrooms, each thoughtfully designed with large built-in robes, provide ample space and comfort. A well-appointed bathroom services these bedrooms, offering the same level of luxury with a double vanity and stone benches, elegant floor to ceiling tiles, a large shower and another free-standing soaking bath, huge windows frame the picturesque ferny views. A dedicated open style study or retreat also shares these tranquil views, providing a perfect workspace or reading area.
Heading down a stylish staircase and into the heart of the home is the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, designed for both relaxation and entertaining. The luxury kitchen is a chef’s dream, featuring marble look stone benchtops, a double oven, dishwasher, gas stove top and a spacious butler’s pantry.
The expansive and sleek stone waterfall island bench top provides ample space for casual dining and food preparation. The dining area is complemented by a sophisticated gas fireplace, adding warmth and ambiance to your gatherings or every day family living. Flowing seamlessly from the living area is the undercover alfresco, perfect for year-round entertaining. Imagine hosting friends and family in this inviting space, surrounded by the beauty of the established and serene gardens.
This property is not just a home; it’s a lifestyle, offering the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience. Contact us today to arrange a private viewing and experience the epitome of luxury living.
WITH plenty of space and style, picturesque parkland surrounds, and finishes designed for discerning homeowners, this idyllic 2,350sqm (approx.) property reads like the pages of a lifestyle magazine. Primed for new owners to move straight in, this is an incredible opportunity live somewhere special.
On the entry level, polished timber floors, vaulted ceilings, skylights, and access to the sprawling deck with glass balustrade are featured in the living area with wood fire, dining area, and contemporary kitchen. The chefs of the family will appreciate dual ovens, a gas cooktop, glass splashback, and abundant storage including a bonus cellar/ storeroom. With a large laundry also on this level, this home blends form and function with precision. Upstairs, the mezzanine study with clerestory windows is the ideal place for working from home. The clever inclusion of
dual ensuite bedrooms, including the main with private parents’ retreat, opens options for growing families and multi-generational living.
Additional highlights include gas ducted heating, a double carport with roller door, and a sweeping sealed drive with ample off-street parking and manicured box hedge. This property has it all. Guaranteed to impress, this outstanding home requires prompt inspection to make it your own. Plan your viewing today.
· Spectacular 2,350sqm (approx.) property with landscaped gardens
· Magnificent 5-bedroom plus study home with dual ensuite bedrooms
· Entry level living area with wood fire and kitchen with quality appliances
· Covered deck with glass balustrade and upper level paved patio
· Picturesque location in park-like surrounds. ●
NESTLED amidst the enchanting greenery of Kallista, discover your own piece of tranquillity at 11 Wembley Road. This captivating three-bedroom home offers more than just a house-it’s your magical forest retreat.
With lush a green setting surrounding you, creating a private backdrop for everyday living, the charm of this property extends beyond its picturesque location; inside, you’ll find a spacious family home, designed for comfort and relaxation.
There are two living areas, both bathed in natural light, seamlessly blending with the outdoors through large windows. With a strong sense of creative design throughout, the floorplan consists of downstairs lounge, dining and kitchen, overlooking an outdoor BBQ / kitchen area, alfresco and breathtaking forest views.
Another large loungeroom can be found overlooking the rear garden and also incorporates an oversized home office / study area which is perfect for those who are
needing space to work from home.
Three bedrooms, all with garden views, are enough for you and your family to all enjoy some privacy and you will be in the lap of luxury with the updated bathroom. As well as a cozy wood fire, gas ducted heating runs throughout to create warmth and convenient heating when needed.
Ideal for nature enthusiasts and those seeking peace and privacy, this home boasts modern amenities while preserving the charm of its woodland surroundings.
Whether you’re unwinding by the fire or exploring the nearby trails, every corner of this property exudes a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature.
A single garage has been well converted to a studio space and along with this, there is a single carport and plenty of extra parking. A sauna, tiered gardens, enchanting pathways, chicken coop and great storage are all included in this magical property.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the allure of this forest retreat. ●
SITUATED on just over 1 acre of flat land, this stunning home with wrap around verandah, where traditional functionality meets modern style and convenience, has all the creature comforts, and room for the largest of families!
The moment you step inside the home you will feel the ambience and quality of this beautiful renovation. Featuring a long, wide, central hallway and 9ft ceilings throughout, the home offers the simplest of floor plans with maximum appeal. From the spacious laundry, with ample storage and bench space and feature Penny Round tiling all the way to the large open lounge room with an ambient, electric fireplace the home oozes elegance and functionality.
