Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 20th August 2024

Red-letter days for Gingers

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Emerald’s well-known hairdressing salon Gingers marks its 60 birthday this year.

The salon, established in 1964 by Emerald-local Patricia Hartje, was later sold to a red-haired friend, hence the name, Gingers. Gingers has had several owners since its establishment, currently the salon is owned and operated under an Emeraldlocal, Kacey Peeters, who purchased it in 2014.

“I believe the salon has been such an important part of the community in all its years – people have helped us to continue even after all these years, and we’ve given back to the community,” Ms Peeters said.

“There have been times where some families have gone through some things in the community, and we’ve rallied together to help them with some fundraising.”

Read more on page 18

Ban gets the finger

Having only taken home the award for School Crossing Supervisor of the Year a month ago, Mount Dandenong Primary School’s very own John Goulden has been banned from offering high-fives to students after a complaint was made.

A man known for his “infectious joy that leaves a lasting impression on both students and parents” has had the community rally behind him in support and outrage against the ban.

Now, a petition has reached over 3000 signatures to have this policy revoked, to allow “a small gesture that symbolises the warmth and friendliness” to return to the township of Mount Dandenong.

“John’s friendly high-fives are indeed a form of such positive social interaction, aiding in improving child mental health in our community,” the petition states.

“It is not just about high fives; it’s about preserving our unique community’s spirit.”

Yarra Ranges Council has, however, held firm on the decision, stating that supervisors must comply with the Victorian Child Safe standards, although the council itself does not directly ban high-fives.

“Council has reminded the contractor who is currently supervising children at the Mount Dandenong Primary School of expectations of the role regarding interactions with children,” the statement said.

School Crossing Australia and School Crossings Victoria said the act of high-fiving was not condoned by either body because “it can compromise safety at the school crossing”.

Read more on page 6

Left to right: Historian/teacher Michael Reed and Gingers owner Kacey Peeters commemorating the salon’s 60th with a picture of the salon’s founder, Patricia Hartje (Gary Sissons)

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)

Berry death revealed

By Gabriella Vukman

Andrew David Berry’s death after being in police custody was caused by drug-induced sympathomimetic syndrome, according to Coroner Paul Lawrie.

Post-mortem toxicology revealed a high blood methylamphetamine concentration, indicating the use of methamphetamine drugs.

The inquest into the Ferntree Gully residents death was held on 29 July.

At 2.14pm on Tuesday, 14 January 14, 2020, Berry was arrested by police as he attempted to break into a residential premises in Boronia. During the break-in, Mr Berry broke various household items and terrorised a 13-year-old girl and her 15-yearold brother.

Due to Mr Berry’s drug-affected, aggressive and agitated state, the police used capsicum spray to subdue him in order to handcuff him and complete his arrest.

En route to the Boronia police station, Mr Berry

became unresponsive, prompting first aid administration upon his arrival.

An ambulance was soon called at 2:59 when, despite first aid efforts, Mr Berry remained unconscious and appeared hyperthermic.

His temperature was recorded at a sweltering 43 degrees Celsius, far above the average 36 degrees, and his condition continued to deteriorate. As he was being treated by paramedics, he stopped breathing, and his pulse could not be detected. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed and there was a return of spontaneous circulation.

At 4.12pm Mr Berry was transported by ambulance to the Maroondah Hospital Emergency Department, arriving at 4.33pm. On arrival he was again in cardiac arrest.

Despite further resuscitation efforts Mr Berry could not be saved and he died at 5.49pm.

Despite witnesses describing Mr Berry’s falling and knocking his head during his arrest at the Boronia residence, according to the coroner, the grazes and bruising found on Mr Berry’s head during

the autopsy were minor injuries and did not contribute to his rapid decline in health.

He said: “I am satisfied that Mr Berry’s head struck the outside wall of the residence during his fall, together with the police members, into the rose bush and garden bed. I am not, however, satisfied that the contact was particularly forceful.

“I note that, whichever of the injuries on the left side of Mr Berry’s may be attributable to this event, the injuries were superficial,” Mr Lawrie said..

Additionally, the coroner found that alternate health outcomes for Mr Berry with earlier medical intervention, cannot be said to have improved Mr Berry’s medical condition.

In response to police not fully attending to Berry’s capsicum spray aftercare, recommendations to clarify all police policies and manuals that relate to the aftercare of persons who have been sprayed with capsicum spray were made by Mr Lawrie to ensure clarity.

‘Magic Save’ house consumed by fire

By Tanya Steele

A “magic save” property that survived the Black Saturday bushfires has been almost completely destroyed by a house fire in Upper Ferntree Gully.

A crime scene has been set up in Upper Ferntree Gully after a vacant house went up in flames on the evening of Thursday 15 August, shutting down traffic as firefighters battled the blaze.

The property in along Burwood Highway was nearly destroyed despite a huge effort from local emergency services.

“We were glad there was nobody inside, I can assure you,” said Upper Ferntree Gully CFA Captain Peter Smith.

People had been thought to be inhabiting the vacant property on and off for some time and when CFA got the call Mr Smith said initially they had no idea if there was anybody in the house.

“It [The fire] was fully involved, we couldn’t even get inside,” he said.

A CFA media spokesperson said CFA were called to the house fire alongside FRV on Burwood Highway in Upper Ferntree Gully at around 10.12pm on 15 August.

“15 units responded, with crews arriving to find what was assumed to be a vacant house on fire and breathing apparatus was support required,” they said. “The relevant power and gas companies were notified, and Victoria Police was called for traffic control.”

A police media spokesperson said police were called to the property following reports of the fire at about 10.20 pm.

Burwood Highway was closed due to a powerline being across the road and access to the property was particularly challenging as the property is on an incline and sandwiched between the Burwood Highway and Belgrave Rail Trail.

Mr Smith said they had to run water across four lanes of traffic on Burwood Highway as they

fought the blaze. “We had to run it down from near Tradelink and get water from other trucks as well,” he said.

Units from Ferntree Gully and Upwey CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria and supporting appliances from Bayswater Breathing Apparatus, Yellingbow Rehab Unit and Ambulance Victoria were on site.

Mr Smith said they were at the site until the early hours of the morning and CFA media said the incident was deemed under control at around 1.10am.

One volunteer firefighter attended to by Ambulance Paramedics for exhaustion related symptoms on the night.

No stranger to the site of the fire, Mr Smith himself has been at the property before back in February 2009 as Black Saturday bushfires swept across the state.

“We saved that house when the Black Saturday fires went through it, in the bottom of Upper Gully,” he said. “The fire burnt all the way around it, last night we were fighting a fire at

a house we had fought to save, it was a bit of a funny feeling,”

“It was one of our magic saves – the fire came down on Quarry Road and burnt over the train line and burnt right around the house.”

At the time Mr Smith said the CFA were able to save the house.

“We thought that was magnificent,” he said. “Then to go last night and see it the way it was was a bit of a disappointment.”

On Friday 16 August police and CFA attended the house in daylight and a police media spokesperson said at this stage, the circumstances surrounding the fire remain unclear.

CFA media said that after searches, no people were found inside and fire investigators were on the scene.

Police are asking that if anyone witnessed the incident or has information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The fire does not appear to have been suspicious at this stage. CFA reminded the public via social media that the structure remains unstable.

IN BRIEF

Three young people escape with minor injuries

Minor injuries were the result after a car flipped on to its roof along Burwood Highway over the weekend.

A two car accident has left the lucky occupants alive after one car flipped and landed upside down on the road on Saturday night in Ferntree Gully. CFA was called to a vehicle accident with a possible person trapped on Burwood Highway at Ferntree Gully on Saturday 17 August just after 6pm, they had three trucks on the scene that evening from Ferntree Gully and Upper Ferntree Gully.

A spokesperson from CFA media said that firefighters confirmed no one was trapped when they arrived on scene.

“The incident involved two vehicles, one found on its roof and three patients were handed to Ambulance Victoria,” they said.

A spokesperson from Ambulance Victoria said that paramedics were called to the collision in Ferntree Gully around 6:10pm.

“Two men in their 20s and a woman in her 20s, all with minor injuries, were transported by road ambulance to Maroondah Hospital in stable conditions,” they said,

The situation was brought under control by CFA at 6.17pm and declared safe at 6.27pm.

Warrant executed in The Basin

On Friday 9 August, Police members from Mooroolbark Police Station, Yarra Ranges CIU, Croydon DRU, Drone Operations Unit and a Drug detection dog successfully executed a warrant on a residential property in The Basin.

The coordinated response resulted in police seizing a trafficable amount of drugs, cash, weapons, fake vehicle registration plates and more than 30 stolen identification documents and licences.

One woman was arrested and assisting police with enquiries.

Personal items handed in

Personal items including a high vis work shirt and backpack have been handed into police by a good samaritan last week.

The clothing and a backpack were handed into the Boronia Police Station on Sunday 11 August after, being found in Augusta Street, The Basin. Police are asking via their social media that if you are the owner or recognise the items to please contact Boronia Police Station ph 9760 6600.

Ref # 202408-E-0916

Free Child Protection Week online event

In National Child Protection Week, Yarra Ranges council will host an information session for community to learn more about Child Safety Requirements.

Join them for a free online session and learn how to better understand how your everyday practices contribute to creating a child-safe environment, the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 and how they impact the Reportable Conduct Scheme.

Facilitator Child Safe Strategies is an organisation devoted to prevention of child abuse through education and training. The session aligns with Victorian Child Safe Standards and is part of Yarra Ranges councils’ skills building program.

It will be delivered online Wednesday 4 September: 6pm to 8pm.

For more details and to secure your spot, visit:https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ Experience/Events/Child-Safe-Standards%E2%80%93-Community-Information-Session?.

