The CriBB Cafe and Wine Bar, an initiative of charity organisation Bridge Builders, was a vision that has been brought to life to support the development of young people. The enterprise will fund the work of the charity which gives young people a safe environment to express themselves, find help during challenging times and encourages growth through training.
Bridge Builders directors expressed their overwhelm at the community support in a just a few weeks since opening.
To read more, turn to page 10
Fund SES: inquiry
By Mikayla van Loon
Findings from an extensive inquiry into the flood event of 2022 has confirmed the need for sustainable funding of the state’s emergency response service.
This along with the uncovering of messy procedures, failures in emergency warnings and poor handling of claims post event helped establish the 73 findings and 90 recommendations made by the parliamentary committee.
The October 2022 flood event impacted 63 municipalities, representing 81 per cent of all local government areas in Victoria.
While much of the intense flooding occurred in Shepparton, Echuca and Rochester, the outer
east was heavily burdened by the flash flooding, seeing excessive water in Lilydale, Yarra Junction, Yarra Glen and across the Hills, with close to 75mm of rain falling in around an hour and a half.
The inquiry, made up of a cross-section of parliamentarians, handed down its final report at the end of July.
And despite October 2022 being the wettest month ever in Victoria since records began in 1900, inquiry chair and Labor MP Ryan Batchelor said man made solutions actually went a long way in causing more problems.
“Not all the damage done in the October 2022 flood event was caused by nature alone,” he said.
“The impact of the volume of rain that fell was
exacerbated by decisions made, often years prior, on the shape of the built environment, new physical infrastructure, and by our planning system.”
But for local SES units, the final report came as a sigh of relief, backing up their calls as part of the Fund VICSES campaign.
“It was good to see those recommendations reflect what we’ve been saying for a long time, which is that SES in Victoria has been grossly underfunded for decades, and we’ve been essentially over performing, if you like, compared to the level of financial input we’ve had from government,” Lilydale SES unit controller Shaun Caulfield said.
“So it’s fairly reassuring to see that recognised, that there’s both a gap in the funding for equip-
ment, also the funding for training volunteers, but also in terms of being able to attract and retain new volunteers, as we need to over the course of time.”
In total, 25 findings related to the resourcing and response of Victoria’s SES, the lead flood response agency, with nine recommendations suggested by the committee.
A key finding stated the SES “lacks the appropriate resources to prepare and respond effectively to major emergencies such as flood events”.
The report highlighted, however, that during October 62.5 per cent of SES volunteers from 98 per cent of the state’s units responded in some capacity.
Continued page 4
The CriBB Cafe and Wine Bar is officially open in Lilydale. Cafe 2IC Charli, Bar Manager Jake and Cafe Manager Kelly. (Stewart Chambers: 425509)
Passengers get back on line at Croydon
The newest outer eastern suburbs train station has been unveiled marking the official end of level crossings on the Lilydale Line.
Welcoming passengers back to Croydon Train Station on Monday 12 August, it was the second phase of the project to reopen after the connection of Wicklow and Kent Avenues to Lacey Street was completed weeks ago.
North Eastern Metropolitan MP Sonja Terpstra and Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure Delivery Josh Bull visited the new station to officially launch the return of passenger access and train travel.
Transport infrastructure minister Danny Pearson said the “sweeping views out to the Dandenongs” from the skyrail platforms made it an “epic new Croydon Station”.
“The new Croydon Station features more modern facilities and will provide more accessible and safer transport journeys for the community,” he said.
The station, which forms part of the Transport Hub, will be joined by a 14-bay bus interchange and 284 parking spaces expected to be completed later in spring.
“This is a great win for locals and a key part of the new state-of-the-art Croydon Transport Hub, which will provide a safer and more effective way to travel through the town centre,” Ms Terpstra said.
The new fully accessible and staffed station features two elevated platforms, lifts and stairs, toilets and a waiting room.
The station precinct will also feature 650 metres of new walking and cycling paths and more than 70,000 new trees, shrubs, and grasses.
More than 1,600 people use Croydon Station daily and 72,000 passengers use the Lilydale/ Belgrave line each weekday, making it the second busiest rail line in the metropolitan network.
Croydon Station is one of six new stations to be built on the Lilydale Line since 2017, as part of the commitment to make the line boom gate free by removing nine level crossings.
The removal of the Coolstore Road level crossing, together with the removal of the Dublin Road level crossing in Ringwood East last month made the Lilydale Line boom gate free.
One
in three kids falling short on NAPLAN
By Kat Wong, AAP
About one-in-three Australian students are failing to meet basic literacy and numeracy standards, as entrenched disadvantage widens educational disparities.
Almost 1.3 million students across more than 9400 Australians schools and campuses took the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) for those in years three, five, seven and nine.
Among the youngest students, 34.7 per cent were rated as “developing” or “needing additional support” in numeracy, while 31.8 per cent tested in these levels in the reading exam.
Year five students performed slightly better with 30.5 per cent testing in these categories for numeracy and 26.9 in reading.
But the general trend echoed across year groups and Education Minister Jason Clare says more must be done.
“We have a good education system but it can be a lot better and a lot fairer and that’s what these results again demonstrate,” he said on Wednesday.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) changed the NAPLAN proficiency standards in 2023, which makes it difficult to explore trends and compare data.
The 2024 results show there is no significant difference in average scores over the previous two years, which ACARA chief executive Stephen Gniel has lauded.
“The fact that the results of Australian students have remained stable...is an important achievement,” he said.
However, there are still significant gaps between different demographics across the tests for
overhaul.
numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Girls outperformed boys in writing, with 73 per cent testing at “strong” or “exceeding” levels, compared to 58 per cent of boys in year seven.
Boys performed better in numeracy compared to girls, with 5.9 per cent fewer girls in year three achieving the “exceeding” levels and 6.7 per cent fewer in year five.
The results also showed a higher proportion of Indigenous students needed additional support.
In both reading and numeracy, about one-inthree First Nations children tested in the “needs additional support” proficiency level compared to one-in-10 non-Indigenous students.
A divide between urban and rural schools also appeared in the results, with 24 per cent of students from very remote schools being rated as “strong” or “exceeding” compared to 70.7 per cent of students from major city schools.
“Your chances in life shouldn’t depend on your parents’ pay packet or the colour of your skin, but
concerns were raised. (File)
Safety fear over closure
By Stephanie Gardiner, AAP
Australians are being urged to upgrade their mobile phones and check their medical devices as public safety concerns delay the 3G network shutdown.
Telstra and Optus jointly announced the 3G closure would be pushed back to 28 October.
Both telcos had been preparing to switch off from the end of August but a recent Senate inquiry confirmed thousands of phones would not be able to make triple-zero calls after the shutdown.
The inquiry was also told critical medical equipment, personal cardiac alarms, EFTPOS machines and waste and water infrastructure could be cut off.
A joint statement from Telstra and Optus on Wednesday said the companies would undertake a mass public safety campaign to ensure users were aware they needed to upgrade.
The companies said it was critical customers check handsets are compatible with 4G and 5G and be aware if other devices relied on 3G.
The telcos’ executives defended their actions in contacting customers in the years leading up to the shutdown, which was first flagged in 2019.
“We have been communicating to customers about the need to prepare and make the move for almost five years,” Telstra chief executive Vicki Brady said.
Optus interim chief executive Michael Venter said the telco “pulled out all the stops” in contacting customers but a final push would drive the message home.
A category of phones that will not connect to triple-zero on 4G has been a major concern.
these results again show that’s still the case,” Mr Clare said.
He urged states to sign on to the federal Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, which will provide support and an additional $16 billion in funding with the hopes of increasing the number of year 12 finishers by 7.5 per cent to 83.8 per cent by 2030.
The NT and WA governments have agreed, but other states are holding out as negotiations continue over the level of funding each government is expected to provide to reach the Schooling Resource Standard.
Australian Education Union federal president Correna Haythorpe said the results were a damning indictment on the failure of governments to fully fund public schools.
But she said it won’t be achieved by the federal government’s plan.
“Australia cannot close achievement gaps without closing resourcing gaps,” she said.
“Teachers and education support personnel work very hard to cater for all of their students’ needs but they must be backed by governments with full funding.”
Liberal senator Jane Hume said there needed to be greater focus on teaching methods, particularly on approaches to reading and improving educational resources.
“Let’s not forget that some of these kids were caught up in that black swan (Covid-19) event that affected so many kids’ educational outcomes,” she told Sunrise. “You can’t do maths from a maths textbook if you can’t read.”
NAPLAN participation rates remained steady, with the proportion of students taking part increasing slightly to 93.4 per cent compared to the previous year.
These devices - often bought overseas or second-hand - use 4G data for regular calls and texts but bump triple-zero calls to 3G because they are not enabled with a technology called Voice over LTE.
Users might not realise their phone is configured this way by the manufacturer until the 3G network is switched off.
There were still 77,000 affected handsets in early August and Optus data revealed many users were international students or migrants.
All telcos have a service for customers to check the status of their device by texting “3” to the number 3498.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland had foreshadowed her regulatory powers to force a delay, though the decision was ultimately made by the telcos.
“This is a sensible move by both major telcos and the government looks forward to ensuring all Australians have the opportunity to be informed about what the 3G switchover will mean for them,” she said.
Opposition communications spokesman David Coleman said the closure had been mishandled.
“The government was too slow to act on the warning signs and significant responsibility for the delay sits clearly at the doorstop of the communications minister,” he said.
The inquiry heard Telstra first announced the shutdown in October 2019 and the scale of the triple-zero issue was not clear until February 2024.
Customers are encouraged to find out more on the Telstra and Optus 3G closure pages.
The 3G shutdown has been extended until the end of October after safety
Education Minister Jason Clare says NAPLAN results demonstrate the need for an
(Dan Peled/AAP)
North Eastern Metropolitan MP Sonja Terpstra and infrastructure delivery secretary Josh Bull visited the new Croydon Station on 12 August. (Supplied)
The raised platforms provide views of the Dandenong Ranges. (Supplied)
One of the first trains through the new Croydon Station. (Level Crossing Removal Project)
Sunrise over the new Croydon Station. (Level Crossing Removal Project)
Coloured screening along the Croydon Station platforms. (Level Crossing Removal Project)
Man struck and killed in Lilydale
An man in his 50s died after being struck and thrown into the path of another vehicle in Lilydale early on Friday morning.
Emergency services were called to reports of a pedestrian who had been hit by one car and thrown into the path of another on Victoria Road near the intersection with Maroondah Highway about 6.35am on 16 August.
The pedestrian, confirmed to be a 57-yearold Lilydale man, died at the scene.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives closed the road between Albert Hill Road and Akarana Road, with detours in place, to investigate the circumstances of the incident, which are yet to be determined.
The car drivers were not injured, remaining at the scene to speak with investigators.
This is the third pedestrian death for the Yarra Ranges and Maroondah area since June.
A man was killed on Dorset Road in Croydon on 16 June and an 81-year-old pedestrian died in
hospital after being struck by a car in Mooroolbark on 24 June.
These were the only pedestrian deaths to be recorded in the local government areas since 2022, with one pedestrian in the Yarra Ranges losing their life that year, making this a particularly devastating three months.
As of 14 August, 29 pedestrians had lost their lives from vehicle collisions in Victoria, a 32 per cent increase on last year’s figure of 22.
In July, Victoria Police launched Operation Aware in an attempt to curb pedestrian deaths.
Road policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said Victoria Police would be prioritising the safety of everyone during the operation set to finish at the end of September.
“This is not about levelling blame at anyone, this is about saving lives and reducing the amount of trauma on our roads,” he said.
“We’ll be focusing on all road users and all behaviours that put pedestrians at risk of being
involved in a collision – whether it’s failing to give way, distraction, speeding, impaired driving, riding on the footpath, or not using designated crossings.”
May to August is historically the highest risk period for collisions involving pedestrians, with reduced visibility due to less daylight hours and inclement weather during winter both major contributing factors.
Residents along Victoria Road in Lilydale said it’s not uncommon for people to cross the road at the point between Albert Hill and Akarana Roads because it reaches a natural crest, allowing people to see what is coming in both directions.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic. com.au
IN BRIEF
Witnesses sought after alleged targeted incident at the Lake Police are seeking witnesses after an alleged targeted incident at Lillydale Lake last weekend. Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the incident which occurred at about 11am on Sunday 11 August.
It is believed there were several witnesses to an incident involving a male targeting a female and male at the northern end of the park.
Any witnesses are urged to contact Detective Noy at Yarra Ranges CIU on 9739 2401.
Lilydale SES helped Ambulance Victoria
Lilydale SES volunteers recently were out to assist Ambulance Victoria with a walker in a difficult location on the Silvan Aquaduct trail, with a suspected leg fracture.
Along with paramedics who had provided care and pain relief prior to Lilydale SES volunteers’ arrival, the team carried the patient back to the path and then to the waiting ambulance.
The whole enterprise was assisted by the caller being able to clearly identify where they were. Help Montrose CFA, do not turn right into Stradbroke Road
Montrose CFA is calling on the local community for some help, with a plea to honour the ‘no right turn into Stradbroke Road’ out the front of the station.
The gap in the bollards is for the brigade to get an appliance out the door and head right without having to go to the roundabout.
That is the only reason there is a gap but people are ignoring the no right turn sign and turning there, the brigade posted on social media.
It’s illegal, it’s a safety issue and to stop this from happening VicRoads is possibly going to put the big solid bollards all the way across that section.
If this happens, when the Montrose CFA has a call, the firefighters will only be able to turn left out of the station and will have to sit in traffic to the roundabout and then use the roundabout to get where they need to go.
This could potentially add minutes onto their journey and minutes matter in what they do.
Please stop turning right into Stradbroke Road.
Over 26,000 BMW cars recalled 26,212 BMW X3, X3M and Alpina XD3 (G01, F97) models with a year range of 2017 to 2024 have been recalled.
The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in the event of an extreme rear impact. This could result in the interior cargo rail detaching from the vehicle.
If the interior cargo rail detaches from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of serious injury to vehicle passengers.