Meandering down the hall you will find 5 stylish and spacious, robed bedrooms, the master with French doors opening onto the rear verandah, a large walk-through robe/ dressing room and an ensuite that is second to none, with double vanity, and brushed gold tapware.
The family bathroom is generous in size, and offers a free-standing fluted bath, double vanity and walk in shower
and the same level of style is continued in the powder room, conveniently located at the other end of the home. Add to this a separate dining room with ornate cornicing and ceiling rose and French doors to the verandah, located opposite the sun filled, chef’s kitchen with direct access to the entertaining deck overlooking the block. The kitchen is well-appointed with a huge island bench with stone top, new freestanding 900mm gas/electric stove, dishwasher, farmhouse sink, soft close cupboards and drawers, a walk-in pantry, and of course the signature brushed gold door furniture as featured throughout.
Outside, there is a 2-bedroom bungalow with a lounge room and kitchenette space, perfect as guest accommodation or a teenager’s retreat., and the property is fully fenced to keep the children and fur babies safe. Add to this a workshop/shed with concrete floor and power, a circular drive with in/out gates and plenty of room for the shed of your dreams (STCA).
Inspection is essential for those seeking space, style, comfort, convenience and room for all. ●
FamilyHome,StunningViews,Over 2Acres &All aShortWalktoEmerald! Aptlynamed,‘HiddenValley’,thispropertyiseverythingitpromises!Thedrivewaycurlsaround establishedgardens,tothe3BR,multi-levelhome.Thetiledfoyerleadsintoaninvitingloungeroom withwoodheater,& S/S.OppositetheloungeistheMasterbedroom,withWIR,ensuite,S/Sheating/ A/C. Ashortstaircaseleadstothesecondlevel,wherethelandinghasoutdooraccessto alarge, pergola.Twospacious,robedbedroomsarealsolocatedonthislevel,inadditionto alargelaundry, toilet, &mainbathroom.ThetoplevelfeaturesthefamilylivingzonewithA/C,pitchedceilings.The kitchenfeaturestimberbenchtops,S/Sappliances.Thegroundsare2.3acresoffencedpaddocks withlargesheds.Anotherhugeshedwithconcretefloors& power, &thereis10kWofsolarwith 14.2kWbatterybackup.
Over35AcresofPrimeGembrookLandjust ashortstrolltotown! InvestheretoenjoythecharminglifestyleGembrookhastoofferwiththecafes,restaurants,walking trails,freshair& thePuffingBillyRail!The3 bedroom,2 bathroomsolidbrickhomeispositionedwell backfromtheroad& hasanidealviewinglocationforthePuffingBillyRailwayLine.TheMaster bedroomhasanensuite,whilstthefurther2 bedroomsareservicedbythefamilybathroom.There is alargekitchen,withspaceforyourdiningtable, &thekitchenflowstotheloungeroom.Thereis also ahandymudroomtotherearofthehomewithit’sowntoilet.Externallyis agreatshedwithtwo openbays,& anenclosedshedwith 3phasepower.Thereisalsoa singlecarporttotherearofthe homewithconcretefloor &a light,aswellas afurthershedtotherearofthehome.
&RailPaddocks! Thispropertyfeatures:2 fantastichomes,greatviews,plentyofundercovercarparking,fantastic workshopwithhoist& rackingina4carlockupgarage,10post& railedfencedpaddocks,a roundyard, 2covereddayyards,a leanto,& alllocatedon aquietnothroughroad.Theprimary homehasa anopenplanlayoutwithpolishedhardwoodfloorsinthelivingareas.Thereisanopen plankitchenwithgasstove/oven &a dishwasher.Thediningarea &loungeroomenjoytheinbuilt woodfire &splitsystemAC.Themasterbedroomhasa walkthroughwardrobe& ensuiteandthe further2 bedroomshaveBIRs.Thesecondhomewhichisseparatelymeteredhasit’sowndriveway& anopenplandesignfeaturing2 bedrooms &a modernbathroom.Thekitchenisopenplanwiththe lounge/diningareawhichhasa splitsystemAC.Thereisanexpansivedeck&aseparatelaundry.
AaronDay M 0407365994
BrennanMileto M 0422996451
5
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.
NESTLED amongst established cottage gardens, the home is tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Follow the garden path and you will find this charming weatherboard cottage. “Weringerong” started life in 1910 as The Hospice Guesthouse and has since been tastefully renovated to blend the old with the new, offering all the modern comforts but still strongly maintains the heritage feel. Double hung windows, dado panelling, timber floorboards and lead light features all add to the character and charm.
