Now, Silly Stories for Kids has topped worldwide charts all thanks to a simple idea pitched to him by his father-in-law.
“Telling stories and being silly is the most authentic version of me there is,” he said. And so every time he sits in front of the microphone to record, he asks the question ‘Do you know what’s going to happen in today’s adventure? Me either.’
What comes is a truly, on-the-spot, delightful story.
To read Sam’s story, turn to page 16
By Mikayla van Loon
A deferral of Yarra Ranges Council’s stormwater management plan approval was unanimously voted through after questions were raised about missing documents. The decision was noted by two opposition
speakers Michelle de Lima and Karen Kestigian, who represent floodwatch groups, as a win for the community based on the need for local government transparency.
Speaking at the 27 August council meeting, Ms de Lima outlined multiple items missing from the documentation as well as administrative errors in the reports.
Despite the inaccuracies, Ms de Lima said “the stormwater management plan and policy are progressive and highly important initiatives for the future development of the Yarra Ranges Shire, the state of Victoria and its agencies.”
But she said “as a guiding principle for the next
page 3
By Dongyun Kwon
Federal Casey MP Aaron Violi criticised the Labor Government’s policy on early childcare as he claimed it does not help solve the shortage of early childcare places in Casey, which is the top priority.
The Federal Government will fund a 15 per cent wage increase for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) workers.
This will be phased in over two years, and include a 10 per cent increase from December 2024 and a further five per cent increase from December 2025.
This means a typical ECEC educator who is paid at the award rate will receive a pay rise of at least $103 per week, increasing to at least $155 per week from December 2025.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government is trying to ensure early educators are properly valued and fairly paid.
“Early educators shape lives and change lives. We can never thank them enough for what they do,” he said.
“Knowing your child is safe, happy and learning alongside their friends is priceless. Giving the next generation the best start in life is essential. Today we deliver fair pay for the people who make this possible.
“Importantly, this agreement will also keep fees down for families. Our cheaper childcare policy already delivered increased subsidies to over a million families. This will provide even more cost of living relief.”
The Australian Government is providing an estimated $3.6 billion to support a 15 per cent wage increase over two years for the critical ECEC workforce.
Eligible providers will need to apply, with applications expected to open in October 2024.
To be eligible, providers will need to engage staff under a compliant workplace instrument, limit fee increases to no more than 4.4 per cent over the next 12 months to maintain affordability for families from 8 August 2024 and pass all funding to their employees through increased wages.
An Education Department spokesperson said this commitment will help retain the existing early childhood educators, who are predominately women, and attract new employees.
“It will also help make sure ECEC workers are fairly paid without the costs being passed on to families and improve access to high-quality ECEC,” they said.
“This is a win for workers, a win for families and will help ease cost of living pressures.”
Funding will be phased in from 2 December 2024.
Mr Violi said he wants to see higher real wages for all Australians, including the hardworking childhood educators.
“However, Labor promised families cheaper childcare, and yet 12 months on out of pocket costs have increased by 8.4 per cent and there are still no new places for regional and peri-urban communities,” he said.
“In our community, around 16 children are competing for every one childcare place due to a shortage of places.
“I have met with Mums of the Hills and heard firsthand the impact this is having on working families across our community. Parents are having to put themselves on waitlists at their
12-week scans.”
Mr Violi said the Labor Government has ignored the advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
“The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s childcare inquiry found ‘policy measures that continue to apply an one-size-fitsall approach across the sector will leave some communities under-served, unserved or without adequate and appropriate access to childcare services’,” he said.
“The Albanese Labor Government has ignored this advice by failing to invest in childcare places in our community and continuing their one-size-fits-all approach.
“I will continue calling on the government to increase childcare supply to bring down costs for local families.”
The increase, to be provided through an ECEC Worker Retention Payment, will work on an optin basis for all early education providers. In addition to the conditions, employers that opt-in must also be approved to receive the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) on behalf of their families and provide care in a centre-based environment.
The Education Department is working closely with the Family Day Care and In Home Care sectors to learn how the department can best support their critical workforce and will have more information on this shortly.
By Callum Godde, AAP
Airbnb owners and users face a double tax whammy in Victoria after the state government backflipped on a key promise.
The Labor government on Tuesday introduced a long-awaited bill to parliament to impose a 7.5 per cent user-pays levy on short-stay platforms such as Airbnb and Stayz.
The Australian-first levy was one of the centrepiece policies of the Victorian housing statement, unveiled in September 2023.
Then-premier Daniel Andrews flagged it would replace local government fees, including a $300 annual charge set by the Bass Coast Shire Council.
“We think it’s only fair that those platforms, whether it’s Stayz or Airbnb, have one framework to comply with, not one for every local government area across the state,” he said at the time.
“So we will essentially extinguish local governments’ ability to charge fees.”
But under the legislation, owners who list a property with short-stay platforms could still be on the hook for additional charges from local councils.
“Only four councils in the state have gone down this path,” Treasurer Tim Pallas told reporters at parliament on Tuesday.
“What we are proposing makes no changes to the existing arrangements that councils had with regard to charging.”
Councils will be able to cap the number of short-stay properties in their area and total days a property can be listed.
The government has opted to exempt those leasing out part or all of their principal place of residence for short-stays.
Owner corporations will be allowed to ban short-stays in their buildings with a 75 per cent vote and the levy will only apply to stays of fewer than 28 days.
Hotels, motels and caravan parks are exempt
from the levy, which will apply to bookings made from 1 January 2025.
Airbnb said the government had contradicted its pledge to create one simple framework.
“This will undermine the economic benefits that flow from short-term rentals,” the Australian and New Zealand company’s head of public policy Michael Crosby said.
Stayz’ senior director of government and corporate affairs Eacham Curry said short-term rental accommodation was not the cause or so-
lution to housing pressures.
“These changes will undermine the original purpose of the levy; to raise money for social housing initiatives, and risks creating bureaucratic complexity that will drive away tourism dollars,” he said.
Victoria Tourism Industry Council chief executive Felicia Mariani said the sector had been left in a “terribly exposed position”.
“Local councils have been given a green light to slap an additional tax on top of what is already in place, meaning this could end up being a 15 or 20 per cent tax in reality, or more,” she said.
There are about 63,000 short-stay accommodation places in Victoria, with almost 50,000 of those from entire homes.
Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto said the levy would do nothing to improve housing affordability after Mr Pallas could not say how many short-stay homes would move into the permanent rental market.
The Tasmanian government has promised to introduce a five per cent levy for users of shortstay accommodation, while NSW is considering a rental booking surcharge.
Parts of Sydney, the Clarence Valley, Muswellbrook and Ballina impose a 180-day limit on properties used for non-hosted short-term stays.
From page 1
Referencing a previous item discussed at the meeting, the Plan for Victoria big ideas, Ms de Lima said the council had noted within its own report “it does not know its current infrastructure capacity”.
“The Insurance Council of Australia catastrophe resilience report 2023-2024 urges governments to adopt a risk based approach that stops development in high risk areas, require stronger building codes and standards, adequate resilience infrastructure in high risk areas, prioritise low risk areas for development and end floodplain development,” she said.
Among Ms de Lima’s main points as to why this plan was not completed fully included the lack of a gender impact assessment, the wrong appendices referenced and mapping being nonexistent.
“While 49 priority catchment areas are identified, many flood locations are not, and the stormwater management plan does not explore how these areas will be addressed,” she also noted.
“The 2009 Housing Strategy was used to inform the stormwater management plan, not the 2024 housing strategy adopted the day before the consultation for this commenced, therefore out of date.
“There is no detailed information on the flood mapping survey method, and there is no detail on the governance or business case, to provide you as councillors, representing us the community, on updates.”
The lack of engagement and response during the consultation process, Ms de Lima also highlighted as a poor indication of the focus points for the council.
“The Yarra Ranges has 55 suburbs with a population of 159,000 people, and only point zero two per cent or 47 people provided or participated in the consultation.
“Such a minute sampling does not represent the community on a critical document that sets the future up for our safety, protection of our infrastructure.
“We’d like you to deliver a more detailed blueprint. We’d like you to incorporate Kallista as a priority area.”
Without all of the documentation, Ms de Lima said she could not make a decision on whether
the stormwater management plan acted on what the floodwatch groups across the shire had been calling for.
“I just think there’s more work to do to have a full, complete suite of documents that are accurate and correct, to allow you to make your decision which is critical for the housing strategy and critical for the community, our homes, our businesses and the infrastructure,” she said.
Built environment and infrastructure director Hjalmar Philipp confirmed there was one example of the catchment map provided in the report made available to the community.
“The key, if you want to say critical reference, is figure 7.4…which firstly explains that there are 49 catchments across the municipality. It outlines the process of how flood mapping is prioritised.
“The information that was made available as part of the six week consultation has that appendix A with that explanation and the prioritisation output on the Shaping Yarra Ranges pages, but ultimately the flood modelling will then determine what comes next.
“That’s our view, that it’s less critical, but for completion, absolutely recognise that it’s not there, and so we can upload those documents.”
Mr Philipp said Melbourne Water will be the agency in charge of the technical flood modelling but a community reference group has been proposed for on the ground feedback and engagement at every stage of the process.
“The fundamental importance of the plan is that there is a strategic objective that we’re all aligned on about what’s important and the actions to get us there, and that’s what the plan outlines,” he said.
Councillor Jim Child, on the basis of mutual understanding from fellow councillors, moved an alternate motion to defer the decision on whether to adopt the plan to the Tuesday 10 September meeting.
“The submitters have been on this journey for such a long period of time, and that’s the part that really resonates with me tonight,” he said.
“This matter should be presented in its full entirety…it should be inclusive of all the information and I think our submitters and our people out there that are concerned in regards to this topic, we owe that to them.”
The motion was passed unanimously.
By Tanya Steele
Victoria continues to experience severe weather as emergency services and volunteers deal with the fallout of a storm that was likened to the strength of a cyclone that moved through the state overnight on Sunday 1 September.
Wind, hail and rain lashed the region with intense weather events in the early hours of Monday 2 September causing multiple tree falls, power outages and building damage as residents across the Dandenongs and Yarra Valley persevered through the restless night.
Over 100,000 people across Victoria were without power overnight as SES across the outer east reported multiple road closures and tree falls. By the morning of 2 September SES Emerald controller Ben Owen said the unit had over 100 requests for assistance.
Lilydale SES controller Shaun Caulfield said by 10.30am they’d had 48 requests for assistance
in the last eight hours.
“There are multiple reports of trees over roads and power lines and several reports of damage to structures in Montrose and Kalorama,” he said.
Victoria State SES reported via social media that statewide there had been more than 2,800
requests for assistance, with over 1,300 jobs still active since 7pm the previous evening. “This includes over 2,100 trees down, and 650 calls for building damage,” the post read.
Senior Meteorologist from the Bureau of Meteorology Kevin Parkyn said it’s been a tiring week for Victoria. “The spring gale wind events that basically battered Victoria overnight have moved to the east of the state and cleared the far east. So that’s some good news,” he said.
“Severe weather warnings are still in place and damaging winds are still expected, particularly across southern and mountain areas of Victoria.” “These weather systems, there’s a reason for them, and the dynamics are quite often associated with strong temperature contrast.”
“What we’ve seen right across the country, including Victoria in recent weeks, is temperatures have been well above normal. Victoria’s just had its warmest winter on record, and I believe it’s second warmest August on record.”
AusNet reported on 2 September that across the state approximately 112,000 people were without power after outages overnight.
“We have crews in the field currently assessing the damage. The weather is still affecting the network and it is very hazardous, so this may take a little longer than usual,” they said.
Andrew Linnie, Executive General Manager, Distribution said the current strong wind conditions impacting customers on the electricity network is the longest sustained weather event the network has faced in more than 10 years.
As more weather rolls in this week, residents are advised to stay up to date with the VicEmergency app, be prepared and consider relocating.
Faults, emergencies or damaged or fallen powerlines can be reported online at www.ausnetservices.com.au/report-a-fault or by calling AusNet on 13 17 99. We will keep our Outage Tracker up to date with restoration times. www. outagetracker.com.au.
By Mikayla van Loon
The final concept design plans for 150 Cambridge Road have been approved after a unanimous vote by Yarra Ranges councillors solidified the next step of the open space’s development.
With the landmark decision to purchase Kilsyth’s former Pembroke High School site in 2022, community consultation on the future of the land began in late 2023.
“In my time on council, I have never seen something that council has done that has been so universally accepted by so many people as this purchase of this block of land has been,” Councillor Len Cox said at the Tuesday 27 August council meeting.
A draft concept was released in May this year for community feedback, receiving an average rating of four out of five stars for all aspects of the design from 152 votes.
The 3.6 hectare site, Cr Cox said, needs a facelift after the demolition of the old school buildings left “parts of it in quite poor condition”.
“It makes me very, very happy to say that this development, as it’s out there on the concept plan, will be developed over the next few years,” he said.
“It’s a development that will continue to improve over some years, and I’m sure that all our grandchildren, and even further on than that, will get great pleasure out of using this piece of land, this parkland and and it’ll go on like that in the future.”
The design includes meandering paths and walkways, bike jump tracks, nature play areas, quiet spaces, improved car parking, public toilets and a multipurpose half court.
“It’s a great thing for the future community of Kilsyth, Mooroolbark, Montrose, anybody that lives close to this,” seconder to the motion, Cr Richard Higgins said.
“This will be a unique park that has Australian plants and something different [for the com-
munity]. It will complement the park next to it, the footy oval in the middle, in my opinion, and it’s something that’s going to be there for many, many, many years.”
Also speaking in support of the concept plan, Cr Andrew Fullagar said it hit all the markers for an appropriate use of the open space.
“The aim to maximise the future use of it with appropriate sympathetic facilities and connectivity within and throughout the community, passive recreation outcomes are there, there’s quiet reflective spaces, and the social implications are also very important and evident throughout the
plan,” he said.
“There’s broad appeal across age groups, it supports multiple simultaneous activities and a green space destination, which I know is close to Cr Cox’s heart as well.”
