Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 17th September 2024

Burras on top

By Alex Woods

The grand final day was here, and the Warburton-Millgrove Football Netball Club had its A-grade netball and Senior Footy sides in the grand final taking on Seville and Healesville respectively at the Woori Yallock Recreation Reserve.

Throughout the year, the Burras A Grade netballers had beaten Seville by 6 points, lost by 4 points and lost by 10 points (in a semifinal).

The Senior Football side had been beaten by Healesville by 41 points, 43 points and 5 points (in a qualifying final).

In the end, the Burras were able to bring back one premiership flag with the A Grade netballers triumphing in a thriller that went to overtime while the Burras boys were soundly beaten by the Bloods.

Turn to pages 38 and 39 for more

Need for action

By Tanya Steele

The final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was handed down on Monday 9 September - a pivotal moment addressing the incredibly complex issue of veteran suicide in Australia.

The report represents a step forward in improving outcomes for veterans, particularly in

their transition from military to civilian life.

This is an ongoing crisis with an average of three deaths by suicide every fortnight over the last decade.

Boronia Veterans’ Advocacy Centre president Dave Menz said the good thing is they’ve done it.

“We want them to accept and implement the recommendations fully,” he said.

The report has 122 recommendations to ad-

dress cultural and systemic challenges that are failing serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and their families - and costing lives.

Star Mail was invited to sit down for an open discussion on the recent news of the report, as veterans, fellow volunteers and community members gathered to catch up over lunch on 11 September at the Veterans’ Advocacy Centre.

Mr Menz, along with many others at the centre, spends hours of his time doing anything from helping fill out paperwork for things like retrospective medical discharges, a complex process for any veteran, to assisting with home help or medical appointments.

“We still do our work here today, free of charge,” he said.

Continued page 4

The Burras’ flag-winning A Grade netballers. (Supplied)

$800m welcomed

By Mikayla van Loon

An $800 million legal assistance package has come as a welcomed announcement from the Federal Government after months of advocacy from community legal centres.

The funding shortfall experienced by the community legal sector, who have been regarded as the quiet frontline workers in the family violence response, was reaching dire levels, with people being turned away from support.

Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) chief executive officer Michael Smith said when around 75 per cent of his team’s resources, time and effort goes to supporting people navigating family violence, the acknowledgement of that work was reassuring.

“It’s a huge problem across eastern Melbourne, it’s a huge issue in the Yarra Ranges,” he said.

“So much of our time and effort goes into responding to family violence, whether it’s through the intervention work in the courts, or whether it’s through prevention programs or early intervention programs but often people don’t understand how important that legal support is.

“For the Prime Minister, National Cabinet and the Attorney General to talk about uplifting legal services responding to gender based violence is really critical.”

The multi-million dollar package will be delivered over five years from July 2025, with the final details of what that will look like for each service still to be decided.

It was announced at National Cabinet on Friday 6 September as part of the total $4.7 billion package designed to respond to the national crisis of family, domestic and sexual violence and support legal assistance.

Of the total package, the Federal Government will put $3.9 billion towards supporting frontline

legal assistance services to be delivered through a new partnership agreement with the states and territories.

Renaming the assistance program, the newly created National Access to Justice Partnership will replace the National Legal Assistance Partnership (NLAP) due to expire on 30 June 2025.

Mr Smith said the ideal outcome for ECLC would be to use the extra funding to expand the wraparound team which supports people who have experienced family violence.

That would include the growth in the number of community lawyers, family violence advocates and financial counsellors.

The announcement also allowed for “improvements in indexation” to ensure the underpayment of staff was dismantled and achieved an equal outcome for all in the legal assistance sector.

“The fact [that the government is] prepared to respond to those structural issues as well just shows a really strategic approach,” Mr Smith said.

“It’s not all about service delivery, it’s about making sure the organisation is sustainable and looks after its people as well. So that’s really pleasing too that the government understands that, it’s really encouraging.”

The community legal sector had been calling for an increased budget spend in May but were disappointed in the allocation of funds.

Mr Smith said since then, talks with Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, both directly at events and at ECLCs offices, as well as indirectly through community legal advocacy bodies, had been extremely positive.

“The Attorney General Mark Dreyfus has been here a number of times, but he’s been to community legal centres across the country, and he’s been a really strong advocate to take this forward too.

“So I think he’s done a really impressive job in

terms of actually arguing that, both locally here, but also to take that message back to Canberra to his colleagues.”

In the joint announcement with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Mr Dreyfus said funding was critical to ensure “essential frontline services” continue operating to help the most vulnerable.

“I have spent decades fighting for a better deal for the legal assistance sector. Legal assistance is essential to ensuring access to justice and equality before the law for all Australians, and safety for victims and survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence,” Mr Dryefus said.

“I thank the many workers on the frontline who have been tireless advocates for the sector and for the rights of the thousands of Australians who rely on them every year.”

Mr Smith said ECLC had previously been on the receiving end of Mr Dreyfus’ determination to fund legal services, with the Healesville office being made possible the last time he held the position of Attorney General over 10 years ago.

To have received this funding news now, Mr Smith said he was “very pleasantly surprised” because it was not expected this early.

“We were concerned we would have to wait because the national agreement doesn’t start until July next year.

“People were really worried we might not hear anything until December and there’s a few state elections coming up too, then if we go into next year, there’s going to be a federal election, and then there’ll be the main budget.

“Technically our contract only runs to June next year, and after that, there was no certainty whatsoever.”

Mr Smith said an announcement of this significance would give staff and community legal centres across the country confidence heading into 2025 that funding will at least remain stable until the new partnership agreement is instated.

IN BRIEF

Looking for a hearing aid owner

A hearing aid has been handed in to Healesville Police Station on Wednesday 11 September, having been located at the shops.

For proof of ownership a description will be required.

Reference number: 202409-E-0925-0001

Enquiries to Healesville Police Station 5962 4422

Over 2000 Hyundai cars recalled 2065 Hyundai Santa Fe (MX5) with a year range of 2024 have been recalled due to a manufacturing issue, the airbag wiring harness under the rear passenger seat may not have been adequately secured. As a result, it may become damaged over time due to seat adjustment leading to inadvertent deployment or an inability to deploy the rear seat side airbags.

In the event of an accident, an airbag not deploying as intended could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants.

Owners of affected vehicles can contact their nearest authorised Hyundai dealer to schedule an appointment to have the airbag wire harness inspected and rectified, free of charge.

For more information, contact Hyundai Consumer Care Centre by phone on 1800 186 306 or visit their website at hyundai.com/au/en/owning/ safety-recalls

Headlights for Crocs shoes recalled

Two pack of Crocs shoe headlights in 6 colours, black, pink, white, blue, green and red, have been recalled becausethe product does not comply with the mandatory standards for products containing button/coin batteries.

The button/coin batteries are not adequately secured and are accessible to young children. The product does not include the required warning information.

There is a risk of choking, severe internal burn injuries or death to young children if they gain access to the button/coin batteries and swallow them or place them inside their body.

Severe or fatal injuries can happen in two hours or less.

The products were supplied nationally online by XCY through TEMU between 8 March 2023 and 17 July 2024.

Consumers should stop using the products immediately and place out of reach of children.

Consumers should dispose of the product, take a photograph and send the photo to the seller for a full refund.

To submit your photograph or for more information, contact temu.com/support-center.html or email 2106561422@qq.com

Olimpia Splendid’s fan heater recalled

Two models, Caldo Relax with the code of 99316 and Caldo Whisper with the code of VH-2000, have been recalled because these products do not comply with the relevant electrical standard.

The heaters may overheat and catch fire.

There is a risk of serious burn injury and property damage if the heater overheats and catches fire.

Consumers should stop using these heaters immediately and unplug it from power.

Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For further information, consumers can contact Olimpia Splendid Australia Pty Ltd via email at sales@olimpiasplendid.com.au or by phone on 1300 664 768 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday).

ECLC chief executive officer Michael Smith with Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus KC at the ECLCs 50th birthday celebration in May. (Supplied)

Vets welcome key findings

From page 4

“Some (veterans) can’t handle being in certain places and they’re not getting looked after.”

The services they provide are unique and cater to the needs of the community. Mr Menz said there is now a facility called Vasey RSL Care, also known as the V Centre which launched in Ivanhoe in February this year.

Vasey RSL Care chief executive officer Janna Voloshin said she commended the report but emphasised the importance of timely action.

“While we appreciate the report, the real test will be in how quickly the government responds. Veterans can’t afford to wait.”

Ms Voloshin said the importance of a proactive approach was essential, highlighting that the transition from the ADF to civilian life is a critical time for veterans’ wellbeing.

“The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program is a current, operational solution to this recommendation,” she said.

“We hope the government will now consider partnering with us to share this societal responsibility.”

Yarra Glen RSL member Stephen Shortis said to him, the report has set out many ways that support can be provided or improved and the proposed appointment of someone to oversee the process is a positive step but it will depend on the calibre of the person chosen to establish or improve the system – and it will take time.

“Over the years, many attempts have been made to grapple with the problem, but none have had the size and scope of this inquiry and I compliment the members on their report,” he said.

“It is now over to the government.”

Fellow veteran advocate and Berwick RSL welfare committee member Julie Anderson OAM said processes can be difficult and the Aussie Veterans can often streamline assistance.

With a strong history of activism in the name of all veterans Mr Menz said he has protested for years to bring justice, chalking pathways and highlighting the lives lost to suicide within the defence force.

“We’d be protesting outside Anzac house and we’d be outside the DVA,” he said.

“They were scared of us being radicals and going up there and hurting them – we were totally peaceful.”

More than 100 people rallied outside the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) in Melbourne in late August 2017 to call for a royal commission and the group also rallied on 24 April 2021 outside Victoria’s State Parliament.

According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data at least 1677 serving and ex-serving members died by suicide between 1997 and 2021, more than 20 times the number of personnel killed in active duty during that same period.

The royal commission estimated the true number of preventable deaths to be more than 3000.

Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson said he and the sub-branch members felt that now was the time for “genuine leadership” and that these recommendations cannot be put aside for future governments to act on.

“As commissioner Peggy Brown said ‘this is not a problem that Defence or the DVA can be

trusted to solve by themselves’. The research from paramedics and police across Australia indicates there is a self harm or suicide event by a veteran every four hours,” he said.

“This cannot continue, the government must support veterans, there are thousands of disability and pension claims not being addressed by the DVA, these dismissive self important bureaucrats and politicians are stopping veterans from overcoming the trauma of war.”

Ms Anderson said she thinks the DVA were worried the group was getting traction at the time because the royal commission would expose a lot of issues within the department itself.

“There should be a royal commission into just the DVA,” she said.

“The terms of reference really didn’t shine a light on DVA, it was really focused on defence –don’t get me wrong, defence should have a lot to answer for and they had a pretty hefty light shone on there.”

Ms Anderson said that even getting basic home help and pharmacy and medical services can take months.

“They’re entitled to household services,” she said.

“Veterans are putting in their claims now and

then they are allocated to a dead person.”

“Essentially, they just put on a list and allocated a delegate, that delegate is going to take two years.”

Ms Anderson said she still has veterans waiting for claims that were lodged in 2022.

DVA secretary Alison Frame said in a statement after the final report was issued that the government would time the time to “appropriately consider the recommendations” which “are largely directed to Defence and DVA”.

“As I stated in my evidence to the Royal Commission, I acknowledge that in the past we have let down the veteran community and that going forward, we are committed to improving wherever we can,” she said.

“The Final Report represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for meaningful change and, along with Defence, we will make every effort to address suicide and suicidality among our serving and ex-serving ADF personnel.”

Mr Dobson said all parties involved in the royal commission and mentioned in the recommendations need to “get their act together and support those who are putting their lives on the line”.

“There have been 57 previous inquiries into veteran suicide in the past 30 years and yet the

suicide rate has not diminished,” he said.

“Australia needs to build a better ADF and action the commissioner’s findings. Trying to recruit new ADF people must be difficult at the moment and we need to meet our defence capabilities, this is a significant time with all the geopolitical uncertainty.”

The Aussie Veterans advocacy group said they are hopeful for change but acknowledge it won’t change things on the ground for veterans for some time.

Ex-service members in attendance said that without the centre, their stories would be different.

For now, people like Mr Menz and Ms Anderson will continue to advocate for veterans.

“I’m 63 this year. I’m not that young, but my focus is on younger veterans,” Mr Menz said.

“It’s a team. We all work as a team. We have the ability to look after veterans and locals who aren’t veterans.”

Mr Dobson said if any veteran needs help for any reason then please contact him, you will be directed to a professional in the appropriate area, president@lilydalersl.com.au

Lifeline 13 11 14

Open Arms 1800 011 046

Boronia Veterans’ Advocacy Centre president Dave Menz and Berwick RSL welfare committee member Julie Anderson OAM have been advocating for veterans for many years. (Tanya Steele: 431740)

Flood blueprint greenlight

By Mikayla van Loon

After a two week deferral, Yarra Ranges Council adopted its Stormwater Policy and Stormwater Management Plan despite renewed calls for improvements from the community.

Speaking in objection to the plan’s adoption, Kallista resident and floodwatch group member Karen Kestigian said a flood mitigation maintenance plan was required more immediately than the 10 year stormwater plan.

“The plan ascribes 10 years to plot and gather data. For the established communities flood mitigation is needed now,” she said.

“Shire communities include urbanised centres, villages, business precincts and rural locations. Increased storm events emphasise inefficient drainage systems in these communities. Current maintenance does not remediate frequent inundation and flash flooding events.”

Ms Kestigian said given the heightened effects of climate change and reoccurring flood events, “a proactive, stronger and more resilient” maintenance program was required especially during the months of August to March.

The pressure of the housing targets and the previous 20 years of building in the urban areas of Lilydale, Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park, Ms Kestigian said made the stormwater maintenance and infrastructure even more of a requirement now than ever before.

Ms Kestigian said the domino effect of flooding leads to or enhances the impacts of “slippage, erosion, inaccessibility, flooding impacts, insurance premiums, unsealed roads and safety implications”.

“The maintenance levels of a decade ago no longer apply. We appeal to the Yarra Ranges Council to endorse and commit, with a sense of urgency, to a Flood Mitigation Maintenance Plan that offsets the delivery period of the Stormwater Management Plan.”

When asked by Councillor Andrew Fullagar

whether in essence she and the floodwatch groups supported the stormwater plan, Ms Kestigian said they do and were realistic about the forward planning required to improve infrastructure but in the immediate future, actions needed to be taken.

“We do support the plan, but where we see the big gap is the 10 years and what’s going to happen to us, and we really need a more efficient way of dealing with the flooding.

“The flooding is getting worse. Climate change is real, and these sort of flooding events, we’re talking about 40 houses at a time or more in each area. This is not right, and people are suffering, and we need to help them, and we need a plan to do that.

“We go into these huge storm events and the drains are full, the drains haven’t been cleaned. The culverts are full. They’ve been rotting away. They cave in…there’s got to be a better way of maintaining what we’ve got now.”

Cr Fiona McAllister asked a number of questions to the executive around maintenance, the budget allocations for drainage works and projected timelines for the stormwater plan.

“The life of the plan is set at 10 years, as a suitable amount of time to deal with some really foundational pieces of work,” Built environment and infrastructure director Hjalmar Philipp said.

“First and foremost, the flood mapping that underpins a lot of the catchment scale plans is being undertaken over the next two years through a current arrangement with Melbourne Water.”

Mr Philipp said as with all 10 year plans, different timeline targets were estimated for the different actions which will either take two or four years.

Moving the recommended motion to adopt the plan, Cr Tim Heenan was seconded by Cr Fullagar.

“[The] council has obviously not lifted their game in the past, but they are now, and I believe

going forward, we have an opportunity to get it right with all the proper plans in place,” Cr Heenan said.

