Croquet celebrates 130 years
What began as a primarily women’s sport in the 1890s has become an iconic feature of Lilydale, bringing together men and women from across the region to play sport.
Recognising and celebrating this 130 year history on Saturday 19 October, Lilydale Croquet Club’s players, members, past presidents and friends joined in the festivities to mark the occasion.
As one of the oldest croquet clubs in Victoria, the club has undoubtedly seen much change but one thing that has stayed the same - its place at Melba Park.
Star Mail photographer Stewart Chambers was there to capture the celebrations.
To see more, turn to page 10
Mauled roo angst
By Mikayla van Loon
A recent mauling, and subsequent euthanasia, of a kangaroo at Lillydale Lake is a stark reminder of the importance of control and recall for dogs who are off leash.
At around 9.30am on Friday 11 October a walker at the Lake witnessed the attack as two dogs, one said to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the other a whippet, chased a young adult male kangaroo around the off leash dog park.
“Screams were heard from two dog owners trying to unsuccessfully recall their dogs. We
watched two dogs chasing and biting a juvenile male eastern grey kangaroo which had been flushed out of hiding,” the onlooker, who wished to remain anonymous, said.
“After a couple of laps of the dog park, the dogs did not tire and the roo headed over the lake wall into the water. One of the two dogs followed it in and continued to bite it on the jaw. The kangaroo held the dog under the water for several minutes.”
Another person at the Lake was able to wade into the shallow water and separate the dog from the kangaroo but the frightened animal swam
further into the Lake, eventually getting itself caught in reeds.
“We watched the kangaroo swim out to the middle of the lake covered in blood and called Wildlife Victoria.
“[It was] tangled to the point it could not get out, we waited a little over two hours for a volunteer wildlife crew to arrive. At this point the roo had been up to its head in the water, still bleeding.”
Three rescuers from Vets For Compassion, Vicki, Jacob and Jacquie, responded to the Lake, with founder, unpaid chief executive officer and
vet Elaine Ong on Facetime to assess the injuries sustained.
“One of our rescuers, Jacob, got in the water. [The kangaroo] was in such a state of shock that he could be handled easily. Normally a healthy kangaroo would require sedation but he was in such a state of shock that he just allowed Jacob to pick him up and carry him to shore,” Ms Ong said.
“It had a broken jaw, multiple bites everywhere to its face, feet, body, and it was ready to die, I suppose.
Continued page 2
Lilydale Croquet members with Bridget Vallence MP, Kate Patrick (president Croquet Victoria) and Aaron Violi MP celebrate 130 years of the club. Stewart Chambers: 432615)
Roo-cull monitoring queried
By Callum Ludwig
A concerned resident of the Yarra Valley is seeking clarity on the culling of kangaroos, arguing more should be done to monitor harvesters and prevent cruelty against the native icon.
Susan White has been an advocate for the wellbeing of kangaroos for years, including solo protesting on the steps of Victorian parliament.
Ms White said she thinks there should be staff from DEECA (the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action) out monitoring the shooting and harvesting process.
“This has to happen, it’s very important, some of these shooters really should not be in possession of any of these permits, these permits should not be given out like lollies,” she said.
“Not enough investigation and care is taken to make sure they’re going to the right people that want to do the right thing.”
The Yarra Ranges has had its fair share of contentious kangaroo kills in recent memory;
• Save the Kinley Kangas, which would later become the Victorian Kangaroo Alliance, was formed in 2020 after public outcry at the news that a kangaroo population at the Kinley Estate were going to be shot
• Chirnside Park residents reported witnessing a number of dead and injured kangaroos left near the Heritage Golf and Country Club after holding protests to request the club call off a planned cull in 2021
• A Chirnside Park resident discovered the remains of about 20 kangaroos only 500 metres from homes on Victoria Road in December 2021, left behind and not attempted to be buried after an authorised cull
• One kangaroo was dead and another injured after being shot with arrows in Healesville in June 2022
• Five kangaroos were found deceased by a Healesville resident near the Maroondah Highway and Airlie Road intersection in September this year.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said the Victorian Government regulates commercial kangaroo harvesting to balance animal welfare considerations and environmental sustainability.
“Harvesting must be sustainable, humane,
and only undertaken by authorised professional harvesters in accordance with annual quotas set through the Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan and a national code of practice,” they said.
“The Game Management Authority assesses all allegations of illegal behaviour through the Kangaroo Harvesting Program and takes enforcement action where necessary.”
Instances of suspected cruelty by a commercial kangaroo harvester, operating under the Kangaroo Harvesting Program (KHP), are investigated by and should be reported to the Game Management Authority (GMA) by calling 136 186 or by visiting the GMA website via www.gma. vic.gov.au/enforcement/report-illegal-huntingonline.
However, instances of other wildlife crime are investigated by the Conservation Regula-
tor, which is also responsible for the Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) system where land managers can apply for an authorisation to cull and control kangaroos on their own property. If someone suspects wrongdoing of someone who is not a commercial harvester, they can make a report to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 and can remain anonymous if they choose.