Cr Jim Child, Cr Johanna Skelton and Cr Tim Heenan all reflected on the necessity of this open space for Kilsyth with the development of more housing likely in the future.
“800,000 homes in 10 years, and this particular public open space project, if we hadn’t made the decision back when we did, the State Government, I don’t believe would ever entertain selling
that parcel of land for that price that we got it for,” Cr Child said.
Cr Skelton also mentioned her pleased reaction to seeing a plan that reflected the current uses of the land but just enhanced the community’s wishes.
“[It really responded] to what the community had already used the site for, so obviously, once the school was removed, it was used for walking. It was used by young people to develop their bike tracks,” she said.
“I loved that the team just built on what was recognised and valued…whilst it’s still quite a long term plan that’s before us here…I think it’s just going to be a beautiful space and retain the things that people love and already want to use it for, but still give it that that beauty and professionalism.”
The first stage of the plan will be a community planting day on 14 September.
“Don’t miss it. It’ll be a lot of fun. It’d be great to see the local community planting the plants and going back in years to come and hopefully finding the tree still there and thriving in the community park,” Cr Higgins said.
The motion gained the support of all councillors.
By Gabriella Vukman
During Tuesday’s council meeting on 27 August, the motion to defer the matter of a new Plaques and Memorials Policy was passed unanimously.
Designed to clarify the conditions and process of approving memorial plaques to avoid cluttering public spaces, this policy was authored by the Executive Officer of Recreation and Sport, Tammi Rose.
The matter of the new Plaques and Memorials policy has been deferred until the next council meeting on 10 September.
After concerns about the Policy’s clarity were raised by Councillor Johanna Skelton, Mayor Sophie Todorov suggested that the matter be postponed.
”We have received many emails that have come into council. -it is a new policy for the council and is a bit tricky. Making sure that there is clarity for members of this community to understand this policy,” Mayor Todorov said.
“I would like to put forward a recommendation for a motion to defer this matter until the next council meeting.”
The motion was seconded by Cr Tim Heenan. Mayor Todorov confirmed, “The debate on this matter will be deferred until the 10th of September council meeting to allow for some further consideration on the matter.”
“Based on that and some outstanding questions councillors have had on the back of receiving communication from our community too.”
Some of the suggestions put forward in the Plaques and Memorials policy are that the consideration for plaques and memorials will be limited to the following:
“An individual or association that has contributed significantly to the cultural, political, environmental or social aspects of the development of the Yarra Ranges for a minimum of 25 years or have been recognised for a significant achievement or event.
“An individual or association strongly liked by the Yarra Ranges municipality and its history.
“An individual or association that has made an enduring contribution over and above what might be reasonably expected through paid employment or voluntary contribution” among other criteria recommendations.
The Plaques and Memorials Policy also suggests a new evaluation body in the form of a panel, whose role it is to decide upon which plaque and memorial applications are to be passed.
Also suggested in the policy brief is the role of a lead evaluator who will be a senior representative at the delegation of the chief executive officer.
Built environment and infrastructure director Hjalmar Phillip debated the policy’s unclarity, maintaining that the policy points in terms of the direction on the conditions for the dismissal of applications as well as the policy’s outline of how decisions surrounding applications will be made.
Mr Phillip said, “there are two parts to this type of tricky document. One is a prescriptive one
and the other one takes in some broader considerations.”
“Council hasn’t had such a policy before but the exclusions are quite clear.”
According to the Plaques and Memorials policy, “there is currently no policy, process or governance regulating the decision making in response to requests for plaques, memorials and scattering of cremation ashes on public infrastructure or open space within the Yarra Ranges.”
By Callum Ludwig
Yarra Ranges Council has made a submission to the State Government regarding its Plan For Victoria at the Tuesday 27 August council meeting.
The Plan For Victoria set targets for councils on housing supply in the next 30 years, while the State Governmenthasbegunasubmissionsprocessonits eight ‘Big Ideas’ and the housing targets to help form the document.
The Yarra Ranges was given a target of 28,000 new homes by 2051, an average of 1000 homes per year.
Lilydale resident Michelle de Lima, who is also a member of the Lilydale Flood Watch group, spoke in support of Council’s submission and said they appreciate the fact that the Council are advocating to the State Government to have more time for consultation to have its views representative of not just the Council but of the broader community.
“We also note that you seek further consultation with the Government and ideally would like that second round and that you also acknowledge that youhavenotyetundertakenanyengagementwithin the community about this critical document which also supports the housing strategy,” she said.
“You’ve identified some significant issues and suggestions in relation to the Big Ideas that are incorporatedintheattachmentandofparticularinterest to us is idea seven which is more protection from flooding, bushfire and climate hazards.”
The State Government’s ‘Big Ideas’ are as follows:
• More homes in locations with great public transport access
• More housing options for all Victorians, including social and affordable homes
• More jobs and opportunities closer to where you live
• Moreoptionsforhowwemovefromplacetoplace
• More certainty and guidance on how places will change over time
• More trees and urban greening in our parks and community space
• More protections from flooding, bushfire and climate hazards
Greater protection of our agricultural land.
Ms de Lima said she agreed that the short timeframe Council had been asked to respond in was not enough time to provide feedback, and it shouldn’t be rushed given the scope of what is being asked of
them.
“We across the shire here believe that you should be really seeking that additional level of consultation, and if that is granted, we would like to be part of that consultation process, the impact this has on thestormwatermanagement,andgivenwhatyou’ve noted as the risks, inform the risk of the stormwater management plan and the housing strategy,” she said.
Yarra Ranges Council provided outlined detailed recommendations to each Big Idea. The following is a brief summary of their key points on each:
• Assistance for land developers to investigate and address land contamination, incentives for land consolidation, assist Councils with parking shortfalls in activity centres, prioritise drainage upgrades in and near neighbourhood activity centres, identify activity centres in inner and middlering local government areas that are suitable to substantial increases in residential density and leverage state-level infrastructure to enable higher density and social housing as well as consider new planning controls to allow this in desirable areas such as near train stations.
• Review legislative changes that require Councils to negotiate with developers on social and affordablehousing,explorereformstoimprovecertainty such as introducing inclusionary zoning, review the Windfall Gains Tax, explore tax incentives for social and affordable housing including Federal tax reform advocacy, review all State Government owned land in and near neighbourhood activity centres, introduce a state-level policy on housing
diversity and further investigate the impact of short term rental accommodation (STRA) on the supply of rentals.
• Considernewplanningpoliciesandrequirements for acoustic treatments to safeguard the amenity of residential development in identified areas, including reviewing the Mixed Use Zone.
• Make car use more sustainable through tax incentives to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles and multi-level car parking structures in activity centres due to the inherent reliance on cars in outer suburban areas where distance and topography disincentivise walking and cycling, deliver the Lilydale Bypass, expand the footpath networkinpriorityareas,duplicatetheraillinebetween Mooroolbark and Lilydale with improved frequency and reliability, a new station for the Kinley development, manage traffic on Lilydale Main Street, a wholesale review of the bus network, broader improvements to train lines in the Yarra Ranges, address constraints at Ringwood Junction and single-track sections on the Belgrave line, introduce pulse timetables, introduce more bike racks on buses and install real-time parking technology.
• Clarity and leadership from the State Government on how housing targets can be achieved without detriment to neighbourhood character and amenity and make the Victoria Planning Provision controls regarding activity centres less lengthy and confusing
• Consider the impact of private land as well as public land in improving greenery in communi-
ties, balance competing priorities of useable open space and recreation needs for activity centres, consider fire risk, consider crime prevention possibilities through environmental design, selection of species in regards to climate change effects, potential for planting through Melbourne Water’s stormwater management projects and have regard for the existing local Council guidelines and laws.
• Provide clear written direction on the expectations of housing strategies, provide an avenue of funding assistance for required studies, identify and provide funding assistance for drainage infrastructure capacity upgrades in activity centres and reduce expectations for housing growths in the Yarra Ranges due to environmental risks in the municipality.
• Incorporate stronger recognition of the role of tourism in supporting agriculture while also setting limitations on the scale of tourism in planning policy, implement planning scheme changes to address the region’s long-standing issue with soildumping on agricultural land, provide planning permit exemptions for rural worker’s accommodationinGreenWedgezonesandeaserestrictions on agricultural producers in green wedge areas to encourage more innovation.
Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar said the submission outlines our unique situation, bridging urban and rural, and clarifies the challenges that lie ahead to accommodate development while preserving our recreational and agricultural land.
“It notes that the pursuit of one big idea brings challenges in others, they’re not all mutually agreeable, and that the financial pressures in our community and at council exacerbate many of the issues,” he said.
“While we welcome more clarity and certainty from the state government, it seems we are playing a game of catch-up, with the goalposts regularly shifting,whichputsenormouspressurebackoncouncil.” Yarra Ranges Council submission also outlined their initial concerns with the housing targets.
By Mikayla van Loon
Debate ensued as Yarra Ranges councillors discussed the appropriate planning delegations and rights of petitioners at the Tuesday 27 August meeting.
The Operation Sandon recommendations, handed down by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) in July 2023, to improve and streamline the planning decision making process at a council level, was the basis of this agenda item.
Changes to the delegations included the automatic call-in figure for a development decision to be heard within a meeting be raised from $3 million to $5 million; that applications for covenant variations or removal be referred to officers; and to consider multi-signatory objections and/or petitions to be counted as a single objection.
Councillor Richard Higgins proposed an alternate recommendation to remove the single objection understanding and leave the current definition of a petition as is.
“I’ve asked to change the multi-signatory objections, in the form of a petition, and I’ll use McDonald’s for an example, where we get hundreds of people on a petition and it’s brought into the chamber,” he said.
“These petitions are something for me that is extremely important for our community to still be able to put down as a petition. It’s a lot easier for the community than to put an objection together.
“It might be one person walking around getting signatures to bring it to attention, but it’s a method that our community are using and need to continue to be able to use.”
Agreeing with the remaining delegation suggestions, Cr Higgins said, at first he thought some of the changes would diminish the abil-
ity of councillors to hear and make decisions on certain matters.
“Our planning delegations have been around since 2016 and this is part of a bit of a tidy up for our governance purposes,” he said.
“We all know that building costs have increased dramatically over the last couple of years after Covid, and we’re now seeing a lot of applications coming before council that the only reason they’re coming is because it’s over $3 million, there’s no objections.
“There’s no need for it to come in. So it’s timely that we increase that cost up to $5 million and hopefully that will mean that our planning staff can put these through a little bit quicker.”
Cr Tim Heenan supported the alternate motion and said in instances of the McDonald’s developments and Safeway proposal in Mount Evelyn, the number of people who signed pe-
titions indicated the undesirable feeling of the community.
“It’s important we recognise the multiple names, and in all those cases I mentioned, it was hundreds, if not in the thousands,” he said.
“That’s important from the community’s point of view, I would just see it as a dilution, as diluting down their concerns about something as big as those developments.”
Referencing an objection to the agenda item from Jodie McKern, Cr Fiona McAllister said in her mind the delegations were not about “reducing things that come into the chamber but making sure the right things come into the chamber”.
“As the submitter had emailed this afternoon, a price tag is not always a good indication of that,” she said.
“So items that are in the public interest and objections are one signal to that, but they do also come into the chamber in other ways.
“It’s not intended to slow down the process for applicants, but it is evidence of the seriousness in which this council takes planning and applications and the decisions that are made.”
The mention of petitions being cited by VCAT as one objection, raised two viewpoints with Cr McAllister stating that it should be an education piece to ensure petitioners are aware of the VCAT process, while Cr Johanna Skelton said the council should move to match the VCAT process.
The council officers confirmed that within the planning environment act petitions were not defined. An objector can act on behalf of multiple objections and an objector can also sign a petition which can form the basis of a larger objection.
Cr Sophie Todorov said she erred towards the original recommendation “based on that element of risk and the purpose of petitions”.
“We use petitions a lot in council meetings and decisions…to bring something before a council, not necessarily around a planning application, but around things that matter most to the community,” she said.
“I see this differently in terms of something against a planning application, is that, from experience, I know that some people may sign a petition for a planning application just based on that popularity vote, or they don’t actually have a vested interest in that planning matter.”
Despite the questions and points raised by Cr Child, Cr Skelton and Cr Todorov, the alternate motion was passed with five votes in support. It was met with cheers and applause from the gallery.
By Dongyun Kwon
It turned out that a nationwide sport event held in Yarra Glen has brought huge economic benefits not only to the hosting town but also to the whole Yarra Ranges.
The 2024 National Cross Country Championships hosted by School Sport Australia was held at the Yarra Valley Racing from 20 to 23 August.
Yarra Valley Racing chief executive officer Brett Shambrook said his team were delighted to host the national cross country event successfully.
“For us, the event highlighted the fact that we are more than just a horse racing club. We host a wide array of events throughout the year such as craft markets, car shows, rodeos and swap meets,” he said.
“This year, we also conducted the first Caravan and Camping expo which attracted a huge number of visitors to Yarra Glen.”
There were 530 competitors for the 2024 National Cross Country Championships, and each competitor attended with at least one guardian, 1.7 guardians on average.
50 competitors were from the Melbourne Metro area, 10 competitors were from regional Victoria and the rest of the competitors were from interstate excluding Tasmania and Northern Territory.
They had to attend the event for three days, which meant that the average stay was at least 4 nights for the majority of competitors and their families.
On top of the competitors, there were also another 50 team officials from interstate in attendance as well.
Yarra Ranges Council’s economic development team found out the following data regarding the economic benefits that have occurred from the national cross country event by using ID local economy modelling.
This additional direct output from the economy would also lead to an increase in indirect demand for intermediate goods and services across related industry sectors.
These indirect industrial impacts are estimated to be an additional $514,000 in output.
There would be an additional contribution to the economy of the Yarra Ranges Council area through consumption effects as correspondingly more wages and salaries are spent in the local economy.
It is estimated that this would result in a further increase in output of over $270,000.