“This stormwater management plan is an overarching plan that sets the direction and key actions that puts the right foundations and information in place for comprehensive and up to date stormwater management.

“The plan is not about making decisions about specific projects. The plan focuses on balancing flood protection with the preservation of natural waterways, considering the impacts of urban development and climate change.”

Cr Heenan said “we have many millions of dollars in this, and following years, many millions more than what we’ve had ever in the time I’ve been on council” to conduct the drainage maintenance and to establish the appropriate mitigation measures.

Acknowledging that this was the “blueprint to start the process” Cr Heenan said the work was only just beginning but that the council “absolutely turned the corner in the last 10, 11 months”.

Cr McAllister reiterated that this plan was a “critical step forward for us as a municipality” but as the plan progresses, she would like to see the clarity and communication remain particularly over the 10 year timeframe.

“We are looking at a 10 year time frame. I appreciate that it’s a very difficult thing sometimes for us to articulate in simple ways. But I guess that’s my ask of all of us that we do find a way to give greater clarity about the plan of action and what to be expected on an individual road,” she said.

“Every time it rains, it induces trauma yet again and apart from investing money to try and get ahead of the game and fix the issues that are occurring, how do we find ways to communicate in simpler or clearer ways about the work that is planned and going to happen.”

The adoption of the plan was passed unanimously.

Unsealed roads - complex and ongoing but important

By Tanya Steele

The Yarra Ranges council have unanimously adopted their unsealed roads strategy despite resident and councillor rumblings on how effectively it will be delivered.

Optimal maintenance, effective asset management and effective investment planning were the three guiding principles of the report and resident Joe Miles from Mount Dandenong came forward at the council meeting on Tuesday 10 September to voice concerns about the newly adopted strategy.

Mr Miles said there seemed to be no consultation whatsoever with residents.

“I’m expressing views I think I can quite rightly say, are shared also by my neighbours, quite a few who are long term residents as well,” he said.

Mr Miles said the new proposed framework is not massively different to what has existed in the past and questioned council on what hopes residents have in the future of seeing their problems with unsealed roads resolved.

As someone who lives on quite a steep and unmade road, Mr Miles said the timeliness of responses after flooding often leaves the road in an unsafe condition.

“Often we will get couriers that will refuse to come down this road,” he said.

Mr Miles was in turn questioned at the meeting by councillors on what exact issues were and what ideally could be done in his opinion.

“Pie in the sky it would be some sort of sealing of the roads with these steep roads, at least in sections,” he said.

Mr Miles said he could also suggest drain stabilisation.

“We, as residents can then help to maintain them – rather than the current existing deep earth drains which are almost impossible for us to maintain,” he said.

“A number of us are quite elderly up there –we’re trying and do what we can, but we can’t handle debris coming from further up.”

“A lot of the cause of it is the gravel washing off the road.”

As the meeting progressed a number of references were made by councillors to a funding plan which was cut by Federal government, which would have delivered a nine-year, $150 million funding plan for Yarra Ranges Council to improve road conditions in the Dandenong Ranges and nearby areas.

In the October 2022 Federal Budget the council was informed the funding for the roads for the community initiative program would be reduced.

By January 2023 the council received official notice confirming the reduction and as a result only $47.7 million of the original $150 million commitment will be honoured.

Hand in hand with the unsealed roads, residents have also recently mentioned gravel runoff in the recently delivered Yarra Ranges Council draft stormwater management plan.

“There were three comments received regarding drainage issues associated with un-

sealed roads,” read the draft stormwater management plan for 2024-2034 in the engagement feedback report.

“Feedback raised concerns about gravel runoff and blockages on the municipality’s unsealed roads, which affect local drainage systems.”

The officer response in this report stated that the road for community initiative was a critical infrastructure funding opportunity aimed at sealing roads across the municipality and simultaneously addressing localised drainage issues.

“Unfortunately, the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw its support has significantly impacted council’s ability to deliver the projects.”

”This review encompasses an approach to future road construction, taking into account factors such as abuttal density, maintenance issues, the council’s special charge scheme poli-

cy, and the availability of capital budgets for upgrading council assets across the municipality. “

At the recent meeting Councillor Andrew Fullagar said he acknowledged the importance and complexities of the unsealed road document with emerging issues such as climate change, emergency management, management of the road system and tightening resources.

“The key objectives is to optimise maintenance, improving the surface contracts and performance, using the best materials for the site, and that varies a lot right across the shire,” he said.

“We need a common sense approach…we should rely on the community more but overall, I’m comfortable with the recommendation to endorse this framework tonight.”

Cr Fiona McAllister said she had mixed emotions about the motion.

“This is really a framework to start to consult more deeply – we’re talking 700 plus kilometres of unsealed road,” she said.

“I’m hoping that this document will push that focus on proactive maintenance works.”

Mayor Sophie Todorov said the report also includes further opportunity for community consultation and petitions to be raised at council.

Cr Tim Heenan said despite being in support he did have a cause for concern specifically with dirt roads and emergency vehicle access.

“We’re going to have ongoing problems in weather events where we can’t get to all those roads.” he said.

“There might be older folk who can’t get in or out, along with emergency vehicles.”

Cr Fullagar said he would like to refer to people who submit to council.

“We see it as a cry for help, and we hear your frustration.” he said.

“Keep reporting those issues to us.”

“This plan should help us to be more efficient in planning our air the sealing program in the future.”

The motion was passed unanimously by the council.

The stormwater management plan was adopted in full but the community raised concerns about the immediate nature of maintenance. (File: 295256)

Unsealed roads, like this on in Seville are among over 700 kilometres of roads in the Yarra Ranges. (On File)

Casey, Aston to gain voters

The Federal electoral boundary changes have been finalised by the augmented Electoral Commission for Victoria, with both Casey and Aston to gain townships.

With the approved abolition of the Higgins electorate, redistribution of these suburbs, townships and residents was required to meet the enrolment quota ahead of next year’s election.

Electoral Commission chairperson Susan Kenny said she was grateful to all the individuals and organisations who contributed to the redistribution process.

“All written objections and comments, as well as the information presented at the inquiry, have been carefully considered in deciding the final names and boundaries,” she said.

“The augmented Electoral Commission has unanimously accepted the Redistribution Committee’s proposed abolition of the Division of Higgins, to retire the name of the Division of Higgins, and to modify the boundaries of 11 of the electoral divisions initially proposed in May 2024.”

The Casey boundary has expanded slightly, with the electorate now taking in Wonga Park and parts of Kangaroo Ground, Panton Hill, St Andrews, Christmas Hills and Kinglake.

Casey MP Aaron Violi posted to social media welcoming the new townships to the electorate.

“I am excited that our existing community remains together, and we now have these new communities within our boundary where many of us have existing connections – including myself, with my mum, a former teacher at Christmas Hills Primary School,” he said.

“I can’t wait to get out and hear what matters to locals in these new areas and represent their views in Federal Parliament.”

The Aston electorate also gained new voters, expanding into what were originally parts of Deakin, with Kilsyth South and parts of Ringwood, Heathmont and Bayswater North all transferring under the new boundary.

“I’d like to give a warm welcome to everyone in those areas to Aston. I’m looking forward to meeting you all over the next several months as we head towards the next federal election,” Aston MP Mary Doyle said on social media.

“Thankfully, we have not lost any suburbs in the redistribution process - so if you are currently in the federal electorate of Aston, you will remain there at the next election. It’s been great working with all of you and I’m so glad you get to stay in Aston, and I’ll see you around.”

Victoria was identified last year as needing to

reduce the number of parliamentary seats from 39 to 38.

This means in the next election, there will be 150 members of the House of Representatives, down one from the current 151 seats.

An initial proposal from the Labor Government sought to abolish the Casey seat entirely to meet the voting population requirements.

In May, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) proposed the inner-east seat of Higgins be abolished instead.

This triggered the domino effect of the boundary changes but Ms Kenny said the adopted redistribution would see “a very small increase in the number of electors who will change their electoral division”.

Despite many calls and objections for the Casey electorate to be renamed Barak after prominent and renowned Wurundjeri ngurungaeta (clan leader) William Barak, all names will remain the same for the 38 seats.

Maps of the new electoral boundaries will be made available on 17 October.

The Federal electoral boundary redistribution will change some voters electorate for the next election. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Crosley Street out

By Dongyun Kwon

After two years of dispute between Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) and residents, the special charge scheme (SCS) issue in Healesville reached its conclusion.

An alternate motion was suggested by Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister that Crosley Street be removed from the SCS for the road maintenance construction of Campbell Road, Crosley Street and Pilmer Road, Healesville at Tuesday 10 September’s council meeting.

Cr McAllister said this item has caused great confusion in the community.

“I thought it had been resolved, but it was identified that the official, formal decision of council still included Crosley Street to be part of this specific SCS,” she said.

“We’re resolving an administrative error to remove Crosley Street, and it will be renamed as the Campbell Road, Pilmer Road SCS.

“We will tidy up this issue so there is no confusion with the residents.”

YRC, at its meeting on 14 June 2022, considered a report relating to the proposed construction of Campbell Road, Crosley Street and Pilmer Road, Healesville to help address road maintenance, dust and stormwater runoff issues, and resolved to declare a special charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989.

Prior to the declaration of the special charge, landowners were informed and consulted about the project, and they had opportunities to comment or object to the SCS throughout the statutory process which takes approximately six months to progress through.

The process included the initial questionnaire, landowner briefing, intent to levy report, section 223 public notice and right to make a submission, declaration report and option to make a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) application for review.

In March 2021, 81 per cent of landowners responded in support of the scheme.

After the declaration of the special charge and the VCAT appeals period had lapsed, the council received a joint letter signed by various landowners in Crosley Street, raising objections to the inclusion of Crosley Street in the SCS.

In response, YRC conducted an additional survey of residents’ support to determine the extent of the shift in support; only landowners in Crosley Street were surveyed.

A slight majority of landowners, six out of 11,

did not support the construction of the road.

Cr McAllister said she noted the reasons for the non support of the majority of residents.

“Affordability, even when it’s a $7000 cap, vegetation impact were the main reasons,” she said.

“But those that were in support had drainage concerns and continue to do so.

“We will continue to have conversations with them and work with them to try and find a way to resolve their drainage concerns.”

The motion was carried unanimously.

Building permit application refused

By Dongyun Kwon

Once the building permit application for 300308 Maroondah Highway was advertised, Yarra Ranges Council received over 40 objections and a letter of support.

Yarra Ranges Councillors discussed this issue at the latest council meeting on Tuesday 10 September and decided to stand up for the objectors.

Speakers from both sides appeared at the meeting and shared their opinions regarding the issue with the councillors.

Lauren Beard represented more than 40 Healesville residents who were in objection.

Ms Beard said the planning report was based on outdated information.

“Many of the reports are based on previous development plans, and several documents are missing from this submission,” she said.

“Additional issues for your [the councillors’] consideration include the request for parking dispensation, the proposed building height, the removal of significant trees, impacts from construction noise, vibration, dust and disruption.

“The extensive excavation will cause significant issues for the neighbouring heritage properties on the south side and in the town.”

The building permit application sought to extend the existing shop building and build a new first floor restaurant and seven dwellings to the rear of the site on 300-308 Maroondah Highway, Healesville.

A ground floor extension was proposed to the shops with the building extended forward by 1.9 metres onto the front boundary and an increased setback of 1.9 metres from the east boundary to provide pedestrian access to the rear dwellings.

The total shop floor area would be increased by 73 square metres to a total of 460 square metres.

It was proposed to further excavate the already excavated rear part of the site and construct seven dwellings accessed off the existing car park with lift access.

The proposal sought to remove trees from within the site and reduce 44 car spaces while providing 27 car spaces on the site.

“The building height of 14.3 metres is almost twice the recommended maximum height of 7.5 metres,” Ms Beard said.

“The garage height of 4.8 metres is unnecessary and could be reduced by up to 1.8 metres.

“Additionally, the current pitched roof at 2.5 metres could also be revised. This would create a total building height reduction of 3.5 metres which is easily achievable.”

Wayne Bird showed up to represent the voice of people who were in favour of the application.

Mr Bird said his team submitted the application 12 months ago and has worked closely with the council officers to look at the concerns, that were raised, to come up with the best outcome, keeping in mind the character of Healesville.

“Looking at things like the topography of the site and the way it presents itself with the huge excavation cut at the rear, we’ve sought to try and incorporate a development that would take advantage or try and resolve that huge escarpment at the rear of the property,” he said.

“We also believe that the front shops need updating, renovating, a new facade and a new look.

“We’ve also taken on board objections and concerns raised by council officers at the time, and we’ve amended designs to save the trees in the southeastern corner and looked at things like the parking.”

After hearing from both sides and questioning

Community win for policy

By Gabriella Vukman

Deferred to the council meeting on Tuesday 10 September, the motion for amendments to the Plaques and Memorials Policy were passed unanimously.

Concerns surrounding community consultation, consultation with First Nations people, the proposed structure of the panel, and the orientation of the report were raised by Sue Thompson.

Ms Thompson said, “The inclusion of this item in the last meeting’s agenda was accidentally discovered and led to several emails from concerned residents to the council. In this report, this has been taken as community consultation and I regard that as totally inadequate.”

“Only a handful of council staff were consulted and I quote from the report, ‘feedback has been sought from governance, recreation and sport infrastructure, design place, parks trees and trails, customer and communications.

“I’d stress to councillors that these parks and reserves belong to the community… so I believe the community must be widely consulted on them.”

In terms of First Nations consultation, Ms Thompson said, “nowhere could I find that First Nations people have been consulted. They have their stories which need to be told and understood and shared as well.”

Ms Thompson voiced questions surrounding the representatives who would be on the panel mentioned in the policy.

“Once adopted, this policy will oversee, and I quote from the report, ‘The plaques and memorials panel, including the representative government of parks, trees, and trails, the community’s directors and a senior policy officer appointed by the CEO to assess the applications.’ Which representatives and how many of each department will be represented on this panel,” Ms Thompson asked.

“The policy does not seem to want to include a heritage representative on the panel. Why not?”

Ms Thompson recommended the inclusion of an indigenous, heritage and community representative officer.

In response to the concerns raised by Ms Thompson, Recreation, Parks and Facilities manager Phil Murton said, “Materially, we are aligned with what Ms Thompson said in terms of the direction of the policy.”

“We acknowledge the concerns around a lack of consultation, however, this report was developed through the extensive bench-marking of other council’s plaques and policies.

time, Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister suggested an alternate recommendation that YRC resolve to refuse the planning application.

Cr McAllister explained why she asked her fellow councillors to support the refusal of the application with the five main reasons.

“First relates to the car parking, it’s requesting a reduction of over 40 spaces,” she said.

“The next relates to the height, setback, design and bulk of the development as being detrimental or not aligned to the character of the Healesville Activity Centre,

“There isn’t anything that is 14 metres high except for the Grand Hotel[ which was built in 1888].”

The other three reasons were related to the extent of vegetation removal as being detrimental to the landscape character of the Healesville Activity Centre, the wall height of the dwelling on the south boundary as being detrimental to the amenity of the adjoining dwelling’s secluded private open space, and the sense of address of dwellings off a commercial car park as it is not safe and is contrary to the two provisions of the planning scheme.

The alternate motion was carried unanimously.

“We agree that there could be some alterations in terms of including social and cultural representation within the policy.” The following recommendations were made to the Plaques and Memorials policy between its appearance in the Council meeting on Tuesday 27 August:

• Endorse the plaques and memorials policy.

• Update plaques and memorials policy and any subsequent protocols with findings and feedback from heritage strategy upon its endorsement.

• An update to the policy be made to include a heritage officer and indigenous development officer as part of the panel.

The notion that the policy’s flexibility is one of its draw cards was brought up by councillor Tim Heenan.

