Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 27th August 2024

Vale Amigo Sam

By Mikayla van Loon

Known to most in the Mount Evelyn community simply as Amigo, the kindness of one man rippled across hundreds and has shown the power of regarding each and every person as a friend.

Sam Abounajm, was more than the Red Robin Milk Bar owner, he was a family man, a loving father, dedicated husband, a confidant, a community member and an immigrant twice over.

The real life Wonka of the small, hilly township was endlessly positive, spreading joy, love, a warm smile, some humour and, of course, lollies with all who walked through his shop front door.

With Sam’s sudden passing on Monday 12 August came shockwaves and an outpouring of support for his wife Sue and children, Nina and Will.

Remembering their father as the kindest, most hardworking person they knew, Will said he didn’t just do that for his own children but for so many others in the community.

“He’s the hardest working person I’ve known. He’s never taken a day off but he never complained about the hours. He was very positive naturally,” Will said.

“He would never mention anyone in a negative light, that’s why people looked up to him as a person. He was such a strong, fatherly figure to a lot of us men from 20 to 40 who grew up around the shop.”

Nina said her father’s generosity spanned beyond just giving to people, he was “generous with his beautiful smile, generous with his laugh” too.

“He had the warmest heart, the biggest heart, and he genuinely cared about people. He was really humanistic and he could feel anyone’s pain,” she said.

“He had this gift of being able to know what to say to each person, whether they were young or, a child or teenagers or adults or seniors.

“He made everyone feel special and important, and it didn’t matter if he saw you every day, or if he saw you once, you were all important.”

Born in Lebanon, Sam was one of many migrants who travelled to South America, settling in Venezuela.

It’s there that he met his wife Sue, setting up businesses and starting a family.

“Then in the ‘80s, Venezuela was becoming extremely unstable, so they decided to migrate to Australia with their young family,” Nina said.

First arriving in Australia, the couple worked opposite shifts at different factory jobs, with Sam doing the night shift at the Buttercup bread fac-

tory and Sue working day shifts at a large sewing factory.

Over two years they saved enough money to open their own milk bar in East Doncaster just as it was starting to develop.

“They did that with little English and they learned everything along the way. That’s the magic about my parents,” Nina said.

“I always think they were migrants twice from Lebanon to Venezuela at a very young age, they grew up there and then started again in two languages. For me, that’s resilience.

“They were always seeking a better future for us.”

Continued Page 2

A portrait of Sam Abounajm by local artist Louise Tesoriero with a red robin on his shoulder, wearing Mt Evelyn maroon, surrounded by floral tributes. (Mikayla van Loon: 427373)

Mt Evelyn honours Sam

From Page 1

After a year and a half in East Doncaster, the family moved to Croydon North, opening a milk bar and Amigo’s Charcoal Chicken shop.

In early September, it will be 24 years since Sam took over the running of Red Robin in Mount Evelyn.

“This was his life, seven days a week. He’d wake up at five o’clock and from 5.30 he’d be in the shop, even though it says it’s a 6.30 start and he used to close at 9.30, now it’s nine, seven days a week, 24 years here,” Nina said.

Having been immersed in the South American culture of friendship and camaraderie for many years, Nina said this was something her father latched on to when arriving in Australia as well.

“When we came to Australia, he realised there was a culture of mateship and he was like ‘Oh, I know that’. It’s the same thing as amigo in Venezuela and South America. So that carried through.”

Never setting out to be a lolly shop, Nina said the progression happened naturally.

“People would come in asking for a certain lolly and dad was always thinking, how can I keep this milk bar alive? They’d ask and he’d go, ‘I’ll get onto it’. It just happened,” she said.

“We’ve got English lollies, we’ve got some New Zealand lollies. We’ve got some American stuff and Dutch stuff. That was the process and it just got bigger.

“Mind you, he doesn’t use the internet, he doesn’t Google stuff. He doesn’t have a mobile phone. He just does it with talking, his relationship skills. He always surprised me with his ability to find new suppliers.”

But Nina said that was his charm, talking, networking and always paying it back to others who helped him.

And while day-in-day-out Sam was ready to work, Will said he never overlooked his family.

“He would deliberately find shops with houses behind them and I would always ask him ‘what’s the situation with that’ and he would say ‘I want to see you guys running around’.

“He wanted to keep us around, he was that family oriented and he was just one of the hardest working sweethearts.”

Stories of Sam’s love and kindness flooded social media in the days after his death. And with permission, Star Mail has chosen some of these stories from the 85 that were shared.

“I loved how every time I walked in he’d always say ‘hello my friend’ so genuinely, and was always so generous to the kids who would walk out beaming because they’d received a free lollypop from Amigo!”

“If he only had two packs of kindling he would only sell you one, just in case another person was needing some heat that night.”

“What I loved about Sam was he always made me laugh. He was always cheeky.”

“One of this world’s very rare true gentlemen and a genuine caring soul.”

“I hadn’t been in the shop for about 15 years, but the day I went back in it was like I had been there yesterday. Couldn’t believe he had remembered me from when I was a teenager!”

“Amigo always made us feel like we were his

most special customers and cherished friends. A feeling he gave to everyone. What a superpower he had. He gave away more love than lollipops, and he gave away A LOT of lollipops.”

“When my children and I walked in for our weekly visit, as per normal I was so kindly greeted with the most amazing smile and pure happiness in his voice, I said ‘how are you my friend?’ and he responded with ‘I am great, the sun is shining, I have my beautiful wife and my children, what more could I want’ and he then looked at my children and said ‘you are very lucky too’ and he couldn’t have been more right.”

“Walking into the shop was like walking into your friend’s house, you just felt his warmth and kindness, he always wore a smile, he always gave our kids extra lollies and joked that he was going to eat half of them. You walked away smiling no matter what kind of day you’d had.”

“He was the nicest man and an incredible part of our amazing town. An absolute ray of sunshine. He greeted everyone as his friend, with a big smile. ‘Amigo! How are you my friend?’ It could have been your first time in the shop but he’d make you feel like you’d known each other for years. He always made us laugh and smile and feel happy. He was such a kind, genuine and caring person. He loved everybody and everybody loved him.”

“Sam and Sue used to own the milk bar at McAdam Square, Croydon, opposite Luther College. They sent their kids to Luther same timing as our boys. So we got to know them well regularly popping in to buy something. After our boys finished schooling, we bought an acreage property back in Mt Evelyn, only to find Sam and Sue had moved to the Red Robin Milk Bar/General Store. Sam was one of the loveliest, kindest, and most gentle people you could ever hope to meet. Always a friendly greeting... ‘hello Amigo’ every time you walked in the shop. He was a huge icon in our town.... revered by so many.”

Because of Sam’s simple acts of kindness, a town of people, over multiple generations, felt special.

Returning just part of that support, a GoFundMe set to a $5000 target raised over $20,000 in just a few days.

The impact Sam had on Mount Evelyn can not be overstated.

“It’s been overwhelming to see that he loved everyone and cared for everyone, but it’s just been poured back. He knew he was loved, because the kids loved him, and he always said, ‘the kids are so pure’ but not to this extent.

“I just want to thank you all, because if it wasn’t for all of our community, I don’t think we could have gotten through the shock of it. And because we don’t have any blood relatives here, everyone’s overseas, everyone’s carried us through.”

Nina and Will said the shop was their dad’s happy place and so, despite Sam not physically being around, he was still there in every other way.

“We’ll continue it because dad’s here. We love it, and we love the community. So we’re definitely going to continue his legacy because this is what he loves.”

Sam Abounajm was known for his warm smile, kind heart and generosity. (Supplied)

Sam’s son Will stands outside the beloved Red Robin Milk Bar with dozens of flowers gifted in remembrance of his father. (427373)

He always kept people smiling and laughing. (Supplied)

Sam helped, encouraged and spread so many feelings of joy. (427373)

The Red Robin walls are lined with treats of all kinds from various countries around the world. (427373)

Animal cruelty down

By Mikayla van Loon

The rate of animal cruelty reports in the Yarra Ranges has reached a four year low according to RSPCA Victoria’s annual data.

Dropping to 16th place, having ranked eighth last financial year, the Yarra Ranges recorded 220 animal cruelty reports for 2023/24.

This is 90 fewer reports of cruelty than the previous year, despite the RSPCA revealing in late 2023 that reports of horse-related cruelty in the Yarra Ranges topped the rankings across the state last financial year.

In total, nearly 10,000 animal cruelty reports were made to RSPCA Victoria by members of the public in the 2023/24 financial year.

The main three reasons included husbandry issues such as lack of grooming, poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions, and lack of shearing; underweight animals; and sick or injured animals where there had been insufficient, or no veterinary treatment provided.

Acting chief inspector Michelle Green said while malicious cruelty was still occurring, their team was helping struggling pet owners more than ever before.

“It’s an increasingly challenging environment out there following the pressures of the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis is only compounding this,” she said.

“The majority of what our RSPCA Inspectors are seeing first-hand is just how much people in the community are struggling, and when people are struggling their pets are often affected.

“The majority of the animal cruelty we see is actually neglect as a result of people’s circumstances changing beyond their control, such as hospitalisation, financial pressures, or sudden joblessness, while other animals suffered due to owners simply not understanding how to care for their pets adequately.”

Neglect remains the highest form of abuse but even still acting chief inspector Green said cases of animals being beaten, small animals being used for live-baiting, and even cockfighting do exist on a smaller scale.

The Yarra Ranges has also improved in the number of animals being seized or surrendered, decreasing from 57 in 2022/23 to 25 in 2023/24.

This is considered moderate in terms of rankings of local government areas.

Greater Geelong, Casey, Wyndham, Hume and Whittlesea have remained in the top five for the fourth year in a row for the number of cruelty reports.

Hume also topped the list for the number of seizures or surrenders totalling 227.

While Knox only had 151 reports of cruelty, the

council area had 60 seizures or surrenders, ranking the municipality at 11th.

Cardinia had 242 reports of cruelty made to RSPCA but only 14 animals were seized or surrendered throughout the year.

The RSPCA received 129 reports about animals in Maroondah, with 31 being seized or surrendered.

In the last 12 months 2250 animals were seized by or surrendered to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate placing pressure on the capacity of shelter services.

In an aim to try and prevent the overwhelm of shelters, inspectors look to help pet owners at home.

“When they can, our Inspectors are offering help through emergency pet food to struggling households and other support such as the provision of donated kennels or bedding for pets and providing preventative flea and worming treatments,” acting chief inspector Green said.

“We’re also seeing people struggling to provide for the number of animals they have, whether that be households caring for unplanned litters from un-desexed pets, or people whose circumstances have changed and they’re no longer able to support their pets.

“If you are struggling to care for your pets you are not alone, please don’t be afraid to reach out for help and please don’t wait until your pet is suffering.”

Acting chief inspector Green said there may be community-based programs or other groups, as well as the local council who may be able to support people in providing the best welfare outcomes for their pets.

This year RSPCA Victoria announced it is increasing its community outreach work as part of its 2030 Strategy, with the aim of supporting people in the community to keep and care for their pets so that they don’t end up in shelters.

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report or by calling 9224 2222.

ASIC disqualifies Chirnside Park director

A Chirnside Park businessman has been disqualified from managing corporations after an ASIC investigation.

Richard Andrew Sparreboom is unable to manage corporations for the maximum period of five years due to serious misconduct.

Between March 2019 and March 2022, Mr Sparreboom was the director of two companies, Sparrk Logistics Pty Ltd and Hedgehog Logistics Solutions Pty Ltd, that entered liquidation.

Mr Sparreboom’s conduct in relation to the failure of Hedgehog Group Holdings Pty Ltd was also considered in ASIC’s decision in whether the disqualification was justified.