The combination of all direct, industrial and consumption effects would result in a total estimated rise in output of $2 million in the economy of the Yarra Ranges Council area.
Yarra Ranges Tourism chief executive officer
Simon O’Callaghan said Yarra Ranges Tourism was thrilled to see the impact of this event, which brought significant overnight stays to the region, supporting local jobs and businesses at a key time that they target visitation mid-week.
“With a total spend modelled at over $2 mil-
The total visitor spend of $2 million attributed to staging the event would lead to a direct impact on output of $1 million.
lion, this is definitely the type of event activity that we are seeking to attract and encourage to the region, maximising our proximity to Melbourne, the airport and leveraging our world class natural environment and visitor experiences,” he said.
“This is an ideal regional event for our region to capitalise on, given the quality event infrastructure we have in the Yarra Valley Racing Centre.
“Yarra Ranges Tourism has just launched a five-year events strategy that aligns perfectly with the hosting of the National Cross Country Championships.
“That strategy identifies opportunities to attract mid-week niche events like this that see visitors spending money in local accommodation, food and drink businesses, providing massive benefits from the way the tourism industry works together to support local jobs.”
The impact of an additional $2 million spent on the local economy would lead to a corresponding direct increase in value-added of $474,000.
A further $237,000 in value-added would be generated from related intermediate industries.
It is estimated that the additional contribution to the local economy through consumption effects corresponding increase in spending of
wages and salaries would result in a further rise in value-added of over $106,000.
The combination of all direct, industrial and consumption effects would result in an estimated addition in value-added of $819,000 in the economy of the Yarra Ranges Council area.
Value added by industry represents the industry component of Gross Regional Product (GRP).
The impact on Yarra Ranges Council area’s GRP as a result of staging this event is directly equivalent to the change in value-added outlined above, and GRP in the Yarra Ranges Council area is estimated to increase by $819,000.
Mr Shambrook said he was not surprised with the level of economic benefit generated by the national cross country event.
“The economic impact for the national cross country event was a snapshot of the benefit the club brings to the local community on a regular basis,” he said.
“It also highlights the racing club is a tremendous community asset that provides great benefit to the wider community.
“As a club, we want to continue to grow our non-racing events which allows us to continue our investment in developing our facilities.”
We are renovating our branch in Mt Evelyn and will be closed from Thursday 19th September closed from (12noon) and reopening Monday 21st October October.
During this period we can serve our customers in a variety of ways, such as ;
• Our team will be located in the Lilydale branch to serve you during the refurbishment and our phones will be redirected to ensure your calls are answered.
• Nearby ATMS’s are located in Montrose and Lilydale.
• Mobile lender is available to meet you by appointment at an agreed location.
• Bendigo bank e-banking, phone banking and the Bendigo App are available 24 hours a day 7 days per week.
To find out more call 9737 1833 1833. We look forward to bringing our community a refreshed bank in the heart of Mt Evelyn.
By Dongyun Kwon
Yarra Ranges councillors discussed the plan to apply for three Federal Government grants, that have lately been made available for local governments, at the latest meeting on Tuesday 27 August.
The grants are Housing Support Program, Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program, and Thriving Suburbs Program.
Streeton Ward councillor Andrew Fullagar said it is good to plan ahead to see if Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) can apply for these grants.
“Money is in short supply, so we need to grab all the opportunities we can with both hands as they come up,” he said.
Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister said the council needs other sources of funding for its projects.
“It’s incredibly difficult for us to fund given that we have 55 townships in two and a half thousand square kilometres,” she said.
“Whenever we’re looking for a substantial refurbishment on the build or development of new facilities, we need other sources of funding.”
The Housing Support Program provides funding to local, state and territory governments for enabling infrastructure and community amenity projects with the primary aim of increasing housing supply and achieving the commitments of the National Housing Accord 2022.
The projects must commence before 31 January 2025.
Earlier in August, YRC already made a submission for the Housing Support Program to upgrade roads in areas aligned with the Yarra Ranges Housing Strategy 2024.
Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program seeks to support transformative investment in urban precincts based on the principles of unifying urban places, growing economies and serving communities focusing on a partnership approach bringing together governments, businesses and communities.
Further work is required for YRC to determine a suitable application under the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program.
It will be presented to the council once ready.
Thriving Suburbs Program aims at constructing or upgrading community infrastructure that fills an identified and immediate gap or unmet need for community infrastructure.
Two submissions have been proposed under the Thriving Suburbs Program; Don Road Community Pavilion and Reserve upgrade in Healesville and Lillydale Lake Masterplan Delivery.
“Don Road clearly is very close to my heart
and is our number one strategic priority in terms of pavilions which are facilities for multiple uses,”
Cr McAllister said.
“I definitely have my fingers crossed that we’re successful in funding for that one.”
Both submissions are aligned with the grant
criteria and YRC’s contribution can be met through a combination of Asset Renewal Fund, Asset Investment Fund and Public Open Space Funds over the delivery timeframe of the projects.
Mayor Sophie Todorov said she spoke to the prep froggies of Mount Evelyn Christian School,
who love play spaces at Lilydale Lake, on the day.
“They asked me questions about Lilydale Lake and the play spaces there,” she said.
“So, I’m sure their faces will be priceless with excitement and happiness if we are successful with these applications.”
By Dongyun Kwon
Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) endorsed providing more than $226,000 in funding to sporting and recreation groups as part of its annual Capital Development Grants.
12 projects were recommended to be funded through this round of the grant program.
Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister said YRC had a number of worthy projects applied for grants by a diverse range of community sporting groups.
“This, like all our other grant processes, provides an opportunity for us to work with groups doing the things that matter to them most, whether it is to fix up community halls and facilities or support with work on the ground. It does make a big difference,” she said.
“In all of these, we know that the clubs themselves are contributing substantially.
“I’m pleased to see what’s been recommended in terms of supporting a range of clubs.”
Walling Ward councillor Len Cox agreed with Cr McAllister and said the Capital Development Grants program is extremely helpful to a number of community groups.
“Although the grants seem big, they cover mostly half or less than half of the total need, and the various clubs obviously are working to find the rest of the money to make up for that,” he said.
“These grants are wonderful for the community and for the groups that really work hard for sporting or some other activity, so I certainly
support this motion.”
The following clubs will be the recipients of the grants:
• $30,000 to the Monbulk Recreation Reserve Development Group for behind goal netting
• $30,000 to the Lilydale BMX Club for its safety upgrades project
• $30,000 to the Scout Association of Australia, Victorian Branch - Montrose Scout Group for enhancing the safety, accessibility and sustainability of the Montrose Scout Hall
• $30,000 to the Eastern Ranges Football Club for behind goals netting
• $27,243 to the Melbourne Gun Club for flood mitigation works
• $25,000 to the Yarra Ranges Athletics for Morrison Reserve change rooms and gym redevelopment for female athletes
• $15,000 to the Hoddles Creek Cricket Club for storage and change rooms facility upgrade
• $10,975 to the Montrose Football Club for Elizabeth Bridge scoreboard
• $10,164 to the Yarra Glen Cricket Club for pitch repairs for its main oval and pitch upgrade for its second oval
• $8085 to the Wandin Football Netball Club for scoreboard project
• $5500 to the Seville Pony Club for resurfacing of the arena
• $4524 to the Steels Creek Tennis and Social Club for Steels Creek Tennis Club outdoor area renovation
Yarra Ranges mayor Sophie Todorov congratulated the clubs and groups for their successful grant applications.
“We know that sporting groups care deeply about the spaces they use – these are homes away from home for so many,” she said.
“Capital Development Grants give clubs a leg-up to make improvements – whether it’s netting behind goalposts, upgrades to change rooms, getting a new scoreboard, improving safety or just renovating.
“I’m so pleased that we were able to fund all of the eligible projects submitted to us this year; I’m glad we can support our clubs here at Council and I look forward to seeing these projects become reality.”
Wesburn Junior Football Club applied for grants for the installation of around ground fencing requesting $38,489, however, it was not supported by the assessment panel due to not meeting the application criteria and funding ratios as per the program guidelines and the risk of delivery of the project.
By Dongyun Kwon
Federal Casey MP Aaron Violi and shadow finance minister senator Jane Hume, who is also chair of the Cost of Living Committee, visited Breen Printing in Healesville on Monday 26 August.
The two politicians discussed cost of living and operating pressure on small businesses and the Coalition’s policy regarding the instant asset write-off.
Instant asset write-off is a policy through which eligible businesses can claim an immediate deduction for the business portion of the cost of an asset which is first used or installed ready for use in the year.
The Coalition is trying to reintroduce the instant asset write off policy with an increased asset threshold of $30,000 as well as making it a permanent feature of the tax system.
Senator Hume said the instant asset writeoff policy proposed by the Coalition would help small businesses thrive in the cost of living crisis.
“The instant asset write off is a policy that worked well in the past. At the moment, it’s at $20,000, that’s the Labor policy and remains at the level that it was at in 2017,” she said.
“Prices have gone up a long way since then, and it’s hard to buy the same equipment for $20,000 now as you did in 2017.
“That’s why it’s so important to bring it up to $30,000 and keep it as a consistent part of the tax system. That’ll allow small businesses to make plans for when they can invest and use their cash flow more nicely.”
The Federal Government rejected amendments by the Senate to increase the threshold to $30,000.
Mr Violi said he wanted to invite senator Hume to discuss and understand firsthand the challenges the local community has.
“As senator Hume said, whether it’s businesses or families, our community is really struggling with the cost of living crisis, so it’s important that we talk to them and understand how we can help,” he said.
“Small businesses and family businesses are the heart of our community here in Casey.
“I’ll continue to support them in every way I can and it’s great to see our businesses continue to grow and thrive even in a challenging environment.”
Mr Violi is in favour of the Coalition’s amendment as he thinks it will help local businesses, in
light of his 15 years of experience working in businesses including Yarra Valley Snack Foods prior to getting into politics.
“As seen firsthand, the instant asset write off has many benefits,” he said.
“It allows businesses to invest in productivity. It allows them to invest in machinery that increases their performance which keeps prices down for consumers, and it allows them to continue to grow.
“So it’s a policy I’m really proud to support and something that I’ve advocated for in the two and a half years that I’ve been the member for Casey and will continue to advocate for while I’m in the role.”
Breen Printing is a family owned business located in Healesville, providing quality printing solutions to the Yarra Valley since 1973.
Kirsty and Luke Woodhead took over the business in July 2020 from Ms Woodhead’s parents
The current business owners support the Coalition’s idea of instant asset write off.
“It means you can invest in a little bit more and buy something which enables you to buy better assets rather than going for a cheaper option,” Mr Woodhead said.
Mr Woodhead said it’s a challenging period with the cost of living pressure but they are trying to learn from it.
“The cost of living is affecting the amount and the types of work that we get,” he said.
“We find it important, as a small business owner, to understand what’s happening in the market, understand that there is a cost of living pressure, so we need to make sure that we’re supporting that in some way not only with our staff but also with the products we’re supplying.
“We need to make sure we remain competitive
and we’re able to offer the right products for what people need.”
Liam Hyde-Brody, a second year apprentice at Breen Printing, was chosen as one of the finalists for the 2024 Casey Apprentice and Trainee Awards.
Mr Violi said he was happy to see Mr HydeBrody again.
“I wanted to come to Breen Printing because Liam was one of the finalists in my Casey Apprenticeship of the Year Awards,” he said.
“It was a great opportunity to come out and see firsthand what a family-owned local business is doing but also investing in local people and giving young people from Healesville an opportunity to work and live in Healesville.
“It’s something I’m really proud to support.”
Star Mail contacted the Federal Department of Treasury.
Nationally it was Scam Awareness Week last week and online scams are one of the constant issues for daily internet users in online community groups in the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley.
In recent weeks several social media posts have been claiming that small children are ‘missing’ in different areas, but reverse image searches have found the posts to be scams or fake accounts.
Everyone has a part to play in shutting down criminal scammers and by talking to each other, community can make sure no one is alone in the fight against scams.
From 26-30 August, Scams Awareness Week encourages all Australians to speak up, share and report scams to help others identify, avoid, report and recover from scams.
Sharing scam stories makes others in the community aware of the scams that are out there, and learn how they can avoid them.
Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre clinical neuropsychologist and senior research fellow Dr Kate Gould said trust is essential in a functioning society but people also need to be alert for scammers who abuse that trust.
“Through the use of social engineering, scammers copy trusted brands’ websites or phone numbers, use bots to make fake reviews, and may spend time discussing common interests or difficulties,” she said “Scammers also use emotional manipulation to exert pressure for a quick response.”
A newly created profile on a local message board recently claimed a five year old baby girl was found walking in #emerald. (Facebook).
“Those affected might experience feelings of shame, but it’s never their fault. They need to know that they are not alone and can reach out to people they trust, and/or mental health services who understand scams and can offer support. Connection and feeling understood is an antidote to shame,” she said.
South Australia’s UniSA’s Dr Braam Lowies, whose research focuses on financial capability issues in the aged population regarding financial, housing and investment decisions, says being scammed can cause people significant distress and financial hardship.
“Scammers can deliberately cause feelings of shame and guilt and they can create and take advantage of different situations, including if someone is busy, scared or stressed,” he said.
“Scammers will also make their victims feel isolated from support networks, creating a false sense that the victim is entirely reliant on them. People are less likely to report scams when they feel ashamed, but it’s important that we share our experiences to help others feel confident to do the same.”
The Targeting Scams report revealed Australians reported more than 601,000 scams to organisations including Scamwatch, ReportCyber, the Australian Crimes Exchange, IDCARE and ASIC in 2023, an 18.5 per cent increase on 2022.
tact method, but scam calls resulted in the highest reported losses at $116 million, followed by contact via social media at $93.5 million, a 16.5 per cent increase on 2022.
A study by ANZ and UniSA in 2022 found that many older Australians are not informed about online security, despite 81 per cent of people over 65 using internet banking. The Exploring Digital Capability In Older Australians report highlighted concerns about cyber security and ongoing changes to software, websites and digital services as barriers.
