Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 23rd July 2024

Park of flight takes leap

The newest and most unique urban park, not only in the Yarra Ranges but in the southern hemisphere, has officially been unveiled in Chirnside Park.

Hosting all things flight, with climbable hot air balloons, a flying fox, trampolines and educational boards, this new playspace has brought smiles to both children and adults.

This regional size park was a long time in the making, with initial concepts dating back to 2010 and approvals for construction occurring in 2021.

Now, people of all ages can enjoy the playspace, wetlands and gathering areas in the heart of Chirnside Park.

To see more, turn to page 8

Wet winter blues

Short, sharp bursts of rainfall are to blame for winter’s first case of flash flooding in the Yarra Ranges, with creeks overflowing and roads taking the excess.

It saw a number of roads close, including Swansea Road between Mount Evelyn and Montrose, as well as John Street in Lilydale as high levels of water ran off the hill.

Further out, the usual culprit of Victoria Road inWandin North at the Stringybark Creek flooded, closing the road and seeing one vehicle be submerged in the rising water.

Working to manage the floods, Lilydale SES unit controller Shaun Caulfield said the unit received close to 70 call outs relating to the flood water, mostly running through backyards but not so much into houses.

Cire’sEarlyLearning

Power outages were recorded in the Dandenong Ranges and in the UpperYarra in Powelltown, while all sporting grounds were forced to close for training due to poor condition.

Over the weekend, with further rain persisting on Saturday 20 July, Lilydale SES crew members responded to Gladysdale after a tree fell on a house and cleared a road after a tree had fallen.

Two drivers travelling on Monbulk Road in the Hills are lucky to be alive after two separate incidents saw trees fall across their moving vehicles on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 July. The ground remains unstable after so much rain and run off.

Turn to page 2 for the full story

The hot air balloon play equipment is a kid favourite. (Yarra Ranges Council)

Rains flood Yarra Ranges

By Mikayla van Loon

Winter’s first instance of extended rainfall brought with it excess amounts of water causing flash flooding across theYarra Ranges early last week.

The rain event which increased from Monday 15 July through to the early hours of Tuesday morning, Lilydale SES unit controller Shaun Caulfield said, saw sharp bursts of heavy rainfall in specific locations.

“With the changes in our weather patterns, we’re not having more rain, we’re just having it in shorter bursts which seems to be the pattern of the last couple of years,” he said.

“So our average rainfall for the year might be a very similar amount but we seem to be getting it on less days.

“A lot of the rain was focused over the Ferny Creek, Kallista, Olinda and Mount Evelyn area.”

The Bureau of Meteorology said onTuesday that Mount Dandenong experienced the largest amount of rainfall in the east, recording 86mm.

By 2pm on Wednesday, Mr Caulfield said the SES unit had received 68 calls for assistance, many relating to flooding of some kind.

“What we were seeing was not so much water inside houses, but a lot of people with issues of rising water levels coming from drains and runoff,” he said.

“It’s actually really hard to manage that type of flash flooding because it’s not that the water level is rising, it’s the sheer volume of surface water that’s running, say, down a hill.

“Because if it’s running towards your house, and we put barriers in place to take it around your house, it ends up in your neighbour’s house.”

Having that conversation with people who are rightly concerned about the increased amount of water in their property, Mr Caulfield said, can be quite hard because it’s a choice between diverting the water from their property into someone else’s which may have a domino effect in changing the natural watercourse.

Early in the evening on Monday, Mr Caulfield said the unit did respond to a vehicle submerged in water along Victoria Road in Wandin but a rescue wasn’t required.

“That section of Victoria Road is actually quite hard to tell [if it’s flooded], you come over a crest, around a bend and the next minute, you’re in the water. So luckily, no injuries. We assisted the person to get out of the vehicle, but they didn’t need rescuing, per se.”

Despite the rainfall easing on Tuesday, Mr Caulfield said run off from the Dandenongs and the flowing of water through drains saw an overflow at John Street and Beresford Road in Lilydale.

Swansea Road between Montrose and Mount Evelyn also saw water spill onto the road, an occurrence that is “relatively frequent” in flash flooding events.

“It’s a bit situational about where the rain is actually falling. So the different profile of that section that we call Mount Evelyn, some of it will fall more towards the north and end up down towards Lillydale Lake, and some of it will end up more towards the wetlands on that Montrose side, towards the York Road roundabout.

“It would seem that on this occasion, there was a lot more rainfall in that section, more towards York Road, which ended up building up in the wetlands originally, and that’s why those

wetlands are still there, but enough that it then overwhelmed the capacity there and ended up covering Swansea Road outside Chateau Wyuna.”

In January, the rarer occurrence of water pooling outside Lillydale Lake at the Hereford Road, Anderson Street and Swansea Road roundabout, Mr Caulfield said, was more unlikely.

“That earlier incident, we had a lot more rain to the north, and we’re only talking a kilometre or two apart,” he said.

“But there was a very heavy downpour of rainaroundthatHerefordRoad,Old Gippsland Road area, and a lot of that actually funnelled down Hereford Road and came around the corner in front of the lake.

“In my 23 years that I’ve been at Lilydale SES, I’ve only seen that happen twice.”

Mr Caulfield said a smaller number of calls also came through with concern to stormwater drains overflowing.

“Unfortunately, there’s not a lot we can do

in those situations. There’s no way for us to suddenly increase the capacity of a drain. It doesn’t mean it’s not concerning for people.

“A lot of the area around Ferny Creek, Kallista, Mount Evelyn, there’s a reason the majority of the drains are open spoon drains, which allows them to reach their capacity.

“If they were to put those drains, for instance, into pipes, their capacity would be reached at a far lower amount of rain. There’s a reason they’ve chosen that form of infrastructure.”

The added challenge of changing weather patterns, Mr Caulfield said, has produced a conundrum when it comes to infrastructure solutions.

“It’s very challenging to design infrastructure that will manage those extreme ends of the weather pattern, particularly as it’s more emerging,” he said.

“Some of the older infrastructure, whilst it could cope with the weather patterns from 20, 30, 40, years ago, when that infrastructure was

built, it has some difficulty coping with these subtle changes in weather patterns we have seen more recently.”

With such an excess amount of rain, Yarra Ranges Council was forced to close all sporting grounds for training on Tuesday, with further assessments taking place on Thursday 18 July.

“Due to the rainfall this week, and the expected rainfall to come, Council made the decision to close all sports grounds for training from Tuesday to Friday,” built environment and infrastructure director Hjalmar Philipp said on Friday 19 July.

“We acknowledge the closures will temporarily disrupt our sporting clubs, however, we need to ensure that the existing ground surfaces are protected and in the best condition possible for upcoming games. We thank clubs for their support and cooperation during this week.”

The grounds were reopened for regular weekend sport.

Water over the road in John Street Lilydale. (Lilydale CFA)

Olinda Creek burst its banks. (Lilydale CFA)The Lillydale Lake spillway activated. (Michelle Baker)

The ducks at Lillydale Lake were enjoying the extra water. (Tracy De)

Lilydale SES responded to a vehicle stuck in flood waters on Monday night. (Lilydale SES)

NEWS IN BRIEF

Residents fight on

By Mikayla van Loon

Residents of Cave Hill Road in Lilydale were slapped with parking infringements last month after parking on their naturestrips to avoid damage to their vehicles with trucks passing so frequently.

Construction on the level crossing removal at the Cave Hill Road and Melba Avenue intersection has seen trucks and large vehicles using the residential street as an access point.

One resident, Kerryn, said both hers and her son’s car, as well as others on the street, were fined for parking with either all four wheels or just two wheels on the naturestrip by Yarra Ranges Council.

“We then parked on the road with all four wheels properly on the road and then the next day, we had Metro knocking on our door asking us to move our car,” she said.

“We were like, ‘no, because this is where the council wants us to park because they fined us’ and they’re like, ‘oh, we can’t get our big trucks up here’.”

The next week, Kerryn said a truck went past, sideswiping her vehicle, with the incident caught on their security cameras.

“A truck went past and hit my car. So there was a massive hole in my tire, the whole side of the car was smashed.

“Metro has been fantastic. They came and changed my tire, knocked on my door, told me it happened. Have been in contact with me. I have not heard from the council whatsoever.”

A Yarra Ranges Council spokesperson confirmed the Risk and Infringements, Community Safety Team, Traffic and Customer Service departments were aware of this incident and the inquiry Kerryn later made to have the fine cancelled.

The council also said it was within the rights of residents to dispute fines.

A Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) spokesperson said residents were informed at every point before road or parking impacts may be experienced and “are advised of alter-

native parking on nearby streets for any residents without off-street parking”.

“Yarra Ranges Council has advised LXRP that it does not support residents parking on the nature strip due to potential damage to heritage-listed trees on Cave Hill Road,” the spokesperson said.

The council spokesperson added that residents were unable to apply for a parking permit, as “[the] council does not provide permits at the moment”.

Kerryn said it wasn’t necessarily the fine but the lack of communication from the council that made her the most upset.

“We’ve lived here for 14 years and paid rates. The last time we got fined was when all the cars were directed up our street, and they were doing the train station.They fined us then, and

they haven’t fined us any other time,” she said.

“It’s not just about the fine anymore. It’s the principle. The principle of doing what they did. It’s the principle of not getting in touch with me as they should have done in the first place.

“We’ve put up with so much noise, especially lately, they’re doing the drains behind the house. It is so loud and it’s until three in the morning.

“We’ve not complained. We understand what’s happening. And the principle is not just wiping my fine, it’s that they shouldn’t have been happening in the first place. My car shouldn’t have been hit.”

Kerryn and fellow residents of Cave Hill Road were united in not paying their infringements.

Unacceptable violence

Ambulance Victoria (AV) is urging Victorians to treat paramedics and call takers with respect when they see them at an emergency incident or in the community.

There have been 105 reported incidents resulting in injury from July 2023 to March 2024.

AV’s Executive Director of Regional Operations Danielle North said violence against paramedics is never OK and they do not accept this behaviour as part of the job.

“We know emergency situations can be stressful for people, but this is no excuse to behave aggressively towards paramedics,” she said.

“We are aware of several serious occupational violence incidents recently across the state and it is timely that we remind the community again that violence against paramedics, first responders and call takers is never OK.

“Our top priority is the safety of our paramedics and first responders, and they have our full support to leave an incident if they ever feel unsafe.

“Assaulting or berating a paramedic will not help them do their job any quicker.”

Paramedics are fully supported by AV in reporting their experience with police.

For more information on the impact of occupational violence on paramedics and how you can help, visit ambulance.vic.gov.au/campaigns/respect-our-paramedics.

Lives lost tally

In what Victoria Police have described as a horror period onVictorian roads, July has seen many fatal road accidents bringing the total lives lost to 158 this year.

Yarra Ranges, Knox and Maroondah local government areas have lost eight lives in this last month, three pedestrians, two drivers, one motorcyclist and one cyclist.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner GlennWeir said in a statement to the media on 11 July that it’s been a horrific period on our roads.

“We’re issuing an urgent plea to all motorists to please, take extra care on the roads. Now is not the time to be complacent – this should absolutely be cause for concern for everyone,” he said.

There were 14 lives lost in the first 11 days of July and it marks the worst start to July since 2008, when 14 lives were lost across the state in the first 11 days of that month.