All three companies were involved in the business of transport, postal and warehousing. ASIC found that Mr Sparreboom acted improp-

erly and failed to meet his obligations as a director when he:

• failed to lodge activity statements and income tax returns for Sparrk Logistics with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO),

• deleted books and records and produced false records of Sparrk Logistics,

• failed to prevent Sparrk Logistics from breaching an EarlyPay agreement,

• authorised Hedgehog Group and Sparrk Logistics to make payments that were not in the best interests of the companies, including unfair preferential payments when Hedgehog Group was insolvent, and

• allowed Hedgehog Group and Sparrk Logistics to continue to trade for significant periods of time after there were numerous indicators that the companies were insolvent.

At the time of the ASIC decision, the three companies owed $9,809,880 to 178 unsecured creditors and $1,201,740 to former employees for unpaid wages, superannuation, and leave entitlements.

In disqualifying Mr Sparreboom, ASIC relied on supplementary reports lodged by liquidators, Anne Meagher of SV Partners and Suelen McCallum of DVT Group.

Ms McCallum assisted in preparing the report after ASIC approved funding from the Assetless Administration Fund.

Mr Sparreboom is disqualified from managing corporations until 11 August 2029.

Mr Sparreboom has the right to seek a review of ASIC’s decision by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

IN BRIEF

Motorbike impounded after high speed

A young Montrose motorbike rider, who was being monitored by police, was caught travelling 52km/ hour over the speed limit.

The 19-year-old male learner rider was detected riding at 122km/hr in a 70km/hr on Canterbury Road in Montrose on Wednesday morning.

Police received a report from a concerned member of the public, via Crime Stoppers, regarding the young Montrose resident’s riding behaviour in the area over the last few weeks.

Heeding the concern, police sat off his address and were disappointed to observe the poor driving for themselves as he left for work.

His motorcycle was impounded for 30 days and he can expect to lose his learners permit for a minimum of 12 months. He will also have an appearance in front of a Magistrate.

Learner caught speeding in wet weather

Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol was met with a head shaking scenario on Friday 23 August when officers were patrolling along Dorset Road in Croydon.

They detected a car doing 118km/hr in a 60km/ hr zone.

Police allege the driver, an 18-year-old learner from Doncaster East, took his dad’s car while he was asleep and went for a joyride with his 16 and 17-year-old friends. The roads were extremely wet at the time and the car was observed almost hitting a parked vehicle.

The vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $987.50 - he will have a date with the Magistrates Court, charged with driving at a dangerous speed, exceeding the speed limit and being an unaccompanied learner.

Police implored young learner drivers to please think about their actions and possible outcomes before jumping in a vehicle. This could have ended in tragedy because of blind stupidity.

Mazda BT-50 models recalled

Just nine days after a first recall, 10,957 Mazda BT50 (TF) 3.0 ltr Variants with a year range of 20202021 have been recalled.

The fuel hose may have been installed incorrectly and may come into contact with the engine oil level dipstick mounting bracket. As a result, fuel may leak from the damaged hose, and, in the presence of an external ignition source result in a vehicle fire.

A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users or bystanders and/or damage to property.

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by Mazda Australia in writing to schedule an appointment to have the fuel hose inspected and replaced, free of charge.

An RSPCA inspector carries a puppy seized from a property. (Supplied)

A 19-year-old Montrose resident had his motorbike impounded after being caught 52km/ hour over the speed limit. (Supplied)

Drowning numbers alarm

By Callum Ludwig

The National Drowning Report 2024 was released on Tuesday 20 August, with a devastating 323 people drowning in 2023/24.

On Wednesday 29 May 2024 at about 3pm, a man was walking across an offshoot of the Yarra River behind the popular Redwood Forest in East Warburton when he fell into a relatively deep part of the river.

The man was not able to be located by friends and family, triggering a near-seven hour search involving the Upper Yarra SES Unit, Lilydale SES Swift Water Rescue team, Manningham and Maroondah SES Boat Rescue crews and Victoria Police. The man’s body was eventually recovered and his death was not being treated as suspicious.

On 28 January 2024, a 23-year-old Wantirna South man also died in the Yarra River in the Outer East after being swept into rapids near Warrandyte. His body was recovered at about 1.30pm the following day.

A man’s body was also recovered from the Yarra River in Warrandyte on Tuesday 24 October 2023, believed to be a 35-year-old Warrandyte man who went missing on Wednesday 18 October 2023. The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage and police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Royal Life Saving – Australia CEO Justin Scarr said this year’s report highlights the need to invest in building community resilience to drowning, strengthen swimming and water safety skills of children and adults, especially for those living in regional communities and migrant communities.

“The Report is a reminder that many Australians now lack the skills to swim, float or stay safe in the water, it’s a reminder that drowning prevention starts at home, in schools and at local pools,” he said.

“We must ensure no child or adult misses out on learning to swim, and that all Australians have access to a safe place to swim, starting with a great local swimming pool.”

Over the past ten years 34 per cent of the people who drowned were born overseas, often recently arrived refugees, migrants or international students while their main countries of origin were India, China and Nepal. In the last year, 25 per cent of deaths were people from overseas.

“In response to the tragic summer events, many migrant communities themselves are leading the way, raising awareness and promoting programs. Governments can do more. Policies changes can help to ensure migrants, refugees and international students have early access programs in their local communities”, Mr Scarr said.

Rivers alone accounted for 25 per cent of drownings in the last year (80) with inland waterways overall accounting for 34 per cent (110).

Coastal locations accounted for the most deaths with 150 (46 per cent), including 84 (26 per cent) at beaches while swimming pools accounted for 35 deaths (11 per cent) of which over half of those were backyard pools.

The largest number of drowning deaths in people aged 65 or over, 92 people (28 per cent), was recorded while 15 children aged under five also drowned.

Federal Minister for Aged Care and Sport Anika Wells said the Australian Government was committed to supporting organisations like Royal Life Saving – Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia to raise water safety awareness and with some simple precautions, we can all enjoy the water safely.

“Always supervise children around water, learn swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills, wear a lifejacket when boating, and always swim between the red and yellow flags,” she said

“Enjoying a swim has so many benefits, especially for older adults. If you are over 55 and love the water, having a pre-summer medical check-up to ensure you are swim fit, and refreshing your skills at the local swimming pool are two great water safety ideas ahead of summer.”

The total figure is 42 higher than last year’s total and 16 per cent greater than the 10-year average of 278. 2022 (339 deaths) is the only other year in the same time period to record over 300 drowning deaths.

Duo’s holiday cut short after stolen caravan is found

A Croydon man in his 20s has been charged after being located in an allegedly stolen caravan in Pakenham on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old woman with him was also arrested.

Officers had been searching for a man after he allegedly evaded police in Seaford before crashing into the door of the police vehicle on 14 August.

The female officer inside the police vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

On 21 August, investigators attended a caravan park on Racecourse Road and located the man inside a stolen caravan about 9.20am.

It is alleged to have been stolen from an address in Berwick on 15 August.

Police also located and seized a Toyota Landcruiser, multiple cloned registration plates, stolen identity documents and a quantity of methamphetamine.

The Landcruiser was allegedly stolen from an address in Warragul on 15 August.

The man and woman were arrested and taken into custody.

The 27-year-old Croydon man has been charged with:

• Theft of a motor vehicle.

• Theft.

• Aggravated reckless exposure of police officer to risk by driving.

• Assaulting a police officer.

• Reckless conduct endangering serious injury.

• Damaging an emergency service vehicle by reckless driving.

• Recklessly cause serious injury.

• Driving while disqualified.

• Possession of a drug of dependence.

• Possession of a house breaking implement.

• Possession of the proceeds of crime.

He was remanded to appear before Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 22 August.

The Scoresby woman was released pending further enquires.

The Landcruiser was allegedly stolen from Warragul.

A 27-year-old Croydon man was arrested and charged after the theft of a caravan and Landcruiser. (Supplied)

The Yarra River recorded three drownings in the Outer East in 2023/24. (File)

Home help hole hurts aged

By Callum Ludwig

Older residents of the Yarra Ranges in need of support at home are still finding themselves without the help they need.

Many residents have been assessed and are eligible for a variety of different services offered under Home Care Support such as garden maintenance, shopping assistance or respite hours for carers, but there are no local providers available.

Yarra Junction resident Margaret Baker recently had an assessment and was eligible for help in her garden and home and said she is devastated but is even more worried about people who might be worse off than her.

“I’ve got two metal knees, two metal hips, I’ve got severe arthritis and my shoulders have now gone, so I applied for help, I desperately need help with domestic duties, but there’s just nothing available because there’s no registered providers,” she said.

“I’ve worked all my life, my husband’s worked all his life, we’ve never taken benefits, we’ve never taken government handouts, and now when we need it, it’s not available.”

Casey MP Aaron Violi raised the issue in Parliament in June, naming another four residents in the local area who have also not been able to access their home care packages.

Ms Baker said she wanted to encourage local businesses to investigate the scheme and get themselves registered.

“I think a lot of these places haven’t applied to the Commonwealth or haven’t applied to My Aged Care to have their businesses registered and I think that’s a question we need to ask,”

“They’ll pick up a lot of work if they’re registered through these organisations, when the lady came to me she said ‘I’ll bring up who’s available in your area for cleaning’ and there’s not one person registered to help me out.”

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) understands that recent senate estimates show that 68,000 people are currently on the waiting list for home care packages.

Yarra Ranges Council’s O’Shanassy Ward Councillor Jim Child has known Ms Baker for many years and said they’ve got to make sure residents are being looked after.

“I just want to get it resolved as soon as possible and I’ve said to the team, if we know a shortcut around this so she can get engaged with someone, we’ve got to do that because one thing Yarra Ranges is that we’ve been there for the residents through the transition, whereas a lot of other municipalities have stepped away,” he said.

“Anyone that comes to us that’s having a problem with this, we’ll work with them because Margaret’s identified a real problem at the moment and I just couldn’t believe it.”

Yarra Ranges Council, under the direction of the Federal Government, has stepped away from providing services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), ceasing the delivery of their last offered services in July 2024.

Director of Communities at Yarra Ranges Council Leanne Hurst said they understand this is challenging, however they also understand the Australian Government’s goal is to ensure that resources are allocated to essential activities for the most vulnerable people, which they are sup-

portive of.

“Our Information Navigation Officers will be in touch with the community member to discuss options for support with domestic cleaning, gutter cleaning or garden maintenance, as the national aged care reform progresses to support those most vulnerable in the community, people wanting entry-level services such as domestic assistance and gardening/gutter maintenance are increasingly finding themselves not eligible for Australian Government-subsidised aged care services or can be waiting up to 12 months for these services to become available,” she said.

“We know there are a large number of community-based small businesses in the Yarra Ranges that can support these needs and the local economy, and we encourage people to consider them as alternative solutions, or make private arrangements with friends and family where feasible,”

“We encourage our community members to call our Information and Navigation Officers on 1300 368 333 to discuss how to navigate the aged care system and alternate solutions to subsided services if they are not eligible or waiting for assessment and/or service availability.”

The Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care advises older people who are unable to access specific services due to lack of a Registered Home Care Package providers in their area to contact My Aged Care at www.myagedcare.gov.au or free call 1800 200 422 for advice.

A department spokesperson said the Depart-

ment is about to roll out more than $400 million over three years to increase services available through CHSP, including in a number of rural and regional areas.

“Alternative options for care and support include: Short-term entry-level aged care services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), if available and older First Nations people may be able to access aged care services through the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) Program,” they said.