Despite Cr Len Cox’s suggestion that the policy was a bit rushed and that it “may have been good to defer it a bit longer to give the public more time to give their feedback on this policy,” the motion to move forward with the Plaques and Memorials policy was passed unanimously.

Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister suggested an alternate recommendation that YRC resolve to refuse the planning application. (File: 377181)

Crosley Street, Healesville is a small unsealed no through road. (Dongyun Kwon: 428433)

NEWS Students raise funds

By Dongyun Kwon

Chum Creek Primary School had a special assembly on Friday 6 September, inviting a Healesville CFA firefighter.

The students passed the $100 donation to the local fire brigade, which they raised throughout their Pyjamas Day event.

Two student captains Violet and Eamon said they wanted to do something meaningful for the local community while having a fun activity.

“We went around to every classroom the day before [the Pyjamas Day] and asked everyone if they could bring a gold coin donation,” Eamon said.

“We raised up to $100.”

Healesville CFA captain Brian Earl said it’s good to see young kids getting behind community organisations.

“It’s really good to see them raise any form of money. A $100 isn’t a super pivotal amount, but it certainly is enough to shift towards some of our bigger projects,” he said.

“It’s more an inspirational thing to see our members being thought of by the younger generations.

“The money is going towards helping our members out for the basic operation of our bri-

gade through the next couple of months, coming into the fire season.”

Chum Creek Primary School students previously had a fundraising event Crazy Socks Day and they donated the funds to Animal Aid, a local animal welfare organisation in Coldstream.

Violet said the students were looking for another place to donate money to after they donated to Animal Aid.

“That’s how we decided to go to CFA because they always help us with bushfires,” she said.

“We would like to give back to them.”

Chum Creek Primary School principal Michael Corr said the school encourages student involvement in the local community including the Anzac Day Service and Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service.

“As principal, I am pleased and proud that they also choose to raise money for local charities such as Animal Aid and the CFA,” he said.

“Our students choose the charities they want to support and I think this reflects their growing pride, interest and commitment to their own community.

“They are learning to be good citizens, supporting and becoming engaged with their community.”

Seville Primary School’s staff named as award finalist

Seville Primary School’s staff has scooped up numerous nominations in the Victorian Education Excellence Awards.

Education minister Ben Carroll announced on Friday 13 September the finalists for the awards which has seen two Seville teachers nominated in the Outstanding Primary Teacher category, as well as recognition in the Outstanding Business Manager category.

Danielle Henderson, Sally Colverson and Lee Nolan were all recognised in the award nominations, making up three of the 38 across the 13 award categories which recognise inspirational teachers, principals, business managers and education support staff in Victorian government schools were named.

“Victorian Education Excellence Awards finalists exemplify Victoria’s outstanding teaching workforce which delivers world-class education to help students thrive at great local schools,” Mr Carroll said.

“Our teachers, principals and education professionals play a crucial role in the lives of young people and it is a pleasure to acknowledge those whose dedication to their profession is transforming many lives for the better.”

Judging panels assigned to individual categories will determine the winners of each

award who will be announced at a ceremony at the Plaza Ballroom on Friday, 25 October, to coincide with World Teachers’ Day.

Victorian Education Excellence Award winners will receive grants of up to $25,000 to undertake professional development and learning, to ensure our teachers are well supported to lead great careers in the Education State. One category winner will also receive the esteemed Lindsay Thompson Award for Excel-

Seville Primary School’s students are in good hands according to the Victorian Education Excellence Awards with three staff members nominated. (Supplied)

L-R: Two student captains Eamon and Violet with Healeville CFA firefighter Bill Poppins. (Supplied)

Yarra Valley Dairy’s success

By Dongyun Kwon

With the significant milestone of its 30th anniversary, Yarra Valley Dairy (YVD) recently heard one more good news.

YVD has been nominated for the Best’s Wines Tourism and Hospitality Award in the 2024 Victorian Community Achievement Awards.

The Best’s Wines Tourism and Hospitality Award will honour Victorians who are leaders in their field, doing their part to showcase Victoria as a destination of choice or providing exceptional guest experiences through gracious hospitality.

YVD marketing manager Catherine McCarthy said the whole team were surprised.

“We don’t do a lot of broadcasting about what we do here, so we were surprised, but not surprised because once people start to come here, they understand how wonderful it is,” she said.

“It’s a great experience, it’s great they taste the cheese and they make an association with how beautiful it is and they walk away with a really good feeling about coming to a family owned business that is really honest and authentic.”

YVD, located in the scenic Yarra Valley, is renowned for its artisanal cheeses and exceptional visitor experiences.

The business, led by its dedicated team, continues to uphold high standards of cheese-making and engages the community with recipes featured on their website, enhancing their connection with both local and wider audiences.

YVD venue manager Shauni Brauch said YVD founder Mary Mooney grew up on the property.

“Her family and parents were dairy farmers, and they used to sell milk,” she said.

“When Mary was middle aged, there was some spare milk and she wanted to give cheesemaking a go, and the very first client was Chandon.

“Then, with one of her friends who was a cheesemaker, they came up with Persian Fetta, so that was our first cheese ever made.”

Since 1994, YVD has been crafting cheeses, using locally sourced milk and has received a num-

ber of awards, especially for its signature cheese Persian Fetta.

Ms McCarthy said YVD has supported local tourism while showcasing Australian cheeses.

“Being in a wine region, YVD provides a different experience for travellers who come here to have wine, and they find that there’s a great dairy here,”shesaid.“Thewineintheregionisproduced from the soil and the terroir, and it’s very specific to the region, same with our cheese.

“The cheese is made from milk of the cows grazed in this area, so it’s a very specific Australian cheese, and it reflects the region.”

YVDhasbeenusingthesameoriginalrecipefor Persian Fetta for 30 years since it was first created.

Visitors can enjoy not only Australian cheeses but also the beautiful view of the Yarra Valley through the windows at YVD.

Ms Brauch said it is really exciting to see the visitors forming an emotional connection to the place.

“You have that connection to the cheese, the product or the experience you had, and it makes you want to come back,” she said.

Nominations closed on Wednesday 4 September, with judging to take place throughout October.

Winners will be announced on Friday 13 December at the 2024 Community Achievement Awards Gala Presentation Dinner.

Yarra Valley Dairy venue manager Shauni Brauch. (Stewart Chambers: 431301)

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of the Yarra Valley through the windows at the Yarra Valley Dairy while having a great experience of cheese. (431301)

Yarra Valley Dairy is located at 70-80 Mcmeikans Road, Yering. (431301)

SHEDFEST 2024

Uncork the best of YV wines

Shedfest is returning, bigger and better than ever!

Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and 13, and head to the beautiful Yarra Valley for two days of wine tastings, live music, delicious food, and stunning scenery across fourteen family-run wineries.

This year, the festival welcomes two new wineries, Yileena Park and Helen’s Hill Estate, while Six Acres and Seville Estate are making their longawaited return after several years. They will be joined by a stellar lineup of wineries, including Billanook Estate, Boat O’Craigo, Kellybrook, Seville Hill, Soumah, Sutherland Estate, Steels Gate, Tokar Estate, Whispering Hills, and Yering Farm

To make the festival accessible to everyone, the Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries Association has introduced a flat-rate entry ticket of $35. This ticket grants you access to tastings at all participating wineries, valid for one or both days of the event.

As always, a mouth-watering selection of dishes, all priced under $25, will be available at each winery. Expect everything from Bahn Mi, pizzas, and cheese platters to classic Italian dishes and hearty burgers. Most wineries will also offer options for kids and those with special dietary requirements.

Wine lovers can purchase glasses and bottles throughout the festival, and there will be plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, including petting zoos, live music, classic car displays, lawn games, and even frozen cocktails! Exclusive Shedfest cellar-door specials will also be available for this weekend only.

Gather your friends, family, and even your dogs (many venues are dog-friendly!) for a fun and affordable weekend exploring boutique, family-owned wineries.

Tickets are on sale now at shedfest.com.au.

Use the code “EARLYBIRD” for 10 per cent off until the end of September.

Grab a group of friends and head to the Yarra Valley for delicious food and wine pairings. (Supplied) The wineries offer dog friendly venues and picnic spaces, so pull up a rug and relax.

Taste the best of the boutique Yarra Valley wineries.

NEWS Giving love and a home

By Mikayla van Loon

Three decades and countless hours of support, guidance and family has been at the centre of a Mount Evelyn couple’s desire to give as many children as possible an experience of a loving, happy home.

Janine and Ian have been foster carers with Anglicare Victoria for 32 years, providing a much needed home to young people at perhaps the most vulnerable time in their lives.

As a teacher, Janine said she always loved being around children and even after they had three of their own, both her and Ian felt they could still share more love.

“When our youngest started kinder, I realised that our three children were growing up so fast,” she said.

“So we looked into foster care then, and I was just really keen to share what our family had. We had three amazing kids, they were doing well, who were lucky enough to be in a happy family.

“And I just thought, ‘well, there are kids out there who need a happy family, and if we can provide that for a while, then why not do it?’”

Expecting to only be foster carers for five or 10 years while their children were young and at school, Janine said that “just started us on the road, and we’ve never really stopped”.

While of course the satisfaction of being able to give children a sense of respite was one of the main reasons Ian and Janine kept going, Ian said it was also incredibly rewarding to see the parents start fresh and build a new life.

“We’ve had some very positive experiences where our kids were in situations where they thought they were never going to return to their parents, and us being able to tide them over till their parents could get back on their feet,” he said.

“In some cases, the parents amazed us the extent to which they were able to resist the momentum of the system that would have ended up with their kids in care permanently.

“To be able to provide that bridge for them, to be able to get back on their feet, get their lives together, we’ve just been so proud to see some of these parents fight their way back and now have solid lives again.”

The aim of Anglicare Victoria’s foster care program is reunification with a child’s biological parents but when that’s not possible options of permanent care are considered.

Over the years, Janine and Ian have offered this to a small number of children who started in their care, some who they have officially adopted and others who as adults have sought them out and now just as much part of their family.

“There are some circumstances which meant that these children couldn’t go home. We weren’t quite expecting that, so we’ve had to make a decision sometimes to keep these children permanently,” Janine said.

“So some of the children ended up growing up in our family, and so now we have a much bigger family than when we started, and that was satisfying too.

“One young person has just come back to us as a young adult. We’ve stayed in contact with her ever since she left our care as a two year old. She thinks of me as mum, and she’s part of our family and that’s what’s important for her.

“If she didn’t have us, she wouldn’t have that family context, and she would be out there on her own.”

When they couldn’t offer full time care, Janine said as a family they worked with the child and Anglicare Victoria to find the right fit for permanent placement.

“We’re not superheroes. We’ve had a few kids where we simply couldn’t cope, who couldn’t work in our family, some of the alternatives for those kids are ending up in a residential unit, which can be pretty rough,” Ian added.

“But at least one or two of the kids have ended up moving from our family into families where they could grow up and all credit to those people

that they were able to take on an extremely demanding child and see it through.”

Anglicare Victoria eastern out-of-home-care program manager Tarni Haywood said across the eastern suburbs a reduction in foster carers because of external impacts has been noticed.

“We have seen a downturn in people applying to be carers pretty much since Covid and the cost of living, these are all things that have really impacted people’s availability and their capacity to assist,” she said.

“A lot of people are working from home, or they’ve had adult children return, so they don’t necessarily have that space.”

Tarni said while there has always been a need for more foster carers, that need is particularly strong at the moment, from respite to long term care.

“We have a big need for emergency care. So that could be up to three weeks but it could be for a single night,” she said.

“We work with carers to match what their availability is, to match what they can offer. We have children who are in placement and their carers need a break so respite care can be to support the broader community, but it also can be used to support internal placements.”

Other options include babysitting, transport support or daytime support with volunteers cur-

Social media age cap discussion

By Gabriella Vukman

Discussion surrounding a new age cap for social media has erupted since the Albanese Government’s announcement on Tuesday 10 September.

The proposed legislation is scheduled to be discussed later this year.

Running off the back of South Australian Premier Peter Malinuaska’s drive to disallow children under the age of 14 from using social media, an age limit for the proposed federal legislation has not yet been decided.

In response to growing concerns for Australia’s youth, this proposed social media cap aims to address children’s mental health, reduce social harm and promote real world experience.

In a government-issued media release on the Prime Minister’s official website, Prime Minister Albanese said, “We know social media is causing social harm, and it is taking kids away from real friends and real experiences.”

“Australian young people deserve better and I stand with them and with all Australian parents in protecting our kids. The safety and mental and physical health of our young people is paramount,” he said.

“We’re supporting parents and keeping kids safe by taking this action, because enough is enough.”

The legislation will be informed by a $6.5 million age assurance trial in which various

implementation approaches for the policy will be tested.

Having opposed legislation for a trial of age verification technology in November, the Federal Government has announced that the age limit for the social media ban will not be determined until its trial of age verification technology has concluded.

“I believe it is important we have safeguards around social media use. Having a legislated age limit will give parents more authority to say no and enforce healthy boundaries for their children,” Casey MP Aaron Violi said.

“As a father, it is important to me that we do everything we can to keep our children safe from online harm.

“Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have age limits of 13 – but we know children are getting on these platforms much younger to the detriment of their own mental health. The time for relying on tech companies to enforce age limits is over.”

The age cap legislation has been informed by several reports such as a 276-page document by former High Court chief justice Robert French that posits methods through which social media companies can be made to receive consent from parents for users under the age of 16.

A submission on social media by the mental health organisations Beyond Blue, ReachOut and Black Dog also set out a variety of recommendations for new policy.

rently filling some of these care needs.

Some of the harder demographics to place in care, Tarni said, are sibling groups and children with disability of all degrees.

“Especially groups of three adolescents, is it always an area that we’re really keen to broaden our carer pool for,” she said.

“There’s a high representation of disability in children and young people that come into care, and that’s quite a broad range of disability. So children with even just learning needs and things like that, that can be quite a big representation as well that we’re seeing.”

Ensuring that foster care worked for their family, Janine and Ian said the support of Anglicare Victoria to offer different forms of care over the years helped an incredible amount.

Tarni said when families can make foster care suitable for them, not only does it provide a better outcome to young people but it means the success rate of carers staying in the system is higher.

“Some people make a career of it, and that’s fantastic, but equally fantastic is if someone provides care for five years,” she said.

“In the case of Janine and Ian, they’ve worked it around their family. The children they’ve taken into their care have really been considered as good matches with where their family is at over the years.

“That has been the key to success for people that make fostering a very long term commitment is that they work with where they’re at and where their family’s at as well.”

Janine said not only has the experience of foster care provided many young people with a home but it has taught her own children “to be humble and empathetic and understanding of how people end up in circumstances beyond their control”.

As words of encouragement to anyone out there thinking about becoming a foster carer, Janine said her search for happiness came in the form of purpose, in giving hope and home to others.

“I would say that if you enjoy having children in your life, in any capacity, and you feel that you have something to offer, even one child, give it a go,” Janine said.

“I just feel that I’m a different person for having these kids in my life. I just think life would have been really boring if I hadn’t become a foster carer and had these extra children in my life.

“During this time, I think I’ve learned a lot about myself, about the sort of person I am and can be, and if nothing else, I’ve just made such a difference to these kids. There’s no doubt about that.”

These included policies that compel social media platforms to work according to safety-bydesign principles, transparency and user control in terms of algorithms, co-designed policy measures, verification of health content on platforms and funding for more research into the links between social media and mental health.

“Never before has a generation had a concerning volume of sexually explicit, violent and age-inappropriate content at their fingertips,” Mr Violi said.

“In Parliament, I helped establish the Parliamentary Friends of Youth Mental health to address the increase in poor mental health among young people. Through this work, I have seen countless research that shows social media use releases dopamine, which leads to addiction.

“From there we see a range of negative flowon effects like poor body image, comparison, validation seeking, neglecting real life activities, concentration impairment and disturbed sleep, among others. That’s why the Coalition is committed to introducing age verification to protect our kids online.”