Anyone caught hunting or destroying kangaroos without authorisation, either under the KHP or ATCW systems, faces maximum penalties of more than $9,870 and/or six months in jail per charge. These penalties can be increased if offences are identified under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals legislation.
Authorised KHP harvesters can also only operate on private property with the permission of the landowner and the authorisation process in-
cludes imposing strict conditions to prevent cruelty towards kangaroos based on existing animal cruelty legislation which outlaws practices such as wounding, overworking or tormenting, overcrowding, abandonment and poisoning.
In 2024, the kangaroo harvesting quota began at 155,650 before being revised to 142,350, including a final total of 43,900 kangaroos in the Central Harvest Zone which includes the Yarra Ranges. From 2025 to 2028, the Yarra Ranges has been relocated to the Gippsland Harvest Zone.
According to the 2024-2028 Victorian Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan, authorised officers actively monitor compliance by conducting inspections of kangaroos taken by commercial authorisation holders and follow-up reports in cases of non-compliance and by conducting infield audits of harvesters to observe dispatching of kangaroos, both adult and young at foot, to ensure compliance with the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes.
Harvesters competency is validated by ensuring they have a valid firearms proficiency accreditation which includes an accuracy test undertaken every 5 years, have completed a recognised Game Harvester competency program and have an appropriately licenced harvest vehicle with PrimeSafe.
More information on the KHP can be viewed at: dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/vic-kangaroo-harvest-managementplan-2024-28.pdf.
Mauled roo at Lillydale Lake a reminder of dog control
From page 1
“With dogs and cats, we can fix their jaws but with an adult kangaroo, we can’t put them in a hospital cage, they die from stress, so we made the decision to put him to sleep. It was very, very sad for our rescuers.”
Ms Ong said no matter how many times this decision is made, to humanely euthanise an animal, it never gets any easier.
“We do this every day, of course, and it’s very sad. Sometimes it’s rewarding, sometimes it’s sad. I think the public doesn’t understand that it takes a toll on the rescuers and the vets and the nurses, because sometimes you just can’t put them back together,” she said.
Those who witnessed the attack and stayed with the kangaroo said it was a very sad end but it was the best choice for the roo.
“The whole situation was extremely traumatic to those who witnessed the ordeal,” the onlooker said.
Unfortunately in Ms Ong’s line of work, she said these kinds of maulings happen far too often and the message will always be to keep your dog on a leash if they cannot be recalled.
“We see it often enough. These two dogs were at an off leash dog park and they had the right to be there, but the owner was unable to control them. They certainly didn’t come back when called, according to the members of the public,” she said.
“Our message is that if you own dogs and you walk in parts where there are kangaroos, please have them on leash, unless you’re confident your dogs will obey you and recall and come back to you.
“Because two things can happen. Your dog could get attacked by the roo if it is defending itself. That’s for the safety of your own dogs. And if your dog gets attacked, you might end up trying to help your dog and get injured in the process.
“So for everyone’s safety, people have to be
aware, if you’re walking in a park where there’s kangaroos, please have your dogs on leash, or make sure dogs are obedient so they won’t chase.”
Vets For Compassion is a Victorian charity founded in 2016 with volunteers “committed all hours of the day and night to carry out life saving rescues and treatment”.
Ms Ong said the idea initially started in China training vets and nurses to use anaesthetics, perform desexing surgery and administer pain relief mainly in stray dogs and cats.
At a similar time in Victoria, the state was experiencing one of its worst bushfires - Black Saturday in 2009.
Since then, Ms Ong said, Vets For Compassion have been the first responders to every natural disaster including Ballarat’s fires earlier this year, Mallacoota in 2019-20 and the Cape Bridgewater koala massacre after a plantation
owner cleared habitat trees.
On a day to day, the organisation specialises “in capturing animals humanely, particularly large animals, because we have trained people to use dart guns” as well as providing general veterinary advice.
“We do what we can. We help everybody who calls. We have vets who can give vet advice. We have nurses, rescuers,” Ms Ong said.
“The rescuers are very good with animals. They’re good with kangaroos. Some of them specialise in wildlife, others are better with cats and dogs. We also partner with a shelter called Forever Friends where we do desexing surgeries, so I went and desexed 24 puppies.”
The average week will see up to 90 calls for assistance and around 100 desexing surgeries for cats and dogs.
Despite all of this Ms Ong said the charity relies solely on donations and private funding,
with “absolutely zero funding from the government”.
“That’s not enough to keep our organisation alive,” she said.
Between the cost of mileage, dart guns, drugs, medications and cars, Ms Ong said the sustainability of the charity is a constant battle. And as housing and development of road networks continue to encroach on habitat, Ms Ong said the more frequent vets and rescuers are having to respond to freeways or estates to sedate wildlife and relocate them.
