Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 3rd September 2024

Archery ace

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Ranges Amanda Jane (AJ) Jennings has arrived in Paris to make her debut as a para archer at the Paralympics.

The atmosphere at the venues in the ‘City of Love’ has been electric, with countless incredible athletes celebrating their unique stories at the Paralympic Games and the inspiring Jennings will be proudly representing the Green and Gold. Before becoming a para archer, Ms Jennings competed in the 2014 International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint World Championships in Moscow, Russia, where she won a bronze medal in the women’s lightweight kayak.

For over two decades, she was homebound due to her chronic pain, depression, and an addiction to prescription medication before she decided to amputate her right leg through the knee. Following the 2020 Summer Paralympics, she shifted to archery after undergoing two hip replacements, with the sport becoming a crucial part of her rehabilitation.

“After my surgery and returning from Tokyo, I still had the athlete’s mentality, but I discovered I couldn’t return to rowing,” she said.

“I tried archery and it clicked with me...and I fell in love with it.”

To read more, turn to page 35

Wild, wild winds

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.

SES Lilydale controller Shaun Caulfield said by 10.30 am 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.

Premier Jacinta Allan joined Emergency Services minister Jaclyn Symes, Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent, Victoria State Emergency Service chief operations officer Tim Wiebusch and Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Kevin Parkyn on Monday morning for a live press conference broadcast by Vic Emergency to prepare for more weather expected on the evening of Monday 2 September.

Continued page 3

Yarra

Archer AJ Jennings getting some practice in before the commencement of her debut appearance at the Paralympics in Paris. (Supplied)

NEWS Short stay ‘tax whammy’

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 introduced on Tuesday, 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.

Manipulated: Raising awareness for

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.”

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.

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.

“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,

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 solution 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.

online scams

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. Investment scams continued to cause the most harm, followed by remote access scams and romance scams.

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 contact 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.

• 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.

A newly created profile on a local message board recently claimed a five year old baby girl was found walking in #emerald. (Facebook)

Short stay accommodation platforms like Airbnb and Stayz will have a levy applied under a new Victorian Government bill. (File)

NEWS IN BRIEF

Winds on wild side

From page 1

Premier Allan said areas of potential risk included the South West Coast, including the Bellarine Peninsula, parts of Geelong Mornington Peninsula across to Wilson’s promontory, Dandenong Ranges, the Yarra Ranges, the Alpine ranges, and also the Macedon Ranges.

“So Victorians statewide, but particularly in those areas, are urged to stay informed and be aware of the potential hazards, particularly for Victorians who live in heavily treed areas,” she said.

“Please have a plan. Keep in touch with the Vic emergency app, and also if you can consider relocating to a family or friends if needed, because, as we know with events like this, community safety is absolutely paramount when our state is experiencing another extreme weather event.”

Premier Allan also extended her sympathies to the family of a woman who died in Moama on the Victorian border overnight.

Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said he wanted to thank the community.

“It is really clear to us that the community did listen to the messages over the past couple of days,” he said.

Over 660 properties have been damaged due to this weather event and Commissioner Nugent said at its peak 180,000 homes and businesses were without power across the state.

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 their electricity network is the longest sustained weather event the network has faced in more than 10 years.

AusNet has generators temporarily stationed in Emerald, Cockatoo and Mirboo North ready to be connected to provide backup power to town centres.

Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino said there has been quite a bit of anxiety this past week amongst many people across the Dandenongs.

“I know many of us haven’t slept well for a number of these nights and were on tenterhooks on Sunday night,” she said.

“Thousands are without power and the calls for assistance to the SES are still coming through as of Monday morning. I hope everyone is safe and well.”

Ms De Martino said it was great to see AusNet setting up large generators in Cockatoo and Emerald last Tuesday in anticipation of prolonged power outages.

“These will ensure that local traders supplying essentials such as food, fuel and medicines to name a few, can continue to service their communities even if the powerlines go down,” she said.

“The next organisations who we now need to see step up to support our community better are the telcos.”

“It is absolutely critical that they prioritise our area for mobile tower power resilience. When you can’t dial 000, it can literally be a matter of life and death.”

Across the board, heartfelt thanks were expressed by the community and officials to the emergency service volunteers.

“I can’t speak about this situation without expressing my sincerest and deepest thanks to all of our emergency service volunteers, especially Emerald SES, who have worked tirelessly this past week and on Father’s Day, to keep our roads safe and damaged homes and vehicles secure,” said

Ms De Martino.

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.

Police appeal for help to locate tri-warrant issued man

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Jack Vennell.

So far three warrants have been issued for the arrest of the 29-year-old - who has a close shaven head, brown eyes, tanned complexion and dark hair and close shaved beard.

Vennell is believed to frequent the Narre Warren, Knox and Blackburn areas.

Investigators have released an image of Mr Vennell in the hope someone may have information on his current whereabouts.

Police ask that anyone who sights him or has information about his current whereabouts to contact Knox Police on (03) 9881-7000, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Asthma season commences

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.

No hat, no play

It’s time to get back into the habit of donning a hat and slapping on some sunscreen before you head outside for the day.

As winter winds down across Victoria, schools across the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges will once more ask the kids to don their hats for playtime.

Parents and school staff are encouraged to support students and staff to use a combination of sun protection measures when UV index levels are 3 or above (generally from mid-August to the end of April in Victoria, which covers most of the school year).

Overexposure to UV radiation can cause, sunburn, skin damage, eye damage, premature ageing and skin cancer.

You can track the daily UV via this widget from the Cancer Council at: www.sunsmart.com.au/ uvalert/widget.aspx or the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Calm amongst the storm, resident Jodey Shaw captured a monk on their morning walk on Perrins Creek Road around 10am on Monday 2 September. (Jodey Shaw)

Photo taken in Montrose by AusNet on Monday 2 September. Please stay safe and keep away from fallen or damaged powerlines and assume all wires are live. (AusNet)

Plaques matter deferred

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.”

Yarra Ranges councillors unanimously decided to defer the adoption of the plaques and memorials policy. (Supplied)

NEWS Water plan not quite right

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 10 years, it has to be 100 per cent right”.

Ms de Lima cited that 560 residential building approvals are granted on average every year making it imperative that all appropriate agencies act in accordance with the risks of “flooding, bushfire and climate hazard”.