“If there is a provider in area that can deliver the services, but is not a registered aged care provider, a person could: pay privately for those services, or request that provider either become a registered HCP provider or subcontract to a registered HCP provider, consider state-based aged care services or visitprimary care for any healthrelated issues, including hospitals, GPs and allied health practitioners.”

The Australian Government has taken steps to address the issues, though there is still time before the effects of funding and the new Support at Home program to take effect.

The 2024-25 Budget included $21.6m for a regional, rural and remote focused home care workforce support program with a goal of bring 4000 more workforce members to the sector while ‘viability supplements’ are also available for providers of home care packages in MM 4-7 locations, including $531.4 million in additional funding provided to support the delivery of

24,100 home care packages in 2024-25.

The department spokesperson said research undertaken, including as part of the Market Strategy and ongoing analysis of supply gaps, will help the Government to determine where to focus effort and resources and ensure future investment in all types of Government funded aged care is appropriately targeted.

“The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority is currently undertaking a costing study that will consider the need for rural and remote loadings on the subsidies paid under Support at Home,” they said.

“In addition to the subsidies received for services delivered, Support at Home providers operating in thin markets, such as rural and remote locations, are expected to have access to supplementary grants, recognising the higher costs faced in these areas, this mixed funding model should remove financial impediments to service delivery in these locations,”

“Under Support at Home, the department expects to have access to real time data about the services being delivered on the ground, which is not available under the Home Care Packages program, this would allow the department to investigate and respond to service gaps in areas where services that people are being assessed for are not being delivered.”

The CHSP will be phased out in favour of the Support at Home program from no earlier than July 2027.

Yarra Ranges residents eligible for home care packages are finding themselves unable to access local providers. (File)

Waste diversion the aim of joint council initiative

At least 95 per cent of household waste from nine councils in Melbourne’s south east, including the Yarra Ranges, is set to be diverted from landfill and used to create a valuable energy source.

The South East Metropolitan Advanced Waste Processing (SEMAWP) initiative aims to deliver a smarter solution for dealing with household waste.

Nine councils have banded together to enter a Waste Supply Agreement with Maryvale EfW Project Co (a consortium between Veolia Australia and New Zealand, Opal Australian Paper, and Masdar Tribe Australia) to send waste to an advanced waste processing facility in Maryvale in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley.

The councils, made up of Bayside City Council, Cardinia Shire Council, City of Casey, City of Greater Dandenong, Frankston City Council, Kingston City Council, Knox City Council, Whitehorse City Council and Yarra Ranges Council, are shareholders in SEMAWP, a company created by the councils for the purpose of this procurement.

Announcing the agreement, SEMAWP’s board chair and Bayside City Council chief executive officer, Mick Cummins, said by diverting SEMAWP Councils’ residual waste from landfill it will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 270,000 tonnes annually, equivalent to removing 50,000 cars from the road per year.

“This is a great outcome for residents of the nine councils involved in this project that began in 2019,” Mr Cummins said.

“This solution provides an alternative to landfill that makes better use of household waste than burying it in the ground. Items that can’t be reused or recycled will be put to better use.

“It is expected to create more than 500 temporary jobs during construction and an estimated 455 permanent operating jobs, including direct and flow-on, over the coming years. So, it reduces emissions, creates investment and employment, and preserves land for better uses than landfill.”

Yarra Ranges Council’s chief executive officer Tammi Rose said the future management of waste needs to be a priority for councils.

“We know we are running out of space for landfill. Our recently introduced waste changes have seen a reduction in the amount of food and organics going to landfill but there is still more we can do,” she said.

“Ideally, we should be preventing, minimising, recycling and recovering our waste wherever possible; and when it’s not possible then we need to look at disposal. Generating energy from waste is a logical part of managing our waste and Yarra Ranges is pleased to

be involved in this innovative approach to waste management.”

With household waste in Melbourne’s south east projected to increase by 40 per cent by 2046, alternatives to landfill need to be found. The last remaining landfill in the south east of Melbourne will close in the next few years. This project will ensure that residents’ waste is used to create a valuable energy source for an important industry in the Latrobe Valley.

The Maryvale Energy from Waste (EfW) facility will be adjacent to the existing Opal Australian Paper Maryvale Mill, and the paper mill will utilise the combined heat and power from the EfW facility.

Councils will deliver waste to a transfer station planned for construction in Melbourne’s south east, where it will be prepared for bulk transfer to Maryvale EfW. Energy from waste facilities are being used safely and reliably in metropolitan areas around the world, including in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and North America.

Modern, best-practice advanced waste processing facilities have strong safety track records and are designed to meet strict emissions standards, with real-time emission monitoring to make sure they meet stringent air quality standards.

In Victoria, they are regulated by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria and Recycling Victoria such that EfW facilities must be appropriately located, constructed and operated according to strict regulations that minimise risks to the environment and people.

The contract term for the Waste Supply Agreement will be for 25 years. Mr Cummins said this would provide cost certainty and waste processing security to participating councils.

By forming a single entity, the councils strengthen their influence on the economic, environmental and social outcomes of the project.

SEMAWP is like many other companies, it is governed by a constitution and reports to a board of directors.

Each participating council is bound by a shareholders’ agreement and has an equal share in SEMAWP. Having an equal share means each council has an equal say on how the contract is managed regardless of the size of the council and the amount of household waste being supplied.

SEMAWP exists only to manage the contract agreement for the advanced waste processing facility and cannot make decisions on other waste or council matters.

Over a period of three decades, Eastern Health’s Maroondah Breast and Cancer Centre has screened 10,000 people for an early detection diagnosis per year.

Celebrating 30 years of the BreastScreen service also means celebrating the over 300,000 lives impacted by this technology.

Maroondah BreastScreen associate program director Michelle Giles said the changes since its inception three decades ago have been immense.

“Maroondah commenced operations at 24 Grey Street in a small weatherboard house in January 1994. The first consumer was screened by our then Designated Radiographer Liz Sundram. The client list was delivered by a courier on a floppy disc and left under the doormat,” she said.

“The service started with film screening before progressing to computer radiography and then full view digital mammography.

“Today, we operate out of a state-of-the-art Breast and Cancer Centre at Eastern Health Maroondah with additional fixed sites.

“Our mobile van, which started in October 1994, continues to serve regional areas.”

The program is focused on the early detection of breast cancer in clients without symptoms and

the Centre screens 10,000 consumers per year.

Its 30-year journey has been marked by significant technological advancements. One area of focus has been the introduction of new 3D imaging technology.

“Maroondah BreastScreen was the first BreastScreen service in Australia to offer tomosynthesis (3D imaging) in the BreastScreen Assessment setting. This project led to the rollout of tomosynthesis in the BreastScreen assessment setting across Victoria,” Ms Giles said.

“Another area of focus has been providing consumers with information about modifiable breast cancer risk factors like alcohol consumption. This project is a collaboration between Eastern Health Turning Point, Maroondah BreastScreen, and BreastScreen Victoria.”

Over the past 30 years, the service has offered approximately 930,000 appointments and the team are eagerly anticipating their millionth appointment in 2025.

“Early detection provides clients with a better prognosis, and we strongly encourage women aged between 50 and 74 to screen every two years so any change in their breast tissue can be detected as early as possible.”

Maroondah BreastScreen staff celebrated 30 years. (Supplied)

Casey CEO Glenn Patterson, Yarra Ranges CEO Tammi Rose, Bayside CEO Mick Cummins, Knox CEO Bruce Dobson, Whitehorse Infrastructure Director Steven White, Cardinia Infrastructure and Environment General Manager Peter Benazic, Greater Dandenong City Futures Executive Director Sanjay Manivasagasivam, Kingston Infrastructure General Manager Samantha Krull and Frankston CEO Phil Cantillon. (Supplied)

Where to pick up your FREE Star Mail

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar3 Meadowgate Drive

CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Caltex Safeway239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK EG Fuelco Service StationChirnside Park Shopping Cr Little

Chipping Drive, 241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Chirnside Park Country Club 68 Kingswood Drive

CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar158 Nangathan Way

CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar11 The Mall

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketChuringa SC, Russo Place

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketCanterbury Road Kilsyth

KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette Unit 7/87 Colchester Road

LILYDALE Aaron Violi MP Office 110 Main Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC51-59 Anderson Street

LILYDALE Woolworths SupermarketMarketplace, 33 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale VillageCastella Street & Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre7 Hardy Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre1 Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station473 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale346 Main Street

LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths31 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE BP Service Station87 Warburton Highway

LILYDALE Shell Service Station469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE 7 - Eleven LilydaleCnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Coles Express469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe251 Main Street

LILYDALE Round Bird Can't Fly170 Main Street

LILYDALE The Lilydale General110 Beresford Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery96 Main Street

LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe178 Main Street

LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe222 Main Street

LILYDALE Gracious GraceCastella Street

LILYDALE Melba Coffee House33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies7/75 Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Point of View CafeLilydale Lakeside - Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE Freda's Cafe2 Clarke Street

LILYDALE Barry Plant Real Estate88 Main Street

LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate164 Main Street

LILYDALE Hello Harry245 Main Street

LILYDALE Noel Jones Real Estate 281 Main Street

LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate111-113 Main Street

LILYDALE Grubs Up1 Industrial Park Drive

LILYDALE Mc Donalds RestaurantMaroondah Highway

LILYDALE Olinda Creek HotelMaroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street

MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road

MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street

MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent

MOUNT EVELYN Red Robyn Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent

MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road

MOUNT EVELYN Bendigo Bank 2/35-39 Wray Cres

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket916 Mt Dandenong Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket15 Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Bendigo BankUnit 19/66 - 74 Brice Ave

MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar38 Bellara Dive

MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart108 Hayrick Lane

MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark103 Cardigan Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Express2 Cambridge Road

MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real EstateBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK L J HookerBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK Mc Donalds RestaurantManchester Road

MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale138 York Road

WANDIN NORTH Wandin Newsagency Shop 2 /18 Union Road

Trail trees are planted

Yarra Valley Water teamed up with Yarra Ranges Council and Mount Lilydale Mercy College to plant 1600 trees along the Yarra Rail Trail in Lilydale.

Students joined staff from both organisations last week to plant native trees to enhance wildlife habitat and screen Yarra Valley Water’s new food waste to energy facility, which is under construction nearby.

Yarra Valley Water’s distribution and growth general manager Bridie Fennessy said during community consultation for the food waste to energy project residents had suggested they’d like more trees planted in the area.

“We listened to ideas from the community and worked with the Shire of Yarra Ranges to respond. These plants will grow to screen the facility, provide shade for rail trail users in summer and enrich the local environment,” she said.

Ms Fennessy said the plants, sourced from social enterprise the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater Indigenous Plant Nursery, will provide habitat for wildlife.

“Our new food waste to energy facility is being built alongside our Lilydale Sewage Treatment Plant which already provides a haven for a variety of native birds and animals,” she said.

“This includes Tawny Grassbirds, which are rarely seen in Victoria, but have recently been spotted at the treatment plant and are believed to be breeding there. By adding more vegetation to the area, we can help increase habitat for them and other native creatures. This will enhance biodiversity and support a healthy ecosystemwhich is one of our strategic commitments.”

The Lilydale facility will be Yarra Valley Water’s second food waste to energy facility, creating clean, renewable energy and diverting about 55,000 tonnes of food waste from landfill every year.

Ms Fennessy said construction is off to a great start, with most of the earthmoving works completed for now.

“Over the coming months we’ll be constructing the digester tanks for the facility, which will process up to 55,000 tonnes of commercial food waste a year,” she said.

“As a water corporation, we’re deeply committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change and this facility will help us achieve our goals.”