Despite worries surrounding the impacts of social media on mental health, some experts fear that a ban may have negative effects on Australia’s youth.

Researcher at the University of Melbourne’s Orygen Centre for Youth Mental Health and PhD Candidate at Monash University Charlie Cooper is concerned about the ability for the proposed social media age cap to cut off important mental health support avenues.

“Social media can play a really important role for young people and if we can harness the benefits and minimise the harms, there is potential to use these platforms for good,” Mr Cooper said.

“We know that young people are using social media in helpful ways to engage with mental health-related help seeking or suicide prevention material that is educational in nature.

“We know that for many young people, the first step to accessing the mental health system, particularly at the moment when the system is completely overstretched and there are long waitlists, many young people are turning to social media because they can’t access face to face or professional support.”

Mr Cooper also emphasised that it is important to look at context and understand that social media is one contributor among an array of factors that affect youth mental health.

“It is important to keep in mind that social media is a context where really positive things happen,” Mr Cooper said.

“There are so many social trends that are impacting the mental health of young people such as the cost of living crisis, intergenerational inequality, employment insecurity, climate change and housing affordability, it’s important that we don’t look at social media in isolation.

“All of these things together with social media are having an impact on young people’s social wellbeing.”

Mount Evelyn couple Janine and Ian have been foster carers for over 30 years. (Supplied)

RIVER FOLK FESTIVAL 2024

Thrilling lineup for festival

The River Folk Festival is returning soon to Warburton for its 2024 edition with an exciting new lineup.

Director Sam Watson said they’re really thrilled to bring The River Folk Festival back to the Upper Yarra for another year - and feel very lucky to be in a position to do so, given the current climate for live music events and festivals.

“We absolutely love the lineup this year - we’re bringing some incredible acts to Warburton for the event,” he said.

“Five years is a huge milestone for us, and although 2024 is our fifth edition, it feels like we’ve been doing this for a lot longer (having missed 2 years between 2020 and 2021) - and it’s been an incredible experience: to bring a Festival into a small town in 2018 and watch it grow and flourish with amazing support from our community has been so rewarding.”

This year’s lineup features a great breadth of styles and backgrounds - including the Jimi Hendrix of kora, Gambian musician Amadou Suso; exotic and award-winning French-Balkan inspired Brisbane ensemble MZAZA; proud Ngiyampaa man and First Nations singer-songwriter Pirritu; high-energy, four-piece Australian Celtic group Austral; stirring and heartfelt New Zealand/Melbourne storyteller and songwriter Kerryn Fields, alongside a host of local and regional highlights.

Mr Watson said they’re very lucky in Warburton to have a wonderful community of creatives who value artistic expression and really support live events - and he thinks that’s absolutely the key to the growth and momentum of The River Folk Festival into an annual feature for the Yarra Valley.

“Without such support from the community as patrons, volunteers, artists, and of course local business sponsors, the Festival would have struggled through the last few years, it’s so clear

that the Festival is really valued and cherished by locals, and we’ve seen this especially so lately, where, despite the rising costs of living, we have still seen record attendance at our River Folk Sessions events - our 1-night taster events that showcase a bit of River Folk flavour throughout the year,” he said.

“This is a significant milestone for us in itself - to have an audience waiting for the next River Folk event, knowing that many of them will prioritise attending our shows. this is our measure

of growth and momentum, of the sustainability of the Festival in our community - to be able to bring incredible artists to Warburton from all over Australia and overseas and know that our audience will turn up every time, passionate and attentive and that feels like a huge blessing for us.”

This year’s event also has very exciting collaborations in the works for this year: the River Folk Restrung project, and the Stringmania Finale Concert. Both collaborative projects will involve the presentation of new material at the Festival,

featuring performances unlike any we have presented before. The River Folk Restrung project will present a series of performances from artists on the Festival lineup, backed by a lush string orchestra, scored and conducted by fiddle and harp duo Mickey & Michelle, especially for The River Folk Festival; while the Stringmania Finale Concert will be the culmination performance of the Stringmania Camp held in East Warburton each year, featuring numerous world-class string players alongside a huge string orchestra, playing all manner of folk pieces for strings

Mr Watson said one of the great pleasures of hosting a small folk festival is having such an abundance of incredible acts to choose from.

“The folk music industry in Australia in particular is rich with talented acts, with styles and heritage from all over the world, and it’s a very exciting and rewarding experience to program a festival in this context, he said.

“The integrity and calibre of the artist lineup has always been a focus for us - and rather than program headline acts, we always aim to present a program with depth and variety across multiple venues and spaces, where the strength lies in the program as a collective whole,”

“This creates an event where there is something on offer for everyone - whether you want to dance until late to traditional tunes from all over the world, or sit quietly held in intimate performances from delicate and heartfelt songwriters, or you’re a family with children enjoying activities and the outdoor market.”

2nd Round Weekend Passes + Day Tickets are on sale now at theriverfolkfestival.com

The River Folk Festival 2024 is made possible by the generous support of Creative Australia, Yarra Ranges Council, the Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction, and numerous Yarra Valley local business sponsors.

Charles Maimarosia at the River Folk festival 2023. (Suzanne Phoenix)

Hillcrest raise over $13k

By Mikayla Van Loon and Callum Ludwig

A strong contingent of Hillcrest CFA firefighters have successfully completed the Melbourne Firefighters Stair Climb (MFSC).

This year’s event, which took place on Saturday 7 September, again raised funds for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, Lifeline and the 000 Foundation.

Hillcrest CFA’s 4th Lieutenant Rochelle Poulton said she wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated batteries to her donation drive, whether large or small.

“Given the current climate, I understand that monetary donations can be challenging, which is why the battery drive is such a good idea, many people I knew had car batteries lying around, and once I started advertising, it became evident that the support extended far beyond my immediate circle,” she said.

“The continued support over the years has been something I never would’ve dreamed of, and I am deeply thankful to everyone who has contributed—whether by donating batteries, storing them, or, most importantly, taking them to be recycled (a special thanks to my dad for that),”

“This stair climb is about our commitment to pushing our limits to support and honour the people we work alongside every time we represent CFA.”

Ms Poulton fell just $124 short of her personal fundraising goal of $5000 but was still incredibly pleased by it and the brigade’s overall total of $13,184.

Captain Colin Dickson said for a first stair climb, he wasn’t sure of what to expect for any of it. “As you get closer to the top and the legs are burning more but you keep saying ‘push, push through, keep going’ and exiting the stairwell is unusual as your legs are not expecting to step on an even surface instead of constantly stepping up,” he said.

“Crossing the finish line, feeling hot, very sweaty, tired, exhausted and a little light-headed, it becomes a whirlwind of activity, I liken it to being a race car pulling into the pits, people are there undoing your firefighting helmet, taking your breathing apparatus face mask off, unzipping your structural firefighting jacket, BA set comes off your back, jacket comes off, wet towel around your neck, handed a water bottle, directed over to some chairs and moment to reflect,”

“Then, as you are catching your breath, an opportunity to look around at others who are finishing and recovering from the climb, a chance to congratulate the successful Hillcrest team as we gather at the top, looking out the windows from the 28th floor pleased with the accomplishment and importantly reflecting on those who will benefit from the funds raised.”

Mr Dickson was one of two first-timers taking part in the MFSC from Hillcrest CFA, with the other being firefighter Molly Drane.

Ms Drane said she can’t wait to come back in for MFSC25.

“As this was my first year taking on the climb, I didn’t know what to expect, and I have to say, it was tough, but it didn’t disappoint,” she said.

“Seeing the camaraderie and encouragement from fellow firies before, during and after the climb was incredibly heartening,”

“To see so many people in the one room, geared up and ready to go for such an incredible cause made the challenge worth it.”

The MFSC consists of firefighters climbing 28 floors of the Crown Metropol in Melbourne in full turnout gear, with some even taking on the extra challenge of using breathing apparatus (BA) during the climb.

Firefighter Yiota Carabourniotis said honestly, in all three of her years of doing the stair climb it hasn’t gotten that much easier.

“You think you are ready but once you get to

the bottom of the staircase and look up it’s like this overwhelming thought of ‘Wow it’s a long way to the top’ even though it’s only 28 floors, but the 25 extra kilos of gear definitely make it a massive challenge,” she said.

“This year I was on the (on-air category) meaning that I actually used the BA that I was carrying on my back and I found that to be a much better experience for myself to get to the top with a lot less stops along the way, lots of cardio work to prepare for it is the key.”

This year’s MFSC raised $795,615, smashing the overall goal of $750,000.

Comms Officer Rob Drane said the stair climb is a fantastic way to share the message of mental health.

“It’s something that I’m really passionate about, frontline workers often face intense and

high-stress situations, which can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression and ongoing awareness can help normalise conversations about these issues,” he said.

“Regular discussions about mental health can help establish support systems among colleagues, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation, continuous emphasis on mental health awareness is essential to support frontline workers effectively, ensuring their well-being and enhancing their ability to provide care to the communities we serve.”

“We have the ability to support a great cause and to challenge ourselves every year both physically and mentally to be a better people and to be role models to the wider community through our actions,” 5th Lieutenant Vicki White said.

Next phase of mental health support opens in Lilydale

The Lilydale Mental Health and Wellbeing Local has taken its next step in supporting the community, with the walk-in service now up and running.

Having been operating a free over-thephone service since December last year, the expansion adds to the important work already being delivered to the Lilydale and Yarra Ranges community.

It is part of a network of 15 Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals established following a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

“The Royal Commission made it clear that we needed to make the mental health system more accessible – and with walk-ins now available at the Lilydale Local, it’s now even easier for people in the area to get the support they need,” mental health minister Ingrid Stitt said.

“With cost of living challenges right now, our network of Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are an important free service – there is no barrier to care with no GP referral or Medicare card required.”

Locals provide care and treatment for adults

experiencing mental illness or psychological distress in their community, including those with co-occurring substance use or addiction.

Acting as a ‘front door’ to the mental health and wellbeing system, the service offers a welcoming and inclusive space, staffed by qualified mental health professionals, including peer support workers to cater for the diverse needs of all communities.

The Lilydale Local is operated by Wellways Australia, in partnership with Eastern Health, Inspiro and Oonah Belonging Place, with care delivered face-to-face, and via phone calls, telehealth appointments, community engagement activities and outreach.

Wellways Australia told Star Mail in January the service aims to provide a space and resource for people in the middle of other available services.

“The ‘missing middle’ are people who need more support than they can get from their GP, but do not meet the high threshold for complex care services from a hospital,” a spokesperson said.

“The current waitlists across all mental health services in the region demonstrate the high demand for improved accessibility and coordination of Mental Health Services through a no-wrong door approach where participants can make choices about the type of service they want to receive.”

As a transport hub and local business district, Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino said the Lilydale location will also help provide people

further out with support.

“A walk-in service at the Lilydale Local now makes it easier for residents across the Dandenong Ranges to get that bit of extra care and support when they’re struggling with their mental health in a welcoming and accessible environment,” she said.

Since the first six began operating in October 2022, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals have provided support to more than 10,000 people.

Since the Royal Commission handed down its final report, significant progress has been made with work underway to implement more than 90 per cent of recommendations and more than $6 billion invested in the system over the past three years – the largest investment in mental health in Victoria’s history.

People in the Lilydale and Yarra Ranges community can now access the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local at its interim site 18 Clarke Street, Lilydale for walk-in support, available five days a week.

For more information, please visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mhwlocal

Firefighters across the state scaled the 28 floors of Crown Metropol in full turnout gear for the event.

L-R: Colin Dickson, Vicki White (front), Rochelle Poulton, Molly Drane, Rob Drane and Yiota Carabourniotis. (Supplied)

L-R: Colin Dickson, Yiota Carabourniotis and Vicki White.

The Lilydale Mental Health and Wellbeing Local has established a walk-in service at 18 Clarke Street. (Unsplash)

NEWS

Addressing unauthorised photograph use

I am writing to express my concern regarding the unauthorised use of my photograph in your article titled “Opposers to More National Parks Making Their Voices Heard,” published on 27 August, 2024.

This photograph, for which I hold the copyright, was used without my consent or authorization. As the copyright holder, I have exclusive rights under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) regarding my photographs, including the rights to reproduce and distribute the work.

I previously permitted your paper to use my photographs for another article, “Capturing the Yarra Ranges and Beyond,” published on 18 September, 2022, to promote a presentation I gave to the local community at the Yarra Junction Library on 26 September, 2022.

COMMUNITY DIARY

COMMUNITY DIARY

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Making Food Fun workshop

Making Food Fun helps to get everybody to the table!

Learn some great tips on growing, harvesting and cooking food with younger and older people.

When: Sunday 29 September, 10-11am

Where: Healesville Community Garden, 95 River Street, Healesville (behind the Bowling Club)

Cost: Free (gold coin donation welcome)

RSVP: Email healesvillecg@gmail.com or Facebook: HealesvilleCommunitygarden

Healesville Community Garden is welcoming new members!

Available now:

• Ground plots

• Planter boxes

• Social memberships

For more information: Email healesvillecg@gmail.com

Facebook: HealesvilleCommunitygarden

Healesville Community

Barefoot Bowls

The Healesville Bowling Club is proud to announce that this season, we will have a new name for the original Corporate Bowls Challenge, to now be known as the Community Barefoot Bowls.

The new name is to reach out to all of our community members, including our wonderful Corporate members.

The programme will run from Wednesday night 23 October for six weeks until 6 December.

We have 14 rinks to accommodate two teams on each rink made up of four players per team. Now is your chance to get a team of four together, who can be family members, friends or Corporate people, to take up the challenge and have a great time bowling over the eight week period.

You definitely don’t need experience as our many club members will be there to show you the basics and help you to get started. And you don’t have to bowl in bare feet if you choose not to.

Your bowls will be provided so there is no need to bring anything along except your team. We have a great barbecue happening during the night along with the bar being open for refreshments.

DAYS: Wednesday Nights from 23 October till 6 December

While I appreciated your support in promoting my event, I did not grant permission for the unrestricted use of my photographs beyond that specific event.

I am particularly troubled by the use of my photograph in the context of this article, as it directly contradicts the message I intended to convey with my work: highlighting the importance of preserving endangered forest ecosystems.

Additionally, the article contains factual inaccuracies made by the subject interviewed and includes links to political material that seeks to undermine the work I have been committed to for many years.

Notably, there was no comment published to provide other stakeholder views or perspectives, particularly those advocating for protecting the environment. Using my photograph in this context misrepresents my purpose and conflicts with my values.

Dr Chris Taylor

TIME: from 5pm onwards

CONTACT Effie Laban, efflab@hotmail.com

Phone 0432258493

Teams will fill quickly, so get your team together, give Effie a call and see what a fun night it is to bowl with friends, family or work mates, and at the end of the final night there will be Minor trophies second, third and fourth with the winners receiving the Grand Perpetual Trophy.

Spring Equinox Event in Healeville

A Spring Equinox Event will be held on Saturday 21 September at the Healesville Labyrinth Garden which is located at the Railway Precinct on Healesville-Kinglake Road.

Friends of the Healesville Labyrinth welcome community members to experience a joyous celebration of the delights of spring and to return many times in future for quiet reflection and meditation.

The proceedings will begin at 2pm with an impromptu Spring to Life Tableau.

Children wishing to take part should arrive by 1.45pm to select a winged costume.

Presentations about meanings behind the Aboriginal word Wominjeka and the place of Spring within the seven Aboriginal Seasons will be followed by a reflective walk.

Participants will carry leave as symbols to bring life to a central bare tree.

The following arts workshops from 3 to 5pm will invite participants to deepen their experience of the colour and energy of spring via painting of banners and butterflies, fashioning fabric in creative ways or leaping into action in and around a parachute to perform a butterfly dance.

