Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 6th August 2024

Just another hurdle

Hurdler and Mooroolbark local Tayleb Willis cemented his ‘second chance’ place in the 110m hurdles on Sunday 4 August, finishing in fifth place during his first heat on the Paris stage.

As the only Australian competing in the 110m hurdles, Willis proved his determination, going up against some of his idols.

Looking to defend the Australian record held by his coach Kyle Vander-Kuyp, Willis will look to achieve this on Tuesday 6 August at 6.50pm local Paris time.

Should he finish well, it will see the 21-year-old progress to the semi-final.

To read more, turn to page 33

Australian hurdler Tayleb Willis in lane two competes in the Men’s 110m Hurdles Round one at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games on Sunday 4 August. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

Response slows

The most recent quarterly data from Ambulance Victoria (AV) has shown an increase in response times to lights and sirens emergencies, meaning it is taking longer for paramedics to reach high risk patients.

A state-wide target of responding to a Code 1 call within 15 minutes or less was only reached in 64.2 per cent of cases, with the average response time in the Yarra Ranges exceeding the expected timeframe by more than three minutes.

AV metropolitan regional director Michael Georgiou said the quarter from April to June was the busiest quarter on record, with over 102,000 Code 1 cases.

“That’s nearly 5,000 more ‘lights and sirens’ cases compared to same time last year and a huge 35.2 per cent more Code 1 cases before the pandemic five years ago,” Mr Georgiou said.

With a push coming from the Victorian Ambulance Union to improve conditions for paramedics and to change the system to ensure paramed-

ics are not sent to low acuity cases as a priority, AV executive director regional operations Danielle North said the ambulance service constantly monitored demand and ambulance availability, while working with hospitals to transfer patients quickly and get ambulances on the road sooner.

“We also review and adjust the ambulance call taking and dispatch grid, based on research, clinical expertise and our large body of clinical data, to ensure it remains suitable for the Victorian environment,” Ms North said.

“We continue to work with our partners at Triple Zero Victoria to support the call taking and dispatch process, noting that about one in five calls to Triple Zero (000) do not need an emergency ambulance response.”

This quarter’s figures were said to have been impacted by seasonal illness including the flu, Covid-19 and RSV.

To read more, turn to page 3

Fight against elder abuse

By Callum Ludwig

A recently released independent evaluation, conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), of the National Plan to Respond to the Abuse of Older Australians 2019-2023 has deemed the program a success so far.

But it’s only a start, with the issue still a priority as Attorney General Mark Dreyfus launched a National Elder Abuse Awareness campaign on Sunday 28 July.

Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) is a driving force in preventing elder abuse in the Outer East and Director of Legal Services and Principal Lawyer at ECLC Belinda Lo said they have been very concerned about the occurrence of elder abuse for many years.

“Apart from our Elder Abuse Response Programs, (ELSA and ROSE), ECLC has worked to advocate against elder abuse for decades, including working in primary prevention work to combat ageism - a driver of elder abuse,” she said.

“ECLC also convenes the Eastern Elder Abuse Network - a network of over 60 organisations in the region who work together to find ways to support people who are experiencing elder abuse.”

ELSA (Engaging and Living Safely and Autonomously) is a coordinated program with Eastern Health while ROSE (Rights of Seniors in the East) is a Specialist Elder Abuse Unit in partnership with Oonah Belonging Place.

The evaluation report highlighted the value of ECLC’s programs creating a ‘one-stop shop’ for victim-survivors of elder abuse and the community, reducing the coordination required on behalf of older people, making the process of seeking legal advice less intimidating and providing support from social workers and specialist staff to assist during the process.

Areas of improvement included incorporating education for perpetrators and improving practice, such as how staff can better support clients

with ‘declining cognitive health.’

Ms Lo said ELSA and ROSE were funded to support people experiencing elder abuse by providing holistic, wrap-around services comprising diverse professionals such as financial counsellors, elder abuse advocates and community lawyers.

“ECLC is pleased the evaluation found that both programs have achieved their goals to the highest level possible and support the adaptation of the ELSA and ROSE models to other geographical locations and their continued expansion,” she said.

“The method is trauma-informed and clientcentred, clients have reported that they appreciate the model and that the services were tailored to them as individuals as opposed to having to wait for referrals and then navigate the service system themselves,”

“This approach over time has led to a number of successful outcomes that are outlined in the report.”

RMIT University’s Social and Global Studies Centre partnered with the National Ageing Research Institute and La Trobe University to deliver the mid-term and final evaluations of ECLC’s elder abuse programs.

Ms Lo said people experiencing elder abuse often find themselves in what the independent evaluation refers to as the ‘impossible predicament.’

“That’s when an older person feels that they cannot continue withstanding the abuse, and at the same time are unable to see a viable option to stop the abuse from continuing,” she said.

“This can be due a range of factors including the need to maintain family relationships, a sense of shame, risks to their safety and limitations within the service system and the broader legal and policy environment which provide few options for people experiencing elder abuse.

“Whilst the evaluation found that the ROSE and ELSA programs have performed exceptionally well to achieve outcomes for survivors of elder abuse in such situations, being able to truly champion the success of programs such as these requires an understanding of the nuance of people’s lived experience.”

Examples included in the final evaluation reports of ROSE and ELSA told stories of two different clients who accessed ECLC’s services and experienced benefits;

72-year-old single parent Andrea was facing threatening behaviour from her son Don who lived with her and his friends but was worried about Don and did not want him to be homeless. With assistance from ELSA, Andrea was able to call a lawyer, draft a letter about her feelings to give to Don and organise help to maintain the property. Don’s behevour changed for the better and he moved into a sharehouse and their relationship improved as a result.

Ms Lo said common behaviours of people who perpetrate elder abuse include manipulation, controlling finances, trying to isolate the older person, coercion (pressuring them to do things) and intimidation.

“ECLC’s programs have noted that these behaviours have manifested in financial abuse (controlling an older person’s finances without their free consent, and often to the benefit of the perpetrator, not the older person), psychological abuse and physical abuse (assault, restraint, neglect),” she said.

“Signs to look out for include unexplained and unusual changes in an older person’s behaviour; fearfulness, unexplained financial transactions or the older person being unable to pay for things (when they had previously been financially independent), isolation (being controlled by people around them) and noting that someone appears worried or scared to speak for themselves,”

“Dedicating time to deliver education on elder

abuse-related topics to both community members and professionals led to increased and more appropriate referrals as well as an understanding and awareness of elder abuse and related issues.”

Another example was that of mid-70s couple Michael and Linda who moved into a small unit on their daughter Samantha’s property after selling their farm to be closer to their grandchildren, support and treatment for Michael’s chronic back pain. After two years of living peacefully, Samantha’s new partner Jesse took issue with how much time she spent with her parents, whether supporting them or helping maintain the unit and tensions escalated when he moved in, reaching a point where Linda would be restricted from entering the main home and police were called and placed an intervention order against her.

With ROSE support, Linda had the intervention order overturned, had phone numbers supplied for emergency accommodation and housing support and helped her move in temporarily with her son Henry in Keilor.

Ms Lo said it’s imperative to remember that elder abuse is a community concern and not a private or family concern.

“Intervention in these situations can prevent elder abuse from occurring in the future, the experience of elder abuse can be extremely isolating and causes shame and humiliation for survivors and it is ECLC’s experience that the majority of perpetrators of elder abuse are family members,” she said.

“As a result, survivors of elder abuse are understandably reluctant to speak out about their experience for fear that their family members (often their adult children) will be punished, or that they will no longer have a relationship with their family member (or grand-children),”

“ECLC is very grateful to have the funded Elder Abuse response programs but sadly, the demand in the Eastern Metropolitan region alone far outstrips the resources allocated to it.”

Elder abuse remains a key focus of the government, health and legal sectors. (File)

Ambo response times worsening

By Mikayla van Loon

Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) response times in the Yarra Ranges have worsened, a trend occurring across the state as Code 1 cases reached a yearly high.

The quarterly data from 1 April to 30 June this year showed the average response time in the Yarra Ranges had blown out to 18 minutes and 10 seconds, three minutes more than the state-wide target of 15 minutes.

Only 49.7 per cent of the Code 1 jobs hit the target of 15 minutes or less, a 6.1 per cent decline from the previous quarter and 14.5 per cent below the state average of 64.2 per cent.

The Yarra Ranges recorded a total of 2141 Code 1 responses, while the state saw a sharp increase with 102,416 cases needing lights and sirens, 5932 more than the previous quarter.

In the metropolitan region as a whole, paramedics responded to 71,906 Code 1 emergencies.

AV metropolitan regional director Michael Georgiou said demand across the metropolitan region increased by 5.3 per cent – or 3644 more Code 1 cases – compared with a year ago.

“The entire health system continues to be extremely busy due to seasonal illness such as flu, Covid-19 and RSV circulating within our communities and our workforce,” Mr Georgiou said.

“Our dedicated paramedics and first responders across Melbourne’s suburbs do an incredible job in the face of record-breaking demand, providing best care to our communities every day.”

The closest neighbouring local government areas (LGA) to see improvement compared to last year were Maroondah (one minute and 15 seconds faster) and Nillumbik (52 seconds faster).

Cardinia’s response time also increased to over 18 minutes, having previously sat around 16 to 17 minutes.

Over in Knox, the response time still fell within the desired timeframe but increased to 14.57 from a previous 13.45.

Code 2 responses also extended despite less cases being logged across Victoria, totalling 50,576, a drop from 53,565 in the previous quarter.

In the Yarra Ranges this increased from 39.33 minutes to 44.15; in Cardinia, it went up from 39.03 minutes to 45.56; Knox saw a rise from 40.47 to 44.16; and in Maroondah from 41.30 minutes to 46.01.

Victorian Ambulance Union secretary Danny Hill said it was unacceptable that a third of emergency patients, whether it be for heart attacks, strokes, car accidents or cardiac arrests, were waiting too long state-wide for an ambulance.

“No paramedic in Victoria will be surprised by the latest response time data. The entire workforce has been screaming ‘iceberg right ahead’, and now the ship is sinking,” he said.

“Paramedics are spending more time ramped at hospital, more time being sent to trivial cases and less time responding to genuine emergency patients.

“AV is an emergency service. That’s what taxpayers pay for. But the workforce feel that the current AV Executive are taking AV in a different direction and patients are suffering, which is why so many paramedics are calling for the Government to take action.”

Mr Georgiou and fellow metropolitan regional director Vanessa Gorman urged people to use alternative care pathways when they needed timely medical treatment but it was not an emergency.

“It is important that everyone does their part. If your matter is not an emergency, consider using alternative care options like Primary Priority Care Centres (PPCC) or the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) and keep our highly skilled paramedics available for patients most in need,” Mr Georgiou said.

“You can connect directly with the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) at www. vved.org.au anywhere, anytime in the comfort of home and avoid a trip to hospital,” Ms Gorman said.

At least one in five calls to Triple Zero (000) do not need an emergency ambulance response.

“From April to June, 41,704 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in AV’s Secondary Triage team,” Ms Gorman said.

For more information about routine winter vaccinations or finding your nearest PPCC, visit the Better Health website at www.betterhealth. vic.gov.au

IN BRIEF

‘Unacceptable’ drink driving

Four drivers were detected by four different police units on Friday night (2 August), exceeding the alcohol limit, putting themselves and those around them at risk.

At 10.45pm, Highway Patrol were conducting random breath tests in Woori Yallock, where a 43-year-old Launching Place man blew 0.059. He will lose his licence for three Months and required to have an interlock device fitted to his vehicle.

At 11.55pm, Belgrave police members observed a car trying to avoid police, they intercepted and spoke with the 18-year-old female Pplater from Croydon North. She was found to be carrying one too many passengers and provided a positive breath test of 0.043. She will also lose her licence for three months and be required to have an interlock device fitted to her vehicle.

At 12.19am, Transit Police observed a vehicle with no headlights on Mount Dandenong Road in Montrose. The male driver from Montrose turned out to be a 17-year-old unaccompanied Learner with a 16-year-old passenger. He provided a positive breath test of 0.090. He lost his Learners licence immediately; his vehicle was impounded and will have to attend court in the near future.

At 12.38am, Lilydale Police were patrolling the McDonalds car park in Lilydale when they observed a vehicle reverse out of the disabled bay. The 26-year-old Mount Evelyn male appeared glossy eyed and had slurred speech. He subsequently provided a breath test of 0.134. His licence was immediately suspended for 12 months, his vehicle impounded and will have to attend court in the near future.