“This is 2024 we’ve got volunteers who need help all over the state. We should be helping to somehow find a solution before we push the animals out onto the road and get injured.”
More information about the charity can be found by visiting vetsforcompassion.org
Rescuer Jacob was able to carry the kangaroo to shore. (Morganna Magee)
After assessment by vet Elaine Ong, it was decided the kangaroos injuries were too severe and it was euthanised humanely.
A dead kangaroo in Healesville in September this year. (File)
Susan White protesting in 2022.
Flash floods hit hard
Lilydale copped a major downpour once again seeing multiple roads impacted by flood waters on Friday afternoon.
It was estimated by Lilydale SES that rain fell at 75ml per hour during the afternoon on Friday 18 October, recording a total precipitation of 16.76mm at around 3.20pm.
In total, VICSES received over 650 requests for assistance on Friday as severe thunderstorms led to heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
Calls for emergency assistance included 260 for impacts of flash flooding, 218 for building damage and 115 fallen trees.
Pooling water under the Lilydale Train Station saw water fill the footwell of buses, with access through John/Hardy Street limited because of floods.
Passers-by also highlighted that Lefty’s Barber and Barry Plant Real Estate on Main Street were impacted by the excessive water.
Yarra Valley Soul Cafe on William Street East spoke to 7News after the water had subsided but said the floors would require replacing because of damage possibly forcing the business to close for two weeks to recover.
This is the second time in two years businesses and homes have been severely effected by flash flooding in October, with the last incident requiring months of repairs.
Police were onsite at the roundabout of Beresford and Cave Hill Roads in Lilydale where water peaked.
Further roads impacted included Manchester Road Mooroolbark near the Maroondah Highway intersection, Edward Road Chirnside Park, Nimblefoot Way Lilydale, Morokai Grove Lilydale and Wimbledon Court Mooroolbark.
Reports of Brushy Creek overflowing onto Maroondah Highway in Chirnside Park, outside Officeworks, saw Lilydale SES issue a warning for drivers to take care and expect delays.
Videos of Chirnside Park Shopping Centre showed water dripping from the ceiling.
Residents in Mooroolbark following the downpour and having been hit by flood waters joined the movement of Flood Watch groups.
Photos shared across social media showed the extent of the downpour.
Lilydale man on commercial drug charges
A Lilydale man was among three arrested after $12,000 of 1,4-Butanediol was seized in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
The arrests follow a 14-month investigation led by the Croydon Divisional Response Unit into an alleged drug trafficking ring operating across Lilydale and Mordialloc.
On Wednesday 9 October, Croydon DRU with support from Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit, Special Operations Group, and Dog Squad executed two search warrants in Lilydale and Mordialloc.
Detectives executed a search warrant in Lilydale, where they seized 7.75 litres of 1,4-Butanediol stored in professionally packaged bottles. Other drugs seized include methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, psilocybin and buprenorphine.
A second search warrant was executed at a factory in Mordialloc where detectives located and seized three allegedly stolen passports and other fraudulent documents. Police also seized buprenorphine strips at the address.
A 42-year-old Lilydale man was arrested and charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of 1,4-Butanediol, trafficking methylamphetamine, eight charges for drug possession, possessing proceeds of crime, and failing to stop on police direction. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 25 January 2025.
A 42-year-old Mordialloc man was arrested
and charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of 1,4-Butanediol, trafficking methylamphetamine, failing to appear while on bail, handle stolen goods, and failing to provide information. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 25 January 2025.
Also arrested was a 44-year-old Mordialloc woman who was charged with failing to nomi-
nate driver. She was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates Court on 6 December.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about illicit drug trafficking or criminal activity is urged to call local police or make an anonymous report via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 www.crimestoppersvic. com.au.
IN BRIEF
Failing to stop leads to impound
A 26-year-old Lilydale man is regretting his choices after failing to stop on police direction on Thursday 17 October.
Police observed the rider on Victoria Road travelling at a high rate of speed and riding over a solid white line. As police signalled for him to pull over, he drove through a red light and failed to stop.
Unlucky for him, police knew where he lived and found him in his driveway. His Harley Davison was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1060 and will have a date with a magistrate in relation to numerous offences.
Motorcycle safety
Whether you’re heading to the hills on your motorcycle or planning to explore the bush on a trail bike, the safety messaging is the same:
• Plan your ride, and let people know where you’re headed and when you expect to be there.
• Take note of the weather, be aware of any dangerous driving conditions that may affect your ride.
• All the same road rules apply on forest roads and vehicle tracks, so make sure keep left and ride to the track conditions.
• To ride a motorbike on public land, on or off the road, it must be registered with either full or recreational registration.
For more information on motorcycle safety police.vic.gov.au/motorcycle-safety
Mpox warning
Chief Health Officer Professor Ben Cowie is warning that cases of mpox continue to increase in Victoria and other Australian jurisdictions. This outbreak is now the biggest in Victoria since the first case was reported in May 2022. As of 17 October, 330 mpox cases have been notified in Victoria since April 2024 and there have been 27 hospitalisations.