For more information about the Lilydale Food Waste to Energy Project visit yvw.com.au/LilydaleWTE.

Repair Cafe dates for the rest of the year

Chirnside Park’s Repair Cafe has only a few sessions remaining for the year but there’s still time to get those pesky items fixed before the end of the year.

The remaining dates:

• 8 September (2nd Sunday)

• 6 October • 10 November (2nd Sunday)

• 1 December - no repairs because of community barbecue Drop by the Chirnside Park Community Hub on Kimberley Drive from 10am to 12pm, with the last entry being 11.30am. Community house in need of committee members

Mt Evelyn Community House and Reading Room is a thriving community based organisation providing for the needs of the Mount Evelyn Community.

The House has a vibrant and community informed program of workshops and classes, as well as opportunities for socialising and community connection.

The Reading Room is an integral part of the house providing enriching programs, community resource borrowing and information. The current Committee are proud of the work done and wish to ensure the work carries on and is sustained moving forward.

The Community House is looking to attract some new committee members with skills and experience in either governance, IT, financial and/or carer experience. We are looking at succession planning for this stable and cohesive committee - the president and treasurer are completing their 10th year this year.

If anyone is in the Mount Evelyn area and looking to give back to the community - please contact Sarah Yeates – president on 9736 1177 or email info@mtevelynch.com.au

If you have skills in any of these areas that you would be willing to contribute to the house, or if you would like to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please give us a call – or for more information on the amazing programs and services visit the website or give manager Nikki Condello a call on 9736 1177.

Yarra Valley Water’s Project Manager Ashley Naylor and Waste to Energy Officer Georgia Brown planting trees along the Yarra Rail Trail with Yarra Ranges Council’s Paul Slinger. (Supplied)

NEWS Bowlers back sick kids

By Mikayla van Loon

For the second year, the bowls community has made a substantial difference in helping supply the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) with life saving equipment.

Hosting the John Snell Triples Championship on Sunday 18 August, Lilydale Bowls Club welcomed 30 teams from various clubs around the state, social barefoot bowlers and community members for a day of fundraising.

Supporting the work of the Templestowe/Yarra Valley Auxiliary, a dedicated group of women who use their craft skills to raise money for the Hospital on a regular basis, the partnership only grew this year, along with the event size.

Event organisers Greg and Sue Ingham said the widespread support of the event was incredible.

“We had people travel from Ballarat, some from Traralgon and some from the other side of the city, so it was really well supported,” Mr Ingham said.

“We were really well supported by the community and businesses with sponsorship and donations to raffles. We ended up having about 90 prizes.

“We had silent auctions going, we had barbecues going all day, so people came and bowled on the green for barefoot bowls and in the wash up we probably raised, although I’m still putting the figures together, around $20,000.”

This is an increase on last year’s final figure of $14,000.

Templestowe/Yarra Valley Auxiliary president Barb Nicoll said the funds will go directly towards the purchasing of an Intracranial Pressure Monitor valued at $30,000.

“We are always looking for ways to fundraise. Sue Ingham joined our Auxiliary two years ago and through the drive and enthusiasm of her family the bowling tournament to raise money for the RCH was born. It has been an amazing suc-

cess and continues to grow,” Ms Nicoll said.

Mr Ingham said as the organisers but also from a club perspective, “what we’ve tried to do is bring the bowls community together”.

The triples championship invites mixed teams of three to compete for the title, which was presented by Commonwealth silver medalist John Snell himself.

And while charity fundraisers are not new to Lilydale Bowls Club, Mr Ingham said by including a tournament, it brings many more players and clubs together for a good cause.

“The generosity of the winners, some of them donated the prize money back, not all the prize money came back but a good proportion did,” Mr Ingham said.

“The local businesses were very generous with what they did. The support for the raffles and things was amazing. People putting their hands

Students amaze with outstanding speeches

The Rotary Club of Lilydale held its annual Primary School Speech Competition (PSSC) earlier this month and the audience was treated to 10 very impressive speeches by Grade 5 and Grade 6 students from five local primary schools.

Jointly MC’d by Toastmasters and Rotary Lilydale, the event is held after each participating school conducts heats, with two students per school competing on the night.

Held in an appropriately intimate setting at Mt Evelyn Christian School, the students looked and sounded like professional public speakers.

Judged by members from Wandin Toastmasters and Croydon and Yarra Toastmasters, their job was not an easy one due to the high calibre of every speech.

William from Montrose Primary School won first prize with his speech about the ‘mysteries of the deep sea’. William’s sense of humour and witty approach garnered many laughs from the audience.

Amelie from Mt Evelyn Christian School shone colourfully with her beautiful cape and won second prize with her speech ‘if I could have a superpower what would it be’.

Eliza from Bimbadeen Heights spoke passionately about ‘the best part about living on earth’ and won third prize. Eliza spoke of our national floral emblem and her hairstyle featured pretty sprays of Golden Wattle.

Both William and Amelie will represent their schools at the Rotary District 9815 PSSC Grand Final later in the year.

Club President, Des Shiel commented that the competition provides students with a wonderful opportunity to further develop creative writing skills and practice public speaking.

“The amount of research each student undertakes to deliver their speech really shows their dedication and desire to deliver a first class speech,” Des said.

After the formalities, students, their families, friends and school representatives were treated to a supper prepared by the wonderful volunteers from Rotary Lilydale. The audience mingled with Toastmasters, Rotarians and representatives from Community Bank Mt Evelyn Bendigo Bank who has generously committed to sponsoring the event, at this stage until 2026.

in their pockets on the day was probably beyond our expectations.”

The competition winners were in first place Luke Lamont, CJ Snary, and Jessica Wallace (Lilydale), in second Dylan Fisher, Matthew O’Brien, and Kirstin Day (Moonee Valley), third Troy Kreyan, James Gonera, and Irene Attard (Footscray / Yarraville) and in fourth place Josh Sanders, Rod Nicholson, and Olivia Slade (Lilydale).

The Yarra Valley based auxiliary group is around one of 40 that supports the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation by raising money.

“Templestowe Auxiliary started 85 years ago with an orchardist from the area forming an Auxiliary to help sick kids by transporting fruit to the hospital. Two years ago we changed our name to Templestowe/Yarra Valley as we wanted to hold onto our tradition but acknowledge where most

of our members live,” Ms Nicoll said.

“We have flourished and now hold stalls selling our handmade goods to raise money.

“Over the 85 years we have raised in excess of $1.4 million which has purchased equipment and paid for research projects. Every cent we earn goes directly to the hospital. Our members pay for their materials and donate the items.

“We currently have 23 members and are growing, recruiting many new members from Lilydale Marketplace where we hold a stall the second Friday of each month.”

Templestowe/Yarra Valley Auxiliary has another special event, a High Tea at Chirnside Country Club on 10 November starting at 1.30pm. For details email leonandbarb@gmail.com

The John Snell Triples Championship is scheduled to return for 2025.

Eliza from Bimbadeen Heights Primary School, third place, Amelie from Mt Evelyn Christian College, second place and William Lewis from Montrose Primary School, first place. (Supplied)

Bowling legend John Snell presented the first place prize to winners Jessica Wallace, CJ Snary and Luke Lamont. (Supplied)

The bowling greens were packed with competing teams.

The Lilydale club rooms were buzzing with people supporting the cause.

Run for more than medals

By Dongyun Kwon

After the huge success of hosting the 2024 State Cross Country Championships, Yarra Valley Racing once again hosted the cross country competition for students from all across Australia.

Individual racing was held on Wednesday 21 August while relay and time trial racing took place on Friday 23 August.

More than 500 students participated in the competition.

School Sport Australia (SSA) president Graeme Jennings said SSA is proud of the great work that occurs at all levels to ensure hundreds of thousands of Australian students, of all abilities and backgrounds are provided access to participation in school sport.

“Our SSA Championships are not just about where a team finishes on the ladder, it has many added benefits – health, cognitive, well-being and social integration,” he said.

“The educational outcomes the students gain is something they cannot learn in the classroom or on a device, it provides another pathway for the fulfilment of personal potential whether it be playing or officiating.”

Hasas Abeygunawardana from Eastwood Primary School ended up winning three gold medals.

Hasas has a hearing impairment and participated in the 10-12 Years Multiclass Boys and Girls race on Wednesday and Multiclass Time Trials on Friday.

Hasas said he started to cross country to run with his brother.

“I learnt I have to continue running until the end throughout cross country,” he said.

Hasas won the individual gold medal at the 10-12 Years Multiclass Boys and Girls race and won the team gold medal at the same race with his teammates, Declan Zamora with a hearing impairment from Yarra Valley Grammar School and Sam Bradley with a vision impairment from Cheltenham East Primary School.

Declan took third place and Sam took fourth place in the same race which summed up as the highest team point.

Declan and Sam participated in the Multiclass Relays where they ended up with a silver medal on Friday.

“I always liked sports and I decided to start practising cross country to get here,” Declan said.

“I learnt how to try my best throughout the cross country experience,” Sam said.

The trio went to the 2023 National Cross Country Championships together in Canberra last year where they got not only a gold medal as a team but also good friendship.

Team Victoria general manager Erik Albers, who is a teacher at Oakleigh South Primary School, was proud of Team Victoria students.

“Our team did an absolutely fabulous job representing Victoria,” he said.

“Everyone’s proud of their achievements and they are very excited.

“I’d like to thank the support of the parents and families for coming out and watching the athletes’ performance.”

SSA rotates the hosting state of the event every year and this year Victoria was chosen as the host.

School Sport Australia (SSA) national cross country advisor Andrew Downes said he loved the Yarra Valley Racing as an event venue.

“School Sport Victoria used this for their state championships, so it was a familiar setup for them to transfer over to the national cross country,” he said.

“We just adjusted it to how we run our program.

“The location was ideal as accommodations and places to eat are all close.”

Team Vic Multiclass Relays runners, L-R: Margret Karam, Georgia Peacock, Tihana Palahinjak, Giselle Castaneda, Mohamed Limani, Declan Zamora, Ethan Splatt and Sam Bradley. (Dongyun Kwon: 427492)

The first relay runner Declan. (427492)

Margret touched the next runner Georgia. (427492)

Boys’ last relay runner Ethan running to the finish line. (427492)

Team ACT chasing up Team SA. (427492)

Multiclass Time Trials winners of each age group, L-R: 10-year-old Phoenix Zhang from Mountain View Primary School, 11-year-old Hasas and 12-yearold Samuel Demuth from Mountain View Primary School. (427492)

The first relay runners at the start line with the coaches, L-R: coach Lyne Barge, Margaret Karam from Jells Park Primary School, general manager Erik Albers and Declan Zamora from Yarra Valley Grammar School. (427492)

Come on Team Vic. (427492)

The team gold medal winners at the 10-12 Years Multiclass Boys and Girls race. L-R: Declan Zamora, Hasas Abeygunawardana and Sam Bradley. (427492)

Treadworx for tyre quality

Located in the heart of Lilydale, Treadworx is a family-owned business that’s been delivering top-quality tyre, wheel, and suspension services for over 6 years.

Known for their friendly approach and deep expertise, Treadworx is the go-to spot for all your automotive needs, catering to a wide range of vehicles, from everyday cars to robust 4x4s and even wheelbarrows.

They offer an impressive range of tyres from leading brands like Maxxis, Yokohama, Falken, Kumho, and many more. Whether you’re looking for durability, performance, or a bit of both, you’ll find the perfect tyre for your vehicle here.

Their wheel selection is equally extensive, featuring popular names such as Extreme 4x4,

Dynamic, Sniper, ROH, PDW, Lenso, and others, ensuring a stylish and functional fit for any ride.