Motorcycle accidents are of particular concern – with 38 riders losing their lives in the 2023-24 period which is up from 21 people the year before.

Motorists should consider slowing down and maintaining a safe braking distance, especially during periods of wet weather when roads are often slippery.

Poor visibility due to reduced daylight hours during winter can make it more difficult to see and be seen, so pay extra attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions, like mobile phones, while driving.

Avoid driving fatigued by taking regular breaks when travelling longer distances, and never get behind the wheel if you’re impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Police are determined to drive down the rising road trauma and will prioritise road policing enforcement across the state throughout the month.

Residents took to writing their own signs asking people to park on the road. (418691)

Residents along Cave Hill Road in Lilydale were fined for parking on their nature strips to avoid trucks. (Stewart Chambers: 418691)

Overnight helpers needed

By Callum Ludwig

Stable One is calling out for overnight volunteers to help service their winter shelters that provide respite for so many over the colder months.

Founded in theYarraValley, Stable One currently has seven venues across the state providing services for the homeless in Victoria.

Chief executive officer Katherine Kirkwood said they have a great team of approximately 150 volunteers, working hard to provide ‘more than a place to stay’ for those in need of accommodation and care this winter, however, we are still struggling to fill the overnight shifts. “Our overnight shifts run from 11pm to 6am, with the two volunteers on shift required to stay awake overnight, these are commonly our most difficult shifts to fill,” she said.

“Many of our dedicated volunteers are in an older age bracket, and hence recovering from a whole night awake is difficult, many others work a full-time job or have young families –not easy to take a day off to either prepare for or recover from an overnight shift,”

“We struggle to attract younger volunteers, who perhaps would be better able to stay awake – if all guests are tucked up in bed and it’s a quiet night, an overnight shift is a great opportunity to get some study done.”

The Stable One winter shelter network was founded by Jenny Willetts in 2017 when members of local Christian churches in Lilydale, Mt Evelyn,Wandin andYarra Glen banded together to address the absence of crisis accommodation in the Yarra Ranges.

Ms Kirkwood said Stable One’s Shelter Administrator Sharon has been working tirelessly to organise volunteers to fill the overnight shifts.

“Apart from some regular ‘gold star’ volunteers who proactively put their names down for overnights, to fill the roster involves a lot of emailing, calling, encouraging and, at times,

begging by Sharon,” she said.

“If overnight shifts aren’t filled, we simply don’t have a project, imagine welcoming guests into a warm space, providing them

Yarra Ranges Shire Council postal election

My council, my vote

You must be enrolled to vote

with good food, good company, an enjoyable evening and then having to ask them to leave at 11pm because we can’t staff the overnight shift, it’s unthinkable,”

A general election for Yarra Ranges Shire Council will be held in October 2024. To be able to vote in the election, you must be enrolled by the

categories of voters can be enrolled to vote in the Yarra Ranges Shire Council election: State-enrolled voters and Council-enrolled voters.

State-enrolled voters

Am I enrolled to vote?

You are automatically enrolled for this election if:

• you will be 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and you live in Yarra Ranges Shire and you are on the State electoral roll for your current address.

You need to enrol if:

• you are an Australian citizen aged 18 or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and

• you live in Yarra Ranges Shire and you are not on the State electoral roll or

• you have lived at your current residential address within Yarra Ranges Shire for at least a month and have not yet updated your enrolment details, including any changes to your postal address.

How do I enrol?

You can enrol online at vec.vic.gov.au

You can also download an enrolment form from the website. All enrolment applications must be received by the Victorian Electoral Commission by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024.

How can I check my State enrolment?

You can check your enrolment details online at vec.vic.gov.au at any time, or call 131 832.

Council-enrolled voters

Am I enrolled to vote?

To be a Council-enrolled voter, you must be:

• 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and not a State-enrolled voter within Yarra Ranges Shire.

New rules mean you are no longer automatically enrolled if you are a non-resident property owner (e.g. a landlord or a business owner that pays rates). If you are a non-resident property owner within Yarra Ranges Shire, you need to apply to enrol if you wish to vote in the Yarra Ranges Shire Council election.

Who else can enrol & vote?

You may also apply to enrol if:

• you have purchased a rateable property within Yarra Ranges Shire since the last election but you are not a resident of Yarra Ranges Shire, or

• you are not an Australian citizen and you live in, and pay rates for, a property within Yarra Ranges Shire, or

• you pay rates on a property you occupy within Yarra Ranges Shire and have no other voting entitlement within Yarra Ranges Shire, for example you are a shop tenant and pay rates to the Council for your tenancy, and you have no other voting entitlement within Yarra Ranges Shire, or

• you are a director or company secretary of a corporation within Yarra Ranges Shire that pays rates to Yarra Ranges Shire Council and you have no other voting entitlement within Yarra Ranges Shire.

“Our guests are so, so grateful for the welcome and warm they find at the shelter, they have been brought to tears by the unexpected compassion and love that is shown to them by our volunteers.”

Up to 10 guests can be catered to overnight at a Stable One shelter. Overnight shifts run from 11pm to 6am, split into smaller shifts.

Ms Kirkwood said people were experiencing homelessness for so many reasons – they were ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges and there simply weren’t enough houses to go around.

“We are doing what we can with what we have to make a difference – churches of many denominations are working together, plus others from within the local community and we need to sustain a good number of volunteers to keep this important work going because it’s freezing outside.,” she said.

“There are many roles involved in running the shelter, overnight shifts are clearly are most difficult to fill, but there are also practical things like driving the mini-bus and moving the trailer we are short on volunteers for.”

There are also opportunities for volunteers to cook, help with the laundry, and fill morning and evening shifts.

All volunteers need to aged 18 years or older, need to hold a Working with Children Check, and need to complete some online training to prepare themselves for their role.

For those who aren’t able to physically volunteer, there is opportunities to support Stable One by purchasing an item from the ‘Shelter Shop’ such as sponsoring a bed night for $42 or by making a one-off or regular donation via the Stable One website.

Anyone interested in getting in touch or volunteering with Stable One’s Yarra Valley shelter can contact info@stableone.org or visit bttr.im/dqzk9 to register.

.

How do I apply to be a Council-enrolled voter?

If you meet any of the above criteria and wish to enrol, contact Yarra Ranges Shire Council on 1300 368 333 for a council enrolment form. Council enrolment forms must be received by the Council by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024

How can I check if I am Council-enrolled?

You can check your enrolment details by contacting the Council on 1300 368 333.

Thinking about standing for election?

To nominate as a candidate for Yarra Ranges Shire Council, you must:

• be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters’ roll for Yarra Ranges Shire Council and

• be eligible to become a councillor and

• have completed the mandatory candidate training provided by Local Government Victoria before lodging your nomination with the Election Manager.

For further information, visit vec.vic.gov.au

Enrolment closes 4 pm Wednesday 7 August 2024

State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au

L-R: Sisters and volunteers Jannie and Hetty van Leeuwen. (Supplied)

Push on to punish vandals

By Callum Ludwig

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence

is continuing her push to implement stricter penalties upon people who desecrate war memorials following years of targeted attacks in the electorate.

Ms Vallence is pushing for the Victorian Government to consult with RSL Victoria and its sub-branches to find out their thoughts and the impact these incidents have on the veteran community as well as legislate harsher punishment.

Ms Vallence said an attack on any war memorial is an attack on Australian values and the heroic legacy of our veterans.

“Sadly, there has been an increase in desecration and vandalism of war memorials recently, including Yarra Ranges memorials in Montrose, Lilydale, Seville, and Mt Evelyn, it proves the existing penalty is inadequate and does not deter vandalism of such sacred places that commemorate service men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” she said.

“The Attorney-General’s response is deeply disappointing and shows the Allan Labor Government is completely out of touch with community attitudes about such abhorrent vandalism of war memorials.”

In Attorney General Jaclyn Symes’ response to Ms Vallance on 4 July, she strongly condemned these actions of vandalism and recognised ‘the upset and disappointment’ they cause. Ms Symes’ response ‘ also cited the role of Victoria Police in investigating incidents and decidng if there is enough evidence to warrant a charge.

A Victorian Government spokesperson said acts of vandalism against memorials have no place in Victoria and they condemn it.

“Our veterans have contributed so much to Victoria and they deserve our ongoing recognition and appreciation,” they said.

“Existing property damage offences mean an offender can face up to ten years imprisonment for destroying or damaging property,”

“We’ll always monitor our laws and sentencing practices to ensure they’re meeting community expectations.”

War memorial desecrations are categorised like any other property damage offences inVictoria, with Ms Symes’ response also noting Victoria Police’s ability to prosecute offences in response to ‘this type of offending’

Under the Summary Offences Act 1966, offenders could face charges of 15 penalty units or three months imprisonment for defacing property or if charged with destroying or damaging property under the Crimes Act 1958 could face a maximum of 10

Small acts make a big impact.

Putting recycling in the bin loose and not in plastic bags means more of it can be turned into new things.

Recycling in plastic bags cannot be sorted because the bags can damage equipment at sorting facilities and present a safety risk to staff. Visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/waste

years imprisonment.

Ms Vallance Victoria is lagging behind states like New South Wales and Tasmania, as well as the United Kingdom, who all have specific laws concerning the desecration of war memorials.

“This should be above politics, and the government should legislate tougher penalties as a matter of urgency to send a clear message to those who seek to dishonour the tremendous sacrifice of brave servicemen and women who defended our country and fought for our freedoms,” she said.

“I’ll keep up the fight and continue this campaign together with members of Lilydale and Mt Evelyn RSLs until we achieve positive change and reform the law.”

Attacks in Evelyn have largely included ‘tagging’ and theft;

The Mafeking Tree had a 124-year-old plaque stolen

The Lilydale War Memorial was tagged with texta, which also happened to the Lillydale Lake Militia Camp Storyboard (also scratched), Mt Evelyn War Memorial (also had flag pole pulled down) and the Montrose War Memorial (also scratched and graffitied with political slogans on the eve of Remembrance Day).

The Mooroolbark War Memorial had a tile plaque stolen off the plinth which was later recovered in a park in Croydon while the Seville War Memorial had two glass panels shattered.

The damaged Seville War Memorial. (Supplied)

The Montrose War Memorial after being damaged by vandals.

New daily pokies shutdown

By Callum Ludwig

The Victorian Government announced on Friday 12 July that from 30 August this year, it will be mandatory for the gaming machine areas of pubs and clubs to close between the hours of 4am and 10am.

The Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 was discussed in October 2023 and received bipartisan support, other than the Victorian Opposition seeking a small amendment to the legislation to ensure it doesn’t disadvantage venues within three kilometres of Melbourne’s Crown Casino.

Community Engagement Officer for the Financial and Gambling Support Services at EACH Penny Christie said EACH and Gamblers Help welcome the change and are really pleased theVictorian government is starting to take it seriously.

“‘One of the issues has been that people who do have a problem with gambling have been able to go from venue to venue because the hours have been staggered in various gaming venues, so that allows people to go from one venue to another venue if they wish to continue gambling, which can be all part of an addiction,” she said.

“Now there’s a circuit breaker and for people who have got themselves into gambling difficulties, this might be something that might help to stop them in their tracks because they’re not allowed to continue to gamble,”

“It’s not probably as long as we would have liked them to be closed, but it’s a great start.”