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.

Yarra Junction was one of the hardest hit suburbs in the Yarra Ranges during the October 2022 floods. (Supplied)

NEWS More consultation needed

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 timeframeCouncilhadbeenaskedtorespondinwasnot 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 upgradesinandnearneighbourhoodactivitycentres, 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 densityandsocialhousingaswellasconsidernew 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

• 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 settinglimitationsonthescaleoftourisminplanning 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.

• Consider the impact of private land as well as public land in improving greenery in communities, 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.

Debate over planning delegations, role of petitions

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.

The Yarra Ranges Council chamber was divided on Tuesday 27 August as councillors discussed planning delegation changes. (File: 369628)

Yarra Ranges Council has shared its thoughts and concerns regarding the State Government’s Plan for Victoria. (File)

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One step closer for precinct

Knox City Council has welcomed new planning controls for the Wantirna Health Precinct that pave the way for better access to health care, more jobs and much-needed housing in Melbourne’s east.

Planning Scheme Amendment C185knox will rezone 22 hectares of predominantly government-owned land and the former Scope disability services site, bound by EastLink, Boronia Road and Mountain Highway in Wantirna.

Announcing the news via their website on 23 August, Knox Mayor, Cr Jude Dwight said rezoning the land was an important step in achieving the vision for the Wantirna Health Precinct that the council has been working on with the Victorian Government since 2014.

“We’re grateful to the Minister for Planning for recognising the many benefits that this initiative could deliver for our region,” she said.

“This is a win-win that will see surplus government-owned land used to generate health, housing and employment outcomes.”

Mayor Cr Dwight said the Victorian Government’s masterplan for the Wantirna Health Precinct includes a public hospital, medical services, education and research facilities, accommodation and housing.

“The Wantirna Health Precinct is anticipated to provide approximately 3,000 direct health related jobs alone, as well as education facilities and housing,” she said.

“Our labour market in Knox is shifting away from its traditional manufacturing and industrial base to more service-related jobs in health and education.”

“We definitely need more housing but we need it in appropriate locations near jobs, transport and services. We’re looking forward to seeing the details of the controls once the Minister has gazetted them.”

to health care, more housing and create much-needed jobs in a

Lights are on: Chandler Reserve gets a freshen up

By Gabriella Vukman and Tanya Steele

Locals are appreciating the new lighting that now adorns Boronia’s Chandler Park Reserve, which was opened officially on 8 August.

As part of a state government initiative to endorse grassroots sports across Knox and the Yarra Ranges, many sporting clubs and grounds are receiving some love.

Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor said he was stoked that the State Government continues to back in grassroots sports across Knox.

“Including being the majority funding partner in delivering new lights at Chandler Park Reserve in Boronia,” he said.

Knox City Council Mayor Jude Dwight posted to social media on 8 August that it was great to get down to Chandler Park and celebrate the shared delivery of new lighting for Chandler Reserve.

“$150,000 through Boronia Revitalisation Board together with $28,135 and project delivery from Council to get longer and safer usage at this great reserve (which now also has toilets!!),” she wrote.

Revitalising Boronia is part of the Victorian Government’s suburban revitalisation program and the State Government has chosen Boronia as a key area to improve in order to boost local growth, increase economic activity, and create more jobs that fit the community’s skills.

“These new lights will ensure more play, more often for great local clubs like The Basin Football and Netball Club and Boronia Cricket Club,” Mr Taylor said.

“I’m proud that we’ve delivered these new lights alongside a new pavilion at JW Manson Reserve in Wantirna, lots of new cricket nets, new lighting and so much more,” he said.

Six projects in Boronia received over $1 million in funding in November 2022 from the state government and council, with community projects and organisations, local traders and sports clubs the main winners.

Aside from the $150,000 for sports field lighting at Chandler Park the Boronia Revitalisation Board also awarded $136,500 for the Boronia Community Breakfast Program by Knox Infolink, $50,000 for a series of neurodiverse inclusion events with local organisations, $50,000 for the Boronia Community Grants Program, $200,000 for pedestrian wayfinding signage at

the Boronia Activity Centre and $395,000 for a full year program for place-making and retail activation.

Maintaining how important it is to support local sports Mr Taylor said with the growth in

girls and women in sport, investments in sporting infrastructure like these are critical to supporting them and for everyone to get involved.

Chandler Park is not the last stop for upgrades in local reserves in the area, with future

works planned.

“We’ve got work soon starting on the new and upgraded pavilions at Tormore Reserve in Boronia and Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree

ly – it’s all happening,” Mr Taylor said.

Mayor Cr Dwight said this is a golden opportunity to deliver better access

location that leverages and builds upon an existing health care precinct, with Eastern Health and Knox Private Hospital adjoining the site.

“It’s really pleasing that council is making progress in our advocacy efforts for the Wantirna Health Precinct,” she said.

Planning Scheme Amendment C185knox rezones 22 hectares of predominantly government owned land and the former Scope disability services site, bound by EastLink, Boronia Road and Mountain Highway in Wantirna. (Knox City Council)

Gul-

Mayor Dwight (left), The Basin Football & Netball Club representatives Steve and Luke, and Jackson Taylor MP at the official opening. (Facebook)

Childcare need urgent: Violi

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.

Capital Development Grants recipients confirmed

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 sus-

tainability 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.

Aaron Violi (middle) with Mums of the Hills founder Belinda Young (left) at the opening ceremony of Mums of the Hills Hub. (File: 350150)

SENIORS LIVING Victorian seniors celebrate

The Victorian Seniors Festival 2024 is coming to Cardinia Shire this October, and it’s set to be an exciting celebration of our senior community. With the theme “Explore, Engage, Evolve,” this year’s festival encourages seniors to participate in diverse activities that promote social connection, physical health, and cultural engagement.

The festival offers a fantastic opportunity for our senior community to come together, celebrate, and enjoy a variety of engaging activities. Here’s why you should join in:

• Diverse Activities: From live music and cultural dance to sports and health workshops, there’s something for everyone. These events cater to different interests and promote active, healthy lifestyles.

• Social Connection: The festival provides a wonderful platform for seniors to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and build a supportive community network. It’s a great way to combat social isolation and foster a sense of belonging.