Treadworx is also proud to be an authorized Fulcrum Suspensions dealer.

They provide a comprehensive range of suspension products from Fulcrum, tailored to meet the needs of every type of vehicle.

Owner Nathan Hawkless sums it up well:

“With over 20 years of experience and a knowledgeable team, we’re dedicated to offering a wide range of high-quality products and services at competitive prices,” he said.

For expert advice, exceptional service, and a personal touch, Treadworx Lilydale is your local destination. Stop by and find out why they’re the preferred choice for so many!

Treadworx Lilydale are your friendly local experts for tyres, wheels and suspension. (Stewart Chambers: 426116)

Treadworx owner Nathan Hawkless.

A chat with John Wood

By Mikayla van Loon

Having graced screen and stage for decades, John Wood is a household name when it comes to iconic Australian dramas.

Since the 1970s Wood has been an esteemed actor but it was his roles in hit TV shows Rafferty’s Rules and Blue Heelers that saw him become an integral part of the Australian acting community.

Residing in Wandin, not straying too far from his home suburb of Croydon, Wood will share his tale of talent with the Lilydale and District Historical Society on Saturday 7 September as the monthly guest speaker.

Despite taking a break from on screen acting for 10 years, Wood was still starring in stage shows, most recently David Williamson’s comedy The Great Divide at the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney.

He’s also been working on his own touring show with vocalist entertainer Dave Allen called Rock and Roll Journey, learning to play the congas in just six months, and piecing together the history of some of the world’s most well known songs.

But remembering the good old days of regular work and long running TV dramas, particularly with Blue Heelers, Wood said “that sort of thing just doesn’t happen anymore, it’s a real shame”.

“It was a great gig, really. It was 12 years of work, and 12 years of working from home. I didn’t have to travel interstate. It was great,” he said.

“It was a pretty high quality show. The storytelling was pretty good and the rest of the cast were fantastic people, so we all did very well.”

The driving force in Wood’s selection of acting roles, he said, was the script quality, the cast and what was going to fulfil his cup.

“I tend to take the best job that’s being offered. When I was offered Rafferty’s Rules, for example, I think I had six or eight offers for jobs at the same time but I took the one I thought would be the most rewarding.

“And I don’t mean financially, I mean the most fun to do. Rafferty’s had very high quality scripts and it was very rewarding work, it was tremendously rewarding. So that’s always been my motto.”

The now 78-year-old remembers his interest in acting being sparked when he was a student at Ringwood Tech school and it was just something he couldn’t shake even as he went to work on the railways.

“I had a job for the railways and I had an office down near Festival Hall, it was the dining car depot on Dudley Street, that end of the railway yard, the Spencer street railway yard,” he said.

“We used to service the interstate trains. I was a clerk. We used to service the Southern Aurora and the Spirit of Progress. It was also the location where they made Railway Pies, which were delicious, and they used to send them all over because they used

to send them wherever the trains went.”

Wood said one of his fondest memories of the railways and the pies was listening to the bickering of Bertie the baker and Max the butcher.

The culmination of decades on screen resulted in Wood’s many Logie awards and ultimately his Gold Logie, which he said has been well loved having travelled from place to place with him, just like it will for the upcoming Historical Society talk.

“It is very well travelled. It’s well loved. It is but more by other people than by me. But it’s great that people are so interested and it’s good that just ordinary people get a chance to have a hold.”

While grateful for the accolades, Wood said

there have been two standout moments in his career.

“One is David Williamson’s The Club where I played John, who’s the old, ex captain, ex coach, ex player, and it’s probably the funniest play ever written.

“The other character that I really loved playing in A Midsummer Night’s Dream alongside Geoffrey Rush.”

It was the role of Falstaff, however, that Wood always wished he could have played.

All are welcome to join the Lilydale and District Historical Society from 2.30pm at Old Lilydale Court House, 61 Castella Street, Lilydale. A gold coin donation is appreciated.

Star Mail team shares their book recommendations

By Tanya Steele

Books are for all ages and the team at Star Mail in Healesville are here to declare their favourite books and recent reads.

Only one amongst us knows the true pain of this week , which is pulling together a costume for our changeable children, but we all love reading.

(Hint: It’s me)

At any rate, let’s get on with it - there are some nice recommendations in here and I have a few extra things on my reading list now.

Mikayla van Loon – our esteemed editor and Lilydale and Mount Evelyn journalist said that the last book she read was Emily Henry’s “Happy Place”.

“It was an easy read but one I couldn’t put down,” she said.

‘Happy Place’ was described by someone on Goodreads as an “angsty romance and selfgrowth story with a beautiful friendship“ and was released in 2023.

Emily Henry is the author of Book Lovers, People We Meet on Vacation, Beach Read, and Happy Place.

Mikayla said her favourite book would have to be “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart” by Holly Ringland.

“She has a way with words,” she said.

The debut 2018 novel follows the story of a young girl who is the daughter of an abusive father. The main character Alice Hart is forced to leave her seaside home and is taken in by her estranged grandmother, June, a flower farmer.

Cal Ludwig our Upper Yarra reporter has most recently dug into ’Into the Fire’ by Gregg Hurwitz.

The fifth in the Orphan X series, the book follows former government assassin and ’Nowhere Man’ Evan Smoak as he helps Max Merriweather, a man who has lost his wife, home and career when a murdered cousin leaves him a package

and a team of assassins are on his trail.

He recalls his favourite Book Week costume was dressing up as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

“We combined it with Italian Day,” he said.

Ranges Trader reporter Shamisya Hussainpour puts up ’A Thousand Splendid Suns’ by Khaled Hosseini as her favourite and said she has “never cried over a book this much.”

“I mistakenly read that in a public space, so I was bawling my eyes out while trying to hide behind the book,” she said.

The turbulent novel dives into life in Afghanistan from the Soviet takeover in 1980s through

to post 9/11 Taliban control and tells the story through the eyes of Mariam and Laila, two women a generation apart, whose lives cross as they become the wives of the same man, Rasheed.

I have read this as well and can confirm it is beautifully heartbreaking and to be gentle with yourself after reading it.

At the moment Ferntree Gully journalist Gabriella Vukman said her favourite books are either ’To Kill a Mocking Bird’, ’The Alchemist’ or Tennessee Williams’ ’Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.’

“I love deep explorations of humanity and facing adversities in different contexts,” she said.

Gabriella also loves “anything Harry Potter, always!”

Andrew Kwon, our Healesville reporter said the last book he read was ’Sidelines’ by Karen Viggers.

“I interviewed Karen for her book launch event in Yarra Glen and I realised the book is about junior soccer players while I was interviewing her,” he said.

“As I read the book I could see the similarities and differences of junior level sports environments and cultures between Korea and Australia.”

I feel I should represent the a subset of readers that maybe don’t shoot as high brow with their tastes as some of my colleagues do.

I recently quite enjoyed a book called ’When the Moon Hatched’ by Sarah Parke.

It is a fantasy romance and a quick but fun read. It has nearly all the notes for a good fantasy, a dragon or two, some magic, fast pace and a witty heroine who doesn’t take no for an answer.

My favourite book series ever is a true love affair that has lasted 20 years with Robin Hobb’s ’The Farseer Trilogy’ featuring the life and foibles of Fitz and the Fool.

Fitz Chivalry Farseer is a royal bastard come assassin and as he works in the shadows for his king, he goes on a journey to discover who he really is - a pawn or someone in charge of his own destiny.

The books span a lifetime and you will get to know Fitz extremely well if you read this, there are magics - mental ’skill’ and animal ‘wit’ of which Fitz has both of.

Hobb’s work is fantasy but the characters are real, I have read the series a number of times and I always get something new out of this with each read.

I myself have never dressed up for book week - but my kids have pulled off costumes as ‘Charlie’ from the classic Roald Dahl novel ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and Lyra from ‘The Golden Compass’ books by Phillip Pullman. Reading is to be celebrated and it comes in many forms, these days modern day audio books offer a solution to people that find it difficult to sit and immerse. I personally read on holiday as to have clarity to appreciate the book I am reading.

From the Star Mail team - Happy Book Week for 2024!

Australian actor John Wood poses for photographs on the set of his new ABC television show The Cut in 2008. (AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)

John Wood walks the red carpet at the 19th Annual Helpmann Awards in Melbourne 2019. (AAP Image/David Crosling)

Book week’s theme this year is “Reading is Magic” and the artist for the image is Jess Raclyeft. (The Children’s Book Council of Australia).

Books are for everyone. (Tanya Steele).

Musos of note head to NZ

By Mikayla van Loon

Heading across the ditch to New Zealand will be the culmination of a busy few weeks for the Yarra Hills Secondary College Senior Band, with 34 students departing for the neighbouring country in early September.

Prior to take off, however, the band will be performing in the 30-hour Music Marathon on 29 and 30 August, as well as the College Concert on 9 September at Karralyka Theatre.

The offering of an overseas concert tour, the College’s Instrumental Music Director Richard O’Toole said, was something the school tried to do every four years.

“It used to be every four years, but we had to cancel a planned trip to Singapore due to the recent pandemics, so this is the next step to get that back on track,” Richard said.

“This is the fourth New Zealand tour the school has done since 2010.”

The 10-day tour beginning on 14 September will explore the capital city of Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland.

“We’ll be doing lots of cultural things, visiting Maori villages and so forth and performing at primary schools and city squares and the Rotorua Night Market.”

For the Saxophone Ensemble musicians Jordan Edge, Hudson Kidd, Luca Novaceanu, Liam Pitt, Keira Scott, Hugo Steiner and Sarah Waldron the opportunity to perform as a band and also experience travelling with their friends was incredibly exciting.

“It’s the first time ever I’m going to be overseas with my friends, because it feels like going overseas has always been considered a family thing,” Liam said.

“It just feels so weird that all my school friends or my colleagues are going to go to a whole different country, and experience so many new things together, it’s going to be an amazing bonding experience.”

Many of the ensemble players come from a background of music, with family members inspiring the uptake of playing an instrument.

“My love for music started when I was young. My dad always played in a band, so I’ve always wanted to play in a band as well. In Year 7, I tried all the instruments, and I really liked the Saxophone,” Jordan said.

“My dad is a musician. Music has always been around me at home and wherever I went, basically. I started playing the saxophone in Year 5, actually, because my school had a big music program, and I just kept going,” Keira said.

“I have played the Guitar since I was about eight and I’ve always really enjoyed and loved music. I remember going to the Yarra Hills open

day and seeing the band and thinking, ‘wow, that’s so cool’, so I knew even before I started that Saxophone was definitely something I wanted to try,” Sarah said.

Getting to perform as a collective, Luca and Sarah said is not only fun but also a moment of relief to know the practice, the rehearsals and the talent of every person has come together just right.

“Playing with our friends is always fun. You get the nerves going up and then afterwards it’s so rewarding,” Luca said.

“We’ve all got our own individual talent, but when you put it together it’s a lot bigger, and it’s very impressive and pretty cool with how we can sound together,” Sarah said.

Performing a series of theatrical pieces, Luca said, is typically the genre that connects with the audience the most.

“The most powerful, especially with drums, is called John Williams Movie Adventures. It’s performing all his pieces from films like Star Wars and ET.

“It’s very impactful. It’s very fun to play. Everyone gets into it, especially with the Star Wars songs like Dual of the Fates which is a very powerful scene.”

Sarah said one that is specifically fun to play on the Saxophone is Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. While the countdown is on for New Zealand, the lead up will be just as important for the playing group to prepare.