The central living area with garden views is the perfect space to sit back and relax with the family. Sliding door access to the dining room and adjoining kitchen makes family life a breeze. The quality kitchen boasts stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances, dishwasher and plenty of storage. Lovely French doors open from the kitchen to the tiled and covered outdoor entertaining area that overlooks the colour filled cottage gardens. For year-round enjoyment there are cafe blinds to keep the weather out.
There are three bedrooms upstairs; the master suite is complete with built in robes and ensuite bathroom as well as the charming ornamental fireplace. The second bedroom also features built in robes and an ornamental fireplace. The two secondary bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom. Perfect for teenage children or someone who works from home, there is a great sized open study that separates bedroom three from the lounge area.
Downstairs is accessed externally and offers a great space for extended family or guests with a spacious living area, bedroom and bathroom.
There is a separate studio with huge loft area that is yours to complete.
Whilst this is already a completely useable space, with a little bit of imagination, the studio could easily become an art studio, workshop, home office or additional accommodation; whatever your heart desires.
Set in the heart of Olinda, restaurants and cafes are right next door and the Olinda Precinct-featuring children’s playground, dog park and the Botanic Garden are a 5 minutes’ walk away.
Put this property at the top of your inspection list, it will not disappoint. ●
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 Cutting tool (8)
5 Germinate (6)
10 Common fruit (5)
11 Gradual and harmful (9)
12 Duty list (6)
13 Bishop’s district (7)
14 Flying hero (8)
15 Capital of Macedonia
18 Sickness (6)
20 Canned fish (pl) (8)
21 German city (7)
24 Oval, edible nut-like seed (6)
27 Publish simultaneously (9)
28 Primitive (5)
29 Building level (6)
30 Game bird (8) DOWN
1 Bandy (4)
2 Unrehearsed (9)
3 Separate metal from ore (5)
4 Train network (8)
6 Security device (7)
7 Gas layer in the stratosphere (5)
8 Bland (9)
9 Employed (4)
14 Combination into a whole (9)
16 Land jutting into the sea (9)
17 Home of Jesus (8)
19 Learned (7)
22 Tropical fruit (5)
23 Metric unit (4)
25 Holy city for Muslims (5)
26 Joke (4)
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 once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
By Maria Millers
NAIDOC Week (7 - 12 July) is an annual event dedicated to celebrating and recognising the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.
NAIDOC Week remains profoundly important, particularly in the aftermath of the failed Voice referendum. It offers an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the reasons for the referendum’s failure. And also the opportunity to restart discussions on how indigenous voices can be part of future national conversations and decision making.
To this end NAIDOC Week highlights the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and plays a vital role in promoting reconciliation and fostering a deeper understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
The roots of NAIDOC go back to 1938 when, led by activist William Cowper, A Day of Mourning was announced to counterbalance the proposed celebration of 150 years of the landing of the First Fleet and to highlight the systemic discrimination, dispossession and injustices experienced by Indigenous Australians. A landmark event and a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights, better living conditions and respect for Indigenous people.
Indigenous writers, intellectuals and poets have made outstanding contributions in various fields. People such as Stan Grant, Marcia Langton, Noel Pearson, Patrick Dodson and many more.
And today’s indigenous poets and writers are challenging the many tropes developed in the literature of colonial society and looking beyond the surface to ‘a deeper time and bigger issues of unfinished business.’
Wih the new wave of indigenous poets, we
are relearning this place through poetry
In 2022 Evelyn Araluen won the $60,000 Stella Prize for Dropbear, her satirical, often playful but nevertheless uncompromisingly searing collection of poetry and prose which challenged the dominant narrative as she delved into areas of Australiana kitsch, identity, colonialism and cultural heritage.
The title refers to an Australian piece of folklore where the Dropbear is a predatory, carnivorous version of the cuddly koala that drops from trees onto unsuspecting victims, particularly tourists
Her writing is marked by a deep connection to land and language blends lyrical beauty with incisive critique to uncover the layers of meaning and memory in Australia’s past and present.
She laments our entrapment in the literary canon of the settlers which constructed and maintained a colonial ‘mythscape’ of modern Australia. So evident in childhood books we all know and love, but never pause to question the racism coded in them: Australian classics such as Snugglepot and Cuddlepie and Blinky Bill or in the works of poets Banjo Patterson and Henry Lawson. And even the more contemporary imaginings of Australianess in films.