Mpox has mostly impacted gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), although anyone can be affected. There have now been several cases in females in Victoria and heterosexual transmission has been reported. All sexually active people with compatible symptoms should be tested, regardless of sexual orientation, vaccination status or travel history. Mpox testing can be done in any primary care service (general practitioner) or sexual health clinic.
Symptoms may include lesions or rashes anywhere on the body, including the anogenital area. Other symptoms may include pain on urination (urethritis) or rectal pain, bloody stools and/or diarrhoea (proctitis). General symptoms include fever, chills, tiredness, headache, sore throat, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes. Most people experience mild illness and recover within a few weeks, but severe illness can occur.
A Harley Davidson was impounded by police after a 26-year-old Lilydale man failed to stop. (Victoria Police)
Flooding on Morokai Grove. (Lilydale Flood Watch)
Flooding on Cave Hill Road, near Beresford Road. A four wheel drive manages to drive through it with water up to the door.
A 42-year-old Lilydale man was arrested and charged after a 14-month investigation into an alleged drug trafficking ring. (Victoria Police)
Candidates face questions
By Tanya Steele
Climate change, road maintenance, health services and more - the Mothers of the Hills community (or MotHs as they are more commonly known) hosted an online forum for local voters to question prospective candidates on Sunday 20 October.
Bringing many vital issues to the forefront, the forum aimed to help the community firm up their votes in the upcoming local council election for the Yarra Ranges.
Several candidates confirmed their attendance across the wards and provided locals an opportunity to question them via the online webinar.
“These forums are an opportunity for candidates to connect with residents in their ward and for residents to hear about the issues that matter most to our community,” said MotHs president Belinda Young.
Residents should by now have received their postal ballot packs through the mail.
“There will be a heap of people who will still be waiting to decide who to vote for,” said Ms Young.
“MotHs have conducted online candidate fo-
rums for local and federal elections since 2020.”
“These forums are an opportunity for candidates to connect with residents in their ward and for residents to hear about the issues that matter most to our community.”
Conducted earlier in 2024, Ms Young said MotHs reached out to residents through the Yarra Ranges with a survey which revealed key issues and unrepresented demographics in the community.
“Respondents consistently raised high concerns on climate change, roads and infrastructure,” she said.
“Area-specific concerns also stood out including health services, particularly in the Yarra Valley, long daycare and telecommunications.”
“Surprisingly, 32 per cent of survey respondents identified as neurodiverse or supporting a neurodiverse family member, revealing a potentially large proportion of our community that needs additional support to feel inclusive.”
The survey covered several areas from infrastructure, insurance, and cost of living, to name a few.
“Climate change directly and indirectly im-
pacts Yarra Ranges residents.,” said Ms Young.
“The cascading impacts can be more difficult to identify, but the effect on housing, homelessness, jobs (especially in a tourism economy like ours that is dependent on our amazing natural environment) and family violence are well documented,” she said.
“Knowing where candidates will focus their energy to help our communities mitigate these known impacts will be of key interest.”
Ms Young said MotHs received a number of questions from individuals attending and consolidated them so they can keep to time on the night
“Candidates were split into online rooms to formally introduce themselves to residents in their ward before returning to prevent and discuss key questions,” she said.
On the night candidate Belinda Grooby, running for Chandler Ward spoke on supporting youth, especially teenagers.
“By empowering young people to have meaningful connections with their communities and providing them with a platform to share their insights and opinions on important local issues, we unlock their potential to shape the future they envision,” she said.
“Together, we can create an environment, where their voices drive positive change and inspire a brighter tomorrow.”
Weighing in on climate change and the role of councillors Jeff Marriot, running for Streeton Ward said council needs to think global and act local.
“It is the heart and soul of sustainable living for now and the future. A balance for quality of life with an increase of non-detrimental practices is a huge start that can begin and continue with Councillor support,” he said.
Sigrid Petersen running for Streeton Ward spoke on community in general and said as a candidate for councillor, seh was not there to make lofty promises or push grand policies.
“I’m here to listen. My focus is on the real issues that matter to our community, and I believe that by working together, we can make meaningful, lasting improvements,” she said
The webinar was held online via Zoom on Sunday 20 October.
“We hope that by providing this opportunity we enable Yarra Ranges residents to make a more informed voting decision in the upcoming election,” Ms Young said.
Residents need to post their completed ballot pack before 6pm on Friday 25 October. People may also drop their ballot packs off at the election office located at Silvan Public Hall, 271 Monbulk Road, Silvan before 6pm on Friday 25 October. (File)
NEWS Grooby runs for Chandler
By Callum Ludwig
Ms Grooby has lived in the ward for over 14 years and formed strong connections within local community groups.
Ms Grooby said her long-term commitment to this area has fostered a deep connection with the community.