Yarra Hills Secondary College’s Saxophone ensemble. Back: Liam Pitt, Luca Novaceanu, Hudson Kidd and Hugo Steiner. Front: Sarah Waldron, Jordan Edge and Keira Scott. (Mikayla van Loon: 427371)

Searching for his identity

A review of Tell No One by Brendan Watkins Tell No One, by Brendan Watkins, is described to have achieved something that few memoirs can, “laying bare a disturbing history with compassion and humanity”.

The book details the author’s search for his birth parents, which uncovered “an astonishing global scandal at the heart of the Catholic Church”.

This reviewer first “read” the title as an audiobook narrated by David Tredinnick.

His delivery of the author’s story perfectly conveys the deep emotions of a man desperately searching for answers to some of the most fundamental questions about his existence.

“Who were my parents? Where were they? Why did they give me away?”

The author’s voice is distinct and almost tangible in the print book, writing about the “nagging inkling” that many adopted people feel, “that they’re mismatched, don’t quite fit, or are outsiders, a recurring sense that they’ve lost something”.

Watkins quotes English author Jeanette Winterson in her 2011 book Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?:

“Adoption drops you into the story after it has started. It’s like reading a book with the first few pages missing... The feeling that something is missing never, ever leaves you – and it can’t, and it shouldn’t, because something is missing.”

Watkins learned about his adoption when he was eight years old. Upon his decision to start a family at the age of 29, he encountered the practical issue of “what was swimming around in my gene pool” that could affect the health and development of his future offspring.

However, having finally tracked down the name of his birth mother via the Catholic Family Welfare Bureau – the agency in charge of “finding homes for surrendered Catholic children among parishioners” – Watkins was told to “go home and forget about her forever”.

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

Worse, after decades of extensive research and a DNA test, Watkins discovered that he is the son of a priest and a nun. His father, a celebrated outback missionary, had sworn his mother to secrecy about their relationship.

This, according to Watkins, is a form of “spiritual abuse” that “says so much about the misogyny of the Catholic Church, the institution”.

“It’s a male-centric institution that doesn’t recognise the rights of women. I found that my mother had met my father when she was 14 or 15, and he was 30 years older... so he had enormous influence over her.”

There are approximately 450,000 Catholic priests around the world.

Although there are no accurate records, it is estimated that they have fathered over 20,000 children.

Research has shown that many mothers were pressured to have abortions. Others were coerced into hiding, tormented by shame and guilt as they gave birth to babies who were immediately and forcibly removed for adoption, their records falsified or conveniently lost.

How many women endured this fate? And how many children of priests have suffered from secrecy and lies like Watkins did?

Tell No One is a powerful reminder of the sort of cruelty that institutionalised religious power can impose on women and children.

Entertainment for locals

Eltham Little Theatre

The Peppercorn Tree

Is a moving Australian drama, set in Melbourne in 1993 and staged in 2010.

Jonah, an Australian ex-serviceman, is nearing the end of his life.

He has always been secretive about his wartime experiences, but he has reluctantly agreed to his wife’s suggestion that he recount these experiences to Zoe, a professional biographer.

As his story unfolds, he reveals a secret that has an unexpected and powerful effect on is family.

• Season closes 14 September

Burrinja Theatre

Helios – Wright and Grainger

Internationally award winning modern re-telling of an ancient myth.

A lad lives halfway an historic hill. A teenager on a road trip to the city in a stolen car.

A boy is driving a chariot pulling the sun across the sky.

A story about the son of the god of the sun. Helios transplants the Ancient Greek tale to a modern-day myth wound round the winding roads of rural England and into the everyday living of a towering city, about life and the invisible monuments we guild into it.

• Season: Friday 30 August.

• At 7.30pm.

• Venue: Lye Room.

Gemco Theatre

Open Stage Night

Welcome one and all to Gemco’s ongoing Open Stage Night.

Hosted by Carol and Dalys, the popular open stage has been running for many decades.

Kemp’s curtain call CARTOON

Held in the cosy hall, you are welcome to perform anything you like or just come for the lovely entertainment.

Enjoy music, poetry, singing, monologues or anything you wish to show.

Running the first Saturday of every month from 8pm.

If you would like to perform. Just turn up and register your interest when you arrive with Carol McCoy.

Limited Bar available.

No BYO.

Bring a plate to share.

• Time ad Location: 7 September at 8pm.

• The Gem Community Arts Centre, 15 Kilvington Dr. Emerald And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie’s breathtaking Masterpiece Ten people are lured to a solitary mansion on an island off the English coast, when a storm cuts them off from the mainland.

The true reason for their presence on the island soon becomes horribly clear.

First stage in 1943, this new production directed by Australian theatrical icon Robyn Nevin is a gorgeously grim thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Venue: Comedy theatre Melbourne, Season opens February 2025 bookings now open at andthentherewerenone.com.au

Community effort welcome

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing Australians who have once again embraced National Stroke Week, which ran from August 5 to 11 this year.

This year, we urged the community to keep looking at their loved one, their mate, their mum or dad, to ensure someone in every household and workplace in Australia can recognise the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) signs of stroke so they can save a life in the event of a loved one experiencing stroke.

We heard heartwarming stories from every corner of the country, including a daughter who saved her dad’s life from 200 kilometres away after a series of unusual text messages, a mother and son who each had a stroke, five years apart, and a man who was hitting a personal best time during Parkrun when he had a stroke, an off-duty paramedic saving his life.

These stories highlight the fact that stroke does not discriminate. What we don’t see is the ripple effect strokes have on the community, they are felt by their family, friends and loved ones, for years to come.

A stroke can happen to anyone at any age and research tells us the number of working age people (aged 18-64) having strokes is increasing. These people are not just numbers, they are mums, dads, sons and daughters. They have jobs and families and plans for the future.

While our national awareness week is over

for another year, our efforts to educate the community must continue. More than 445,000 Australians are living with the impact of stroke. After a stroke, around 1.9 million brain cells die each minute. In most cases, the faster a stroke can be diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of a good recovery. Time saved equals brain saved.

I encourage the community to keep spreading the F.A.S.T. acronym all year round. Knowing the F.A.S.T message and sharing it with your family and friends can be the first step in saving a life and avoiding ongoing disability. It may be your own life or that of someone you love.

The F.A.S.T message will help you recognise the most common signs of stroke:

• Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?

• Arms – Can they lift both arms?

• Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

• Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call triple zero (000) straight away. Stroke is always a medical emergency. Please know what to do when stroke strikes. Think F.A.S.T. and act fast at the first sign of stroke.

Dr Lisa Murphy, Chief Executive Officer, Stroke Foundation

Caitlin Cronenberg debuts

Humane

Starring Peter Gallagher, Enrico Colantoni and Emily Hampshire MA15+

4.5/5

I’m already a big fan of her father David and brother Brandon, and now Caitlin Cronenberg makes an excellent directorial debut with the scifi psychological thriller Humane.

In a dystopian near future where the nations of the world must reduce their population by 20 per cent, Charles York (Peter Gallagher) informs his children that he and his wife Dawn (Uni Park) have chosen to “enlist” to be euthanised.

When Dawn changes her mind and flees, the euthanasia squad demands that another member of the York family take her place.

Humane’s taut, darkly funny narrative brings sibling rivalry to a macabre extreme, combining elements of family drama, home invasion and even slasher movies, and the film is full of witty dialogue and memorable performances.

Gallagher plays a noble father whose efforts to protect his family quickly go south, and Enrico Colantoni is captivating as Bob, the leader of the euthanasia squad.

All the more chilling for his giddy politeness, Bob is a professional who loves his job, which happens to be state-approved killings.

Emily Hampshire is a contemptuous problem-

solving dynamo as Rachel, and Jay Baruchel has the most overtly comedic role as Jared, a smarmy pundit who must now experience the horrific policies he promotes. As the York children gang up on their troubled adopted brother Noah (Sebastian Chacon), the cast does a great job of portraying the vast gulf between rationalizing a murder and actually committing it.

The world-building is insubstantial (like Civil War) and the environmentalism references are slightly heavy-handed, but the bleak background is still an effective springboard for the dark drama.

An outstanding debut from Caitlin Cronenberg and a solid showcase of small-scale suspense, clever dialogue and compelling performances, Humane is available to rent or buy on iTunes.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

RENOVATED CHARACTER HOME WITH VIEWS

BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED CHARACTER HOME WITH VIEWS AND THE PONY PADDOCK

NESTLED on a spacious 4379sqm block, this charming 3 bedroom home offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and rural serenity. With great views from every window this home is an idyllic retreat for those seeking both relaxation and practicality.

The master bedroom has elevated views that allow you to wake to the gorgeous Spring sunrises, and features built-in robes and a modern ensuite. Add to these 2 further bedrooms, one with built-in robes both with private outlooks, a beautifully renovated central bathroom with separate powder room, and European laundry, all leading off the stylish lounge room, complete with wood fire, perfect for chilly evenings. Beautiful timber flooring flows throughout the home, complemented by ducted heating/cooling, ensuring comfort year-round.

The stunning entertainer’s kitchen/dining is the heart of the home, with floor to ceiling windows on 2 sides, flooding the space with natural light, 900mm Smeg oven, lots of

storage, and an abundance of bench space &large island bench. This is the perfect kitchen to create culinary masterpieces, seamlessly connecting to an undercover deck, ideal for alfresco dining and entertaining.

Outside you will find a studio/workshop/ single garage, chicken house and a fully fenced paddock with shelter for any farm animal friends, and plenty of space for additional projects such as the shed of your dreams (STCA).

This home is an ideal choice for families or anyone seeking a peaceful country lifestyle. Don’t miss out on this incredible piece of paradise.

This property has it all so don’t miss outcall 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.

HORSE HAVEN - RELAXED COUNTRY LIFESTYLE

COME and live the relaxed country lifestyle situated on a colourful and picturesque 5 acres (approx.). A beautiful tree lined driveway welcomes you home to this fantastic property offering the growing family loads of room to spread out and enjoy the open space and semi rural atmosphere. The home is full of charm and character with period features throughout and boasting 3 great size bedrooms with a convenient, flexible and functional floorplan with 2 bathrooms and a study/office area with extra space to accommodate weekend guests or the dependent family members.

The kitchen is fresh, spacious and offers plenty of bench and cupboard space, the open living and lounge areas are a highlight and seamlessly open up to the outdoors showcasing the stunning mountain backdrop with open air entertaining and beautiful mountain views to admire all year round. The whole family will love the expansive open space with approx. 5 acres to explore and enjoy, a horse enthusiasts haven with separate paddocks, stables, round yard, hay shed/ machinery shed and a double lock up garage. A superb small acreage property, well loved and well looked after in a stunning location with fantastic ever changing mountain views and conveniently located just a short stroll to the walking trail and to the Yarra Junction township.

HOME IDEAL FOR FAMILIES AND HOBBYISTS

WITH incredible versatility and an idyllic location on a quiet no-through road only 800m from Main Road amenities, this stellar property is the perfect lifestyle package.

Settled on a 1,236sqm (approx.) landscape with a long list of bonus features including 2 garages, 2 carports, abundant off-street parking, storage sheds, and more, this property is perfect for homeowners and hobbyists alike.

The quality constructed brick residence that takes pride of place on this block is designed for family living.

The primary living area on the upper level features a drying cupboard, warm gas fire, plush carpet, and leafy views.

Those who love to cook will appreciate the stylish open plan galley kitchen with walk-in pantry, glass splashback, and gas cooktop.

In warmer months, take dining outdoors to the covered and open decking or the lovely paved patio in the garden.

Furthermore, there is a lower level rumpus room that provides plenty of extra space to relax and enjoy.

In addition, there are 4 generous bedrooms smartly situated throughout this home.

On the lower level, the guest bedroom with built-in robe is accompanied by a powder room, laundry, and under-house storage.