EACH is the Gamblers Help operator for the LGAs of Yarra Ranges, Knox and Maroondah, providing a free program through trained therapeutic and financial counsellors for anyone experiencing gambling harm, or other people who may also be affected such as a gambler’s family members or friends.

Ms Christie services the Outer East, speaking at schools or community groups like Probus Clubs, working with homelessness and mental health organisations and partnering with the local councils and Eastern Health. In the Inner and Outer East, there is a Gamblers Help team of 26 people, highlighting the prev-

alence of this concern in the region.

Ms Christie said gambling has a ripple effect.

“The effect of gambling is not just on the person who’s gambling, it affects partners, work colleagues, friends and family members, if one person is negatively harmed by gambling then the effect can trickle down to 10 or more other people,” she said.

“For families it can have a considerable impact, you can imagine the financial impact without any of the other things, like the emotional toll, depression and anxiety and all the other mental health issues that go with it,”

“But the support from families and friends is absolutely imperative to help these people

with a very difficult addiction to deal with.”

The change is part of sweeping gambling reforms announced by the Victorian Government in July 2023, which also included mandatory pre-commitment limits and carded play for gaming machines, capping load-up limits at $100 and making it mandatory for all new gaming machines to spin at three seconds per game to slow down the speed at which money can be lost.

Ms Christie said it’s the people who struggle with gambling issues that the change will be helpful for while the majority of people will conntibue to be responsible gamblers, not that she likes that term.

“Things like carded play, where you actually

have to try and predestined how much you’re planning to spend and play from a card rather than the ability to be able to put coins or notes into the machines, in many ways might make a difference as well in making it more difficult for people that have a significant problem,” she said.

“There is an enormous amount of stigma and shame attached to gambling, at Gamblers Help, we have a group of people who’ve managed to kick the habit of gambling and they talk to community groups and things as lived experience speakers and some of those are said to me on occasions that they’d rather identify as being drug addicts or alcoholics than have a gambling problem,”

“There is so little tolerance in the community for people to recognise that gambling is equally as addictive as these other things, people feel they should just be able to control themselves and stop gambling but it is a true addiction like any other.

To get in touch with EACH’s Gamblers Help program, contact them at 1300 131 973 or GHEIntake@EACH.com.au or visit gamblershelp.com.au.

Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne said providing people with a break in play is an important gambling harm prevention measure.

“It gives people a chance to step out of the zone and consider how much time and money they’re willing to lose,” she said.

“Victoria’s enforcement of gaming room closure times will protect those most vulnerable to gambling-related harm.”

During the debate of the legislation in October 2023, Eildon MP Cindy McLeish also contributed to the conversation according to the Parliament of Victoria website.

Ms McLeish said we have a huge incidence of domestic and family violence in this state, and gambling does have a little role in that.

“There is the hidden nature of gambling and domestic violence or intimate partner violence, and in situations when a partner has gambled, the stresses in those households are particularly high,” she said.

Parks Vic cracks down on the sale of illegal firewood

By Callum Ludwig

The Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria have launched an operation to crack down on the illegal harvesting of firewood in Victoria’s national parks and state forests.

Taskforce Ironbark is two-pronged, targeting firewood thieves while also aiming to empower firewood consumers to avoiding purchasing stolen wood supplied by illegal operators.

“We have seen a rapid rise in firewoodrelated damage on public land, and native trees are being stolen from Victoria’s forests and parks faster than they can be replaced, leaving our native birds, reptiles, and small mammals without crucial habitat,” Conservation Regulator’s Taskforce Ironbark Manager Brady Childs said.

“We formed Taskforce Ironbark to disrupt illegal commercial firewood operators and remind all Victorians they play an important role in preserving our forests and parks, protecting wildlife habitats, and reducing the harm associated with firewood theft.”

In 2023 alone, firewood thieves are estimated to have destroyed or damaged 9200 native trees and cleared roughly 462 hectares of forest.

Senior Manager of Enforcement at Parks Victoria Mark Breguet said illegal firewood theft is devastating local parks, forests, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

“With nearly 10,000 trees destroyed last year alone, the impact is far-reaching, threatening the survival of native species and damaging irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural sites,” he said.

“Taskforce Ironbark is targeting these illegal activities and raising awareness among Victorians about the importance of sourcing firewood responsibly and by making informed choices, we can all help protect our

parks and the vital habitats they provide.”

Illegally sourced firewood is commonly sold via online marketplaces, roadside stalls or word-of-mouth and often at cheaper prices to take advantage of the demand throughout winter.

Firewood Association Australia (FAA)

General Manager Dane McGreevy said offenders quite often are breaking fences or gates to access parts of the state forests or private properties to access it.

“This unsupervised collection means that there are no concerns for the local biodiversity and environment, and also is usually performed in an unsafe manner, endangering other forest users,” he said.

“The firewood is almost always unseasoned, dirty and poor quality which means customers are buying wood not fit for the

purpose of heating their homes, and can cause smoke issues in areas, and not provide the heat that seasoned wood can,”

“Illegal operators that have the capability to harvest and sell commercial quantities are often not just a one-man operation, they are usually part of a larger crime syndicate that also partake in other criminal activities, consumers should be able to purchase fuel without worrying about their safety and having protection from consumer affairs as per any other purchase.”

Environmental damage from the illegal taking of firewood has been recorded in areas of the Yarra Ranges National Park, Yarra State Forest and Toolangi State Forest. River red gum trees are targeted across the state, while mountain ash and stringybark trees are the most commonly damaged in the Yarra and Dandenong Ranges.

Mr McGreevy said if given a choice and with the appropriate knowledge of where the firewood has come from, customers would choose to purchase sustainable, and legitimate firewood from reputable merchants.

“The best way to identify illegal operators is by asking the questions of where they have sourced/purchased the firewood from, ask for a receipt and also if it is properly seasoned for at least 12 months,” he said.

“Often the suppliers will also rip off customers by short-selling the amount, so also ask how they have worked out the volume (cubic metres) or weight (tonnage) as there are specific ways to measure firewood found on the NMI website.”

The NMI website’s guidelines for selling firewood can be found here: industry.gov. au/national-measurement-institute/trademeasurement/selling-firewood.

Kinglake Friends of the Forest President Sue McKinnon said she thought te recent report from the Conservation Regulator seems

a distraction from the ‘main issues’

“One is the Conservation Regulator’s lack of jurisdiction over DEECA [Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action] which is carrying out a 7500km linear logging project with of questioned legality and two, the negative health impacts of wood heaters,” she said.

“The theft of thousands of trees is devastating, and the Conservation Regulator is right to act, but why is the government only focussing on this problem of theft by individuals while failing to provide any oversight of the thousands of kilometres of linear logging being carried out by FFMV[Forest Fire ManagementVictoria]/DEECA for its socalled strategic fuel breaks,”

“The health impact of wood smoke is significant and well documented, the government should support people to stay warm without compromising their families’ health.”

Ms McKinnon refers to the ongoing protesting from environmental groups including Kinglake Friends of the Forest, Warburton Environment and Forest Conservation Victoria against the fire risk reduction works for FFMV, which involves the removal of trees in state forests and national parks and was recently responsible for the death of an endangered Greater Glider which the Star Mail has reported on.

Ms McKinnon also cited a fact sheet from wood heaters by the New South Wales Government which identifies the risks from short-term and long-term exposure to wood smoke, as well as who is most vulnerable, alternatives to wood heaters and what can be done to reduce if you do use a wood-burning heater.

For more information on responsible sourcing of firewood, visit: vic.gov.au/sourcing-firewood

State forests and national parks have been targeted by firewood thieves. (File)

The gaming machines areas of venues will be shut between 4am and 10am from 30 August. (File)

Yarra Valley & Croydon Toyota

One-of-a-kind park opens

By Mikayla van Loon

Chirnside Park is now home to one of the most unique parks in the southern hemisphere, with the newest urban playground and reserve officially open.

The development of Belsay Reserve on Kimberley Drive has transformed the once bare space into a flight themed playspace, with a wetland, walking paths and barbecue facilities.

Perhaps the most exciting feature is the hot air balloon play equipment, the first of its kind in Australia and south of the equator.

“The designers said the only other one that has been done is in Europe somewhere, so there’s no balloons like that anywhere else,” Yarra Ranges councillor Richard Higgins said.

“We all see the balloons go past and that’s where it came from. Everybody knows about the balloons and sees them. It’s just something special for the area, it’s something special for the kids.”

The project, despite being approved in the masterplan in April 2021, had first been introduced as an idea in the Chirnside Park urban design master plan in 2010.

“I started the plans a long time ago when I first became a councillor. I kept pushing and pushing and we needed the money to get it off the ground,” Cr Higgins said.

“We had a few little delays, we had to buy some land off of the shopping centre, and that took a while.

“It just progressed and progressed, but I knew eventually it’d come together and be a really good asset for Chirnside Park because we needed something special for people to come to and be part of.”

When the park’s master plan was approved by councillors in 2021, Cr Higgins said a park of this kind was absolutely necessary for residents and visitors.

“There’s no hiding from the fact that, in the future, Chirnside Park will have higher density living – there’s room for it, and it’s in the planning scheme,” he said at the time.

“In time, this park will become an absolute necessity for the people who live in this area. It’s really badly needed and will be used for many years, so it’s an absolute privilege to see this get up and running.”

Yarra Ranges Council received $2.25 million from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, which was matched by the council, with the total $4 million construction project awarded to Warrandale Industries.

Enhancing the former vacant block not only as a playspace but as a gathering place for families and community groups, the intention of the park design was to make it a key attraction in the municipality.

“It’s known as a regional park so it’s the biggest park we design. It’s the size of Lillydale Lake and Queens Park in Healesville and the idea is they’re made not just for locals but for other people who come along,” Cr Higgins said.

“Everyone knows to go up to Seville waterworld, hopefully they’ll come down here.”

Other features of the reserve include a flying fox, sensory play, trampolines and educational placards about various flight animals.

As the build happened, Cr Higgins said the best part was seeing the excitement grow on the children’s faces.

“The kids were all lined up looking through the fence for weeks waiting to come in,” he said.

The project was finished just in time for the winter school holidays, with Cr Higgins saying weekends are “absolutely packed” down at Chirnside Urban Park.

The official opening was held on Wednesday 17 July.

Yarra Ranges mayor Sophie Todorov, planning and suburbs minister Sonya Kilkenny and Cr Richard Higgins officially opened the park on 17 July. (Mikayla van Loon: 420399)

The hot air balloons are the first of their kind in Australia. (Mikayla van Loon: 420399)

Educational signage highlights flight species known to the area. (Mikayla van Loon: 420399)

Yarra Ranges councillor Richard Higgins was filled with joy finally seeing the park open and used by locals. (Mikayla van Loon: 420399)

It’s fun sliding down the slippery dip. (Yarra Ranges Council)

Mini trampolines have been placed within the surface of playspace, providing an extra element of fun.

The wetlands were transformed from a dam to a serene element of the park. (Mikayla van Loon: 420399)

Park benches, barbecues and shelters create the perfect gathering place for families and communities. (Mikayla van Loon: 420399)

Celebrating Scout history

By Mikayla van Loon

Scouting in Lilydale has always been a popular pastime and the proof is in the 110 year history which will be celebrated next month.