Although participants were aware of online fraud and spam, they were less sure about viruses, phishing, cyber security and hacking. Almost 30 per cent were unsure how to protect their privacy online.
You can follow these steps from the National Anti-Scam Centre if you think you’ve been scammed/are caught in a scam.
Stop – don’t give money or personal information to anyone if you’re unsure. Say no, hang up and delete. If a scammer has taken your money or personal details, contact your bank or card provider to immediately report the scam and stop any transactions.
This has been the case with many of the Dandenong Ranges Facebook groups being subject to online spam images of small children that are lost and have been taken to the local police station, in one case a false image that claimed to be a lost ones remains was posted.
Investment scams continued to cause the most harm, followed by remote access scams and romance scams.
People who are duped by online scams may not talk about it and Dr Gould said they’re still learning about how to support someone to reemerge from this manipulation and adjust to what’s happened.
Older people suffer the greatest harm at the hands of scammers, with losses for people over the age of 65 increasing by over 13.3 per cent in 2023 to $120 million.
Text messages were the most reported con-
Check – scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust – like myGov, your bank, the police or the government. If you’re unsure, call the official phone number of the organisation to check. Report – the more we talk, the less power they have. Report scams to www.scamwatch. gov.au/report-a-scam.
Note: Do not report online scams to the Police, report them to Scamwatch.
By Callum Ludwig
A Wandin North Primary School student has shown initiative and generosity beyond his years with a recent fundraiser.
Jake has been 3D printing toys to sell to his peers at school with all funds raised to go towards the Rotary Club of Wandin.
Jake said he remembered that the Rotary Club of Wandin had given the school apples for students and microscopes for their open night and he decided he wanted to give back.
“I had to have a talk with [Principal] Mr Bailey and I said could I do it last term and he said we’ll wait till this term in week two to start selling, so a few weeks before that I made an announcement at an assembly,” he said.
“They are made out of filament that’s reusable because we have sustainability class and Ms Attrill the sustainability teacher really likes to take care of the earth so I decided to use sustainable filament so you could recycle it.”
Jake had a range of 3D-printed dragons and dragon eggs of different sizes to sell and set a fundraising goal of $150 which he smashed out of the park, ending up raising $1016.
The Rotary Club of Wandin will discuss with Jake and his family what community projects hsi funds might go towards, such as supporting the community meals program on Friday in Wandin or funding a well for a school in Cambodia.
Jake said he was pretty happy to see everyone who bought something really happy with their new toys.
“I think if I could do this again next year, maybe I would print mythical monsters,” he said.
“I felt pretty grateful that I gave the money to them [Wandin Rotary] but now I feel more grateful that they’re helping another school overseas to get a well.”
Jake has previously had experience with 3D printers in making octopuses while he also learnt more about them and was able to use his cousin
Tom’s printers before he had access to one of his own.
Wandin North Primary School Principal Paul Bailey said for their students like Jake to recognise how strong the school’s connection to the Wandin Rotary is and want to give back is fantastic for the school.
“A lot of students come to me with ideas whether it’s to raise money or start a lunchtime club, so what I always ask my students is to put together a plan because then if it is to come together, then the work can continue to make sure
it comes to life,” he said.
“Jake took on that feedback and went home and worked together closely with his parents to put a plan together, and then to map out what this would look like and for Jake to be able to set a goal and beyond achieve it is outstanding.”
Rotary Club of Wandin President Paul Martin and Youth Chair Peter Johnson visited the school to thank Jake.
“We’re just blown away that this is a clear instance of somebody wanting to be communityminded, especially someone as young as Jake
is, and then to give back to Rotary, normally the boots on the other foot and it’s Rotary distributing funds, but for someone to do a fundraising project and to give us the funds was wonderful,” Mr Martin said.
“It just strengthens the connection between the local community and the local primary schools, we’re very focused on our school communities and this just makes it an even stronger connection because it’s been a bit reciprocal in helping us to help the community,” Mr Johnson said.
By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Each Community Health Services is celebrating its fiftieth birthday, marking five decades of providing essential healthcare and support to local communities.
The not-for-profit but for-purpose organisation aims to deliver a wide-range of health and support services to improve lives and strengthen communities, including housing, counselling, child, youth and family, disability, and community mental health services across Australia.
Planning a party is tough but coordinating a fiftieth celebration for over 1500 healthcare workers spread across 50 sites nationwide feels nearly impossible.
EACH executive director engagement and advocacy Jayne Dullard said it couldn’t afford to fly everyone into a central location for a big party, but the celebration had to go on.
“We came up with the idea of a bus, painted in our 50 years of EACH logo, very bright yellow and purple, very noticeable,” she said.
“The bus went from site to site, all the way from Ipswich in Queensland through to Bega Valley in New South Wales, and then back across to Victoria, where most of our sites are, and celebrate all the way.”
EACH oral health team leader Siv Powell is one of the people travelling in the bus to provide services for the community.
She helps organise the delivery of any dental programs that falls outside of the fixed clinic, this includes free dental services to Victorian public primary and secondary schools.
“One of the most joyful things about my job is meeting the children and delivering them a smile they deserve,” Ms Powell said.
She’s passionate about free access to health care for everyone, especially those who cannot afford it, because it is a fundamental human right, not a privilege she said.
“We have three exam vans and three treatment trucks at the moment, and they’re booked back-to-back going from school to school, and depending on how many children sign up for the program, we do check-ups and any dental
treatment they require in the treatment trucks, and then we move on to the next school,”
“It’s a full calendar year in every single school term, we are servicing schools here in the Knox area, in Yarra Ranges and in Maroondah.”
From the start of August, the much-loved purple bus has been on the road, spreading the joys of decades of services to communities across the country.
Out of the 50 sites, based on location and the number of staff that worked there, 11 sites were selected for the celebratory bus visits.
The wheels on the bus travelled from Ipswich to Port Macquarie, continued on to Coffs Harbour, rolled through Goulburn, visited Kingston in Canberra, headed to Bega, and finally reached Victoria, with Ringwood head office as its last stop.
“The bus will arrive in Ringwood at 2pm on Tuesday, then at 2.30pm, all our sites across the country will be having their own little parties virtually,” Ms Dullard said.
“The feedback from staff has been incredible,
when we first tried to get people to drive the bus, people were a bit reluctant. They weren’t sure what it would mean, but as soon as they started to see photos and videos, everyone wanted to be part of it – it’s been very fun and very bonding.”
Ms Dullard said the celebration is significant for many reasons, with one of the biggest being is marking 50 years since Australia’s 21st Prime Minister, Edward Gough Whitlam, established EACH Community Health to bridge the gap between GPs and hospitals.
“Most community health has died away in other states but it’s still a strong part of the health sector here,” she said.
“It’s critical for keeping people out of the hospital, especially for those who have chronic conditions or are worried and can’t get in to see a GP, they tend to end up in an ambulance or in an emergency department – it’s horrible for those individuals and it’s expensive for the healthcare system, and we see that we can play an even bigger role in being that missing middle of the healthcare system, working directly with people in their communities.”
The organisation delivers over 150 services across different states, from dental services, general practitioners, consultations, nurse visits, and much more.
“We do intervention for little children who may have a learning disability or other kind of disability, we provide NDIS, funded services for people with disabilities and we have a very, very big mental health practice including adult mental health and also youth mental health,” Ms Dullard said.
“Most people who come to EACH receive their services for free, and that’s important, because they wouldn’t be able to afford them otherwise, and that’s why we’re here.”
“A lot of Australians, for reasons of class, ethnicity, violence or many other factors, have health conditions they can’t do anything about, they’re not unwell because of their own choices, but rather they’re unwell because of external circumstances and because of the structure they live in and we’re here to help plug that gap and help those people to find their own power to live better lives.”
By Mikayla van Loon
Months of creative endeavours came to life for a spectacular art show at Montrose Primary School.
The unveiling of student made works on Wednesday 28 August was met with amazement and joy by parents, teachers and the students themselves.
Having not hosted an art show for many years, principal Kylie Fisher and lead art teacher Mandy Johnson said “if we were going to do it, we were going to do it well”.
Deciding back in March to host an art show, Ms Johnson said the featured works were completed over two terms by all students.
“I chose and was inspired by the natural world as a theme which covers lots of the inquiry topics the grades are doing in the classroom and most students have got two or more artworks on display,” she said.
Weaving through sections, the exhibition began with the night sky, before moving into wildlife, botanicals, sea life and a glow room.
“Once you leave the main building, you go into the hall, there’s a piece that’s been made by every class in the school, so five classes,” Ms Fisher said.
“The 25 pieces are going to a silent auction. So the Grade sixers made beautiful pop art stools with their little pictures on the top of the seat.”
Other designs included framed works and even colourful jenga, each individualised by the students.
The school choir also performed on the hour throughout the evening showcasing a range of talent.
Designing the art show as a walk through,
with different sections within the broader natural world theme, Ms Johnson said was a purposeful way of giving each student’s and grade’s work ample space and the credit it deserved.
“We have so many talented kids and so many beautiful pieces of artwork. I thought a gallery walk would be wonderful, and leading out to the hall where the choir is going to sing,” she said.
Not only was the theme based on the natural environment and local flora and fauna, Ms Johnson said whenever they could, students used recycled materials to create their artworks.
From unused cardboard boxes to pieces of timber and even coffee cup lids, embedding sustainable practices in the art was an expansion of the values at Montrose Primary School.
“That’s usually a big part of lots of the inquiry units at a Grade 3 and 4 level. Last year, when they were studying the reef, we made turtles out of all the rubbish we collected and tied them together with the things that were harming them,” Ms Johnson said.
“We had all sorts of interesting things and discussions that came out of that. I love linking in with the classroom.”
Ms Fisher said that addition to the art room really “teaches the kids they can make art out of anything” but also connects to much of what the students learn in other programs and classes.
“There’s a wide offering of specialist subjects for the kids but art is one that kids really enjoy and even kids that don’t think they’re that creative have success in the art room,” Ms Fisher said.
It was safe to say the collaborative effort of the teachers and the vision Ms Johnson had truly came together in a wonderful form.
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Residents of the Yarra and Dandenong Ranges facing challenges in accessing home care services now have a trusted partner in Harmony Homecare. With nearly a decade of experience, this values-based organisation is making a significant impact in the community.
Harmony Homecare prides itself on its compassionate approach.
“Our dedicated team is passionate about providing kind, caring, and compassionate support,” a company spokesperson states.
Their comprehensive services range from garden maintenance and shopping assistance to respite care and domestic duties, tailored to meet individual needs.
As an approved aged care and registered NDIS provider, Harmony Homecare ensures reliability and quality in its services.
“We’re committed to ensuring every resident receives the support they deserve,” the spokesperson said.
In an exciting development, Harmony Homecare has announced a new initiative to partner
more closely with local communities. By providing employment opportunities to local residents, the company aims to support the community from within, fostering stronger connections.
With its established reputation and forwardthinking approach, Harmony Homecare continues to make a significant impact. For residents seeking reliable, high-quality home care services, Harmony Homecare stands ready as a trusted partner in care.
Don’t let another day pass struggling with daily tasks or worrying about a loved one’s care. Harmony Homecare is just a phone call away, ready to provide the support you need to live comfortably and independently in your own home.
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Harmony Homecare’s team is friendly and supportive, ready to help with all your homecare needs. (Supplied)
In the heart of Lilydale, where the lush Yarra Valley meets the Dandenong Ranges, stands Lilydale Valley Views – not just a retirement village, but a thriving community where residents relish every moment of their golden years. For the past 15 years, we have meticulously crafted an environment that goes beyond providing accommodation; it’s a place where the essence of retirement living is fully embraced.
Our village boasts an array of accommodation options, from stunning homes with valley views to cosy terrace living. With 139 homes, including semi-attached 2/3 bedroom units, each designed to ensure a family-like atmosphere, we prioritise creating a space that fits the unique preferences of every resident. What sets Lilydale Valley Views apart is the commitment to offering a comprehensive retirement experience. Picture a heated indoor swimming pool and spa, providing residents with an oasis for relaxation and exercise. Imagine weekly Tai Chi and dancersize sessions, tailored to keep both the body and mind active and engaged. Our village bus takes the hassle out of shopping, offering a convenient door-to-door service, freeing residents from the need to drive and park.
One of the key pillars of our community is the vibrant social committee. This dedicated group organises a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring residents always have opportunities for connection and enjoyment. From outings to social events, our calendar is brimming with activities that cater to diverse interests, creating an enriching experience for everyone. Yet, the true magic lies in the residents themselves. A wonderful group of people with a wide range of interests, they form the beating heart of our community. The warmth and genuine sense of camaraderie that have flourished over the years are truly heartwarming. Newcomers quickly find themselves embraced by the community, invited to various activities and social occasions,
allowing them to tailor their level of engagement. At Lilydale Valley Views, we recognise the importance of social connections for overall health and wellbeing as we age. Our environment is curated to facilitate an active and connected lifestyle, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the physical boundaries of the village.
Centrally located near essential amenities, including medical practitioners, supermarkets, and the train station – all within walking distance – Lilydale Valley Views provides a seamless blend
of convenience and tranquillity. The nearby Warburton Trail offers residents the opportunity for scenic walks or bike rides, while a thriving veggie/flower garden on-site adds to the communal spirit. As a testament to our commitment to excellence, we are proud to have built a retirement village that has evolved into a close-knit community. Lilydale Valley Views is not merely a place to live; it’s a place where people flourish, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and cherished moments.
In celebration of our journey and the joy of vi-
Enjoysomequitetimewithabookfromthe extensivelibrarycollection.
Meetandminglewithfriendsinthecommunity centre.
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By Casey Neill
Now, do you know what will happen to Sam Ramsden on his Silly Stories podcast adventure?
Neither does Sam. There’s only one way to find out…
The Kilsyth electrician and father of four girls - Zahli, 9 months, Brinley, 3, Aubree, 5, and Holly, 7 - entered the podcast scene late last year.