On the upper level, there are generous family bedrooms, a sizeable study/office, a family bathroom with a relaxing spa tub, and a comfortable main bedroom with a modern rain shower ensuite.

HOME FOCUS

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

THIS 3-bedroom, 1 bathroom home is perfectly situated within a short walking distance to Emerald’s township and local supermarket, offering the ideal blend of convenience and tranquillity.

Enter the home into the loungeroom, with timber flooring, and cosy wood fire adding warmth and character and enjoy year-round comfort with gas ducted heating throughout. Through to the galley style kitchen, complete with plenty of storage, providing ample space for cooking and entertaining, also with access to the back garden from the laundry. With 3 carpeted bedrooms, 2 with built in robes and central family bathroom to complete the picture.

The expansive 978sqm fully fenced block provides plenty of room for kids and pets to

run around, a separate studio with power and split system, ideal for a home office/teenage hangout or guest accommodation and a shed with power, perfect for a hobby space or workshop.

Located in a perfect spot, within walking distance to town, local shops, cafes and amenities, all while enjoying the peace and quiet of your own private sanctuary.

This property has it all so don’t miss outcall 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.

Nestleddowna quietroad,thislovelybrickhomecanbefoundonapproximately1/3ofanacre offlatland.Enteringthroughthefrontdoorintothekitchenwithgasstove,electricoven,D/W& plentyofstorage.Lookingouttotheopenplanlounge/diningarea,withslidingdoortotheprivate courtyard.Thehomealsohasductedheatingthroughout.Downthehallwayare2 bedrooms, leadingintothelaundry.Tothefrontofthehouseisthemasterbedroomwithdoublerobes &adjoins thebathroomwithseparatetoilet.Outsideleadstoa largegarage/workshopwithconcretefloor& power.Besidethegarageisa 10,000ltrwatertank &garden.Thegardenhaslotsofroomforthekids toplay &islinedwithtreestoallowprivacy.

11-13FirstAvenueCockatoo$1,150,000

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

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

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

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

Solid,PrivatelyLocated, 4Bedroom,FamilyHomewithStunningPool! Asyoudrivedownthesealeddriveyouwillfindthishiddengemfeaturing4 bedrooms,2 bathrooms, 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.

7 A 2 BC

67PakenhamRoad,Cockatoo

CHARACTER AND CREATIVITY IN A RESORT LIKE SETTING

SITUATED on a no through road and overlooking the old golf course, this location is as quiet as it is perfect. The view from the front verandah is delightful.

Welcome home to a rustic, character filled home with vaulted ceilings, a long living and dining space with fireplace flowing to the outside chill zone with Balinese influences, lush gardens, and the sound of a waterfall. With this covered area, you can entertain all year round!

The central timber kitchen has a walk-in pantry, excellent storage and bench space, wall oven, gas hotplates and a dishwasher.

If you are looking for a great master bedroom, this one is roomy with high ceilings and has a full ensuite with bespoke cabinetry and custom sink, rainhead shower, also a spacious walk-in robe. The two remaining bedrooms both have built-in robes and are serviced by an equally stylish bathroom with a stone basin. There is also a laundry and for comfort, ducted heating, wood fire and a split system.

Outdoors on just over ½ an acre, are established gardens (some very tropical), a single carport, two smaller sheds and a larger one for secure storage.

This fabulous property is just minutes to Emerald Secondary College, sporting facilities, the Avonsleigh General Store, Bam Bam Restaurant, bus connections and a little further is Emerald Township with everything you need.

POWERCONNECTED,WITHA PLANNINGPERMIT

10-acrebushlandproperty,wheretranquilitymeetsconvenience.Thislandoffers aunique blendofunspoiledbeautyandmodernamenities.Withpowerconnected &a planning permitsecuredensuringa smoothpathtorealizingyourvision,youcanimmediatelystart yourplanswithouttheusualdelays.Thepropertyfeatures aserenespring-feddam,a smallcreekmeanderingthroughthegullyenhancingthenaturalbeautyanddualaccess with aseparateshareddrivewaywithnextdoorprovidingeasyaccess.

ErinDavies 0493136937 MickDolphin 0429684522

CHARACTERANDCREATIVITY

Situatedon ano-throughroad &overlookingtheoldgolfcourse,thislocationisasquiet asitisperfect.Welcomehometoa rustic,character filledhomewithvaultedceilings,a longliving& diningspacewitha fireplace,GDH,S/System,zoneswithBalineseinfluences centraltimberkitchen,roomymasterwithhighceilings &fullensuitewithWIR,bespoke cabinetry,customsinkanda rainheadshower.Outdoorsfeaturesestablishedlush gardenswitha waterfall,singlecarport,twosmallsheds &a largesecureshed.

ErinDavies 0493136937 6.6ACRESOFNATURALBEAUTY

Discoverthetimelesscharmofthishome,nestledonanexpansive6.6-acresadornedwith largemountainashtrees,exotictrees &ferns.Thispropertyisveryprivateandsecluded, yetstillwithinwalkingdistancetokallistashops& publictransport.Theoriginalhomeoffers asunroom,separatediningroom,spaciousloungewithanopenfireplaceanddoes requiresomeupdatestomeetmodernstandards.largeunderhouseareaforparking, workshoporstorage,aswellas aseparatecarport &attachedroomanddualaccess.

JanBrewster 0409558805

Wearelookingforsomeonewithimaginationtotakeonthispropertythatalreadyhas abigfollowingonline.Withcommandingviewsoverthesurroundingvalleys &hills,the propertycoversapprox.13acres &isonlyminutesfromCockatoo &Emeraldtownships. In apoorstateofrepair& currentlynothabitable,themainresidenceoriginallyoffered14 rooms, 4ensuites, aportico,largeentry, 3hugebalconieswithamazingviews,a spacious courtyard,widehallways,highceilings &anabundanceofstoragespaceover3 levels. 8 A 4 B 5 C

MickDolphin 0429684522

ErinDavies 0493136937

CHARMING CHARACTER HOME

THIS charming character home offers an abundance of comfort and practicality. Featuring three inviting bedrooms, an updated bathroom, a dedicated study, and two spacious living areas, there’s plenty of room to make this space your own. The kitchen is generously sized, boasting ample cupboard and bench space for all your culinary needs.

The cozy wood fire serves as the heart of the home, perfect for those cooler days, while the reverse cycle system ensures year round comfort.

Outside, you’ll find a double garage with a concrete floor and power, a large carport that accommodates three cars and both a woodshed and garden shed for additional storage. The immaculately maintained, fully fenced gardens add to the overall appeal of this super neat package. Step into the market, downsize or move away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the semi rural feel of this home.

Conveniently located just a short stroll from public transport, the Yarra River, Redwood Forest, and the Warburton township, this home is perfectly positioned to enjoy all that the area has to offer.

CharmingFamilyHomein aPrimeLocation

Thiswellpresentedbrickveneerhomefeaturesclassiccolonialstylewindowsandneutraltones throughout,ensuringa timelessappeal.Spaciouslivingforalltoenjoy,comfortableseparatelounge areaandthreewellappointedbedrooms.Themastersuiteboasts awalkinrobeand aprivate ensuite.Thekitchenisdesignedforbothfunctionalityandstyle,featuringa breakfastbarandslate flooring,anditoverlookstheinvitingfamily/mealsarea.Seton agenerous1002m²cornerblock, thispropertyincludes alargegardenshed,workshop,doublecarport,anda fullyfencedyard.The undercoverdeckisperfectforoutdoorentertaining.Acrosstheroadfromthelocalprimaryschool, withtheshoppingvillage,YarraTrail,andsportinggroundsallwithinwalkingdistance.Thepropertyis alsosituatedon asealedroadwithdualroadfrontages.

Timefora ChangeofScenery

Here’syourchancetofinallysecureyourweekendgetawayor agreatfamilyhome,situatedin picturesqueandprivatesurroundingsona largeblockit’stheidealplacetoslowdownandenjoy therelaxedlifestyle.Thehomeoffersaflexiblefloorplanwithbedroomsspreadover2 levels,the spaciousliving/loungearealooksouttothecolourfultreedoutlook.A greatsizekitchenwithplenty ofbenchandcupboardspaceplusa separatemealsareaandformaldiningarea.Headoutside andimmerseyourselfintheoutdoorsandexploreandenjoythesurroundswithestablishedgardens andpathwaystomeanderaround,entertainallyearroundwith acoveredareaideallypositioned toenjoyandadmirethefilteredvalleyviewsandtreedbackdrop.A greatpropertythatoffersthe wholefamilya greatlifestylewithplentyofspacetoenjoy.

1RupertRoad,EastWarburton$570,000-$610,000

ComfortableFamilyLivingwithPlentyofSpace

Setona picturesqueblockofapprox.1800sqmandofferingthewholefamilyloadsofspaceto enjoy,thispropertyisideallypositionedtoexploreandenjoythepicturesquesurroundsofEast Warburton.Thehomeoffers 3bedroomsplusa separatelounge/livingareawithanopenplan kitchenandmeals/diningarea.Thekidsandpetswilllovetheoutdoorswithplentyofroomto spreadout,exploreandenjoy.Thelandismainlyclearandflatwithestablishedgardensshrubs andtreessurroundingtheproperty,givingit asenseofprivacyandseclusionyetjust ashortdrive totheWarburtontownshipandwiththeYarraRiverjustovertheroadits’ agreatplacetoenjoythe warmsummermonthsahead.A greatfamilyhomein afantasticlocationandsetincolourfuland picturesquesurrounds.

DavidCarroll

4LittleJoeCourt,Wesburn$1,275,000-$1,400,000

ExecutiveStyleLuxuryLivingintheYarraValley

Thisstunning,modern,twostoreyhomeintheheartoftheYarraValley,idealforthoseseekingluxury andstyleisnestledonoveranacre.Beautifullydesignedthroughoutandfeaturinganopenplan kitchenwithhighqualityappliancesand aspaciouswalk-inpantry,thediningandlivingareaopens uptoalfrescoentertainingwith amagnificentmountainbackdrop.Witha totalof3 bedrooms, 3bathroomsandlotsoflivingoptionstocomplimentthisexecutivefamilyhome.Upstairs,the hugemastersuiteboastsa luxuriousensuiteandexpansivewalkinrobe, aversatiletheatreroom downstairsforthemoviesbuffsortheoptionofanadditionalbedroom.Outside,enjoythewell maintainedgardensandbreathtakingValleyvista.Thisspectacularhomeiswaitingforyou,don’t misstheopportunitytomakeityours!

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 Officiate (abbr) (3)

3 The study of knowledge (10)

10 Distribute (food) (5,2)

11 Web surfer (7)

12 The wedded state (9)

13 Luxurious (4)

15 Units of mass used for precious metals and gemstones (4,6)

17 Box (4)

19 Possesses (4)

20 Impersonation (10)

23 Just (4)

25 Colloquial (9)

27 Libyan capital (7)

28 Paraguayan monetary unit (7)

29 Ionised part of Earth’s atmosphere (10)

30 Headed (3)

DOWN

1 Picking up from where you left off (10)

2 Oldest child (9)

4 Process of producing a suggestive mental state (9)

5 Vestibule (5)

6 Gradually (6)

7 Mexican coins (5)

8 Story (4)

9 Evaluation (6)

14 Child of one’s child (10)

16 Forerunner, omen (9)

18 Colourful team shooting sport (9)

21 Relating to Samoa (6)

22 Soldiers (6)

24 Unearthly (5)

25 Hibernian (5)

26 Needlecase (4)

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

Home and away play ends

By Joanna Campe

Round 14 results for Lilydale Tennis Club in the Eastern Region Tennis Competition. This is the last week of the regular Winter season. This season all our teams played well but have missed out on reaching the finals. The players are all keen to get into the Summer Comp which starts mid October, so will be training hard to be competition ready!