You may wish to bring your own refreshments. For more information, contact Judy Osbourne on 0457 475 405 or via email, Judyosb777@bigpond.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Let’s look at reconciliation

By Dongyun Kwon

Although it’s been already 100 years since Coranderrk Aboriginal Station officially closed in 1924, Coranderrk’s story and history have still been going on.

Wandoon Estate Aboriginal Corporation (WEAC) has launched a photographic exhibition ‘yalingbuth yalingbu yirramboi yesterday today tomorrow’ at The Memo, Healesville centred around themes of land, education and partnerships, supported by Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.

Guided by the Station’s founding legacy to be self-sufficient and self-governed WEAC has worked to reawaken Coranderrk by employing Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, to care for Country and Culture.

By sharing stories from yalingbuth and where they occurred, WEAC are reclaiming events from an unjust past, to shift the narrative and transform yalingbu into a positive yirramboi.

WEAC director Brooke Wandin said the history of Coranderrk did not end in 1924.

“The stories of Coranderrk continue today through descendants and also by WEAC caring for Country at Coranderrk,” she said.

“The history of Coranderrk is powerful in speaking to the realities and injustices of the past and has an important role in truth-telling both locally and nationally.”

The exhibition will be on display until Sunday 20 October, with free entry.

Ballet dancers leave Healesville in awe

By Dongyun Kwon

Victorian State Ballet (VSB) visited Healesville for the first time on Saturday 31 August.

The team performed a full length version of Swan Lake for about two and a half hours.

VSB managing director and chief choreographer Michelle Sierra said the whole team loved their time performing in Healesville.

“It went really well. It seemed to be very well-received by the lovely audiences there,” she said.

“We always do a meet and greet with the audience after each show we do and that was very well received. People liked to meet the dancers afterwards.

“It was a really wonderful experience and we are going to bring another ballet next year, which is exciting.”

VSB is predominantly a touring company.

The team tours nationwide, going to all states and territories except for West Australia. Every year, they have around 85 shows in their season.

Thirty-six dancers came to The Memo for the performance this time.

Ms Sierra said VSB has dancers who come from all over Australia as well as international dancers.

“The way they enter the company is through an audition,” she said.

“They are already professional accomplished dancers, and they come on contract with us, so it’s like their normal job.”

It was a full length version of Swan Lake for about two and a half hours.

36 dancers came to The Memo for the performance.

Every year, the Victorian State Ballet team has around 85 shows in their season.

Victorian State Ballet (VSB) visited Healesville to perform Swan Lake on Saturday 31 August. (Suzanne Phoenix)

yalingbuth yalingbu yirramboi yesterday today tomorrow. (Sean Paris)

The exhibition will be on display until Sunday 20 October at the Memo, Healesville, with free entry. (Sean Paris)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

From hobby to exhibition

By Dongyun Kwon

A local has added one more title ‘artist’ in his job list.

Yarra Ranges deputy mayor David Eastham, who has spent his whole life in the Yarra Valley, has successfully launched an exhibition Shooting the Black Dog for the entire month of September.

The exhibition showcases his photographic journey as well as his new hobby of painting.  Eastham said the big part of the reason that he put this exhibition on was to prove to himself that he could do it.

“When I first started doing photography a few years ago, I never would have thought that I’d do an exhibition,” he said.

“Hopefully, by putting the exhibition on, people can see that there are options out there to help with mental health, and you just have to find what that thing is for you.

“The other thing is when people come in and look at the images, most of the people see a bit about my story because I’ve got my story written up around, and a lot of the time, it does lead to a conversation around mental health.

“It is important because I think the more people that are talking about mental health, the better.”

In the exhibition, there is a collection of over 30 images and paintings about wildlife and nature.

The photographer said most of them were taken locally but there are some which were taken from overseas.

“A lot are taken from within the Yarra Valley or the Mount Dandenong area,” Eastham said.

“I’ve got a number of images that are from Ireland because my wife is Irish and I go to Ireland quite a fair bit and also images that were taken from a recent trip to Canada over to the Rockies.

“On top of the images, I also have a number of paintings that are inspired by photos that I’ve taken but obviously the colours are a little bit exaggerated from what you’d see out in the wild.”

Eastham’s painting journey started about a

year ago and his passion for wildlife and nature photography has gone over into his paintings.

“I was always interested in painting but hadn’t had the real passion and commitment to get into it,” the artist said.

“About 12 months ago, when I wasn’t feeling that passionate to go out and take photos, I decided to embrace painting and grabbed a bunch of essential materials and started painting.”

The remarkable achiever, not only in his professional career but also in his hobby, has a special behind story regarding the reason he has gotten into photography.

Eastham was in his late 20s with a career rapidly on the rise when he experienced a mental breakdown out of the blue.

Eastham said he started his hobby of photography to deal with his mental breakdown.

“A number of years ago, I had a pretty mental breakdown and ended up with severe depression and anxiety, and I went through the traditional recovery process like medication, regular visits to a psychologist,” he said.

“But after about a year or two of that, for me, I just knew that I wanted to do something else other than just relying on medication and psy-

chologists.

“So I looked into what was beneficial to mental health, and a lot of people and research were pointing towards taking up a hobby and something creative.

The reason Eastham chose photography as a new hobby was because he was inspired by one of his friends who was a good photographer.

“For the first few months, I pretty much just grabbed my camera and I’d walk around in the bush and take photos of wildlife and nature,” the photographer said.

“After a while, I realised my mental health was improving a lot.”

His passion led him to write a book Shooting the Black Dog: How the Art of Photography Can Improve Your Mental Health and Wellbeing, which introduces his own experience coping with mental breakdowns to help people who are struggling as well as provide tips for and raise awareness around preventative measures for mental breakdowns.

“I’ve got a science background, and I started wondering why is it that photography has been so important,” Eastham said.

“I hope my story can serve as a bit of inspiration for people who are struggling.”

Eastham’s exhibition has been held at the Warburton Waterwheel with free entry.

Through his exhibition, the artist would like to share messages with people who are in their dark days at the moment.

Eastham said even though you might be going through some dark days, there can be a light at the end of the tunnel.

“To invest in yourself and put yourself first, if need be, try to find something that inspires you and that you enjoy doing, replenishes your batteries and gives you energy,” he said.

“Make some time for that and prioritise yourself.

“If anyone’s out there thinking of a friend who might be struggling, I’d encourage you to reach out and check in with them.”

David Eastham is inviting locals to his exhibition. (Dongyun Kwon: 431739)

The exhibition showcases Eastham’s photographic journey as well as his new hobby of painting. (431739)

Meet Your Local Principal

Scott Tully Principal

Upper Yarra Secondary College is proud to be a central hub in the beautiful Yarra Valley community. The College is proud of its students and their fantastic achievements both within the College and beyond. We are particularly impressed with the academic successes of our students, all the way up to Year 12, which were celebrated at our mid-year awards ceremonies. The College is currently undertaking a modernisation program of facilities to reflect the innovative teaching and learning occurring within the school and school grounds. It is pleasing to see our students enjoying the beautiful surroundings and activities on offer that supplement high-quality teaching instruction. We are a wonderful school and having recently achieved a positive 4-year review, we are excited for what lies ahead.

I hold the care, safety and well-being of my students as my fundamental responsibility.

I nurture the personal, spiritual and academic growth of the students, encouraging them to be confident, successful, creative and innovative learners.

I believe in close partnership between parents and schools,based on mutual responsibility, respect and trust.

Children will learn, given quality instructions, support and encouragement. Students should receive direct, explicit instruction on behavioural expectations and be acknowledged for appropriate behaviour.

I value opportunities for students to spend time exploring our natural bush setting and participating in camps, excursions and sports activities

I am committed to reconciliation through education and strongly believe that Aboriginal culture, history and spirituality should be at the forefront of Catholic Education.

Ultimately, I am committed to providing students, families and staff with a positive experience at St Joseph’s School.

Being Principal of Woori Yallock is simply the best job in the world. Every day, I’m greeted by wonderful, happy and enthusiastic children. My name is Oliver Thockloth, I joined the Woori Yallock team in 2011 and I am in my 9th year as Principal of the school. Our school is achieving brilliant results at all levels which has made our school very popular and our community very proud of their school. You will notice many things when you visit the school, modern facilities and beautiful grounds. In fact, I think that WYPS has one of the best views of any school in Australia. You will be greeted by our fabulous office staff, then our amazing teachers and our enthusiastic teacher aides. Finally, you will be so impressed with our gorgeous, friendly, and kind children. It is simply a wonderful place to guide and teach children, and to establish strong friendships and relationships.

Healesville Primary School provides a friendly, secure and encouraging environment for our students and community members. We highly value the contribution made by every member of our school community. Our vision is at the core of everything we do. ‘At Healesville Primary School we inspire all students to be curious, creative and engaged lifelong learners. We develop resilient, confident and respectful students who have the necessary skills to be a valuable member of their community.’

The school values of Respect, Community, Confidence and Learning are the foundations of our school. Using these, we have built our School Wide Positive Behaviour program. We pride ourselves on our calm and orderly learning environments, which are engaging and inviting. Our team of professional educators and dedicated support staff take great pride in the standards of both our curriculum and extra-curricula activities. Our curriculum offers a balance of Literacy, Numeracy, Positive Education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Physical Education as well as Creative Arts. Our students further develop their sense of community by participating in Cultural Education, which focuses on the Culture and Traditional Heritage of Healesville. Our students learn the language of the Wurundjeri people. I feel very lucky to be working at such a wonderful school that has the community at its core. Our grounds are spectacular, with numerous outdoor learning environments and plenty of spaces for imaginative play. Our culture is one of high expectations for all leaders, teachers and students. We encourage our students to be the best they can be and to give everything a go.

Nicholas-Boyhan Principal

Tracey Robertson-Smith Principal

Oliver Thockloth Principal

Meet Your Local Principal

We value knowledge across a range of curricular areas by providing rich Literacy and Numeracy

Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Community Studies (History/Geography/Civics and Citizenship/Language (Woiwurrung)) with perspectives of our First Nations People.

Our school values - Respect, Resilience, High Expectations and Collaboration are integrated into all our teaching and learning. Our vision is to develop each child’s social, emotional, and academic growth by nurturing our students to become creative, curious and critical thinkers within an engaging and connected learning environment.

At Yarra Junction we are developing leaders’ one student at a time through our leadership programs and student responsibilities. We value our strong links with our parents and wider community and welcome friends of Yarra Junction Primary School into our learning spaces.

At Yarra Junction we have beautiful grounds that include three playgrounds, adventure, ome & Ninja course an oval, an outdoor netball/basketball court, sports stadium, Memorial garden, Vegetable patch, Yarning Space and Dry river bed garden.

This school has been an extension of my family for over 20 years, I am well and truly engrained here in every aspect. I genuinely feel fortunate to have been a part of the learning journey of so many students both in the role of a teacher and as the Principal.

Gladysdale PS has a wonderful community family feel where everyone is a friend and every works together. Parents, students and teachers work together to ensure that everyone can be the best they can be. Gladysdale offers everything a big school offers with a personal touch.

Gladysdale Primary has an individualised curriculum for all students ensuring the best personal growth in Academic, Social, and Emotional outcomes possible. Literacy and Numeracy along with our Specialist programs of STEM, Art, Physical Education, Auslan, Respectful Relationships, and Performing Arts allow for growth in all academic areas and including Zones of Regulations and our Wellbeing programs this enables us to have Happy Resilient and Confident students.

We also have a secret helper, Rosie our dog who is training to be an Assistance dog!

We really are the Small school with Big Benefits!

With over 15 years’ experience of teaching and leading in both Primary and Secondary settings, it is an honour to be the Principal of such a student-centred school. Warburton Primary School is a vibrant, dynamic and progressive learning community, founded upon our five school values of Respect, Bravery, Personal Best, Integrity and Strength. Students are understood, seen as individuals, and catered for with a richly diverse, engaging, and meaningful curriculum. We have high expectations of our students and staff, cultivating a warm community where students feel safe and are taught to take responsibility for their learning behaviours. Our students are given every support they need to thrive. Student learning is catered for with an expertly differentiated classroom practice and is complimented by rigorous intervention, tutoring and a stimulating high abilities program. In addition to this, we provide an extensive range of opportunities including our flourishing Harvest Cafe kitchen garden program and specialist classes of Art, Physical Education, Music and Auslan. Our transition program allows for a fun and smooth pathway from Kinder to Prep and is complimented by our onsite Platypus Playgroup and long-standing connections with the early childhood centres in the area.

Warburton Primary School’s vision is for every student to have a high-quality, individualised education, centred upon a positive connection to community and nature. We look forward to seeing you for a tour of our beautiful school.

Hoddles

career at Hoddles Creek Primary back in 2002 and I became the Principal of our school in 2018. I am very lucky to be able to have the opportunity to teach in the classroom part time as part of my role as a teaching Principal.

We have such a passionate staff who are incredibly dedicated to the work they

As

we are able to truly offer an individualised learning program for all our students. Together, students and staff set high expectations for achievement, but in a friendly, caring and supportive environment where wellbeing is a major focus.

We offer a warm welcome to anyone who is looking for a caring school with supportive and dedicated staff. Students are welcome to have a “try” at Hoddles anytime! Feel free to call the school on 5967 4282 or drop in anytime for a visit or school tour.

Facebook: Hoddles Creek Primary School Noticeboard

Principal Nathan Van Der Monde

Leanne Timoney Principal

Mrs Lisa Rankin Principal

Tara Jenner Principal

Meet Your Local Principal

I am proud and privileged to be the Principal of Wesburn Primary School. Our motto, We Learn for Life, epitomises the values we place on developing wellrounded students equipped for adult life. All staff are committed to providing the best possible education for every student so that they can reach their full potential. Wellbeing is a key priority for our school community and we welcome parent volunteers and the SRC who influence school directions. The school, including our playgroup and before and after school care staff, maintains a strong relationship with all community stakeholders.

Wesburn Primary School’s ongoing vision is to ensure the highest quality teaching and wellbeing for all students, empowering them to be actively engaged in their learning, to be resilient, reflect our school values, and contribute to the development of the whole school community. Please take the time to visit our school for a tour - you will be most welcome.

Welcome to Seville Primary School, where every child’s journey to success begins! Nestled in the heart of our Seville community, our school is a nurturing haven for young minds to thrive, explore, and achieve their fullest potential.

At Seville Primary School, we believe in a holistic approach to education that combines rigorous academics with character development, fostering well-rounded individuals who are ready to conquer the challenges of the future.

Seville Primary School is a caring community in which every child can thrive. Our dedicated team believe in our students’ abilities and nurture their individual skills, empowering them to be the best they can be. Our close-knit community looks after every person, every day.

At Seville Primary School, children are encouraged to develop their own learning style through our engaging and diverse teaching, and to take ownership of their learning through individual goal setting and student choice. Students love getting their hands dirty in our sustainability program, taking joint responsibility for our extensive vegetable gardens, and learning AUSLAN as our chosen second language as well as weekly PE, Art/Science and Wellbeing lessons, catering for all our students.

I encourage you to have a look at our Facebook page to see the vast amount of engaging activities and events we provide our students. Book a tour to see how we can cater for your child.

I have been proud to be the principal at Don Valley Primary School for the last sixteen years. We have a wonderful caring school community that values kindness, inclusiveness and respect for one another. Over the years as principal here it has been my pleasure to see how children have thrived in our small school setting, where their needs have been clearly seen and met. I value that every teacher knows every child-their strengths, their interests and their challenges so that every child has the opportunity to reach their potential. It’s exciting to see students engaged with their learning and the progress that they can make in a small class setting with individual support from their dedicated teachers and support staff. Our philosophy is that learning should be engaging challenging and fun! I love being part of a small school community, yet being able to provide so many diverse learning experiences and opportunities for our students that includes: challenge based learning, art, music, PE, LOTE, outdoor education, library, public speaking, sustainability, cooking, excursions, leadership and more! It’s also been a source of pride to be able to meet the needs of our immediate community and wider community through our Before School Care, After School Care, Vacation Care and Playgroup programs. Every day that I drive to work I’m reminded of how lucky I am to live and work in such a beautiful location, the Yarra Valley. Quiet, tranquil Don Valley is a very special part of that.