While scouting stemmed from British military man Major-General Robert Baden-Powell in 1907, it soon took off in Victoria, with 11 clubs established by 1908.

Lilydale’s establishment of a troop in 1914 makes it one of the older clubs in the state and “definitely the first in the local area”, committee president Angela Eldridge said.

“Basically the local progress group, which is what they call themselves in Lilydale at the time, and they decided the need for a youth organisation was there,” Angela said.

“And so they got a couple of the scout leaders from another group to come out to Lilydale and set it up.”

The strong footing of the First Lilydale Scout Group over the many decades, Angela said, remains to this day with around 80 families still attached to the group and program.

“We have youth across all sections. So we have from five-year-olds who are our Joey Scouts, all the way up to our Rovers, who are actually adults, so they go all the way up to 26,” she said.

This continued connection and involvement in scouting, Angela puts down to the value placed on attending events and having that front-facing contribution in the community.

“We do a lot within the local community.We can be seen at Bunnings doing sausage sizzles to raise money for jamboree camps.We participate in things like the Lilydale Street Fair, and we have contacts with the Rotary Club and any local group that will have us.

“We have that visibility in the community. We man the gates of the Lilydale Show. We have that youth presence.”

The safe and accepting environment, An-

gela said, also makes scouting appealing to many young people who don’t find belonging in other places.

“There’s a lot of additional needs children in scouting, a lot of neurodiverse children who don’t fit in in school, in sporting clubs and things like that.

“It’s a real good sense of ownership, and it gives them all that responsibility and pride. Helping other people is one of the big philosophies of scouting, and I think that’s really demonstrated in that community involvement.”

Celebrating 110 years is not only about reflecting on the past, the founders and the establishment of the group but about the young

people who will steer it into the future.

“We’ve involved the youth as much as possible. We’ve had a badge design competition to decide who’s going to design the 110 year badge.

“We’ve chosen, and we’re having a few hundred of those made up. We’re having a bumper sticker made up, and it’s all youth designed. So one of our 16-year-olds has designed the badge and is very, very proud.”

The celebration will be held on Saturday 10 August at the Scout Hall in Erldunda Court, combining the annual award ceremony with a party.

“We’ve invited past members, anyone who’s got memorabilia, anything like that. We’re going to do from midday, the formalities, and then we’re just going to have the campfire set up at the back, and some activities run by the youth,” Angela said.

“We’re going to have some displays around, we’re going to go by era, so almost by decade of what was happening in Lilydale Scouts at that time, and what was happening in Lilydale at that time or in the world at that time.”

Everyone is invited to attend the event, whether a former scout, a scout with a different club, a supporter of the group or just a community member.

Be part of a vibrant Community and enjoy the

The Lilydale Scout hall will welcome past and present members of the scouting group to the 110 year celebration on 10 August. (Stewart Chambers: 420081)

Ex-local takes on world

By Callum Ludwig

While Australians are waving off a team of athletes before the start of the Olympics in Paris this week, another team of competitors in a more niche sport is preparing to compete in their own worldwide competition just over the English Channel a month later.

The Roundnet World Championship is taking place in Guildford, England from 29 August and Outer East expat and roundnet enthusiast Alex Capp will be representing Australia.

Mr Capp coordinated and promoted games in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne before recently moving to London and said he first found out about the sport of Roundnet back in 2015 when he was introduced to the sport on a beach at a Youth Camp.

“I played casually for a handful of years at camps, Youth Group and with friends before being offered a job in 2018 by my now wife’s cousin, James Docking who heads up Spikeball Australia,” he said.

“I worked alongside James as the Sports Development Officer and State Tournament Director for Victoria for about four years and as a result I got involved a lot more in the competitive scene of Roundnet and Tournament directed numerous tournaments across the country in Adelaide, Hobart, Sydney and Melbourne.”

Roundnet, also known as Spikeball which is the name of the sports brand that makes kits to play the game, involves two teams of two players each, a small trampoline-like net and a small ball.

Mr Capp said there are lots of things he loves about the sport of Roundnet.

“On one side of the coin, there is the competitive and high-level side of the sport which more recently has been the thing that has captured my attention and enjoyment through the fast-paced, high-intensity level of gameplay, displays of athleticism and working together with your teammate to get some good defensive touches and rallies,” he said.

“However, over the now seven or so years of playing, some of the most satisfying and enjoyable moments I can remember have been through the small things of seeing the excite-

ment, happiness and joy that comes across people’s faces (of all ages) when they ‘catch the bug’ for the sport,”

“Seeing a young Grade Three student in a school get their first taste at success in a sport through encouragement and seeing the development in their roundnet skills in even one session is so lifegiving and the same goes for adults.”

Best played in open space on beaches or in parks, the sport is similar to a combination of beach volleyball and four-square/downball, with teams starting on opposite sides of the net for a serve. After the ball is served, there are no boundaries with players and teams able to cross over, run past or even dive over the net to hit the ball. Like volleyball, each team has three hits before having to play the ball to the other team, done by bouncing it into the net

without it hitting the frame or bouncing twice. A point is won when a team fails to legally return a hit or the ball hits the ground.

Mr Capp said growing the sport has been a massive drive of his, particularly during the time he worked under James at Spikeball Australia.

“The best and most effective, although slow way of growing the sport has been simply through a ‘come and try’ method, it’s great and exciting to be able to explain Roundnet as a strange mix of volleyball, downball/foursquare and something like Tennis, but it isn’t until you actually step into the action and give it a try that the sport comes to life,” he said.

“It’s my strong and firm belief that while promoting and growing the top end of the sport of Roundnet we will see growth, it is also predominantly going to be through the grass root organisations, structures and groups that we will see this sport flourish into a sustainable and growing sport not only in Australia, but across the world.”

The first Roundnet World Championship was held in Belgium in 2022, with the Australian men’s team finishing equal ninth.

Mr Capp said it’s going to be a big test for them to even push the top 10 now given the level of competitiveness there is around the world, particularly across Europe.

“I am beyond excited to link up again with my Aussie teammates again in London in just over a month for the RoundnetWorld Championships,” he said.

“We’re excited to see the level that Australia will be able to compete at given the geographical distance that our community has from a lot of other top-level Roundnet communities,”

“It’s exciting to see a lot of familiar faces in the Aussie team returning for the 2024 Roundnet World Championships in London, but just as, if not even more exciting seeing the number of new faces that will be joining the team for the first time on an international stage this time round.”

Mr Capp encouraged anyone interested in Roundnet to feel free to reach out to the Australian Roundnet Association (ARA) via Instagram or by searching up their website at roundnet.com.au.

Yarra Valley Racing Club crowded with running students

By Dongyun Kwon

Students across Victoria participated in the cross-country race at the Yarra Valley Racing Club on Thursday 18 July.

School Sport Victoria (SSV) hosted the 2024 State Cross Country Championships for the third time in Yarra Glen.

SSV state championships officer Howard Louis said about 1800 students came to the event for the race.

“It brings a lot of people through to this area that might not have been to this area,” he said.

“We’vegoteightregionsacrossthestateattending, we’ve got people as far as Warrnambool, Bairnsdale and beyond, and up to the north Mildura, Swan Hill and Echuca.

“Everybody seems to be fairly happy because it’s not raining.”

Primary school students had to get through the district, division and region levels while secondary school students started from the division level.

The top 12 performers in the region qualified to advance to the state championships.

Yarrawonga College P-12 Year 11 student Jordan Ibbott took 8th place in the Hume region competition.

“My parents encouraged me to run at a young age and I’ve continued it through school,” he said.

“I’ve learnt to be resilient from cross country.”

Another Year 11 student from Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College Sophia Hamilton said she has gotten into cross country through school.

“It [the race course] was really muddy, so it wasn’t like what I was expecting,” she said.

“I didn’t go to the regional competition

but I went to the division.

“I came third and they said I could go home because my time was fast enough.”

It was the second time Milly Smyth, a Year 11 student from Norwood Secondary College, participated in the state championship competition.

She said she was happy with the result of seventh place because she made an improvement compared to the competition last year where she took 18th place.

“It was a bit tough in the conditions with all the mud but it was a good race,” she said.

“I came first at the regional competition and it was at the same place here about three weeks ago.

Smyth also got into cross country through school like Hamilton.

She said she learnt a lot about mindset.

“If you have your mind to it, you can improve at any point,” Smyth said.

“I enjoy the fitness aspect of cross country and it helps with all my other sports as well.”

The event was held in Bundoora before Covid-19 and the venue has been relocated to Yarra Glen since the pandemic was over.

SSV chief executive officer Jamie Parsons said he appreciated support from the Yarra Valley Racing Club.

“We really love having this event here, the venue is fantastic as we have the grandstand and we’re also able to have the athletes use

the racetrack to run the races,” he said.

“The people we work with at Yarra Valley Racing are wonderful.

“There is one more national level competition, it’s happening here on this racecourse in a few weeks’ time and there will be representatives coming from around Australia.”

The following is the list of the local students who participated in the race; Zoe K from Mt Evelyn Christian School, Sophie B and Declan Z from Yarra Valley Grammar School, Ollie D from Emerald Primary School, Bradley M from Yarra Ranges Special Developmental School, Oscar W from Monbulk College and Kail F, Daniel G, Reuben J and David T from Mooroolbark College.

Chris Soumilas with his grandson Bobby from Drouin PS who competed in the 12-13 year 3km run. (Stewart Chambers: 420226)

Milly Smyth. (Dongyun Kwon: 420447)

The fast-paced Roundnet World Championships are coming up next month. (Unsplash-Spikeball)

Photography everywhere

By Maria Millers

WOORILLA WORDS

“Today everything exists to end in a photograph,” Susan Sontag wrote in her 1977 book, On Photography.

Now this observation resonates more strongly than ever, particularly since our daily social-media and news feeds are bursting with digital images from every corner of the globe.

Images have always played an important role in shaping public perceptions, have influenced social and political movements and been catalysts for change.

Before photography there were paintings and now in the digital age we have almost instant dissemination of images seen by millions.

Such was the case when Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Doug Mills captured the moment of an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Bloodied but defiant,Trump was seen holding up a clenched fist and mouthing ‘fight, fight, fight’ to his supporters, as he was rushed off stage, still bleeding from his ear.

The photo sped around the world instantly, some predicting it will bolster his chances for the presidency, others disagree.

There have been certain images that have impacted so strongly that they were indeed instrumental in bringing about change.

Particularly images involving children, the innocent victims of war.

Most would be familiar with Napalm Girl (1972) the photo of a young Vietnamese girl running naked down a road after a napalm attack, later identified as PhanThi Kim Phuc who survived by tearing off her burning clothes.

Taken by Nick Ut it brought the horrors of the war into the homes of everyday people and fuelled anti war feelings in the American public.

One of the most distressing images of all time was The Vulture and the Little Girl, taken by Kevin Carter during the Sudan Famine of 1993 which shows a small emaciated near death child with a vulture hovering nearby.

It was a photo that was condemned by many but nevertheless won the Pulitzer Prize, bringing more condemnation.

The following year Kevin Carter haunted by what he had seen and perhaps questioning his own ethics in taking the photo, committed suicide.

The image remains a powerful symbol of the suffering caused by famine and conflict.

Regrettably today many in Sudan are facing famine again.