As Araluen writes:“But what do these myths
and iconographies, of a wild untamed inland and existential threat, of lazy blacks and noble whites, tell us about the national psyche?”
This book offers many insights to anyone who is prepared to be made uncomfortable and have their long held settler narratives challenged, and surely it’s timely to let go of the myths and stereotypes that still persist today.
The existential darkness at the heart of the continent has been mythologised about since Terra Australis first appeared on a European map.
Exhibition by Jeanine Leane NAIDOC week in the national capital –a collection at the museum displays the finest of Aboriginal culture to the settler nation.
Boxed, framed, encased, encapsulated artifacts, wall to wall canvases, storyless cabinets, soundless words captioning blank-faced photographs, plaques written especially by historians of note ensuring our culture is presented right –preserved for everyone.
A smorgasbord of Aboriginal culture here –bits and pieces taken from all around the place labeled, cornered, polished up in chic displays complete with commentaries from settler experts telling our history – carving out our space. Crowds jostle by – stare through faces, stroll by dioramas of traditional life – mourn our passing, quietly lament the cultural loss of us urban mobs.
Nearby a café and bar offer reprieve from the
journey through Aboriginal Australia – foot-sore travelers take a break from cultural saturation over an almond latte or a crisp,light white – hot chocolate for the kids.
In the gift store an eye-assaulting array – silk scarves, desert prints, glossy books, tea towels, posters, jewelry, tie pins, postcards – lots of dollars passed across the counter.
A tour group gathers – their guide assures them –
The finest display of Aboriginal culture in the nation!
All here under this roof – just for you! Through a plate glass window, on the other side of the lake, a different scene is framed. Out on the lawns opposite Old Parliament House red, black and yellow flags fly – tents ripple Koori kids kick a football around – a table is set up – barbecues sizzle – cars roll in –families pile out. A hat passed around for the cost of the feed jingles with loose change.
Big mob gathers – banner says: WE ARE STILL HERE!
Embassy fire glows – Elder stands to speak –We are still here!
Always was! Always will be! Still here for us! Mob cheers, breeze picks up – willy-willy twirls laughter across the lake –dances a whirlwind of life through the still museum.
Woorilla Poetry Prize open for submissions. Visit www.woorilla.org
By Armin Richter FOOTBALL
SENIORS
Round 12 signalled that the Outer East season was two thirds of the way through the home & away meetings. Monbulk had won their last four matches but came up against a skilful and hardworking Upwey team on a high after they had become the first team to defeat Narre Warren this year. Since Upwey-Tecoma formed in 1946 they have been Monbulk’s most regular opponent, with Saturday’s clash being the 160th meeting between the clubs - the Hawks having won 63, lost 94 and drawn twice previously against the Tigers.
Monbulk were intent on sending a message from the opening bounce and looked to be in control, not only when they had the ball or the ball was in dispute, but also when Upwey gained possession. With sustained pressure football the Hawks caused turnovers, and their skills at extracting the ball from tight situations to release players in a better position was a feature throughout the game. Hayden Finlay took one of the best marks of 2024 just on half time, which gave Monbulk the momentum heading into the second half as he converted for a team lifting goal.
The expected Upwey fightback didn’t eventuate as Monbulk had an answer to every situation. The final margin could have been greater as theTigers were restricted to only about 10 effective forward 50 entries from which they scored five goals. Monbulk ran out the game strongly to record their best win of the season by 70 points over the fourth placed Upwey side. The full four quarter effort pleased the large home crowd that had gathered for the occasion. After facing possible relegation just five weeks ago, Monbulk are now equal sixth but have a tough run home, starting with Wandin at Wandin this week. The only sour note was an injury to Jack Downard-Pengilly while defender Mitch Veit played his 50th game. Monbulk 15.12.102 def Upwey-Tecoma 5.2.32
· Best: Hayden Finlay, Mitchell Veit, Max Thornton, Lochlan Beecroft, Joshua Spencer, Campbell Evans
· Goals: Hayden Finlay 3, Lochlan Beecroft 2, Josh Wentworth 2, Max Thornton 2, Ben Hughson 1, Johnathon Hevern 1, Ryan Gil-
bert 1, Brodie Emmett 1, Adam Banks 1, Campbell Evans 1 RESERVES
The Upwey-Tecoma Reserves have been a dominant team for many years and are the premiership favourites as they sit two games
clear on top of the ladder. The experienced Tigers outfit had a decisive victory on the scoreboard as Monbulk found it hard to penetrate Upwey’s defenses. Monbulk’s backline deserve great credit though as the ball was coming in fast and often over the 80 minutes and their desperation against the odds was admirable.