The house has been vacant for sometime, but on arrival emergency forces were concerned people might be in the property. (Tanya Steele)

Live Theatre, Music and Seasonal Art Events: Burrinja Is the

Perfect Place to Experience the Arts This Spring

Upcoming shows at Burrinja include spoken word performance HELIOS by acclaimed theatre makers Wright & Grainger, an internationally award winning modern re-telling of an Ancient Greek myth. A story about the son of the god of the sun, HELIOS transplants the ancient tale into a modern-day myth set amidst the winding roads of rural England and the everyday living of a towering city. Performed by Jamie MacDowell, with words by Alexander Wright and music by Phil Grainger, HELIOS is an intimate piece of live theatre.

Date: Friday 30 August 7.30pm

Venue: Lyre Room

The end of August sees the return of hillsceneLIVE, the Hills’ own dynamic, inclusive arts festival dedicated to pushing the boundaries of live art. Presented in partnership with Burrinja and Yarra Ranges Council, hillsceneLIVE 2024: REVELANCE provides a platform for artists and audiences to engage deeply with innovative and thought-provoking works. Prepare to experience a world where art meets the unexpected. Ferny Creek Reserve will transform into a vibrant venue for creative exploration, featuring sound installations, performance art, original theatre, puppets, dance, critical conversations and more. Pay What You Can options make the event accessible for everyone.

Date: Saturday 31 August from 12.00pm

Venue: Ferny Creek Reserve

The aerie gallery’s next exhibition Calming the Storm Within spotlights the raw and confident multimedia works of Megan Archer. In her first solo exhibition, the artist invites us on her journey and celebration of an ongoing tumultuous relationship with Schizoaffective disorder, one of the most misunderstood mental health issues in society. Archer creates a vibrant tapestry of colours and shapes, some with human-like figures and faces emerging from the canvas, others landscapes featuring creature-like hands. Her paintings are both visual experiences and emotional voyages. Exhibition launch on 31 August at 2.00pm – RSVP via Burrinja’s website.

Dates: Saturday 31 August – Sunday 13 October

Venue: aerie gallery, Burrinja

Additional Events at Burrinja

Sunset Sessions: Spring

• Explore all Burrinja has to offer on a Friday evening: Botanical and Calming the Storm Within exhibitions, Botanical artist talk and artmaking, Bush Band dancing, and more.

• Date: Friday 20 September 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Opa Bato! – Live in the Lyre

Authentic Balkan brass music from the rich traditions of Serbia and beyond. With Jenna Campbell.

• Date: Friday 6 September 8.00pm

For more details, visit burrinja.org.au (What’s On) and hillsceneLIVE.com

Police hero is honoured

crews arriving shortly after to search the house and douse the fire, sadly Ms Vegt died.

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.

“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.

“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

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.”

(© Wright & Grainger)

By Mikayla van Loon

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)

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)

Flood inquiry backs SES

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,”

Funding concerns for the Victoria State Emergency Service has been confirmed in the October 2022 flood inquiry final report. (File)

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 equipment, 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.

“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.”

Council takes swift motion over invasive weeds

By Tanya Steele

The ongoing impact of environmental weeds across Australia has resulted in a local council’s unanimous motion to take action.

After recent attention from local community groups and recent media attention and declaring the need to take a more ‘responsible’ action against weeds, Knox City council Mayor Jude Dwight put forth the motion at their midmonthly meeting on Monday 12 August.

Mayor Dwight’s motion acknowledged the serious impacts of environmental weeds and was supportive of effective regulation to stop the sale of environmental weeds from nurseries and online.

“You will have heard comments and seen posts from me over the years relating to the impact of environmental weeds on our reserves and tree canopy, including agapanthus, ivy, and wandering trad, all of which are available through nursery outlets,” Cr Dwight said.

The motion proposed writing to elected representatives, including Environment State Minister Steve Dimopoulos, Agriculture Minister Ros Spence, Environment and Water Federal Minister Tanya Plibersek MP and Agriculture Minister, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins MP, to call on the Federal Government to develop a threat abatement plan for escaped garden weeds and aquatic plants.

“While I recognise that it’s it’s obviously not up to councils to regulate against the sale of environmental weeds, the cost that it is bringing on to council justifies our involvement,” Cr Dwight said.

Finally, the motion called for council officers to prepare a budget submission for an environmental weed officer for consideration as part of the 2025/26 budget process.

Cr Dwight said the council needs to have this discussion when considering their budget priorities.

“We’re requesting that that budget submission be present, be prepared, and the new term of council will make that decision,” he said.

Cr Dwight said billions of dollars goes into biosecurity for this country, and millions of dol-

lars are invested into biological control methods and trials for eradicating weeds like trad from waterways.

“While it can be sold in nurseries, we’re investing millions and millions of dollars into time to get it out of our reserves and waterways,” he said.

“The culprit plants are still available for sale to a lot of unsuspecting customers, it doesn’t make any sense.”

“Our environmental volunteers regularly meet to remove garden escapee weeds from our bushland reserves and waterways.”

Member of Greening Knox Darren Wallace came before the council on 22 July to highlight issues with the weed ivy in the Knox region and previously on 21 June the Environment and Water Federal Minister, Tanya Plibersek chaired a

meeting of Australia’s Environment Ministers in Sydney and ministers agreed to ‘ambitious national targets for Australia’s environment.’

Cr Dwight said that if for no other reason than to continue work towards Knox’s somewhat elusive tree canopy targets, the council needs to have discussion when considering budget priorities.

“It will, of course, be up to the new term of council,” she said.

Seconding and supporting the motion Cr Yvonne Allred said she thought the motion highlighted Knox’s commitment to protecting the environment from the harmful effects of environmental weeds.

“We recognise the financial burden these weeds place in our maintenance budgets and support stronger regulations to stop their sale,” she said.

Cr Susan Laukens said she commended the proactive approach and commended Mayor Dwight for bringing it to the council’s attention.

“Council have heard from friends groups and heard on multiple times through our public questions that this is an issue for our community,” she said.

“We need to advocate to these other levels of government.”

“It takes legislation, but this will also send a message to hopefully, corporations and other communities to really effect change. With these corporations, like Bunnings nurseries, wholesale nurseries, that we shouldn’t be even propagating this for our community.”

The motion was carried unanimously.

Knox City council voted unanimously on 12 August. (4220035)

High-five ruling gets finger

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A “much-loved” school crossing supervisor has been banned from high-fiving children after a parent complaint to the council.

Yarra Ranges Council received a complaint from a parent at Mount Dandenong Primary School about the crossing supervisor giving highfives to children as they are being driven past the supervisor on Farndons Road, in Mount Dandenong.

A statement from the council emphasised on the safety of children and the importance of all council staff, contractors, and volunteers to carry this when on duty.

“As part of council’s commitment to protecting the safety of children, all staff, contractors and volunteers who come into contact with children must have a valid Working with Children check,” the statement reads.

“In addition to this school crossing, supervisors must comply with the Victorian Child Safe Standards that details guidance on appropriate behaviour and conduct when working with children, young people and their families.”

The councils’ internal policies and the Victorian Standards states that unacceptable behaviours include, exhibiting behaviours with children and young people which may be construed as unnecessarily physical and, or initiating unnecessary physical contact with children or young people.

“Council has reminded the contractor who is currently supervising children at the Mount Dandenong Primary School of expectations of the role regarding interactions with children,” the Council’s statement further reads.

Along with Yarra Ranges Council, Mayor Councillor Sophie Todorov simultaneously made an official statement online regarding this controversial issue.

“We regret that a legitimate safety concern has resulted in the response it has but seek to assure members of the community that Council values

and appreciates the work of all our school crossing supervisors. We understand they play a pivotal safety role in the school community and their friendly and welcoming nature is an important connection for many parents and brings a smile to the children across the Yarra Ranges,” Mayor Cr Todorov stated.

“We encourage our school crossing supervisors to maintain this important friendly engagement and connection with children and to do so in line with the Victorian Child Safe Standards.”

“This is to ensure that any child who comes into contact with anyone from Council, whether they be staff, contractors or volunteers, are fol-

lowing the Standards. We also work closely with School Crossings Australia who follow national standards.”

Mayor Cr Todorov said the council has not issued a direct ban on giving high-fives, but the training provided by School Crossings Australia and School Crossings Victoria does not support high-fives, especially when children are crossing the road.

An online petition was made on Thursday 8 August to Schools Crossing Victoria to lift the ban.

The petition’s goal was 5000 signatures, as of Monday 19 August, more than 3000 signatures

have been signed off.

A statement from School Crossing Australia and School Crossings Victoria was also released online.

“School Crossings Australia together with School Crossings Victoria does not support highfives or any physical contact with children, unless for safety reasons as it can compromise safety at the school crossing,” the statement reads.

“This is reinforced in the training we deliver to School Crossing supervisors which is in line with the Victorian Child Safe Standards and it also helps to protect them from any inaccurate allegations.”

Are your kids living in a world revolving around their passions? That’s a good thing.

It’s why the VCE’s new Vocational Major creates worlds where passions can be explored.

From agriculture to construction, health to clean energy. Whatever world our kids are into, there’s a VCE program to help develop the skills they’ll need to land a job in Australia’s most in-demand industries.

A favourite crossing supervisor has been banned from high-fiving students (PEXELS)

Have a say on parking plan

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra

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 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 tourists are there all the time, clogging up the

Council 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 nonAboriginal 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 Aborigi-

nal 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 Gen-

erations 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 impacts the most, not just to listen but to act upon that.

“We appreciate the immense history that we have with our First Nations people.”

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.

Aurora joy

The beautiful white dome of Mount Burnett Observatory has captured several shots of last night’s aurora and the volunteers were very excited.

Thanks to the AllSky camera at Mount Burnett footage was captured of the celestial events from the evening of 12 August.