By May, Silly Stories for Kids was topping the worldwide charts.
“It wasn’t my idea. I didn’t even conceptualise it or anything,” he told Kids, clearly still bewildered by his sudden success.
“When Holly, our oldest, was 2 and transitioning from a cot to her own bed, I used to just lay on the floor and started making up stories.”
Fast forward four years, and his father-in-law, Russell Dixon, pitched Sam an idea.
“He said ‘I’ve listened to you tell these stories for a long time now, I think you should turn it into a podcast’,” Sam said.
Russell said he’d been researching the medium for months and wanted to back the project.
“I literally just thought ‘I’ll make a little catalog of stories for my kids to show their kids one day, maybe a few friends will listen to it’,” Sam said. He and Russell held weekly meetings and learned the ropes of podcasting.
They settled on a name - searchable, catchy - and a logo, and Sam selected a release date… which fell two and a half weeks after his fourth child was born.
“I was just too excited, I didn’t want to keep waiting,” he laughed.
“The first place I started recording was literally a supply cupboard at church.
“I taped blankets up, put up LED lighting.”
He upgraded to a recording studio he built in his back yard using a photo booth he’d bought on Facebook Marketplace.
Then an electrical job for missionary organisation Reach Beyond led to an offer to use its professional broadcast setup.
Each Silly Stories episode begins with, ‘Do you know what’s going to happen in today’s adventure? Me either.’
“That’s genuine,” Sam said.
Listeners send their names to Sam, who embeds them in a wacky story he makes up on the spot.
“I write their name on the tablet in front of me. I might start with a word or a place or the tiniest piece of an idea, and then I’ll press record,” he said. “I love being creative. I love thinking outside the box.
“Telling stories and being silly is the most authentic version of me there is.
“My brain is exciting, to put it politely.
“When we go on a drive, me and the girls, they’ll often request a character.
“I’ll be driving as (Silly Stories favourite) Pim Pim, making jokes about seeing people on the side of the road.
“We’ll take wrong turns and things.
“To still try and be the fun and the joy in your own family, that’s what my dad did for us.
“I wanted to do that too.”
Sam explained that he has ADHD.
“So much of what I do day-to-day is trying to keep my brain on task,” he said.
“Telling stories is just sitting down, pressing record, and enjoying where my brain goes and really just having fun with it.”
Fans can rest assured that Sam’s story supply is endless.
“I’ve been doing it for five years,” he said.
“There’s never been a time I’ve sat down to tell a story and something hasn’t come out.
“I can’t actually explain how this works.
“If I tell a story, it’s almost like I’m experiencing it like the kids are.
“It flows that quickly.
“When I’m editing it, it’s like listening to it for the first time.”
His life experiences often bleed into the stories, like a story about a girl entering Food Land through an oven that emerged after Sam in-
stalled a large oven at work.
“I’m learning that the way I tell stories is fun and I think so many things are dark at the moment and so many things are so complicated,” he said.
“I think there’s a real desire amongst parents to just really help their kids have fun.”
Parents tell him they put on a Silly Stories episode when “everything is really hard”. It gives their kids a few minutes of fun and gives them a chance to reset.
Parents of children on the autism spectrum regularly tell Sam that his stories help their kids to regulate.
“My real hope is that this podcast can strengthen family relationships,” he said.
Sam’s also a church youth group leader.
“I’ve been doing that since I was 17,” he said.
“So much of what I get to do there is just be silly, be fun.”
But doesn’t he ever feel self-conscious about being silly as a grown-up? Nope.
“I think I’ve just had so much opportunity in my life to be that silly, and to be that silly in front of lots of people,” he said.
“My dad was in a band when we were little. They did fun, silly, stupid things.
“I saw people in front of large groups being silly, and people loving it.”
And doing youth ministry reinforced this.
“I’m used to being the dad in a group of dads who is mucking around and doing stupid stuff,” he said.
“I think those kinds of nerves come from putting what other people see of you higher than what should be higher - the joy and the fun and bringing some good to people’s lives is the most important thing.
“If someone thinks I’m weird or strange, I’m OK with that.
“I don’t find self-worth in what other people think.
“I’m created by God, this is what he’s created me to be.
“I love that I’m different.
“We actually need different people to be able to meet the needs of different people.
“You need diversity, you need different people with different ways of thinking.”
Sam never planned to start an electrical business.
“I literally said through my apprenticeship that you’d never find me running my own business,” he laughed.
But the company he was working for liquidated just before he was due to marry wife Olivia, who was then studying full time.
Sam had to find more work, and was soon
eating his words and working for himself.
“My business journey has been terrible,” he said with his trademark broad smile, which reaches his eyes and never seems to leave his face.
“I wouldn’t be half the person that I am now if not for all the trials and troubles.”
Olivia is now on maternity leave from her role as a physiotherapist in the Austin Hospital ICU.
“She’s gifted in that kind of stuff,” Sam said, his pride obvious.
“In crazy situations, she’s comfortable and logical.
“I am incredibly blessed with the wife that I have.
“She is so supportive and encouraging of me.
“She’s my biggest supporter.
“We manage the chaos of life together.
“I wouldn’t be able to do any of this on my own.”
Sam and his family were invited onto the field with the Melbourne Football Club cheer squad a few weeks before our chat, after Sam mentioned the club in one of his stories.
“That’s mind-blowing, to think that some idiot sitting in a cupboard talking to himself could lead to these kinds of experiences,” he said. It was the girls’ first AFL match so the bar was set high - Aubree asked if they’d get to go onto the court if they went to a netball match.
“I was trying to communicate to our kids how abnormal that experience was,” he laughed, shaking his head in disbelief.
Sam’s made connections with other podcasters, who’ve been generous with advice, and now has a manager - “which sounds ridiculous to say” - after performing an electrical safety check at his home.
He is also now working with children’s audio player company Yoto.
“We’re the kids’ podcast they’re partnering with in Australia,” he said.
Silly Stories is mentioned in the company’s press release alongside the likes of Roald Dahl, Sir Paul McCartney, Zoe Foster Blake, and Emma Memma.
“I never would have imagined this stuff in a million years,” Sam said.
“I’m just excited to see where it does go.
“I’m quite the pessimist when it comes to myself.
“There was no glimmer of a thought in my head that it would progress past my family and friends.
“I would love to be known in houses around the world and have a really positive effect, and generate income for my family.
“I’ve got no idea where it could go.”
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By Tanya Steele
In recent weeks as the weather has begun to turn residents across the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley may have heard the sounds of magpies in the early morning.
On the night of a recent full moon in August, residents took to social media saying they had heard local magpies up vocalising with the moon.
Star Mail journalist TANYA STEELE spoke with renowned emeritus professor Gisela Kaplan about the ‘pragmatic’ Australian birds and their melodic early morning (and sometimes late night) vocal habits, breeding behaviours and more.
Ms Kaplan said that over the years her research has shown magpies do tend to sing with lighter nights when the full moon is on show.
“That kind of warbling, that beautiful warbling that you hear, is in connection with light,” she said.
“It took me years to work all this out, it has no meaning in terms of territory, but it is more to celebrate the night – they’re going to their own party.”
Unlike other songbirds, the male and female birds both sing and they also do not sing at all when they are breeding.
“The magpies are just special,” she said.
The territorial birds don’t develop songs to impress a female – they have a territory to impress a female.
“So the magpie is extremely unusual in that sense,” said Ms Kaplan.
On the recent full moon, it was likely the magpies were just enjoying the light.
“When you hear that sort of more sort of tuneful warbling, that’s them just having a nice time,” she said.
“It has no particular function that we know, certainly not in terms of territory.”
Ms Kaplan said magpies don’t normally form morning choruses and they don’t normally sing together as a group.
If you have heard magpies vocalising together as a group, Ms Kaplan said it it usually more of a confirmation chorus.
“It’s an adult-only corroboree,” she said.
“We’ve identified the territorial call as a carolling, which is a very harsh sound.”
“What they do as a group is a chorus of confirmation of their territory, say they have just chased out a major predator, like an eagle, and they all come together, and they give a chorus, which is not a very beautiful song, but it is a confirmation of their victory, of their bonding, of their cooperation, and youngsters are not allowed to join in.”
Magpie carolling however is not very melodious and Ms Kaplan said it’s very loud and short
and it can’t be confused with any normal song.
“It’s a slurring sort of sound,” she said.
“A male and female to whom the territory belongs will carol, which is a very loud call to just confirm that this is their territory.”
“It’s just in case somebody wants to invade – a male and female do that together.”
Ms Kaplan is an Emeritus Professor of Animal Behaviour in the School of Science and Technology at the University of New England.
She has authored over 250 research articles and 23 books. Her pioneering research focuses on vocal learning, communication, and cognition in birds and other vertebrates. As a prominent advocate for wildlife science, particularly regarding native birds, she frequently appears in public media.
In matters of breeding Ms Kaplan said males are the most unromantic lovers or partners you could ever imagine.
“They’re very, very good parents but the males don’t have any courtship,” she said.
“The female magpie will let the male know when she is ready to mate.”
“She takes her tail and swirls it around so that the right shows like a fan, from left to right very quickly.”
Ms Kaplan said that even at that point sometimes the male magpies don’t quite get the idea.
“On the courtship front, it’s nothing elaborate – but then they make for life,” she said.
The birds do not sing when they are breeding and Ms Kaplan said everything falls silent at breeding time.
“Magpies tend to sing outside the breeding season, and their most extensive singing behaviour is in summer when they’ve already raised their kids,” she said.
The iconic birds also have a universal call signal that is identical amongst magpies all over Australia and Ms Kaplan describes it as a ‘melodious’ little sequence.
“It’s not very long, but it’s very melodious and very soft and it what is called a ‘referential’ signal or a signal that is fixed in meaning, and it means food,” she said.
Magpies have around 960 distinct syllables that can produce distinct sounds and Ms Kaplan has written a 100,000 word PhD thesis just on vocal communication and song alone.
“Magpies also have an enormous repertoire –they can produce very different sounds because they have a musculature that very few birds have,” said Ms Kaplan.
“They can swap and use both sides of the syrinx (bird vocal chords) simultaneously, or swap so that they can produce different sounds on either at the same time, which is a remarkable feat,” she said.
“Nightingales can do it and magpies can do it, but very few others have been studied, and it’s unlikely that many others have that kind of versatility.“
“Magpies are also great mimics and Ms Kaplan herself has recordings of a magpie loudly exclaiming in a broad Australian accent “Go away”.
“They mimic very well,” she said.
The inquisitive and clever magpie features in many Indigenous myths – the Wurundjeri word for magpie is “Barrawarn” and a Western Australian dreamtime story from the Noongar people talks of how magpies helped to lift the sky.
“It’s a lovely, lovely story,” said Ms Kaplan.
In regards to their relationship with modern humans, Ms Kaplan said that the magpie is ‘pragmatic’.
“As long as the people are harmless – meaning, not dangerous and it’s a bonus when they’re nice,” she said.
“They are likely to share their space with you for the entire time you live in your house,” she said.
Ms Kaplan encouraged people to think beyond some of the common misconceptions of the magpie.
“Humans always think of fighting and conflict and aggression and most of the time, that’s just
In the Dandenong Ranges, the Yarra Valley, the foothills and beyond some of Melbourne’s most popular fishing spots will soon become an angler’s paradise with huge rainbow trout – weighing up to four kilograms each – being stocked across 17 lakes across Vicotria.
Emerald Lake, Don Lake, in Healesville, Lillydale Lake, Liliput Lake Reserve in Pakenham and Quarry Lake in Ferntree Gully are just some of the iconic spots that will soon be home to a good catch.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos announced on 28 August that the restocking across Melbourne will give anglers of all abilities the chance to catch the fish of a lifetime close to home.
“There has never been a better time to throw your line into Melbourne’s lakes,” he said.
The annual stocking of 1,000 enormous rainbow trout is backed by the government’s $96 million package to improve fishing, boating and piers right across the state.
Now in its fourth year, the restocking means anglers in and around Melbourne can catch the same trout that are stocked in Eildon Pondage and Goulburn River, to celebrate the opening of the trout fishing season.
Thousands of smaller rainbow trout – averaging 200 grams each – will be stocked across the state ready for the school holidays.
The 1,000 huge rainbow trout are being stocked currently into the following 17 waterways. The locations are: Albert Park Lake, Berwick Springs Estate Lake, Casey Fields Lake, Caulfield Racecourse Lake, Don Lake in Healesville, Emerald Lake, Garfield Lake , Karkarook Lake, Lilliput Lane Reserve, Lilydale Lake, Navan Park Lake,Pakenham Lake, Rowville Lakes in the Sutton and Hill Lakes, Roxburgh Park
Lakes, Spavin Drive Lake in Sunbury, Quarry Lake in Ferntree Gully and Yarrambat Lake.
Aspiring junior anglers will be able to get in on the action using their free Little Angler Kits, which were given to school-aged children to inspire more kids to get outdoors and give fishing a go. Information on what bait they should use and how to rig up is available in the guide that came with the kit.
Minister Dimopoulos said fishing is a great way to get outside and spend time with family and friends in nature.
“You can do this close to home with Melbourne’s most popular lakes stocked ahead of spring,” he said.
For regional Victorians who love to catch trout from the river, the season re-opens on Saturday 7 September.
To celebrate, large rainbow trout will be stocked around Eildon as part of the Goulburn Fishing Festival, which starts on 7 September and the Ballarat Fishing Festival starts on the same day at Lake Wendouree.
Rupali
1999. She has worked in private and public community clinics both in, and around Melbourne. She has also lived out of the city, spending a period of time in Benalla in rural Victoria.
Rupali is passionate about providing high quality dental care and takes pleasure in sharing a story and a laugh with her patients. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and always strives to provide dental treatment in a relaxing and comfortable environment.
Rupali believes her practice and approach to dentistry creates an experience that will change your notion of what a trip to the dentist is. Outside of work she loves to spend time with family and her young children, sharing her passion for reading and traveling with them at every opportunity.