Owners of registered affected vehicles will be contacted in writing by BMW to schedule an appointment to have the recall completed. Vehicle owners can also check for outstanding recalls and select their preferred authorised BMW dealer at www.recall.bmw.com.au. The rear cargo rail attachment bolts will be replaced with an upgraded version, free of charge.
Police closed Victoria Road in Lilydale after a fatal collision on Friday 16 August. (Joe Mastroianni: 245950)
Let’s make our roads safe
By Dongyun Kwon
Victoria Police is planning to host a forum about road policing and road safety for the Yarra Ranges community.
The forum will be officially opened by a member of Command from the Eastern Region and then followed by a 20 to 30-minute presentation led by Victoria Police speaking about Yarra Ranges localised road trauma statistics for fatal collisions and serious injury collisions over the previous five years including specific age groups, gender type of road users, location and main causes.
Victoria Police Sergeant Roger Willems from Yarra Glen Police Station said the Eastern Region has a number of high-risk Police Service Areas associated with road trauma, and unfortunately, Yarra Ranges is one of these areas.
“Police accept that we play an important part in mitigating trauma on the roads,” he said.
“However, road safety is everyone’s responsibility and as such everyone has an important role in working with Victoria Police and key partners to provide a holistic approach.
“Eastern Region, as a proactive measure, has taken the approach to run standalone road policing and road safety community forums within a number of high-risk areas.”
After the presentation, the audience will grab an opportunity to ask questions.
“We’ll have a registration process with a QR code, so people can pre-ask their question before attending so that it flows nicely, and we get through as many questions as we can,” Sgt Willems said.
“I’m hopeful that there are some people from outside coming to the forum, like VicRoads or the Department of Transport, with respect to the conditions of the roads so that if there are any questions along those lines, we’ve got other people there who can answer those questions.”
The panel for the forum will be confirmed
shortly, including Eastern Region Command, Eastern Region Road Policing Inspector and Eastern Region Division 2 management.
Sgt Willems said the idea of the forum is for everyone to work together to reduce road trauma, and Victoria Police is looking forward to hearing from the local community.
“Victoria Police, despite our proactive mea-
sures, is extremely concerned regarding the level of trauma we continue to see daily on our roads,” he said.
“This is a unique opportunity for the community to participate in discussions with senior members from Victoria Police and key road partners to raise questions and their concerns respectfully.
The forum will be held at the Yarra Valley Racing located at Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen from 7pm to 9pm on Monday 16 September.
The booking is essential to attend the forum at eventbrite.com/e/yarra-ranges-road-safetyforum-tickets-966911467227
“If there’s something that the local people say is a real issue, then it’s the place to bring it up and discuss what can be done about it.”
Flood inquiry confirms SES underfunding, inadequate
From page 1
“It really reinforces that it’s vital to have us in the community to be able to take on that role… it’s really important that SES remains viable financially and that units are able to survive at that level,” Mr Caulfield said.
“We spend a lot of time, and in some ways CFA are similar, raising money to buy equipment to do our operational tasks and in an ideal world, we would spend less time doing that and more time training and responding to those tasks, spending less time focused on having enough money to put fuel into trucks or to make sure that our facilities are up to scratch.”
Leading recommendations from the committee addressed this, calling for the Victorian Government to “increase funding for training of volunteers to boost the capacity of State Emergency Service units” and to “increase funding and support for the Victoria State Emergency Service to enable a comprehensive upgrade of emergency communication technologies, ensure a steady supply of critical response resources, and expand volunteer recruitment and retention programs”.
Mr Caulfield said for him, those things carry equal weight in having a strong volunteer base.
“There’s an element of that that goes hand in hand. It’s easier to recruit and retain volunteers if they’ve got the right equipment to do the job, if they’ve got facilities that we’re asking them to use that are suitable and up to modern standards,” he said.
With the intensity of flooding events expected to increase as the climate changes, improved training and skills, Mr Caulfield said, will be essential to the response of these in the future.
“I would like to think if there is an increase in budget, then there will be a proportional increase in trying to upskill all members in that land based rescue skill set.
“It would be great to see all SES volunteers upskill to the Rescue Technician skill set, which is another level above what most of our units hold now.
“We’ve got 16 of our members, so about 20 per cent roughly of all of our members trained in that skill set, which is great, and it’s a multi
unit response generally, but when you get a lot of those jobs going off, the more people you can have on the ground, the better.”
The report stated that in some instances, a lack of rescue crews resulted in community-led rescues, with an “insufficient volunteer capacity and inadequate resource availability” adding to the strain on volunteers.
And yet, through fatigue, under resourcing and limitations, the SES conducted a successful 1500 flood rescues in October 2022 and was praised in the final report for its efforts.
“The Victoria State Emergency Service was a pivotal part of the emergency response to the 2022 flood event. The exceptional dedication and resilience of the staff and volunteers in supporting communities and mitigating risks to life and property is commendable,” it reads.
Mr Caulfield said that positive element of the
report, woven among the learnings and negatives, was a recognition of the willingness and ability of SES volunteers to continue to do and give in the face of adversity.
“98 per cent of our units provided some level of response. That would, off the top of my head, work out to pretty much all but one unit was engaged in some way, shape or form, in the response to that event.
“It’s nice to get the recognition of having done such a great job, but on the flip side of that, it was also quite sobering to see the level of impact that obviously still occurred.
“Behind those recommendations, we perhaps could have done better with additional funding and training, or that additional training and equipment could have improved some of the response outcomes for certain people who were
impacted.”
No adoption of the recommendations has occurred yet but Mr Caulfield said the ideal would be the acceptance and implementation of all of them.
“I’d love to see them come out and say they’re going to adopt all 90 recommendations.
“Realistically, some of them are around outcomes that will help hundreds, if not thousands, of people actually not even need our services should we have another weather event because they talk about catchment management and levy banks.
“For the ones that specifically speak to SES, we’d love to see the government give an undertaking to do a full review of the funding model and to take on board the goals in the recommendations from the flood inquiry.”
The forum will be held at Yarra Valley Racing in Yarra Glen. (File: 218426)
Funding concerns for the Victoria State Emergency Service has been confirmed in the October 2022 flood inquiry final report. (File)
Award for brave policeman
By Mikayla van Loon
In a moment of pure human reaction to a devastating fire unfolding just a street away, a police sergeant who’d finished his shift made every attempt to save an elderly woman from the blaze.
That act of bravery by now Acting Senior Sergeant Luke Schroder of Mooroolbark Police Station, who was at the time officer in charge at Monbulk Police Station, was commended and recognised in the Governor-General’s Australian Bravery Decorations.
Acting Snr Sgt Schroder was one of six people to be awarded the bravery medal for his attempted rescue of 96-year-old Jacoba Vegt on 28 June 2020 from her Monbulk property.
“He called for assistance and forced open the front door, shouting out to try and raise anyone inside.
“[He] entered the house and went through the passageway into the living room. The smoke was down to his waist, the living room was on fire and the ceiling was starting to collapse, which forced him to withdraw.”
Despite being around 9.30pm, the sergeant was joined by another man who offered assistance, fetching a tool from his vehicle to break the rear windows of the property.
“We managed to clear most of the rooms but couldn’t get into the kitchen area, it was too intense,” Acting Snr Sgt Schroder told Star Mail in May 2022.
With every effort taken by Acting Snr Sgt Schroder and the passerby, and with emergency service
“Sergeant Schroder approached the house and saw that the rear of the structure appeared to be fully alight and had broken through the roof. He could not see anyone outside but knew that the house was occupied by an older woman,” the award citation read.
crews arriving shortly after to search the house and douse the fire, sadly Ms Vegt died.
Having known the great-grandmother through family and professional connections, it was a tough day for the then sergeant.
“We grew up with that family… I used to see her walking past the police station every day, so that was a bit hard,” he said.
The bravery medal was the second acknowledgement of his gallantry for this act of sheer instinct, having previously been awarded Victoria Police’s Medal for Courage in May 2022.
“I don’t think it’s anything that anybody else wouldn’t have done, I’m pretty sure most of us would have done the same in [those] circumstances,” Acting Snr Sgt Schroder said at the time.
Despite this, he also admitted that “running into a burning house isn’t a natural thing to do”.
A group of 46 people were commended by
Governor-General Sam Moyston receiving either the bravery medal, a commendation for brave conduct or a group bravery citation.
Governor-General Moyston said a recipient of an Australian Bravery Decorations honour is someone who has put themselves in danger to protect the lives or property of another.
“For nearly 50 years, the Australian honours system has recognised outstanding Australians. Men and women who have contributed to their communities and our nation with care and kindness,” she said.
“Recipients come from different parts of our country and diverse backgrounds. They are connected by their selfless, courageous, resilient and determined response in extraordinary circumstances.
“Each is inspiring. I am delighted that these exceptional people will forever know they have earned the gratitude of every Australian.”
Be part of a vibrant Community and enjoy the Facilities
Acting Senior Sergeant Luke Schroder was commended in the Australian Bravery Decorations for attempting to save a woman from a burning house in May 2020. (Stewart Chambers: 282835)
The Victoria Police Academy presented Luke Schroder with the Medal for Courage in May 2022. Pictured (from L to R): Grandfather John Kroon, father Charlie Schroder, Acting Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill, Sergeant Luke Schroeder and mother Maryanne Schroder. (Supplied)
Your say on parking plans
By Callum Ludwig
Yarra Ranges Council has approved a draft Parking Management Framework at the Tuesday 13 August council meeting and is calling on residents, particularly in tourism hotspots, to share their thoughts.
Feedback is open for all residents of the Yarra Ranges to provide until Sunday 8 September.
Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar said the framework sets out the main principles to manage parking on the Council’s roads and in car parks.
“The aim of the policy is to be consistent, to be equitable, logical for visitors, businesses and residents, to give people a fair go, to maximise utilisation of those spaces and provide efficient access to utilities and businesses,” he said.
“Due to the increased parking pressures now, which will increase as visitation and population increase, it’s important that we include this document as soon as possible on that basis, this is a draft and it encapsulates parking restriction strategies and hierarchies from our unrestricted areas right through to our paid areas, which we are now running a pilot out in Warburton,”
“The draft to me seems comprehensive and clear, though not perfect, it covers the wide diversity of situations that behoves Yarra Ranges and all the needs of residents and visitors right across the Shire from urban out to our rural areas.”
Survey data gathered on weekends and weekdays will help guide when the Council takes action to change restrictions, occupancy of 80 per cent and above during peak periods will instigate a review or increase in restrictions while occupancy below 20 per cent is when a reduction will be considered.
Cr Fullagar said the most important thing is a common sense approach.
“That there are timely responses to changes as and when they’re needed because, without those timely changes, they can be quite destructive to businesses in various areas,” he said.
“To those listening tonight and those affected by parking issues, and I know that’s quite a pertinent question out there at the moment, there’s now a potential for further feedback and we welcome it, there is room for more polishing as always, but I support and am comfortable releasing this draft for release tonight.”
There are five parking management controls in the framework; Unlimited parking, Time restricted parking, Allocation to specific users, digital parking solutions and paid parking.
Unlimited parking applies to areas with limited demand such as residential streets or smaller
Sealing
By Mikayla van Loon
The final cost of two road sealing projects in Lilydale came in under budget, saving both the landowner and the council for the improvement works.
Robert and Black Streets in Lilydale, which run off Cave Hill Road, were completed under a special charge scheme with an estimated cost of $192,500.
Yarra Ranges Council revealed and approved the final costing of $171,610 at the Tuesday 13 August meeting, with a saving of $760 per landowner.
“It’s always good to see anything come under budget…the works are done and I’m sure the community members are enjoying having that all sealed and the benefits that come with that,” councillor Johanna Skelton said.
“Robert and Black Streets are a more dense area, so I’m imagining that that benefit is even more heightened.”
The fixed and maximum cost that could be applied to a landowner was $7000.
The project included the upgrading of approximately 137 metres of urban standard asphalt road with a 3.5 metre trafficable width following the existing road formation.
It also included the addition of a centrally located concrete spoon drain and grated pits connecting to existing underground drainage in Black Street.
The council’s 20 per cent contribution to the project was originally estimated at $38,500,
shopping strips.
Time-restricted parking (e.g. 30 minute, 1, 2 or 4 hour) are to enable a greater turnover of vehicles and traffic flow in areas such as a shopping precinct, near train stations or near schools.
Allocation to specific areas includes marked parking zones such as Accessible Parking, Loading Zone, Taxi Zone, Electric Vehicle Charging Zone or a Resident Permit Zone.
Real time digital parking solutions and signage will be considered for townships or key destinations where there are multiple on or off-street parking areas.
Paid parking will be for town centres and recreation precincts where there is a high demand for parking from tourists during peak periods.
Chirnside Ward Councillor Richard Higgins said it’s really important that they get this right.
“This strategy has actually done that extremely well because it adapts as it changes and looks at different areas, it looks at the areas where the
with the actual cost totalling $34,322 - a saving of $4178.
Landowner total savings equaled $16,712.
Cr Skelton said the opportunity to state the importance of this kind of collaborative road sealing scheme could not be missed.
“It would be great to see this extended to all of the roads who had been surveyed and probably beyond because we have such a need for this in our area and it’s going to be just such a crucial point for councils to be deliberating in future of how we’re going to get these outcomes.”
The acceptance of these final costs was passed unanimously.
tourists are there all the time, clogging up the streets, making it so the locals can’t do things, it does that and it addresses ways to get a solution,” he said.
“We then move on to the urban areas and it gives again locals the ability to actually look at it and say what’s going wrong in their area, it’s very important that it’s not just about a penalty or a fine or all that stuff, that’s just a little part of it, hopefully, there won’t be any,”
“The good thing about it is I love the idea that local residents are all permitted and we don’t have to pay for parking which is great as long as you don’t stay too long and muck up everybody else’s day.”
A parking pilot trial is set to be tested out in Warburton in late 2024 with altered parking restrictions (already introduced), paid parking for tourists and a permit system that will ensure Yarra Ranges residents aren’t charged to park in the town.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Sophie Todorov
said recently they’ve had a lot of feedback from our local businesses around parking management, particularly in Lilydale.