The public relations coordinator from Mount Burnett Denise Kutchmar said that the Aurora alert was sent out as a Kp7 then downgraded to a Kp6.

“That’s still pretty significant in this part of the globe,” she said.

The level of geomagnetic activity is indicated by the planetary K index or Kp.

The Kp index ranges from zero to nine. Geomagnetic activity is driven by solar activity and solar coronal holes and it changes with time.

Ms Kutchmar said that the Aurora started southeast at 7.30 pm and continued throughout the night with four bursts recorded at 10pm, 1pm, 3pm and 4pm, visible for up to one hour.

“By 5am the curtain closed with a green glow on the horizon,” she said.

It’s the second time since the grand Aurora event on 11 May that the Aurorua has been captured at the observatory.

“We anticipate this blockbuster show is not over yet,” said Ms Kutchmar.

The Aurora started south-east at 7.30 pm and continued throughout the night.

(Mount Burnett Observatory)

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)

Karawun meaning spiny headed mat rush, lomandra longifolia.

Bour-deet meaning Cumbungi/bullrush, typha latifolia.

Ranges

A draft Parking Management Framework for the Yarra Ranges is open for feedback. (File)

Skelton steps down after one term as a councillor

By Tanya Steele

Yarra Ranges Councillor Johanna

Skelton has announced over social media on Tuesday 13 August that she will not be running for local government elections this year.

“I don’t regret any part of my time. I have learnt a lot, including about my strengths and weaknesses. I am satisfied that I’ve done my best to serve our region,” she said.

The Lyster ward representative said she hopes she has inspired new people to consider becoming a councillor now or in the future but needs to increase her paid employment after many years with children at home, and then on council.

“Although many Councillors balance the role with other full-time employment, it is not something I am keen to do,” she said.

As her term finishes Cr Skelton said she wants to support other women, gender diverse, and young people into engaging in politics.

“We still have class and cultural barriers leaving many unrepresented people and many un-championed ideas. That’s my current plan for being involved in the future,” she said.

Ms Skelton said of her time as a councillor that she has always tried to bring the perspective of young people to the conversations.

“These are the people who are inheriting a much more challenging world than I did,” she said.

Ms Skelton said she always tried to think about how our choices would impact those with the least capacity to engage with council or be heard.

“I spoke up for the housing strategy to advocate tackling the federal tax incentives that favour existing homeowners and for energy use that makes the climate safer, and for infrastructure and policies that ensure we have the best chance of living safely with flash flooding, heat waves, fire, and increased social disruption,” she said.

Working alongside the Yarra Ranges councillor group, CEO and officers Ms Skelton said that her colleagues were always respectful and supportive of her sharing her thoughts and asking questions.

“Of course, we have a diversity of opinions

but I believe we modelled healthy conversations,” she said.

Ms Skelton credits almost all the changes made on her watch as a team effort but said that some council decisions will have a big impact.

“The waste policy changes have been huge, with as many different perspectives as there are households and businesses,” she said.

“Also supporting local economic systems to keep as much money in the local area as possible and the nature plan with more staff to look after bushland areas, more budget to provide plants and advice to ribbons of green program, and more aspirational goals for business.”

Ms Skelton began her journey as a councillor after being tapped on the shoulder by an outgoing councillor in 2017.

“They suggested I should consider running,” she said.

“After trying for three years to get someone else to do it, I realised it might as well be me.”

Cr Skelton said at the time she was prompted

to run, but didn’t expect to be elected.

“I felt that our area didn’t have the right gender and age balance on council,” she said.

“In 2020 my understanding was that there was no one under 35, only one woman, and one person with young kids in the household. This is out of nine representatives.”

Highlights for Ms Skelton have included meeting people and doing amazing things in her community.

“I have been able to attend incredible events and hear from many brilliant minds, including in a difficult time after the June 2021 storm,” she said.

“I have realised that, even with very different perspectives, most decisions can be made respectfully and with good outcomes.”

Ms Skelton said that she has enjoyed being part of adopting great policies that will respond to many of the issues and ideas people in Yarra Ranges have.

“Also little highlights like the Wonga Vine being imprinted in the Tecoma footpath, to connect its colonial naming history with an important plant for First Nations people,” she said.

It hasn’t always been easy to serve the com-

munity and Ms Skelton said that having to trim back the council’s expenditure every year to maintain a healthy budget, despite everincreasing needs like ageing infrastructure, increased weather impacts, greater social support needs, the ageing demographic and so on has been rough.

“Local governments currently work with 3.5 per cent of all tax collected and are responsible for about ten per cent of the infrastructure,” she said.

“I hope the Federal government will restore untied funding to one per cent of their budget. It dropped over the last 30 years to 0.55 per cent.”

Other things like the council’s transition from being an aged care provider, after the loss of Federal funding and realising how local government is very beholden to other levels of government, have also been low points for Ms Skelton.

“There are no perfect decisions but there’s always a role for doing your best in any situation,” she said.

“It is difficult to improve road standards, make housing secure and slow the tide of plastics at a local level.”

Ms Skelton is enthusiastic about getting locals to run for council and said there is no prerequisite life experience for being a councillor.

“We need all types of thinking to represent the area well,” she said.

“If you are curious about other people’s experiences and want to serve other people and the planet, then you are ready.”

Diversity is key and Ms Skelton said that young, LGBTQIA+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women and people who don’t own their own homes are very underrepresented in councils across Victoria.

“Don’t rule yourself out before knowing the facts about the role,” she said.

“Even if you are unsuccessful in being elected, you are still successful in generating discussion about the ideas and issues you raise in your campaign.”

Nominations for local councils across Victoria open on 9 September.

“If you have any questions please reach out to myself or council staff to ask them,” said Ms Skelton.

Dix speech thrills Probians

By Ethan Benedicto

The combined Probus South Pacific in Berwick was graced by a lecture from Arnold Dix on Tuesday 6 August where he spoke to the roughly 200 members about his experience and rescue of 41 men at the Char Dham highway project, in India. The session, which went from 11am to 12:30pm involved a breakdown of the event from Mr Dix himself; which included a thorough insight into the cause of the incident, and how his expertise in tunnel safety and disaster management saved the men who were trapped for over two weeks.

To Peter Day, coordinator and the Probus member responsible for sourcing guest lecturers once every month, the experience was enthralling.

He was someone who “comes across just like a mate”.

“He’s a barrister right, and you’d think oh maybe he’s a bit prim and proper, but he’s not that at all, he drives a ute!”

“He’s a very dynamic and charismatic person, and he’s probably one of Australia’s greatest humanitarians.”

While a busy man with a never-ending schedule, Arnold Dix made time for his attendance at Probus Berwick due to his mother, Norma’s, membership with the club.

According to Peter, she had asked him if Probus would like Arnold to make an appearance, to which Peter said that he, among others would “walk over broken glass” for him to make a lecture.

However, the day of the lecture just so happened to be Norma’s birthday, and according to Peter, Arnold had to honour his mother’s wish of coming down to the Old Cheese Factory on that particular Tuesday.

Arnold’s attendance would be one of the more

difficult acts that the Probus had achieved, said Peter, and that the Probus at Berwick was very fortunate for his mother’s convincing.

“I would say that we’ve never met someone as easygoing and as humble as Arnold,” Peter said.

“When he arrived there [at the incident in 2023], he talked to the mothers of the boys he was going to save.

“He put his reputation on the line and said I’m going to save your sons and we’re not going to have one accident while doing it.”

During the lecture, Peter said that throughout the presentation it became clear to the audience the kind of man Arnold was, which eventually became an experience that many would not soon forget.

“The Probus people that were there, they were in awe of the whole thing, you couldn’t take your eyes off him, he speaks so well and he’s entertaining, he’s not boring,” Peter said.

Arnold’s sister, Helena Dix was also present during the presentation; a decorated and re-

nowned opera singer, she graced members’ ears with an opera-style happy birthday for her mother, an experience which Peter recalled everybody thoroughly enjoyed.

For Peter, he was sure that he and many others, if not all who were in attendance, had been ignited by Arnold’s story, and while told by many a people and media, is something that they would never get tired of nor forget, especially if it came from the man himself.

Johanna Skelton, Lyster ward councillor has announced she will not run later this year. (Supplied)

Ms Skelton said she doesn’t regret any part of her time. “I am satisfied that I’ve done my best to serve our region,” she said. (Supplied: 426217)

The crowd was in attendance for Arnold Dix’s presentation. (423090)

Arnold Dix with Glenice Sullivan and Maxine Jorgensen. (Stewart Chambers: 423090)Arnold Dix during his presentation. (423090)

Money challenge accepted

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

In parallel with this year’s United Nations International Youth Day theme, ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development’, the annual Suncorp Bank Earning, Saving, Spending, and Investing (ESSI) Money Challenge is running its ninth year to help build robust financial knowledge for secondary students to survive in today’s fast-paced digital world.

The program is hosted by Financial Basics Foundation – an independent charity, and it has been running from Monday 19 August to Friday 30 August. In 2023, more than nine-thousand secondary students from 320 schools participated in the Challenge, including the local Belgrave Heights Christian School who participated from 2021 to 2023, and Boronia K-12 College participated in 2022.

The free national competition aims to provide a unique opportunity for teachers to impart critical money management skills to their students to safeguard online economic activities effectively.

The ESSI Money is provided all year round, however the Suncorp Bank ESSI Money Challenge only runs for two weeks every year – to gives students a chance to put their financial skills to the test and compete against other students from across Australia.

Financial Basics Foundation chief executive officer Katrina Samios said they have been working closely with teachers and researchers for over 20 years.

“We know that developing healthy financial habits from a young age has a positive impact throughout life, student feedback and our research findings also indicate that initiatives like the ‘ESSI Money Challenge’ help build those necessary skills,” Ms Samios said.