Monbulk 0.2.2 def by Upwey-Tecoma 13.18.96
Best: Zeke Charlton, Nicholas Taylor, Thijs Koelewyn, Jayden Spencer, Lachlan Smith, Hamish Emmett WOMEN’S
Both Monbulk and Thornton were missing a few players and the game was played at less than regulation numbers as the Kangaroos weren’t able to muster a full eighteen. The Monbulk contingent that took to the field have been the girls that have represented the club consistently throughout the year and they put in another dominant display. The Hawks linked up well and gave their forwards plenty of opportunities to capitalise on the work from up the field.
Monbulk 8.10.58 def Thornton-Eildon 1.1.7
· Best: Maddison Dodd, Yanessa HancockWolfe, Shania Turner, Madeline Caarels, Madeline Vouvopoulos, Jade McCormick
· Goals: Madeline Vouvopoulos 2, Jade McCormick 2, Claire Scully 1, Maddison Dodd 1, Grace Emmett 1, Jennifer Pauw 1
NETBALL
A GRADE
This match terminated in the third quarter when club stalwart Sophie Stubbs broke her arm, which saw the game abandoned. Monbulk won the match but the whole clubs’ thoughts are with Sophie as they wish her a successful operation and recovery. Sophie first played for Monbulk in 2011 and was making her 194th appearance for the Hawks. She holds the all time Monbulk record for games played in A Grade, with 182, and won the club Best & Fairest in in 2015. Monbulk find themselves in equal third spot and will meet the top two sides next.
Monbulk 28 def Upwey-Tecoma 22
· Best: Jamie Clark, Sophie Stubbs, Peri Reid
· Goals: Peri Reid 23, Sophie Stubbs 3, Jennifer Dewhurst 2
B GRADE
Seventh placed Monbulk took on ninth placed
Upwey-Tecoma and it was the Hawks who took control early, holding an 11 goal lead by quarter time. The match was more balanced after that but Monbulk played a great team game as they eventually ran out victors by 18 goals. It was Tiana Mancarella’s 150th appearance for Monbulk and it was also notable for the return of Rihanna Kelly after nearly two months out with a foot injury.
Monbulk 52 def Upwey-Tecoma 34
Best: Chloe Schmidtke, Georgia Wilson, Tiana Mancarella
Goals: Jorja Wragg 22, Olivia Crook 17, Chloe Schmidtke 13
C GRADE
Monbulk were sitting in the top six, but only a game ahead of Upwey-Tecoma. In an oldfashioned 8 point game, the Hawks could either have a 2 game buffer or be separated by percentage by the finish of play. The match was virtually decided in the second quarter as Monbulk put on a show, winning the term 141.TheTigers fought back in the second half but struggled to make inroads. Tara Donald, who had debuted in 2010, played her 150th match for the club while Jess Whitworth also made her first appearance since having a baby.
Monbulk 36 def Upwey-Tecoma 24
Best: Sammi Kelly, Olivia Crook, Jamie Sands
Goals: Jamie Sands 22, Olivia Crook 13, Laura Del Biondo 1
D GRADE
The development squad came into this match on a high, having come off consecutive wins. Unlike the scalps they had claimed in their two victories, they were up against the finals bound fifth placed Tigers this week. In a seesawing match it looked like Upwey would prevail when they got out to a four goal lead but this young team and their new found confidence and belief were not to be denied. In a never-say-die finish the Hawks prevailed by a solitary goal. Eireann Lawson captained the team in Brooke O’Loughlin’s absence and the third Under 15 player in two weeks debuted, when Stevie Mullinder played her first senior match.