Chirnside Park theft

Police are seeking the identity of the male who was wearing a black hooded jumper, blue shorts, black sneakers and donning sunglasses on his head for the alleged theft of a laptop from a retail store in Chirnside Park on 26 June.

The male has a distinctive tattoo on the rear of his left calf.

If you have any information that may assist police, please contact Mooroolbark Police Station on 9725 9999, or make an anonymous report via Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or 1800 333 000.

Last chance to enrol

Eligible residents and ratepayers are being urged to enrol to vote for the upcoming Victorian local council elections before it’s too late, with enrolment closing at 4pm Wednesday 7 August.

The Yarra Ranges Shire Council election will be conducted by post – a safe and completely secret method of voting. Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel issued a call to Yarra Ranges Shire residents and ratepayers to be ready to have their say. ‘As this is a postal election, it’s important to check your address details are correct – this includes any alternative postal address,’ Mr Bluemmel said. Australian citizens who have recently turned 18 or changed address can enrol or update their state enrolment details at vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment

There are also additional enrolment categories for ratepayers, including non-Australian citizens who are not already on the State roll for that council. People in these categories should contact their local council for more information. Further information on enrolment is available by calling 131 832 or at vec.vic.gov.au, where voters can also sign up to the free VoterAlert service to receive important election reminders by SMS and email.

Ambulance Victoria responses times have worsened it what was it’s busiest quarter on record. (Stewart Chambers: 303384)

Visitors caught unprepared

By Callum Ludwig

While the sight of snow on Mt Donna Buang is exciting for locals and visitors alike, it’s important visitors are prepared before ascending the mountain.

After heavy traffic already caused delays in an incident involving a woman with a lower-body injury on Saturday 20 July, emergency services were again inundated with requests for assistance over the last weekend in July,

Upper Yarra SES Unit Controller Hannah Brunton said the lunacy over the weekend was insane.

“There were so many people heading up there, so many people that were completely ill-prepared with completely the wrong cars, no chains and not even the right clothing,” she said.

“People drown at the beach and at least they’re wearing bathers and they’re equipped for being at the beach but people go to the snow not realizing that you can die in the snow just as easily as you can in the ocean.”

Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria personnel were called out alongside SES crews from the Upper Yarra, Lilydale, Marysville, Nillumbik and Alexandra units after a number of vehicles became stuck in the substantial snow.

Ms Brunton said on Saturday 27 July they were told that there were 40 to 50 people stuck on the mountain with temperatures plummeting.

“We know that these people are not going to be properly prepared for sleeping out in the snow so we had five different SES units, multiple police cars, a few ambulances, so many resources tied up to help these people,” she said.

“When we got there, there was only one vehicle that was stuck and some of the locals were helping to get it out so it was a complete waste of resources that thankfully weren’t needed somewhere else but if they had been, it would have been a disaster.”

Snow had fallen as far down the mountain

as the Rainforest Gallery, about 9.5km from the summit and four-wheel drives were the only vehicles permitted to proceed. VicRoads also closed the road from the 10-Mile carpark to the summit.

Ms Brunton said upon their arrival, one car had become stuck with people in it and another was stuck and had been left there.

“It had come through to police multiple times from multiple people that there was people stuck up there and we had to just assume the worst,” she said.

“Before you visit, check online, read the resources about what the snow is like up there, make sure that you and your kids are wearing

Yarra Ranges Shire Council postal election

My council, my vote

You must be enrolled to vote

proper clothing and footwear,”

“Go in a vehicle that can actually withstand driving in the snow, either an all-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive and carry chains because though you may not need them, if by chance you do happen to need them at least you can get out.”

Parks Victoria encourages visitors to always pack extra warm layers, spare dry clothing, and plenty of food and water for a trip to Mt Donna Buang while also ensuring your vehicle has a full tank of petrol, blankets, a paper map/park visitor guide and a torch in case roads are closed or there are delays

To check whether the park is open and acces-

sible, visit the Parks Victoria Change of Conditions pages for both the Yarra Ranges National Park or Mt Donna Buang, while the Warburton Waterwheel Information Centre may also be able to assist in town.

Departing early is also not always advised, as roads may not always be graded or be icy and dangerous.

Visitors are asked not to head up the mountain if it is becoming dark or when it is dark. If your vehicle becomes stuck, stay with the vehicle and contact a towing company or if if the situation is life-threatening, call Triple Zero.

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

. Two 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.

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

The snowfall causes icy conditions for the road to Mt Donna Buang.

A stuck vehicle on Mt Donna Buang. (Eyewatch- Yarra Ranges Police Service Area)

NEWS Casey tracks independence

By Callum Ludwig

Voices For Casey is continuing its lead-up to next year’s election with an event bringing together some of the key names and faces of the community independents movement to date.

Kooyong MP Monique Ryan will be the headline speaker for ‘The Big Democracy Night Out’ free-to-enter event to be held in the Mount Evelyn Public Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 8 August.

Dr Ryan said she hopes to share with attendees what the experience of Kooyong’s community independent movement has been like.

“I want to just talk to the people of Casey about what our journey has been like, what it’s been like since I was elected and what I’ve been able to achieve offer that to the people of Casey as an example,” she said.

“Every electorate is different, every community is different in what they hope to achieve and what they want from their representative but I think that in Kooyong it’s been a pretty powerful movement and it’s been a really positive thing and I’m really looking forward to talking to your electorate about that as well.”

Dr Ryan was elected in Kooyong at the 2022 Federal Election ousting former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg with a preference count of 52.8 per cent to 47.1 per cent. Frydenberg previously held the seat with a margin of 6.4 per cent following the 2019 election.

Climate 200’s, which is providing funding support to Voices 4 Casey, Executive Director Byron Fay previously told the Star Mail that ‘from history that it often takes at least two go’s to win as an independent’, a sentiment Dr Ryan said does seem to hold true.

“It was certainly the case in Kooyong and it’s not a small thing to secure independent representation at a federal level,” she said.

“I think Casey is potentially right on track, I’m not on the grassroots in the electorate, but from what I can see, it seems like a very motivated,

well-organised group of people,”

“I would think they are probably well-placed to potentially put a potentially successful candidate at the next federal election.”

Started only months out from the 2022 election, Voices For Casey has grown to a base of 300 volunteers and ‘launched the bird’ back in May in their efforts towards the next election and engagement with the electorate.

Voices for Casey President Dr Ani Wierenga said Dr Ryan’s success in Kooyong shows what independents can do.

“At this event, we’re drawing together some

That’s a bloody milestone!

Warranwood local Marrianne Fry has clocked up an impressive milestone – 500 blood and plasma donations.

Lifeblood is celebrating Marrianne’s achievement and encourages others to follow her lead.

Marrianne began giving blood in 1961 when she was 18 years old, taking advantage of being allowed a little time off work to donate.

“I’ll admit that’s a cheeky way to start, but I became hooked and have been donating ever since, other than a few short breaks,” Marrianne said.

“Donating blood is a wonderful thing to do that saves lives and makes you feel good.

“The Lifeblood team at Ringwood is like a second family. I get hugs when I walk in the door because I have known many of them for a long time. I look forward to my donations.”

Lifeblood spokesperson Emily Granland said Marrianne is an incredible example of someone making a meaningful difference to people who need blood in the community.

“One donation can save up to three lives, so Marrianne has saved as many as 1500 lives over the years. She is a superhero,” she said.

“While 500 donations is not possible for everyone, the good news is every single donation counts.

“We are so grateful for every donor and always welcome more to help us meet the growing demand for patients.”

Lifeblood’s Ringwood Donor Centre is open seven days a week. An extra 540 local donors are needed in the next two weeks.

Cancer treatment, emergency surgery, road trauma and bleeding during childbirth are some of the most common uses for donated blood in Australia.

If you are a regular donor, haven’t donated in a while or have been thinking about donating for the first time, book an appointment on 13 14 95, book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.

entertaining thinkers to talk about why independent representation in parliament is important, and why this matters even more now,” she said.

Voices for Casey’s 2022 election candidate Claire Ferris Miles will interview Dr Ryan, as well as the 2022 Community Independent candidate for Wannon Alex Dyson and Phil Haines who has been the campaign manager for Community Independent members for Indi Cathy McGowan and Helen Haines.

“I think it really speaks to the power of the people’s faith and commitment to the democratic process in Australia, Indi is very different from Kooyong and we’re both very different from

Casey, but the people of the electorate want the same thing, they want representation by people who can advocate strongly and effectively on their behalf at a federal level,” Dr Ryan said

“Australia’s independent movement is something I’m extremely passionate about, so looking forward to connecting with the Casey community to discuss life, love and grass-roots political revolution,” Dyson said.

Casey’s Liberal MP Aaron Violi secured his current position with a margin of 1.5 per cent, replacing retiring MP Tony Smith. Ms Ferres Miles secured 8.34 per cent of the vote in Casey in 2022, behind the Liberal, Labor and Greens candidates.

Marrianne Fry has reached 500 blood and plasma donations. (Supplied)

Independent member for Kooyong Monique Ryan is the headline speaker for Voices For Casey’s event. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Nine people still missing

By Dongyun Kwon

Nine people across the Outer East are on the Victoria Police’s and Australian Federal Police’s missing persons lists.

The first week of August is the National Missing Persons Week (NMPW) and it took place from 28 July to 3 August this year.

It serves as a reminder to all Australians that anyone can experience the anguish and hurt of a missing loved one.

About 50,000 missing persons reports are made to police every year, and about 2500 people remain missing long-term.

Australian Federal Police Commander Forensics Joanne Cameron said this year’s NMPW theme shined a spotlight on the commitment of police across all states and territories to follow every lead.

“The Always Searching campaign is an important reminder to members of the public to report any information to the police because no matter how small the detail may be, it could be the missing piece of the puzzle that brings peace to the family of a missing person,” Commander Cameron said.

“With the important ongoing conversation and public focus on combating violence against women, the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre has chosen these cases to remind the public that the police are committed to following every lead to bring justice for the families of missing loved ones.

“Police from around Australia work tirelessly to resolve these cases and find missing people. I encourage anyone who may have information about a missing person to share it via Crime Stoppers, either on their website www.crimestoppers. com.au or by calling 1800 333 000. This can be anonymous.”

Leave A Light On is a community organisation which raises awareness of all long-term missing persons in Australia.

Leave A Light On co-founder and Mount Evelyn resident Suzie Ratcliffe said it is important to keep the missing persons in the public eye.

“Someone may have information and no matter how significant they feel, it may be the crucial piece of evidence or information that the police need to be able to tie all the other information they have together to be able to either locate a missing person or to at least bring justice for their family,” she said.

“Each and every single missing person in Australia is important, no matter their age, race, religion and ethnicity.”

Warren Gerrard Meyer is a 180cm tall Canadian who was born in 1950.

Warren Meyer went bushwalking at 7.45am on 23 March 2008.

He was to meet up with his wife and friends for lunch at the RACV club in Healesville but did not arrive.

Warren was wearing shorts, a light top and his walking boots.

He also took a backpack containing a map of the area, a handheld GPS, a mobile telephone, some water and confectionery.

Warren’s white Subaru Forester was found parked at Dom Dom Saddle car park in Yarra Ranges, a 15-minute drive north of Healesville.

Tej Chitnis was last seen on Wednesday 27 April 2016 at approximately 10am leaving his Burwood East address in his silver 2005 VW Golf Hatchback, Victorian rego TTF 517.

He usually drives to the Blackburn Railway station, parks his car in a nearby street and catches public transport to the university.

Tej’s vehicle was last seen travelling east on the Maroondah Highway, Healesville near the intersection of Green Street on 27 April at about 11.34am.

Tej failed to return home at 4pm as usual and did not attend his father’s birthday dinner that night.

His VW Golf has also not been located.

Tej was last seen wearing a t-shirt, jeans and black Adidas runners, and is described as 170 to 175cm tall, of Indian appearance (he was born in Australia to Indian parents) with short black hair.

Suzanne Lawrance left a 21st birthday party at the Healesville Memorial Hall on 7 February 1987 and was last seen in the vicinity of Queens Park walking to her Campbell Road home.

The 16-year-old was wearing a white party dress at the time.

Over the past three decades, a significant in-

vestigation into Suzanne’s disappearance has been conducted and police continue to treat the matter as suspicious.

Many people have been spoken to by police as part of this investigation, however, no one has been charged, and sadly Suzanne has not been located.

Siriyakorn ‘Bung’ Siriboon, was last seen on Thursday 2 June 2011 at approximately 8.25am.

Siriyakorn left her family home in Elsie Street, Boronia to walk to school.