• Cultural Engagement: Enjoy events that celebrate diverse cultures, such as Punjabi folk dancing and multicultural dance sessions. These activities enrich our community by promoting understanding and appreciation of different traditions.

• Health and Wellbeing: Participate in workshops and activities focused on maintaining physical and mental health. Learn about healthy eating, exercise, and brain health, ensuring you stay informed and active.

• Fun and Entertainment: With performances by groups like the Royal Australian Navy Big Band, the festival promises plenty of entertainment. Enjoy music, dance, and more in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

• Community Support: By participating, you’re becoming a part of and helping to shape Car-

dinia Shire’s inclusive and vibrant community. Your involvement helps highlight the valuable contributions of our senior members.

Join us in celebrating the Victorian Seniors Festival and make the most of these enriching and enjoyable events. For more information about the Victorian Seniors Festival 2024 events, visit www.whatsoncardinia.com.au or call Council’s Ageing Well Team on 1300 787 624.

Seniors Festival 2024

Royal Australian Navy Big Band Sip & See Wednesday 16 October, 10am–12pm

Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham $15 per person

Bookings essential: 1300 887 624 or cardiniaculturalcentre.com.au

*Visitors with mobility aids / wheelchairs must call to book tickets

Cultural festivities day with Cardinia Senior Citizens

Saturday 19 October, 11am–2pm

Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre, 8 O’Neil Road, Beaconsfield Free

Enquiries: Jagtar 0404 014 499

Local events proudly supported by Cardinia Shire Council. For more information on local events, visit www.whatsoncardinia.com.au or call Council’s Ageing Well Team on 1300 787 624.

Health and Wellbeing with Officer Gurdwara

Saturday 26 October, 2.30pm–7pm

Officer Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar, 33 Officer Rd, Officer Free

RSVP by SMS: Harpreet 0447 028 688

Seniors Sports Day Wednesday 30 October, 10am–2.30pm

Cardinia Life, 4-6 Olympic Way, Pakenham Free

Victorian Seniors Festival 2024: Explore, Engage, Evolve!

SENIORS LIVING

Live your best life on Hill

With a range of in-home services available, Aveo residents can continue living the independent lifestyles they love in their retirement community of choice.

Living well is knowing you have ready access to personalised and flexible support services on hand when you need them.

Aveo’s Oak Tree Hill Retirement Living community in the heart of Glen Waverley empowers residents to live life to the fullest surrounded by friendly and supportive neighbours.

The vibrant community is perfectly located surrounded by 15ha of well-established gardens and serene walking tracks.

It is close to major retail facilities, cafes, restaurants, medical facilities including hospitals and neighbouring parklands, while the village’s shuttlebus takes residents to appointments and shopping adventures.

Oak Tree Hill’s residents enjoy independent living with communal facilities on their doorstep, and access to a range of personalised services including domestic support such as cleaning and heavy laundry.

As an approved provider of Commonwealthfunded Home Care Packages, the Aveo team at Oak Tree Hill can guide you and your family through the process of accessing the tailored support you need.

Home-care services can be covered through your government package or Aveo’s fee for service option.

With someone else to take care of the chores, residents have more time to do the things they love in the community’s busy social calendar.

Communal facilities include a community centre for social events, library, salon, medical centre, games room and outdoor entertaining areas and a 24/7 emergency call system.

New limited release premium residences within a well-established community now selling

Nestled in the heart of Burwood, Fountain Court Retirement Living is renowned for its vibrant community atmosphere. Under construction and ready this year, our new residences offer bespoke designs, private terraces or balconies and open-plan layouts just steps away from brand-new lifestyle facilities coming soon for your enjoyment. With one bedrooms already sold out, don’t miss your chance to call these beautiful residences home.

Sophisticated apartments selling fast New vibrant lifestyle hub coming soon

Spacious 2 and 2 bed plus study apartments

Bespoke designs for each unique apartment

Private terraces or balconies

Book a tour today. Call us on (03) 9133 8788 or visit aveo.com.au/fountaincourt

Artist’s Impression

Oak Tree Hill residents have the choice of low-maintenance fully equipped two-bedroom villas, all with private fenced backyards they

never need to mow! Pets will be considered with prior approval. Oak Tree Hill is located at 37 View Mount Road, Glen Waverley, with prices ranging from $265,000 to $550,000. To book a tour of the community, call Aveo on 13 28 36 or visit aveo.com.au.

Residents have plenty of community facilities and experiences at One Tree Hill. (Supplied)

SENIORS LIVING Trusted homecare partner

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.

Contact Harmony Homecare today to discover how their tailored services can enhance your quality of life. Your peace of mind is their top priority – reach out now and take the first step towards a more harmonious living experience.

For more information about Harmony Homecare and its services, visit harmonyhomecare.com.au

Harmony Homecare’s team is friendly and supportive, ready to help with all your homecare needs. (Supplied)

SENIORS LIVING

Vibrant retirement living

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-

brant retirement living, we invite you to explore Lilydale Valley Views. Come and witness firsthand the beauty of terrace living, stunning views, and the warm embrace of a community that defines the essence of retirement living. For more information, contact Lilydale Valley Views at 471 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale, email manager@lilydalevalleyviews.com.au, or call 03 9735 5944 to speak with Rosemary Seymour our manager. Our doors are open from 9am to 4.30pm, welcoming you to a new chapter of vibrant retirement living.

Breathtaking views await residents at Lilydale Valley Views. (Supplied)

Enjoy some quite time with a book from the extensive library collection.

Meet and mingle with friends in the community centre.

Senator’s visit welcomed

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 Derek and Merinda Jones who bought the business in 1985 from the founder Peter Breen.

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 a little bit more 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 Hyde-Brody 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.

Championships brought huge economic benefits

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.

The total visitor spend of $2 million attrib-

uted to staging the event would lead to a direct impact on output of $1 million.

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 million, 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.”

The 2024 National Cross Country Championships held at Yarra Valley Racing would result in a total estimated rise in output of $2 million in the economy of the Yarra Ranges Council area. (Dongyun Kwon: 427492)

L-R: Breen Printing co-owner Kirsty Woodhead, senator Jane Hume, Federal Casey MP Aaron Violi, Breen Printing business development manager Tracey Williams, Breen Printing co-owner Luke Woodhead. (Dongyun Kwon: 428765)

EACH caring for 50 years

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 disabil-

ity, 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.”