“I actively participate in local initiatives and organisations, including my roles as a member of MADCOW (Monbulk and District Community Working Group) and the founder of Tribe Monbulk Youth Inc,”she said.
“I am a member of the Institute Of Community Directors, and I’m also very proud to be a member of the working group for the community of practice for Child Safe Standards Victoria with the Commission for Children and Young People, working tirelessly to engage and empower our young people.”
Ms Grooby also holds a Diploma of Community Service and a degree in Leadership from Deakin University and is also completing a Master of Business Administration degree.
Ms Grooby said these have equipped her with valuable skills to serve the community effectively, with a strong understanding of strategy and business management.
“Key issues in our area include enhancing road safety and infrastructure, expanding access to health and support services, addressing drainage issues and promoting housing diversity that facilitates generational living, without
compromising our beautiful environments,” she said.
“If elected, I aim to advocate for better funding for grassroots organisations that provide essential community support, ensuring our community remains inclusive and accessible for all,”
“I hold core beliefs in honesty, integrity, and inclusivity. I value the diverse perspectives within our community and strive to create an environment where every resident feels heard and represented.”
Ms Grooby founded Tribe Monbulk Youth Inc in 2018 to provide opportunities for local kids to socialise outside of school and sport, including recently holding a Youth Art Exhibition called ‘Fafo!’ at Selby Community House in September this year.
Ms Grooby said she is excited about the opportunity to serve Chandler Ward and work alongside residents to create a stronger, more connected community.
“My interest in running for Council stems from my extensive professional experience, and long term volunteering in my community, including work in emergency management and crisis response during significant events like the Victorian floods and recent fire emergencies,” she said.
“I believe I can bring a practical, solutionsoriented approach to local governance, advocating for residents’ needs while fostering collaboration among community members,”
“Together, we can achieve meaningful progress and ensure our ward thrives for generations to come.”
Compulsory voting is closing for Yarra Ranges
The Victorian Electoral Commission is reminding voters in Yarra Ranges Shire Council that they have until 6pm on Friday 25 October to vote in the Yarra Ranges Shire Council election.
“You need to post your completed ballot pack before 6pm on Friday 25 October, noting local clearance times may vary,” electoral commissioner Sven Bluemmel said.
“You can also drop your ballot pack off at the election office located at Silvan Public Hall, 271 Monbulk Road, Silvan before 6pm on Friday 25 October.”
Any voter who still hasn’t received their ballot pack yet should go to vec.vic.gov.au to complete an online replacement ballot pack form.
Extended hours for voters to hand deliver their completed ballot pack apply from 9am to 8pm on Thursday 24 October and 9am to 6pm on Friday 25 October.
Voting is compulsory for voters who were on the state or council roll for this election at 4pm on Wednesday 7 August.
Enrolled voters who don’t vote may be fined.
The local council election postal votes close on 25 October at 6pm. (Victorian Electoral Commission)
The final candidate for Yarra Ranges Council’s Chandler Ward is Monbulk resident Belinda Grooby.
Belinda Grooby. (Supplied)
From paddocks to park
By Mikayla van Loon
Sitting on 10 acres in Lilydale, which was once a paddock filled with pine trees, a caravan park has been transformed into a peaceful destination to stay and visit the region.
Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park, owned and operated by the Wescombe family for 25 years, is a central link to the Upper Yarra, the Yarra Valley and even the Dandenong Ranges.
Having undertaken multiple years of extensions to provide more accommodation options and amenities, the $2.1 million project was completed earlier this year ready for the busy spring and summer season.
Granted $525,000 from the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund to make the project possible, Janette Wescombe said it gave them the confidence to proceed with such a large upgrade.
“We could have completed the cabins, but the amenities building was a very big cost and the grant just enabled us to go in and get it all done in a timely way,” she said.
“Otherwise we might have been going for another 12 months just to build up funds to complete it. It gave us confidence to just get it done.”
Adding an additional 14 cabins, two that are pet friendly, two that are fully accessible and two that replicate an affordable motel-style, Ms Wescombe said it provides more opportunities for people to stay, at a cost they can justify and catering to their individual needs.
“Part of the push for cabins was because of the Warburton Mountain Bike Trail which is a big project happening,” she said.
“We’re hoping we can attract people because 25 cabins now have bike racks where people can put their bikes on to secure them if they’re staying and the other thing is there’s the bike wash and maintenance facilities as well.”
With many of the trails around the Yarra Ranges being redeveloped, including the Yarra Valley Trail, connecting Lilydale, Coldstream, Yarra Glen, and Healesville, with a vision to link with the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail at Seville East and Woori Yallock, Pine Hill Caravan Park will be at the centre of each of these networks.
Catering also to larger groups, the new amenities block has already seen caravan groups, car clubs and Probus clubs come for weekends or longer, using the new function room, camp kitchen and games room.