She was dressed in her school uniform, wearing her dark blue zip-front school jacket and carrying a backpack.

She was seen by a neighbour a short time later in Elsie Street, walking towards Albert Avenue.

She did not arrive at school that day and failed to return home.

Siriyakorn has not been seen or heard from since.

Her disappearance is out of character, there are grave concerns for her welfare.

On 22 August 2003, Joanne Deason left a note for her boyfriend stating she was going to school and would be home in the evening.

Joanne failed to return home.

Police inquiries show that Joanne did not arrive at school.

She was living with depression at the time of her disappearance.

She was last seen in Gembrook.

She is 160cm tall with light brown hair and hazel eyes and is now 52.

Cherie Westell, who was born in 1984, with brown hair and hazed eyes at 167cm tall, didn’t return home on Tuesday 12 December 2000.

She had a dentist appointment at 12pm at Knox Dental Group, in Wantirna South, and left the surgery at around 12.30pm.

At 1.58pm, Cherie telephoned her Mooroolbark home from a public telephone box situated on the corner of Selkirk Avenue and Wantirna Road, Wantirna about 5km from the dentist.

Cherie was attempting to make her way home but has not been seen or heard from since.

Richard Hadwick was 21-years-old at the time he disappeared.

He was last seen at his home in Belgrave South by his parents on Saturday 19 May 1990.

Richard arrived at his house at approximately 12.30am in a taxi.

The taxi waited in the driveway while he changed his clothes.

He then told his mother he was going to Fosters Disco in Dandenong and left in the taxi.

Richard had little money on him at the time and took no extra clothing or belongings.

He has not been seen since.

He has a small group of friends and worked at Bayswater Joinery, but has not been to work since.

Richard was bailed to attend Dandenong Magistrates Court on burglary charges on 24 May 1990 and reports indicate was afraid he could be sent to prison.

Richard is now 55.

He has blonde hair and blue eyes at 182cm tall.

At about 8.50am on 4 September 2000, Linda Grimstone dropped her two children off at Croydon Hills Primary and did not return to pick them up.

Police enquiries have revealed that Linda purchased petrol at the Wesburn petrol station at approximately 9.45am and was last seen at around 3.50pm that same day in the car park of Powers Lookout 270km North East of Melbourne.

Police cannot explain her reason for attending

Powers Lookout but her vehicle was located at 10am the next day in bushland nearby.

Linda is 168cm tall with brown hair and blue eyes and is now 66.

John Forster was last seen by his wife and their two sons at 10am on Saturday 7 October 2017, at their residence in Diamond Creek.

His wife had left the house with their two sons and on her return home, John and their vehicle a 1998 green Subaru Forester wagon, Victorian registration OSV092 were gone.

John’s wallet and phone were left at home.

This wasn’t unusual for John to do, as he often went for a run or walk leaving these items at home.

That night, John’s vehicle was located at the Sugarloaf Reservoir in Christmas Hills, the vehicle was parked near the water intake tower look out.

John has light brown hair and grey eyes at 175cm tall and is now 65.

Ms Ratcliffe said having a missing loved one in a family or as a friend is a lot different than when someone passes away.

“You have a sense of closure when someone passes away, and you’ve got the opportunity to say goodbye,” she said.

“You know where they are buried or where their ashes are scattered, whereas the missing persons’ family or friends don’t have that form of resolution.

“There are always unanswered questions, so it’s a constant battle of not knowing.”

Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of these missing persons is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Tej Chitnis, missing since 2016. (File: 153667)

Joanne Deason, missing since 2003. (Australian Federal Police)

Richard Hadwick, missing since 1990. (Australian Federal Police)

Warren Meyer, missing since 2008. (File: 96313) Linda Grimstone, missing since 2000. (Australian Federal Police)

Yarra Valley & Croydon Toyota

Where to pick up your FREE Star Mail

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar3 Meadowgate Drive

CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Caltex Safeway239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK EG Fuelco Service StationChirnside Park Shopping Cr Little

Chipping Drive, 241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Chirnside Park Country Club 68 Kingswood Drive

CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar158 Nangathan Way

CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar11 The Mall

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketChuringa SC, Russo Place

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketCanterbury Road Kilsyth

KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette Unit 7/87 Colchester Road

LILYDALE Aaron Violi MP Office 110 Main Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC51-59 Anderson Street

LILYDALE Woolworths SupermarketMarketplace, 33 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale VillageCastella Street & Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre7 Hardy Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre1 Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station473 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale346 Main Street

LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths31 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE BP Service Station87 Warburton Highway

LILYDALE Shell Service Station469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE 7 - Eleven LilydaleCnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Coles Express469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe251 Main Street

LILYDALE Round Bird Can't Fly170 Main Street

LILYDALE The Lilydale General110 Beresford Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery96 Main Street

LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe178 Main Street

LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe222 Main Street

LILYDALE Gracious GraceCastella Street

LILYDALE Melba Coffee House33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies7/75 Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Point of View CafeLilydale Lakeside - Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE Freda's Cafe2 Clarke Street

LILYDALE Barry Plant Real Estate88 Main Street

LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate164 Main Street

LILYDALE Hello Harry245 Main Street

LILYDALE Noel Jones Real Estate 281 Main Street

LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate111-113 Main Street

LILYDALE Grubs Up1 Industrial Park Drive

LILYDALE Mc Donalds RestaurantMaroondah Highway

LILYDALE Olinda Creek HotelMaroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Crown 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 Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road

MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street

MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent

MOUNT EVELYN Red Robyn Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent

MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road

MOUNT EVELYN Bendigo Bank 2/35-39 Wray Cres

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket916 Mt Dandenong Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket15 Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Bendigo BankUnit 19/66 - 74 Brice Ave

MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar38 Bellara Dive

MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart108 Hayrick Lane

MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark103 Cardigan Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Express2 Cambridge Road

MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real EstateBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK L J HookerBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK Mc Donalds RestaurantManchester Road

MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale138 York Road

WANDIN NORTH Wandin Newsagency Shop 2 /18 Union Road

Gender balance push

By Tanya Steele

It’s local election time and by the end of October this year the Yara Ranges will see a freshly votedin group of councillors - but will it be closer to the 50/50 gender representation that state government is striving for?

In 2020 the Yarra Ranges elected its highest number of female councillors – the highest since the council was formed in 1997, improving the gender balance from 11 per cent to 44 per cent.

That year 272 women were elected to local councils around Victoria – the highest amount ever at 43.8 per cent.

Councillor Fiona McAllister has held firmly onto her seat In Ryrie Ward, serving now for four terms and Cr McAllister said that in terms of diversity, Yarra Ranges has made some steps forward.

“For one term, four years ago, I was the only woman and youngest councillor,” she said.

“We ended up with a great and much more diverse group of councillors in this term so I am hoping the same following the next election.”

Fresh in 2020 Johanna Skelton was elected for Lyster ward and current Mayor Sopie Todorov for Melba ward, Cr Todorov said that in 2020 the Yarra Ranges council was one of the 13 ‘fragile councils’ in Victoria, with only one or no women representation in the councillor group.

“I happened to come across a small ad in the local newspaper, seeking mentors for a program led by ‘Voices of Women’ in the Yarra Ranges,” she said.

Cr Todorov said that the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) has also greatly supported her over the years with her role.

“Having more women in local council builds diversity and different perspectives, thus reflecting community,” she said.

“Having raised children, worked, and volunteered in the Yarra Ranges for many years, I took up the opportunity and soon became involved in the VLGA’s ‘Local Democracy in Action’ sessions, learning more about local Council and building confidence around my skills.”

“In 2020, my passion and purpose to help make the community safer and stronger inspired me to nominate as a candidate and I was pleasingly elected as the Melba ward councillor.”

Councillor Skelton said that the Yarra Ranges needs many more women to run for council across Victoria this year to get to 50/50 representation in local government.

“My message to anyone, but especially women and gender diverse people, is this - if you are open to listening and curious about the needs of all members of the community then you can do this role,” she said.

“If you are considering how this role might fit into your life then now is the time to find out. You can contact the CEO, and current councillors, and join the ‘More Women for Local Government’ Facebook group to ask your questions.”

The Victorian State Government has set a target of reaching 50 per cent representation of women in council by 2025 but historically the Yarra Ranges hasn’t ever reached this representation.

In the last four elections, the closest was the 2020 run with four of the nine wards represented by women. Before this, the shire sat in the bottom 20 per cent for women’s representation on local councils across the state.

This number dipped back to three women and six men when now former Yarra Ranges Councillor

and Victorian Senator Cathrine Burnett-Wake was appointed as the Upper House member for Eastern Victoria following Edward O’Donohue’s retirement from politics in late 2021.

Cr McAllister said she thinks having a diverse group of councillors is really important .

“We have to think about and make decisions about such a wide range of issues and how they will impact everyone in our community,” she said.

“Having different life experiences and world views is really critical to doing this well. Gender, age, background, culture, experience... all are important in making sure we represent our entire community well.”

A total of 13 women and 45 men have run for council seats since 2008 but in recent times candidates are more evenly distributed with 19 women and 25 men running in 2020.

November 2020 also marked 100 years since the election of Victoria’s first female councillor, Mary Rogers, to Richmond City Council.

Cr Skelton said that she came into the role of councillor with no paid board member experience and has found the Yarra Ranges council organisation and councillors supportive and respectful of her learning journey.

“You don’t need to know it all to do a good job as a councillor. I think it’s more important to have an open mind to learning,” she said.

“In local government, we are always ensuring that gendered impacts are considered in policies, plans and significant projects. Your perspective as a woman or gender diverse person will be valued and is as important as anyone else’s. It is actually legislated in the Gender Equality Act 2020.”

“If you know someone else who would be a wonderful voice for the community, please #tapherontheshoulder and let her know you think she should run.”

“This is what happened to me and I am very thankful I put my hand up to do this.”

Cr McAllister said she would really encourage anyone in the Yarra Ranges to run who feels passionate about this amazing place we live, about making things better and representing people who don’t have a voice.

“The role of councillor does mean taking on a lot but if you have support to do this then being able to make a difference and make sure community needs and views are best represented is very rewarding,” she said.

“The moments that stand out for me and make me grateful for the chance to represent the community are often the little ones where I have been able to help solve a problem or make a great idea come to life.”

The 2024 Victorian local council elections will be the state’s largest single-election program, with a predicted 4.7 million voters participating in 465 individual elections across 78 councils.

Cr Todorov said that as a woman and current Yarra Ranges council Mayor, she is proud to be seen and heard and hopes to inspire other women to put their hands up for the next local government elections.

“As the saying goes, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’,” she said.

Eligible residents and ratepayers are urged to check they are enrolled to vote for the upcoming local council elections by 4 pm Wednesday 7 August.

The next local government general elections will be held on Saturday, 26 October 2024.

The Victorian State Government has set a target of reaching 50 per cent representation of women in council by 2025. Historically the Yarra Ranges hasn’t ever reached this representation. (Supplied)

Futsal future is secured

By Mikayla van Loon

While the long term future of Mount Evelyn’s futsal stadium remains unknown, the more immediate future is clear.

Confirming the Hereford Road sporting facility will stay put at least until the end of the year, Pro Futsal director Steven Campbell and centre manager Tervel Atanasov said this was a positive outcome at least for the next few months.

“It means at this location, futsal keeps going, and we’ve definitely got until the end of the year,” Mr Campbell said.

“We’ll be able to update the market really soon about our future endeavours, whether that be at Hereford Road or somewhere close by.”

Uncertainty around the length of time the futsal stadium would remain came into question after a proposal was put forward for a McDonald’s and a childcare centre to be built at the site late last year.

Mr Campbell told Star Mail in February he expected the lease would be guaranteed until mid-September and was hopeful for the end of the year.

But with the refusal of the permit application in early July, the end of the year extension became a definite.

“We just want to give out some reassurance that the game’s still there, that futsal is still alive in the area,” Mr Campbell said.

“We’ll find some other bits and pieces to keep it going into 2025, regardless but I think deep down, our big hope is just to keep the big blue floor of Mount Ev going for a bit longer. So that’s what would be best, I think, for the community.”

Although trying not to focus too heavily on 2025 and beyond, Mr Campbell said Pro Futsal is “trying to find a home, that’s what we’re working towards”.

“One of the challenges we are facing at the minute is the opportunity for us to take a slot in a high school or something within the region is

minimal,” he said.

“It’s booked out every night by basketball, mainly. So we’ve got a little bit of a fight in our hands there in terms of the high school representation.”

And as the search for a home or another lo-

cation continues, Mr Atanasov said futsal is also heading into its busy period, in what they’re terming a “futsal festival”.