“Financial literacy is not consistently taught across the Australian curriculum and young people often turn to finance-influencers and content creators for financial advice and information - without validating their reliability, this

emphasises the importance of credible financial education.”

“It should be a stand-alone comprehensive course that includes lessons and conversations around developing sound financial attitudes and behaviours, safe online shopping, saving, restrained spending, where to seek credible financial advice and information and avoid scams.”

The Suncorp Bank ESSI Money Challenge immerses students in a game based in a ‘virtual world’ where they learn about earning, saving, spending, and investing – participated students also engage in various “real-life” activities such as opening a bank account, budgeting, investing, working to earn money, selecting credit cards, and completing quizzes.

According to Financial Basics Foundation, a recent data has revealed that 82 per cent of Australian Gen Zs, between 18 to 26 years old, are financially stressed, and nine in ten Gen Zs have a

The Rotary Clubs of Emerald & District, Monbulk & District and Belgrave wish to express our appreciation to all those who helped make the Talkin It Up Forum, held on July 25, such a success, especially our panel members – Prof. Sophie Havighurst, Dr Dan Jeyaseelan, Emma McCall and Jayson.

Our sincere thanks to the following sponsors for their support:

Rotary District 9810

Cardinia Foundation

Community Bank of Monbulk Emerald Psychology Practice Vibe Health & Fitness (Emerald)

If you were unable to attend, you can access up-to-date information and useful resource links by scanning the QR code or visiting https://emeraldrotary.org.au/page/talkin-it-up/

strong desire to boost their financial literacy.

Ms Samios said the program is a step in the right direction for educating young Australians in building healthy financial habits.

“Parents home-schooling their kids are also encouraged to get access to the program,” she said.

Each school is unique with different levels of engagement in financial literacy education, as the program is not not a core subject, elements of financial literacy are generally delivered in the mathematics or economics and business curriculums.

“Some schools take a ‘whole of year’ approach and deliver comprehensive financial literacy education over a term, while others may only deliver a lesson or two with a maths class,” she said.

“Our aim is to elevate the importance of personal finance education as a life skill that all students should have access to throughout their high

school education.”

Suncorp Bank executive general manager and consumer distribution, Chris Fleming, outlines the value of Suncorp Bank’s partnership with Financial Basics Foundation in developing financial literacy for the next generation.

“Our partnership with Financial Basics Foundation empowers and equips young Australians with the financial knowledge they need to build sound knowledge and healthy habits as they enter the world of banking,” Mr Fleming.

“We are excited to launch the Suncorp Bank ESSI Money Challenge and look forward to seeing young people learn and grow.”

Students participating in the challenge have the chance to win real-life prize money, valuing over $11,000 for themselves and their school.

Home-schooling parents and teachers can register their classes via www.financialbasics.org. au

Emerald and surrounds: have your say on what services and programs you would like your new neighbourhood house to provide.

Council is continuing to work with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to transition to a new neighbourhood house service in Emerald in 2025.

Community

on program

To have your say, or for more information, scan the QR code or visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay

ESSI Money Challenge takes its ninth year to empower secondary students with financial literacy (SUPPLIED)

Thousands of secondary students are participating in the ESSI Money Challeng

Remembering the fallen

By Tanya Steele

Outer East Melbourne assembled for their esteemed veterans at the 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 parade advances towards the arboretum.

The veterans march. (Tanya Steele: 426020)

Laying wreaths.

The 408 squadron air force cadets catafalque party at attention.

The Rats of Tobruk Memorial Pipes and Drums on the march.

Tom Steele playing the bugle. The event is a joint initiative of the outer east.

From Right: Ian Warton, Daryl Bristowe, Allan Small and Simon Bloomer.

The Victorian Military vehicle club led the march.

Eastern Region Girl Guide Hannah (a sprite from Croydon) and Pheobe Finegan at the service.

Allan Small, President of VVAA Outer East Melbourne and Chair for Vietnam Veterans Day 2024 Members of the VVAA, from left Diana Smith and Lynda Young, both widows of Vietnam Veterans.

Letts coaches Vic to glory

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A Ferntree Gully primary school teacher and basketball enthusiast has proven to be at the peak of her coaching game, after leading her ‘School Sports Victoria’(SSV) team to victory for two consecutive years.

Wattle View Primary School teacher, Michelle Letts has been coaching basketball for many years, but this was her third year coaching the Under-12 boys SSV team at the School Sports Australia Games in Gold Coast, Queensland.

She has been playing basketball since the age of five, and she said she loves coaching as much as she loved playing the game.

“In 2022, we made the grand finale, but unfortunately we lost by two points, we were silver medallists, then the last two years have been fortunate enough to win gold back-to-back,” Ms Letts said.

The gold-medallist coach has travelled all over the state, including Bendigo, Ballarat, Casey, and Wantirna to select top 12 basketball players to represent SSV at the national level.

“There are three different rounds of trials, we select kids at different regions, then comes the process of elimination, and then we eventually select the top 13 kids – 10 of them will be part of the team, the other three will be for emergencies,” she said.

“The kids selected are from all around Victoria.”

School Sport Australia (SSA) was establishment in 1981 to provide high-quality national sport championships for representative State and Territory school sports team.

The SSA’s program entails multi-sport, including a mix of team and individual sports; delivered by teachers and qualified officials and providing access to every student in Australia, through the school system.

Ms Letts and her SSV basketball team headed to Gold Coast towards the end of July for

the tournament.

The team played seven games and won all seven – bringing home a gold medal

• Game one won against Western Australia

• Game two won against New South Wales

• Game three won against ACT

• Game four won against Queensland

• Game five won against South Australia

• Game six, Semi Final won against South Australia

• Game seven, Grand final won against South Australia

“In order for the players to be eligible for selection, their school has to be affiliated with the School Sports Victoria, then their school has to nominate them to be eligible to come to try out,” Ms Letts said.

“None of the players were in the same team, multiple times, and each state is only allowed six of three-hour trainings in preparation for the SSA tournaments.”

“In those 18-hour training sessions before the championship, we got to make sure they’re switched on and they’re ready to put in 110 per cent because we only get certain amount of time together.”

She said the boys didn’t get gold medal for trying, they worked extremely hard to achieve this incredible outcome, it’s the results that made them gold medallists.

The school Ms Letts works at is one of the schools associated with the SSV – but no students made the team this year.

“I’m very fortunate enough that our principal (Tracy Wright) is supportive of me to follow my

passion, and represent the school,” she said.

“I’d like to extend my gratitude to our principal for all her support and allowing me to fulfill my passion and in being able to be part of this amazing experience.”

“Seeing the boys celebrate at the closing ceremony was what it was about, it was special for the boys to be presented with their gold medal, their shield and the trophy as well – seeing how proud the boys were of their success was truly an amazing feeling.”

Ms Letts is hoping to reapply for coaching the 2025 team.

“For me it has become about giving back to the game I’ve always been part of for so many years, and it’s about giving back to the sport I have had so many happy memories from.”

Gold Coast Glory as coach Michelle Letts Guides young basketballers to national triumph (Stewart Chambers) Victorian primary school teacher coaches under-12 boys to victory at School Sports Australia games (SUPPLIED)

Hit op shop changes hands

By Tanya Steele

Foothills Community Care has formally opened its second op shop in Tecoma celebrating with community and volunteers alike.

Saturday 10 August saw the community gathered for the opening of the much-loved op shop as it officially changed hands in Tecoma.

Previously operated by Parents without Partners (PwP) the store has been ‘softly’ opened since 6 May.

Foothills Community Care chief executive officer Stephen Barrington said the opening was a festive atmosphere.

“It’s been amazing and fantastic seeing people come into the shop after we reopened, it hasn’t lost its feel and vibe from the past - but there’s more space,” he said.

Mr Barrington credits store manager Sandy Kemp – who also manages the Foothill’s sister op shop in Mountain Gate.

“We want to pay tribute to her, she was part of the rebranding and has made it into a beautiful space,” he said.

The event was attended by members of the community, board members, volunteers, Monbulk State Member Daniela De Martino and Yarra Ranges Councillors Johanna Skelton and Andrew Fullagar.

Thane Garvey from the Wurundjeri Tribe land corp spoke the Welcome to Country on the day and there were also speeches, along with a free sausage sizzle and coffee cart on site.

Daniela De Martino said the Foothills Community Care’s op shop in Tecoma is a wonderful sustainable enterprise supporting their vital food programs.

“Whilst raising much-needed funds to help care for those in our community really doing it tough, op shops are also environmentally responsible - encouraging recycling of goods and clothing,” she said.

“The staff and volunteers at Foothills are truly marvellous people and I am always proud to support them in their work.”

Councillor Johanna Skelton said that the

opening of the shop is important for the region in many ways.

“Foothills Community Care are such a respected group with volunteers cooking meals (including using donated food), serving beautiful meals, serving in the op shops, and importantly caring for everyone in their community,” she said.

“As Thane Garvey, Wurundjeri representative, said, in the Welcome to Country, you can never have too much kindness and respect.”

A process a few years in the making, Foothills Community Care had previously taken over the operation of an op shop in Mountain Gate in June 2022, making the Tecoma space their second op shop acquisition.

Mr Barrington said that his organisation knew the shop and knew it was a fantastic part of the community.

“We approached them with a few options and we’re incredibly thankful to PwP for having the vision to start the shop there,” he said.

“It’s the perfect timing for us to add a second op shop onto our social enterprise arm.”

“Unfortunately, they (PwP) were not in a place to continue.”

PwP had been operating in the area since 1982 but shut its doors on Monday 18 March due to volunteer and financial issues.

“I was very sad to see Parents Without Partners Op shop close in this location, but it is great to see that local families will still be supported through Foothills Community Care,” Ms Skelton said.