EACH celebrates 50 years of bridging gaps. (428900)

EACH purple bus has been rolling to 11 out of 50 sites in the past month to commemorate decades of community services. (428900)

Jayne Dullard (left, back) - executive director engagement and advocacy, Lauren Barker (left, front) - program director primary care, Siv Powell (right, back)oral health team leader and Camilla Radia-George (right, front) exec director of operations. (Shamsiya Hussainpoor: 428900)

Valley Youth Fest is close

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 po-

From sausage

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Residents and staff at Emerald’s Glades Lifeview aged care facility have launched a new charitable initiative aimed at making a positive impact in local communities.

The Lifeview Paying It Forward program is dedicated to raising funds for various charitable causes within the areas where Lifeview operates.

Each of the four Lifeview homes, along with the Lifeview corporate office, has established working groups consisting of staff and residents –these groups are tasked with organising fundraising efforts for a different cause every two months.

Staff and residents have been invited to nominate charitable causes close to their heart.

Lifeview executive manager for marketing and communications Cody Winnell, said the ‘Paying it Forward’ initiative was created in response to frequent requests from residents.

Many residents have expressed a desire to give back to the communities they have been part of throughout their lives.

“They’ve lived their lives in these communities, and they’ve always supported local causes and charities, why should that stop just because they’ve moved into an aged care at this stage of their lives,” Mr Winnell said.

Lifeview CEO Samantha Jewell said the Paying It Forward program was about supporting those causes that do not already get significant mainstream media coverage and promotional support.

“There are so many wonderful charities and organisations that do great work but that don’t get much promotion. We are asking staff and residents to nominate which charitable causes mean something to them and then determining which cause to support each two months,” Ms Jewell said.

“It is wonderful to see staff stepping up to be involved in the working groups in each home and working closely with the residents so that they too are feeling ownership of this community initiative.”

In the first week of August, Emerald Glades Lifeview’s social support coordinator Marc Zywaczewski, along with residents Elaine, Elisabeth, and Janet, visited Emerald Pre-School to present a cheque for $1238.25.

“The children get so much joy out of the residents attending and engaging with them, and so

tential 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 as-

sociated 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.

sizzles to vintage sales, a positive impact

do the residents,” Mr Zywaczewski said.

The funds were raised throughout Lifeview communities earlier this year and the local kindergarten was the first to receive the funds.

The kindergarten had to make some urgent, unplanned repairs earlier this year, which disrupted term one.

Mr Zywaczewski, who takes Emerald Glades residents to engage with the pre-school class each fortnight, nominated the kindergarten as the first beneficiary of Paying It Forward and it was approved.

“We’ve just handed a check over $1800 to the Women’s Spirit Project based in Frankston, which is a program that supports and empowers

disadvantaged women,” Mr Winnell said.

“From August to September, we’re raising funds for a group called ‘Team Sports for All’, and they help kids who can’t afford to be involved in team sports to actually play team sports, which I think is a terrific community initiative.”

The fundraising efforts are not continuous; instead, each of the four Lifeview homes and its corporate office engage in various activities to raise money for different causes.

These efforts occur at different times, allowing each location to contribute in unique ways.

For example, at Emerald Glades, staff and residents raised their funds by organising a oneday barbecue sausage sizzle, where they sold soft

drinks and raffle tickets to support their cause.

“We’ve also got an op shop in one of the homes, and people donate in their vintage clothing and other bits and pieces for the house to sell,” he said.

Emerald Pre-School Parent Advisory Group President Kate Spencer explained what this funding would mean for the local children.

“This will make a huge difference for us,” Ms Spencer said.

“This funding will go towards a lot of the incursions we love to hold for the children each year.”

“There are some music-based incursions and some wildlife and animal-based incursions that the educators love to run with both the threeand four-year-old groups, and we weren’t sure if we would be able to run them this year, but this will definitely allow us to continue that curriculum for the children.”

One of the Lifeview residents who attended the cheque handover, Elaine, used to be an assistant at the pre-school and has fond memories of her time there.

The community also remembers Elaine well, with parents visiting the pre-school recently and seeing Elaine there instantly recalling her as “Mrs Morris” from their time previously attending the kinder.

Similarly, Elaine’s husband, Doug, who also lives at Emerald Glades, is well known in the local community as a school bus driver and the current parents recall him as “Mr Morris.”

Mr Winnell said it’s important to maintain the connection of elders to their community.

This Year’s Valley Youth Fest will be held at ECOSS on September 13 and features a variety of local artists. (Supplied)

Jayda Jean and BOTH will be some of the featured artists performing at the Valley Youth Fest.

Residents and staff at Lifeview Emerald Glades earlier this year, raising money for the Emerald Kindergarten (Supplied)

Left to right: Emerald Glades residents Elisabeth, Elaine and Janet joined Social Support Coordinator Marc to present Kate Spencer, President of the Emerald Pre School Inc parents group, and kinder students (from left) Sebastian, Benji, Patrick, Marley and Xavier with a special cheque for $1238.25 courtesy of the Lifeview Paying It Forward initiative.

Through the eyes of a mum

By Tanya Steele

Trigger Warning: Suicide: The following content discusses topics related to suicide and may be distressing for some readers. Please proceed with caution and seek support if needed.

Upper Ferntree Gully resident Christine Pedley will launch her book “Facing the Unfathomable… surviving your son’s suicide” on World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday 10 September. In her book she has talked openly about her experiences and will be joined by the Grief Australia chief executive officer Christopher Hall at her launch.

“Do you want to know about the book? Or do you want to know about the 3,000 suicides that happen in Australia every year?” said Ms Pedley.

Ms Pedley’s son Jono died by suicide in June 2022 and she said his death flew in the face of anything she had known about the topic.

“My world changed beyond anything,” she said.

Both a long-time wedding and funeral celebrant and death doula Ms Pedley was no stranger to death and grief.

“All the professional stuff just totally went out of the window,” she said.

“We (the family) were left not knowing anything about why he suicided, as were a lot of his friends.”

With a background in psychology and nearly 30 years in his role at Grief Australia, Mr Hall said that the Australian approach to grieving is not something that we are skilled in at all.

“Our culture sees grief sort of like the flu,” he said.

Most workplace policies give a person three days leave for the death of a family member.