“We’re getting ready for the busiest season that we’re going to have. The next junior season starts in October,” he said.

“We’ve already had the best part of five or six new folks inquiring about our new social season, so all the adults will start midway through August, so we reckon that’ll be quite busy as well.

“And then we’ve got a bunch of other competitions that are all going to start. So we’ll be pretty much seven days a week.”

Despite running futsal throughout winter Mr Atanasov said the stadium itself has been a sought after space for wet weather timetables from other codes.

“There’s a lot of AFL people who have been using the facilities we have at the minute to get indoors from the wet, horrible weather we’ve had the last couple of weeks. There’s been a lot of games postponed and grounds flooded around the Yarra Valley,” he said.

“As much as we’re trying to promote our own sport, we’re becoming a haven for a few other ones now, because, again, they can’t get into anywhere which puts a bit more emphasis on the building itself and how important it is,” Mr Campbell said.

On a whole, seeing the growing participation of young people in futsal, and sport in general, Mr Campbell said was positive for the region.

“We do some stuff in Healesville as well and the more we talk to the families, the more they’re delighted that their kid is in sport,” he said.

“We’re seeing so many of those players, especially from the under 15s, from six to under 15, play other sports, playing outdoor, playing cricket, playing footy, playing anything, because they’ve got that hunger for competition.

“That’s driving a whole generation of kids back into what I always associated with Australia, that competitive sporting background. So the more we stick to that, I think the more it’s going to have positive effects and these kids are on the rise.”

Mr Campbell said the futsal competition will continue as normal until the end of the year and “we hope to release some more news towards the end of the year about what we’re doing next”.

Pro Futsal Mount Evelyn centre manager Tervel Atanasov and director Steven Campbell have secured the lease of the stadium until the end of the year. (Mikayla van Loon: 390037)

Croydon - one yes, one no

By Mikayla van Loon

Two separate Croydon developments had decisions made about their future at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) at the end of last month.

A proposal for a 12 multi-level dwelling development at 76 Hewish Road was denied by VCAT member Peter Gaschk, while a four-lot subdivision, with amended plans, was approved for 11 Lindisfarne Avenue.

The Hewish Road application to Maroondah Council was refused based on its failure “to meet the strategic direction for intensity and type of development that is envisaged for the Croydon Major Activity Centre”.

The council claimed the “proposal is an under development” and it “does not provide a high quality infill apartment development”, as well as lacked desired internal amenity outcomes and vegetation standards.

The mostly three-storey dwellings, bar one double-storey, would have a site coverage of 59.7 per cent with a permeability area of 31.3 per cent and garden area of 31.2 per cent.

Apex Town Planning, the applicant, said the apartment style living “provides appropriate housing opportunities and diversity within a preferred development location”.

But member Gaschk said upon review of the planning schemes, the overlays and the policies, he agreed with the council’s refusal.

“Combined with significant design shortcomings, I also find the proposal is an under development of the review site and fails to satisfy the zone and overlay purposes and associated policy that seek to increase the density and diversity of residential development to support the ongoing growth of the Croydon Major Activity Centre (‘CMAC’),” he said.

As the site falls within a general residential zone, the purpose of development would be to offer a diverse range of housing with access to services and transport.

Despite this, member Gaschk said it also must adhere to Maroondah Council’s landscape character objectives, as written in the ‘statement of nature and key elements of landscape’.

“The combination of canopy trees and steep to undulating topography contribute to major elements of the urban character of Maroondah. Canopy trees in particular soften the impact of buildings in the environment and provide a distinct leafy character to Maroondah,” the statement reads.

“The continuous nature of the canopy vegetation throughout Maroondah provides a strong character element and is valued by the community. The canopy vegetation is a defining element of the urban character of Maroondah.”

The applicant rebutted stating that given the site does not fall within a resident growth zone, meaning it does not need to adhere to higher density. The applicant also cited several similar developments which had been approved by the council.

Member Gaschk outlined that while he approved of the built form and streetscape design, he did not believe the design “achieved an appropriate layout, siting and amenity setting”.

“The proposed design has opted to use a three

storey building form that has not fully capitalised on [the] physical settings,” he said in his findings.

“Additionally, the design has not provided any dwelling variation in this built form, opting to provide 12 x 2 bedroom dwellings (noting Dwelling 7 is double storey).”

Refusing the granting of the permit, member Gaschk said he did not believe the “shortcomings” could “be addressed through minor design changes”.

“I note the applicant also considers many of these matters could be addressed through conditions on a permit,” he said.

“While I agree that some of these matters could be addressed through permit conditions, I find other matters will require further re-assessment should the applicant lodge a redesign for the proposal.”

Just a few streets away in Lindisfarne Avenue, the Maroondah Council decision to refuse the permit was overturned by VCAT member Cassandra Rea.

The four lot subdivision, where three new dwellings were proposed, with the existing dwell-

ing remaining, was initially refused based on “matters of neighbourhood character, including landscape character and contextual response”.

Six objectors also opposed the subdivision based on “impact on neighbourhood character and loss of landscaping”.

The applicant, Millar Merrigan, submitted amended plans which formed the basis of member Rea’s decision.

The Lindisfarne Avenue site sits within a neighbourhood residential zone and has the significant landscape overlay applied.

Member Rea also cited the importance of canopy trees to the Maroondah landscape character, with the overlay said to “conserve the existing pattern of vegetation, landscape quality and ecosystems within the area” and to “maintain a dense vegetation canopy”.

Falling into the neighbourhood character area of Ruskin Park, it seeks to provide low scale dwellings and established gardens, with street trees and appropriate setbacks.

Member Rea pointed to the fact that all parties involved understood that the site would eventu-

ally be developed but the question of density and impact to character had to be addressed.

“I find there is no reason from a strategic context that three additional residential lots cannot be accommodated on the site provided that the proposal will respect the existing neighbourhood character and achieve an appropriate landscape outcome,” she said.

Not satisfied with the proposed ratio of canopy trees, which was initially two per lot, to achieve the landscape overlay, member Rea said at least four trees capable of reaching mature height had to be planted on lots one to three, with an imposed a condition on the permit of an additional two trees for lot four.

“I do not consider the deficiencies in the proposal so great to warrant refusal of the application. Conversely, I do not consider that the proposal before me sufficiently addresses relevant matters of neighbourhood character or landscaping,” member Rea said.

Issuing the permit, under the proviso of several conditions, the applicant must submit the new design to Maroondah Council for approval.

A development at 76 Hewish Road Croydon was refused at VCAT after not meeting a high enough density. (Google Maps)

The Lindisfarne Avenue development was granted a permit with conditions.

The Hewish Road development built form design.

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY 2024

The act of remembrance

By Mikayla van Loon

As the commemoration of Vietnam Veterans Day approaches, on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, veterans, their families and the community are invited to remember.

This year, the Outer Eastern Melbourne Vietnam Veterans Association will gather outside the Tim Neville Arboretum on Francis Crescent ready to march to the Knox War Memorial on 18 August.

Committee chair Allan Small said while most importantly the day is about remembrance, the purpose extends beyond that to “keep the harmony and the welfare going”.

“Let’s remember those that we left behind and those that have passed on since and look after yourselves, but also more importantly, think of the families, the children, of friends, or relatives or those who are not here in our community,” he said.

“We’re not here to glorify war, that’s not what we’re about. It’s about remembering our comrades who were with us then, some are still here but not many, unfortunately.”

Mr Small said for many of the servicemen who didn’t come home from Vietnam, their families were the ones who have had to live with “nothing except the memory” of them, making days of remembrance all the more important.

He said this too goes beyond just Vietnam’s servicemen and the invitation hopes to bring all veterans and families from every conflict together, to honour a loved one, to place a poppy at base of each plaque or to just stand in reflection.

National serviceman Bob Farquhar said bringing veterans together on days like Vietnam Veterans Day, allows connections, conversation and that welfare check to happen naturally because of a common thread of experience.

“As we’re ageing and people are having health issues and need support, we tend to group to-

gether,” he said.

“Even people that want to talk about issues, sometimes they feel like talking to people from their own era with similar experiences, they talk about things they might not have even talked with their family about because they don’t really have to explain what it was like or what they went through.

“We’ve all got the same experiences, listening to the same music. We grew up as baby boomers, and that sort of thing. So we’ve got common life experiences as well.”

Beginning the morning with the marching procession, Mr Small said everyone will then gather at the memorial, welcomed by the sombre sounds of the Knox School’s string ensemble, who will play from the minute the service starts at 10.30am. The school’s choir will also sing throughout the service, an important aspect of the day, Mr Small said. “I’m always interested in bringing the children in to give them a bit of a look-see at what goes on and making them feel involved because I think it might help us in the future,” he said.

Each year the Vietnam veterans associations

from across Victoria gather in their smaller communities to host a service to commemorate. In the outer east, it moves from year to year to ensure each community and RSL sub-branch is able to share the commemorations locally. This service is a joint initiative between the Outer Eastern Melbourne Vietnam Veterans Association and the Yarra Valley RSL Sub-branches of Croydon, Healesville, Lilydale, Mt Evelyn, Upper Yarra, Warburton and Yarra Glen and the Outer Eastern and Yarra Valley Sub-branch, National Servicemen’s Association.

Vietnam Veterans Day will be commemorated at the Knox War Memorial on Sunday 18 August.

(Stewart Chambers: 419804)

Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson and Outer Eastern Melbourne committee chair Allan Small invite everyone to join them. (419804)

Vietnam’s veterans Tony Zammit, Daryl Bristowe and Aff Binnoore. (419804)

Youth homelessness shock

By Mikayla van Loon

A sense of shock and frustration met over 300 students from Billanook College as they learnt about the extent of youth homelessness in Australia.

Joining The Salvation Army to form the number 45,850 on the school’s oval, representing the number of children and young people who will be homeless across the country on any given night, it was an attempt to raise awareness for Homelessness Week 2024.

One student said there was often a misrepresentation of homelessness because the most common visual was rough sleeping on the streets of Melbourne.

“Whenever you’re in the city, you only really see adults or older people as homeless, you don’t see young people as much being the ones sleeping outside shopping centres,” he said.

Another student commented on the emotions it brought about, hearing the stories of people her age not having a permanent home.

“It makes me feel really sad to know how many people are suffering, especially because me and all of my classmates are really lucky,” she said.

“I didn’t know that that many people were homeless, let alone, youth numbers were that

high so that was really shocking and eye opening.”

A fellow student expressed how “annoyed and frustrated” she was that “we live in a society that allows this suffering and homelessness to happen”.

Territorial schools engagement manager Grace Davidson said young people were some of the most vulnerable to homelessness but many

people were unaware of the scale of the issue.

“Connecting with students allows us to educate young minds on the big issues their peers are facing, what they can do to help those experiencing homelessness and address the issue, and how they can seek help if they find themselves in need,” she said.

Students heard from both a local Salvation Army representative about services within their community and from Major Brendan Nottle who shared the broader impact of The Salvation Army’s work to support young people facing homelessness.

“Many of the students expressed shock, sadness and frustration at the scale of the issue. The students were extremely engaged in Major Nottle’s presentation, showing a deep care for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” Ms Davidson said.

The Salvation Army is one of the largest providers of homelessness services in Australia and with a specific youth homelessness arm, it provides 10 crisis refuges supporting 4500 young people each year.

“Children and young people should have the freedom and opportunity to grow up in safe environments,” Salvos’ youth services general man-

ager Natalee O’Brien said.

“Most importantly, they deserve to feel safe at home. The sad reality is that there are many children without a safe place to live.”

The Salvation Army’s National Stream Report showed that between January and April 2024, 2500 young people were assisted, 47 per cent relating to housing issues and overall youth services increased by 11 per cent.

In 2023, of the 38,000 people assisted who were at risk of homelessness, 16 per cent had accompanying children aged 14 and under.

“If it was one young person who was homeless in this nation, that is one too many but to hear that it’s 45,850, and it could well be more than that now, is an absolute blight, it’s an indictment on our nation,” Major Nottle said.

“As a nation, we need to say ‘not good enough’ and we need to do everything we can to not only get young people housed but to actually get the support around them.”

Major Nottle’s key message to any young person on the verge of homelessness or experiencing it currently was “we see you, you’re not invisible, we hear you, you’re not voiceless and we are here for you”.

Pledge competition for right to name new guide dogs

By Dongyun Kwon and Seren Howells

Guide Dogs Victoria is calling on all students and schools across the state to help raise vital funds for individuals living with low vision or blindness and be in with a unique chance of naming the newest litter of puppies.