Foothills Community Care has refurbished the space and Mr Barrington said the formal opening was a time to celebrate and formally see it.

“We’d already had great trade coming through,” he said.

“I thank all Foothills staff and volunteers for getting yet another impressive project off the ground,” Ms Skelton said.

Mr Barrington said they are always on the lookout for volunteers.

“If you are interested, we would be more than grateful to speak to you,” he said.

What’s on the ‘Men’-u? Plenty from the Mountain Men

By Gabriella Vukman

From parmas to pot roasts, the Hills’ very own Mountain Men group is hosting free cooking classes for the fellows of the community.

Having commenced on July 30, this four week cooking program is a pilot that is scheduled to conclude on August 27.

President of the Upwey Men’s Shed Roger who was also a participant in last Tuesday’s cooking class said cooking is a life skill.

“It’s part of learning the basics of life and we all come from different circumstances and wanted to be there to learn about cooking,” he said.

“The class was brilliant, we were taken through the theory behind cooking and we learnt each recipe step by step.”

Mr Roger was proud of his chefing-skills, he made parma and sticky date pudding.

Tecoma resident and board member of the Mountain Men community organisation Chuck said they are hoping to hear back from participants to improve the program.

“It’s a pilot program, hopefully we get lots of feedback from the men who are participating, and then use that feedback to direct where we spend our time and energy in the future,” Chuck said.

“The guys we’ve had participating so far have been fully on board with getting right into it.”

“It is run by our facilitator Jan Buhrman. She’s been a driving force behind the day-to-day operations and she runs the classes. She knows exactly how to design a course and how to talk to adult learners on their level. It’s been really positive to see her interactions with the men.”

Backed by the Yarra Ranges Council along with other partners, the cooking class program teaches men of all ages how to cook mains, side dishes and desserts.

“For the first week we made some Aussie classics such as lamb loin chops and a chicken par-

ma and then the week after we made fresh pasta bolognese and some sides to go with it,” Chuck said.

“Each week we’ve done a dessert and supporting dishes, these men are now having an understanding of not only some of the basics of cooking one-singular meal, but also the supporting pieces that make for a complete meal, and hopefully they’ll be able to use for themselves and to attend to their families in the future.”

“I’ve enjoyed imagining these fellas going home and telling their families or partners “hey, don’t worry about dinner on Sunday, I’m going to take care of it,” and then whipping up an entire Sunday meal.”

Next week, a classic Sunday roast is on the menu with the choice of chicken or pork.

Whilst the program was originally targeted towards men from older generations, it is now open and aimed at helping men from all walks

of life learn how to cook for themselves and their families.

“The idea for a cooking program was expressed to me by someone in the community and I thought it was a great idea to jump on board with and make it happen,” Chuck said.

“We saw members of our community impacted by either the loss of a loved one and all of a sudden they’re paying bills and cooking food and doing things that they hadn’t done before because maybe the partner had taken care of them previously.”

“Yarra ranges council graciously came to the table and suggested we not only look for the fellas that fit the age demographic, but also those who have been impacted by the storms.”

Much of the program’s design process went through the Upwey and Belgrave men’s sheds.

The Tuesday Cooking classes are held at the Foothills Community Care which is at the rear of

Upwey Baptist Community Church.

“Upwey Baptist Community Church is also one of our partners and they are providing the space at a very reasonable rate, as well as the foothills community care who are providing some of the ingredients - it’s been really beneficial to have all of these parties involved,” Chuck said,

“It’s a really great program in terms of bringing all of these different areas and organisations together.”

“We’re hoping this program will be something that goes off successfully and we’re able to continue doing in the future with more men.”

The Mountain Men are encouraging all men to come along and be immersed in the program.

“We are definitely still accepting fellas that want to come in and be a part of one or both of those last two classes,” Chuck said.

An assortment of Men’s Sheds and community organisations with the help of the Yarra Ranges Council have put together a free cooking class program for men. (Supplied)

Foothills Community Care formally opened the op shop to the public over a few speeches and a sausage sizzle. (Supplied)

Community gathered to formally celebrate the op shop which has been in operation since May this year.

Rec reserve’s new look

By Tanya Steele

The Belgrave South Recreation Reserve has had a much-needed facelift.

Yarra Ranges Council announced via social media on 8 August that the reserve was back better than ever.

“Thanks to your feedback, we’ve added a stunning Indigenous mural, a pump track, a basketball hoop, and gathering spaces,” the post read.

After investigations and community consultations in March 2021, Yarra Ranges council Director of Built Environment and Infrastructure, Hjalmar Philipp said that the council was successful in obtaining a crime prevention grant for works at the Belgrave South Recreation Reserve.

“The netball courts in the reserve were being

vandalised and damaged on a weekly basis,” he said.

“After conversations with Victoria Police, we decided to activate the space and involve young people in how it was designed.”

280 people completed the survey which provided council with an overview of how the space was being used. The feedback was then used in submissions to advocate and secure funding for the delivery of the project.

Yarra Ranges received 300,000 dollars from a creating safer places grant as part of the state government’s building safer communities program and had to complete the project within two years.

Mr Phillip said that Yarra Ranges Council teams engaged extensively with Belgrave South Primary School and Mater Christi students, along

with the wider community, to create a youth space.

“This space features a mural by a First Nations artist on the back of the pavilion, showcasing the local environment, a pump track, a place to play basketball and a social gathering space,” he said.

Mural artist and Boronia-based Nuenonne artist Amanda Wright is inspired by conversations with her grandmother and her work speaks of her family’s spiritual connection to water, the oceans and rivers and has done many works through out Melbourne.

Consultations were held with Belgrave South Primary School students from grade three through to grade six, with boys and girls attending from the surrounding area and Mater Christi had participation from 28 female school council

students ranging from year seven to year 12.

Students were shown images of the spaces and were asked what they liked or felt about the space, what they didn’t like about the space and what was missing from the space or what they might like to see.

Mr Phillip said that Women’s Health East conducted a gender equity walk onsite, to share feedback from local women on the space and how it could be improved.

“As a result of their feedback, trail lighting was included in the project,” he said.

The project aims to apply an inclusive environmental design approach to deter crime, increase safety and activate public places.

The space is open and ready for public use.

A pump track was included as part of the works. (Stewart Chambers: 425506)

The area has been subject to vandals in the past. (425506)

Amanda Wright painted a mural for the freshened up area. (425506)

Nestled on land once owned by the Nobelius family, Canadian expatriate John Wall’s winery has made a lasting contribution to the Dandenongs’ status for prestigious wines. Speaking with Star News journalist Corey Everitt, John tells of the rewards and challenges of the tireless work at his Emersleigh Estate.

Emerald’s hidden wine gem

Vines were first planted in 1996 at Emersleigh Estate. Named for being between Emerald and Avonsleigh, it was originally focused on producing sparkling wines.

Sparkling is best produced in cooler climates where the varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive the best. The Dandenongs Ranges are best known for these and Emersleigh has its unique spot for the cooler weather.

“You look at the Yarra Valley, we have this singular attribute that is cooler than the rest of the valley,“ John said.

“We pick all of our grapes at least two weeks behind the rest of the valley

“When you get that for sparkling wine, it makes a much more flavoursome wine.”

The estate makes four sparklings, a Brut, Blanc de Blanc, a Rose and their premium Sans Annee blended from several vintages.

However, Emersleigh couldn’t get by with just sparkling. In part from the economic realities of running the business and also because John seemingly can’t resist making an already tough job all the more harder.

Most of the estate’s existence has been run as a part-time business. A side project for something John had always been passionate about.

Born in Canada, he moved to Queensland with his family when he was a teenager. His career would take him elsewhere, but he always had an underlying passion for the sacred beverage.

“All I remember in my early 20s, I lived in Queensland and going to Stanthorpe through all the wineries, I was thinking this is what I want to do,“ John said.

He wouldn’t get the moment to truly indulge his dream until some years later. When they had their first vintage by 2001, the estate was just a vineyard.

The grapes would be transported to a winery in the Yarra Valley, however, this routine would come apart during the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires - when the winery had to shut operation for the summer.

“We rang up the winery and said book us in, gave them the date and then the day before we were going to pick we got a phone call to say sorry we had put all our gear away and we are not going to process,“ John said.

Coming out of this situation, the estate made the move to become its own winery. After a few years to achieve council approval, Emerleigh Estate became a full winemaking operation where they serve their wines to residents on the weekend.

A significant increase in the work while John was still maintaining a regular job, but it seems his passion overrides the effort.

“It’s really hard work, my kids grew up basically here on the property, but they want nothing to do with the vines anymore,“ John said with a laugh.

“When you are trying to work and run a vineyard it’s not easy, so for the last 12 months I have been just working here.

“But I don’t mind the work, I find it therapeutic working in vines, it’s calming, it’s relaxing, a great time for thinking.”

Among the sparkling, Emersleigh produces a variety of Shiraz, Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Rose and an assortment of blends between. All these are under the range called ’Off the Wall’, while Emersleigh Estate encompasses the sparkling.

No year is the same for wine, the season is the biggest deciding factor that can make one year of the same variety have a completely different profile to the previous. The production of wine is never really the same either, presenting its own challenges that can influence the wine.

Emersleigh Estate is no doubt innovative, not only influenced by John but his friends in the industry like the widely-revered Rob Hall.

In 2019, the estate had one of the biggest harvests ever. Producing about two and half thousand litres of Pinot Noir, so much that they ran out of barrels.

A solution was scrambled with the acquisition of a puncheon barrel, a much larger barrel than the traditional barrique.

Problem solved, yet even this produced diver-

All I remember in my early 20s, I lived in Queensland and going to Stanthorpe through all the wineries, I was thinking this is what I want to do.”

gence in the wine.