“Importantly for us is also to address safety first and foremost, which also means you know practical traffic egress, parking and fairness,” she said.
“I actually look forward to the next stage of this plan if adopted and after consultation to actually review the Lilydale parking precinct plan as well in conjunction with this as noted we’ve got urban areas and we’ve got our rural areas,”
“I’m really interested to see how we go with Warburton with the pilot paid parking over there too but certainly it’s a step in forming that overall parking management framework and then breaking it down into the separate needs of all our different wards.”
To provide feedback on the draft Parking Management Framework, visit shaping.yarraranges. vic.gov.au/draft-parking-management-framework
Black Street, which runs off Robert Street, was asphalted as part of the 137 metres.
Robert Street was sealed with new drainage added. (Yarra Ranges Council)
A draft Parking Management Framework for the Yarra Ranges is open for feedback. (File)
Yarra Ranges takes steps towards Reconciliation
By Dongyun Kwon
The Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) will deliver innovative reconciliation actions over the next two years as it has endorsed the YRC Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) August 2024 –July 2026.
As the council’s Reconciliation Framework for Action 2013 – 2023 neared its expiry date, planning for a third iteration of a RAP and strategic approaches began.
The Innovative RAP has been proposed based on the advice and guidance of the YRC’s Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC).
The IAC strongly encouraged this plan to fall under the umbrella of Reconciliation Australia’s RAP requirements, integrate the concept of Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, include a strong truth-telling theme, and capture YRC’s reconciliation journey.
IAC chair Lea Jones said the journey in developing the RAP is filled with excitement and significance.
“Its main goal is to support the healing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” she said.
“Additionally, it offers a platform to share the history, heritage, cultures and ongoing journey of reconciliation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people communities in the Yarra Ranges.
“The opportunity to share our story and reflect on the strong relationships, the dedication and the contribution from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, alongside our non-Aboriginal brothers and sisters represents reconciliation at its absolute best.”
The Innovative RAP is the second stage out of four provided by Reconciliation Australia’s RAP Framework; Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate.
Ms Jones said the IAC will do everything to support the success of this RAP to move onto the next level.
“The Aboriginal people are the most overconsulted cohort in the nation, yet there’s not an outcome for every one of those consultations,” she said.
“But we have been consulted with, for and about this [Innovative RAP].
“It means a lot and it’s important to Aboriginal people in this community because there is accountability for everything in this [Innovative RAP].”
The YRC made a formal apology to the Stolen Generations in 1997, 11 years earlier than the national apology made by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008.
Yarra Ranges mayor Sophie Todorov said she was proud to see that YRC was the first council
in Victoria to give an apology to the Stolen Generations and the progress the YRC has made since then and continues to make.
“I believe that voice, self-determination and
truth-telling is the essence of this plan,” she said.
“As Lea pointed out, it’s really important that we hear the voices of the community that it im-
pacts the most, not just to listen but to act upon that.
“We appreciate the immense history that we have with our First Nations people.”
Lilydale plans for growth
By Mikayla van Loon
A proposed planning scheme amendment for Lilydale will aim to adjust zoning, overlays and design controls in preparation for future development of the township.
Yarra Ranges councillors moved a motion at the Tuesday 13 August meeting to seek authorisation from the planning minister to amend the planning scheme as a result of the Lilydale structure plan and conduct a community consultation period.
The application of an Activity Centre Zone, to replace the current commercial zoning for much of the Main Street vicinity, allows that area to be “tailored to the specific recommendations and precincts of an approved structure plan”.
This includes design controls like building heights, overshadowing, landscaping and parking.
The Lilydale structure plan was endorsed by Yarra Ranges Council, after a community consultation period, in August 2022.
Changing some of the current areas zoned as Residential Growth to General Residential applies better neighbourhood character assurances, particularly for the historical parts of Lilydale, while still responding to the State Government’s housing targets.
With a change in zoning comes the potential for some previously commercial zoned land to be
used for residential purposes under the Activity Centre Zone, meaning the council has had to ask for an Environmental Audit Overlay to apply.
“[This] will address potential land contamination from previous commercial and industrial uses, to ensure the land is suitable for future and more sensitive land use and development,” the council’s report read.
Moving the motion to seek approval of this amendment, councillor Tim Heenan said for him it covered all the important elements of the Lilydale township but especially the historic parts.
“The ability to preserve sidelines and view lines and understanding that, yes, in the future,
we will have a situation as per [what] the structure plan talks about in relation to two, three, four, five, and six storeys,” he said.
“There are many different aspects in this document that look at the historical and wanting to obviously protect those areas of, for example, Castella Street and Anderson Street and surrounding areas where we still have historic properties there. I think it does that.”
Balancing the need to accommodate the State Government’s housing target for the Yarra Ranges of 28,000 by 2051 without compromising what makes Lilydale the town it is, Cr Heenan said he believed it had been achieved in this amendment proposal.
“When we look at the actual housing stock that we have and the opportunities for the future, and keeping in mind this document had to incorporate some of the very late information that’s come from the State Government in the last two months, and what we need to do as a local government to incorporate housing stock for the future, I think staff have done a fabulous job in understanding the needs,” he said.
“We need to adequately prepare for the arrival of higher density residential land use and development in central Lilydale by implementing a new planning framework, which is what this will do, and clearly communicate to the development industry and other stakeholders our vision and framework for the activity centre.”
Mayor Sophie Todorov seconded the motion and said not only does amendment help set clear goals for Lilydale but for the broader Yarra Ranges landscape.
“The benefits for having this reviewed as part of the structure plan and seeking that amendment of C218, I think, is to ensure the growth of Yarra Ranges does sit within the Chirnside and Lilydale wards as major activity centres, and we’re going to be avoiding that urban sprawl growth into our much loved green spaces and Green Wedge zones,” she said.
“So to concentrate the development there… ideally close to transport corridors, commercial and industrial areas, and the best use of amenities, transport and services which we offer.”
The amendment has also been cited as an important step to inform the “strategic storm water management plan and address those infrastructure issues”.
Cr Todorov said the planning scheme amendment was the next stage in achieving the desired outcomes for Lilydale.
The planning minister’s authorisation may take some months, therefore, Cr Todorov encouraged residents to sign up to shaping.yarraranges. vic.gov.au to keep track of other engagements they can take part in.
The motion was passed unanimously.
Bour-deet meaning Cumbungi/bullrush, typha latifolia.
Karawun meaning spiny headed mat rush, lomandra longifolia.
The Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre is designed to embrace the culture of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people with the collection of contemporary artworks throughout eight meeting rooms in the building named Bagurrk Biik which means ‘Women Country’ in Woi-wurrung language.
(Yarra Ranges Council)
Yarra Ranges Council is seeking changes to the planning scheme for Lilydale to adjust zoning and overlays. (File: 234335)
Maroondah will remain
By Callum Ludwig
A new Health Services Plan is set to guide Victoria’s under-strain healthcare system with the State Government accepting 26 of 27 recommendations from an expert advisory committee either whole or in part.
The one recommendation that was outright rejected was the amalgamation of health services, while recommendations accepted in principle also outlined that hospitals would not be forced to consolidate to form new Local Health Service Networks (LHSNs) and health services who do wish to consolidate would be supported.
The Age reported in June that unnamed government officials were considering relocating the soon-to-be-upgraded Maroondah Hospital due to the costs and difficulties of facilitating the planned $850 million to $1.05 billion project at its current Ringwood East site, with the old Knox drive-in cinema in Wantirna and an area near Eastland shopping centre being considered.
“Eastern Health welcomes the additional funding in the Victorian health system, and we will know more about our specific situation once budgets are finalised in the coming weeks,” a spokesperson for Eastern Health, which manages Maroondah Hospital, said.
Key reforms set to be delivered through the Health Services Plan include establishing a new agency within the Department of Health called Hospitals Victoria to manage the operations and finances of the state’s hospitals, establishing a connected Electronic Medical Record System, replacing Health Service Partnerships with LHSNs and providing an additional $1.5 billion worth of funding.
Premier Jacinta Allan said Labor will always support Victoria’s hospitals.
“As the sister of a nurse, and the mum of a daughter who has relied on the life-saving care of our hospitals – my priority will always be patients and their families,” she said.
Hospitals Victoria will be responsible for
streamlining payroll and IT systems across the state, including consolidating ‘back-office functions’ and improving the use of digital systems and technology, including how virtual care is utilised.
Hospitals Victoria will work with the Department of Health to roll out the Electronic Medical Record System, which will replace the different patient record systems used by various hospitals, some of which are still paper-based, reducing delays, duplication of patient records and allowing
patient records to be easily viewed regardless of where they are being treated.
Hospitals Victoria will be led by Siva Sivarajah, stepping into the role from her position as Chief Executive at Northern Health, which during her time in the role was the first healthcare service to offer a Virtual Emergency Department, with great success.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said Victoria’s health system is one of the best in the world.
“These reforms will keep us on track to deliver even better patient care through a reformed health system that is better integrated and connected, at the same time protecting the local services we know Victorians trust and rely on,” she said.
LHSNs will group together hospitals in a geographic region with the goal of streamlining the provision of care and operations such as payroll and IT, encouraging collaboration and staff allocation between hospitals, and forming connections with major tertiary, women’s and children’s hospitals in the region to improve referral pathways and access to specialist care.
Eildon MP Cindy McLeish took aim at the increased one-off funding (for 2024-25), a lack of detail regarding the funding’s distribution and the ‘new bureaucracy’ of Hospitals Victoria.
Ms McLeish said it was a most spectacular backflip and whilst the Victorian Government says they are not going to force amalgamations there are still too many questions to be answered.
“I’m so proud of how quickly and effectively locals worked together to hold rallies and collect signatures to put pressure on the government to prevent hospital amalgamations, it is incredible that the Government had no understanding of how budget cuts and forced amalgamations would impact local health services and local communities,” she said.
“We have had months of uncertainty and whilst amalgamations are on hold at the moment, local communities and health services across Victoria deserve to know exactly what funding they will be receiving and when.”
Ms McLeish said Hospitals Victoria and its role within the health system ‘sounds like back of the envelope planning’.
Ms McLeish also garnered 15,050 signatures opposing any potential amalgamation of the Mansfield District Hospital, Yea & District Memorial Hospital and Alexandra District Health facilities.
Empowered, informed guide to help reduce elder abuse
By Mikayla van Loon
Planning for future medical needs with an empowered and positive outlook is the premise of a newly launched guide from Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC).
The resource, produced with funding from the State Government, is a comprehensive firststep information booklet on how to appoint a medical treatment decision maker, creating an advance care directive and how to approach conversations with loved ones.
ECLC legal services director and principal lawyer Belinda Lo said this document was about helping people “make informed decisions” and allowing them to “still have control over decisions” when they are unwell.
“What we know from our work in the space of elder abuse prevention and elder abuse response is that the less you’re able to make your views known whilst you are healthy and well, the less control you have over what happens to you, of course, when you are ailing,” she said.
“It’s also really difficult for family members to know how to make decisions for you because you haven’t had those discussions with them or family and loved ones will argue about the best healthcare for you without having your views taken into account as well.”
Compiling the step-by-step process of how to put these processes in place, Ms Lo said came from ECLC’s understanding that there wasn’t much information for people to access on this topic.
This too was evident in many of the consultations former Commissioner for Senior Victorians Gerard Mansour had with older people and was a driving force behind the guide.
“He identified from all his consultations that it was really important to help people, particularly older people, understand what their rights were when appointing medical treatment decision makers and making advanced care directives, because it’s important to have your views heard and respected and followed, no matter what stage of life,” Ms Lo said.
“You’re also more likely to mitigate any sort of exploitation when and if you do lose capacity
as you age…It’s all just about trying to be as prepared and empowered as possible.”
Unfortunately, Ms Lo said in many cases of elder abuse, medical mistreatment is a contributing factor, which might be compounded by financial abuse or another form of abuse.
Often, Ms Lo said, this appears as not ensuring the elderly person is receiving the right medication or inappropriate dispensing of medication, as well as “a form of neglect” by not taking that person to GP or specialist appointments.
“It’s one of the behaviors we see as a perpetration of elder abuse. We still see financial elder abuse as the biggest form of elder abuse that’s impacting our clients and community.
“It wouldn’t be surprising to me and I don’t mean this in a trite way, but if the older person also has medical needs and there’s already financial abuse occurring, there is a likelihood that taking away medical care or neglecting medical care is going to feature as well.”
Although targeted to older people, Ms Lo
said this kind of planning could be applied to any adult who’s ready to have these discussions.
“It’s important for any adult who feels that they’re able to turn their mind to this, to really think about it, particularly for adults who might have medical conditions and who are very educated about conditions.
“Who knows what treatment they may want in certain circumstances and what treatment they definitely do not want in certain circumstances, to be able to appoint a medical treatment decision maker, and then make an advanced care directive for those circumstances as well.”
Advanced care directives can be updated, superseding the previous directive, should the status of someone’s health change.
Ms Lo said while the legal documents themselves are integral, equally as important are the conversations with loved ones, despite the uncomfortableness.
“It’s a hard and sensitive thing to discuss. We don’t want to talk about our mortality because
that means we’re discussing with our loved ones when we won’t be well or when we’re close to dying.
“But also, having the conversation with family members who you love very much and who you get along with, they might say to you, ‘actually, I don’t think I can do this’ or ‘I think this will put too much stress on me and upset me too much’.
“It’s important you hear that so then you can choose the right person for you.”
Ms Lo said there is also no obligation to choose a family member if the relationship is not steady, with a close friend also an option.
Seeking advice from a lawyer is recommended when producing these documents.
The guide can be downloaded from ECLC’s website here, eclc.org.au/what-we-do/partnerships-and-projects/elder-abuse/futuremedicalcare/ Or a hard copy booklet can be accessed from one of ECLC’s offices in Box Hill, Boronia or Healesville.
The Planning your Future Medical Care guide launch was held on Thursday 8 August. (Supplied)
ECLC legal services director and principal lawyer Belinda Lo (centre) explained the purpose and need for this information booklet.