Sonali graduated from dental school in 2003. She has worked as a dentist in both community and private practices. She has also worked various roles within the dental industry. Sonali believes that your mouth is the gateway to better wellbeing, and that a great healthy smile will
leave a great lasting impression on people.
Sonali loves interacting with patients and ensuring they are comfortable and at-ease. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry. She particularly loves working with older clients. In her spare time, she loves cooking delicious Indian dishes and enjoying time with her family and friends.
The third dentist, , joined the Valley Dental team 2 years ago and has been an integral part of the team ever since. With over 10 years of experience, Merhaz believes that world class dentistry should be delivered to each and every patient. Mehraz has a keen interest in aesthetic dentistry and is studying a certificate of Cosmetic Dentistry to introduce lip and cheek fillers to the clinic for our Valley Dental patients.
Rupali said being an all female team patients were treated with care and compassion.
“Staff are very approachable and compassionate making everyone feel at ease coming to the dentist,“ she said.
The clinic offers a wide range of dental services including general dentistry, fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers.
Take advantage of current specials including a check-up, clean and 2 x-rays for $197, and inchair whitening $450.
By Gabriella Vukman
As part of Victoria’s Youth Fest and Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week (BIEDAW), this year’s Valley Youth Fest will be held on 13 September.
Situated at ECOSS on Old Warburton Road, the Festival is scheduled to commence at 1pm and finish at 9pm.
Youth performers including Jayda Jean, BOTH, Claire Garvey, The Misfit project performers and Upper Yarra Secondary College senior band are among the acts performing at the festival.
As part of the Victorian Youth Fest month-long celebration, the Valley Youth Fest is a celebration of the contributions and achievements of young people across the Valley.
Stalls, bike jumps and other activities will feature at September’s festival.
A collaboration between ECOSS and Body of Wellbeing, the Valley Youth Fest is open to people of all ages.
Community Engagement, Festival, Events and
Market Coordinator Leanne Hall said, “We are also delighted to collaborate with Body of Wellbeing Limited to promote the importance of nurturing both our bodies and minds.”
“This partnership, supported by additional funding from Vic Health and in conjunction with the Yarra Ranges Council, allows us to emphasize self-care and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual,” Leanne said.
“The Valley Youth Fest promises to be a vibrant and inclusive event, providing a meaningful platform for young people to shine and connect with their community.”
Body of Wellbeing director and Warburton resident Cat McKay said, “Our decision to bring this event to our local area reflects our commitment to showcasing the incredible talent and potential of the youth in our community.”
This year’s Valley Youth Fest is funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, the Yarra Ranges Council and Vic Health.
“Securing funding for this initiative was a
significant achievement for ECOSS, and we are excited about the opportunities it brings to our region. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), on behalf of the Victorian Government, for their crucial support in making this event possible,” Cat said.
“Unfortunately body image distress and associated health risks including eating disorders are alarmingly high in our area, particularly since Covid-19.”
“Body of Wellbeing Limited are collaborating with local organisations and peak bodies around these serious issues to help youth get the information and support they need, while also celebrating uniqueness and diversity.
“We have organised speakers from Eating Disorders Victoria, education officers with lived experience, and body image researcher and expert, Dr Sarah Bonell to share stories and strategies in positive, interactive and creative ways.”
Also with the aim of spreading body positivity, health and increasing body image awareness, this
year’s Valley Youth Fest will host an array of guest speakers and information designed to educate young people and their families about healthy choices.
Cat said, “Many of our local community health and youth services will be at the event running activities which will not only be fun and engaging but will promote positive body image and healthy behaviours. Running alongside the event will be The ECOSS Valley Market with a number of stalls selling local produce, food such as Mexican and Indian, Arts, craft, Upcycles will be open and more.”
“Jigsaw Jumps will provide an interactive display - young people are encouraged to ride to ECOSS or bring their bikes. There will also be a special Youth focus at the Yarra Valley Spoken Word evening happening in the Dome at ECOSS between 6.30-8.30pm,” Cat said.
ECOSS is accessible via the Warburton, 683 bus line. Disembark near the Wesburn Reserve and walk a few hundred metres up to 711 Old Warburton Rd to Yarra Valley ECOSS.
By Mikayla van Loon
The Montrose Community Meals have been bursting with connection since the initiative started in March and the addition of music only made that stronger.
Partnering with Yarra Ranges Council and Montrose Township Group to connect the Montrose Community Cupboard initiative with local musicians and bands, two monthly meals had the bonus of live entertainment.
“We had a lot of positive feedback from the community and we found that the music – and the lunchtime timing of the meal – allowed other community members to join us who can’t make it to our dinnertime meals,” Community Cupboard founders Pat Natoli and Simone Ritchie said.
“We were pleased to offer an alternative to the community and reach those who may not have connected with Montrose Community Cupboard previously.”
Having seen so much success with the Picnic in the Park live events, Township Group president Chelsey Cooper said the Music and Meals idea sprouted.
“We were keen to explore ways to gather over food and music in winter months when outdoor gatherings aren’t ideal,” she said.
“It also connects with First Nations stories we’ve read that speak to Bunurong and Wurundjeri people gathering at the base of the hills in winter, coming together to be still, take in the sounds around us and be with family.
“There is a lovely story of this featured in the book, Kulin Takes by Sonia Marie.”
Chelsey said she was so incredibly pleased to have had the backing of the council and the support to share another local event with the community.
As one of the foundational principles of the Community Meals initiative being to support community connection and engagement, Simone and Pat said the music element only elevated this feeling.
“It improved the vibe of the meal and helped foster further community connections,” they said.
Hosting both Corn Nut Creek and the Royal Australian Band Melbourne Chamber Ensembles, the events were well received and has created hope that a mutual partnership with Culture Tracks Yarra Ranges can be ongoing to bring live music to the meals more regularly.
“Especially over the winter months, when lunchtime meals are the preferred choice because of limited daylight hours,” Pat and Simone said.
Overall the community meals have been “a huge success”, seeing 20 plus volunteers offer up their time to help supply a monthly meal, some-
thing Pat and Simone said they are so grateful for.
“This wouldn’t be possible without them.”
The broader impact has been undeniable, seeing new friendships form, people finding new opportunities within Montrose or feeling a little less lonely.
“We have some attendees who are already connected with us from using the cupboard, or attending markets, as well as some new attendees who hadn’t heard of who we are or what we do.
“We love that it’s a community event – free of charge – where everyone is welcome. The meals allow attendees to connect with new people and, for some, combat loneliness/isolation, enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal which rescues food from going into landfill and also save some money, very helpful given the cost of living right now.
“It’s been a challenging time in Montrose with the roadworks and this has been a positive initiative to help remind locals of why we love Montrose – and how great a community we are – even through difficult times.”
As we leave the winter months behind and look forward to warmer days ahead, Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics are urging Victorians to update their asthma plans to stay safe this spring.
Spring conditions often present allergens and triggers for people living with asthma and if it’s unmanaged or not prevented, it can develop into a serious health concern.
Around one in nine Victorians live with asthma and it can affect people of all ages.
Ambulance Victoria Director Emergency Management Justin Dunlop said our paramedics know well that if people don’t have an asthma action plan in place, it can become life-threatening.
“The conditions will change quickly in the coming weeks, so we want everyone with asthma to be ready with a plan,” he said,
“It’s simple – visit your GP and they can create an action plan with you.
“Everyone’s asthma action plan will look different, and it will help you manage your condition, ensuring you don’t find yourself in an emergency.”
Adults should update their asthma action plan yearly, and for children, every six months is recommended.
The start of the season also marks National Asthma Week from 1 to 7 September, which aims to raise awareness for the condition and ways to manage it.
Common triggers for asthma include outdoor allergens such as pollen, dust, air pollution and even thunderstorms, while gas cooktops, mould and dust mites inside the home can also cause a reaction.
Keep an eye out for symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness.
“By taking preventative action and taking asthma seriously, you’re making a real difference for our busy paramedics who are facing high demand,” Justin said.
“Followyourasthmaactionplan,andmostimportantly, if a person is having difficulty breathing and their reliever medicine is not working, don’t delay in calling Triple Zero (000).”
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
Asthma Australia’s Director of Health Knowledge and Translation Anthony Flynn said an asthma action plan is a great asthma management tool.
“It sets out your important asthma information in a way that is easy to follow and is a valuable reminder of what to do in case your asthma gets out of control,” he said.
“Following your plan and having regular reviews with your doctor can result in fewer days off from school or work, reduced emergency visits to hospital and less use of reliever medication.
“With spring pollen allergens on the horizon, it’s important that you take action now to help avoid an asthma emergency and a visit from emergency services.”
Communities can also make a difference by using Victoria’s range of alternative care pathways that are available and located right across the state for health matters that are serious but not life-threatening.
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) is available online 24/7 at www.vved.org. au.
It’s free and connects you with emergency doctors and nurses from anywhere in Victoria.
You can also visit a nearby Urgent Care Clinic, which provides GP-led care to those who need urgent care, but not emergency ambulance response. To find your nearest one, visit the Better Health website.
Victorians can also get care from their GP, pharmacist, or NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024.
These services help save Triple Zero (000) for emergencies by reducing non-urgent and repeat ambulance call outs and unnecessary trips to hospital.
You can access Asthma Australia’s online resources at asthma.org.au, including asthma action plan templates and you can book a call with an asthma educator.
To learn more about asthma action plans, visit the Better Health website at betterhealth.vic.gov. au/health/conditionandtreatments/asthma-action-plans.
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
It’s been a wild week of wind events.
At the time of writing this on Thursday 29 August over 200 calls for assistance have been made to Emerald SES since Sunday.
These severe weather events are now happening with increasing frequency.
I’m working hard to ensure that resources are in place to help our community throughout these events.
I hope you and yours are all safe and well.
The other week I had the great pleasure of hosting Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Small Business Natalie Suleyman across the electorate.
SCHOOL UPGRADES
At Eastern Ranges School in Ferntree Gully, the Premier witnessed the progress of a significant $5.7 million refurbishment.
This project puts into practice our Labor Government’s prioritisation of modernising every government special school in Victoria.
It goes without saying that students with disabilities and special needs deserve great learning environments and this upgrade will deliver just that!
We are also investing in co-located beforeand after-school care facilities and NDIS navigators at every special school.
I am beyond pleased that Eastern Ranges’ NDIS Navigator started over a month ago, providing much-needed support and resources for families negotiating the NDIS system.
The Premier and I also visited The Patch Primary School, where a $6.4 million modernisation project will transform the learning environment. These improvements will create a modern, vibrant space where students can thrive. Whilst a good teacher can teach under a tree, our students excel when they have the best educators working in world-class learning environments.
A visit from the Premier is always a special occasion and I’m looking forward to her next journey to the hills!
SMALL BUSINESS
Minister for Small Business Natalie Suleyman recently joined me at the Ferntree Gully Library for
Daniela De Martino MP Member for Monbulk
a Small Business Forum.
This roundtable provided a platform for local business owners to share their concerns, priorities, and opportunities directly with the Minister and myself, because good policy comes from listening.
As a former small business owner, I truly understand the challenges and rewards of operating a small business – they play a vital role in our economy and our State Government is committed to providing the support they need. One key initiative is the Small Business Bus, a mobile service offering advice and resources.
The bus’s visit to Tecoma, Emerald and Upwey over the past year was incredibly successful and I look forward to its return.
Another great resource is the Business Victoria website, which offers information on grant opportunities, skills development, and comprehensive human resource materials.
I know only too well that when you have your own business, you are your own HR, finance, marketing, and accounting departments, to name a few.
The support and resources on offer via this website are game-changers for small businesses.
If there is one thing a business owner should do today, is sign up for the emails business.vic. gov.au
You’ll be glad you did!
If you’re interested in attending future events, please contact my office via email.
I look forward to meeting more of our hardworking and enterprising small business owners.
Until next time, please take care.
Directed by Rupert Sanders, The Crow is a tepid and unnecessary reboot.
After he and his girlfriend Shelly (FKA Twigs) are murdered, Eric Draven (Bill Skarsgard) rises from the dead to seek vengeance.
The original The Crow from 1994 is dark and edgy but full of heart.
Eric (played by Brandon Lee, who tragically died from a prop firearm accident on-set) is an avenging angel of death, but also funny and compassionate; he will elaborately terrorise and kill his murderers, but stop to pet his cat, play a sick guitar solo, console a little girl or help her addict mother get her life back together.
Resembling Robocop as Gothic fantasy, the 1994 Crow is grungy and violent yet hopeful and even sweet, and the reboot lacks the origi-
nal’s touching depth.
The original Crow’s episodic, efficient pacing establishes Eric’s lost love, life-ending trauma and quest for vengeance as he explores his new supernatural powers.
The reboot spends a long first act showing Eric and Shelly’s relationship, which exposes them as vain, uninteresting characters. Danny Huston is blandly sinister as the villain Vincent Roeg, especially compared to the slimy charisma of Michael Wincott in the original.
Book review of The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer by Ilsa Evans
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer, by Australian author Ilsa Evans, is an entertaining and emotive read.
The story focuses on Avery, a four-year-old who loves her daddy Daniel and mummy Cleo dearly.
Unfortunately, Daniel keeps Avery to himself and ignores the shared custody arrangements.
Worse, he gets an intervention order against Cleo, resulting in her being sent to prison after repeatedly and desperately trying to see her daughter.
Worried how Daniel is coping as a single parent, his mother Shirley pays a visit – and finds Avery alone and locked inside the house.
Other shocking discoveries lead to concerns that Avery is being harmed, so Shirley decides to take the girl away, accompanied by Cleo’s mother Beth and Shirley’s own mother Winnie, plus Beth’s dog.
The hilarious story centres on the two grandmothers trying to overcome their considerable differences while accommodating an active child, a stubborn old lady, and a fluffy mini schnauzer.