Monbulk 25 def Upwey-Tecoma 24
· Best: Hayley Donald, Isla Stubbs, Stevie Mullinder
· Goals: Hayley Donald 16, Maddy Buckland 5, Ella Flynn 4
By Armin Richter
FOOTBALL
PREMIER DIVISION
· Seniors: Olinda-Ferny Creek 13.14.92 def Emerald 12.10.82; Woori Yallock 8.12.60 def Officer 8.9.57; Berwick Springs 14.5.89 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 9.14.68; Narre Warren 9.10.64 def Pakenham 3.6.24; Wandin 15.10.100 def Mt. Evelyn 13.6.84; Monbulk 15.12.102 def Upwey-Tecoma 5.2.32
· Reserves: Emerald 8.6.54 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 6.7.43; Officer 10.6.66 def Woori Yallock 9.9.63; Gembrook-Cockatoo 10.7.67 def Berwick Springs 4.9.33; Narre Warren 6.10.46 def Pakenham 7.3.45; Mt. Evelyn 9.9.63 def Wandin 5.6.36; Upwey-Tecoma 13.18.96 def Monbulk 0.2.2
DIVISION ONE
· Seniors: Seville 15.12.102 def Belgrave 8.8.56; Healesville 11.14.80 def WarburtonMillgrove 5.7.37; Alexandra 20.17.137 def Powelltown 8.6.54; Yarra Junction 10.9.69 defYarra Glen 6.7.43;Yea bye
· Reserves: Yarra Glen 7.7.49 def Yarra Junction 6.9.45; Belgrave 6.12.48 def Seville 5.9.39; Warburton-Millgrove 7.5.47 def Healesville 6.7.43; Powelltown 11.10.76 def Alexandra 9.6.60;Yea bye
· UNDER 19s: Upwey-Tecoma 13.14.92 def Wandin 0.5.5; Officer 10.9.69 def GembrookCockatoo 9.1.55; Narre Warren 11.10.76 def Pakenham 4.6.30
· UNDER 18s: Olinda-Ferny Creek 9.14.68 def Seville 6.4.40; Healesville 11.5.71 def Woori Yallock 7.10.52; Mt. Evelyn 13.20.98 def Up-
wey-Tecoma 2.7.19
SENIOR WOMEN
· Division 1: Healesville 13.17.95 def Berwick Springs 0.0.0; Pakenham 9.11.65 def Belgrave 0.2.2; Olinda-Ferny Creek + UpweyTecoma bye
· Division 2: Warburton-Wesburn 12.7.79 def Wandin 4.2.26; Monbulk 8.10.58 def Thornton-Eildon 1.1.7; Emerald 11.10.76 def Seville 3.5.23; Woori Yallock 8.7.55 def Officer 3.1.19
NETBALL
PREMIER DIVISION
· A Grade: Wandin 47 def Mt. Evelyn 45; Em-
erald 70 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 44; Woori Yallock 56 def ROC 50; Gembrook-Cockatoo 49 def Berwick Springs 23; Narre Warren 57 def Pakenham 50; Monbulk 28 def UpweyTecoma 22
· B Grade: Mt. Evelyn 47 def Wandin 45; Olinda-Ferny Creek 52 def Emerald 48; Woori Yallock 53 def ROC 52; Gembrook-Cockatoo 51 def Berwick Springs 30; Narre Warren 49 def Pakenham 44; Monbulk 52 def UpweyTecoma 34
· C Grade: Wandin 36 def Mt. Evelyn 29; Emerald 34 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 16; ROC 51 def Woori Yallock 23; Gembrook-Cockatoo
37 def Berwick Springs 26; Narre Warren 44 def Pakenham 34; Monbulk 36 def UpweyTecoma 24
· D Grade: Wandin 23 def Mt. Evelyn 21; Emerald 36 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 19; ROC 46 def Woori Yallock 21; Berwick Springs 22 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 21; Narre Warren 36 def Pakenham 15; Monbulk 25 def UpweyTecoma 24
DIVISION ONE
· A Grade: Warburton-Millgrove 61 def Healesville 34; Seville 63 def Belgrave 32; Yarra Glen 65 def Yarra Junction 47; Alexandra +Yea bye
· B Grade: Warburton-Millgrove 54 def Healesville 20; Powelltown 47 def Alexandra 34; Seville 52 def Belgrave 39; Yarra Glen 56 defYarra Junction 24;Yea bye
· C Grade: Warburton-Millgrove 61 def Healesville 7; Seville 39 def Belgrave 32; Powelltown 30 drew Alexandra 30; Yarra Glen 37 defYarra Junction 19;Yea bye
· D Grade: Seville 40 def Belgrave 20; Alexandra 54 def Powelltown 12; Yarra Glen 35 def Yarra Junction 5; Warburton-Millgrove + Yea bye
· 17 & Under Premier: Wandin 49 def Mt. Evelyn 11; ROC 54 defWooriYallock 14; Pakenham 32 def NarreWarren 30; Berwick bye
· 15 & Under East: Pakenham 27 def Narre Warren 26; Beaconsfield, Berwick, Monbulk, ROC +WooriYallock byes
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