Maroondah Hospital won’t be forced to move after Health Services Plan recommendations were considered by the Victorian Government. (File)
Fewer confident with CPR
By Mikayla van Loon
Learning first aid and CPR can be the difference between a life bettering or saving result and not, yet new St John Ambulance research shows that very few people are trained and confident.
Mooroolbark resident and St John first aid training team leader Maree O’Malley said while heart attacks and strokes are usually what people turn their mind to when thinking about first aid, often the more minor incidents are where people apply their skills.
“That’s what people think of when they think of first aid because they’re life threatening,” she said.
“But then we’ve got the things like drowning, it doesn’t take much for a child, particularly, to drown, driveway accidents is another big one but it’s also things like your cuts, your grazes, your wounds, your bleeding, your burns.”
A survey undertaken by St John Ambulance has shown seven in 10 (76 per cent) Australians have witnessed a health or medical emergency but only one in 10 (nine per cent) say they would be very confident in their ability to provide first aid in an emergency.
More so, almost two in three (62 per cent) people say no one in their home has received first aid training.
In an effort to improve first aid knowledge in the home, especially as preventable visits to medical services seem to be rising, St John has launched the campaign ‘If it happens in the home, know first aid’.
Ms O’Malley said of course, in instances of heart attack or stroke, the more quickly care and treatment can be administered the better, but that also goes for preventing ongoing treatment for other more minor ailments.
“80 per cent of sudden cardiac arrests happen in the home. That’s when we don’t have the medical professionals on standby, we don’t often have defibs or easy access to them, so it’s about getting them that critical care for the chain of survival,” she said.
“In the case of CPR, early access to the defib in that first three or four minutes and then getting access to advanced care, first aid can decrease the ongoing treatment they need.
“If we burn ourselves and just run it under the tap for a bit and leave it, we can end up with a much worse situation than if we did our 20 minutes, which is what’s recommended.
“When you learn first aid, knowing what you can do to decrease the situation, the person is less likely to need ongoing care or more serious treatment.”
Ms O’Malley said for people who don’t know first aid and CPR, while intentions might be genu-
ine, sometimes wrongly administered help or actions can have “detrimental effects”.
This is particularly true in cases of dislocation where trying to pop something back in may lead to a longer recovery time.
Being prepared is also an essential step in the process and Ms O’Malley said having a first aid kit in the home and in the car may mean a sprained ankle doesn’t require a doctor’s visit but instead can be bandaged correctly by a family member.
First aid accreditation, Ms O’Malley said, is not only about the practical application but also the ability to calm one’s self in a stressful situation, to manage the scene and apply the steps without injuring yourself in the process.
“If someone has done basic first aid, they know how to manage a scene and that’s really what it comes down to.
“I’ve had people tell me about situations where they’ve come across car accidents, and it’s just really about managing the scene where other
people might panic, but you know what to do.
“You have a basic understanding of it. You know exactly what you’re working with. You know your first step is going to be to assess the danger. You want to make sure that the person who’s doing the first aid is also safe, we don’t want to end up with more casualties.”
And in cases of forgetting the right steps or what to do first, Ms O’Malley said St John Ambulance has an app which is a great refresher resource.
Emergency Plus is another recommended application because it pinpoints a GPS location in the case of an emergency when off the beaten path or on a rural road.
While at the moment the research shows millennials would be the most likely to administer first aid and Gen X the least comfortable, Ms O’Malley said with so many school based programs that St John runs, hopefully young people will build a natural confidence in this skillset.
Building a strong and confident base of firstaiders, Ms O’Malley said will make a large difference to care and treatment response, deliver better outcomes and prevent unnecessary visits to hospitals and GPs.
“First aid, it’s not scary. It seems like a big topic, but when you come to a class, it’s broken down for you. You can ask questions, there are no silly questions.
“It’s just really about encouraging people just to have a go out there, to look around the house and ask what’s safe, what’s not? Do we have a first aid kit in our house?”
With pre-learning classes, virtual first aid courses and traditional in-person courses, there’s an option for every schedule. First aid is meant to be refreshed every three years, while CPR is every year.
To learn more about St John Ambulance First Aid training, visit: knowfirstaid.stjohnvic.com.au
Families ‘cutting back on food’ as cost of living bites
By Adrian Black, AAP
As the cost-of-living crisis plunges more Australians into food insecurity, pressure is mounting on state and federal governments to take action.
About a third of almost 180 submissions to a Victorian inquiry into food security came from struggling families, Sustain: The Australian Food Network executive director Nick Rose said.
“The overwhelming message from those individuals is they’re struggling, cutting back on food, cutting back on the quality of food, having to choose between buying medication and feeding themselves,” Dr Rose told AAP.
“Also a lot of anger at the supermarketsthat was another really clear theme that came through.”
About one in three Australians faces moderate to severe food insecurity and tough choices at daily meals, the nation’s biggest food charity, Foodbank says.
The organisation’s Victorian hub had to launch an emergency food drive earlier in August to restock its shelves amid unprecedented demand and spiralling donations.
“Meanwhile, Victoria exports most of the food we grow,” Dr Rose said.
Nationally, Australia exports about 72 per cent of the food it produces, federal government data shows, with Victoria accounting for almost a quarter of agriculture production by gross value.
“Given our status as a net food exporter, combined with our wealth, it is an indictment of our food system that food insecurity is so high despite such abundant production,” Dr Rose said.
Sustain has made some 30 recommendations to the inquiry, including to launch a statewide food systems and security strategy and to appoint a minister to oversee it.
It also wants to see the creation of a $250 million to be funded through an extension of the existing payroll tax surcharge on big business.
“That financing mechanism already exists, and we see a clear and compelling case for a modest extension to effectively support community members and community organisations are already at the coalface of this crisis,” Dr Rose said.
Victoria’s Legal and Social Issues Committee will report on the inquiry in November, but Dr Rose had been historically disappointed by state and federal responses.
“At best, we see implementation of a few simple recommendations, alongside a ‘plan to make a plan’ refreshed every few years,” he said.
“At worst, they are shelved, with little engagement, and the omnipresent voices of advocates falling on unlistening ears.”
“We, and many others, demand that the state government take immediate and strong action to ensure a prosperous, healthy, sustainable, and just food system for all Victorians.”
Struggling families made a third of some 180 submissions to a Victorian inquiry into food security.
(Lukas Coch/AAP)
Encouraging people to learn first aid and CPR is the premise of a new St John Ambulance campaign. (Supplied)
The CriBB opens its doors
By Mikayla van Loon
The moment youth charity Bridge Builders had been waiting for finally arrived just a few weeks ago with the opening of its newest venture - The CriBB Cafe and Wine Bar.
Coined by founder and director Phil Stenhouse OAM as “a cafe with a cause”, the sole purpose is for the development of young people, while also providing a welcoming, fresh environment for the Lilydale township.
Since opening and officially launching on Monday 5 August, Mr Stenhouse said the response from the community has been extremely positive, so much so the menu and hours have had to increase.
“That’s always heartwarming, really, because you have an idea or vision about something, and you think it’s going to work, but you don’t know until you test it and do it,” he said.
All of the proceeds made in the cafe go directly back to the charity to fund its youth programs and continue the cycle of bettering young people’s lives.
“We love being able to sustain the charitable work through commercial enterprise and we’re not funding dependent, which sets us apart. We’re not uncertain in our future,” Mr Stenhouse said.
“So having income generating enterprises like that is something that really helps sustain charity and you’re not always putting your hand out. You’re actually building skills. You’re building people to a point where they can give back to their community, which is what people want to do.
“So I love it, I love what we do.”
Having had the idea years ago, it took time to build the funds and find the space to achieve the outcome.
Director Beck Mitchell said seeing the dream come to fruition has given a tangible outcome to all the fundraising and team effort over multiple years.
“Some of the funds from our recent Postie Bike
Ride actually made the enterprise possible, which was great because lots of things that we do take a lot of effort,” she said.
“Over the last two years, we’ve worked to bring this enterprise to life. It’s quite amazing to have something like this idea of, ‘well, maybe we could do more for young people, and this is how we could do it’, but to actually see that hit the ground and be successful in the first seven weeks, that’s just incredible.
“To have so much support from the community already, so much buy-in from local businesses to get it up and running in the first place, and just to see the vision that Phil had and the idea that he had to bring the community together actually come to life is extraordinary.”
Organisations like Treasuring our Trees and the Croydon Hills Men’s Shed, Ms Mitchell said, were instrumental in supplying handmade features for the space.
“We’ve had some high top tables built and donated by the Croydon Hills Men’s Shed and they
made the tabletops out of the old Croydon Basketball Stadium,” she said.
“So the top of the table is literally the old basketball floor, which is incredible. So it’s repurposing and having another community organisation buy into the project. There’s those stories right through the whole building, from the front to back.”
While it has quickly become a space for coffee catch ups and post work drinks, Ms Mitchell said with two skilled managers and the rest of the staff being young people, achieving the goal of being an employment and training space has also happened quickly.
The staff have had intensive barista training from Storehouse, a local coffee supplier, with food safety, allergy and customer service training all on the agenda.
Supporting the official launch, Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence said the work of Bridge Builders continues to inspire and create opportunities for young people to grow and develop into commu-
nity contributors.
“The CriBB is an exciting initiative – it’s not just Lilydale’s newest cafe, but will enable opportunities for local young people to gain valuable skills, develop their confidence, and know they’re contributing to our local economy,” she said.
“An absolute privilege to be asked by the Bridge Builders team to cut the ribbon and officially open The CriBB, an organisation that does incredible work supporting youth in our community.”
The CriBB has already booked out October for functions, with Christmas party bookings coming in quickly.
Mr Stenhouse said with the welcoming of daylight savings again, trading hours will extend and live music nights will become a feature all weekend, making it ”a really groovy spot for people to come and hang out at”.
The CriBB can be found at 222
Highway Lilydale.
Birrarung Riverfest is coming back in September
The Birrarung Riverfest is back after its successful inaugural event last year, bringing over 30 events on the banks of the river from Warburton to West Gate Park at this year’s edition.
The Birrarung Riverfest is a three-week-long celebration of the Yarra, Birrarung River, from Sunday 1 September to World River’s Day on Sunday 22 September.
Presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association (YRKA), the festival aims to celebrate, raise awareness and connect our community to Country and each other, through the entire length (242km) of the Birrarung.
After the success of the inaugural festival in 2023, this year’s Riverfest program boasts over 30 community-led events and activities, from platypus spotting at dusk, cultural walks and birding by ear, to canoe cleanups and sunset jazz at Ponyfish island.
“Whether you like arts and music, history and culture, or nature and storytelling, there really is something for everyone at Riverfest,” YRKA president Janet Bolitho said.
”We are delighted to have over 24 organisations and hundreds of individuals helping to host events this year.”
YRKA has partnered with the Yarra Strategic Plan collaboration (Burndap Birrarung, burndap umarkoo) and Regen Melbourne to bring Riverfest to life. The festival will celebrate and acknowledge the river’s Traditional Custodians, the Wurundjeri and Bunurong Peoples
and hopes to highlight the interconnectedness of the Birrarung; one single living entity, cared for by many.
Keystone events hosted by YRKA include a Sunday River Cruise with speakers sharing their love letters to the Birrarung, and a closing event on World Rivers Day at Federation Square, celebrating the river’s ‘Past, Present and Future’, hosted by radio personality and comedian, Sammy J.
Riverfest will open on Father’s Day on 1 September with a Little Explorers event at Studley Park Boathouse. Activities for children continue through the three weeks, including City Nippers (a riverside rendition of the beloved beachbased kids program) and The Great Yarra Colouring Class with pigments sourced from the river corridor.
Almost every event will be free, with donations from attendees encouraged.
Events will be held along the river from the city
“The donations and funding from these events will help unlock capacity and resources for Yarra Riverkeeper Association to continue their essential work caring for the River,” Ms Bolitho said.
YRKA Operations Manager Carina Watson said the Birrarung catchment is responsible for 70 per cent of our drinking water and is absolutely vital to our social and economic wellbeing.
When you get close to the river, or you get more involved, your appreciation for how wonderful it is grows,” she said.
“I hope attendees come away with a renewed appreciation for how special it is to have such a beautiful, natural feature in our city, and all the life and biodiversity that it supports.”
Maroondah
The CriBB Cafe official opening on Monday 5 August was an exciting time for Bridge Builders volunteers, staff and directors. (Supplied)
Cafe 2IC Charli, Bar Manager Jake and Cafe Manager Kelly. (Stewart Chambers: 425509)
Bridge Builders founder Phil Stenhouse OAM, Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence and Bridge Builders directors Nabil Salameh and Beck Mitchell officiated the opening. (Supplied)
Happy customers Tracey, Dawn and Kirsten. (Stewart Chambers: 425509)
The cafe has community support woven throughout. (Stewart Chambers: 425509)
The Birrarung Riverfest event is returning for 2024. (Supplied)
centre to the Outer East. (Supplied)
Homestead to host quiz
By Callum Ludwig
The Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead is welcoming another new event to the array which has already recently joined their calendar.
A Historical/Hysterical Quiz Night will be held on Saturday 24 August in the museum and all are welcome to buy a ticket and secure a place.
Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead Administrator Deb Duncan said the event is another first for Mont De Lancey.
“We’re really looking forward to it, it’s being run by a group called Quizzame, who do quite a few different quizzes around, and it is a fundraiser for Mont de Lancey, as the only funding we get is through the tickets that we sell for tours and things like that, so it is a fundraiser to keep our gorgeous Mont de Lancey, the keeper of the local history, here and open for people to visit,” she said.
“We’re looking for people to purchase tickets and tables and just have a big night of fun, there’ll be lots of fun games, we’ve got a couple of raffles that’ll be going, we’ll have a silent auction that’ll be on and of course lots of quizzing fun too.”
All questions are multiple-choice and will be displayed on screen with a mixture of picture, video and audio questions.
Ms Duncan said hosting new events gets a different cohort of people up there that may not have visited or had the opportunity or even thought to come and have a look at Mont De Lancey.