“We do have a lot of groups, and these facilities have been fabulous for groups. We can leave the function room open for general use, but if there’s groups in, it’s a private function.
“So they’ve got a bit of a kitchen and facilities, and they do utilise it and they really love having it. We’ve got more tables they can put up if they need but they’ve also got all of the outdoor area which leads up to the fire pit and the barbecue.”
Ms Wescombe said the caravan park has also always been popular with family and friend groups coming to the Yarra Valley for a wedding or other function.
“Sometimes we’ll have a wedding group and you have 10 or more cabins booked. So family events have been another one that have made it easy for people to stay in one place and I think the rates, when you compare it to motels or BnBs, are very competitive.”
All cabins are fitted with a king size bed which can be changed into two singles to suit every
stay, with essential cooking equipment creating a comfortable kitchen for easy meal preparation or to enjoy a cup of tea on the balcony listening to nature.
“We’ve had some really good feedback on these cabins being comfortable for people to stay in and to have a bit of space.”
When the Wescombe family began building the caravan park in 2000, Ms Wescombe said there was an immediate need for accommoda-
tion of all kinds, with demand only growing in the region.
Seeing the change from paddocks and pine trees to a beautifully landscaped park over two decades, Ms Wescombe said it feels wonderful to have made it to the completion but the next stage is engaging with people and encouraging them to stay.
to be constantly doing something but now all we have to do is grow things and maintain it and market,” she said.
“So it’s a whole different feeling about where the pressure comes from. We’re very happy the construction side of it is finished and we can get back to our normal every day.
and you seem
“It’s just a whole sense of satisfaction because it has been a lot of work since
“For the next 12 months, two years, it should be a fairly steady routine, hopefully, if people still keep caravanning and camping and staying.”
2020
Beautifully landscaped areas are perfect for group activities or just lounging in the sun. (436766)
Compact but comfortable, the new cabins are set up with all the essentials. (436766)
Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park is located on Warburton Highway, central to the Yarra Valley and Upper Yarra. (436766)
Cabins are fitted with king size beds which can be separated to create two singles. (436766)
The camp kitchen is ready to welcome groups. (436766)The new outdoor recreation room has been fitted with a barbecue and fire pit. (Stewart Chambers: 436766)
Increasing kinder places
By Dongyun Kwon
Although Yarra Ranges Shire was missed in the new plan of opening up new kinders, the State Government has tried to increase the capacity of kinder places across the shire.
On 10 October, the State Government announced 11 more kinders set to open at government schools in 2026 and 2027, delivering 1700 more kinder places, which doesn’t include any part of Yarra Ranges Shire.
The Victorian School Building Authority assesses school sites in areas with significant kinder demand to make sure they are built where they’re most needed and schools’ future needs are also considered.
Building kinders at schools provides many benefits for Victorian families, including making kinder programs easier to access, drop-off time simpler and more convenient, and the transition from kinder to school smoother for children.
A Victorian School Building Authority spokesperson said although Yarra Ranges was missed from the recently released plan, the Victorian Government has invested more than $13 million which has delivered new, refurbished and expanded kinders across Yarra Ranges Shire since 2015.
“This includes Mount Dandenong Preschool, the new Cire Early Years Learning Hub which is an integrated childcare centre in Yarra Junction. In addition to this, Woori Yallock has been confirmed as a future site for a childcare centre,” they said.
“The 11 new kinders announced on 10 October, opening at government schools in 2026 and 2027, are among many new kinder facilities being delivered across the state, with more to come as part of the Best Start, Best Life reforms.
“Hundreds of kinders will be built at schools across Victoria during the next decade, with a kinder being delivered on-site or next door to every new government primary school built since 2021 - making life simpler for families.”
Cire Services opened a new Early Learning and Kindergarten in Yarra Junction in August this year thanks to the $2 million Building Blocks Grants program from the Victorian Government. The centre has provided an additional 34
Community Bank, Mt Evelyn | Montrose – we care!
The Bendigo Community Bank in Mt Evelyn has been supporting the community of Montrose for 22 years – and right now they need our support more than ever.
The Montrose Community Cupboard is working hard to reduce food waste going to landfill, as well as being able to help people in the community access free food regularly. The number of people experiencing food insecurity is growing at an alarming rate and we are so grateful to the Montrose Community Cupboard volunteers for their tireless work in providing a space for people and businesses to donate their excess food so that it is not wasted and benefits others.
“Like many great groups in our community, it is peoplepower at the heart of the operation, with the generosity of volunteers and donations fuelling the pantries, weekly markets and community dinners that the group runs,” said John Stroud, Chair of the Community Bank Mt Evelyn.
spaces across long daycare and integrated kindergarten.
Cire Services marketing, communications and partnerships senior manager AJ Adgemis said Cire Services is grateful to be able to generate additional capacity for local kids.
“Without the grant from the State Government, we wouldn’t have been able to build the centre,” he said.