Healesville High School has an outstanding academic record and has been an active and responsible community member, serving Healesville and surrounding districts with distinction since 1961. Our staff members take great pride in ensuring a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students. Our vision for Healesville is that of an exciting learning community where all students are challenged to achieve success and to pursue excellence and our school also prides itself on offering an extensive range of dynamic and engaging academic and extra-curricular programs.

I welcome your interest in Healesville High School and encourage you to contact me to discuss any aspect of school life or to arrange a school tour.

Christopher Dossor - Principal

Mr. Allan Rennick Principal

Anne Stenhouse Principal

Lesley Gunther Principal

Meet Your Local Principal

Our school is a vibrant and caring place of learning. At Launching Place Primary School we know LEARNING is DOING. We challenge our students to be curious and sprint towards their learning goals. As a School-wide Positive Behaviour School with Bronze accreditation our Launchers respect others, exercise care and compassion; and demonstrate responsibility. LPPS is situated in an attractive, natural bushland setting behind the Jadodade Community Park. Our school enrolment is currently 160 students. We are small enough that your child and your family are known by name; and large enough to provide the academic, co-curricular and social opportunities that are so important to your child’s growth and development. Our curriculum is based on the understanding that students learn best through being engaged and active in their learning. We provide a comprehensive and sequential curriculum using our gradual release, ‘I do, we do, you do’ model for teaching and learning. Our highly experienced staff provide a caring and stimulating learning environment for all. Specialist classes in Science, Japanese, the Arts and Physical Education, ensure that all Launchers have the opportunity to learn and excel in subjects of interest. We pride ourselves on the continued academic success of our children as we prepare them to be contributing citizens in our local and wider community. Get in touch and let me show you around our place!

Rod has been a principal for over 39 years, the last eighteen at Millwarra (Millgrove and Warburton East). He is deeply committed to the notion of nurturing the whole school community, students, parents and staff. Rod is always quick to point out that happy children learn better. To this end, student wellbeing is as important to him as the core curriculum areas. Rod is well known for his cheerful disposition and sense of humour. The children at Millwarra call him the singing principal, and he really does have a song for every occasion. More importantly, he knows every student and family well. A father of seven, Rod has a deep understanding of the challenges facing mums and dads as they raise kids in an increasingly challenging world.

His staff will tell you that he is a compassionate and dedicated educational leader.

Millwarra Primary School

Millgrove Campus

Cavanagh Road, Millgrove

Ph: 5966 2518

millwarra.ps@education.vic.gov.au

I am indeed privileged to be the Principal of Toolangi Primary School and increasingly proud of our incredible students and supportive school community. Our learning spaces and grounds are spectacular. TPS has a proud tradition of teaching and learning that spans over 100 years. Our school motto is ‘Every child by Name and Need’ which prioritises the individual strengths, needs and interests of every child. Our values of Respect, Integrity, Responsibility and Understanding are practiced daily within our school community. Our vision is to cultivate curious and innovative young minds, to encourage a life-long passion for learning through the promotion of academic excellence, communication skills and creativity. Every day we engage in individualised teaching and learning in a beautiful natural environment that enables us to maximise the academic achievement and wellbeing of every student. Our core business of English and Mathematics remains our priority supported by a wide range of learning within our Guided Inquiry, Science, Kitchen Garden, Physical Education, The Arts, and our Japanese languages programs. We have a strong community connection and recognise the important partnership between community, school, and students. We encourage you to look at our Facebook page to view many of our programs, activities, and school events. If you would like more information about Toolangi PS, please contact us via our website at www.toolangips.vic.edu.au or call us on 5962 9255.

Warburton East Campus

Woods Point Road, East Warburton

Ph: 5966 2065

millwarra.ps.warburton@education.vic.gov.au

Mick Corr is the Principal of Chum Creek Primary School.

“The students, families, staff and supportive community of Chum Creek Primary School all make my job a very rewarding one. I love the relaxed atmosphere we encourage and enjoy the close interaction with our students and their families”. Chum Creek Primary School’s values are represented by the 3 R’s of Resilience, Respect and Ready To Learn. “Our school prides itself on supporting the development of the ‘whole’ child. As well as helping our students do their best academically we also vigorously pursue an agenda of wellbeing as well as a range of artistic and environmental endeavours. We love our school’s rural environment, and past students have fond memories of building cubbies and playing in the native bushland of our schoolgrounds. Established in 1897, this year marks Chum Creek Primary School’s 126th year as an integral part of the Chum Creek and Healesville West communities, a tradition we expect will continue long into the future. Our small school community is close and supportive and we are often visited by past students and families who remember our school fondly”. Call anytime for a chat or to arrange a tour.

Rod Barnard Principal

Michael Corr Principal

Laura Caddy Principal

Sally Herbert Principal

Working for Casey From my From

We live in such a strong community here in Casey. Like all communities, we face our challenges, but our history of collaboration gives me confidence that we can build an even stronger future for our region.Over the past two years, I have spent countless hours doorknocking, calling, and meeting with residents to hear what matters most to you. From these conversations, I know locals are fed up with poor local roads. Labor ripped funding from our community that impacted over 450 roads that were due to be sealed.

This program was initially funded under the former Liberal Government, and I have spent the past two years advocating for that funding to be reinstated. We have already shown Labor that we won’t accept their cuts to local road projects.

Our community advocacy saved the Maroondah Highway and Killara Road intersection upgrade and the Montrose roundabout upgrade from Labor’s chopping block.

Burrinja Theatre

Kate Miller-Heidke Catching Diamonds Tour 2024.

Kate Miller-Heidke is an award -winning singer-songwriter who traverses the worlds of folk pop, opera and musical theatre.

my

desk

Federal Member for Casey

I’m not going to back down until we get the safer, sealed roads we deserve here in Casey.

Another issue I hear from locals is the need for better health and mental health services. Last week was R U OK Day, but the reality is, many people in our community aren’t OK.

Labor’s decision to slash Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions from 20 to just 10 has left many people without adequate support.

I am proud that the Liberals are committed to reinstating the full 20 sessions so all Australians can get the support they deserve.

We also have a plan to attract more GPs. Our plan is about getting more GPs out into rural and regional areas like Casey.

When I was at Kallista Market last weekend, it was evident locals also want to see improved telecommunications.The former Coalition government funded and delivered towers across the Yarra Ranges in East Warburton, McMahons Creek, Reefton, Mt Evelyn, Steels Creek, and two in Chum Creek. I also committed to towers in Silvan and Menzies Creek at the last election, which are in planning stages.

Connectivity is above politics – it’s about saving lives in emergencies. .

As always, if there is anything I can assist with, please do not hesitate to get in touch at Aaron.Violi.

MP@aph.gov.au

Local entertainments well worth seeing Kemp’s curtain call

She has performed on stages as varied as the Grannd Ole Opry in Nashville, Coachella, the New York Metropolitan Opera, the Eurovision Song Contest, the Sydney Opera house and the Roebuck Bay Hotel Broome.

And now after long months locked away writing sings, she’s hitting the road to play in dozens of beautiful theatres around Australia.

Kate will be playing her greatest hits and most beloved pop songs as well as performing tracks from her original musicals Muriel’s Wedding the Musical and the new Bananaland, some unexpected covers, taking requests, and telling stories from across her varied career.

Excitingly she’ll be debuting new material from her forthcoming 6th studio album, which will dive deep into the genre of folk.

Season: Saturday 21 September. At 7.30pm. 1812 Theatre

The Laramie Project

Matthew Shepard, an openly gay college student was tied to a fence post and brutally murdered in a prairie outside Laramie, Wyoming in 1998 because if his sexually identity.

Shepard’s murder is one of the most wellknown hate crimes in recent American history.

For The Laramie Project the Tectonic Theatre Project travelled to Laramie just four weeks after Shepard’s death, with the intent of creating a theatrical portrait of a town coming to grips with hate-fuelled violence. Over the course of a year and a half, the group interviewed over 299 people, collecting a wide array of different perspective on the crime.

The dialogue and monologue that comprise The Laramie Project are taken from these interviews, along with news reports, courtroom transcripts, and journal entries.

Season: 3 – 26 October. Bookings: 9758 3964. Nova Music Theatre

Brigadoon

The story is one of fantasy, hoe faith, love and destiny. Teo Americans on a hunting trip to Scotland find themselves lost in the forest.

They hear singing from a nearby village which is not shown on their map.

They find the village of Brigadoon only after a while to find why it is not on the map. It only appears for one day every century.

They attend the fair and are amazed to see the dancing, singing and all that goes on in a Scottish fair.

The dancing and singing certainly stirred up the audience and your reviewer suspects that there were many Scotsmen and or of Scottish descent in the audience.

Tommy, the American, was played by Joshua Houston. An excellent performer not only a good actor but an accomplished singer.

His scenes with Fiona were a delight. Fiona, the girl who fell in love with Tommy was played by Rafaela Cleeve Gerkens.

A wonderful performance in acting plus the joy of a delightful voice on singing.

A wedding was planned for the evening and the bridegroom , Charlie Dalrymple was played by Matt Jakowenko who gave a stirling performance both as an actor and singer.

The Bride for Charlie was Jean MacLaren, a lovely actor and a great singer.

Tommy’s friend Jeff was portrayed by Toby Thornton.

A good balance to Joshua and a positive performance.

A very large cast which included Scottish Highland Dancers, Isla MacDonald, Aysha Ordenes, Lily Rakete, and Tristan Wainwright.

As professional highland dancers they certainly added to the production.

A wonderful evening of theatre and Nova Music theatre are to be congratulated for bringing such a high standard of theatre to the local stge.

Victorian Opera Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. A story of a barber who was sent to Botany Bay by a judge who wanted his young wife.

He escaped and returned to England to get his revenge.

It was certainly a change to see a musical sung by opera singers.

Sweeney Todd was portrayed by Ben Mingay, an excellent performance both in acting with the qualities of a bass-baritone adding to the feel of such a character. Mrs Lovatt, his partner in crime, was played by Antoinette Halloran.

Halloran was a great partner to Mingay and gave a great performance in the role. Also, her wonderful voice added to the production.

Anthony Hope, Sweeney’s young friend who saved him from the sea, was played by Lachlan Lawton.

A great performance not only in acting but also a good voice. His future wife and daughter if Sweeney Todd, Joahnna, was played by Pntabona whose combined voices had no trouble in singing the most difficult piece.

The evil judge Turpin was given an outstanding performance by Adrian Tamburinin. Very good acting, with a voice filled with menace.

The beadle played by Kanen Breen came across as the evil sidekick to Judge Turpin.

A show not to be missed but only suitable for adults as it covers gruesome murders, ana asylum with e inmates, violence, and cannibalism.

Speaking of a great movie

Speak No Evil

Starring James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis and Aisling Franciosi MA15+

4.5/5

Speak No Evil is a supremely suspenseful psychological horror film based on a 2022 Danish film of the same name.

While on vacation, Louise (Mackenzie Davis), her husband Ben (Scoot McNairy) and their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler) come to stay at the country estate of their new friends Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), but their stay soon turns sinister.

Speak No Evil is a riveting slow-burn: you share the guest family’s unease around their intense, subtly off hosts, and this unease steadily evolves into dread through a string of pushed boundaries, microaggressions and cleverly-planted clues.

McAvoy joins Josh Hartnett from Trap with another disturbing portrayal of an affable family man with rage seething beneath the surface (and just as Chris Pine based his character in Don’t Worry Darling on Jordan Peterson, McAvoy based his persona in Speak No Evil on professional misogynist Andrew Tate).

Speak No Evil explores domineering masculinity and how women are often pressured to put up with bad situations. Davis is a figure of warmth and steely common sense as Louise, Ben ignores or even leans into Paddy’s inappropriate behaviour, and Franciosi is like the dark version of a pick-me girl as Ciara: playing along with Paddy to survive. Lefler and Dan Hough both deliver remarkable performances as the respective couples’ children.

Speak No Evil has beautiful rural cinematography, an eerie score and builds to an incredibly stressful final act, which has some brilliant misdirects and shades of Straw Dogs and especially The Shining.

Speaking of cinematography, Speak No Evil holds the camera refreshingly still and steady, which is rare in modern cinema.

A clever, superbly-paced characterdriven horror film, Speak No Evil is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

Lizzie James is the Regional Literacy Officer at Your Library (formerly Eastern Regional Libraries).

Here is her introduction to the “Leap into Literacy” program for adults who would like support with reading, writing or numeracy.

Leap into literacy at libraries PASSION FOR PROSE

In partnership with Ferntree Gully-based Mountain District Learning Centre, the “Leap into Literacy” program trains volunteers in various aspects of adult learning and literacy.

Each volunteer is then matched with an adult learner, and they meet for an hour each week to work on the learner’s specific foundational literacy goals.

“We don’t have a set curriculum or prescribe to any set literacy educational theories,” James said.

“The program is completely free, and we don’t have any requirements for learners (e.g. visa status) other than the desire to improve their foundational literacy.”

As James explains, the 1:1 tutoring program aims to help adult learners reach “functionally literate”, which means “they can read and write

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

to cope with everyday life, including completing forms, understanding train timetables, helping their young children with their school reading, etc”.

James cites the OECD’s Program for the International Assessment for Adult Competencies (PIAAC).

For Your Library’s other literacy support service, see: yourlibrary.com.au/literacy-supportservices/

CARTOON

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN Go wild and visit the zoo

On a stunning 12 ha property with sweeping views to Mt Buller and beyond is a very special place where Dr Doolittle dreams of talking to the animals regularly come true.

A fabulous day out for the whole family, and one of the best kept secrets of Victoria’s High Country, the Mansfield Zoo is home to all kinds of Australian and exotic animals.

Once inside the gates, discover a surprising and magical place where kids can interact with and hand feed a large variety of animals like the kangaroos and deer and guinea pigs that roam freely.

The zoo is also home to a colony of Meerkats as well as Marmosets and Capuchin monkeys, llamas and alpacas, wombats, a variety of birds including red tail black cockatoos and peacocks, water buffalo and antelope.

There are also three magnificent African lions, including two, rare white lions (of only 100 in the world!), and visitors of all ages can experience the thrill of being up close to these majestic creatures on a daily feeding tour of these as well as other animals at the zoo.

It’s an ideal place for large family gatherings with lovely, undercover places to picnic and barbecue. And for a truly unique family experience, there are gorgeous campsites to spend the whole night under the stars and literally wake up to the sounds of the jungle.

Mansfield Zoo’s Bronwyn and Dave and their dedicated team welcome visitors every day from 10am to 6pm, except for Christmas Day. It’s a

perfect way to introduce children to the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom in a safe, relaxed and picturesque environment. Come and meet the meerkats at Mansfield Zoo.

Meet the White Fallow Deer on your visit to the zoo. (Supplied)

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Annoyers (5)

4 Settler (9)

9 Formula (7)

10 People who speak (7)

11 One who evens the score (7)

12 Greek conception of afterlife (7)

13 Arrived at a judgement (9)

15 Relating to audio equipment (2-2)

17 Declare to be true (4)

19 Not here (9)

22 Type of paint (7)

25 Wed (7)

26 Paraguayan monetary unit (7)

27 Whenever you like (7)

28 Conglomeration of fabric scraps (9)

29 Hankerings (5)

DOWN

1 Very small amount (8)

2 Irish speakeasy (7)

3 One who makes less progress than others (9)

4 One half of Oxbridge (9)

5 Supple (5)

6 ‘Not on your –!’ (5)

7 Local law enforcer (7)

8 Recommence (6)

14 Go ashore (9)

15 Common greeting question (3,3,3)

16 Indecency (8)

18 Green (7)

20 Preparing writing for publication (7)

21 End a phone call (4,2)

23 Indisposed (5)

24 Egyptian capital (5)

A MARVELLOUS AND MAGICAL MUDBRICK HOME

A MARVELLOUS AND MAGICAL HOME

EXPERIENCE the warmth and tranquillity of country living at 17 Anderson Road, where rustic charm meets modern convenience in this beautifully crafted mudbrick home. Nestled on a generous 4047sqm block, this two-storey sanctuary is a true reflection of timeless design, offering a haven for family life and connection with nature.