In 2015 the body of Adam Kurdi a two year old Syrian boy washed up on a beach in Turkey after he drowned with his mother and brother in an attempt by the family to reach Europe en route to joining family in Canada.

The photo quickly went viral, prompting international responses and played a part in the Canadian elections at the time.

But not all lasting images are of war and carnage.

The first photos taken of earth by humans during the Apollo missions have become some of the most reproduced of all time, and 50 years later, their power and influence remain.

On Christmas Eve, 1968 the crew of Apollo eight captured a spectacular sight as they orbited the moon: the illuminated earth appearing above the barren lunar horizon.

Called Earthrise and the first colour photograph taken from space it quickly circu-

lated around the world and is widely credited for promoting environmental activism and awareness in ‘70s Similarly the photo known as Blue Marble (1972) according to NASA historian Stephen Garber: gives you a much different sense of the world in which we live, that geographical and political boundaries are really meaningless.

Popular culture too has its enduring images.

When photo journalist Sam Shaw set up the shot of Marilyn Monroe during the New York filming of the Seven Year Itch.

It was merely to promote the film.

This shot of the film star standing over a subway ventilation grate is Shaw’s most famous work eclipsing his other more notable works Marilyn Monroe was a feminist before there was even a word for it.

When studios tried to push “dumb blonde” roles on her, she not only defied them and moved to New York, she started her own production company, one of the first women to ever do so in the ‘50s.

Some poems not only reflect the socio-political contexts of their times but also continue to inspire and influence movements and individuals globally.

W.B Yeats said: ‘Poetry is truth seen with passion’. At the time of him writingThe Second Coming in 1919, much of the world had grown disillusioned. The poem speaks to us today as potently as ever.

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere

The ceremony of innocence is drowned;

The best lack all conviction, while the worst

Are full of passionate intensity.

For the oppressed and marginalized Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise offers resilience and defiant hope:

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

And Kurdish refugee Behrouz Boorahni writing from Manus Island captured the yearning for freedom:

The Black Kite

Over Manus Island, a black kite flies.

A few youths –still with energy to bear the difficulties of this prison camp –made it.

The black kite flies, a messenger of freedom for us, the forgotten prisoners.

The last words go to Leonardo daVinci who said: Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.

Woorilla Poetry Prize 2024 is is open for submissions.

· Please visit woorilla.org.au

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar 3 Meadowgate Drive

CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Caltex Safeway 239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK EG Fuelco Service Station Chirnside Park Shopping Cr Little Chipping Drive, 241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Chirnside Park Country Club 68 Kingswood Drive

CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar 158 Nangathan Way

CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar 11 The Mall

KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Churinga SC, Russo Place

KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Canterbury Road Kilsyth

KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette Unit 7/87 Colchester Road

LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC 33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC 51-59 Anderson Street

LILYDALE Woolworths Supermarket Marketplace, 33 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Castella Street & Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre 7 Hardy Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre 1 Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station 473 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale 346 Main Street

LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths 31 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway

LILYDALE Shell Service Station 469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE 7 - Eleven Lilydale Cnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Coles Express 469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe 251 Main Street

LILYDALE Round Bird Can’t Fly 170 Main Street

LILYDALE The Lilydale General 110 Beresford Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery 96 Main Street

LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe 178 Main Street

LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe 222 Main Street

LILYDALE Gracious Grace Castella Street

ILYDALE Melba Coffee House 33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies 7/75 Cave Hill Road

ILYDALE Point of View Cafe Lilydale Lakeside - Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE Freda’s Cafe 2 Clarke Street

ILYDALE Barry Plant Real Estate 88 Main Street

LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate 164 Main Street

LILYDALE Hello Harry 245 Main Street

LILYDALE Noel Jones Real Estate 281 Main Street

ILYDALE Professionals Real Estate 111-113 Main Street

ILYDALE Simple Eats 1 Industrial Park Drive

LILYDALE Mc Donalds Restaurant Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Olinda Creek Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street

MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road

MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street

MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent

MOUNT EVELYN Red Robyn Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent

MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road

MOUNT EVELYN Bendigo Bank 2/35-39 Wray Cres

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket 916 Mt Dandenong Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket 15 Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Bendigo Bank Unit 19/66 - 74 Brice Ave

MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar 38 Bellara Dive

MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart 108 Hayrick Lane

MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark 103 Cardigan Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Express 2 Cambridge Road

MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real Estate Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK L J Hooker Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK Mc Donalds Restaurant Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale 138 York Road

WANDIN NORTH Wandin Newsagency Shop 2 /18 Union Road

The camera lens changed the way we observe and record historic moments. (Unsplash)

Integrity must be rebuilt

The extent of unlawful conduct, abuse, intimidation and thuggery of the CFMEU on Victorian Government infrastructure projects has been exposed.

Shockingly, after 10 years of the AndrewsAllan Labor Government, a gangster culture of bullying, standover tactics and corruption on State Government construction sites has been allowed to flourish.

Premier Jacinta Allan was the Minister responsible for ‘Big Build’ and major transport infrastructure projects dominated by CFMEU control and thuggery.

It’s hard to believe the Premier or anyone in her government was not aware of the corruption taking place.

The militant behaviour of the CFMEU is nothing new. Previous Royal Commissions recounted the many times the CFMEU has broken the law in order to coerce others to agree to their demands.

From my desk

Bridget Vallence Evelyn MP

This resulted in a specialist regulator, known as the Australian Building Construction Commission, being established.

After being successful in more than 200 prosecutions and imposing over $15 million in penalties on the CFMEU, the Albanese Labor Government abolished the ABCC shortly after it was elected.

Allegations of kickbacks, misuse of public money, and criminal associations have

A dark fairytale for teens

By Christine Yunn-Yu Sun

A review of Deep is the Fen by

Lili Wilkinson

Deep is the Fen, by Australian author Lili Wilkinson, shares the same setting as her previous YA fantasy novel A Hunger of Thorns.

Here is a contemporary world where magic is forbidden, except for the most benign potions and charms mass-produced by big corporations as commercial products that make life easy, convenient and pleasant.

The first-person narrator Merry is happily spending the summer holiday with her two best friends, Teddy and Sol – until she discovers Teddy’s plan to join the Toadmen, a secret society disguised as a harmless village men’s club.

Determined to save Teddy from the creepy cult, she enlists the help of her academic nemesis, Caraway, who has his own secrets.

Merry soon finds herself drawn into the Toadmen’s sinister traditions and dark magic, as she and Caraway travel to Deeping Fen – a foul swamp full of monsters – to attend an ancient ritual where Teddy is to be initiated. Like a nightmare, it’s the place where nothing is as it seems.

The horror elements are truly terrifying, not just what those powerful and greedy can do, but particularly their sense of entitlement to all there is and their indifference to the pain and suffering of others.

Still, there’s love and kindness, friendship and romance, forgiveness and redemption, and, most importantly, courage and compassion.

There is a character from A Hunger of Thorns, and we get to explore the “recovery centres” mentioned in that book.

Those witches, who have long been misunderstood and feared, turn out to be

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

pretty awesome. Like Maude, Merry transits from hiding her talents to fully accepting and utilising them.

Both girls set out to save the world, and both are fiercely stubborn, so convinced of the worthiness of their pursuits that they often make mistakes, with their attempts to fix them simply leading to more disasters. Indeed, both protagonists are flawed heroines that are authentic and adorable.

In Deep is the Fen, the author effortlessly leads readers through a magical journey full of surprise and suspense. The plot twists are masterfully executed, fluently manipulating our emotions between comfort and terror, grace and gore, joy and dread.

There’s a sense of smoothness and spontaneity in the writing that can only be achieved with years of experience and hard work. But there’s also a unflinchingly honest and daring dive into the dark depth of humanity.

A word on mettle, the magical life force that is found in all living things: First introduced in A Hunger of Thorns, its function – and the impact and consequences of its use – are even more impressive in Deep is the Fen.

Magic can be constructive or dangerous, depending on one’s belief, desire and intention.

Highly recommended.

been rife.

Only CFMEU ‘approved’ suppliers have been winningVictorian Government contracts despite their bid prices being double the cost of their competitors.

North-East Link, Melbourne Metro, and West Gate Tunnel projects have been disrupted, delayed and held to ransom by the CFMEU, drastically forcing up the cost of these projects.

In fact, Labor’s major construction projects are now $40 billion over budget.

These massive cost blowouts mean Victorians are paying the price: this money could have been spent on health, education, public housing or fixing dangerous roads.

The Labor Government has shown scant concern for the waste, instead increasing or adding 55 new taxes and cutting the state’s Health budget.

The behaviour exposed on Victorian construction projects is too serious to ignore.

A Royal Commission into the CFMEU’s conduct on Big Build projects must now be held to independently investigate the extent of the corruption and misuse of taxpayers’ money.

Victorian builders and workers have been bullied and stood over by CFMEU bosses for too long.

Victorian businesses have been shattered, and the mental wellbeing of many young workers damaged.

The Victorian Liberals have already announced the establishment of a new watchdog, known as Construction Enforcement Victoria, to enforce fair standards of conduct under a new Code of Practice for Victoria’s building industry.

Respect, fairness, transparency and accountability must replace corruption and thuggery.

Integrity in construction must be restored. Victorians deserve no less.

Global phenomenon here

SIX

Melbourne’s Comedy theatre

Six the Musical, the global phenomenon which has taken the world by storm will open in Mel bourne on 2 August.

Rehearsals for the smash-hit musical are underway with the entire company preparing to captivate audiences with the show’s innova tive and empowering take on history, redefining the boundaries of musical theatre and engaging audiences of all ages.

The Tony Award winning electrifying musical previously enjoyed record-breaking seasons across the country, and following huge demand and anticipation SIX reigns again at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre with further seasons at the Theatre royal Sydney from 25 October and at QPAC’s Playhouse in Brisbane from 2 January, 2025.

SIX tells the extraordinary story of the six wives of King Henry VIII who step out of the shadow if their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives.

Since its debut at the Edinburgh Festival fringe, SX has received widespread critical acclaim, leaving audiences enthralled by its infectious energy, catchy tunes, and empowering message. Eltham LittleTheatre Veronica’s Room.

“Nobody forgives you, Veronica” Not even angels! Is Susan actually Susan a self-possessed college student in 1973.

Or is she Veronica, a conflicted young lady of 1935, desperately BELIEVING herself to be a later Susan? What begins as a seeming mission of mercy ends up a terrifying crisis of self-doubt among malevolent forces-with the audience no less certain of.

Veronica/Susan’s identity than she is. Be warned: when you enter Veronica’s room you will find yourself trapped in someone else’s nightmare.

· Season: 6 - 21 September.Tickets now on sale.

· Bookings: 0411 713 095

REMEMBER:

· The 1812 Theatre The Sweet Delilah Swim Club.

· Season: 1 - 24 August. Bookings: 9758 3964.

Not About The Spider

Longlegs

Starring Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage

Rated MA15+

4.5/5

Longlegs is a supremely suspenseful horror-thriller written and directed by Osgood Perkins (son of Psycho star Anthony Perkins).

Set during the nineties, Longlegs follows FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) as she tracks down a serial killer known as Longlegs (Nicolas Cage).