“It just provided a really different flavour profile and I played around with it to try and work out how we could blend it,“ John said.

“In the end I just couldn’t blend the two of them because the combined was not as good as the two separate.

“The puncheon barrel adds a lot of quality to the wine, it actually gives it a greater depth and it’s turned out to be a really well accepted wine.”

So the ’Puncheon Pinot Noir’ was created, it’s this ongoing dynamic through each unique year that can give the job so much reward.

Sometimes, the years can be unique in their

misfortune. In the last few years, the seasons have rendered poor harvests for Shiraz and Tempranillo in particular.

“Farmers tend to be optimists, we keep looking forward and seeing what we need to get done to make sure that if it does come through that we are prepared for it,“ John said.

“But again we got hit with rains at the wrong time of the year and it just makes it complicated.

“May and June were probably the driest months we have had for four or five years.

“But we are hoping this summer will be a little different.”

Despite this, there is still plenty of Pinot Noir

and Chardonnay to go around, and some of the poor-yielding varieties have been made up for with grapes shipped from other vineyards. John is unperturbed as there is not much you can do against the weather, to him “it’s always an interesting time.”

Most importantly, Emersleigh Estate is still open every Sunday and Public Holidays where you can taste their wines from 11am to 5pm. Some developments at the winery and upcoming events are in the works as well.

If you are interested in Emersleigh Estate, you can get in contact through emersleigh@gmail. com

Winemaker, John Wall.

Tempranillo vines.

John Wall of Emersleigh Estate. (Stewart Chambers: 421566)

Emersleigh Estate produces sparkling as well as varieties of red and white through their ‘Off the Wall’ range. Alpacas.

Pinot Noir vines.

Long-term plans for trees

By Tanya Steele

In late May the Yarra Ranges Council endorsed its tree canopy strategy unanimously and laid out a long-term plan for the management and planting of trees in the region.

Shortly after the “Preparing Australian Communities” national program funded fast-tracked roadside tree assessments and pruning in the Yarra Ranges area early July this year.

Yarra Ranges has one of the most extensive tree populations across metropolitan Melbourne and according to the strategy document trees on private land make up over three-quarters (77 per cent) of the Yarra Ranges tree canopy cover within built-up areas.

Tree canopy cover change on private land between 2014 and 2018 had a loss of 3.23 percentage points (34.7 per cent to 31.47 per cent), with Belgrave-Selby the only area to experience a minor increase.

Tree canopy cover change on public land between 2014 and 2018 had a loss of 1.96 percentage points (30.38 per cent to 28.42 per cent), with the Dandenongs experiencing the greatest losses, while Mount Evelyn, Monbulk-Silvan and Kilsyth had minor losses.

Some of the more urbanised areas such as Mooroolbark, Montrose and Lilydale-Coldstream had minor increases in tree canopy cover.

Data presented in the strategy said that the major storm event in Dandenong Ranges in June 2021 showed that 229 hectares of canopy cover were lost in the Dandenong Ranges— roughly the equivalent size of 128 Melbourne Cricket Grounds. The document did not clarify if this included public areas or national and state forests.

The council has identified over 3000 trees needing pruning or removal with its recent roadside assessments and immediate work went underway to address 200 hazardous trees and reduce bushfire risk.

Director of Built Environment and Infrastruc-

ture, Hjalmar Philipp said that qualified arborists are proactively inspecting strategically, from a fire safety and access perspective, important roads and recommending removal where necessary.

“We are also removing some groups of Pinus radiata, as they are an environmental weed and can be very flammable (for example: a pine tree caused severe fire damage in Canberra, January 2003),” he said.

Mr Phillip said that council are only removing trees that are assessed as dangerous.

“The PAC program does not include funds for replanting. Accordingly, we will replant areas where there has been significant landscape change due to the amount of trees removed, but not every site,” he said.

Removed vegetation will be managed by Yarra Ranges and Mr Phillip said when safe to do so, they leave logs cut to a manageable length for residents to take as firewood.

“We use the mulch in our parks and gardens,” he said.

The community told the council through the engagement process for the strategy that their were concerns that too many trees were being cut down for new development and that tree canopy

cover targets aren’t enough.

In Yarra Ranges the population is expected to grow by 15.23 per cent to 185,902 by 2041 and according to the strategy document, alongside this growth and development the cumulative impact of tree loss from development may be “significant”.

The community has asked for the council to motivate tree retention and tree planting on private land and to use up-to-date tree canopy cover data to inform tree management decisions.

The strategy has aimed for the community to have a greater understanding of the role, function and importance of trees, have greater knowledge and appreciation of culturally significant trees and also increase their participation in greening and biodiversity programs.

It also aims to stabilise or increase canopy cover on public land in built-up areas.

This includes finding and planting in priority locations where canopy cover is low or declining across Lilydale and its surrounding suburbs as well as the urban parts of Yarra Glen, Healesville and towns in the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley.

It does not cover the protection, management, or planting of trees on land managed by other agencies, such as national parks and state forests.

Part of the tree canopy strategy aims to increase tree canopy cover from 31.68 per cent to 35 per cent on public land in built-up areas while at the same time reducing hazardous trees along roadsides for bushfire preparedness.

Tree inventories are a key part of best practice tree management and the strategy said that the large tree population within Yarra Ranges means that collecting and maintaining a complete tree inventory would be costly and time-consuming.

However, Mr Phillip said that Yarra Ranges will be doing an inventory for large habitat trees on council managed land in built up areas, and also an inventory of culturally significant trees on council-managed land in all areas.

The strategic document outlines a plan to partner with the State Government and neighbouring councils on acquiring, or council to acquire its own periodic tree canopy cover data. By 2026 the strategy plans to start several ‘foundation’ actions to plan and begin carrying out the expansive strategy.

The full document is available on the Yarra Ranges council website at: www.shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/tree-canopy-strategy-2024-2044

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The strategy aims to grow and protect trees while growing a healthy canopy. (426065)

After community engagement, the strategy was endorsed by council on 28 May this year. (Tanya Steele: 426065)

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)

Ginger’s red-letter days

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Emerald’s popular hairdressing salon ‘Gingers’ is celebrating its 60 birthday this year.

The hair salon was founded by the Emeraldlocal Patricia Hartje in 1964, and later the business became known as “Gingers” when she sold it to her red-haired friend.

Ms Hartje lived and worked in the area since early 1960s with her five children, in 2020, she died of a heart attack.

Gingers has had several owners since opening its establishment, currently the salon is owned and operated under the Emerald-local, Kacey Peeters who purchased it in 2014.

“I believe the salon has been such an important part of the community in all its years – people have helped us to continue even after all these years, and we’ve given back to the community,” Ms Peeters said.

“There have been times where some families have gone through some things in the community, and we’ve rallied together to help them with some fundraising.”

“It’s been a goal of mine to provide a bit more of an upmarket sell on to Emerald, not because the salon was not running or was struggling but we wanted to step it up a bit to be able to offer more services, better products, and better hair knowledge for the community and it’s been successful because of what we’ve been able to provide.”

When the 44-year-old took over the hairdressing business, she renovated the place – coming into a clean and well-looked after place is just as

important as leaving the place feeling fresh and looked-after.

“The previous owner wasn’t really a hairdresser, she was a mortgage broker, and for me it’s really important to understand the people who come to us,” she said.

“When people come into the salon, they like to know who the owner is, and they like to feel welcomed, especially being in a small town, everybody wants to know who everyone is, and just being able to offer them really good products and provide a really good service.”

The salon was advertised on the market for quite some time before Ms Peeters purchased it.

“At that time, my kids were starting to go to school, my youngest kids were starting to go to prep, and the school wasn’t far from here – because it’s a small community, I thought it would be fine for the kids if I’m working, they can walk down to the salon from the school, and it just gave me that ability to be able to be there for them after school as well as do what I’m most passionate about,” she said.

Her love for hairdressing began during her high-school years, and at the age of 20, she became a qualified hairdresser.

In 2008, she moved with her family to Emerald to be surrounded by its beautiful nature and to grow in a small community.

Prior to owning ‘Gingers’, she had a salon in Wantirna, and worked at Spa Quality salons in Crown Casino.

She said her passion for hairdressing has only

evolved and strengthened in the last 23 years being in the industry, she’s always “hungry” for more knowledge.

“I really love what I do, I never wake up any day and go, I don’t want to go to work,” she said.

Like many industries, the beauty industry was also impacted in 2020/2021.

“Covid was a challenge, there was a time when we were only allowed 30-minute appointment per client, even though we didn’t close the salon, but everybody was cancelling because they were too scared to go outside their doors,” she said.

“We weren’t making any revenue, and things got even harder when the government made the announcement that we had to close our doors but coming back the way that we were supported by the community and our client was unbelievable.”

One of the best things for the hairdresser’s entire career is seeing clients come back even after many years, she said that’s when you know you’re doing things the right way.

“I thrive off the feeling I get when I make a difference in someone’s life by making the client in my chair feel and look their best,” she said.

Historian and High School teacher Michael Reed has dedicated his time in researching about the founder of Gingers.

According to Mr Reed’s findings, Ms Hartje attended Kildara College in Malvern where she enjoyed playing tennis with the other schoolgirls.

“As a young hairdresser Patricia developed a love of the exquisite fashions and history attached to the British Royal Family,” the Historian said.

Mr Reed has had a great deal of his own with the British Royal Family, his research, and writings about them were published in the UK’s major newspapers for over a decade.

“I regularly provided research and wrote for English newspapers, the Guardian, Daily Mail, Telegraph, Express and other publications – most of my research has been about Kate Middleton’s paternal family, and Patricia really enjoyed reading all of the articles that I had written and researched about,” he said.

“I think it is amazing that the British Royals have a link with one of Emerald’s most successful businesses.”