As you step inside, the inviting atmosphere is immediately apparent. Soaring ceilings and spacious, open-plan living areas create a welcoming space for family gatherings and quiet moments alike. The heart of the home is the gourmet kitchen, with its rich jarrah benchtop and roomy walk-in pantry, opening into a sunlit living area where loved ones can come together. The use of recycled ironbark timber posts throughout adds a rustic, historic touch that perfectly complements the home’s contemporary style.

With four comfortable bedrooms and a dedicated study, there’s plenty of room for everyone. Two expansive living areas and two bathrooms, along with a handy third toilet, ensure that family life flows with ease. The newly installed ducted reverse cycle heating and cooling system keeps the home cozy

in winter and cool in summer, making it a comfortable retreat year-round.

Step outside, and you’ll find a lush, fully fenced garden—a true sanctuary where fruit trees thrive, and a flourishing veggie patch invites you to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Imagine the kids playing freely, and your pets exploring the open space. The property also features a double carport, separate double garage, and a workshop, offering plenty of space for hobbies, crafts, and storage. Tradespeople will delight with the easy access to the rear yard with plenty of parking areas.

The rear of the property opens to beautiful views, where the serene landscape invites you to pause, relax, and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. Located just a short drive from Healesville, this home offers the perfect blend of peaceful country living and convenient access to all the essentials.

17 Anderson Road isn’t just a house; it’s a place to create memories, a retreat that celebrates the beauty of natural materials, and a rare opportunity to embrace a simpler, more fulfilling way of life. Whether you’re seeking a tree change or a place to build your family’s future, this home is ready to welcome you.

STYLISH, CENTRAL, SPACIOUS AND VIEWS

BOASTING beautiful vista views, a surplus of living space, and a premier position only 500m from Upwey township, this sophisticated family residence offers a truly outstanding lifestyle.

Poised atop a 1,559sqm (approx.) allotment with sealed drive, expansive workshop, covered parking, and impressive outdoor entertaining areas, this unique property has it all.

The interior of this character-filled home is enriched with high ceilings, large windows, polished timber floors, and leadlight accents. The primary level is hugged by wrap-around covered and open decking to make it ideal for entertaining. At its heart of the gorgeous galley kitchen with beautiful benchtops and lovely gas range. Framed by a formal lounge with wood fire and ceiling roses as well as a conservatory-style meals area and versatile dining/sitting room, this is a home you can grow into. Add to this a sprawling upper level living area with French windows to a Juliet balcony that soaks up the spectacular outlooks, and every member of the family

will find their own special place to relax and unwind.

Equally impressive are the 4 bedrooms with built-in robes including the main bedroom with stylish ensuite. The family bathroom features a modern soaking tub and floating vanity and the laundry is generously proportioned. Gas ducted heating, split system heating/cooling, and external blinds ensure comfort in every season.

Designed for discerning buyers who want a precise balance of location and liveablity, this property is a rare find. Treat yourself to a tour today.

Beautiful 1,559sqm (approx.) property with spectacular views

Large character-filled home with wraparound decking

• Versatile living areas including a generous lounge with wood fire

• Gorgeous galley kitchen with quality appliances

- Modern family bathroom, impressive underhouse storage, and large workshop.

HOME FOCUS

EDWARDIAN DELIGHT WITH CHARM

WELCOME to 42 Dammans Road, Warburton

– a stunning Edwardian treasure that seamlessly blends historic elegance with modern comforts. Built in the mid-1940s, this period home has been lovingly recently sensitively renovated including full painting internally & externally and boasts a charming private front and rear gardens – nothing to do but move in and enjoy its old-world charm while offering the conveniences of contemporary living.

Step inside and be captivated by the exquisite details that define this residence. Stained glass windows cast colourful patterns of light, adding a magical touch to every room. Decorative cornices and ceiling roses, wood panelled walls plus 12 foot high ceilings enhance the sense of space and grandeur, while swag and tail drapes create an atmosphere of timeless sophistication.

The unique layout of this home presents versatile living options, perfect for multigenerational families or those seeking a potential B&B opportunity (STCA). The main house features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a beautiful and large dining and separate lounge area with two open fireplaces, and an updated kitchen with new gas/elec range.

The studio showcases provides another separate abode – bedroom, bathroom & kitchenette STCA, an outside courtyard and separate car storage

A further detached building contains a storeroom/home office includes cathedral ceilings an additional bathroom, laundry, & kitchenette STCA.

Take time to review the floor plan and envision how this property can suit of variety of your individual / family needs. Each room tells a story, with spaces that invite you to relax, entertain, and create lasting memories.

The location is just perfect, directly opposite the Yarra River and a short stroll across the bridge to the vibrant Main Street of Warburton. Enjoy relaxing on the front period cast lace verandah while enjoying the private garden setting and listening to the magnificent Yarra River rumble by or on a hot summers day just walk across the road and take a dip.

The property is unique in that it offers

HOME ESSENTIALS

convenient frontage to three different roads and access from three different driveways with car storage in a single garage/ single carport /

large dual carriage driveway . Experience the perfect blend of charm, character, and convenience of 42 Dammans

Road. This Edwardian delight is ready to welcome you home. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of Warburton’s history.

HOME FOCUS

PRISTINE LIFESTYLE PROPERTY ON 22 ACRES

LOCATED on Emerald’s exclusive Paternoster Rd, this expansive country residence set on over 22 acres overlooking wonderful views is sure to impress. Upon arrival, the post and rail fenced driveway with solar lighting will welcome you to the home. Set back from the road, the residence offers complete privacy.

This spacious home has been carefully designed for family living, boasting three separate living zones to cater for formal and informal entertaining. In the heart of the home, the renovated kitchen with adjoining sitting and dining areas is ideal for those who love to host, featuring a huge island bench with Messmate timber top breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, feature splashback and a butler’s pantry. The adjacent spacious lounge area and separate large rumpus room allow everyone to have their own space. The three living areas all face the spectacular valley views and bask in natural light.

There are four generous bedrooms, the master suite boasts a stunning renovated ensuite bathroom and walk in wardrobe. The secondary bedrooms are separately zoned with the family bathroom and all have built in robes. Throughout the homes, picture windows, ornate cornicing and bay windows all add to the country character and charm. For year-round comfort, there is ducted heating throughout and split system A/C. There is also an alarmed double garage under roofline. Entertainers will relish in the outdoor area, the paved gazebo and pool area both relish in the lovely local views and afternoon sun. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view with your friends and family.

If you need room for all the toys and tools, there is fantastic shedding on the property. There is an 11m x 11m 3-bay 6 car high-rise Colorbond barn within easy reach of the home, with concrete floor and power that offers great car accommodation, storage, workshop, potential for a hoist and high enough for wake boat storage. An additional 6.5m x 12.5m shed is currently used for hay and tack storage whilst the third Colorbond shed has a machinery shed and a studio/home office/ teenage retreat.

For the equine enthusiast, the property has electric fences to four oversize paddocks, one with a day box and all with water troughs. Horse riding options also a plenty with a grass arena on the property as well as nearby riding trails and pony clubs. If you (or the kids) prefer

NESTLED near the end of a quiet, no through road, this wonderful family home offers privacy and serenity.

It’s an ideal retreat for those who appreciate space whether for tools, cars, or outdoor toys and a haven for kids who love to explore the outdoors. Enjoy peaceful moments on the deck with a cuppa and a good book.

The home features three generously sized bedrooms and a bright, sunny open plan lounge, family, and meals area that extends

to a spacious outdoor deck. Soak up the Yarra Valley views, breathe in the fresh air, and relish the feeling of living with open farmland and nature around you.

This unique home includes ample off street parking, expansive workspaces, and the flexibility to add a fourth bedroom or home office if needed.

Just a short drive to the shops & schools at Woori Yallock, and great access to local walks and rail trail.

SereneMountainRetreatwithStunningViewsandLushGardens

Thischarminghomeoffers arareopportunityforsomeonetofallinlovewitha tranquilretreat, perfectasa weekendgetawayor apeacefulpermanentresidence.Thehomeboaststhree bedrooms,eachwithpicturesquewindowsthatcapturethebeautyofthesurroundings.The spaciouskitchenisperfectforcookingenthusiasts,featuring alargeoven,dishwasher,andplenty ofcounterspace.Anupdatedfamilybathroom,separatetoilet,anda laundrywithamplestorage completethemainlevel.Downstairs,you’llfind aversatilespace,idealfor ahomeoffice,studio,or hobbyroom,alongwith agenerousworkshopandadditionalstorage.Thestunninggardenswrap aroundthehome,offering apeacefulretreatthatfeelslikeyourownprivatesanctuary.Conveniently located,thisdelightfulhomeofferstheperfectblendofserenityandaccessibility.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068 Inspection: Sat1:00-1:30pm

555HazeldeneRoad,Gladysdale$800,000

25AcresofNatureandLifestyleBliss!

Thisuniqueparcelofvacantlandthathasbeeninthefamilyformanyyearsisnowavailableto purchase.Mostlynaturalbushlandin abeautifulruralenvironmentwithsomeclearedareasthat haverecentlybeenslashed.Idealforthoselookingfor aprivategetawayand achangeofpace, timetoreplacethenoiseofthehustleandbustlewiththesweetsoundsofnatureandtheever changingforest.Offeringultimateprivacywithoutcompromisingon agorgeousmountainoutlook, asecludedentrancemeansyouareinyourownworld.Pleasenote:enteroffRymersRd,andsee signboardfordetails.Anacreagetreasuretocallyourown!

DavidCarroll M 0419539320

MichaelRobinson M 0418505635

Stunning39.3AcreswithFantasticViews PerchedaboveandoverlookingtheWooriYallocktownshipandthesurroundingYarraValleywith fantasticviewstoadmireandenjoythissensationalparceloflandof39.3acres(15.91ha)isa rare find.Quality,clearundulatingpasturewith amultitudeofpossibilities,theold3 bedroomfarmhouse andbungalow/studioareinneedofsomeloveandattentionbutoffera greatplacetostartthebig acreagelifestylethewholefamilywilllove.Substantialsheddingwith alargelockupshedandopen farmmachineryshedwithplentyofoptionsforimprovement. Agreatpropertyoffering asuperb rurallifestyleandconvenientlysituatedjusta shortdistancetolocalschools,shopsandtransportand withtheWarburtontrailjustdowntheroadit’sa greatplacetobe.Acreageofthissizeandlocation closetotownisveryrareandveryhardtofindsomakethemovenow.

DavidCarroll M 0419539320 Inspection: Sat1:30-2:00pm

MichaelRobinson M 0418505635

anda havenforkidswholovetoexploretheoutdoors.Enjoypeacefulmomentsonthedeckwitha cuppaanda goodbook.Thehomefeaturesthreegenerouslysizedbedroomsand abright,sunny openplanlounge,family,andmealsareathatextendsto aspaciousoutdoordeck.Soakupthe YarraValleyviews,breatheinthefreshair,andrelishthefeelingoflivingwithopenfarmlandand naturearoundyou.Thisuniquehomeincludesampleoffstreetparking,expansiveworkspaces,and theflexibilitytoadd afourthbedroomorhomeofficeifneeded.Justa shortdrivetotheshops& schoolsatWooriYallock,andgreataccesstolocalwalksandrailtrail.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

EXQUISITE ENTERTAINER WITH GREAT OUTLOOKS

BY blending sumptuous natural materials, superb attention to detail, and spectacular vista views, this incredible family home is a success in every way. Designed for indooroutdoor living and entertaining in style, this dwelling catapults traditional Hills living to a new level of comfort.

The peaceful no-through road position near Glenfern Valley Bushland Reserve, Upwey and Upper Ferntree Gully transport and schools, and easy freeway access via Wellington Road is just one of the luxuries of living here. The magnificent split level interior features 2 large living areas and an exquisite open plan timber kitchen and meals area all with their own access to covered and open decking with breathtaking outlooks.

The main bedroom with walk-in robe, modern dual sink and dual shower ensuite , and private deck is situated on the lower level alongside the office with custom shelving. Upstairs, 3 spacious family bedrooms are accompanied by another bathroom that features a soaking tub, rain shower and separate powder.

With an extensive list of extra features including curved lounge windows with shade blinds, a retractable awning on the deck, gas ducted heating, and abundant storage, this home offers unparalleled comfort. Guaranteed to be memorable to even the most discerning buyer, this property is a must-see. Plan your viewing today.

• Magnificent split level family home with spectacular views

Several incredible outdoor entertaining areas including a covered alfresco and open decking

• Split-level family room and dining area plus a bright living area with curved windows

• Rich timber kitchen with wall oven, gas cooktop, and inviting island

Private lower level parents’ retreat with walkin robe, luxe ensuite, private deck, and home office with custom shelving

Golfers battle on

By Ron Hottes

The V.V.V’s:

Due to another Club event on that day, the girls did not get out as usual on Monday morning. But, Georgie, Vicki, Deborah and Sally-Anne did head out in the afternoon for ‘a pleasant 9-holes’. Wednesday 11 September, Stableford:

Alan ‘A.J.’ Johnson and Ken ‘K.B.’ Barratt play a lot of golf together but I bet even they have never experienced the type of comp day that panned out on this day. A.J. and K.B. both posted superb scores of 41 points, to easily account for the rest of the field (By 3 points, if you don’t mind). Oh, and they would want it recorded here that they did not mark each other’s cards. K.B. came out on top with the better second nine, but I’m positive that the iconic, legendary A.J. would have accepted the runner-up prize with grace because he would have been so pleased with his good mate’s impressive score( They never argue, you know). Grabbing the third prize, with 38 pleasing points was Steuart Hawke, who also collected a nice NTP on the 3rd. And to round this special day off for K.B. were, not one, but 2 NTPs occurring on the 10th (second shot), and the 15th. Just to keep all the available awards ‘in-house’, A.J. grabbed the NTwP on the 9th. By the way, there were 40+ playing in the field, and some of them at least claimed a ball, as the rundown reached 35. A most unusual day indeed.

Saturday 14 September, Stableford: A small field confronted some mixed conditions, as the Yarra Valley continued to enhance its reputation of providing four seasons in one day. So, a mixed bag also produced a mixed bag of results. But, at the quality end of those results was none other than Aaron Henderson with 37 impressive points. On a day when scoring was difficult, Aaron blitzed the field by 5 points. This meant the consistent David Hatt took home the runnerup voucher by posting 32 points. As no surprise to anyone who played yesterday, balls ran down to 29. And, also no surprise, there were only two

Optus plans to upgrade the telecommunications facilities at the below mentioned address with the addition of new 5G equipment:

126 Pinnacle Lane, Dixons Creek VIC 3775 (RFNSA: 3775002)

The proposed 5G upgrade will consists of:

•Replacement of five (5) existing panel antennas with three (3) new panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);

•Replacement of twelve (12) existing Remote Radio Units (RRUs) with seven (7) new RRUs; •Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment, including a GPS antenna, mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and • Internal works within existing equipment shelter.

Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), the based on the description above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.

In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code 2020 we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal.

Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Vanessa Wan at Service Stream Limited, 0447 240 015, Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Tower B, Level 3, 821 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Wednesday 2 October 2024.

If you would like to know more about the site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3775002.