They also need to evade the authorities, the media, and those YouTube-crazy citizen detectives armed with mobile phone cameras – especially after the enraged Daniel refuses to accept help and instead calls the police.
There are serious messages behind the funny story, conveyed from the perspectives of multiple characters involved in the abduction case.
It demonstrates that relationship breakdown is never just about the couple, while giving a voice to everyone embroiled in the plot so that their side of the story can be examined.
This includes not just Shirley’s and Beth’s
family members, but also the police officers investigating the “kidnap”, the hosts of a TV show reporting on the case, and Daniel’s new girlfriend.
Ultimately, Avery’s welfare outweighs everything else.
While all the personal squabbles and private disputes among the family members become less relevant, it doesn’t stop us from probing their inner pains and struggles.
More importantly, it provides a rare glimpse of the numerous ways in which our lives can be dictated by social and cultural “norms”.
For example, how should women juggle their multiple roles and obligations as mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, friends, colleagues and career professionals?
Eltham Little Theatre
Veronica’s Room
A middle-aged Irish couple bring a young couple to the suburban Boston home where the Mackeys are caretakers.
The young couple have recently begun to date and the Mackeys approached them at a restaurant due to Susian’s resemblance to a dead women Veronica. The Mackeys explain that Veronica’s elder, senile sister, Cissie, is now n charge, and Susan agrees to dress up as Veronica in an effort to bring Cissie a sense of closure. The play has many twists and turns leaving the audience at a loss waiting for the ending.
Season: Friday 6 September – Saturday 21 September.
Lilydale Athenaeum theatre
Clue on Stage
A comedy, mystery, thriller
The classic board game is brought to life in Clue On Stage.Six guests are invited to a sinner party thrown by an anonymous host.
They are given aliases - Colonel Mustard, Mrs White, Mr Green, Mrs Peacock, Professor Plum and Miss Scarlet.
Though discouraged from revealing personal information, it is soon discovered that all of them have fallen victim to the same blackmailer, their very host of the evening. Each is presented with a weapon and an option to pay their extortionist double or kill the innocent butler.
What follows is a madcap, slapstick evening of murder, mystery and laughs as they seek to puzzle
out the culprit amongst criminals.
Season: Thursday 5 September – Thursday 12 September 12.
The Round Theatre
My Son Pinocchio – A Timeless Tale
Reimagined
Step into the world of entertainment with My Son Pinocchio, a captivating stage musical that redefines the beloved classic story.
This beautifully crafted production brings new depth to the iconic tale, exploring the heartfelt journey between Pinocchio and the Blue Dairy.
Join with The Round as they follow the adventures of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet brought to life by the Blue Fairy, who is tasked with guiding him on his path to becoming a real boy.
This touching narrative delves into themes of love, parenthood and self-discovery, offering fresh perspective on the classic tale.
Starring Rachel Beck as the Blue Fairy whose portrayal adds a blend of grace and emotional depth to the character.
Her performance brings a magical presence to the stage, making the Fairy’s guidance both inspiring and heartfelt.
Season: Saturday 28 September at 2pm and 7pm. Monday 30 September at 6pm. Tuesday 1 October at 2pm and 7pm. Wednesday 2 October at 2pm and 7pm. Thursday 3 October at 2pm and 7pm. Bookings: 9262 6555.
National Theatre A Chorus Line
This is a stunning concept musical capturing the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus line. Exploring the inner lives and bittersweet ambitions of a professional Broadway performers, the show features one powerhouse number after another.
The show opens during an audition for an upcoming Broadway production.
The formidable director Zach and his assistant choreographer Larry put the 24 dancers through their paces.
After a round of cuts 17 dancers remain.
NESTLED amidst serene surroundings, this captivating property boasts a unique charm that is sure to impress.
Step inside to discover its split-level design, where two distinct living areas provide ample space for relaxation and entertainment.
Elegant chandeliers adorn the interiors, complementing the solid timber bedroom doors adorned with brass hardware and industrial-style windows throughout.
Featuring 3 bedrooms, including a master with a walk-in robe & ensuite, the two other bedrooms offer built-in robes, a main bathroom that services the two other bedrooms plus a convenient powder room, this home offers comfort and style at every turn.
Descend to the kitchen and dining area, where polished concrete floors lead you to a modern culinary haven. The kitchen delights with amenities such as a dishwasher, gas hot plates, electric oven, and a generous butler’s pantry, all centered around a radiant wood heater that adds warmth and character.
For year-round comfort, enjoy the benefits of split-system heating and cooling, complemented by a brand-new gas ducted heating system. Step outside onto the expansive timber deck and unwind as you take in the tranquil tree-lined views.
Adding to its allure, this property features a fully self-contained modern bungalow. Complete with its own kitchen, induction cooking, electric oven, lounge room, split system heating & cooling, laundry, bedroom, and custom cabinetry in the wardrobe, plus an ensuite, the bungalow offers versatile living options. Whether for accommodating grandparents, teenagers seeking independence, or as a lucrative rental opportunity fetching approximately $250 per week, the possibilities are abundant.
Parking is effortless with a 2-car garage equipped with power, alongside two separate carports—one accommodating up to 5 cars and the other 2 cars—ensuring ample space for vehicles and storage.
Fully fenced and secure, this home provides peace of mind for your family and beloved pets alike. Don’t miss the chance to make this unique character-filled property your own oasis.
THIS property brings together the best of the best: 1.35 acres, large family home with shedding, and an in-ground pool.
The home is comprised of 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (incl en suite), 2 living zones, full laundry and double lock-up garage.
Built in 2018, the 257 sqm home promotes open plan living, with spacious kitchen / dining / lounge with sliding doors onto the alfresco and in-ground pool. Additionally, there is a separate lounge room with could function as home theatre, rumpus or sitting room.
The master bedroom gives each partner their own walk-in robe, double shower, separate toilet and double vanity. The family bedrooms offer a versatile use as study / home office, while all being equipped with built-in robes. Features of the home include LED lighting and double linen press.
The kitchen has provision for a plumbed in fridge and walk in pantry. Heating and cooling includes 3 split systems, wood heating and ceiling fans as well as thermally efficient toughened Viridian glass.
Externally, the solar-heated salt water pool is contained with a fenced yard, ideal for pets, with a stunning outlook of the hills around Yea. The 9 m x 12 m shed is Aircell-lined and connected to power and water. It has 2 remote-controlled doors with 2.5 m clearance. And full paddock for light grazing.
This property is the best of both worlds: close to town, but situated in a prestigious new estate with easy access to the Melba Highway, just 1 hr 27 min to Hoddle Street and 105 km to Melbourne Airport. Text 9PURCELL to 0448 820 022 to register your interest.
NESTLED on a picturesque 3.6 acre property on a no through road in Gembrook, this beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers a perfect blend of country living with modern amenities. This property is an ideal retreat for families seeking space, comfort & a connection to nature.
Stepping inside to the open plan kitchen/ dining area with floating floors, a central wood heater for the perfect ambiance for those cooler nights, spacious kitchen with large island bench/breakfast bar, with integrated oven, electric stove top & stainless steel dishwasher.
glazed windows to let in lots of natural light throughout the home.
The master bedroom with walk in wardrobes and modern ensuite , central bathroom with double vanity & large shower, a further 3 good sized, carpeted bedrooms all with built in wardrobes & large double
Outside you will find an additional 40ft container for storage/workshop, 4 car carport, 3 water tanks for a combined 55,000ltrs of water storage, 3 fenced paddocks with 2 looseboxes, ready and waiting for larger animal friends & raised veggie patches for the avid gardener.
This property ensures comfort and
convenience making it perfect for everyday living and entertaining, while enjoying the peace and tranquillity of rural living.
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.
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.
M 0438680032
ashortstrolltotown! InvestheretoenjoythecharminglifestyleGembrookhastoofferwiththecafes,restaurants,walking trails,freshair& thePuffingBillyRail!The3 bedroom,2 bathroomsolidbrickhomeispositionedwell backfromtheroad& hasanidealviewinglocationforthePuffingBillyRailwayLine.TheMaster bedroomhasanensuite,whilstthefurther2 bedroomsareservicedbythefamilybathroom.There is alargekitchen,withspaceforyourdiningtable, &thekitchenflowstotheloungeroom.Thereis also ahandymudroomtotherearofthehomewithit’sowntoilet.Externallyis agreatshedwithtwo openbays,& anenclosedshedwith 3phasepower.Thereisalsoa singlecarporttotherearofthe homewithconcretefloor &a light,aswellas afurthershedtotherearofthehome.
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.
CountryCharmwithModernConveniences! ArriveviatheasphaltdrivewaytodiscoverplentyofOSP &a fullyfencedyard.Thefreshlyupdated kitchenhas agenerousbutlerspantry,& spreadsintothelounge/diningroom.Theloungeroom featuresfloortoceilingwindows &offersbeautifulnatureviewsalongsidethecomfortofhydronic heating&asplitsystemAC.Therearethen2 bedroomsbothwithBIRsonthisfloor,& thenthe updatedfamilybathroomcompletewith asoakerbathtub,separateshower, &a toilet.Thehome features astudyatthetopofthestairs, &a parentsretreatonthelowerlevel.Downstairsis amaster bedroomwithspaciousWIR, alivingareawithplentyofstorage,& then aworkshop,laundry& externalaccess.Outsidethislovelypropertyoffers acoveredentertainingareawithbuiltinBBQ/pizza oven,& afirepit/deckingareatoenjoytranquilmomentswithnature.
EXPERIENCE effortless elegance that blends perfectly with a wonderful convenient lifestyle here at ‘Braelee’. Ideally situated in an esteemed court location and within easy walking distance to town, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort, spacious living zones & impressive entertaining areas that will ensure you & your family will absolutely love living here. Indulge in luxury features such as gas ducted heating, evaporative cooling, and ducted vacuum. Boasting 4 bedrooms plus a separate study, including a master suite with a full ensuite and walk-in robe, this home ensures ample space for the entire family with 3 spacious living zones, a well appointed kitchen with walk in pantry & multiple options for outdoor entertaining including gazebo, covered alfresco, fire pit area & a sunset deck for memorable summer evenings shared with friends. Set on a picturesque half-acre of landscaped gardens with lovely elevated views, this property features expansive lawns areas, fruit trees & plenty of sun to grow vegetables. Your dream country lifestyle awaits. Contact us today to schedule your private inspection today.
4
ADMIRE and enjoy this colourful and ever changing vista with fantastic Yarra Valley views and a comfortable family home in a popular and sought after area, this could be just what you are looking for. The home is well presented and very well looked after, a much loved family home for over 30 years. Offering 3 bedrooms all with built in robes including an ensuite in the main bedroom, spacious open living/lounge areas give the growing family plenty of space. The kitchen has ample bench and cupboard space plus a separate meals area. Venture outside and enjoy the open air entertaining, sit back relax and enjoy the views and the colourful scenery, the kids and pets will love the wide open space with approx. 1680 sqm to explore, enjoy and run wild. A fantastic property offering the growing family a convenient and comfortable lifestyle and ideally positioned just a short stroll to the walking trail, local schools, shops and transport.
PicturesqueYarraValleyViewsAllYearRound
AdmireandenjoythiscolourfulandeverchangingvistawithfantasticYarraValleyviewsanda comfortablefamilyhomeina popularandsoughtafterarea,thiscouldbejustwhatyouarelooking for.Thehomeiswellpresentedandverywelllookedafter, amuchlovedfamilyhomeforover30 years.Offering 3bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesincludinganensuiteinthemainbedroom,spacious openliving/loungeareasgivethegrowingfamilyplentyofspace.Thekitchenhasamplebenchand cupboardspaceplus aseparatemealsarea.Ventureoutsideandenjoytheopenairentertaining, sitbackrelaxandenjoytheviewsandthecolourfulscenery,thekidsandpetswilllovethewide openspacewithapprox.1680sqmtoexplore,enjoyandrunwild.A fantasticpropertyofferingthe growingfamilya convenientandcomfortablelifestyle.
TheChurchYarraJunction,a beautifullyremodeledcountryaccommodation,backsontothe WarburtonTrailandoffers auniquehomeorinvestmentopportunity.Withtourismexpectedtogrow duetotheupcomingWarburtonMountainBikeDestinationin2025,it’sanidealportfolioaddition. Featuresincludebrightopenspaces, awood-burningfireplace,splitheat/airsystems,washer& dryer,euro-styleelectricoven,free-standingbathtub,balcony,nativegardens,andmultipleseating areas.Itsleeps4 with 1Queenbeddownstairsand 2KingSinglebedsupstairs.There’sampleparking, bikestorage,andeasyaccesstolocalcafes,shops,theYarraCentre,andscenictrails.Previouslya Bed& Breakfast,thisturnkeypropertyisnowavailablethroughTheWeekenderPropertyCo.forsavvy investorsorentrepreneurs. 2485WarburtonHighway,YarraJunction $895,000 -$980,000
DavidCarroll
Greatviewstoadmireallyearroundthisneatandmuchlovedpropertyis agreatplacetocall home.Offering 3bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobes,thespaciouslounge/livingareaistheidealspot tositbackandadmiretheeverchangingYarraValleyviews,a freshkitchenprovidesamplebench andcupboardspaceplus amealsarea.Relaxandtakeintheoutdoorswiththecoveredfront deckprovidingoutsideentertainingallyearround.A greatpositionina soughtafterareaand convenientlysituatedjusta shortwalktolocalschools,shopsandtransportandclosebythewalking trail,it’s agreatfamilyhome.
Nestledina quiet,quaint,countrytownandsurroundedbygloriousmountainrangesthisunique propertyofferssomethinga littledifferent.Thehomeoffers 3bedroomsandboastsallthewarmth andcharmoftheearlydaysgonebywithhighceilings,decorativecorniceandbeautiful floorboardscreating acosyhomelyambiencethroughout.Spaciousfamily/loungeareawitha woodheaterandsplitsystemplus aseparatemealsareaanda goodsizekitchenwithplentyof benchandcupboardspace.Ventureoutsidetoexplorethesurroundingswithestablished,terraced gardensand agreatsizerearyardwiththeLittleYarraattherear.Anaddedbonusof aseparate studio/bungalowidealfortheolderteenagersordependentrelativesorevena workfromhome office.A greatpropertyofferingplentyofoptionsandpotential.