The latest campaign Puppy Pledge encourages all students across Victoria to take part in a fundraising competition, giving them seven weeks to raise as much money as possible to take home the winning prize of naming Guide Dogs Victoria’s newest additions.

Whether it’s bake sales, casual clothes days or crazy-hair days, students, parents and teachers from any school have until Friday 6 September to secure the top spot, with second and third prizes also on offer.

Guide Dogs Victoria chief executive officer Nicky Long said the Puppy Pledge is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in community service and support individuals with low vision or blindness while having fun.

“Puppy Pledge is a new fundraising campaign for guide dogs Victoria, where we’re calling on all school-age children to make a pledge

(Supplied)

to help us raise and train our dogs to become guide dogs,” she said.

“We’re asking all school-age children to set

up a fundraising page via our website and come up with innovative ways to fundraise with their friends.

“We are excited to see the creative fundraising ideas that students will come up with and the positive impact they will make.”

An official award ceremony will be held at the newly constructed Guide Dogs Victoria’s campus in Kew.

The top fundraisers will be honoured for their outstanding contributions and celebrated for their creativity and dedication to the Puppy Pledge.

“At the end of seven weeks, we’ll look at the top fundraisers, and they will win the opportunity to name a litter of pups as the first prize,” Ms Long said.

“Second prize is to name one pup in another litter, and then third prize is a series of books about a wonderful dog called Mr Walker.”

This is the first time Guide Dogs Victoria to held this campaign.

Ms Long said it is important to ensure the next generation keeps supporting people with blindness and low vision.

“Guide Dogs Victoria has been around for nearly 70 years and we have long-standing supporters who have grown up with guide dogs,” she said.

“We recognise that we need to ensure that the next generation understands what blind and low vision people need, what support services Guide Dogs Victoria delivers.

“Not only will they support our work, but also they’ll make people who are blind and have low vision feel more included in their local community.”

Guide Dogs Victoria invites all Victorian schools to get involved in this impactful campaign.

By participating, schools and students can make a significant difference in the lives of those who rely on guide dogs for independence and mobility.

For more information on how to participate in the Puppy Pledge campaign and to register, please visit the Guide Dogs Victoria website at vic.guidedogs.com.au/get-involved/puppypledge/

Guide Dogs Victoria is calling on all students and schools to get involved in the Puppy Pledge.

The Salvation Army’s Major Brendan Nottle wants every young person to know there is support for them. (Supplied)

Over 300 students from Billanook College formed the number 45,850 to represent youth homeless in Australia.

NEWS QHealth – community care

QHealth – Lilydale Doctors, renowned for providing high-quality,

and wellbeing through a

and personalised care.

Dr Binay Kumar, the principal GP, emphasised the clinic’s commitment to becoming a local health hub, housing GPs, specialists, and other allied health professionals working together to help patients manage chronic health conditions and focus on preventative health.

This aim is to meet the growing demand for enhanced access to healthcare services and better serve the community.

Both the Lilydale and Mount Evelyn clinics offer a comprehensive range of GP services.

These include immunizations, children’s and women’s health (including IUD insertions and pregnancy options with shared care), travel vaccines, iron infusions, and chronic health management.

Additionally, they provide specialized services such as the Waist-Wise weight loss program, skin cancer checks, minor surgical procedures, and cosmetic and laser treatments, including laser hair removal.

The clinic also offers:

Bulk Billed Cardiology Investigations: including echocardiograms, Holter monitors, and 24-hour BP monitors.

Bulk Billed Home Sleep Studies.

Comprehensive Lung Function Testing (charges apply).

A Covid and Flu Vaccination Hub for the Yarra Ranges and Knox area, providing free flu and Covid vaccines for vulnerable people.

Supporting the GP team are practice nurses Kirsten Truskett in Lilydale and Sonia Hamilton in Mount Evelyn. The clinics also feature a team of allied health professionals, including psychologists Stefany Klein, social worker Joanne Melville McGrath, physiotherapist Edward Mak,

podiatrist John Woulfe, dietitian Kyann Calvi, diabetes educator Sean Frost, and chiropractor Michael Bloom.

Lilydale Doctors is committed to a proactive

approach to preventative health. By becoming a patient at their practices, you take a positive step forward in your health journey. The support and expertise of their doctors will undoubtedly ben-

efit your overall wellbeing. For more information about services and bookings, visit lilydaledoctors.com.au or mtevelyndoctors.com.au.

Dr Binay Kumar, Anna Haines (Pathology), Donna Henderson (Office Manager), Sue Wilson (Practice Manager), Dr Sadia Chowdhury, Kirsten Truskett (Practice Nurse) and Dr Sandeep Malhotra. (369500)

Living with adult children

Legal matters

Anita Koochew Eastern Community Legal Centre

Due to the current increasing cost of living and the housing crisis in Victoria, more adult children are moving back in with their parents to save money, find their financial footing or have somewhere to live.

“A Finder survey of 1,073 respondents revealed one in 10 (10 per cent) Australians – equivalent to 662,000 households – have either moved back home with their parents or had an adult child return home in the past year,” the research reads.

The research can be found at finder.com.au/ news/boomerang-generation-2023

A shared living arrangement can have great benefits for all involved, but it can also create some challenges and put a strain on the relationship.

When considering the pros and cons of this new arrangement, it is important to try and stay objective before you enter into any new agreement.

While it may seem feasible for your family at first, this arrangement does not always work out

the way it should.

Planning ahead can help to avoid breakdown in the arrangement or relationships.

Here are a few practical things to consider before agreeing to share your home with your adult children:

Relationships and wellbeing – this includes setting expectations of any arrangements including boundaries, for example who will be providing care for young children who might also be moving in, how household chores will be shared,

what if the property needs to be sold.

Be prepared to have difficult conversations –it is easier to get this out of the way beforehand than to unpack an arrangement that might have gone wrong.

It is also extremely helpful to think about how you will manage any unanticipated disputes that might arise.

Financial considerations – this could include anything from household expenses, how to protect your own finances, whether there is any fi-

nancial contribution in exchange for the accommodation and/or care and potential impact on Centrelink entitlements).

Legal considerations – this could include documenting the terms of your living arrangement in writing and getting legal advice about any money being exchanged as part of the arrangement. It is important to remember that shared living and care arrangements may not always be in everyone’s best interests, especially if someone has more power in the relationship than others.

It could also increase the risk of someone misusing their power or being abusive.

Before agreeing for your adult children to move back into your home, it is very important to get your own independent advice about your individual situation.

This includes legal advice.

This resource by Seniors Rights Victoria - ‘Care For Your Assets’ can be a good place to start: seniorsrights.org.au/resources/info-sheets/carefor-your-assets/

If you have any concerns about these types of arrangements for yourself or someone else, please call Eastern Community Legal Centre on 1300 32 52 00 (1300 ECLC 00).

You can also email ECLC at eclc@eclc.org.au or use the online application form: eclc.org.au/ help to arrange for an appointment.

If you are interested in a free information session to explore this topic further for your group or community, please contact Anita Koochew on 1300 32 52 00.

Tiny but mighty tale of a cheeky small brown dog

By Christine Yunn-Yu Sun

Runt, the multi-award-winning children’s book by Craig Silvey, is set in the fictional country town of Upson Downs. It tells the story of 11-year-old Annie, whose best and only friend is a rescued stray dog named Runt.

Annie lives with her family on a draught-affected sheep farm.

Money is tight and water is scarce, and many in their community have been forced to sell their properties and move away.

Worried the same fate will befall her family, Annie sets out to enter Runt in the Agility Course Grand Championship at the lucrative Krumpets Dog Show in London.

Trouble is, Runt only obeys Annie’s commands if nobody else is watching.

Worse, a fellow competitor named Fergus Fink will do everything in his power to take Annie and Runt out of the race.

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

Not to mention the family can hardly afford a trip to London, especially with the land baron Earl Robert-Barron greedily eyeing their farm.

That is a lot of pressure on a little girl. Fortunately, Annie is fully supported by her family and community, and she has all the love and loyalty from Runt.

As one of the characters in the book explains

to the girl:

“He chose you. And you chose him. That’s why you’re such a brilliant team. As far as Runt is concerned, nobody else matters. Just you. You are his whole world. And he runs and leaps and plays with you because he’s happy. That’s how he shows you his joy and his gratitude. For him, it’s something just for the two of you to share. It’s not for anyone else.”

Runt is all about being true to yourself and respecting other people’s rights to walk their own paths.

It is also about family and friendship, kindness and optimism, teamwork and community support, and persistence and perseverance in pursuing one’s goal.

More importantly, it is about the Australian spirit of mateship and equality even in the most dire of circumstances.

This is a heart-warming story that makes you laugh out loud while bringing tears to your eyes.

The writing is humorous and clever, show-

casing what Silvey describes as “the twangs of language, the dry wit, the understatements, the vary particular rhythm of speech” that are characteristics of our beloved Australian English. The wordplay is smart and entertaining, perfectly suitable for reading out loud.

For example: “The small brown dog was sneaky and cheeky and infamous. He was a source of irritation and consternation and exasperation. Run was as slippery as an eel and cunning as a fox. He could dart like a rabbit, bounce like a gazelle and climb like a monkey. He was spry and agile and clever... Runt would dodge and weave and feint. He would leap over cars, crawl under fences and scale walls with ease.”

You don’t have to be a “dog person” to enjoy this wonderful story, with delightful illustrations created by renowned artist Sara Acton.

The book’s film adaption is set to release in Australian cinemas in September. Highly recommended.

Trap will ensnare your mind

Trap

Starring Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue and Alison Pill M 4.5/5

Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, Trap is a taut psychological thriller about keeping up appearances.

Cooper (Josh Hartnett), who is secretly the serial killer The Butcher, brings his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to a pop concert, but it turns out the whole concert is an elaborate trap to catch him.

Hartnett is chilling as Cooper, shifting effortlessly from an affable dad mask to Cooper’s deceptive, dead-eyed true self. Shyamalan draws clever parallels between Cooper faking normal emotion and parents acting happy for their kids’ benefit; Marnie McPhail has an amusing small role as a rival parent who, ironically, behaves crazier than the actual psychopath.

It’s fascinating and even grimly funny to watch Cooper trick and evade his captors, camouflaging himself within their operation.

As the trap tightens around him, Cooper’s wits keep the police – and us – on our toes, and the gripping final act (which has an astounding performance from Alison Pill as Cooper’s wife) delivers a string of shocking curveballs, but not to the

point of exhausting the viewer.

M. Night’s eldest daughter Saleka plays fictional pop star Lady Raven, and composed fourteen new songs for the film.

Saleka is compelling in both the dramatic scenes and musical performances, and even if Saleka/Raven’s pop isn’t your thing, Riley’s enthusiasm throughout the concert is infectious.

Trap reaffirms M. Night’s talent for suspenseful small-scale scenarios, and we need to retire the notion that M. Night is an inconsistent filmmaker; The Happening and After Earth are still awful, but over the past 10 years, he’s had far more winners than duds.

A superbly-acted and cleverly-written thriller, Trap is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

A shared living arrangement can create some challenges and put a strain on the relationship. (Unsplash)

NEWS NGV reimagines Birrarung

By Seren Howells

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has turned it’sfocustothefutureoftheYarraRiver,withtheexhibition ‘Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts For 2070’ set to be on display later this month.

It has brought together eight leading Australian landscape architects, asking them to reimagine the lands and waters of the Birrarung (Yarra River) from the city centre, the eastern suburbs and through to the Yarra Ranges.

Bush Projects, a landscape architectural studio involved in the exhibition, explored the Upper Yarra catchment, between Healesville and Woori Yallock.

Their vision suggested the Upper Yarra catchment area be established as a biodiversity protection zone only to be accessed by Traditional Custodians and the River Rangers whose role it will be to protect the environment.

Bush Projects Design Director Sarah Hicks said by situating the conversation in 2070, it was a way of really getting people to open their minds to what might be possible and also what might be necessary for the river.

“Our proposal looked into how this floodplain could be restored back to a swampy riparian complex of different ecologies, be returned to the public as an asset that would be healed over time and have sanctuary zones as breeding grounds for different species, as well as publicly accessible passages within it,” she said.

This exhibition asked Bush Projects to look into the future and how the river may have changed by the year 2070, what the area around it will look like and what will need to be done to maintain and increase the health of the Birrarung.

This meant considering changes such as the changing climate and how agriculture and farming practices may evolve.