Warburton golfers will be keen for a return to more pleasant conditions. (File)

NTPs taken home on the day. Dale Horrobin almost ‘split the pin’ with his tee shot on the 9th; plus Hatty grabbed extra balls for his unerringly accurate shot on the 15th (by the way, I would

have given a ball to all those who completed 18 holes, they would have been very damp when they came into the Clubhouse later. Well done gents, all 10 of you).

Riding fun

By Anita Prowse

The Shirley Heights Combined Training Day took place on Saturday, with the following winners:

• CCN3* - Nicolette Rippon riding Koko Opapa,

• CCN2* - Imogen Bergin on Prince Albert

• CCN1* - Jessica Carter on In Armound. In the EVA95 category, Kyle Kroger on Glenowen Game Plan took the prize, followed by Rebekah Italiano on Caladium for EVA80, and Marnie Barrett on Danyiera Park Sapphire for EV65.

Congratulations to all the competitors and the event organisers. Many locals ventured to Kangaroo Ground for a HRCAV Navigation Ride on Saturday, braving lessthan-ideal weather conditions. The following day, the KG Pony Club hosted a Show under much more favourable weather. Kudos to everyone for their support of local clubs and events, Happy Riding Everyone.

Riders braved gloomy conditions for local events. (Supplied)

SPORT

Burras bring back the flag

By Alex Woods

The grand final day was here, and the WarburtonMillgrove Football Netball Club had its A-grade netball and Senior Footy sides in the grand final.

The Netball started at midday, taking on Seville. Just as warm-up started, the rain arrived heavily, with some hail in the mix too. The game started intensely and kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Warby were two goals up at the quarter- time break, but Seville soon caught up, resulting in an even score going into the half-time break. It was a match filled with skill, physicality, and fierce competition for the ball from both teams. Ally and Indi put on a great defensive display, creating turnovers, while the rest of the team worked together to bring the ball down the court for Bianca and Karly to convert into goals. Seville managed to take a 1-goal lead heading into the last quarter, and that’s when the crowd really got into the game. It was goal for goal; Seville would take a modest lead, but the Burras would respond soon after. This pattern continued throughout the quarter until the final siren, resulting in a tied score. Another 5 minutes at each end, to hopefully result in a winner. Again, the crowd picked up, and the game was on. 5 minutes had passed, and it was a straight swap on ends to continue for another 5. Burras secured a lead by a couple

of goals, but Seville soon matched it to make it even again. The scores were tied, and the ball was in the Burras’ end with 10 seconds left. A quick movement by Bianca Daniels in the goal ring, along with some speedy passes from Jessie Hare, set up Bianca for a shot just under the ring with 5 seconds remaining. She made the shot, and as the

siren sounded, the Burras won by 1 goal in overtime. This was a back-to-back-to-back premiership win for the Burras and one of the best netball Grand Finals/or games to witness by both clubs. Senior footy was then on next with a tough game against Healesville. Healesville had secured the win against the Burras’ boys all season,

only winning the first final by 5 points a couple of weeks back. The rain set back in again as the game started, which didn’t help create a good game of footy. The score line was 13-0, Healesville’s way at the quarter-time break. The Burras managed to kick a goal in the second quarter by Tom Marr. Healesville matched them with a goal as well, heading into the halftime break with a score line of 20-8. The third quarter unfolded similarly, with Healesville scoring only 8 points. Warby still had a chance heading into the last quarter, but a new game plan was necessary. The ball ventured down Healesville’s end, which resulted in them securing two behinds and another goal. Burras managed to get the ball into their 50 and have three shots at the goals, but it resulted in them being all points. Healesville changed the game, using their experience and skills to secure themselves another four goals, and the game was ultimately theirs. They were a mature and experienced side, which managed to secure them the win. The final score was 9.9- 63 to 1.511. Although it hurt, the Burras have improved immensely, securing their first final win only a couple of weeks back in 18 years and playing in a Grand Final for the first time for all the team but two players. There was much to be proud of. Onto next year for the club, where the Burras will only get stronger.

Wandin topple Woori in preliminary final match

Wandin has booked its place in the 2024 Outer East Premier Division Seniors Final with a preliminary final win over local rivals Woori Yallock, whose Under 18s were also beaten out in their Grand Final against Mt Evelyn the day prior.

The Dogs will tackle Narre Warren in a repeat of the 2023 decider on Saturday 21 September at the Rob Porter Recreation Reserve in Officer.

Woori Yallock Senior Coach Brendan Donovan said it was disappointing results for the Unders and Seniors this weekend.

“On Sunday, the Officer Reserve looked in perfect condition, with some injury and unavailability the Tigers looked to go a bit quicker, however credit where credit is due, Wandin were just tougher, quicker and made the most of their opportunities,” he said.

“Woori was second to the footy and undisciplined losing field position and not being able to build pressure, there weren’t many highlights [for Woori], however a few of the younger brigade stood out with daring footy.”

“Wandin has earned the right to take on

Narre next week and for Woori, we have a bit of soul-searching to do and to show a willingness to learn from the mistakes.”

It was also the second year running that the two sides met in a preliminary final as well, with

Wandin’s comfortable victory last year setting the stage for their premiership romp over the Magpies last time around.

From Wandin’s point of view, the Leiwyn Jones and Taylor Gibson match-up was always going to be pivotal, and the Wandin full back who had the better of the league’s leading goalkicker, Wandin’s midfield was able to create pressure that impacted the Woori entries but it seemed every time Gibson looked like marking a fist would arrive and the ball would spear away.

After half time, Wandin’s run became too difficult for Woori to contain with the expanses of the Officer ground providing them with room to test the Woori defence and with the likes of Van Duuren, Bruzzese and Jaworski being as efficient as they were it became too difficult to contain.

Final scores Woori Yallock 8.5, 53 defeated by Wandin 15.8, 98. Top Tigers were Baylin Spencer, Jak Ryan, Liam Odea, Oscar Simpson, Joel Smith and Jordan Williams. Top Dogs on the day were Leiwyn Jones, Patty Bruzzese, Aaron Mullett, Harrison van Duuren, Charlie Wood

and Todd Garner.

Woori Yallock’s Under 18 side took on a Mt Evelyn outfit they’d seen mixed results against throughout the year having recorded a draw, a 61-point win, a 26-point win and a 10-point loss (in a qualifying final) against the Rovers outfit in 2024.

“In tough conditions on Saturday, the Under-18s took on Mt Evelyn and in a repeat of the second semi and Mt Evelyn came away with a solid victory,” Donovan said.

“Mt Evelyn was able to settle better and hit the scoreboard, it felt like the young Tigers were chasing the tail. it was a bitter way to finish the year which has been a year of growth and opportunity, with so many of the older boys getting senior opportunities it allowed the young fellas more game time, credit goes to Scott and his coaching crew for a successful year and they will bounce back better next year.”

Final scores Mt Evelyn 7.6, 48 defeated Woori Yallock 5.5, 35. Top Tigers were Archie Spencer, Mason O’Neill, Harvey Smith, Zeke DewhurstSibley, Hamish Murphy and Hunter Ryan.

Healesville are the premiers for this season

By Armin Richter SENIORS

The Division 1 Grand Final between Healesville and Warburton-Millgrove took place on Saturday at Woori Yallock. With a cold front passing through there were intermittent showers and occasional hail as a large crowd assembled. The ground was firm but slippery with the wind favouring the Warburton Highway end.

These two clubs had never met in a Grand Final since the Warburton-Millgrove club was formed in 1967 through the merger of the Warburton Magpies (Black and White) and Millgrove (Blue and White), hence the club colours of black, white and blue. Prior to 1967 there had been numerous Grand Finals between Millgrove, Healesville and Warburton though. The first occasion was in 1914, when Millgrove defeated Healesville, through to 1962 where Healesville defeated Warburton. Healesville’s last premiership had been Division 1 (now Premier Division) in 2016 while Warburton-Millgrove had most recently won Division 2 (now Division 1) in 2006. Both of these proud clubs were looking to win and return to the top flight where they had not competed since before Covid.

Healesville went into the match as favourites, having defeated the Burras three times previously this season, however the margin in the Qualifying Final three weeks ago had been just 5 points.

Division 1 Reserves Grand Final - Belgrave defeated Healesville. (SUPPLIED)

The Bloods had also come to notice this year after recruiting ex-AFL players Levi Greenwood (North Melbourne and Collingwood) and Aaron Edwards (West Coast, North Melbourne and Richmond) which had materially bolstered their side, having finished third last year.

Healesville had first use of the breeze and kicked the only two goals of the opening quarter. It was a tight arm wrestle in the second term as both sides were only able to add one goal each. The Bloods were doing most of the attacking in the third quarter but could register just one goal for their efforts as the Warburton backs held strong in a low scoring affair. For the final quarter the wind died down and the sun came out and with this Healesville put on a clinic, kicking 5.4 to

0.3, and running out convincing winners by 52 points.

Healesville 9.9.63 defeated WarburtonMillgrove 1.5.11

• Best: Healesville - Levi Greenwood, Jason Savage, Liam Daly, Aaron Edwards, Jesse Bates, Nick Mende

• Warburton-Millgrove - Tyson Henry, Tom Barr, Jack Lee, Thomas Baker, Thomas Marr, Ben Pretty

• Goals: Healesville - Aaron Edwards 3, Jason Savage 2, Charlie Warren 1, Max Donegan 1, Dale Senior 1, Luke Potts 1

• Warburton-Millgrove - Thomas Marr

RESERVES

Healesville weren’t to have it all their own way for the day as their Reserves went down to a gutsy Belgrave contingent. Belgrave had lost just once during the home and away season, which was to Healesville, but were then beaten again by the Bloods in the 2nd Semi Final a fortnight ago. The Magpies recovered to get to the big one and handled the greasy conditions better to win the Reserves premiership by 17 points.

Belgrave 5.10.40 def Healesville 3.5.23

• Best: Belgrave - Patrick Beggs, Matthew Crichton, Robbie Bertalli, Daniel Noy, Caiden Bolger, Mark Francis

• Healesville - Ricky Hay, Casey Young, Max Renouf, Tom Campbell, Daniel Ebbels, Michael

Evans

• Goals: Belgrave - Matthew Crichton 2, Daniel Noy 1, Harley McDermott 1, Alex Harvey 1

• Healesville - Rick Hay 2, Kobe Brown 1

UNDER 18s

• The Under 18s Grand Final pitted the top two sides all year against each other. Most of the play was at the end favoured by the wind and it would be the Rovers who would triumph by 13 points.

Mt. Evelyn 7.6.48 def Woori Yallock 5.5.35

• Best: Mt. Evelyn - not named

• Woori Yallock - Archie Spencer, Mason O’Neill, Harvey Smith, Zeke Dewhurst-Sibley, Hamish Murphy, Hunter Ryan

• Goals: Mt. Evelyn - Riley Jones 2, Asher Inaps 1, Brodie Hood 1, Blake Cherry 1, Jace Hamilton 1, Jasper Barry 1

• Woori Yallock - Hunter Ryan 1, Harvey Smith 1, Ronan Taylor 1, Mason O’Neill 1, Jack Freedman 1

NETBALL

Seville has a very strong netball program and made the Grand Finals in each of the Senior grades. The A Grade clash was an instant classic as the match went into overtime to decide a victor. Warburton-Millgrove prevailed by a solitary goal to snatch the premiership. Seville did however collect the other three flags.

Ben Monkhorst kicking a goal for Woori Yallock. (Adam Sykes)

The Burras’ flag-winning A Grade netballers. (Supplied)

Healesville hoist the cup

By Anne-Marie Ebbels

A wintry day greeted the players at Woori Yallock for the grand finals.

The ground was showing the wear and tear with the number of games played over the last few weeks with a few muddy areas.

The cold and wet conditions made ball slippery and challenging for players to keep their feet.

First up the Reserves took on Belgrave.

Healesville got the jump on Belgrave early kicking with the wind going into the first break with a 14-point lead as the hail hit.

Belgrave hit back in the second quarter keeping Healesville scoreless.

Healesville struggled get the ball past half forward to create any scoring shots and Belgrave

went into the half time break with 11-point lead.

A similar story in the third quarter with Healesville unable to get the ball into good scoring positions.

Healesville held Belgrave during the third quarter with the margin 12 points at the final break.

The final quarter proved tough with Healesville once again struggled to get the ball into the forward line to score.

Belgrave made the most of their opportunities to win the game by 17 points.

In the Seniors game, Healesville played Warburton-Millgrove with Healesville getting the early score on the board keeping WarburtonMillgrove scoreless in the first quarter to go into the first break with a 13-point lead.

The rain came in the second quarter with a bit of hail and the temperature dropped as the afternoon progressed.

Healesville continued to dominate the possession with Warburton-Millgrove finding it difficult to find any space to work in.

Healesville didn’t capitalise on the scoreboard with the weight of possession going into half time with a 12-point lead.

The third quarter was like the second quarter with the Healesville having most of the ball and increased their lead to 21 points at three quarter time.

The rain had cleared by the final quarter and Healesville finally started to put the score on the board that had been threatening all game with a five-goal quarter to run out winners by 52 points.

In the lead up to the grand finals the league held their Division 1 awards night with Healesville having five players in both the Men’s and Women’s football teams of the year, top players and the Coach of the Year in the Netball team of the year, Bailey Rutley and Tyler Tweedie, the leading goal kickers in U18s and Reserves respectively and eight players in the top ten in their Best and Fairest counts to cap off a very successful season for the club.

Football

• Senior Men Healesville 63 defeated WarburtonMillgrove 11 Best: L Greenwood, J Savage, L Daly, A Edwards, J Bates, N Mende

• Reserves Men Healesville 23 defeated by Belgrave 40 Best: R Hay, C Young, M Renouf, T Campbell, D Ebbels, M Evans

No regrets as the netballers put their 100 per cent effort

By David Ball

Yarra Glen D Grade started their grand final contest against Seville in pouring rain.

Despite the difficult conditions both sides handled the ball well.

It was a classic contest as the goalers were nailing all the shots and at quarter time the scores were locked at 6 - 6.

As the rain eased in the second quarter the game continued as it had in the first.

Yarra’s goal attack, Steph Gibbs was converting everything whilst Seville were fighting hard, with scores at half time tied at 12-12.

Yarra Glen would continually move out to a two goal lead only to see Seville fight back.

As the pressure increased in the third quarter, Yarra started to rush in attack, turning the ball over to allow Seville to sneak out to a one goal lead at three quarter time.

The Seville defence were locking down on Steph Gibbs and Yarra just couldn’t get the ball into her hands.

The more fancied Seville girls were able to capitalise on the turnovers in Yarra Glen’s front half and went on to win by four goals, Yarra Glen 21 to Seville 25.

Yarra Glen C Grade were also playing Seville in the grand final at Woori Yallock.

The Yarra girls started slowly, missing passes and shots at goal whilst Seville were converting everything to jump out to an early five goal lead.

Late in the quarter the Yarra girls got their game going and in a big momentum shift moved to within one goal at quarter time and took the lead early in the second.

Lauren Bull was providing great intensity as goal attack and the defenders effected a number of quality intercepts.

Seville responded and wrestled their way

back on top and surged to a four goal lead at half time.

The Yarra girls didn’t handle the wet conditions whereas the Blues continued to maintain possession with clever short passes.

As Seville’s lead extended the

seemed to rush their passes and things only got worse as Seville moved out to a nine goal lead at the last break.

With a victory out of reach, the Yarra girls were unable to mount a comeback with Seville going on to take the premiership, 36 to 22.

Yarra girls

The Yarra Glen netballers put in a great season with all teams making the preliminary finals and D and C Grade playing off in the Grand Final. We look forward to taking the next steps in 2025.

Both Yarra Glen C and D Grade lost at the grand final. (File: 342274)

Holding the trophy up.

Healesville Seniors won grandfinal. (Supplied)