“That’s a very strong message,” Mr Hall said.

“People are fundamentally changed by profound experiences of loss, and so often when they’re wanting social support, people have moved on.”

Ms Pedley said with her book she wants to raise awareness, share her story and take on the way people approach the often taboo subject.

“In days past, to commit suicide was to commit a crime,” she said.

Her son, Jono Peck was a successful junior lawyer, had just bought his own house and was five days away from his 32nd birthday when he died.

“He was the kind of person that brought everyone together,” said Ms Pedley.

In the nights leading up to her son’s death Ms Pedley said he was a bit withdrawn and had been worried about work.

“He rang me to say – you probably picked up Mum, I’m not doing so well,” she said.

Ms Pedley said Jono called her again after a few days to say that he was managing at work and that he was ok.

Visiting family in New Zealand at the time, she had been staying in touch with Jono via phone calls and text messages and said she didn’t hear from him on Wednesday.

“On Thursday I got a call from my ex-husband,” she said.

“He said ‘I’m sorry our son’s no longer on this earth’,” she said.

“I couldn’t get my head around the fact that he’d died, let alone that he’d died by suicide – everyone was just in disbelief.”

Ms Pedley said that after Jono died her family came together and in the days after Jono’s death family would gather together and look at each other, and then one by one would just join in a large circle with their arms around each other

and just cry.

“I called it the padlock of love,” she said.

As a society Mr Hall said he thinks that we’ve moved away from the idea that grieving is about saying goodbye or letting go.

“We can see in Christine’s book how both family and friends have been powerfully affirming and helpful,” he said.

The family held a large memorial service for Jono and Ms Pedley said she felt herself questioning the process around grief and the way funerals honour their loved ones.

“They (Jono’s friends and colleagues) were just as distraught as we were – why do we make the family the principal mourners when all these people are in so much loss themselves and so much pain?” she said.

Mr Hall said in matters of grief as a society, we’ve still got a long way to go.

“These conversations evoke anxiety in people – we often use some other word that attempts to soften the reality of the death, he said.

“People want to bring solutions, they want to

find a way of relieving the person of this pain and suffering, which we cannot do.”

“All that we can do is to accompany people, to give them the opportunity to put into words, to put out into the world their experience.”

Ms Pedley said before Jono she thought she understood suicide bereavement.

“People tend to put suicides together,” she said.

“But each suicide is so uniquely different It is as unique as each person’s grief story.”

When talking to people about grief Ms Pedley said her golden rule is just to be a compassionate listener.

“You can’t go wrong,” she said.

Mr Hall said he would argue that most of the problems that grieving people have are social ones.

“It’s not that people are disinterested or not compassionate, but they just don’t know how to respond,” he said.

“It reminds us all that we are all going to die,

Motorbike club ride raises $875 for charity

By Gabriella Vukman

Members of the Norton Owners club of Victoria (NOC Vic) took off on Sunday 18 August to raise money for the Hills-based charity Foothills Community Care.

On their ride for charity through the Dandenongs, the Norton Owners Club raised $875, all of which was donated to Foothills Community Care to help provide weekly meals and hospital-

ity to locals in need.

Committee member of the Norton Owners Club of Victoria and 45-year Ferntree Gully resident Kev said, “although there had been some rain overnight the ride started in sunshine and the roads weren’t too wet.”

“The ride took us through the Basin, Sassafras, Monbulk, Mt Evelyn, Wandin, Lilydale, Montrose and Kalorama. All up we covered 65km,” Kev said.

“The end point for the ride was in Olinda, where a pub meal was on offer.”

At the end of the charity ride the NOC Vic presented Foothills Community Care chief executive officer Steve Barrington with the donations that had been raised from the ride.

Kev presenting the donations to Foothills Community Care CEO Steve Barrington. (Supplied)

that the people we love are going to die and that we don’t have an unending supply of tomorrows.”

When talking about or referring to a person who has died by suicide Ms Pedley said that people don’t understand how judgmental that it is.

“We’re a death-denying society still,” she said.

Mr Hall said Mr Pedley’s book is partly a way of processing digesting or metabolizing the grief experience.

“Not only as people do we need to wrap our heart around what’s happened – like in Christina’s case, the death of her son, but we also need to wrap our head around it, we need to be able to make some sense of it,” he said.

Ms Pedley said that suicide is not the cause of death, it’s what happened.

“I’ve got a table in my book and I would say took his life, killed himself or died by suicide,” she said.

Mr Hall said the book is also a kind of memorial for Jono and that it is brave and courageous of Ms Pedley to share so openly.

“Jono is still somebody who can be loved even in his absence,” he said.

“If people are important to us, it takes much more than the separation of death for that relationship to be relinquished.”

“Jono is more than his death - Jono is more than somebody who died by suicide.”

“He had a sense of humour that was incredible – I often feel it coming through me.” said Ms Pedley.

Part memoir and part educational tool, Ms Pedley hopes her book will be useful not only to other bereaved people and parents but to those supporting them.

Ms Pedley will launch her book on Tuesday 10 September at the Ferntree Gully Bowling Club at 2A Glenfern Road, starting at 7pm. Please RSVP by 8 September to christine@pedleywrites.com If you, or someone you know are feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to connect with Lifeline in the way you feel most comfortable.

You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24/7), text 0477 131 114 (24/7) or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline. org.au (24/7).

Author Christine Pedley in her home office, said she wants to provide awareness and a resource for other parents. (Stewart Chambers: 428104)

Ms Pedley on a bench near her house which looks over to the city, which has a special plaque for Jono. (Stewart Chambers: 428104)

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Giant leap of technology

The Gen-S lenses make an easy transition to outdoor environments. (Stewart Chambers: 307668)

Indoor transition lenses take the hassle out of protecting your eyes. (307668)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

RAPA’s rising cinematic stars

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Young filmmakers from Belgrave Rose Ennis and Upwey Jazz Toland have entered their films to the Lantern and Light International Children’s Film Festival – a supportive platform for young filmmakers.

The festival provides the youth filmmakers with a stage to showcase their talent, the festival plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of cinematic artists.

Ranges Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) is a not-for-profit academy for the creative enrichment and development of young people from ages eight to 18.

Both Rose and Jazz are part of the RAPA where they’ve anchored and interviewed industry professionals and young filmmakers alongside dignitaries, politicians, and local members for many years.