“We’re also speculating about how agriculture is going to change in the future in terms of practices where smaller farms will become less viable and there’ll be other systems of creating products such as synthetic production of meat or dairy, which is a

likely scenario or at least imaginable scenario,” Ms Hicks said

Bush Projects’ vision also shows ways to increase the animal life around and in the Birrarung river as well as the quality of water which has decreased significantly over time.

“Then the concept was that by restoring this landscape and introducing the cycles of inundation of environmental flooding, that replicate its seasonal flows so that it could form something of a seed bank that then washes down and filters to the lower reaches of the catchment over time,” Ms Hicks said

“Because it’s higher up in the catchment, the good flows down and improves that whole broader system as well so we’ve really got to start at the top, it’s not the very top, but it is also a very agriculturally intensive area.”

Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070 will be displayed at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV in Fed Square from 23 August 2024 to 2 February 2025.

“Well, it would be great if, from the exhibition as a whole, people can perhaps think of ways that they might want to engage with their waterways and for the community in the Upper Yarra,” Ms Hicks said

“It’s not just the Birrarung or the Yarra River, but it’s also those small attachments such as the Woori Yallock Creek and Watts Creek [River] and how all these systems are interconnected and any action is meaningful.”

The Birrarung Council said ‘Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070 provides a forum for exploring ideas from a range of different perspectives, stimulating thinking about the future of the Birrarung. The Birrarung Council encourages the dialogue and thinking this exhibition opens, marking a step in our journey of shared steward-

ship to collectively shape and advocate for the Birrarung.’

Other studios will take part in this exhibition with other ideas for the future of the Birrarung river, with some of their exhibitions exploring:

Aspect Studios’s cinematic display imagined if the Eastern Freeway was removed and expansive parklands took its place.

McGregor Coxall proposed a timeline where decision-making regarding the river is guided by data-based research, cultural knowledge and environmental conditions.

Office will premiere a new video that questions the use of the Birrarung for private and public use like golf courses, viticulture and farming.

Openwork envisions a moment in the governance of Greater Melbourne that sees the Birrarung catchment area form an autonomous territory where key infrastructure within the catchment boundary be repurposed for use by humans, plants and animals.

Through a series of postcards from the future, Realm Studios invites the audience to imagine a city where land is given back to the Birrarung, and historic buildings become the site of aquaculture while autonomous robots help care for the landscape.

SBLA is displaying a map made by layered photographs gathered over many months, showing Birrarung’s present condition and possible future interventions.

TCL is offering a glimpse into the future revealing that the way we live with Birrarung can either defend or destroy the landscape far below the surface.

Director of NGV Tony Ellwood AM said this important exhibition of landscape architecture represents an important step in the pursuit of preserving the life, memory, and future of Birrarung.

“Through the presentation of thought-provoking and real-world possibilities, the exhibition asks audiences to consider what we want for the future of the Birrarung, as well as what this river, as a living entity, wants for itself,” he said.

The exhibition will open on 23 August and run until February next year. (Supplied)

Bush Projects focused on the Upper Yarra catchment area for the exhibition.

Lily tops in goal kicking

By Dongyun Kwon

A Coldstream junior footballer has put her name on top of the goal-kicking list, overwhelming all boys in the same league.

Lily Polkinghorne, a 12-year-old girl at 159 centimetre tall from St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Lilydale, has played full forward and ruck for the Coldstream Junior Football Club (JFC) U12 team this season.

The 12-year-old girl is not scared of playing against boys, rather, she takes it as a good experience where she can build good skills.

She officially kicked 29 goals and kicked the most goals out of 255 players in the Easter Football Netball League U12-D section.

Polkinghorne said she is proud to be a girl in games where mainly boys play.

“We have three girls in our team, most teams in our competition don’t have any,” she said.

“I won the top goal kicker by six goals, and my first game for the season, where I kicked five goals, was not counted as it was a scratch match due to the other team forfeiting.”

Despite the brilliant performance by Polkinghorne over the season, her team ended in sixth place on the ladder and couldn’t make it to the finals.

Coldstream JFC U12 Team coach Leam Doughty said he is extremely proud of Polkinghorne’s achievement throughout the season.

“She is our key forward, she does extremely good marks, she’s very good with her bodywork, and she’s a beautiful kick of the ball,” he said.

“She’s one of our captains. Her leadership is fantastic, and her training is really good.

“She kicked seven goals in one of our games.”

The junior footballer started playing footy at five years old, and she has always kicked the footy outside with her dad.

Her dad and she, the Pies supporters, also spend a lot of time watching and yelling at AFL on the TV.

“My favourite players for the Pies are Mason Cox and Dan McStay, and last year, Coldstream JFC purchased me a footy jumper with Mason’s number, 46,” Polkinghorne said.

“They both play ruck and full forward, and that is the reason why I like two positions.

“Game day on Sundays is my favourite day of the week.”

Polkinghorne joined Coldstream JFC prior to Covid, but could not initially play because of the lockdowns.

She has played for the club since the lockdowns ended.

The junior footballer said her parents wanted her to join Coldstream as it’s an old club with a lot of history and tradition.

“I was happy to go there as my friends were also going to play at the club,” Polkinghorne said.

Polkinghorne said the club has lots of fun outside of game days that not only players but also their families can enjoy together.

“Since joining, what I love the most is how the

club is focused not just on the kids and players but as a family and community,” she said.

“The club and parents are awesome and friendly to all the kids and with each other, and we do things like parents versus kids match at the end of the season as well as other fun events during the season, it’s a real club feeling.

“My teammates are good at football too, which allows me to do well in the forward line.”

Coldstream JFC has gifted her with many good memories.

Last year, the club entered its juniors into a mini-match at Marvel Stadium where the juniors played at half time.

The top goal kicker said kicking seven goals in a match against Lysterfield is another good memory.

“Everyone made a big deal of me, which felt different and weird with me getting all this attention,” Polkinghorne said.

“My Mum and Dad told me seven goals is a massive deal, and I said to them, ‘Yeah, but I

couldn’t kick the goals without my teammates getting the ball to me.’

“That’s what I love about the game.”

The junior footballer recently played her 50th game on 19 July with two of her mates.

Polkinghorne said it was great running through the banner with the two mates.

“I kicked two goals at that match but also gave a kick at goal to my mate. I wanted him to kick a goal too for his 50th game,” she said.

“That’s what being in a team is about, and our coaches teach us that.

“Last season, I won runner-up Best and Fairest, and one of my best friends won the Best and Fairest. That was an awesome moment to share with my mate.”

Polkinghorne is now walking towards her bigger dream.

She wants to be a professional footballer and also wants to inspire other girls who want to play football, but think they can’t.

She said it’s good to have something you love doing and are good at as your job.

“I want girls to know they can go for anything they want to in life,” she said.

“I want AFL Women’s to be more recognised, respected and paid more, so this can be a real full-time job for them.”

Although Polkinghorne enjoys playing for Coldstream, she will probably have to leave the club as she can only play in the boys or mixed competition until the end of U14 because of the league rule.

Polkinghorne said she would love to stay playing for the club.

“I am really hoping that we could get enough girls to join Coldstream JFC,” she said.

“A lot of families in the area choose to go to bigger clubs with new and fancy clubrooms, but I know I won’t find the same kind of atmosphere at a big club.”

Melbourne Gun Club member is going to Taipei

By Dongyun Kwon

Melbourne Gun Club (MGC) has born one more shooter representing Australia.

MGC committee member Elizabeth Schroeter has been selected for the team Australia by Shooting Australia for the ISSF Grand Prix in Taipei in September.

Schroeter said she would like to enjoy her first international competition.

“My goal of the competition would be to win hopefully, but to get experience and do my best ability to represent Australia,” she said.

“I’m very honoured and proud to represent my country.”

It didn’t take a long time for her to get good shooting skills.

She started to get into the sport in 2018 through one of her friends.

“When I first met him, it was in 2018 and I just watched the Commonwealth Games,” Schroeter said.

“I’d always watch the trap shooting in the Olympics or the Commonwealth Games, and I mentioned to him that I found it very interesting and I’d love to try it out but I don’t know how I’d get into the sport.

“He asked me to come over to the MGC.”

She’s been training a couple of days a week for a few hours of shooting sessions and has also been competing in competitions mostly Saturdays to feel the pressure of the competition.

“I’ll do different clay target disciplines as well because every type of shooting you do makes sure overall a better shooter,” Schroeter said.

“Exposure to competition makes you mentally tougher because once you have mastered the technical side of shooting, and you’ve got the gun that fits you, the rest is the mental part.”

Schroeter joined the MGC in July 2018 and has been interested in helping the club run by volunteers.

She served the club as a secretary for three years and is now a committee member.

The shooter said shooting is a sport that people from all walks of life can enjoy.

“One of the other reasons I did get into it is because I’ve had spinal surgery,” Schroeter said.

“I used to do a lot of active sports but due to my spinal surgery, I was looking for a sport that I could do without putting a strain on my back.

“People from all ages with all abilities can participate in this sport.”

Elizabeth Schroeter will represent Australia at the ISSF Grand Prix in Taipei in September. (Supplied)

Lily Polkinghorne kicking a ball. (Supplied)

DRESS CIRCLE LOCALE

DRESS CIRCLE LOCALE AND A NEW POOL

THIS stellar property with impressive new swimming pool and entertaining area is ideally positioned on sought-after Glenfern Road. Known for its character-filled homes and convenient proximity to shopping, schools, Upwey train station, Burinja Cultural Centre and Wellington Road, this tightly held pocket offers an outstanding lifestyle.

This impressive brick residence blends modern comfort and period style to perfection. The generous lounge at the front of the home boasts a corbel archway entry, ornate mantle wood fire, ceiling roses, plush carpet, and a bright bay window. The open plan family room, dining area, and kitchen with wainscotting, timber floors, Westinghouse oven, Bellini dishwasher, and gas cooktop occupies the

rear of the residence to adjoin with the deck and to offer easy access to the pool and private under-house double garage.

The bedrooms are also refined and relaxing. The privately situated main bedroom features an elegant ensuite and walk-in robe. The family bedrooms with built-in robes reside at the rear of the home, including one with vaulted ceilings and charming window seat. The luxurious bathroom is a highlight with a double sink floating vanity, rain shower, and soaking tub.

Additional highlights include gas ducted heating, evaporative cooling, a laundry with stone flooring, salt chlorination system for the pool, abundant off-street parking, level lawn area, and lovely outlooks.

HOME FOCUS

13 MAGIC ACRES WITH  PANORAMIC VIEWS

INDULGE in the epitome of quality, comfort, and style with this meticulously designed property, offering a lifestyle of sophistication and serenity. Standing proudly on 13 acres, this custom designed and craftsman built stone home captures panoramic views and stunning sunrises over Kurth Kiln, Bunyip State Park and beyond, creating a picturesque backdrop for your everyday life. Ideally situated between Emerald and Monbulk townships, this home provides easy access to the awardwinning wineries of the Yarra Valley. Indulge with luxurious living throughout with 9 ft ceilings, Sydney Bluegum flooring, zoned refrigerated cooling/heating and four generous living/dining zones. Quality Axminster carpet, leadlight windows and doors, imported French stone tiling, double hung windows, French doors, open fireplace with antique mantle plus another log fire surrounded by Coldstream stone adding a touch of elegance. The master room is a sanctuary with stunning views, his and hers walk-in robes, and a relaxing large spa bath – a perfect retreat at the end of the day. The stylish Smith and Smith kitchen features granite benchtops, integrated Asko dishwasher and ilive oven and provides

seamless integration to spacious family living zones and alfresco outdoor dining. The large wrap around verandas set the scene for total relaxation plus absolute serenity is assured down by the fish stocked dam complete with wood fire barbecue, jetty and picnic area. The rose-lined driveway sets the stage for the picturesque journey to your dream home which is surrounded by 7 thoughtfully separated paddocks. There is also a huge 11 x 10m custom built American Style barn, expansive four car garage including workshop, separate hay and tractor storage, chook pen, dog run, wood storage and two top of the range horse stables, hot/cold wash bay, cattle yards and ramp. Catering to the equestrian enthusiast within you there is easy access to the Pony Club grounds and many riding trails begin at your doorstep.

For those seeking a relaxed lifestyle with sealed road access surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, a thriving veggie patch and fruit orchard – we welcome you to embark on a journey of timeless elegance and country charm. For your own private viewing please contact us today.

HOME FOCUS

COUNTRY COTTAGE VIBE WITH BIG BLOCK

WELCOME to this charming rural property nestled in the serene surroundings of Kinglake.