“I coincidentally worked with Patricia’s daughter, Annaliese a few years ago, who’s also a teacher, for a time, Annaliese and I were joint English coordinators at a senior high school near Dandenong.”

The 59-year-old was also Ms Peeter’s next-door neighbours in Emerald for several years.

The salon operating under the current owner will turn 10-years towards the end of September, early October.

The 44-year-old will be celebrating a decade of success with her previous and current staff and clients on a Saturday afternoon with a DJ and some canapes.

“Michael Reed is going to come and do a speech about the history of the original owner, Patricia, I’ve got some clients who are going to do a few speeches and then our colour company, Kevin Murphy has got some goodie bags for everyone to take home,” she said.

Left to right: Michael Reed and Kacey Peeters with a picture of Patricia Hartje celebrating the salon’s 60th anniversary (Gary Sissons)

Left to right: Historian/teacher Michael Reed and Gingers’ owner Kacey Peeters with a picture of Patricia Hartje (Gary Sissons)

Patricia Hartje founded Gingers in the early 1960s (Supplied)

Gambling still rife today

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.

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

WOORILLA WORDS

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 Austra-

lians 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. 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

Meta’s news stance on Facebook revealed to be false

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.

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 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.

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.”

Country Press Association president Andrew Schreyer.

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 Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street

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

CARTOON

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.

RIGHT OUT OF A MAGAZINE

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.

VIBRANT AND CONVENIENT OPPORTUNITY

MOVE-IN ready with all the hard work already done, this home presents an ideal opportunity for the discerning buyer to secure a perfect property. Located in the sought-after pocket of Avonsleigh, this home is within walking distance to the school, restaurant, sports field and transport, offering unmatched convenience.

This vibrant residence has been tastefully updated, featuring a modern kitchen with a stylish concrete benchtop and ample storage that overlooks the open-plan lounge and meals area.

The bathroom boasts luxurious underfloor heating, ensuring comfort year-round, floor to

ceiling tiles and a separate toilet.

The property includes 2 large bedrooms, both featuring built in robes. Large windows flood the home with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, while gas heating and an air conditioner provide comfort for all seasons.

Additional features include carport, sealed driveway with electric gate, fully fenced yard, and a garden shed. With scope to further provide personal touches, this property is a fantastic opportunity for first home buyers, investors and downsizers alike. Call today before it’s too late.

PRIVATE AND STYLISH FAMILY HILLS HIDEAWAY

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

HOME FOCUS

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.

DualAccommodationEquinePropertywith10Post &RailPaddocks!

Thispropertyfeatures:2 fantastichomes,greatviews,plentyofundercovercarparking,fantastic workshopwithhoist& rackingina4carlockupgarage,10post& railedfencedpaddocks,a roundyard, 2covereddayyards,a leanto,& alllocatedon aquietnothroughroad.Theprimary homehasa anopenplanlayoutwithpolishedhardwoodfloorsinthelivingareas.Thereisanopen plankitchenwithgasstove/oven &a dishwasher.Thediningarea &loungeroomenjoytheinbuilt woodfire &splitsystemAC.Themasterbedroomhasa walkthroughwardrobe& ensuiteandthe further2 bedroomshaveBIRs.Thesecondhomewhichisseparatelymeteredhasit’sowndriveway& anopenplandesignfeaturing2 bedrooms&amodernbathroom.Thekitchenisopenplanwiththe lounge/diningareawhichhasa splitsystemAC.Thereisanexpansivedeck&aseparatelaundry.

Solid,PrivatelyLocated, 4Bedroom,FamilyHomewithStunningPool!

Asyoudrivedownthesealeddriveyouwillfindthishiddengemfeaturing4 bedrooms, 2bathrooms, doublecarport, &solarheatedpool.Onenteringthehomeyouarewelcomedbytheloungeroom withwoodfire.AdjacentisthemasterbedroomwithWIR,ensuite& Frenchdoors.Downthehallyou willfind 2bigbedrooms,0newithdoublerobes &largecolonialwindows.Thekitchen/meals/family roomisopenplan &featuresa woodheaterwhilstthehomehasmainsGDHthroughout.Thekitchen hasa newdishwasher,electricwalloven &900mminductioncooktop, &plentyofbenchspace.At thisendofthehomeisthe4thbedroom,familybathroom &laundrywithrearyardaccess.Outside hasa doublecarport,lockableshed,& stepsleadingtothesolarheatedingroundpool.

M 0438680032 4 A 2 B 2 C

BeautifulHomeinEmeraldonapprox.23acreswithViews! Thisoutstanding3 bedroom,3 bathroomhomesituatedonapprox.23Acresoffersgorgeousviews acrossclearedpaddockstoCardiniaReservoir.Thisstoneconstructedhomehas awoodfireheater, acousticstrawboardvaultedceiling,giantwindowssoakingintheview &plentyofnaturallight.The kitchenisvast,with agasstovetop &electricoven, &plentyofbenchspace.Unwindinthesecond loungeroomwithanopenfireplace&astunningstudyarea.Thereisa masterbedroomfeaturinga walkthroughwardrobetotheensuite.Thefurther 2bedroomshaveBIRs& areservicedbya family bathroom.Externallythereisa clearedpaddockwith acentraltreedgully.Thegroundscontaina pizzaoven,a highdoublecarportattachedtothehome, &inthebackyardareais adoublegarage withpower,lights &concretedfloor.Thispropertyhasmainspower,gas& water.

PrivateandImmaculateFamilyHome

Thisimmaculate5-bedroompropertyissituatedon4574sqm& offerstheperfectblendoftranquillity &luxury.Themomentyouenterthishomeyouwillfeeltheambiencecreatedbypolishedtimber flooring,woodfire,largewindows& viewsofthestunning,seasonalgarden.Addtothiszonedliving &entertainer’skitchen.Otherfeaturesofthisstunningpropertyinclude: 5Bedrooms, 2Bathrooms Entertainerskitchen,largeislandbenchwithstonebenchtops,doublefarmhousesink. Veryprivateyard, 3Cargarage,3.3mtallwithrollerdoors.Gardensheds,Fullyfencedbackyard. Caravan/Trailerparking,Combined30,000ltrwatertanks

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

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

Monbulk clinches its flag

By Armin Richter

Will Hughson and Myles Koelewyn were the main drivers as Monbulk Under 16 boys clinched the Outer East Junior Football League Ranges premiership last Sunday, beating Healesville by 35 points at Yarra Junction.

Hughson was best-on-ground as Monbulk’s even spread of goal-kickers took the Hawks to a deserved 9.15.69 to 4.10.34 victory.

Charlie Seamer kicked two goals and was also among Monbulk’s best. The Hawks’ other multiple goal-kickers were Riley Broadbent and Cooper Palmer, who also kicked two apiece. Zaine Dyer and Max Litchfield starred for Healesville.

The Yarra premiership went to Wandin Under-16 boys, who were too good for Woori Yallock. Best-on-ground Mitchell Upton led the way for Wandin with four goals, a figure matched by teammate Cooper Rowe, as it set up its 16.9.105 to 8.6.54 win.

The League completed its season on Sunday at Yarra Junction with the remaining age groups holding their grand finals. The other winners were Olinda-Ferny Creek under 14s and Mt Evelyn White under 16 girls.

Under 14s Mixed

Olinda-Ferny Creek 15.10.100 def Woori Yallock 2.6.18

• Best: not named

• Goals: Olinda-F.C. - Jesse Desta 5, Jack Ford 4, Hugo Fishburn 2, Spencer Garratt 1, Alister Deering 1, Edward Pattison 1, Kadin Johnston 1

• Woori Yallock - Patrick Hawkins 1, Caleb Urquhart 1

Under 16s Girls

Mt. Evelyn White 5.7.37 def Belgrave 2.3.15

• Best players and Goalkickers not named Under 16s Boys Ranges Monbulk 9.15.69 def Healesville 4.10.34

• Best: Monbulk - William Hughson, Myles Koelewyn, Brock Downey, Eamon Dawson, Charlie Seamer, Riley Broadbent

Trades & Services

• Healesville - Zaine Dyer, Max Litchfield, Billy Collins, Darcy English, Lucas Frazzetto, Wyatt Coleman

• Goals: Monbulk - Charlie Seamer 2, Riley Broadbent 2, Cooper Palmer 2, Finn Horsfall 1, Ethan Knight 1, Ryder Koelewyn 1

• Healesville - Max Litchfield 2, Forest McKay 1, Wyatt Coleman 1 Under 16s Boys Yarra Wandin 16.9.105 def Woori Yallock 8.6.54

• Best: Wandin - Mitchell Upton, Joshua Vennix, Lachlan Alderman, Dylan Pollock, Bailen Smart, Lachlan Holt

• Woori Yallock - Archie Spencer, Riley O’Connor, Hunter Ryan, Mason O’Neill, Mitchell Cliff,

• Goals:

• Woori Yallock - Hunter Ryan 2, Archie Spencer 2, Mason O’Neill 2, Riley O’Connor 1, Max Rees 1

Noah Dare

Wandin - Mitchell Upton 4, Cooper Rowe 4, Tyler Seeger 2, Lachlan Alderman 2, Riley Gray 1, Oscar Nalder 1, Corey Morton 1, Tyson Whelan 1

Monbulk Under 16s Boys premiers in 2024 (Laura Cross)

Monbulk’s William Hughson was Best On Ground in the Under 16s Ranges Grand Final against Healesville

Monbulk’s Ben Pratt marks between two Healesville opponents

Hawks exact sweet revenge

By Armin Richter FOOTBALL SENIORS

In Round 5 Pakenham defeated Monbulk by a single point with a kick after the final siren. Since then the Hawks have made a gallant run for a finals spot but that loss had been costly. With coach Matt Cunningham re-signing for another season during the week, Monbulk were keen to continue their recent good home ground form and add the Lions scalp to their collection. An overcast day that threatened to bring rain instead turned into a sunny afternoon as Monbulk hosted their past players and supporters day.