“It’s opening up local’s eyes, so it’s a great opportunity, we’ve had a few work teams that have booked tables, which is great, a few family teams that have booked, and a few other social groups that have booked tables as well,” she said.
“After we had Cinema in the Paddock, which was the first for us, it’s just been really good and we are really enjoying being supported by the local community in these new events that we’re having.”
Attendees will be participating in tables of eight, with individuals and groups who don’t have eight participants being put together to make up numbers.
Wine, beer, and soft drinks will be available for purchase and attendees can BYO their own snacks for their table, arrive at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
Tickets are $20 per person and 100 per cent of funds raised will go to Mont De Lancey and the upkeep of the property.
To purchase, visit montdelancey.org.au/ event/quiz-night-2024-08-24/.
Focus is on mental health
By Callum Ludwig
Yarra Valley Seventh-Day Adventist Church is continuing its efforts to boost community health.
The annual community health events are open to all interested, with this year’s ‘De-Stress and Thrive’ session focused on mental health.
Church member and psychiatrist Horatio Selagea said historically, the Seventh-day Adventist worldwide has been a big advocate of healthy living, promoting a plant-based diet and a physically active lifestyle for its members but also for the community.
“Our church in Wandin North, like many other Adventist churches, has been running health programs every year, on a variety of topics, both in terms of raising awareness of these health issues and also in terms of promoting the advantages of a healthy lifestyle in their prevention and treatment,” he said.
“In the busyness of our day and age, many people struggle with the stress and pressures of their day-to-day workload,”
“The ‘De-stress & Thrive’ program will teach them valuable stress management techniques and strategies to help them manage their stress for a happier life.”
Previous events held at the Yarra Valley Seventh-Day Adventist Church has focused on other health issues such as dental health,
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
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
diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and cancer.
Mr Selegea said he believes these programs have been very good sources of information and motivation for all participants, church members and community participants alike.
“They encouraged participants to adopt healthier lifestyle habits and thus reduce their risk of developing some of the common chronic health issues plaguing our society today,” he said.
“They also raised awareness of when it’s important to access professional health services.”
ThefirstoftheDe-StressandThrivesessions will be held on Saturday 24 August at 4.30pm.
Mr Selegea said they are excited to offer this program for the first time ever to their community, so have decided to offer it at a free introductory rate, while the usual cost of the program is $35.
“The program consists in six weekly intensive 90min sessions, teaching participants things such as: relaxation strategies (deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, etc.); mental, emotional and sensory strategies to manage stress; the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle in managing stress; and so forth,” he said.
To register for the event, visit eliawellness. com/event/de-stress
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
The
Head to the Mont De Lancey museum for a night of quizzing fun. (File)
Vets gather for Vietnam
By Tanya Steele
Outer East Melbourne assembled for their esteemed veterans this weekend, honouring the Vietnam Veterans in a moving ceremony at the Arboretum War Memorial in Ferntree Gully.
The sound of pipes heralded the arrival of veterans on the march as a community gathered to mark and honour their veterans on the anniversary of Long Tan on Sunday 18 August.
“Welcome all to this very distinguished day,” said Allan Small, Chair of the Committee for the Veteran’s event this year and President of the Outer Eastern Melbourne Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (VVAA OEM).
“The 18th day of August has been for many years and is accepted as our day to remember and meet with mates, reflect on memories and absent mates, and as a collective, perhaps, to try and enjoy our life’s foibles – whatever our circumstances tend to be,” he said.
“Some 58 years previously, on this very day, the actions of Long Tan unfolded – likely the most trying, deadly and long-term consequences for untold numbers, not only on that fateful day, but equally in the aftermath, and most unfortunately, the even longer term, even up to the present.”
Australia’s longest military engagement of the 20th Century, the Vietnam War saw almost 60,000 Australians serve during a decade of conflict between 1962 and 1972.
Tragically, 523 of them died and 3000 were wounded by the time the war ended.
Mr Small said the consequences are regularly transmitted and felt by the many who served their time.
“Those traumas, illnesses and tragedies are most likely untold and mostly untold, even unimaginable to the many, he said.
The yearly 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 and the National Servicemen’s Association.
The march and ceremony featured performances by the Rats of Tobruk Memorial on pipes and drums, the students of Knox School Senior choir and strings, the 408 Squadron Air Force Cadets, Tom Steele played the bugle and Father John Dupuche led the service in prayer.
Veterans, their families and friends and many government officials arrived for the service and MP for Menzies Keith Wolohan spoke at the ceremony. Boronia police and Knox Highway Patrol took care of local traffic whilst the march occurred, with St John Ambulance representatives on scene.
The service finished with a rendition of “I was only 19” by the Knox School Choir and band and Mr Small’s grandchildren helped with wreaths and handing out poppies. To the sounds of the pipes the public came and put forward a token of respect for the veterans, then Father Dupuche closed the formal part of the ceremony. The gathered community was then invited to the Bayswater RSL for refreshments.
“Thanks for coming along with colleagues, friends. I wish you well and a good you well and good health for the future.” said Mr Small.
The event is a joint initiative of the outer east. (Tanya Steele: 426020)
The Rats of Tobruk Memorial Pipes and Drums on the march. (426020)
The Victorian Military vehicle club led the march. (426020)
The veterans march. (426020)
The 408 squadron air force cadets catafalque party at attention. (426020)
Allan Small, President of VVAA Outer East Melbourne and Chair for Vietnam Veterans Day 2024. (426020)
From Right: Ian Warton, Daryl Bristowe, Allan Small and Simon Bloomer. (426020)
Eastern Region Girl Guide Hannah (a sprite from Croydon) and Pheobe Finegan at the service. (426020)
Members of the VVAA, from left Diana Smith and Lynda Young, both widows of Vietnam Veterans. (426020)
Fake news
In the first half of 2024, one-third of Australians accessed Facebook for news, a new study reveals.
The finding contradicts Meta’s long-standing assertion that news content is a minor part of the Facebook experience for most Australian users.
Meta has previously used this claim to justify its decision to abandon commercial agreements with local publishers.
The implications of this are significant for the local journalism landscape, especially for the more than 230 newspapers who are part of Country Press Australia, the association representing the interests of regional and rural newspapers across the country.
The research emphasises the essential role that news media plays in Australia, particularly how regional newspapers contribute to offering balanced and precise news coverage.
Media Bargaining Code, which might compel Meta to negotiate compensation for content with news providers.
Meta has threatened to block Australian news content should these costs be enforced.
In an article published in The Australian on Monday, News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller expressed concerns over Meta’s threats to remove news content, potentially replacing it with less reliable sources.
He also criticised Meta for its lack of accountability.
The study shows strong public support for social media responsibility, with 85 per cent of Australians agreeing that platforms should prevent the spread of false or harmful information.
By Maria Millers
Human fascination with gambling shows no signs of abating, transcending generations, borders, and backgrounds.
It influences all forms of culture and media, from literature to movies, television, radio, and the news.
Fascinated with gambling WOORILLA WORDS
Perhaps because life itself is risk taking, it’s not surprising that gambling of one kind or another is not something that has emerged recently but can be traced back to ancient cultures and even Indigenous Australians enjoyed gambling games.
Gambling was rife across all classes in early colonial society: cockfighting, dice, card games and Two Up, still a part of Anzac Day commemorations.
The phrase, Come in Spinner is still used in Australia today, often in a nostalgic or colloquial context, sometimes to describe situations involving chance or uncertainty.
But it was during the Gold Rushes with new found wealth that saw many gambling practices take hold. It also saw the beginnings of Turf Clubs and our passion for betting on horse racing.
In Something for the Pain: A Memoir of the Turf Gerald Murnane explores his love for horse racing, reflecting on our continuing preoccupation with racing from Country Races to the Melbourne Cup extravaganza, where outcomes are always uncertain, much like the course of our lives.
Australians lose over $3 billion annually on horseracing bets.
This loss is part of a broader gambling industry in Australia, where total gambling losses exceed $25 billion annually across all forms of gambling, including poker machines, lotteries, and sports betting.
In Dead Souls’, Nikolai Gogol wrote, “The only man who makes money following the races is one who does it with a broom and shovel.”
The ritual of buying a weekly Tatts Lotto ,Powerball etc, or the instant gratification of a scratchie is of course still a form of gambling but many don’t see this as such and Australians spend approximately $7-8 billion annually just on lottery products, The appeal of large jackpots and the relatively low cost of entry make lotteries a widespread form of gambling in our country.
Both Commonwealth and State governments derive significant revenue from gambling through taxes and levies. Collectively, they earn around $6-7 billion annually from gaming machines, lotteries, racing casinos and increasingly since 1996 from sports betting.
The money is diverted to many areas including health, education, public infrastructure, sporting and arts and culture. Ironically also to problem gambling programs.
Perhaps it should be pointed out that Australians hold the dubious honour of being the highest gamblers in the world.
A loss of this revenue would without doubt reflect on services we receive.
Somehow the taxes inherent in gambling revenue are accepted but any suggestion of increasing other taxes is met with an outcry.
And this is the dilemma our governments face when confronted with irrefutable evidence
of the damage done to our youth with online betting during sporting events.
Smartphones and tablets let young people gamble at any time, day or night, away from any parental supervision.
The recently released report by the late Peta Murphy leaves no doubt of the seriousness of youth online sports betting.
Most of us can have the odd flutter on a horse or on the pokies at the local pub or club and walk away But not all of us are wired in the same way and for some an addiction takes hold and ends in broken relationships, criminal activity and a life destroyed.
We should remove the shame and stigma from people who become addicted, because they are often vulnerable in the first place. And it’s an industry that preys particularly on vulnerable people.
As Kenny Rogers sings in The Gambler
You got to know when to hold’em, Know when to fold’em, Know when to walk away,
And know when to run.
In her poem Horses Gayelene Carbis paints a sympathetic picture of her Aunt born with a disability, always broke, never fitting in and turning for solace to gambling on horses.
Carbis is critical of her Aunt’s gambling but ultimately understanding.
My Aunt often had no money for rent, everything went on the races, and Paterson’s and Williamson’s cakes and pies and pasties, which she’d eat but mostly give away, to us. She’d always loved horses, wanted to be a horse-breaker, like her father, but being a girl, horses galloped away from her.
Carbis is critical of her aunt’s obsession yet ultimately understanding
We all hated the incessant sound of that transistor, hated how she kept blowing her money on those horses, even hated those horses who took her away from us, we judged her for her neglect and her carelessness, the lacks in her love.
Yet who knows what love went into those bets, those trifectors, who knows what hope of solace and salvage of self in choosing that winning horse to come home
Gayelene Carbis is the judge for the Louise Rockne Youth Category of the Woorilla Poetry Prize, 2024.
Woorilla Poetry Prize will be running a virtual poetry event on Tuesday 27 August at 6.30. Visit woorilla.org.au
More than 40 per cent of Australians cited news access as a key motivator for their daily social media activity, with this tendency more noticeable among Gen Z and millennials at 60 per cent and 53 per cent, respectively.
Country Press Australia President Andrew Schreyer said there were significant industry challenges ahead, and forecast potential closures of up to 50 member outlets as current agreements under the News Media Bargaining Code with Meta near their expiration.
The study also found that while overall Facebook usage is waning, half of the Australians still turn to social media for news, with 25 per cent using it as their primary news source.
These findings starkly contradict Meta’s position that news is a minimal component of the content seen by Australians on its platforms, which Meta claimed represents less than three per cent of the total.
This study, initiated by News Corp and conducted by Dynata, refutes those statements.
This research release aligns with the media industry’s wait on the Albanese government’s decision regarding Meta’s obligations under the News
Without trustworthy journalism, 66 per cent believe the societal impact would be negative, anticipating increases in misinformation and decreased media diversity.
Mr Miller highlighted the significant impact these findings have on public understanding and the obligations of large tech companies, criticising Meta for avoiding transparency.
This analysis of 2,500 Australians confirms the integral role of social media in their news consumption habits, countering Meta’s underestimations of news relevance on its platform, and exposing the misleading nature of its claims.
Mr Schreyer further highlighted the implications for democracy.
“Democracy in areas without local news is lost. Who is going to stand up to a council decision that doesn’t meet the pub test? Who is going to shine a light on issues when people don’t have a big enough voice to get their message out?
“The research underscores the vital role that regional newspapers play in providing accurate and diverse perspectives.
“As Australians show a growing dissatisfaction with Meta, the study reaffirms the importance of maintaining a strong and independent local press to ensure accountability and transparency within communities.”
Gambling takes many forms and is something Maria Millers finds infiltrates all forms of media. (Shutterstock)
BOOK WEEK
Librarian favourites
What is one of your favourite book collections or series and why?
One of my favourite series is the Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness, a young adult sci-fi series - which is surprising because sci-fi isn’t my preferred genre! The book focuses on a community of humans who have resettled on a new planet, where every thought a man has is projected into the world for all to see, known as Noise.
The way Ness writes makes you feel like you’re inside the head of the main character, experiencing every moment alongside them, and the Noise adds a fascinating layer to the storytelling.
The name of this series may sound familiar as the first book was adapted into a movie in 2021, but I feel that the movie does not do justice to a trilogy that has won numerous awards for its analysis of information overload, war, redemption, and the blurring of lines between good and evil.
-
Emma Jahn, Team Leader
What have been your best reads for the year?
My favourite read so far this year is ‘The Quiet and the Loud’ by Helena Fox. It was shortlisted in the Book of the Year category for Older Readers 2024 by the Children’s Book Council of Australia. Sometimes you read a book you keep coming back to, and thinking of, months after the reading experience, this is one of those books.
The language is lyrical and the story has pace and is easy to read. I fell into Georgie’s life after the first few sentences. It touches on relevant subjects and it feels very now. It’s set in Sydney during the devastating bushfires 2019-2020 and it touches on topics such as climate change, domestic violence, friendship and first love. It is a coming-of-age story with a LGBTQI+ focus. It’s beautifully crafted with a rich language that brings the characters to life.
- Hanna Condon, Children’s Services Officer
Do you read much at home after working in the library all week?
Yes, I do read a lot outside of work. I discover so
A book shop owner’s guide
What’s happening at Verso’s during Book Week?