16-year-old Rose joined the ranger’s academy when she was in Year 8, and ever since she’s been showcasing her creativity in the annual-festival.

“I got involved in RAPA, because ever since primary school, a lot of my friends have been part of it then eventually I joined the drama classes, which is really good and I’m still part of it,” Rose said.

“And then a couple years later, I joined the RAPA film class for a project, and I really enjoyed it, so I just stayed in it.”

Rose said she’s a creative person, when doing film and drama through school, it’s not really the same for her, because it’s all for school projects and school grades, whereas working on a show or film outside of school, there’s more to it – you get more opportunity to improve every day.

“You get to put on a show at the end of the year and work towards that, and it’s more professional and a lot of my good friends and family there to see it as well,” the 16-year-old said.

“This year, we have a film which my film teacher and I created and wrote together, it’ll be screening, too.”

The filmmaker students tend to write their own scripts, guided by their teacher, then the props and the camera are given out to students to create their film.

She’s considering a future in the film industry but plans to take her time before making a final decision, meanwhile, she aims to finish Year 12 and take a gap year to travel through Europe.

18-year-old Jazz Toland is also passionate about filmmaking and drama, she emphasised on the importance of both writing and acting, and how they complement each other – she’s also involved in the RAPA.

“It allows you to really explore ideas, emo-

tions, and even elements of your life,” she said.

“I love that it’s not a very strict medium, with film, you can do so much, from documentary to surrealist, and there’s always a niche for every person.”

“Rangers Academy is something that I personally haven’t seen elsewhere, it is targeted specifically at young people, but it doesn’t necessarily treat them as kids here to just have fun, but rather it really helps hone their skills and gives them a space where they can express themselves.” Jazz indicated that although she might not pursue film studies at university because of her varied interests, she is certain she will be involved in the industry.

“My plan is to study biology, but I’m also going to continue to make short films and enter them into festivals and act in films,” she said. Both young filmmakers are thrilled about having their films featured at the film festival.

‘Accidental artist’ Tania Chanter finds her calling

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

‘accidental artist’ Tania Chanter has had her artwork displayed at the Affordable Art Fair Melbourne last week – an exhibition which democratises the art world and makes art accessible to all.

Ms Chanter has been a professional artist for only the past five years; prior to that, she worked in the media industry.

She worked for The Age newspaper for 11-years as a voice-over artist and media presenter, and as a director of a Graphic Design company.

Despite her diverse career, painting became a surprisingly deep passion for Ms Chanter.

This newfound interest sparked when her sons started watching Bob Ross’s YouTube videos, leading the family to purchase some paint supplies and try painting on their own.

“I discovered how much I actually loved painting and from then on there hasn’t been a day gone by where I haven’t put paintbrush to Canvas – it’s quite a turnaround from an administrative type of field,” the 55-year-old artist said.

“It is incredible how much time can elapse as you focus on a painting because for me, the colours and the mood of a piece all happens in my mind, and so once I get into that little zone, hours can pass and that side of it is really enjoyable, and especially if the painting comes together, it can be very rewarding.”

“Unfortunately, not all paintings come together straight away - all the time, sometimes I end up having to leave it and just come back a few hours or a few days later to see what I need to do to correct it but the beauty of my type of art is I can just keep adding layers, layers until I’m happy with the piece.”

During her exhibition at the Affordable Art Fair Melbourne, she said she was touched by

The self-taught artist’s journey from media professional to painter highlights her passion and creative evolution

people’s reaction to her paintings.

“It’s incredible how someone can have an emotional connection with your piece, there are thousands of paintings that you feel it doesn’t connect with you, but then they just find one of your pieces they instantly have a connection with, I think that makes it all worthwhile,” Ms Chanter said.

“The pleasurable thing about art fair is meeting people that appreciate your art, then also being the added bonus of being able to make a

living out of it.”

She has a profound appreciation for colours, and a obsession with patterns, currently, her artistic focus lies on capturing the essence of landscapes inspired by the natural world, as well as exploring the ever-changing effects of elemental forces on the environment.

“My paintings are driven by my mood, and that can be dictated by the time of year and the time of the day – if it’s in winter, I may paint more moody skies and paint with colours that are more reminiscent of winter, and if I pain in the morning, I focus more on the sunrise colours and go from there,” she said.

Since a young age, Ms Chanter has had a natural inclination to express the profound emotions she experiences through the beauty of nature.

Her canvas becomes a conduit for these feelings, allowing them to flow freely in an uninterrupted, intuitive manner – layers, textures, and colours blend and transform until a sense of inner satisfaction is achieved.

It quickly became an outlet that perfectly aligned with her creative impulses, providing boundless inspiration and fulfillment.

The Yarra Valley artist’s work is included in both private and corporate collections throughout Australia and abroad, reflecting the broad appeal and emotional impact of her art.

“Being an artist has given me a great sense of freedom, I can work my own hours, and my husband and I paint together,” she said.

“My husband is also a painter, we both work on the same piece at the same time, this gives us more time with each other, and we’re closer, we are building each other up and we’re supportive of one another – of course we have some days where we disagree over a painting, but we quickly get past that.”

The beauty of nature is not just in the scenery, but in the emotions, it stirs within us and Ms Chanter is excited to what emotions the duo can create with their paint brushes.

“I want to keep my paintings fresh, and keep adding new components as I go,” she said.

The young filmmakers having produced several films individually (Shamsiya Hussainpoor: 429145)Jazz Toland in Under the Honey Light (Supplied)

Right to left: Jazz Toland and Rose Ennis have entered their films to the Lantern and Light International Children’s Film Festival (Shamsiya Hussainpoor: 429145)

Silvan

(Supplied)

The artistic couple, Tania Chanter and her husband Michael Chanter has bonded even closer since painting together

Ms Chanter’s artwork is dictated by her mood, the time of the year and day

A full moon symphony

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 not true at all,” she said.

Huge rainbow trout stocked across Melbourne lakes

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.

Brian reels in a trout at Lilydale Lake. (Stweart Chambers: 297188)

Local fisherman Brian caught a big rainbow trout in Lilydale Lake in the spring of September 2022 and threw it back to live another day. (297188)

The iconic bird has an amazing vocal repertoire and locals recently heard the birds up well past midnight enjoying the full moon. (Stewart Chambers: 428423)

Music makes for fine mix

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 be-

cause 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, something Pat and Simone said they are so grateful for.