Monbulk ran hard throughout the match to create options and pressured the ball carrier when they were not in possession. Apart from three consecutive goals in the second term from the Lions, which brought the margin back to a goal, it was a dominant display by the Hawks. Monbulk had a six goal lead by the final change and then rattled on 6.8 in the last term for an emphatic 67 point win. The final score and winning margin are both club records against Pakenham while the win takes the head to head record against the Lions to 4 wins and 5 losses since first meeting in 2019. Monbulk 15.17.107 def Pakenham 6.4.40

• Best: Joshua Spencer, Declan Browne, Joel Wensley, Hayden Finlay, Lochlan Beecroft, Campbell Evans

• Goals: Joel Wensley 3, Declan Browne 3, Ben Hughson 2, Lochlan Beecroft 1, Nicholas Wall 1,

Hayden Finlay 1, Brodie Emmett 1, Adam Banks 1, Mitchell Dekker 1, Lachlan Smith 1 RESERVES

Monbulk’s Reserves find themselves in ninth place and are set to miss the finals by a narrow margin. They have been showing that they can match it with most sides and were set on disrupting Pakenham’s quest for finals, who were two wins ahead of the Hawks in sixth place. Monbulk had already beaten them once earlier in the season.

After a high scoring opening quarter which reaped 5.0 to 4.2 in Monbulk’s favour, the match became an arm wrestle for the remainder of the game. By three quarter time Pakenham held a slender 1 point lead. In the final stages Monbulk did most of the attacking, scoring the only goal of the last quarter, along with 5 behinds, while restricting the Lions to a solitary behind and coming away with a 9 point win in the process. The Hawks are just a game out of the six but with Pakenham (sixth) and Woori Yallock (eighth) to play each other in the final round it seems that their fate is set.

Monbulk 9.11.65 def Pakenham 8.8.56

• Best: Josh Wentworth, Dale Ross, Harry Fleming, Nicholas Heron, Cameron Griffiths, Josh Rak

• Goals: Michael Langworthy 3, Matthew James 2, Ryan Gilbert 1, Thijs Koelewyn 1, Charlie Barge 1, Josh Wentworth 1

NETBALL

A GRADE

Both Monbulk and Pakenham went into their clash knowing that they were assured of a finals

berth but wanting to test themselves against a possible finals opponent. Earlier in the year the Lions had triumphed 55-35, however this time around it was to be much closer. It was a game where the defences had been on top but the numerous turnovers caused weren’t capitalised upon in converting those opportunities into goals.

Monbulk 45 def by Pakenham 48

• Best: Jamie Clark, Stephanie Ferguson , Georgia Himmelreich

• Goals: Peri Reid 23, Stephanie Ferguson 13, Elly Stewart 9

B GRADE

Monbulk’s B Grade team were just outside the top six and had a slim finals hope which would rely on them winning and having other results go their way. In the end neither happened as the Hawks bowed out of finals contention with a spirited 11 goal loss to a Lions team that took advantage of the chances created.

Monbulk 40 def by Pakenham 51

• Best: Rihanna Kelly, Elizabeth Cutting, Siobhan Munday

• Goals: Jorja Wragg 29, Dayna Walsham 9, Chloe Schmidtke 2

C GRADE

The Hawks were also in seventh place in C Grade and met a finely tuned Pakenham team which accounted for the home side by a comfortable margin in the end. Monbulk are still alive and will make finals if they can defeat ROC (third) this week and also rely on Gembrook (ninth) defeating Up-

wey (sixth). Where there is a pulse there is life. Monbulk 26 def by Pakenham 52

• Best: Sammi Kelly, Chloe Carmichael, Tara Donald

• Goals: Jamie Sands 13, Chloe Carmichael 8, Maddy Buckland 5

D GRADE

Pakenham are one of the leading teams in D Grade and accounted for Monbulk in regulation fashion ultimately, but the Hawks had improved on their earlier meeting and strung together some promising passages of play.

Monbulk 16 def by Pakenham 40

• Best: Maddy Buckland, Zali Utting, Isla Stubbs

• Goals: Maddy Buckland 13, Hayley Donald 2, Isla Stubbs 1

UNDER 15s

For the second week in a row it was left up to the Under 15s to fly the flag for the netballers and register a win for the Hawks. The match was critical for both the third placed Monbulk and fourth placed Pakenham. A spot in the top three would ensure a double chance under the final five system being used in this grade. The Hawks won each quarter on their way to a 12 goal victory. With a Qualifying Final now locked in, the Hawks will test themselves against the unbeaten ROC in the final round. Monbulk 26 def Pakenham 14

• Best: Bridie McCormick, Maddison Calcagno, Lara Stenhouse

• Goals: Lara Stenhouse 14, Kaitlyn Summers 11, Isla Stubbs 1

Monbulk dominates Pakenham with 67-point triumph

By Armin Richter FOOTBALL

PREMIER DIVISION (round 17)

• Seniors: Mt. Evelyn 19.9.123 def Berwick Springs 13.9.87; Wandin 20.19.139 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 10.12.72; Woori Yallock 17.9.111 def Emerald 12.12.84; Upwey-Tecoma 9.9.63 def Officer 7.15.57; Narre Warren 15.12.102 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 14.10.94; Monbulk 15.17.107 def Pakenham 6.4.40

• Reserves: Mt. Evelyn 12.5.77 def Berwick Springs 10.2.62; Wandin 7.10.52 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 7.6.48; Woori Yallock 9.9.63 def Emerald 4.7.31; Upwey-Tecoma 14.9.93 def Officer 1.8.14; Narre Warren 21.10.136 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 8.8.56; Monbulk 9.11.65 def Pakenham 8.8.56

DIVISION ONE (round 18)

• Seniors: Belgrave 19.13.127 def Yea 12.9.81; Seville 17.17.119 def Alexandra 9.4.58; Healesville 16.25.121 def Yarra Junction 5.4.34; Powelltown 13.13.91 def Yarra Glen 10.12.72; WarburtonMillgrove bye

• Reserves: Belgrave 21.6.132 def Yea 2.1.13; Seville 22.16.148 def Alexandra 0.2.2; Healesville 23.17.155 def Yarra Junction 2.4.16; Yarra Glen 11.11.77 def Powelltown 6.5.41; WarburtonMillgrove bye

• UNDER 19s: Narre Warren 7.13.55 def Pakenham 5.7.37; Gembrook-Cockatoo 12.14.86 def Wandin 6.6.42; Officer 15.12.102 def Upwey-

Tecoma 5.10.40

• UNDER 18s: Mt. Evelyn 12.6.78 def Healesville 5.11.41; Woori Yallock 18.13.121 def Seville 2.4.16; Olinda-Ferny Creek 12.7.79 def Upwey Tecoma 4.9.33

SENIOR WOMEN

• Division 1: Preliminary Final - Healesville

4.5.29 def Upwey-Tecoma 1.3.9

• Division 2: Preliminary Final - Woori Yallock 3.3.21 def Warburton-Wesburn 2.4.16 NETBALL

PREMIER DIVISION

• A Grade: Mt. Evelyn 97 def Berwick Springs 23; Wandin 99 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 40; Emerald 70 def Woori Yallock 48, Upwey-Tecoma 68 def ROC 39; Narre Warren 80 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 29; Pakenham 48 def Monbulk 45

• B Grade: Mt. Evelyn 87 def Berwick Springs 26; Wandin 55 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 33; Woori Yallock 88 def Emerald 58; ROC 62 def UpweyTecoma 30; Narre Warren 90 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 28; Pakenham 51 def Monbulk 40

• C Grade: Mt. Evelyn 54 def Berwick Springs 9; Wandin 45 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 26; Woori Yallock 28 def Emerald 26; ROC 48 def UpweyTecoma 15; Narre Warren 34 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 29; Pakenham 52 def Monbulk 26

• D Grade: Mt. Evelyn 55 def Berwick Springs 13; Wandin 32 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 14; Emerald 43 def Woori Yallock 10; Upwey-Tecoma 35 def ROC 23; Narre Warren 36 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 17; Pakenham 40 def Monbulk 16

DIVISION ONE

• A Grade: Healesville 66 def Yarra Junction 45; Seville 77 def Alexandra 26; Yea 63 def Belgrave 23; Warburton-Millgrove + Yarra Glen bye

• B Grade: Healesville 35 def Yarra Junction 34; Belgrave 64 def Yea 36; Yarra Glen 65 def Powelltown 29; Seville 104 def Alexandra 8; Warburton-Millgrove bye

• C Grade: Yarra Junction 28 def Healesville 11; Belgrave 48 def Yea 16; Seville 67 def Alexandra 6; Yarra Glen 67 def Powelltown 5; WarburtonMillgrove bye

• D Grade: Belgrave 36 def Yea 12; Seville 37 def Alexandra 18; Yarra Glen 45 def Powelltown 1; Warburton-Millgrove + Yarra Junction bye

• 17 & Under Premier: Wandin 48 def Mt. Evelyn 13; Pakenham 32 def Woori Yallock 15; ROC 55 def Berwick 6; Narre Warren bye

• 15 & Under East:Monbulk 26 def Pakenham 14; Woori Yallock 29 def Beaconsfield

Pakenham take a mark against Monbulk in Round 17 (Supplied)

Monbulk’s Josh Spencer weaves his way through some congested play (Supplied)

Monbulk players run in numbers as Max Thornton (43) handballs to Adam Banks with Joel Wensley (33) in support

The Monbulk v Pakenham A Grade match was a close checking defensive encounter

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