Set on a generous land size of 2216 m2 this three bedroom, two bathroom home offers the perfect retreat for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its spacious interior, modern amenities, and picturesque setting, this property presents an ideal opportunity for buyers looking to enjoy the tranquillity of country living.

Step inside to discover a beautifully appointed interior, featuring hybrid engineered floorboards that combine style with durability. The spacious living areas are bathed in natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the home.

The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances, including a 600mm oven and electric hot plate, making it the perfect space for culinary enthusiasts to showcase their skills.

Downstairs, the bedrooms feature builtin robes, providing ample storage space for your belongings, while the main bathroom offers convenience with its 900mm shower and single vanity. Other features include reverse cycle air conditioning system and full

insulation throughout added comfort and functionality. Additionally, a spring water bore ensures a sustainable water supply for the property, adding to its self-sufficiency and appeal.

As you approach the property, you’ll be greeted by the expansive land size, fully fenced to provide privacy and security for you and your family. The original shed, approximately 12.2m x 7.7m in size with high 3.7m clearance, offers ample storage space and potential for various uses, with its high ceilings adding to its versatility. The surrounding landscape boasts scenic views of the rural countryside, providing a serene backdrop for outdoor relaxation and entertaining.

Offering a perfect blend of rural charm and modern comfort, this property in Kinglake is sure to impress. With its spacious land size, versatile shed, and well-appointed interior, this home provides the ideal sanctuary for those looking to escape the city and embrace a slower pace of life.

Whether you’re relaxing on the outdoor patio, tending to the garden, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, this property offers endless opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. Don’t miss your chance to make this idyllic retreat yours today.

SOLID FAMILY HOME WITH STUNNING POOL

AS you drive down the sealed drive you will find this hidden gem featuring four generous bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living areas, a double carport, handy shed and glorious solar heated in-ground pool set among nature.

On entering the home into the foyer, you are welcomed by the formal lounge room with ambient wood fire, the perfect place to relax and entertain. Adjacent is the spacious master bedroom with walk-in-robe, updated ensuite and French doors that open onto the private, landscaped rear yard where you can enjoy your morning cuppa in peace. Down the hall you will find two big bedrooms, one being a king size room with double robes and large colonial windows that let in an abundance of natural light.

The kitchen/meals/family room is open plan and features a toasty wood heater while the home has mains gas ducted heating throughout for the ultimate in comfort and

convenience. The kitchen is well-appointed with a new dishwasher, electric wall oven and 900mm induction cooktop and plenty of storage and bench space perfect for cooking up a storm.

At this end of the home is the fourth bedroom, family bathroom and laundry with rear yard access.

Outside there is a double carport, a lockable shed with roller door, a stunning hedge offering privacy from the neighbours and meandering steps leading to the solar heated inground pool.

What more could you want – inspect this weekend so you don’t miss out!

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.

PrivateFamilyHomewithGreatViews

Perfectlylocatedon aquietstreetinEmerald,with astunningoutlook,this4BRhomehaslotstooffer. Aspaciousentrywayleadsyoutotheopenplanloungewithtimberfloors,largewindows &S/Sfor comfortallyearround, &toastywoodfire.

Asecondcarpetedlounge/rumpus/studyrunsthewidthofthehome.Theopenplankitchen/ diningarea,withlotsofbenchspace,abundanceofstorage,integratedoven,gasstovetop,D/W &s/ssinkwithviews& accesstothesecludedbackgarden.Downthehallyouwillfind 3goodsize bedroomsallwithtimberflooring &BIR.A centralbathroom,laundry &separatetoilet.Attheend ofthehallwayisthemasterBedroomfeaturingtimberflooring,WIW& en-suite.Sealeddualaccess driveway,shed/workshop,carport.

11-13FirstAvenueCockatoo$1,150,000

BeautifullyRenovated5 BedroomFamilyHome +BungalowonanAcre!

Situatedonjustover 1acreofflatland,thisstunninghomewithwraparoundverandahhasallthe creaturecomforts.Featuring along,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.

Stylish4 BedroomHome,PremiumLocation!

Thiscontemporaryresidenceoffers afamilylifestylesituatedina quietcul-de-sacacrossfroma centralparkland. Youarewelcomedintotheformalentryleadingtothespaciousloungeroomwithanabundance ofnaturallight &gaslogfire.Meanderingthroughtotheopenplankitchen,meals &familyroom completewithstonebenchtops,integratedfridge/freezer,S/SDW &appliances.Largeslidingdoors openontoanalfrescozonesurroundedbythelowmaintenancegardens.Fromtheentry,a stairway leadsyouuptotheupperlevel,arrivingat a3rdlivingroom,with4 generoussizedbedroomsallwith fittedmirroredrobes,includingthemasterbedroomwithWIR& ensuite& balcony.Otherfeatures include:3kWsolar,GDH &refrigeratedductedA/C &doublegaragewithinternalaccess.

quietroad,thislovelybrickhomecanbefoundonapproximately1/3ofanacre offlatland.Enteringthroughthefrontdoorintothekitchenwithgasstove,electricoven,D/W& plentyofstorage.Lookingouttotheopenplanlounge/diningarea,withslidingdoortotheprivate courtyard.Thehomealsohasductedheatingthroughout.Downthehallwayare2 bedrooms, leadingintothelaundry.Tothefrontofthehouseisthemasterbedroomwithdoublerobes &adjoins thebathroomwithseparatetoilet.Outsideleadsto alargegarage/workshopwithconcretefloor& power.Besidethegarageis a10,000ltrwatertank& garden.Thegardenhaslotsofroomforthekids toplay &islinedwithtreestoallowprivacy.

BethanySullivan M 0438844968

HOME FOCUS

A MASTERPIECE OF STYLE AND SPACE

DISCOVER the epitome of luxury living in this custom-built home, tucked away in a serene location right in the heart of town. With meticulous attention to detail and high-quality finishes throughout, every aspect of this residence exudes elegance and comfort.

Step inside to be greeted by the warmth of hardwood timber floors, soaring 10’ ceilings, casement and double hung windows, feature leadlight and beautifully sculpted cornices. The formal living area beckons with a feature fireplace, perfect for cosy gatherings with loved ones.

Entertaining is a delight in the expansive family/meals area where a solid fuel fire invites relaxed enjoyment. This area connects seamlessly to a state-of-the-art Smith and Smith granite kitchen, where culinary adventures await. Boasting a Beling stove, glass splashbacks dishwasher and a vast array of storage, you will delight in the views on offer as you whip up a storm. French doors lead out to a spacious deck adorned with a covered gazebo, creating the ideal setting for memorable family gatherings. Unwind in the covered outdoor swim/spa area, surrounded by the tranquillity of the lush 7889m2 of established gardens.

There are four bedrooms, the master suite, complete with a luxurious ensuite boasting double vanity, double shower and the latest fittings, offering a sanctuary of relaxation whilst the main bathroom also displays top of the range fittings. An open study will cater for the student or a work from home situation.

Year-round comfort is assured with hydronic heating, a solid fuel fire, and a split system, while a remote double garage and separate colorbond garage provide ample space for vehicles and storage, with the shed doubling as a workshop or man cave. A paddocked area will cater to a four legged friend.

Security and privacy are paramount, with remote gates ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.

Don’t miss the opportunity to make this private sanctuary your own. Contact us today to schedule a viewing and experience luxury living at its finest.

ENVIABLE ENTERTAINER WITH VERSATILITY

WITH precision, this peaceful and privately situated property feels surrounded by Myanook Bushland Reserve it blends indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly to create the ultimate retreat. Geared for entertaining and growing families, this generous home and half-acre landscape will evolve to mirror your requirements through the years.

Internally, this residence will impress with its series of sunlit spaces. New owners will enjoy gatherings in the generous lounge and open plan meals area, family room, and kitchen with Miele appliances. The rumpus room with quality carpet and cosy wood fire is an exceptional bonus that spills out to the enviable entertaining area with covered and open decking featuring both outdoor heating and remote cafe blinds, firepit area, and

terraced upper lawn. With four beautifully appointed bedrooms with plush carpet, including the main bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe, plus a stylish bathroom with soaking tub, this dwelling has all the elements of a forever family home.

Furthermore, there is immense versatility here that will suit any lifestyle. In addition to a double carport and abundant off-street parking, there is double garage currently set up as a workshop/gym that can be designed to cater to your way of life.

Ideally positioned within the charming hamlet of Selby that offers easy access to Belgrave township and train station, this property captures the essence of the peaceful and picturesque Hills lifestyle. Inspection will impress. Plan your viewing today.

SuzieBrannelly

LUXURY LIVING ON FIVE PRIVATE ACRES

IF acreage, privacy and off the grid luxury living is what you’re after, then look no further than this modern beauty, set amongst native bushland and wildlife.

Bright and spacious family home featuring high ceilings, four great sized bedrooms, master with stunning ensuite and walk in robe, and additional three bedrooms all with walk in robes. Two large separate family living zones allowing space for a growing family, and a well appointed kitchen with a butler’s pantry and gorgeous white cabinets. Adjoining the kitchen, you’ll find the dining area with direct access to the large covered and fenced outdoor alfresco entertaining, where many a BBQ or celebration awaits!

There’s so much space for the kids, or pets alike, to wander around and enjoy the great outdoors, perhaps build a cubby or play chasey, or to simply sit back and relax whilst breathing in the fresh country air.

Additionally, there is an enormous machinery shed with ample storage space and attached covered carport, plus a mezzanine area ideal for weekend guests or teenager retreat.

The home is completely off grid, with solar panels, batteries, generator, two water tanks, crackling wood fire, double glazed windows and much more.

Also a double carport, shipping container storage/ woodshed, chicken coop, and vegetable garden all complementing this amazing lifestyle opportunity.

Your new, semi-rural escape away from the hustle and bustle of city life will let you enjoy a lifestyle change brimming with peace, nature and complete privacy. All only a short distance from local facilities in Woori Yallock and Launching Place, positioned in the delightful area of Hoddles Creek with vineyards, hobby farms - the best of country living.

LuxuryLivingon aVeryPrivate 5Acres(approx.)

Brightandspaciousfamilyhomefeaturinghighceilings,4 greatsizedbedrooms,masterwithstunning ensuiteandwalkinrobe,andadditional 3bedroomsallwithwalkinrobes.Twolargeseparatefamily livingzonesallowingspacefor agrowingfamily,and awellappointedkitchenwith abutler’spantry andgorgeouswhitecabinets.Adjoiningthekitchen,you’llfindthediningareawithdirectaccess tothelargecoveredandfencedoutdooralfrescoentertaining.Additionally,thereisanenormous machineryshedwithamplestoragespaceandattachedcoveredcarport.Thehomeiscompletely offgrid,withsolarpanels,batteries,generator,2 watertanks,cracklingwoodfire,doubleglazed windowsandmuchmore!Yournewsemiruralescapeawayfromthehustleandbustleofcitylife.All only ashortdistancefromlocalfacilitiesinWooriYallock &LaunchingPlace.

JalaThompson M 0400063055 Inspection: Tues4:00-4:30pm

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

CaptivatingViewsandSpaciousLiving

Boastingpanoramicviewsthatwilltakeyourbreathaway,enjoyspaciouslivingwhilsttakinginthe mesmerizingviewsfromyourfrontdeck.Fourgenerouslysizedbedroomsincludinga mastersuitewith adouble-sizedshowerandamplestorage.Versatilelivingwithmultiplelounges,perfectforfamily gatheringsorhomeoffice.Privateentertainingareawith awoodheaterandwood-firedpizzaoven, surroundedbyfruittreesandveggiepatches.Convenientlocationclosetopublictransport,schools, medicalfacilities,andlocalamenities.Perfectlypositionedfornatureenthusiastsandfamiliesalike, withtheWarburtontrailjustmomentsawayforleisurelywalksandwildlifesightings.Whetheryou seek apeacefulretreator aspacioussanctuaryforentertaining,thishomepromisestoexceedyour expectations 26AlpineBoulevard,LaunchingPlace

CountryCharmwithFamilySpace

Nestledina quiet,quaint,countrytownandsurroundedbygloriousmountainrangesthisunique propertyofferssomethinga littledifferent.Thehomeoffers 3bedroomsandboastsallthewarmth andcharmoftheearlydaysgonebywithhighceilings,decorativecorniceandbeautiful floorboardscreating acosyhomelyambiencethroughout.Spaciousfamily/loungeareawitha woodheaterandsplitsystemplus aseparatemealsareaanda goodsizekitchenwithplentyof benchandcupboardspace.Ventureoutsidetoexplorethesurroundingswithestablished,terraced gardensand agreatsizerearyardwiththeLittleYarraattherear.Anaddedbonusof aseparate studio/bungalowidealfortheolderteenagersordependentrelativesorevena workfromhome office.A greatpropertyofferingplentyofoptionsandpotential.