“This wouldn’t be possible without them.”

The broader impact has been undeniable, see-

ing 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.”

‘Unifier of the community’: A food pantry open for all

By Tanya Steele

A boon for food relief in the Knox foothills was officially launched to the public on Friday 20 August in Ferntree Gully Village.

Behind the Hills Op Shop on Alpine Street in Ferntree Gully a free food pantry has been installed for all those who need it.

Drew Nicholls from Foothills Community Care said going forward the community groups are planning for the pantry to be a unifier of the community.

”We hope for it to continue to grow,” he said. Over morning tea and coffee, the pantry was officially launched with a ribbon cutting and promises to deliver a range of food items, meals and personal care to those in need.

CEO of Foothills Community Care Stephen

Barrington said it was a significant day as they celebrated the opening.

“We see here a joint initiative between Hills Community op shop and Foothills Community Care, and it’s an exciting time,” he said.

“So we’re very, very fortunate to be here and to be having a welcome addition to the life of the village.”

The pantry exists as part of an Empowering Communities Grant that was delivered to Foothills Community Care and was a 16-month pilot project which worked with vulnerable residents, police, local traders and local community organisations.

“We received over 200,000 dollars to employ two outreach workers to work in the Ferntree Gully village working with four stakeholders,” said Mr Nicholls.

“The purpose will be for local traders, and the community to donate goods that can be accessible via the pantry,” he said.

Knox Councillor Susan Laukens said food security in a community was an absolute must.

“I’m really proud that this was something that was identified, that was needed in this community, and together, we have come together and we’ve delivered,” she said.

MP Daniela De Martino member for Monbulk and MP Jackson Taylor member for Bayswater also attended.

“What a beautiful collaboration between the two to create this exceptional community entry,” said Ms De Martino.

Manager Jeni McLean from the Hills Op Shop said over the years Foothills and Hills op shop have joined forces on small projects

before.

“We just started connecting and talking to say, let’s do this, Foothills brought the grant and we brought the venue,” she said.

“We were also able to connect with the different shop owners to resource and help us support the pantry.”

“This is going to make a huge difference to the lives of many to know that they can come by, get what they need with dignity, without feeling any kind of stigma attached at all,” she said.

“There’s been a lot of behind scenes work happening, and a lot of scratching of heads and hard work.”

The pantry is now open to the any who need it whenever the Hills Op Shop is open.

“Our mission for this pantry is to take what you need, leave what you can,” said Mr Nicholls.

Cutting the ribbon for a new food supply in Ferntree Gully. From Left: Drew Nicholls, Cr Susan Laukens, Jeni McLean, MP Daniela De Martino. (Tanya Steele: 429009)

Drew Nicholls and Jeni McLean. (429011)

The tables were set, awaiting guests for the Montrose Music and Meals event, with Corn Nut Creek ready to entertain. (Supplied)

Montrose Community Cupboard’s Pat with Culture Tracks Yarra Ranges’ Ginger.

Wild weather

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

The state affairs

of

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.

CARTOON

Unnecessary reboot

3/5

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 Unusual Abduction: A thoughtful and witty novel PASSION FOR PROSE

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.

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

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?

Four plays coming in September for all to enjoy

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.

Kemp’s curtain call

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.

The Crow Starring Bill Skarsgard, FKA Twigs and Danny Huston MA15+

AN ELEGANT, UNIQUE HAVEN

ELEGANT, UNIQUE HAVEN WITH BUNGALOW

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.

on the ground floor. The apartment is conveniently located on ground level on the Belgrave Gembrook Road, while the bar and pizza cafe are on street level on McBride Street. There is stair access to the apartment via the 8-space car park, and the carpark doubles as a beer garden. There are also 2 decks which provide a relaxed outdoor eating area. A long verandah at the front of the apartment is great to enjoy the balmy evenings or to provide an outdoor area for your four-legged friends. Inside the home has a spacious open plan kitchen/living/dining area with a split system air conditioner. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher, induction hot plates and wall oven. There is a European laundry/pantry with tons of pantry space. The newly renovated bathroom, with a shower, toilet and storage cupboard is modern and clean.

Both bedrooms are a good size and offer built in wardrobes, large windows make them light and bright. There is also off-street parking at the rear of the apartment as well as a single lock up garage and workshop.

There are so many possibilities, with potential earnings of around $1000 per week, you could reside in the unit and rent out the shop space, rent the shop and unit together, live in the unit & run your own shop (STCA), or run your own shop (STCA) and rent out the unit!

HOME ESSENTIALS

Close to shopping and public transport and located in the main street of Cockatoo, this is a fantastic opportunity.

The Black Cockatoo Pizza is a longestablished business which has been the hallmark of the main street for over 30 Years.

The Bar was opened only 12 months ago and is already becoming the place to come and enjoy good food and drink. With a solid

base of loyal customers, the business has been operating 6 days a week for 3 to 4 hours per day.

The current owners are ready to retire and would like to hand it to someone with the energy to take it to the next level. This could be a fantastic destination venue for car clubs etc with the right management.

The bar is quirky and comfortable with

Address: 27 McBride Street, COCKATOO Description: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 garage Price: $890,000 - $970,000 Inspect: By appointment

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 and Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451, BELL REAL ESTATE 5968 6222

interesting conversation starters for the customers to peruse while eating or having a drink.

The kitchen is a commercial kitchen, with 6 burner commercial stove and oven, char and flat grill, salamander, fryers and commercial dishwasher. There is also plenty of fridge and freezer space.

The business has a full liquor license which is a producer’s license so you could delve into wine or beer making if you so wished.

There is a coffee machine and grinder as well as sufficient crockery and cutlery for all occasions. There are two decks in the 8-space car park, one which doubles as a stage for live music, one with a permanent shade sale for those hot days. The car park has a beer garden feel with flowers and plants that decorate the space.

This property has it all so don’t miss out. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office.

MODERN FAMILY HOME, COUNTRY LIVING

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.

LUXURY LIVING AT ‘BRAELEE’

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

VIEWS AND A VERSATILE FLOORPLAN

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?