Monroe is a low-key yet captivating lead as Harker, delivering a focused, solitary, slightly awkward persona that some viewers may read as autistic; as an autistic person myself, I really appreciated Harker’s characterisation.

Harker is also reminiscent of Clarice Starling from Silence of the Lambs, with Longlegs paying further tribute to Seven and Exorcist III.

Cage plays deranged like no other actor, and conveys such bizarre, squirmingly unpleasant menace without ever technically harming anyone.

Longlegs features dim, moody cinematography and rich, haunting sound design, and draws incredible tension from the shadowy environments; you feel a clenching panic whenever Lee has her back to a doorway.

The intriguing, superbly-paced plot steadily weaves together hints of Lee’s hid-

den past, Satanic ritual and the present-day murders, and the unfolding investigation balances a satisfying sense of discovery with a rising dread.

“Show, don’t tell” is a common, arguably overused rule in storytelling, and heavy exposition can indicate laziness or a writer’s lack of faith in their audience.

Perkins proves a master of show and tell, providing thorough detail where needed and shockingly executing (pun intended) the telling.

Like Late NightWith The Devil, Longlegs is a deeply suspenseful throwback movie that nails the nineties setting without fixating on the small details, but Longlegs is a more subdued slow-burn than the extravagant former film.

Possibly the most chilling, compelling and cleverly-written horror film of the year so far, Longlegs is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas

Hynes

VINEYARD B&B RESIDENCE ON 25 ACRES

VINEYARD B&B RESIDENCE ON 25 ACRES

ON the open market for first time in 150 years and owned by just 2 families in that time in this grand residence on a sprawling 25 acre pastoral property.

In the heart of the Kinglake Ranges and located on a quiet sealed road there is a lot to discover. Upon entering the property you are taken back by the 180 degree views of the Great Dividing Range.

The property had been in the same family ownership for generations with the current house built approximately 20 years ago to replace the original farm house. A tri-level brick veneer home freshly updated with all the modern conveniences suitable for a large family, this property has everything to offer astute buyers seeking lifestyle acreage within commuting distance to urban centres.

Upon entering the home you are greeted with soaring ceilings and a grand staircase separating living and bedroom zones. Consisting of 5 bedrooms plus study, 4 bathrooms, formal lounge, formal dining room, upstairs games/rumpus room with wet bar, open plan kitchen living room and laundry.

The downstairs room also doubles as a mudroom and laundry which is currently used as a B&B that is booked out every weekend. Enjoy the outdoor concrete undercover entertainment patio with decking alfresco and wrap around veranda overlooking the manicured gardens.

Some of the many features include double lock-up garage with remote control door and internal access, LED lighting, 9 ft. ceilings, walk-in robes to master and upstairs bedroom, spa bath in ensuite, built-in robes to all other bedrooms, ducted refrigerated heating/cooling system, wood heating, ceiling fans, ducted vacuum, linen closet and storage, cellar and walk in pantry to kitchen. There is also a Growatt 18 panel solar system connected to mains power to significantly reduce your power bills. The property also includes over 100,000L of water storage with fresh spring water bore for unlimited water supply.

Externally the property provides a large 9 x 18m machinery shed with concrete base, power and wood heating, and manicured gardens complete with fish pond, orchard trees, natives, chicken coop, vegetable patch and dog pen.

The land is a mixture of majority pastoral land with 4 acres under vine of Chardonnay and Pinot grape varieties.

There is a spring fed dam at the head of Captain Creek with a balance of bush attracting a variety on native fauna. With so much to offer and the demand for lifestyle acreage increasing, it’s time to make your regional move before it’s too late. ●

HOME FOCUS

OAKLANDS - OLD WORLD CHARM MEETS MODERN COMFORT

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

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

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

Oaklands offers four bedrooms, including

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

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

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

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

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

FIND YOUR OWN SANCTUARY: VIEWS, PRIVACY AND SPACE ON 4.35 ACRES

STEP into the extraordinary and discover a home where the dreams of your growing family come to life.

This older style grand two-storey house has been designed with space in mind, offering 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an office and 2 living areas - your own private retreat where everyone has their own piece of privacy.

From the moment you enter, you will be struck by how spacious the down stairs area is, with its open plan lounge, dining room and billiard/rumpus area. The kitchen and servery open directly onto this space.

Downstairs you will also find the main bedroom and ensuite, 3 other bedrooms, main bathroom and laundry and lots of extra storage space. From here a staircase leads upstairs to another living area, 2 more bedrooms and a bathroom, plus large office – a perfect set up for a family requiring extra living areas.

Experience worry-free living with ducted heating and cooling system plus a wood heater in the lounge room ensuring comfort in every season. Set on an expansive 4.35 acres, this property is a true paradise with all essential services seamlessly connected. Moreover, the property has extra water tanks, ideal for any family wishing to live more sustainably.

For those with a love for animals, the property boasts 4 paddocks, a haven for a family horse/pony to roam freely or maybe some frolicsome goats or sheep.

There is a small orchard which has some established trees in it, with room to add plenty more. There’s even space for a vegetable garden, allowing you to take that journey to self-sufficiency right from your own backyard. The 4-car garage with a mezzanine floor provides ample space for storage, making it a haven for tradespeople and hobbyists alike.

The height of the garage is just perfect for that caravan or Winnebago. Of course, on a property like this there is more shedding that can be used to suit your needs and requirements.

Location of this perfectly positioned property balances tranquillity and convenience. The lovely town of Healesville (recently voted Australia’s 6th most welcoming town) is a short drive away, while the new state -of -the -art Badger Creek Primary School and the world-renowned Healesville Sanctuary are conveniently within walking distance.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to script the next enchanting chapter of your family’s story. ●

YOUR LIFESTYLE DREAM STARTS HERE

START your country dream here on almost 11 beautiful acres that will guarantee your privacy, serenity and plenty room to enjoy all the things you love doing right here on your own hobby farm.

There is plenty of pasture and cleared land to feed the animals, ride motorbikes and even a spring fed dam to fish or swim plus another dam complete with water lilies.

The property also adjoins a beautiful flowing creek at the rear which provides the idyllic space for you to sit in complete silence listening to the flow of water and the abundance of wildlife that also call this place home.

The comfortable 3 bedroom plus separate study home welcomes you and your family to a warm and inviting atmosphere where many happy memories can be created.

The large kitchen will become the centre of entertaining friends and family plus the warm crackling wood fire in the lounge will keep you cozy and relaxed. The views from the covered alfresco area are what rural living is all about.

Magical sunsets over perfect pastures whilst enjoying the visiting wildlife will make you realise there is more to life than the constant hustle and bustle. There is also plenty of shedding to cater for all your storage and tinkering needs.

Right in the heart of horse heaven, there are many riding trails right at your doorstep too. Call us to inspect today and see for yourself the lifestyle that is on offer here –you will never regret making the move to the hills. ●

FAMILY SPACE AND CONVENIENCE

BOASTING loads of space for the growing family this home is the ideal spot to enjoy the peaceful country lifestyle.

Offering 3 large bedrooms all with built-in robes and an ensuite in the main bedroom, big open living areas give the whole family plenty of space to spread out with separate zoned lounge/family rooms, the open plan kitchen is spacious and has ample bench and cupboard space.

Everyone will love the outdoors with approx. 2000sqm to enjoy and explore, established, landscaped gardens surround the property with plenty of colour and birdlife to admire.

Plenty of shedding with a carport, lock-up garage, wood shed/carport with loads of space for boats, trailers and caravans and also a veggie patch, plus the added bonus of being zoned NRZ2 offering development potential (subject to council approval ). A great family home in a great location situated just a short walk to local schools shops and transport. ●

2WaterlooAvenue,Warburton$1,250,000-$1,350,000

AWarburtonMasterpiecewithBreathtakingViews

Thisnewlybuiltexceptionalhomehasbeendesignedwithstyleandsophistication.Featuring premiumefficiencythroughout,boastinga 6.5starenergyrating,doubleglazedwindowsand doors,lowenergyLEDlighting,andnaturalgashydronicheating.Theversatilelayoutincludesfour bedroomsandthreebathrooms.Upstairs,themasterbedroomfeaturesqualitycarpets,a large walkinrobe,and asumptuousensuite.Entertainerswilldelightinthekitchen,whichservesasthe centerpieceofthehome.Withamplespace,stonebenchtops,seamlessandextensivecupboards, qualityappliances,and abutler’spantry.Twoadditionalbedroomsanda largefamilybathroom completethislevel.Downstairsoffers afabuloussetupwith adoublegaragespanningaround56m², astoreroom,and astudio/bathroomwithitsownpatioandaccesstothegardens.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

RelaxtothesoundsoftheYarraRiver

WiththesoundsoftheYarraRiverjustovertheroadthisisjust asuperblocationandtheidealplace tobetositbackrelaxandenjoythepicturesquesurroundings.Thehomeiswellpresentedand boastsplentyofspaceforthegrowingfamilywith 3bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesanda fresh modernbathroom.Theopenplankitchenhasplentyofbenchandcupboardspacewitha separate meals/diningareaandspaciouslounge/familyroomgivingeveryoneplentyofroomtospread out.Outsideisa colourfulandpicturesquebackdropwitha greatsizerearyardwitha coolcreek meanderingthrough,frontandrearverandasprovidea greatspottorelaxandenjoytheoutdoor vista.Beautifulestablishedgardenswith acolourfularrayoffloweringtreesandshrubs,amplecar accommodationplusunderhousestorage. Afantasticpropertyin asensationallocation.

DavidCarroll M 0419539320

CaptivatingViewsandSpaciousLiving

Boastingpanoramicviewsthatwilltakeyourbreathaway,enjoyspaciouslivingwhilsttakinginthe mesmerizingviewsfromyourfrontdeck.Fourgenerouslysizedbedroomsincluding amastersuitewith adouble-sizedshowerandamplestorage.Versatilelivingwithmultiplelounges,perfectforfamily gatheringsorhomeoffice.Privateentertainingareawith awoodheaterandwood-firedpizzaoven, surroundedbyfruittreesandveggiepatches.Convenientlocationclosetopublictransport,schools, medicalfacilities,andlocalamenities.Perfectlypositionedfornatureenthusiastsandfamiliesalike, withtheWarburtontrailjustmomentsawayforleisurelywalksandwildlifesightings.Whetheryou seek apeacefulretreator aspacioussanctuaryforentertaining,thishomepromisestoexceedyour expectations

Experiencesecurefamilylivingwithanabundanceofspace You´llbeimpressedbythisdelightfulfamilyhomefullofcharacterandcharm.Offeringanopen kitchen,diningandfamilyarea,3 bedroomsincludingmasterwithensuiteandspaciouswalk-in robe,and adoublecarportatthefrontallowseasyundercoverparking.Bothbathroomsboasta delightfulfeaturewindowwhereonecantakeinthelushgreeneryinabsoluteprivacy!Thissecure fencedpropertyissurroundedbyestablishedgardens,a largegrassy,flatyardallsafelybehinda charmingfrontpicketfencewithremotecontrolgates.Inadditiontothecarports, alockupgarage andtoolshedattherear.ThepavedcourtyardwithbuiltinBBQmakesanidealsettingforanysocial gathering.Additionalfeaturesincludegasductedheating, 3splitsystems,ceilingfans, acrackling woodfireintheloungeand ahugeblockofapprox.1114sq.m Agreatplacetocallhome.