We love book week! We love being visited by kids in costumes and celebrating the award winners. This year we are giving away $5 to spend instore when kids bring in reviews of their favourite books.
Tell us about some of your favourites on the Children’s Book Council shortlist this year?
If I Was a Horse is delightful and When You’re a Boy is a truly beautiful book. That Bird Has Arms has had us giggling. For older readers all the titles are winners. My daughter adored Grace Notes and The Quiet and the Loud is a staff favourite.
What books have been popular with customers so far in 2024?
There’s a new Andy Griffiths just out - The Land of Lost Things and it’s the first in the Adventures Unlimited series and we are expecting that to be pretty big. Runt, and Wild Robot are both selling really well - because they have both been made into films. Graphic novels and Bluey are still super popular. What have been a couple of your best reads this year?
Hmmm, that’s tough - I loved Tom Lake and
Edenglassie. There are so many great books out this year - so much reading ahead!
Describe the experience of meeting author Bonnie Garmus (Lessons in Chemistry) recently. What was it like?
She was delightful! Very, very down to earth and normal. I tried very hard to convince her to visit Healesville! She was very keen on visiting the Sanctuary and some wineries. She did go rowing on the Yarra at 5am which I found extremely impressive for someone on a whirlwind book tour.
many great books at work that I have piles to get through.
Surprisingly we don’t get much opportunity to read at work as we are too busy putting books away, helping patrons, running events and everything in between.
- Orielle Wright, Customer Service Officer
If you could go back in time, which author would you like to talk to about their books? I would like to talk to Jane Austen - her books are romantic with interesting and often complex characters.
The storylines are not overly complicated and she wrote her books in the time-period in which she was living, therefore she would have had a familiar understanding of her characters’ daily lives. Her heroines are smart and clever, her heroes are handsome and wealthy. What’s not to like?
- Jeanette Tucker, Customer Service Officer
Mayor gets away with her books
What’s We Come With This Place about?
We Come With This Place by Debra Dank is what she describes as “a strange kind of letter, written to my place.” It is set on Gudanji Country in the NT/ Mt Isa and is a collection of memoirs. Debra is an amazing truth teller, penning many stories of connection to her Country with family, and reflects on the importance of belonging.
There are also threads of lived experience facing racism and adversity, and overcoming this through strength of ancestry. Do you like to read when you are on holiday?
I aspire to read books, but don’t always end up doing it! I have so many council reports and emails to read, I tire out. (Although, I did read my last book during a flight to QLD!)
Do you have a favourite book of all time? Not specifically. I think that as you grow through key life stages, the faves can change. I still, however, remember the Enid Blyton books so vividly since childhood. What is the next book you are going to read?
I’m about to acquire some young goats - I think I’ll have to find a book on how to keep them on the property and out of the veggie gardens!
Entertaining reads are best
What’s one of your favourite books?
Aster’s Good, Right Things by Kate Gordon. I am actually re-reading it. It’s entertaining and powerful! - Roza
Too many to mention. I like books that I can read out loud and bring the characters to life! -
Tracy
The Famous Five. Five on a Treasure Island by Enid Blyton. The words were very descriptive that helps paint a picture in your head and it was very entertaining! - Vukota
What book character did you go to as in last year’s book week parade?
I went dressed up as someone from The Babysitters Club. - Roza
Little Red Riding Hood, and this year will be just as good, but you will have to wait and see! -
Tracy
I kept The Famous Five theme going and I dressed up as Julian from the book series. - Vukota
Nina Sturgess from Verso Books with That Bird Has Arms and If I Was a Horse. (Stewart Chambers: 422713)
Wattle View Primary School captains Roza and Vukota with principal Tracy Wright. (Stewart Chambers: 425704)
Yarra Ranges Mayor Sophie Todorov’s current read is ‘We Come With This Place’. (Stewart Chambers: 422412)
Mooroolbark Library’s team Orielle Wright, Jeanette Tucker, Emma Jahn and Hanna Condon with a few favourites. (Stewart Chambers: 421598)
BOOK WEEK
Stories of the past chosen
Craig:
What is one of the books you have enjoyed reading this year?
I recently finished The Wild Date Palm by Australian author Diane Armstrong. It’s about espionage set in the Middle East during World War I. It’s a fictional story based upon actual events. It was a riveting read, so much so that I couldn’t put it down and completed it in two days!
Since then I have gone back to re-reading The Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T.E. Lawrence, which is set in the same time and place as The Wild Date Palm.
What’s your favourite biography?
I do prefer biographies, especially about politics. One of my favourites is about Australia’s first Labor Prime Minister, Andrew Fisher. It was very interesting and written by Australian author David Day who specialises in historical writings.
Another book that I highly recommend is, One Crowded Hour by Tim Bowden. This is a brilliant read about Australian combat cameraman Neil Davis, who hailed from Tasmania and reported on the Vietnam War.
Pat:
What is one of the books you have enjoyed reading this year?
Under the Foot of the Cherry Tree by Alli Parker, it is her debut novel about forbidden love based on a true story of Australia’s first Japanese war bride. It was easy to read and I connected to a lot of the history. The Parker family spent their Christmas’ at Lillydale lake.
Do you frequent the local libraries?
I do visit a lot, I am an avid reader. I can read one or two books a week! I enjoy going to events such as listening to authors giving talks and looking out for new books too. Craig from the Croquet Club highly recommends The Wild Date Palm so that could be my next read!
A great selection of children’s books, activities
What activities are planned for the library during Book Week?
We will be celebrating book week with Dress Up Storytimes, attendees are welcome and encouraged to dress up as their favourite book on Tuesday 11am (Tinytots zero - 12 months), Wednesday 10.30am (Families zero - six years) and Fri 9.30am (Toddlers one - three years)
Tell us about some of your favourites on the Children’s Book Council shortlist this year?
A favourite for Sharni and Rose would be Paper Flower Girl by Lamond Margrete and Illustrated by Mateja Jager (in the Picture Book of the Year category) this picture book is so beautifully illustrated and written with words that are gentle and yet powerful, I was very encapsulated by it.
Bower Bird Blues by Aura Parker (in the Picture Book of the Year category) is also a big winner for us, it was the National Simultaneous Storytime selection in 2024 and is a lovely story, close to home too as we do get Bower Birds in the area.
It was also great to see Real Pigeon’s Flap Out by Andrew McDonald, we love a graphic novel here at Healesville Library, so much so that we are having a Comics and Cosplay Extravaganza, so it was great to see the inclusion of a graphic novel shortlisted
in the Young Readers category.
What was one of your favourite books when you were a kid?
Rose: Ice Creams for Rosie by Rhonda and David Armitage, I still have my childhood copy at home, though there is a page missing.
If the library could get a few authors to visit, who would you like that to be?
We had to share this question with the team.... Aaron Blabey (author of the Bad Guys Series), Ahn Do (Weirdo and Wolf Girl), Jackie French (Diary of a Wombat) and Bronwyn Bancroft (Coming Home to Country, Colours of Australia)
Are Grug books by Ted Prior still popular?
Rose: Grug is hugely popular! Grug is undeniably an iconic Australian Children’s Book Character, I remember reading Grug when I was a kid, and then to my kids who are all grown up now, and I am still seeing Grug books being borrowed regularly now, so Grug is definitely a multigenerational and enduring character and book series.
Who is your favourite book character and why?
Rose: Oh, this is a hard one! Can I really only pick one? Maybe Tigger from the Winnie the Pooh books. Just because he’s so bouncy and energetic like me.
Many learnings in books
What is your favourite series of books, and why?
My favourite series currently, would be Avatar the Last Airbender graphic novel series.
This is a continuation of the series and development of the characters stories.
The Promise touches on the effects of war, colonisation and how you rebuild once the declaration sounds that the war is over.
The Search is a storyline hinted at in the TV series and through this novel you get to see how it unfolds.
The Rift looks into how actions in the past effect now, the adaptions that can be made so we can honour the past respectfully.
Smoke and shadow, the effect unrest and the threats that can arise inside a nation linking back to the promise about the aftereffects of war.
North and South, you discover that change doesn’t come easy and to get others to open up you may need to open up first.
Imbalance reveals that even when balance is in reach people will find other reasons to discriminate, making someone other to themselves.
What made the TV show great gets expanded on and we get to see the adventures of the beloved characters after the end of the show. With great storytelling they are able to touch on the complicate nature of humans and develop their stories.
What is your favourite book from your childhood, and why?
My favourite childhood books would have to be Emily Rodda’s Deltora Quest series.
This was the series that got me into reading, the characters, adventure, puzzles and more.
I love this series for when I got to the final page of the final book in the series, I experienced that happy sad feeling at the end. For I was with them for the journey, grow with the characters and loved how far they had come but new the adventure was over now, and it was time to put the book down. For I would never get to experience the series again for the first time.
I went to read a great many books after this series some ended with that feeling again some made me want to discover more. There is a
great many feelings and lesson you can gain from the experience when reading a book, a great many things to explore and discover. Is there a book you like to re-read, and why that book?
I could say Deltora quest as I could go on and on about it, as it is one of those books I love to re-read.
Many books I have read, or re-read are fantasy books that have a good map as I love the world building you can discover in them. However, if there is one that I have come back to many times it has to be volume one of One Piece.
As it starts off the epic adventure that Luffy and his crew go on, there are many stories to discover within the page of the manga. I first read it back in the early 2010s, it has only grown from there and is a world phenomenon.
The whole series is exceptional, but the first chapters are where it all began.
What are a few books that are popular with Emerald library readers this year?
Anh do with Wolf Girl, Hotdog and many more of his works Aaron Blabey’s Bad Guys which now has a movie JK Rowling’s Harry Potter is still going strong Tui Sutherland and the Wings of Fire series Then Lessons in Chemistry is the book that I have seen the most circulation with the most holds and how many times I see it come in and go again.
Healesville Library’s Rose Herring and Sharni Steel are so pleased to see Bower Bird Blues in the picture book of the year category. (Stewart Chambers: 423132)
Emerald Library branch manager Siobhan Steele’s favourite series is Avatar the Last Airbender. (Stewart Chambers: 417183)
Craig McCracken and Pat West from Lilydale Croquet Club with their most recent reads. (Stewart Chambers: 423131)
OPINION
Mt Evelyn before the War
Online copies of the Lilydale Express allow us to imagine life in Mt Evelyn pre-First World War, just over 120 years ago.
1913 was a year when significant subdivisions took place in Mt Evelyn, the hamlet was almost destroyed by fire and the Evelyn Progress Association took seriously the promotion of their home as a ‘pretty pleasure resort’.
The Progress Association successfully lobbied for a change of the township name to Mt Evelyn ‘as the name “Evelyn” does not convey any of the beauties and natural advantages of this place as a tourist resort’ (July 11).
They also asked that the obsolete name ‘Olinda Vale’, referring to the former village settlement between Swansea Road and Olinda Creek, should be eliminated from official maps.
Three properties were divided into weekend blocks and purchasers were busy erecting dwellings.
Looking back
Janice Newton Mount Evelyn History Group editor
A dentist from Windsor, Mr Alfred Stevens, sold his Mt Evelyn Estate near the station, divided into half-acre £20 blocks.
A fire in early February 1913 almost destroyed this budding destination.
The Evelyn correspondent reported in the Lilydale Express on 7 February:
‘Starting from Fossey’s scrub, 300 yards from
Alien: not enough new ideas
Alien: Romulus
Starring Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson and Archie Renaux
Rated MA15+
3.75/5
Directed by Fede Alvarez, Alien: Romulus is an enthralling, superbly-made sci-fi horror film that sadly retreads the Alien franchise too closely.
Rain (Cailee Spaeny), a young woman on a mining colony planet, joins a group of scavengers on the derelict Romulus space station, only to face the most deadly lifeform in the universe.
Returning to the visceral horror of Alien but with sprinklings of Aliens action, Romulus is undeniably an extremely well-crafted film, and Alvarez maintains gripping suspense both from the xenomorph alien menace and the ticking clock of Romulus station’s slow crash-course to the planet below.
Spaeny is a compelling lead as Rain, striking just the right balance of brave and petrified. Rain’s android brother Andy (David Jonsson) is a sweet, almost pathetic figure who grows unsettling as his cold corporate programming takes over.
Romulus is full of amazing animatronics, miniatures and claustrophobic sets, with much of the effects team having worked on Aliens.
The art direction shows that your setting can be dark and grungy but also richly-colourful (something many modern filmmakers have for-
gotten), and takes clear creative cues from the acclaimed 2014 video game Alien: Isolation (technically, this is a much better video game movie than Borderlands).
A new entry in a franchise should thread the needle of satisfying fans and presenting new ideas, and Romulus sadly doesn’t have enough of the latter.
The first act feels like an effective soft reboot, but the rest of the film features overt callback to Prometheus, Alien: Covenant and Alien: Resurrection, along with the distracting return of a character from Alien.
A tense, disturbing, lovingly-crafted film in itself and certainly one of the better Alien movies, Alien: Romulus just gets carried away with the fan-service, and is playing in most Victorian cinemas.
Balkan brass at Burrinja
Burrinja theatre
Opa Bato! – Like at the Lyre Opa Bato! Is the only Trubacki Orkestar in Australia performing authentic contemporary Balkan brass music from the rich traditions of Serbia, Macedonia and beyond.
The distinctive music of the Balkans is the result of European and Eastern musical traditions meeting and cross-pollinating over many centuries.
Southern Serbia is home to the Trubacki Orkestar, also heard in the wider Balkan region and now the rest of Europe and beyond.
While there are slow and evocative ballads, the music id often fast, frenetic and compelling danceable, with energetic rhythms , soaring melodies and wild Turkish-influenced improvisations.
Season: Friday 6 September at 8pm.
1812 theatre in association with Redfox Theatre Company
Coherence
Australian Premiere – Strictly Limited Season.
A group of friends gather together for a dinner party where relationship tensions and secrets sizzle below the surface. But when a comet passes close to Earth, it shuts down power supplies and phone connections, plunging the evening into metaphysical chaos.
Season: 5 – 14 September.
Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre
Clue on Stage
The classic board game is brought to life in Clue on Stage. Six guests are invited to a dinner party thrown by an anonymous host.
They are given aliases - Colonel Mustard, Mrs White, Mr Green, Mrs Peacock, Professor Plum and Miss Scarlett.
Each is presented with a weapon and an option, pay their extortionist double or kill the innocent butler. What follows is a madcap, slapstick evening full of murder, mystery and laughs as they seek to puzzle out the culprit among criminals.
Season: 5 – 13 September.
Victorian Opera Presents SweeneyToddtheDemonBarberofFleetStreet
Once there was a barber who had it all – a happy life, a beautiful wife But it all ended in a savage act of betrayal.
Enter Sweeney Todd, from haunting melodies of Stephen Sondheim to the chilling narrative by Hugh Wheeler, this production explores the transformation of an once-content barber into the infamous ‘demon barber’, a suave and perilous figure with a desire for vengeance.
Sweeney Todd tells the gruesome story of a man living life by the razor’s edge.
Season: 14 – 21 September.
Venue: Playhouse Theatre. Arts Centre Melbourne.
Mr Scott’s Evelyn Park … (the fire) burnt a quantity of Mr Clancy’s fencing, and aided by the strong northerly wind, it jumped the (Silvan-Monbulk) road and attacked the scrub on the other side. Two of the old camps were destroyed and the flames made their way to Starr’s stables... The fire then crossed the railway line and over the (O’Shannassy) aqueduct, carrying all before it and destroying hundreds of pounds of timber in its course.
It then skirted Stevens’ Mt Evelyn Estate, ran across the Olinda Creek and through Angeline’s ‘Valinda Park’. A clean sweep was made of the orchard and the homestead was threatened, but Mr Fairleigh, with the owner’s assistance, made a fire break and thus saved the place.
In the evening the wind freshened, and the fire attacked the scrub around the water scheme.
All the contractor’s staff turned out… put in fire breaks and with water from the aqueduct saved
the fences.
Then the flames madly rushed in the direction of Pendlebury’s but a change in the wind turned them over the road to McAlister’s.
The building was soon surrounded by burning grass and trees and the verandah caught.
Fortunately … the building was saved. Howarth’s sawmill, next to McAllister’s, was next attacked and over £30 worth of newly sawn firewood destroyed.
Then the flames spread towards the school, but a band of volunteers prevented their encroachment upon the grounds.
During all this the South Wandin (Silvan Monbulk) road between the state school and Pendlebury’s, was impassable. It was an avenue of fire and smoke,thehugetreesoneithersidebeingcrowned with flames and emitting millions of sparks.
At eleven o’clock… rain began to fall and all danger was passed.’
An exquisite gothic mystery
A review of The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins
The Silence Factory, by British author Bridget Collins, has a setting very much like Victorian Britain.
The story begins with the writings of Sophia in 1820, who accompanies her husband James Ashmore-Percy to a remote Greek island to search for rare biological specimens.
History tells us that the Victorians were obsessed with science and progress, confident that their exploration and growing knowledge of the natural world could help improve society in the same way as they were advancing technology.
It is this confidence – or the arrogance that men are entitled to all of nature’s offerings –that casts a terrifying shadow over Sophia’s life.
Decades later, audiologist Henry Latimer is sent to the home of industrialist Sir Edward Ashmore-Percy to help cure the man’s daughter of her deafness.
Here, Henry’s encounter with Philomel and her governess Miss Fielding plays a crucial role in his journey of self-discovery.
As explained by Miss Fielding: “[Philomel’s] father is determined that she should learn to speak aloud, so that she can participate in society. She cannot be limited to conversations with other people who can sign. Better that she should say a few broken words to the people who matter, than express herself perfectly to those who do not. True speech is what distinguishes us from animals, is it not?”
These words reflect the commonsense of the time, and may cause some distress to readers today who are more informed about the aspirations and strengths of people with disabilities.
But the author’s illustration of Philomel is empathetic and delightful, capturing the beauty and fearlessness of a young girl full of curiosity and energy.
The portrayal of Miss Fielding as a courageous woman full of love and compassion is also endearing.
Meanwhile, as Henry is drawn deeper into Sir Edward’s world, he finds himself obsessed with the fascinating nature of the man’s business – spinning silk with a rare and magical breed of spiders.
The extraordinary silk shields sound, offering respite from the everyday noise in one’s surroundings – “the screech of traffic and the cries of street vendors, or the endless rumble of machinery... Not to mention the relentless background groan of the city, monstrous and unending.”
The result is absolute tranquility and soothing calmness.
In Henry’s words: “Silence is not only silence, sir, it is attention – it is sanity. It is sleep for infants, medicine for invalids, rest for the working man – it is money for the man who must think or starve. We build walls to shelter our bodies from the world, but we leave our minds open to assault on every side.”
Silence is indeed golden, but, as Henry soon finds out, it comes with a price, both personal and collective.
The Silence Factory is an intriguing book, its writing stunningly exquisite, its depiction of the mysterious spiders creepy yet memorising, and its detailed examination of the dark and insatiable greed behind the industrialised capital world then – and now – is both captivating and alarming.
Highly recommended.
PROPERTY
MAGNIFICENT SETTING ON 2 PLUS ACRES
MAGNIFICENT SETTING ON 2 PLUS ACRES
IN the beautiful Yarra Valley is an area named Steels Creek. This property on 2 plus acres with a 3-bedroom character weatherboard, is located there. It’s perfectly positioned and set up for a horse or two with 3 paddocks, one dam and a massive 3 car shed. The house has a lovely front verandah and captures the beautiful views out over the property and nearby hills.
With enchanting views from the verandas, the house is light and bright throughout with floor to ceiling windows in most rooms, maximising the views. The open plan lounge/ dining/ family area will be temperate yearround with the ambiance of wood heating as well as reverse cycle split-systems throughout. The family area leads to a well-equipped kitchen with high quality appliances and excellent storage features including large a pantry cupboard, double sink, 900mm oven and dishwasher.
There are two good size bedrooms both with built in robes and a good size main bedroom with views out over the property. The stylish ensuite and large walk-in robe is a must. Opposite the two bedrooms is a well-appointed family bathroom with separate shower and bath and separate toilet.
As you step outside onto the decking, you’ll be able to sit back with a glass of Chardonnay, take in the views and enjoy the peace and tranquillity that this property offers. Outside features include a horse arena 28.0 x 10.5 metres, 3 car shed 9.0 x 9.0 metres with cosy wood heater (ideal man cave), water tanks and much more.
This property is beautifully quiet and secluded and has all the conveniences of the Yarra Glen township just a short drive away. Arrange your viewing today, because opportunities like this are rare.
RIGHT OUT OF A MAGAZINE
SITTING pretty on a private 30 acres, this impressive home offers a stylish and sophisticated design, blending earthy timber tones, recycled red brick and striking dark Colorbond features to create that “wow” factor you have been searching for.
As you enter the home you are welcomed into your central living space; soaring high ceilings draw your eyes up and an abundance of windows flood the home with natural light to create a sense of space and volume. The kitchen is truly magazine worthy, boasting sleek black and contrasting timber soft close cabinetry, striking engineered stone benchtops and splash-backs, induction cooktop and electric Westinghouse oven, LG dishwasher, an abundance of storage and a huge island bench and breakfast bar with waterfall benchtops and feature pendant light. The separate butlers pantry features a Bosche steam oven and even more storage. The adjoining second living area is currently configured as a second lounge and home office, boasting an abundance of built-in storage so you can store away all the kids toys, games and bits and bobs with ease.
There are four bedrooms in total, the master suite is separately zoned from the kids bedrooms for peace and privacy, complete with views across the pool, a fully fitted walk-in wardrobe, stunning ensuite bathroom with solid concrete and Vic Ash double vanity, this is a true parents retreat. The three secondary bedrooms all have built in robes and are serviced by the spacious family bathroom with free standing bath. For year-round comfort there is two woodfires, 6
split-systems and ceiling fans.
Outside the embellishments continue, the huge decked and covered outdoor area is an entertainers dream. Huge stacker doors open from the living area to create a true indooroutdoor living and allow you to host even the largest of family gatherings comfortably year-round. Sit back and relax on the deck whilst you watch the kids run and play on the expansive lawn areas or burn some energy on the playground. In the warmer months (or cooler ones if you are brave) enjoy the above ground solar heated salt-chlorinate pool.
If you have a green thumb, there are raised vegetable gardens ready for next seasons seeds. The vegetable gardens, lawn and landscaped gardens surrounding the home all have an irrigation system with a timer.
For the toys, tools, caravan, cars, trailers and/or more, there is a huge 16m x 18m high rise Colorbond shed. Complete with concrete floor, power, kitchenette with hot water, toilet, workshop and/or storage space, built in cabinetry and separate generator room. This is the shed of all sheds! If this wasn’t enough, there is also a double oversized garage under roofline, a separate machinery shed and an abundance of secure off-street parking.
This property has been carefully considered and designed to be completely off the grid, there is a 40Kw solar array with a total of 27Kwh battery storage and also an 11kva generator. There is also a total of 205,000L of water storage.
This property is one you need to see to believe, inspect with absolute confidence.
COUNTRY LIVING ON 3.6 ACRES
NESTLED on a picturesque 3.6 acre property on a no through road in Gembrook, this beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers a perfect blend of country living with modern amenities. This property is an ideal retreat for families seeking space, comfort and a connection to nature.
Stepping inside to the open plan kitchen/ dining area with floating floors, a central wood heater for the perfect ambiance for those cooler nights, spacious kitchen with large island bench/breakfast bar, with integrated oven, electric stove top and stainless steel dishwasher.
The master bedroom with walk-in wardrobes and modern ensuite, central bathroom with double vanity and large shower, a further 3 good sized, carpeted bedrooms all with built-in wardrobes and large double glazed windows to let in lots of natural light
throughout the home.
Outside you will find an additional 40ft container for storage/workshop, 4 car carport, 3 water tanks for a combined 55,000ltrs of water storage, 3 fenced paddocks with 2 looseboxes, ready and waiting for larger animal friends and raised veggie patches for the avid gardener.
This property ensures comfort and convenience making it perfect for everyday living and entertaining, while enjoying the peace and tranquillity of rural living.
Call to arrange a private inspection today.
Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office.
NESTLED on the edge of the enchanting timber town of Powelltown, 1515 Little Yarra Road awaits, offering you the perfect blend of historic charm and modern appeal. Immerse yourself in the beauty of towering gums, the majestic tree ferns, state forests, and scenic trails right at your doorstep.
This stunning property has been meticulously rebuilt from the ground up, ensuring a seamless blend of modern style and contemporary comfort. No detail has been spared, with new plaster, walls, floors, electrical wiring, guttering, bathroom, kitchen, flooring, and even a cozy wood heater to warm your evenings. It is just like brand new.
Step into the heart of the home, where a gourmet kitchen awaits featuring a 900mm Smeg cooker, ample cupboard space, and generous countertops – a chef’s dream come true. The spacious layout flows effortlessly into the dining area, creating an inviting space for gatherings and relaxation.
As you explore further, discover the added convenience of an extra powder room, a European laundry and a delightful deck at the rear, perfect for enjoying the peace and tranquillity that surrounds you.
Outside, on 2.5 acres (approx.) of wellmaintained parklike gardens and trees, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature’s beauty. Towering tree ferns and established trees create a picturesque backdrop, while the Little Yarra River gently meanders along the back boundary, providing a serene soundtrack to your everyday life. There is still plenty of cleared space to make good use of such as veggie gardens or plant more fruit trees to compliment the established ones that are already there..
No all properties have a pavilion but there is one here. The uses are all in the eyes of the beholder from an outdoor entertainment area, a games room for billiards or table tennis or maybe even an extra space for hobbies. The garage has had a long life but again with some work could be created into a very useful workshop or storage space.
DON’T miss this opportunity to own your own piece of paradise in Powelltown. Whether you’re seeking a weekend retreat or a forever home, 1515 Little Yarra Road offers the perfect sanctuary to unwind and embrace the beauty of nature while not having to spend time renovating. Schedule your viewing today and let this be the start of your next chapter in blissful living in this idyllic retreat.
TIME FOR A CHANGE OF SCENERY
HERE’S your chance to finally secure your weekend getaway or a great family home, situated in picturesque and private surroundings on a large block it’s the ideal place to slow down and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle.
The home offers a flexible floorplan with bedrooms spread over 2 levels, the spacious living/lounge area looks out to the colourful treed outlook. A great size kitchen with plenty of bench and cupboard space plus a separate
meals area and formal dining area.
Head outside and immerse yourself in the outdoors and explore and enjoy the surrounds with established gardens and pathways to meander around, entertain all year round with a covered area ideally positioned to enjoy and admire the filtered valley views and treed backdrop.
A great property that offers the whole family a great lifestyle with plenty of space to enjoy.
NESTLED on approximately half an acre of native garden, this lovely home offers complete tranquility and privacy. Thoughtfully designed for family living, it features a functional floor plan perfect for larger or growing families.
Upon entering, you are welcomed into a spacious living area, complete with a split system and ceiling fan for year-round comfort. This space is ideal for relaxing in the afternoons while enjoying the views from the large windows.
The heart of the home is the kitchen and meals area, which is a chef’s delight. It boasts a stainless steel 900mm oven, dishwasher, pressed metal splash-back, breakfast bar, and an adjoining formal dining room. For added convenience, there is a separate lounge room, giving kids their own space to enjoy.
The master suite offers a generous walk-in robe and an ensuite bathroom with a double vanity. Bedroom two is located off a second door to the ensuite, making it an ideal nursery if needed. The other three bedrooms, each with built-in robes, are located in a separate zone and are serviced by the family bathroom and toilet. Additionally, the home features a spacious laundry with external access to a covered rear decking.
Recent updates include new carpets, fresh paint inside and out, and new blinds, making this home move-in ready.
Outside, a spacious entertaining area overlooks the gardens and distant valley views, providing an ideal space to host friends and family during the warmer months.
A separate studio offers versatility, perfect for a private home office, studio, or whatever suits your needs.