DavidCarroll M 0419539320

CharmingFamilyHomeclosetotown Boastinggreatspace,convenienceandeasycarelivingforthegrowingfamily,ina quietand picturesquelocationclosetoallfacilities.Offering 4bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesandwith3 separatebathroomsincludinganensuiteandwalkinrobeinthemainbedroom.A flexiblefloorplan withfamilyspaceinmindandconvenientlyspreadover 2levels,multiplelivingareaswithseparate lounge/livingandfamilyroomsofferthegrowingorextendedfamilyamplespacetospread out.Beautifulkitchenloadsofbenchandcupboardspacewithqualityappliancesandfittings throughout,outsideofferslowmaintenanceestablishedgardensanda lockupgarage.A superb familyhomeconvenientlysituatedjust ashortstrolltoYarraJunctionsbusyshoppingprecinct,local schools,transportandtheYarraCentre.

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 Quandary (7)

5 Dead body (7)

9 Demolition (11)

10 Bolt or pin (3)

11 Beachgoer’s two-piece (6)

12 Apotheosis (7)

14 Island of Hawaii (4)

15 Personal items (10)

17 Dwarf (10)

19 Occurring before (abbr) (4)

20 Sink (coll) (7)

22 New Delhi native (6)

25 The Peacock Network (1,1,1)

26 Reciprocal (11)

28 Died (7)

29 Potentially guilty party (7)

DOWN

1 Prank (US coll) (4)

2 Languor (9)

3 Festival, – Gras (5)

4 Group of islands (11)

5 Digitally generated imagery (1,1,1)

6 Jogging (7)

7 White person (5)

8 Disruptive (10)

12 Efficiency increasers (11)

13 Significance (10)

16 Account of events (9)

18 Princess Diana’s maiden name (7)

21 Summary (5)

23 Ties (5)

24 Flesh (4)

27 Dowel (3)

Lilydale’s big challenge

By Joanna Campe

Round 11 results for Lilydale Tennis Club in the Eastern Region Tennis Competition.

Junior Open Singles Doubles 1 Lilydale v Park Orchards

After round 10 Lilydale was sitting outside the top four without a win yet for the season.

Lilydale was represented by Adam Paladino, Ryan Taylor and Ari Marappan.

Lilydale played away this week against Park Orchards. It was a very exciting match with both teams winning 3 sets each. Park Orchards came away with the points – winning 32 games to Lilydale 27.

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

Junior Open Singles Doubles 8 Lilydale v Selby

After round 10 Lilydale was sitting just outside the top four on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by Olivia Mason, Brodie Manger and Haady Aziz.

Lilydale played at home this week against top two team Selby. Lilydale had a great match and proved too strong taking the match 5 sets to 1winning 34 games to Selby 15.

Result: 6-2, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2

Open Rubbers 11 v Montrose

After round 10 Lilydale was sitting outside the top

four on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by Noah Burow and Adam Johnson.

Lilydale played away this week against third placed Montrose. In a very close match, it was Lilydale who came away with their second win of the season 3 sets to 2– winning 21 games to Montrose 18.

Result: 4-6, 1-6, 1-6, 6-1, 6-2

Open Rubbers 20 v Koonung Park

After round 10 Lilydale was sitting outside the top four on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by Rishabh Chowdhury and Tim Bassett.

Lilydale played at home this week against second place Koonung Park. It was a tough day out for the home team. Lilydale played well but Koonung were too strong on the day, taking the match 5 sets to 0– winning 30 games to Lilydale 5.

Result: 1-6, 2-6, 1-6, 1-6, 0-6

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

Silvers to Norman and Keyser at Lake Wendouree

By Jamie Strudley

Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes continued their winter form on Sunday morning at a sunny but cold Lake Wendouree in Ballarat. Round seven of the 2024 XCR season was the 15km road Championships on the fast, flat course.

Harry Norman won the state silver medal with a scintillating 15km time of 45 minutes 31 seconds. Harry used this race as preparation for the Australian Cross Country Championships in Launceston, Tasmania at the end of August.

Briar Keyser is another athlete heading to Launceston, again taking the opportunity for a fast race. Briar ran her 6km race in a very fast 22 minutes 26 seconds to also finish with the silver medal.

Other top 10 finishers on the day were Lily Clarke (fifth U14 Women), Maddie Laven (sixth U20 Women), Zoe Clarke (seventh U16 Women), Brienna Coffey (eighth U14 Women) and Mitch Pointon (ninth U16 Men).

Full club results are:

Results

· Women Open 15km: Olivia Twining 22nd 56:44; Katrina Winger 35th 59:49; Georgia Laven 91st 1:08:32; Bonnie Morris 115th 1:13:36; Erica Purcell 150th 1:34:53;

· Women Open 6km: Elisabeth Coffey 6th 29:14;

· Women 20 6km: Briar Keyser 2nd 22:26; Madeline Laven 6th 23:42;

· Women 16 6km: Zoe Clarke 7th 23:33;

· Women 14 6km: Lily Clarke 5th 24:57; Brienna Coffey 8th 26:11; Adele Ellis 11th 30:59;

· Men Open 15km: Harry Norman 2nd 45:31; James Laven 85th 51:15; Angus Norman 141st 53:46; Sam Arnold 163rd 54:37; Max SavillBentley 164th 54:43; Jared Byrne 206th 56:57; Michael Clarke 251st 59:24; Trent Ashton 289th 1:02:23; Craig Hewitson 385th 1:22:59;

· Men 20 6km: Daniel Groves 20th 20:09;

· Men 16 6km: Mitchell Pointon 9th 22:21; Blake Saloyedoff 15th 24:30;

· Men 14 6km: Ilikimi Tove 11th 27:32; Saturday morning cross country was the annual handicap day, where athletes start at different times with the aim of having everyone fin-

championships. (Supplied)

ishing at the same time. Always a fun event and again enjoyed by all.

This weekend YRA’s Little Athletics club members head to Myrniong for the LAVIC State Cross Country Championships. Good luck everyone.

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 put his best foot forward to take home silver, a perfect lead up

Briar Keyser finished the 6km road race in second place, scoring herself a silver medal.

Blake Saloyedoff in the 6km road race.

Olivia Mason, Brodie Manger and Haady Aziz had a convincing win over Selby. (Supplied)

Adam Paladino, Ryan Taylor and Ari Marappan held their own against Park Orchards.

Garside rocked by loss

By Melissa Woods, AAP

The pain was all over Harry Garside’s face - but not from any blows inflicted by his Hungarian opponent, who served up a shock opening defeat to the Australian boxing star in Paris.

Seeking to become the first Australian to win an Olympic boxing gold medal following his break-through lightweight bronze in Toyko, a shattered Garside had to cut short his media interview after breaking down.

After a first-round bye, the 27-year-old Victorian fell to Richard Kovacs by unanimous decision on Monday in their round of 16 clash, with Garside saying he’d let the country down.

But the news was better for giant teammate Teremoana Teremoana, who got a knock-out in the first round of his super heavyweight round of 16 meeting with Ukrainian Dmytro Lovchynski.

“I wasn’t planning to go for the knock-out, the plan was to go out there and box but I was landing a few clean punches and he was feeling it and went down every time he got caught,” 26-year-old Teremoana said.

He became the first Australian to win an Olympic fight in that division, and will next face Uzbekistan’s defending champion Bakhodir Jalolov.

It was a bright moment on an otherwise devastating day for the boxing contingent.

Garside was inconsolable about his loss.

“As an athlete you put a lot of expectation on yourself and for the run to be over just like that, I feel like a failure right now,” Garside said.

“I really envisioned winning that gold medal for Australia, I really thought I could do it.”

Garside started brightly, bouncing around the ring as he showed off his trademark footwork, winning the opening round 3-2.

But the awkward Hungarian, a five-time national champion, tried to antagonise the Australian, coming forward with his hands down and his tongue out.

He got the better of Garside in the second round, with the judges scoring it 5-0.

The fifth seed in the 63.5kg division, Garside needed to find something special in the third round but again fell short.

“He made the adaptions that he needed to in that second round and that showboating really was on his side as well but that’s not in my nature,” said the fan favourite, who cut short his fledgling professional career after three fights to chase gold.

With his voice faltering, the deep-thinking Garside said he felt he’d been “too nice” to himself leading into the Games and feared what lay ahead in terms of his mental state.

He revealed earlier this month he had sui-

Impressive run to repechage

Mooroolbark’s Tayleb Willis has proven his talent and skill against some of the world’s best athletes after making it through to the repechage round in the Men’s 110m Hurdles.

In his debut Olympic performance, Willis finished fifth in his heat on Sunday 4 August with a time of 13.63.

He was racing his idol triple world champion Grant Halloway (USA) and Perth-born Sasha Zhoya (FRA) who helped him as a junior.

“I think I handled the pressure all right for my first big international. I just gotta bring it back in two days,” Willis told the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).

Willis’ personal best is 13.44 seconds and he has his sights set on Kyle Vander-Kuyp’s Australian record (13.29).

“That’s the goal. I know I’m ready. I know I can do it. I just want his record. That’s all I want,” he said.

“It’s probably one of the longest Australian records there. I know I can do it. I want to do it.”

The repechage round allows athletes to have a second chance, with Willis getting that chance on Tuesday 6 August at 6.50pm Paris local time.

Warrandyte’s Abbey Caldwell also made her name known on the international stage making it through to the 800m semi finals.

In what the AOC called a “smart and gutsy run”, she won heat one of the 800m repechage in a time of 2:00.07.

The 23-year-old on Olympic debut backed up after placing fifth in her heat in a season best of 1:58.49 just 15 hours earlier.

“Over the line, the feeling was definitely pure joy,” Caldwell told the AOC.

“But now it’s relief and pretty much just refocus. There’s still plenty more to do and we’ve got one more, hopefully two more, jobs to complete.

“I’m so excited. I’m hoping that the semifinals is an opportunity to actually bring out my best. I want to be in that front pack and I want to be challenging everyone. I really want to put my head down and see what I can get out of myself.”

Running the semi final on Monday 5 August, Caldwell impressed, finishing fifth with a time of 1:58.52 but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to make it through to the final.

cidal thoughts last year after a charge of alleged domestic violence for which he was later cleared

“It sounds so crazy but over the last four years I’ve become my own friend,” Garside said.

“Before the last Olympics, I hated myself, and it got results (bronze at Tokyo 2020).

“I have a better relationship with myself but I think I was being too nice to myself. I’ve got to reflect on that and see what’s next.

“Whatever happens but I know the next few months will be a pretty hard time, I’m sure I’ll

have some dark moments, I’m f*****g terrified.” Garside later posted on social media that while he was disappointed not to achieve his goal he was going to be able to move past the defeat. Earlier at North Paris Arena, Tyla McDonald made a similar early exit from the women’s 60kg division, losing by unanimous decision to Ecuador’s Maria Jose Espinoza Palacios. The Victorian 21-year-old, making her Olympic debut, said she struggled to overcome nerves as well as the relentless jabs from her rangy rival.

Unlucky shots end hopes

By Dongyun Kwon

Two Olympians from Melbourne Gun Club couldn’t bring a medal back to the Yarra Valley although they did their best at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Mitch Iles participated in the Men’s Trap and finished the first three rounds on Monday 29 July in 13th place with 72/75.

The next day, he didn’t miss any shots and added 50 points, but, unfortunately, he couldn’t make it to the final, finishing in ninth place with 122 points.

Meanwhile, qualification in the Women’s Trap also began on Tuesday 30 July.

Catherine Skinner, the Rio gold medalist, participated in the event and finished the first three rounds in 17th place with a score of 69/75.

Skinner tried hard to come back the next

day but ended her

Paris Olympic journey in 17th place with a score of 116/125. Although Skinner was unable to advance to the final, her teammate Penny Smith flew the Aussie flag in Paris as she won the bronze medal at the same competition.

Mitchell Iles (left) with deputy chef de mission Kyle Vander-Kuyp.

Catherine Skinner ended her Paris Olympics journey in 17th place. (File: 419297)

Australian hurdler Tayleb Willis (right) competes in the Men’s 110m Hurdles Round 1 at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Australian runner Abbey Caldwell (left) and Ugandan runner Halimah Nakaayi (right) during the Women’s 800m Repêchages at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

Harry Garside (left) reacts after being defeated by Richard Kovacs of Hungary during the Men’s 60.5kg preliminaries at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

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