CHARACTER HOME WITH MANICURED GARDENS

LOCATED a 200m walk to Paradise Valley Hotel and a short walk along the Puffing Billing Railway line into Emerald, this beautiful weatherboard home has lots to offer.

Step inside to the spacious entry way. To the right is the huge master bedroom with triple built in robes and split system. Across the hall are 2 more good size bedrooms and the renovated bathroom with oversized shower.

Leading into the newly renovated open plan kitchen, looking over the sunken dining area, this kitchen is complete with huge pantry, double sink, dishwasher, and plenty of storage space. Also on this level is the renovated laundry and 2nd toilet.

Step down into the dining area with glass sliding doors out to the recently renovated deck area complete with shade blinds and a wood fire for warmth and ambience, overlooking the beautiful, manicured gardens. The separate lounge with split system also has French doors leading to the outdoor living area and for the ultimate in comfort and convenience the home has gas hydronic heating throughout.

Outside, this fully fenced 1443sm property, with electric front gates and sealed driveway upon entry is perfect to keep the kids and pets safe. Featuring manicured, easy to manage gardens, 2 garden sheds and a tall carport to store large vehicles/ caravans to the side of the home, and this property tick lots of boxes.

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

BeautifullyRenovated5 BedroomFamilyHome +BungalowonanAcre! Situatedonjustover 1acreofflatland,thisstunninghomewithwraparoundverandahhasallthe creaturecomforts.Featuringa long,centralhallway &9ftceilingsthroughout.Fromthespacious laundry,tothelargeopenloungewithanelectricfireplace.Meanderingdownthehallyouwillfind 5stylishbedrooms,theMasterwithFrenchdoorsopeningontotherearverandah, alargewalkthroughrobe& ensuite.Thefamilybathroomisgenerousinsize,& offers abath, &shower.Addto this aseparatediningroomwithFrenchdoorstotheverandah.Thekitcheniswell-appointedwitha hugeislandbenchwithstonetop,newfreestanding900mmgas/electricstove,D/W,& WIP. Outside,hasa 2BRbungalowwithlounge& kitchenette,thepropertyisfullyfenced.Addtothisa workshopwithconcretefloor &power. 11-13FirstAvenueCockatoo$1,200,000

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

StylishlyRenovatedHomewithEquineInfrastructureonNearly20acres! Featuringa 40m*20msandmenage,dayyards,electricfencedpaddocks,hotwash,tack room,floatstorage,hayshed, a3-baybarn,cross-countrycourse,mainswater &a comfortable 4-bedroom,2 bathroom,‘Hamptons’stylehomewithviews &zonedheating& cooling.Thehome has2 loungeareas, adiningarea& entertainingdeck.Themasterbedroomhasa walk-through robe,ceilingfan &ensuite.Theopenplankitchen/dining/livingareahas awoodfire &a 900mmgas stove& anelectricoven,& thelaundryhasa dryingcupboard.Thereare 3furtherbedroomswith BIRs &a familybathroom.Thestockyardshaveloadingramps,thereare5 paddockswithwater,day yards,tackroom,feedshed,hotwashbay,haystorage &machinerystorage.Thereis apermanent creek,a Springfeddam,a chickenrun,anall-weathergraveldriveway, &lockupgarage.

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

4 A 2 B 8 C

4BedroomFamilyHomewithPonyPaddock! There’sa welcomingentertainingareanearthefrontdoor,&thefloatingfloorboardsinviteyouin. Thenthereare 2bedroomswithBIRs.Thereisthena loungeroomwith acosywoodfire,& thehome flowstoa masterbedroomwith aBIR &a largeWIRthatcouldpotentiallybe agreatensuitespace (STCA).Thezonedlivingthenhasanotherbedroomwith aBIR,& thereisa lovelystudy/homeoffice areawith atreedoutlook.Thekitchen& diningareaareopenplan& thecharmingkitchenhasa woodfire,gasstovetop,oven& dishwasher,aswellasa walkinpantry/butlerspantry.Thehomethen continuesalongtoanupdatedlaundry &bathroom.Thishomealsofeaturesgasductedheating! Externallyis aponypaddockwith aponyshed,plentyofOSP,anda DLUGatthefrontofthehome.

Opportunity,ViewsandIdealLocationAwaitWithThisCharmingCottage! ThismixedzoningpropertylocatedontheGembrookMainStreetisdirectlyoppositetheGembrook PrimarySchool &offersviewstotheWarburtonRanges.Renovatethe2 bedroom,1 bathroomminers cottagewithwelcomingfrontverandah,ordemolish& buildyourdreamhomeorbusiness(STCA)on this1051sqmallotment.Situatedbehind amaintainedhedge,therearetwodriveways,allowingfor plentyofoff-streetparking.Thehomeitselfhas acosyfrontverandah& leadlightfeaturefrontdoor. Enterthehometodiscoverthefrontloungeroomwithopenwoodfire.Thereis amasterbedroom andthenflowthroughtothekitchenwithfreestandingwoodfireandelectricstove/oven.Then discover asecondbedroom.Totherearofthehomeisa generouslaundry,bathroomwith ashower overbath,andmudroom/secondsittingarea.Externallythereisa shedinthefullyfencedrearyard.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE IN THE HEART OF TECOMA

NESTLED in the heart of Tecoma, this delightful 3-bedroom home offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Located within an easy stroll to Tecoma’s eclectic Main Street, enjoy the serene surroundings with a backdrop of the Sherbrooke Forest. Step inside to discover:

· Three bedrooms, each offering ample space and natural light

A spacious living area with bay window, overlooking a colourful garden

Hardwood floors

An open plan kitchen overlooking the rear decking and garden with open plan meals area attached

· Gas ducted heating throughout plus evaporative cooling

Double glazed windows

Solar panels

Solar hot water system

Outside, the property features a meticulously maintained garden, providing a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. The expansive decking area is an entertainer’s dream, offering ample space for barbecues, alfresco dining, or simply soaking up the sun. A large amount of space can also be found under the house, which is ideal for storage or workshop area.

Convenience is key with this home, as it is just a short stroll away from local shops, cafes, and amenities. You will certainly appreciate the proximity to schools, public transport and parks, making it an ideal location for families of all ages.

This is a rare opportunity to own a slice of Tecoma paradise. Whether you’re looking for a family home or a tranquil retreat, 39 Sandells Road ticks all the boxes. ●

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 Sharp struggle (6)

4 Island group in the Indian Ocean (8)

10 Neighbour of Mexico (9)

11 Japanese dish of balls or rolls of rice with garnish (5)

12 Not difficult (4)

13 Hostile (4)

14 Ancient tongue (5)

16 Corrosion (4)

17 Differ (8)

20 Nullify (8)

22 Scottish loch (4)

25 Gutter (5)

26 Ancient harp (4)

28 Middling (4)

30 Rebuke (5)

31 Journeyed (9)

32 To be mildly concussed (3,5)

33 Moniker (coll) (6)

DOWN

1 Marked with graffiti (6)

2 More thinly scattered (7)

3 Sprawls (4)

letters in the

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

5 Detailed examination of the elements or structure of something (8)

6 Annoyed (10)

7 Caller (7)

8 Evidence-based disciplines (8)

9 Sharp tooth (4)

15 Styptic (10)

18 Leads an orchestra (8)

19 Devotee (8)

21 Inspect (7)

23 Played for time (7)

24 Clear river bed (6)

27 Actor, – Reynolds (4)

29 Self-referential (4)

SPORT Wet weather hits return

By Joanna Campe

Round 9 results for Lilydale Tennis Club in the Eastern Region Tennis Competition. This week marked the return of competition, after a three week break due to the school holidays. Unfortunately, weather was at play this weekend with three out of four teams unable to get out on the courts due to their courts being washed out. All the kids will be extra keen to get out and play the next round matches next weekend.

Open Rubbers 20 v Box Hill

After round 8 Lilydale was sitting just outside the top four on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by Rishabh Chow-

dhury and Levi Daly.

Lilydale played away this week against top four team Box Hill. Lilydale played well against tough opposition. In the end, rain came, and the match was suspended with Box Hill taking the points 4 sets to 0 – winning 24 games to Lilydale 9.

Result: 6-2, 6-3, 6-0, 6-4

Lilydale Tennis club welcomes all players of any age and ability. For information on how to join Lilydale Tennis Club please visit play.tennis.com.au/lilydaletennisclub.

For all coaching enquiries (Juniors and Adults) please contact Andrew at Pro Touch Tennis Academy ptta.com.au/contact

State cross country championships test local athletes

By Jamie Strudley

TheVictorian Cross Country Championships were held on the Bundoora Park Cross Country course on Saturday. A full day of cross country racing including the Victoria All Schools Championships andVictorian Open, U20 and Overage championships.

Traditional cross country conditions made for some interesting, challenging racing for all athletes.Yarra Ranges Athletics had club athletes in most events on the day. Special shout out to Michael Clarke who stood in the cold and rain for the afternoon to cover a club duty.

Standout results were from Harry Norman, Olivia Twining and Briar Keyser. Harry finished in eighth place in the Open Men’s 10km event, the club’s first ever top 10 finish in an open cross country championship.

Olivia Twining ran one of her best ever championship races, never far from the lead group finishing in 17th place in the Open Women’s 10km event. Bria Keyser finished a strong 15th in the Under 20 Women’s event and ninth in the All Schools event.

Other standout results were from Brigitte Rice, finishing 12th in the U18 women’s race and Reuben Johnson finishing 11th in the Under 20 All Schools 8km event and 22nd out of all Under 20 athletes.

Full club results are:

· Women Open 10km: Olivia Twining 17th 38:58; Katrina Winger 36th 42:06; Bonnie Morris 70th 45:46; Georgia Laven 77th 46:28;

· Women Open 6km: Elisabeth Coffey 7th 31:10; Erica Purcell 18th 39:12;

· Women U20 6km: Briar Keyser 15th (9th Schools) 24:34; Madeline Laven 17th 24:47;

· Women 18 4km: Brigitte Rice 12th 16.01

· Women 17 4km: Kristina Nackovski 42nd 20.11

· Women 16 4km: Zoe Clarke 19th 16.26

· Women 15 4km: Tori Kincaid 55th 20.05

· Women 14 3km: Brienna Coffey 73rd 13.15; Adele Ellis 82nd 13.32: Lily Clarke 85th 13.40

· Men Open 10km: Harry Norman 8th 31:35; Tynan Mims 24th 32:30; Max Savill-Bentley 30th 32:41; James Laven 45th 33:27; Angus Norman 117th 36:41; Jared Byrne 203rd 40:58; Michael Clarke 227th 42:30; Chris Grundy 245th 43:30; Trent Ashton 272nd 45:18; Bryan Ackerly 319th 51:39; Craig Hewitson 335th 58:34;

· Men U20 8km: Reuben Johnson 22nd (11th schools) 27:26; Daniel Groves 37th (25th Schools) 28:59

· Men 17 6km: James Chrome-Smith 55th 22.34

· Men 16 4km: Mitch Pointon 43rd 15.02

· Men 15 4km: Finn Rossthorn 80th 17.58

· Men 17 Para 3km: Bradley McMeeken 3rd 16.45

· TheSchoolSportVictoriaStateCrossCountry Championships were held at Yarra Glen on Thursday. There were plenty of Yarra Ranges Athletics club athletes competing for their respective schools. Standout was Reuben Johnson winning the Boys 17-20 5000m event. Full results are not available in time for publication.