For gardening enthusiasts, there are vegetable gardens ready for the next season’s seeds and a variety of fruit trees scattered across the property. The remaining portion of the 2,024 sqm block offers a blank canvas for future projects.
The property features a partially sealed driveway, dual road access, and a flat landing area, offering ample off-street parking and potential for a garage and carport, subject to council approval.
Conveniently located near the Cockatoo and Emerald townships, schools, public transport, parkland, restaurants, and cafes are all within easy reach. This property truly offers the best of both worlds. Make sure to put this one at the top of your list.
Access via Lowen Road. ●
AN OPPORTUNITY NOT TO BE MISSED
WHEN an opportunity arises like this, you simply cannot let it pass – This property, sitting on a flat, sunny and fully useable 2398m2 block is an absolute must see for those looking to purchase in the extremely sought after Belgrave South community.
With dual road access (Mt Morton and Lockwood), the home is perfectly positioned on the block giving you a large sweeping front yard with circular driveway and extra parking bay along with a large rear garden where children can play safely and there is still room for extra shedding for those who are needing extra storage (STCA).
With a 1960’s vintage, the home was built for family living. Modest yet spacious and extremely versatile, the floorplan has endless possibilities that will suit those who are looking to renovate and make it their own.
Three bedrooms can be found at one end of the home, along with a bathroom, separate toilet and also a home office whilst the kitchen/meals area has good cupboard space and has been well maintained in its original fit out.
The main family room has a certain wow factor as you enter the home: Oversized and with mid-century touches, this is the perfect living room for a growing family. You can find another living room, or potentially a fourth bedroom overlooking a side patio area and private garden.
A double garage under roofline has been well converted into an excellent workshop / home office plus single garage space and comes complete with heightened ceiling and direct internal access to the home, allowing this excellent floorplan to just keep growing. Ducted heating, split system heating / cooling and a gas log fireplace are certainly enough to keep you cool or cosy – whatever the weather may be!
Enjoy all that this outstanding property has to offer plus plenty of potential to grow and expand as you need.
Within walking distance to Belgrave South Primary School, and with a bus stop almost at your front door, this opportunity will not last long!
SuzieBrannelly
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Flower (5)
4 Mitigation (9)
9 Thespian (5)
10 Banishment (9)
11 Chore (6)
12 Flirt (8)
14 Railway vehicle (10)
15 Freckle (3)
17 Vegetable (3)
19 Credit card brand (10)
23 Of late (8)
24 Carefree (6)
26 Partner (9)
27 Intending (coll) (5)
28 Ancient Greece’s so-called father of history (9)
29 Cleverly escape (5)
DOWN 1 Stopping devices (6)
2 Canadian province (7) 3 Napoleonic battle (7) 4 Riding (4)
5 Permitted (10)
6 Obliteration (7)
7 Had being (7)
8 Fierce storms (8)
13 Adviser (10)
16 Come nearer to (8)
18 Plaintiff (7)
19 Imperiled (7)
20 Toiletry (7)
21 Domed building (7)
22 Caesar (6)
25 Scottish loch (4)
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
PLUMBER
In accordance with the provisions detailed in the development contributions plan and Section 45.06 of the
contributions applicable between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025. Details of 2024–2025 Development Contribution Plan Levies
Charge Area Levy per hectare of Development footprint
Charge Area A1$35,337$854
Charge Area A2$250,306$854
Charge Area B$35,337$854
Note: Contributions are listed in July 2024 values. Under the DCP the contributions
For further information on Council’s Development Contributions Plans and the above indexed development contribution charges please contact Council’s Strategic Planning team on (03) 9294 6410.
A copy of the above mentioned Development Contributions Plans can be found on Council’s website at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/chirnsidepark
Alison Fowler
V Antennas
Competitive but no wins
By Joanna Campe
Round 13 results for Lilydale Tennis Club in the Eastern Region Tennis Competition. Junior Open Singles Doubles 1 Lilydale v Canterbury
After round 12 Lilydale was sitting outside the top four without a win yet for the season.
Lilydale was represented by Adam Paladino, Joshua Jamieson and Ari Marappan.
Lilydale played away this week against top four team Canterbury. Lilydale fought hard and played well but Canterbury won the day 6 sets to 0 – winning 37 games to Lilydale18
Result: 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 6-2, 6-1
Junior Open Singles Doubles 8
Lilydale v Montrose
After round 12 Lilydale was sitting just outside the top four on the ladder.
Lilydale was represented by Ivy Pieper, Brodie Manger and Haady Aziz.
Lilydale played at home this week against top four team Montrose. Lilydale had a great match and played well. Montrose won the day 4 sets to 2 – winning 31 games to Lilydale 18
Result: 7-6, 4-6, 6-1, 1-6, 0-6, 0-6
Open Rubbers 11 v Upwey South Green
After round 12 Lilydale was sitting outside the top four on the ladder.
Lilydale was represented by Adam Johnson and David Halkidis.
Lilydale played away this week against top four team Upwey South Green. Lilydale were competitive all day with some great match play. Upwey won the day 5 sets to 0 – winning 30 games to Lilydale 14
Result: 6-2, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3, 6-1
Open Rubbers 20 v Nunawading Green
After round 12 Lilydale was sitting outside the top four on the ladder.
Lilydale was represented by Rishabh Chowd-
hury and Levi Daly.
Lilydale played at home this week against Nunawading. Lilydale were competitive but Nunawading proved too strong on the day taking the match 4 sets to 1 – winning 28 games to Lilydale 12.
Result: 3-6, 2-6, 6-3 (0-1 super tiebreak), 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
Athletics club members show depth in Ekiden relays
By Jamie Strudley
Yarra Ranges Athletics teams were in action again, this time in Myrniong for round eight of the XCR season. The Ekiden relay format, where athletes run different distances to make up the total team distance, is always a challenging but exciting event. This year Yarra Ranges had six teams competing across various grades, finishing with two first, three seconds and one third in the statewide competition.
The women’s division two team were convincing winners despite missing two of the strongest performers so far this year. Grace Muller, Briar Keyser, Maddie Laven and Zoe Clarke combined to achieve YRA’s first women’s team win of the season.
The men’s division two team were also missing two of their strongest runners, however, the depth of the club was on show with Max SavilBentley, James Laven, Reuben Johnson, Angus Norman, Luke Hunter and Mitch Pointon combining to finish in an unexpected third place.
YRA’s Under 14 girls’ team of Lily Clarke, Bree Coffey and Adele Ellis were strong, finishing in third place. Elsewhere the lower division teams benefited from the club depth with the men’s division six team and women’s division four team both finishing second, while the men’s division seven team took line honours in their grade. Final results were:
• Men Division 2 40.9km Ekiden: 3rd Max Savill-Bentley: 27:59 (8.6km), James Laven: 25:28 (7.9km), Reuben Johnson: 22:31 (6.6km), Angus Norman: 21:36 (6.1km), Luke Hunter: 22:37 (6.1km), Mitchell Pointon: 21:13 (5.6km) 2:21:24;
• Men Division 6 26.9km Ekiden: 2nd Jared Byrne: 32:37 (8.6km), Chris Grundy: 26:58 (6.6km), Liam Russell: 24:03 (6.1km), Blake
Saloyedoff: 24:44 (5.6km) 1:48:22;
• Men Division 7 25.5km Ekiden: 1st Michael Clarke: 38:13 (8.6km), Jamie Strudley: 32:53 (6.6km), Elisabeth Coffey: 32:43 (6.1km), Craig Hewitson: 21:40 (4.2km) 2:05:29; With two rounds to go in the season YRA’s teams are still competing for promotion. Current team standings after eight rounds are:
Men division two second, men division six first, women division two first, women division four fifth, women U20 second, women U14 fourth.
Saturday morning cross country was held at a boggy Margaret Lewis Reserve in Coldstream. This did not deter the amazing group of runners from enjoying the challenging course and chasing the elusive, but rewarding, PB and Choccie Frog! Next week YRA heads to Cockatoo for the
annual Cockatoo Hills Challenge. Watch the socials for more details.
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!
Michael and Lily Clarke run in stride together. (Supplied)
Georgia Laven helped her division four Ekiden team finish second.
Reuben Johnson was part of the men’s division two team who finished third.
Lilydale’s Haady, Brodie and Ivy had a friendly but tough match against Montrose’s Lewis, Fred and Lenny. (Supplied)
Nunawading players Avi and Sophie with Lilydale’s Rishabh and Levi.
Adam Paladino, Joshua Jamieson and Ari Marappan faced Canterbury.
Title hopes dented by loss
By Peter Stephenson
Barkerettes (second) visited a cool, dull Kooyong Park to face Malvern (sixth). Barkers had dropped to second spot for the first time in weeks but were only a point behind Collingwood with this game in hand. Kaity Farrance was celebrating her 200th game, while Hannah Lee was playing her 50th.
Three minutes in, a long throw from the right found Eleanor Ridley. She slipped the ball to Amy D’Ortenzio, whose shot was on target, but foiled by a one-handed save from keeper Helen Carroll. Eight minutes later, a Malvern goal kick was intercepted by D’Ortenzio, who found Alizah Jones, but she shot at the keeper.
Having not played a game for three weeks, Barkers were struggling to find their fluid game,
and Malvern were adept at closing them down. On 13 minutes, a Malvern attack from the left saw the ball played into the centre for an unmarked forward, but keeper Ashleigh Fraraccio did well to block the shot.
Just before the break, Lee took a throw in from the left and found D’Ortenzio. Her shot was blocked, and she hit the rebound just a little high and wide of the far post. A minute later, Barkers won a free kick on the right about 25 yards out, and Kelly Butera struck a beauty against the bar.
Barkers were almost undone in the last minute of the half when Malvern played the ball through the middle to put two forwards in the clear. The player in the centre peeled to the left, and struck the ball into the net, but she was offside (in fact they both were). Half-time 0-0 with Barkers not
looking their usual composed selves.
As the second half began, it all went wrong for Barkers. A Malvern free kick on the right was played out to a forward, whose shot floated harmlessly wide. However, the Barkers goal kick was given away, under pressure, to Malvern’s Luisa Sanchez at the edge of the box. She had time to strike a high shot over Fraraccio, breaking the Barkers’ keeper’s shutout which had lasted five hours 47 minutes – 1-0 Malvern.
Malvern continued to hassle Barkers and refused to allow the visitors time on the ball. On the hour, Emily Stokes played the ball in from the right for D’Ortenzio, whose shot was blocked. Nine minutes later, a Butera shot was spilled by Carroll, but Barkers couldn’t take advantage. Then Barkers won a free kick at the edge of the
box on the left. Rebecca Brown played the ball short to Butera, who floated a ball narrowly past the far post. As Barkers tried desperately to find an equaliser, the final half-chance fell to Charlotte McCullough, who found herself in the clear, but a defender did enough to put her off. Final score: Malvern 1-0 Barkers.
This was a disappointing game from Barkers, who looked ring-rusty. Fraraccio, and especially Alexis Sketchley, did a sterling job of keeping a tenacious Malvern side at bay, but Barkers simply weren’t allowed to settle and the hosts deserved the win. Importantly, this now hands the initiative to Collingwood, who are a point clear with two games to go.
Barkers slump continues as relegation threat builds
By Peter Stephenson
Mooroolbark Soccer Club’s men (eighth) visited a cold, wet Anderson Park to play Doncaster (10th), on a run of five games without a win. Barkers made four changes to the side that lost 0-1 to Bayside Argonauts, with Ahren Angulo, Ray Markley, Christian Porcaro and Geordie Scott being replaced by Ben Cooper, Anthony Di Crea (having his first start), Steve Nittoli and Aaron Porcaro.
Doncaster looked lively early on, and on nine minutes a free kick was floated over the wall, causing Mark Naumowicz to punch clear. Barkers’ main threat was the shooting of Daniel Aye, and a lay back to him saw a low shot hit wide.
On the quarter hour, the hosts’ Mitchell Yoannidis played a one-two to put himself clear, but his shot was blocked by Chris Potter. As the rain cascaded down onto a pitch with more sand than the Copacabana, Barkers won a free kick on the left. A.Porcaro sent the ball to the far post, but it was slightly overhit – maybe a sand wedge would have done the trick.
Naumowicz had to get busy late in the half when he collided with a forward in a full-blooded tackle and came off worst, then a quick Donny break through the middle saw him save with his foot. Right on half time, Liam Seaye put a corner under the Donny crossbar, which keeper Gabriel Vallese punched clear. Half-time 0-0, with most of the crowd wondering why they hadn’t stayed at home.
In the first minute of the second half, Jerome Valadon muscled off a defender and got to the byline, but his cut back found nobody on the end of it. The ball was played back into Aye, who hit a shot which fizzed past the far post. Three minutes later Barkers worked the ball nicely down the left and played the ball in for Aye, who hit a long shot just wide.
On 52 minutes, Donny came closest to scor-
The Barkers faced their third pointless loss in a
ing so far when they played the ball in from the left, and a header was cleared off the line, but the ref called a foul on Naumowicz. From the next Donny attack, Barkers cleared the ball long to Maxim Solovyev. He crossed from the left for Valadon, who turned and shot wide. The deadlock was finally broken on the hour. Donny’s Luca Perna controlled the ball well with his first touch, and hit a dipping shot against the bar. The rebound was headed towards goal
but Naumowicz pulled off a great reaction save, then the third attempt was headed home by Stefan Cardamone.
The game then got physical, as meetings between these sides often do, before some more football broke out to break up the free kicks. On 72 minutes Donny broke down the right, leading to a shot which hit the post, then Potter headed a Barkers chance over the bar. Donny’s Daniel Piazza crossed from the left, Naumowicz
got a hand to the cross, the ball reared up and the header was cleared off the line, and that was more or less that. Full time: Rovers 1-0 Barkers. For Barkers, this was the same result as last week, but against an inferior side, and this was far from Barkers’ best. They sorely miss Scott and Ross Clark up front and have now gone three games without scoring. They need two points from their remaining three games to avoid relegation to State 3.
row against Doncaster. (File)
The Barkerettes were out-played by Malvern giving rivals Collingwood an upper hand. (File)
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