“So, it’s great to provide that additional opportunity for the community up there and we thank the State Government for allowing and seeing our vision.
“It’s competitive [to take a kinder place] across all centres in the sector at the moment, but we’ve generated additional capacity, which is really fantastic for us.”
Cire Services has worked on building the capacity of kinder places not just through building a new centre but also through increasing the workforce with a new certificate.
Mr Adgemis said Cire Services has finalised the Certificate II Early Childhood Education and Care, which provides a hands-on learning experience to the sector.
“It is difficult to attract and retain early educators to the centre. There are a number of reasons for that, and it’s not too dissimilar to what the whole sector is experiencing with demand for early educators,” he said.
“Through our registered training organisation, we’ve just finalised the Certificate II Early Childhood Education and Care. It utilises virtual reality headsets to give a more interactive learning experience with robot babies which are programmed to mimic real-life situations.
“Students can gain that great understanding of what a career in early learning would look like for them, and once again, that was thanks to a grant through the government.”
By 2032, the Victorian Government will establish 50 state-owned early learning and childcare centres.
Early Learning Victoria will lead the delivery and day-to-day operations of Victoria’s childcare centres.
To apply for enrolment, visit vic.gov.au/earlylearning-victoria
“We wanted to see how we could help, and we have recently provided funds to purchase equipment to help make the jobs of the volunteers easier, including storage cupboards and marquees to keep the food and volunteers protected from the weather.”
Montrose Businesses continue to do it tough with the significant road works impacting access to customers so we are again providing local community members with vouchers that can be redeemed at any participating business in Montrose. Vouchers are valued at $20 and are valid for the first 150 customers who present them. We hope that this cash injection into the business community will go a little way to easing the pain the businesses are facing.
Over the past twenty-two years we have given over $4million back to the Mt Evelyn, Montrose and surrounding communities, making good things like this happen, through grants, donations and sponsorship.
By banking local, your money stays in the community. It’s local banking supporting local people – like the community of Montrose - making good things happen.
If you’re keen to find out more about how your banking can do some good in your community, then give our branch a call, email or drop in and visit our newly refurbished branch. Let’s see how we can help you.
The new Cire Early Years Learning Hub in Yarra Junction. (424532)
NEWS Josh rides for Flying Doc
By Callum Ludwig
A generous young Upper Yarra resident with a passion for bike riding is putting his pedals to good use this month for a worthy cause.
Josh Dowling has joined the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s Oceans to Outback fundraising campaign this October, where supporters all over the country walk, run and ride to raise money for the crucial service.
Josh said he thinks supporting the RFDS is very important and was something he realised after a trip to central Australia.
“People in remote areas don’t have close access to emergency services or hospitals so the RFDS being able to get out to people in need keeps them alive,” he said.
“I feel really good about the idea that it might help to save a life, the funds raised so far have helped to buy 21 laryngoscopes,”
“(In central Australia), you could be driving on a road and see nothing for kilometres, but there could just be a house in the middle of that and someone lives there, but they might need help and there’s no quick way of doing it.”
At the time of writing, Josh has raised $866 through his efforts and has ridden 44km of his 150km goal. He has now raised enough to pay for 22 laryngoscopes.
Josh said he and his parents negotiated 150km with the thought that it was achievable to ride about 5km a day.
“I’m a bit behind my schedule due to a few things but I’m really keen to reach my goal, getting out riding is showing me new places,” he said.
“I love riding my bike a lot and I try to go riding nearly every day, whether I’m doing a challenge or not,”
“I like riding in my street, with friends and neighbours and sometimes stunt riding or doing jumps we have made.”
Josh has found plenty of places to ride so far,
getting rides done close to home, at Lillydale Lake and his longest ride: along the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail from Seville to Yarra Junction which took about two hours.
“I am already thinking about doing it again
next year, I would love to see if others would be interested in joining me,” Josh said. Anyone interested in donating to Josh’s efforts can do so at: oceanstooutback.org.au/fundraisers/joshdowling/oceans-to-outback.
A night in for cancer awareness, support and funds
By Mikayla van Loon
Drawing on her own experience as a nurse but also as someone who lost their mum to breast cancer, Lilydale’s Sheree Bollom hosted her second Girls Night In fundraiser earlier this month.
Bringing women and girls together on Saturday 12 October, Sheree was able to raise over $5600 for the Cancer Council, placing the Together We Can event as the fourth highest fundraiser in Victoria.
First deciding to host a fundraiser in 2019, Sheree said she hopes to continue the tradition every five years to raise awareness not only about cancer itself but the importance of funding, technology, early detection and treatments.
“This ladies night was in support and in memory of those affected by cancer, including people living with cancer, cancer survivors, carers and friends because together we can make a difference,” she said.
“The inspiration and reason for [the event] however, goes beyond my professional nursing career and the drive to educate about cancer screening, statistics and health resources.