Junior Open Singles Doubles 1 Lilydale v Emerald

After round 13 Lilydale was sitting outside the top four without a win yet for the season.

Lilydale was represented by Adam Paladino and Joshua Jamieson.

Lilydale played at home this week against top of the table team Emerald. Lilydale was one player short so they started the day having to forfeit 3 sets 6-0. Even so, it was a great day and the two teams were well matched. Lilydale fought hard and played well but Emerald won the day 5 sets to 1 – winning 35 games to Lilydale 11

• Result: 7-5, 0-6, 0-6, 3-6, 1-6, 0-6 Junior Open Singles Doubles 8 Lilydale v Mooroolbark Heights

After round 13 Lilydale was sitting just outside the top four on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by Olivia Mason, Brodie Manger and Ivy Pieper.

Lilydale played away this week against Mooroolbark. Both teams were well matched and won 3 sets each. Mooroolbark took the match points – winning 26 games to Lilydale 25

• Result: 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3, 0-6, 4-6 Open Rubbers 11 v Warrandyte Green

After round 13 Lilydale was sitting outside the top four on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by Adam Johnson and David Halkidis.

Lilydale played at home this week against top of the table Warrandyte. After winning their last few matches Lilydale came with confidence they

could end the season on a high. It was a very exciting match. Lilydale fought hard and won the day 4 sets to 1 – winning 30 games to Warrandyte 15.

• Result: 6-7, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2, 6-0

Open Rubbers 20 v Doncaster

After round 13 Lilydale was sitting outside the top

four on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by Rishabh Chowdhury and Levi Daly.

Lilydale played away this week against top three placed Doncaster. Lilydale fought hard but Doncaster proved too strong on the day taking the match 5 sets to 0 – winning 30 games to Lilydale 7.

• Result: 6-3, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1

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

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

Sun shines for the penultimate round of cross country

By Jamie Strudley

It was a beautiful sunny morning at Elizabeth Bridge Reserve for Round 15 of the Yarra Ranges Athletics Cross Country season. Spring was in the air and in the steps of the athletes with so many PB’s this late in the season. Thank you for coming to run with us!

Unofficial results are:

• 500m: Silas Dawson 2.28; Maisie McLeod 2.53; Rowan Coffey 3; Emily Cooke 3.01; Pippa Stark 3.22

• 1000m: Ivy Ingle 4.50; Elliott Dawson 5.26; Angus Clarke 5.31; Angus Congreve 5.35; Noah Hewatt 5.37; Jasper Dean 6.09; Lola Farmilo 6.22; Willliam Hastewell 6.59; Thea Christian 7.32

• 1500m: Riley Yorke 5.52; Lucas Pauly 6.10; Victoria James 6.22; Milly Hall 6.27; Etta Thoma 6.59; Iola MacKay 7.25; Georgia Cooke 7.33; Fletcher Norman 7.34; Indi Budin 8.02; Spencer Norman 8.03; Delia Coffey 8.08; Tahlia Dawson 8.09; Winter Anderson-Bonsor 8.52; Byron Stark 9.10

• 2000m: Pippa Congreve 7.50; Lexi Aders 7.55; Caitlyn McKerlie 8.18; Dominic Nealon 8.35; Alice Sabo 8.41; Hugo Gibbs 8.46; Tess Hewatt 8.54; Jonty Friend 9.07; Zuri Dawson 9.08; Kirsten McKerlie 9.42; Eamon MacKay 10.14;

• 3000m: Archie Budin 11.11; Ilikimi Tove 11.38; Daniel Gibbs 11.51; Hamish McKerlie 11.59; Corran Dunlop 12.02; Levi Kipchirchir 12.05; Tim Anderson-Bonsor 12.08; Riley Tancredi 12.29; Lily Clarke 12.45; Mackenzie Graham 13.05; Tori Kincaid 13.37; Adele Ellis 13.38; Bryan Ackerly 15.13; Elizabeth Coffey 15.14; Elise Hall 15.39; Charlotte Strachan 16.06; Katie Clarke 16.39; Bradley McMeeken 18.15

Next Saturday YRA holds the last Cross Country event for our 2024 season, at Morrison Reserve. Who will be the champions? The podium will be out, and medals presented to the first three athletes in each age group. This will also be the last chance to get a PB too! See you there. Yarra Ranges Athletics will have two athletes competing at the Australian Cross Country Championships next weekend. Bria Keyser and Daniel Groves will travel to Launceston, Tasma-

nia to test themselves against Australia’s best on what looks like a fast, reasonably flat course.

Training for all club members is at Morrison Reserve on Tuesday evenings from 5.30pm and Thursdays from 5.30pm at the Victoria Road Primary School gym. Yarra Ranges Athletics wel-

comes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability. New members and anyone interested in trialling are always welcome. Go to www.lavic.com.au or www.athsvic. org.au or email info@yarrarangesathletics.org. au for information about events and registra-

Maisie finishing her 500m event.

Milly crossing the line after 1500m cross country.

Dominic after 2000m of cross country running. (Supplied)

Lilydale and Emerald had a friendly but competitive match, with players Josh, Adam, Jack, Caleb and Rhys all congratulating each other. (Supplied)

Lilydale’s Olivia Mason, Brodie Manger and Ivy Pieper faced Mooroolbark Heights.

Doncaster was too strong for Lilydale’s Rishabh Chowdhury and Levi Daly but it was a good match.

Barkerettes edge through

By Peter Stephenson

A cool evening at the Kennel saw Barkerettes (second) host Lilydale Montrose United (10th) in their last home game of the season. To mark the occasion, the visitors arrived in a big blue and white bus, which they parked right in front of their goal.

Perhaps this was wise, given the result when they met earlier in the year.

However, a quick look at LMU’s goal difference, almost a mirror image of Barkers’, at least ensured that keeper Ashleigh Fraraccio could settle down with her tea and biccies as usual.

The game was played largely in LMU’s half, and on six minutes, Alexis Sketchley played the ball out to Emily Stokes on the right. Her cross was cleared out to Kelly Butera, whose shot wasn’t enough to trouble Melanie Closter in the home goal (for whom we’d booked in a postmatch back rub as a precaution).

Five minutes later, Gracie Touliatos put a ball inside the left back for Stokes to chase (a common tactic on the night as it turned out). She got to the byline and crossed for Amy D’Ortenzio, whose shot was on target but was deflected wide. As the half wore on, it was becoming clear that Barkers, after a flat performance at Malvern the week before, were having trouble getting through the massed ranks of the LMU defence.

On 24 minutes, Alizah Jones laid back for Butera, whose long shot was well dealt with by Closter. Then Jones spread the ball out wide to Stokes, whose cross flashed across the goal. Barkers came closest to scoring five minutes before the break when a LMU goal kick was cut out by Butera. She played the ball forward to D’Ortenzio, who turned and shot narrowly wide.

In stoppage time, Jones went on a mazy run but took on one defender too many, and at halftime the score remained 0-0, with Barkers having almost all the territory but failing to convert.

As the second half began, the wind picked up.

Two minutes in, Sketchley hit a low shot which was comfortable for Closter. Then Barkers won a corner on the right. It was played short to Jones, and back to the taker, who hit the ball to the far post. D’Ortenzio and Charlotte McCullough were lurking on the goal line, and it was the latter who bundled the ball home, once again proving she has the knack of being in the right place at the right time.

The goal seemed to settle Barkers, who up to now had been rather rushed in their play. They now found their normal incisive game. On the hour, Butera turned smartly in midfield and hit a great crossfield ball to Jones on the right. She ran on and shot at goal, Closter parried the ball out to McCullough, and her shot was blocked. This led to three corners in a row from D’Ortenzio on the left, to no avail.

Then the best move of the game. With 11 minutes to go, Touliatos hit an astonishingly good ball to Stokes on the right – again played inside the defender, perfectly weighted for Stokes to run on to.

On 73 minutes, a good cross from the right to Jones saw her shot closed down by a defender.

Stokes crossed to the far post, where D’Ortenzio attempted a first-time shot but couldn’t get the ball from under her feet. That would have been goal of the season. Barkers now came in for some physical treatment, leading to a free kick from Butera which was hit low and just wide. Full time 1-0, but that’s only half the story. Barkers should have buried LMU, but football doesn’t work like that. The visitors set out their stall determined not to be clobbered, and they succeeded, save for McCullough’s opportunism. Collingwood also won, and stay a point clear going into the last round.

Barkers fall to Berwick, driving up fears of relegation

By Peter Stephenson

Barkers (ninth) hosted Berwick (sixth) at a sunny Esther Park, looking for their first win in seven games and to stave off the threat of relegation. Barkers made four changes to the side that lost 0-1 at Doncaster, with Anthony Di Crea, Liam Seaye, Ryan Smith and Jerome Valadon replaced by Ahren Angulo, Ross Clarke, Ray Markley and Christian Porcaro.

Things got off to a bad start when after six minutes a Barker defender turned the ball into his own net – 1-0 Berwick. Barkers replied with a speculative long shot from Daniel Aye going over. Then a corner whipped in from the left saw Angulo’s header skim off the bar. Next Markley hit a long shot high and wide.

On 19 minutes a Berwick free kick on the right was played across for Jalil Nabizadah, whose shot was well held by Mark Naumowicz. Two minutes later Barkers almost levelled when a good move down the left saw the ball played to the far post, where Maxim Solovyev headed over from close range. C.Porcaro then hit a long shot wide, but Barkers weren’t really testing Colby Jones in the City goal.

After Naumowicz dived bravely to save from Nabizadah, Barkers ended the half well. Markley and Steve Nittoli had shots blocked before a mazy run from Aye saw him unleash a low shot just wide. Half-time: Barkers 0-1 Berwick, with Barkers failure to take chances being the difference.

Eight minutes into the second half a corner from the left saw Angulo miscue a header at the far post. Then Markley and Aaron Porcaro combined for the latter to have a shot blocked. This was a good period for Barkers, and on the hour

was

disappointing

Potter had a close range shot blocked, then after three fruitless corners, A.Porcaro robbed the City left back and fed Nittoli, who was off balance when shooting over.

Barkers finally hit the target on 61 minutes when a cross from the right to the far post saw Solovyev head home, but he was offside. Then

he wriggled through the defence before hitting a shot into the side netting.

Barkers failure to capitalise cost them dearly on 67 minutes when a long goal kick was flicked on to Nabizadah, who ran on to the ball and tucked the ball inside the post for 2-0 Berwick. Frustratingly this was against the run of play.

The late introduction of Sean

some consolation.

from

The final home game for Mooroolbark Soccer Club’s senior women was a match up with local rivals Lilydale Montrose United. (Stewart Chambers: 235677)

Perrin brought

Angulo spread the ball out to the left for Di Crea, who hit a lovely ball in for Perrin to sweep the ball home for 2-1 and Barkers’ first goal for six and a half hours. Full-time Barkers 1-2 Berwick – Barkers need two points

two games to be safe.

It

another

loss for Mooroolbark Soccer Club’s senior men as they approach the end of the season. (File: 343538)

They are successful in local business... but what do our Tip-Stars know about Footy? Follow them every week and give them the feedback they deserve...

Ashleigh Skillern Yarra Glen Auto Adam Bunn Yarra Blue Pool & Spa

Tyler Chapman Harry Brown Liquor

Clint Rose Clint Rose Motors

Daniela

Cindy McLeish MP State Member for Eildon

Micah Calheiros William Matthews Funerals