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 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)

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)

Hawks go down in thriller

By Armin Richter

The start of the Outer East finals this week for Premier Division saw Monbulk’s two finalists in the netball head to Woori Yallock. The high winds that had been buffeting the state were showing no signs of abating, but the rain held off for the day.

A GRADE

Monbulk’s Senior netball side had easily made the final six, with an 11 win, 6 loss and 1 draw season, being 10 points ahead of Upwey-Tecoma in seventh place. Their recent form had dropped off though, until last week’s win against ROC. They were also 10 points behind Wandin (14-4), who had finished 3rd and were to be their opponent in the 1st Elimination Final. Except for missing the injured Paige Whitworth, Monbulk had a full squad of 11 players available. The Woori courts are somewhat protected from the wind however

the blustery conditions still caused some issues.

The Hawks made a good start to skip out to a 4-1 lead in the first few minutes, only to see Wandin settle down to score the next 5 goals. Monbulk then played their best netball in this match to nail the last 7 goals of the opening quarter which established a nice five goal break by the first change. Jamie Clark and Georgia Himmelreich were intercepting in the mid court, Abbey Whitaker blanketed Wandin’s Emmalia Blake and Peri Reid was making good position under the ring and converting well.

Wandin tightened up in the second term and the match became willing at times, with several collisions taking place as neither side was prepared to give an inch. During the second and third quarters Monbulk missed a few passes to their forwards and a few shots at goal failed to

land. Wandin pounced on this and turned around a five goal deficit into a two goal lead.

The Hawks battled hard to the finish but were unable to make inroads on the scoreboard and eventually fell three goals shy of the Bulldogs. The match was very even and both sides put on a great display in the conditions. Unfortunately for the Hawks their season has come to a close.

Best players for Monbulk: Georgia Himmelreich, Stephanie Ferguson, Jamie Clark UNDER 15s

Monbulk’s Under 15s have had a sensational first season competing against predominantly seasoned clubs from the South-East Corridor. The Hawks won 9, lost 6 and drew 1 during the year to finish in third place and clinch a spot in the Qualifying Final against Berwick, who had finished second with a 10-6 record. The two teams

had only met once during the home and away matches, in the opening round, where Monbulk claimed a 2 goal win.

These sides were evenly matched and gave a great exhibition of finals netball. Monbulk won each quarter, but only just, as they were able to maintain pressure throughout the game. Despite positional changes each quarter, which affected their structure, the young Hawks showed that they are a versatile team and have a good understanding of each other’s play.

Monbulk will now face the undefeated ROC in the 2nd Semi Final at Yarra Glen this week for a spot in the Grand Final. The loser of that match will go into the Preliminary final against the winner of the Berwick v Narre Warren 1st Semi Final.

Best Players for Monbulk: Isla Stubbs, Bridie McCormick, Isabelle Cross

Isla Stubbs, of the Monbulk Under 15s, passes the ball against Berwick. (Armin Richter)

Monbulk’s Georgia Himmelreich competes with two Wandin opponents in the air.

Archer in Paralympic debut

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Macclesfield shooting-star Amanda Jane (AJ) Jennings has reached Paris to mark her debut as a Paralympic archer.

The Green and Gold athletes left Australia on Monday 19 August for the Paralympics Games in Paris which commenced on Wednesday 28 August, and intended to finish on Sunday 8 September 2024.

The atmosphere at the venues has been pumping on the ‘City of Love,’ with many incredible athletes celebrating their unique stories at the Games.

“When I finally got that tick in the nod saying, you’re going to Paris – it was just a relief and excitement,” she said.

“When we got to the end of the trials, it was a relief because you’ve got to win the quota spot first, which is just for Australia, and then when you get back to Australia, you’ve got to compete again to represent Australia.”

Prior to transitioning to archery, Ms Jennings made her international debut at the 2014 International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint World Championships in Moscow, Russia, where she won a bronze medal in the women’s lightweight kayak.

In 2015, the 44-year-old then won her first world title, and in doing so, she secured a place in the Australian Paralympic Team for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

After the 2020 Summer Paralympics, she transitioned to archery as a result of two hip replacements – this sport became part of her rehabilitation.

“After my surgery, when I came back from Tokyo, I still had the athlete brain, but I found out I couldn’t go back into the boat,” she said.

hoped this would improve her quality of life, and after discovering Para-canoe in 2012, she realised just how incredible her new journey to life could be.

“When you’re down in the low part and circling that black hole; you just got to remember the next day is a new day, don’t make big goals rather make baby steps to help you move forward,” Ms Jennings said.

“As long as you’re moving forward, even if it is slow, it will get better.”

“For me it was also having a great communication with people around me, people that I love, and people that loves me because those are the people who’ll help you find that missing part, and that passion because that’s what will drive you to get through those dark days.”

The Para-Archer said healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed or it’s completely gone but rather it means, the damage no longer controls our lives.

“The old saying, “anything is possible”, it’s really true, you just have to find what you’re passionate about, whether it be reading, sport, cooking, or any form of doing something, because at least you’re moving forward with it, and it gives you a purpose,” she said.

“I’d love to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me and to the people watching us from back home.”

“I went to hunt for something else to do, and I tried archery and shooting, archery clicked with me better and I loved the mental side of it, the focus, the use of upper body strength – it all fell into it, and I fell in love with it.”

In 2015 and 2016, she was awarded the People’s Choice Award at the Australian Canoeing Awards.

She lived in the Yarra Ranges for most of her life but due to her new journey as a paralympic athlete, she moved to Brisbane, but her parents and her son still lives in the southeast area whom she often comes and visits.

Things haven’t always been this glamours for the 53-year-old, for over two decades she lived with chronic pain, depression, and an addiction to prescription medication before she decided to amputate her right leg through the knee, she

“To get an athlete to where I am at the moment, it takes a village, and the Dandenongs have been a huge part of my life and I just want to say thank you, because it’s the support that’s been given to me from all of them, the love has just kept me to keep moving forward and aim towards my goal.”

Para archery is where determination meets precision, and every shot is a reminder that true strength comes from within.

Wandin and Olinda-Ferny Creek advance in finals series

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-

Finding Purpose in Paris: AJ on her Paralympic Archery debut (Supplied)

Evelyn

Chayce

Wandin v Upwey-Tecoma (Armin Richter)