Eastern Region Little Athletics cross Country Championships were held last weekend and Doncaster. A large number of club athletes competed with all athletes performing extremely well. Results are:

· 10 Girls 1.5km: Victoria James 3rd 06:17; Milly Hall 10th 06:48; Amelia Sketchley 11th 06:50; Etta Thoma 20th 07:25; Indi Budin 21st 07:37;

· 11 Girls 2km Caitlyn McKerlie 5th 08:53; Zoe Knapman 8th 09:23; Tess Hewatt 9th 09:24; Alice Sabo 11th 09:54; Isla Haisma 12th 10:05;

· 12 Girls 2km Pippa Congreve 9th 08:53; Lexi Aders 10th 09:02; Holly Yorke 11th 09:24;

· 13 Girls 3km Brienna Coffey 7th 13:26; Lily Clarke 11th 14:09; Janna Rodriguez 12th 14:27;

· 14 Girls 3km Tori Kincaid 2nd 14:06;

· 15 Girls 3km: Zoe Clarke 1st 12:33;

· 16 Girls 3km: Kristina Nackovski 1st 14:49;

· 9-10 Para 1.5km: Micah Friend 1st 11:10;

· 13-17 Para 2km: Bradley McMeeken 1st 11:09;

· 9 Boys 1.5km: Riley Yorke 17th 09:52;

· 11 Boys 2km: Archie Budin 4th 07:39; Theodore Lewis 18th 08:45;

· 12 Boys 2km: Ilikimi Tove 8th 08:22; Hugo Gibbs 13th 09:15;

· 14 Boys Mason James 3rd 12:47;

· 15 Boys 3km: Mitchell Pointon 3rd10:59;

· Brienna Coffey 13:26; Tori Kincaid 14:06; Lily Clarke 14:09; Janna Rodriguez 14:27; Kristina Nackovski 14:49; Saturday morning cross country was on a wet Elizabeth Bridge course in Kilsyth. Lots of fun had by all who ran. Unofficial results are:

· 1000m Angus Clarke 5.30; Angus Congreve 5.44; Noah Hewatt 6.00; Willliam Hastewell 7.53

· 1500m Riley Yorke 6.30; Lucas Pauly 6.33; Brock Peel 6.52; Amelia Sketchley 7.07; Fletcher Norman 7.50; Sadie Hewatt 7.51; Iola MacKay 7.55; Spencer Norman 8.27; Winter Anderson-Bonsor 9.08; Micah Friend 10.50

· 2000m Samuel Thomas 7.09; Holly Yorke 8.31; Pippa Congreve 8.34; Hugo Gibbs

8.34; Lexi Aders 8.48; Dominic Nealon 9.10; Alice Sabo 9.24; Tess Hewatt 9.34; Jonty Friend 9.43; Eamon MacKay 10.23; Hugh Richardson 11.05; Meadow Anderson-Bonsor 11.09; Ashleigh Christian 12.14; · 3000m Cozy Dunlop 13.02; Riley Tancredi 13.12; Levi Kipchirchir 14.09; Mackenzie Graham 14.14; Tim Anderson-Bonsor 14.33; Hayley Corrigan 18.01; This weekend we return to Morrison Reserve for round 12 of the cross country season. Warm ups from 8.45am.

Cross country training for all club members is at Morrison Reserve on Tuesday evenings from 5.30pm and Thursdays from 5.30pm at the Victoria Road Primary School gym. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability. New members and anyone interested in trialling are always welcome

Go to www.lavic.com.au or www.athsvic. org.au or email info@yarrarangesathletics. org.au for information about events and registration.

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

Harry Norman secured an eighth place finish in the Open Men’s 10km event. (Supplied)

Rishabh Chowdhury teamed up with Levi Daly against Box Hill in the only match to go ahead. (File)

Barkers stumble to draw

By Peter Stephenson

Barkers (fifth) hosted Greater Dandenong (12th) at a cold, rainy Kennel. So rainy, in fact, that the main pitch was waterlogged, so the game was transferred to the synthetic surface on the junior side. Barkers were keen to make amends for an inexplicable 1-4 loss to the visitors earlier in the season, and made two changes to the side which drew 1-1 with Knox City. Harry Rushton and Liam Seaye replaced Ross Clark and Ray Markley (both suspended).

The first real chance fell to Dandy on eight minutes, when a close-range header forced a brilliant reflex save from Mark Naumowicz to tip the ball over. Barkers replied with Max Burrows putting a great ball through to Maxim Solovyev on the right, who cut in and shot just past the far post. Then Danny Aye crossed and the ball was headed into the net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul.

Last week they had the unusual occurrence of an Olimpico (goal from a corner) in Olympic month. On 21 minutes, Barkers had a corner on the left, and Seaye hit a beautiful curler straight into the net off the post for 1-0 – extraordinary stuff.

Barkers were now looking good, and on the half hour Solovyev robbed Mohammad Rahimi, then backheeled to Aye. Aye found Rushton in the middle with a little space to shoot, but the shot was blocked. Then Christian Porcaro stole the ball in midfield and went on a run before hitting a long shot narrowly wide. Four minutes before the break, Chris Potter hit a great ball out to Sean Perrin on the left, who hit a floating ball just beyond the far post.

The final action of the half almost saw an equaliser as Dandy’s Muhammad Ali floated like a butterfly but didn’t sting like a bee as his point-blank shot drew a super one-handed save from Naumowicz. Half-time: Barkers 1-0 Dandy. Barkers were on top, with Solovyev in particular causing problems but just not getting the rub of the green. It was also noticeable that the pitch was taking its toll on the players as play was regularly halted for minor knocks that may not have happened on grass.

The second half began with Dandy looking sharp. Three minutes in, a long ball down the right found Ali, who crossed for Rahimi to shoot, but again Naumowicz was alert and saved his team with a good parry. Just a minute later though, the ball came in from the left to an unmarked Rahimi, who finally found a way past Naumowicz from close range to make it 1-1.

Seven minutes later, the bottom side did

the unthinkable. Rahimi was in on goal and crossed low into the goal area, but there was a push and a penalty was awarded, which Rahimi dispatched to make it 2-1 Dandy. Two minutes later the visitors’ Sayed Alawi cut the ball back for Samuel Au, forcing Naumowicz to block at his near post. However, the siege now abated.

Just on the hour, brilliant interplay between Solovyev and Porcaro on the left saw Solovyev shoot wide of keeper Andrew Mensah, who stretched superbly to get a hand to the ball, but Porcaro, who had run into space in the centre, was on hand to hit the follow-up home for 2-2, teamwork and persistence at its best.

Back came that man Rahimi to shoot just

wide, but Barkers then broke and hit a long ball out to Geordie Scott in acres of space, but his shot ran past the far post. Then Aye put Scott through, but the shot went over. Next, Aye set up Jerome Valadon, but Mensah was out quickly to smother.

Later on, Barkers won a couple of free kicks in dangerous areas but made nothing of them, then Dandy broke and hit a shot just past the post. Right on 90 minutes, Dandy played a short corner on the right, then sent the ball in for Zamer Noor to head over.Then came a very controversial ending to the game.

Barkers attacked through Scott, but he was adjudged to have fouled Mensah and conceded a free-kick. Mensah, enraged, headbutted

Scott and was shown a straight red, but refused to leave the field for some time. When order was restored, the referee changed his decision from a Dandy free-kick to a Barkers penalty –surely an error as presumably you have to officiate the first incident (free kick) and not the second, so you’d think a defensive free-kick would apply but still send off the keeper. Anyway, the penalty was taken by Scott himself and he hit the bar, and that was that. Well not quite, as the Dandy coach made his displeasure known to the referee in no uncertain terms. Full-time 2-2, a frustrating day for Barkers, who did enough to win but failed to complete the job. Barkers stay mired in midtable in fifth position.

Barkerettes juggernaut rolls on with strong home win

By Peter Stephenson

Barkerettes (first) had their first home game in five weeks, hosting FC Melbourne SRBIJA (third),who are the only team to have beaten Mooroolbark in the league this season. Although the Barkers had won the last 11 at home (including a forfeit), this was, on paper, the toughest of their remaining games as they sought to stay ahead of the only realistic challengers, Collingwood City.

Barkers began well, stringing together some nice passes as the game was played mostly in Melbourne’s half. On six minutes, Kelly Butera found Eleanor Ridley, who released Gracie Touliatos on the right wing. She won a corner but it came to nothing. Then Barkers won a 50-50 in midfield and the ball was passed to Amy D’Ortenzio. She put a through ball in for Charlotte McCullough, but she couldn’t get it out from under her feet and the chance was gone.

On 18 minutes Barkers came close to scoring when Hannah Turnbull got to the byline. She crossed from the right to the near post, where D’Ortenzio tussled with keeper Sophie Toth, but couldn’t scramble the ball over the line. Then a corner from the left was cleared out to Ridley, who hit a first-time shot over. Next, a great passing move led to McCullough causing havoc in the Melbourne goal area, but Melbourne frantically cleared off their line.

Surely the visitors couldn’t hold out much longer? On the half hour, Alizah Jones and

The Barkerettes continued

McCullough applied pressure on the Melbourne defence, they coughed up the ball and McCullough, as she has done often in recent games, was in the right spot to score from close range for the opener.

Four minutes later she did it again. Jones released McCullough, whose lightning pace took her clear of the defence to run on and score her second to make it 2-0. Having scored one goal in 19 games, she had now

scored seven in her last three. Half-time: Barkers 2-0 FC Melbourne, with the home side well on top.

Two minutes into the second half, a corner from the right saw D’Ortenzio volley just over, then McCullough also shot over as Barkers began where they left off. Just before the hour, their pressure was further rewarded when a fast break saw the ball played toTurnbull, who hit an absolute beauty into the top

corner for her first Barkers goal and 3-0.

To say this was one-way traffic is an understatement. On 65 minutes, Alexis Sketchley fed Turnbull on the left wing. She passed inside for D’Ortenzio, who shielded the ball before hitting a lovely shot against the bar, and McCullough’s follow-up was blocked by the keeper.

They nearly had yet another new scorer before the end. With 17 minutes left, a corner from the right found the head of Sketchley, who almost stooped to conquer, but the ball trickled wide. In the last minute, Butera played an arrow-like through ball to Jones. She was surrounded by defenders, but still managed to keep possession and find D’Ortenzio. She had only the keeper to beat but Toth saved – it just wouldn’t go in for the Goal Machine.

Full-time 3-0, and this was an absolutely dominant performance. Melbourne aren’t a bad team, but they simply weren’t allowed to play as Sketchley and Miranda Jackson did a wonderful job of protecting keeper Ashleigh Fraraccio, who was only occasionally aroused from her tea and biccies to play sweeper – Melbourne didn’t muster a single shot to test her. Up front, D’Ortenzio was occasionally smothered by markers, but this is pointless when you have four or five other players who know where the goal is. This was as good a performance as Barkerettes have given in a long time, and they stay two points clear with five games to play.

their winning streak again Melbourne. (File)

The Barkers took on bottom of the table Greater Dandenong. (File)