CAPTURING an outstanding view that takes in not only the city skyline but also the nearby Dandenong Ranges National Park, this very original and much-loved property is ready and waiting for its next family to love and enjoy.
Spanning over two levels, the home has been well constructed boasting a versatile floorplan consisting of two bedrooms plus home office, lounge, dining, main bathroom and kitchen on the first level and also a separate one bedroom studio with lounge, kitchenette and bathroom on the lower floor.
At this price, you will understand that there is work to be done throughout, however the potential for buyers who are keen for a renovation is clear!
Take in the colourful array of Rainbow Lorikeets that frequent the property daily and also enjoy relaxing on the rear decking, overlooking the ever-changing scenery that surrounds you.
If cycling, bushwalking or just keeping fit is something that you enjoy, you will love the location of this home, being within an easy walk to the 1000 Steps and only meters off the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road.
Add to that, the UFTG train station only minutes away by car and so close to Upwey High School and local primary schools, this property is sure to impress.
With split system heating cooling, solar panels installed and a great view, what more could you ask for?
THIS warm and inviting 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with expansive deck on 1,142 sqm is an entertainer’s delight, with great backyard and shed storage within close commuting distance to the eastern suburbs.
The home is fresh and appealing with features such as hardwood floorboards, modern colour scheme (internal and external), and popular sunken-living design. The kitchen being recently renovated including high quality tapware and Caesar stone benchtops.
The decking barbecue is also plumbed with natural gas. Externally, the front garden landscaped with new retaining walls. The home is heated and cooled with reverse cycle air conditioning.
To
ACROSS
1 Recording reproduction (8)
5 Expression (6)
10 Outdoor area adjoining a house (5)
11 Variety of nut (9)
12 Slanted font (6)
13 Southwest Pacific region (7)
14 Inflexible (8)
15 Art of dwarfing shrubs or trees (6)
18 From Tuscany (6)
20 Cloistered (8)
21 Plaintiff (7)
24 Easily (6)
27 Waterer (9)
28 Fastening (5)
29 Fluffy dessert (6)
30 Graveyard (8) DOWN
1 Pontiff (4)
2 Heights (9)
3 Barbecue (5)
4 Cubic contents (8)
6 Dismissal (5-2)
7 Pale (5)
8 Pathological self-admirer (9)
9 Capital of Norway (4)
14 Banishment (9)
16 Moon (9)
17 Keep (8)
19 Gives (7)
22 One of the Ionian islands (5)
23 Book of the Bible (4)
25 Unit of length (5)
26 Unsightly (4)
By Dongyun Kwon
One of the senior team captains of Coldstream Football and Netball Club (FNC) put his name in the club’s history.
Darcy Fritsch kicked 100 goals in the 2024 season, and it’s record-breaking as no one from his club has kicked this many goals in a single season.
Fritsch was humble about his record and gave all the credit to his teammates.
He said it was amazing to break the record but he could have done it thanks to the team effort.
“It’s obviously a great individual achievement but our midfield is the real secret of my achievement,” the footballer said.
“We’ve got a really good midfield which pretty much wins the ball and feeds it down to me.”
As his team nearly got relegated from Division 3 last year, they wanted to do better this season aiming at advancing to the finals.
Coldstream had a great season, finishing fourth place in the ladder and winning the first finals in about 20 years.
Fritsch shone on and off the field with his fabulous performance and leadership.
Coach Jarrod Bayliss said Fritsch’s leadership in his first year as captain has been exceptional.
“He rallied the boys, and he was an absolute huge support to me this year,” he said.
“But it’s never a one-man army.
“He has good players around him who fed him every week and gave him the opportunity to get where he is.”
Despite the hard work by Fritsch and his teammates, Coldstream Seniors got knocked out of the finals by Knox Seniors in the second round of finals on Sunday 25 August.
Fritsch said his team was confident for the game against Knox because they had beaten them twice throughout the year in the home and
away season.
“It was disappointing. We believe we had a good side to go the whole way and win the grand final,” Fritsch said.
“We started probably better than we did against Oakleigh [in the first round of finals where Coldstream won].
“There was a big breeze to one end that we had in the first quarter. We weren’t able to capitalise, and we kicked a lot of points which, in the end, hurt us.
“Knox got a role on and played a really good game, and they were the better team on the day.”
The coach said although he is disappointed at his team’s result at the finals, he is happy with the positive outcome Fritsch achieved.
“It’s a huge milestone, not only for himself but for the footy club,” he said.
“He’s a special guy with a big heart. He always turns out with a good mindset and a positive attitude.
“There’s no surprise that he got the result that he did throughout the season, it’s an exceptional effort.”
Football has always been in Fritsch’s blood as his whole family has connected with the Coldstream FNC for about half-century.
Fritsch said he grew up with footy.
“My dad has played 360 games for Coldstream, and he holds the record for the most games for Coldstream,” he said.
“My mum helps around the club, and my grandparents have been around the club for probably 50 years.
“My grandpa was the president, and my nana was the treasurer.”
Darcy Fritsch’s brother is Bayley Fritsch who plays for Melbourne Demons in the AFL.
“We’ve never actually played a game of football together because we’re two years apart in age,” the Coldstream footballer said.
“It’s been good to go on the journey together and good to watch him go all the way to the AFL now.
“I hope he’ll come back and play with me for Coldstream one day.”
By Armin Richter
Both Divisions of the Outer East Football Netball League were in finals mode on the weekend. Premier Division were at Woori Yallock and Healesville on the Saturday while Division 1 met at Woori Yallock and Yarra Glen on the Sunday. The Under 19s clubs had a bye this week. Gusty winds affected the games on Saturday but the conditions were more settled on Sunday. With the top 2 teams on each ladder in Premier Division having a bye and progressing straight to the 2nd Semi Finals this week, it was predominantly Elimination Finals that were played on Saturday, except for some of the junior netball. In Division 1 it was Semi Finals week, with the winners of the 2nd Semi Finals progressing to the Grand Finals and the losers of the First Semi Finals being eliminated while the other two teams will meet this week in the Preliminary Finals. FOOTBALL
PREMIER DIVISION
• Seniors: EF1 - Wandin 11.11.77 def Mt. Evelyn 5.12.42; EF2 - Olinda-Ferny Creek 8.9.57 def Upwey-Tecoma 7.5.47
• Reserves: EF1 - Pakenham 7.5.47 def Officer 5.7.37; EF2 - Wandin 11.8.74 def GembrookCockatoo 6.4.40 DIVISION ONE
• Seniors: 2SF - Healesville 16.18.114 def Seville 10.7.67; 1SF - Warburton-Millgrove 18.11.119 def Belgrave 5.11.41
• Reserves: 2SF - Healesville 7.5.47 def Belgrave 6.6.42; 1SF - Seville 8.9.57 def WarburtonMillgrove 7.2.44
• UNDER 19s: bye week
• UNDER 18s: QF - Mt. Evelyn 9.10.64 def Woori Yallock 8.10.64; EF - Healesville 7.9.51 def Upwey-Tecoma 6.9.45
NETBALL
PREMIER DIVISION
• A Grade: EF1 - Wandin 48 def Monbulk 45; EF2 - Pakenham 48 def Emerald 40
• B Grade: EF1 - Wandin 46 def Mt. Evelyn 42; EF2 - Pakenham 62 def Woori Yallock 51
• C Grade: EF1 - Pakenham 31 def Upwey-Teco-
ma 29; EF2 - Mt. Evelyn 36 def ROC 33
• D Grade: EF1 -
By Jamie Strudley
The Australian Cross Country Champs were held on the grassy surrounds at Symmons Plains motor racing circuit, 20 minutes north of Launceston, Tasmania. It was very cold and very windy all day with no rain...until Briar Keyser ran. The Women’s U20 6km was the second last race of the day at 4.20pm and it bucketed down, still with wind going sideways and really cold. Weather was so bad they then shortened the final race of the day (Men’s U20 8km) to a 6km event. That made Daniel Groves very happy (sort of).
You can see from the photos how muddy it was and how wet and yuck conditions were.
Awesome effort from the two Yarra Ranges Athletics reps...Briar with an amazing 14th, Daniel with a tough 54th.
Saturday was also Yarra Ranges Athletics 2024 Cross Country Championship Day!
The lure of Championship Day medals in-
spired personal best results for many, on what is possibly the toughest of our courses at Morrison Reserve The grass was long and the winds strong, making conditions even tougher. Congratulations to our medal winners!
Thank you to all the course marshalls, timers, recorders and the set up/pack up team for making the day run smoothly for our athletes. Next Saturday we finish the season with Presentation Day at Yarra Glen Playground from 10am. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Unofficial results are:
• 500m: Kylan Milne 2.10; Silas Dawson 2.36; Maisie McLeod 2.43; Sophie Ashton 2.53; Pippa Stark 3.12
• 1000m: Ivy Ingle 3.45; Noah Hewatt 3.55; Angus Clarke 4; Elliott Dawson 4.09; Angus Congreve 4.14; Jasper Dean 4.39; Thea Christian 5.05; Willliam Hastewell 5.14; Aaron Zuo 5.19; Taylor Cox 5.40
• 1500m: Riley Yorke 5.45; Lucas Pauly 5.46; Victoria James 6.00; Milly Hall 6.16; Etta Thomas 6.38; Brock Peel 6.42; Fletcher Norman 7.04; Sadie Hewatt 7.13; Tillie Sommers 7.44; Byron Stark 7.58; Spencer Norman 7.59; Cody Buckland 8.53; Micah Friend 9.30
• 2000m: Ilikimi Tove 7.57; Theodore Lewis 8.22; Caitlyn McKerlie 8.29; Pippa Congreve 8.43; Lexi Aders 9.00; Hugo Gibbs 9.03; Xander Sommers 9.07; Tess Hewatt 9.10; Alice Sabo 9.24; Isla Haisma 9.31; Dominic Nealon 9.34; Jonty Friend 9.39; Zuri Dawson 10.00; Eamon MacKay 10.38; Kirsten McKerlie 10.44; Jake Buckland 10.44; Ashleigh Christian 13.24
• 3000m: Ryan Leley 11.47; Corran Dunlop 11.49; Hamish McKerlie 12.05; Levi Kipchirchir 12.10; Tim Anderson-Bonsor 12.11; Uli Homann 12.23; Riley Tancredi 12.41; Lily Clarke 12.55; Daniel Gibbs 13.19; Mackenzie Graham 13.26; Tori Kincaid 13.48; Bryan Ackerly 14.12; Elise Hall 14.56; Hayley Corrigan 15.29; Charlotte
By Peter Stephenson
Barkers (ninth) travelled to a blustery Victory Park to face Cobras (fifth). The omens weren’t good. Barkers had never so much as drawn with Cobras, had not won for seven games, and Chris Potter was the latest in a long line of suspended players. Barkers made three changes to the side which lost 1-2 to Berwick, with Ben Cooper, Potter and Maxim Solovyev making way for Max Burrows, Geordie Scott and Ryan Smith. Barkers needed two points from two games to be sure of avoiding the drop.
The first attempt on goal was after only 53 seconds…from keeper Mark Naumowicz. With the wind behind him, he launched a long bomb which was on target and ran straight through to Samuel Dabinett in the home goal. Four minutes in, a Cobras cross from the right went over Naumowicz’s head but Smith was on hand to clear off his line. Barkers then almost broke through when a nice move on the right saw Aaron Porcaro find Scott in the centre, but he was offside.
Barkers went forward again and Ray Markley was tripped, but Daniel Aye’s free kick, though clearing the wall, ran harmlessly to Dabinett. Chances were few and far between but Cobras threatened on 18 minutes when a dangerous corner was punched away by Naumowicz. Then Cobras had a good chance when a Bark-
straight loss. (File: 343538)
ers attack broke down, the ball was sent long to Miguel Anderson, and he blazed his shot over.
The last five minutes belonged to Cobras as they pressed hard. A corner from the left was
sent to the far post, where Merizel Dos Santos headed down and Naumowicz smothered at the foot of the post. Then in stoppage time, another corner from the left was delivered to the
Strachan 15.37; Bradley McMeeken 17.25
Next Sunday our seniors travel to Burnley for round nine of the 2024 XCR season…a fast flat half marathon. Hopefully we get some good conditions to help our athletes record some fast times and PB’s.
Training for all club members is at Morrison Reserve on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability. New members and anyone interested in trialling are always welcome
Go to www.lavic.com.au or www.athsvic.org. au or email info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au for information about membership, events and registration.
For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org.au or check us out on Facebook. Run, Jump, Throw…too easy!
middle, where Ethan Emmons headed unchallenged into the net for 1-0 Cobras. Half-time: Cobras 1-0 Barkers, an uninspiring game, but one which Barkers could ill-afford to lose.
Playing the second half into the wind, Barkers settled to their task. On the hour, Jerome Valadon and Markley combined to lay back to Burrows, who hit a first-time shot wide. Then a quick break from Aye found Valadon, whose first-time shot tested Dabinett. On 65 minutes they came even closer when Valadon crossed low from the right and Solovyev crashed a shot against the post.
Finally, Barkers’ pressure got its reward on 70 minutes when a cross from the left was punched clear by Dabinett, Aye brought the ball down well and was tripped – penalty. Aye himself struck the ball low to the keeper’s left to level the scores at 1-1.
Aye and Valadon were causing Cobras plenty of problems, but Barkers caused one for themselves with 10 minutes to go. First Markley butted an opponent, getting away with just a yellow. Things then got fractious and Markley received another yellow and his marching orders. Barkers ended the game on the back foot but held out for a point, and that’s now no wins in eight. Still, Greater Dandenong’s loss at Skye means Barkers are now safe from the drop with one game to go in a very disappointing campaign.