“The cause is close to my heart as I lost my precious mum to breast cancer when I was 15 years old. Mum - Denise Manners - it’s now been 22 years since you left us - which seems like a lifetime, I’ll always love and miss you mum.”
The Together We Can event, Sheree said, was an opportunity to gather and remember those lost to cancer and celebrate survivors in a positive space.
“The plan was to lift women up and bring women’s cancers down,” she said.
“We united as women for a worthy cause and it was a fabulous evening with live music, food and drinks, a silent and live auction with some fabulously dressed auctioneers, a health hub with resources, tribute wall, photo booth, on site massages and physio advice and we had the opportunity for reflection during share time.”
With 75 local sponsors getting on board to support the event, from gyms to photographers, cafes to hairdressers, it meant hampers, prizes and vouchers were given to the women in attendance.
Each day, 46 women in Victoria are diagnosed with cancer, adding to the tens of thousands of people diagnosed in the state each year.
“Cancer sucks and the statistics show this. Every year, more than 35,500 Victorians are diagnosed with cancer. The number of cases will increase as our population grows and ages. In Victoria, 32 people die from cancer every day,” Sheree said.
“What is the good news here? Thanks to advanced technology, research and the generosity
of people with fundraisers like this, the rate of women dying from cancer is declining.
“Cancer patients need hope. Raising vital funds for the Cancer Council gives hope. Research gives power to scientists, medical teams, patients and their families.”
While not planning to host another fundraiser until 2029, Sheree said in the meantime,
those eligible should “get screened for breast cancer, cervical cancer and bowel cancer”.
“Know your body and be aware of any changes. If you do notice any changes - take action.
“Love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle. Be happy with the beautiful things that make you, you. And live your best life!”
Friends, family and strangers all came together to celebrate women, raise money and spread the message about getting tested. (Jessica Symes Photography)
Event organiser Sheree Bollom was able to raise a total of $5334 on the night with the final tally reaching $5637.
The Together We Can event in Lilydale brought women together to raise awareness about
It was a fun night of entertainment, prize giveaways and conversation.
Live music kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening.
Josh and his trusty bike have been riding to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. (Supplied)
NEWS Ladies lunch for Legacy
By Mikayla van Loon
It might have been two years in the making but for a group of women whose husbands served in the army or air force, known as Legacy Ladies, it was worth the wait.
Legacy Ladies from the outer east joined five ladies from Lilydale’s Tudor Village for a lunch on Monday 14 October, a chance to meet, mingle and join in conversation.
One Legacy member Wendy Scott, who belongs to the Croydon RSL, said through the organisation of their Legatees, a typical month will see the women go on a trip and have a dedicated meeting.
But the lunch was a chance to expand friendships outside of regular meetings with ladies from fellow Legacy groups across the east.
“There was an opportunity for us to mix with the ladies beforehand, and one of them played the piano to start off with while we were waiting, which was lovely,” Wendy said.
Wendy’s husband Richard, who died seven years ago, “was Army through and through” coming from a father and grandfather who also served.
“Richard would have loved to have gone overseas but he was a printer in Adelaide. He was in the army as a CMF (reservist) and he joined as a printer.
“So he was sent from Adelaide to Melbourne to work with the one base printing company in Caulfield, which was part of the Ordnance Corps.”
Up until three years ago, Wendy hadn’t realised she could be part of Legacy because there was a period of time where Legacy didn’t allow widows of servicemen who stayed in Australia to join.
“I was telling Chris (Village legatee) about this, and he said I would be eligible to be a Legacy Lady because Richard had served in Australia during the Vietnam War,” she said.
“I’ve only been a legacy lady for about three
years, and I enjoy it thoroughly. We meet at Croydon and it’s a lovely bunch of ladies and our trips are very enjoyable. I get a lot out of Legacy.”
With many of the Legacy Ladies coming from the Doncaster area, Wendy said for her, as a former resident of that part of Melbourne, it was nice to have a common connection.
“I used to live in the Doncaster area so I was able to talk to a couple of ladies and find out where they live, and they lived near where I live.
I also taught at a local high school too, so I was seeing it from their point of view, what it was like to come from there.”
Wendy said while on Anzac Day at the Village, the Legacy Ladies are an integral part of the service, “we haven’t ever been singled out to be honoured like we were on Monday”.
With the help of Tudor Village’s social group, the staff and a local caterer who put on a roast, it was a beautiful luncheon to celebrate the women and remember the men of war.
Village manager Tatjana said it was an honour to be able to support both the Legacy Ladies from the Village and those visiting by providing a day just for them.
“For us to be able to offer our beautiful community, for the ladies to have a nice, different day out, was something very little we could do for those ladies,” she said.
Tudor Village hosted a Legacy Ladies luncheon on Monday 14 October. (Supplied)
130 years of croquet fun
Reaching 130 years since its inception, Lilydale Croquet Club’s members, past players and presidents, family, friends and members of various clubs from the region gathered on Saturday 19 October to celebrate the remarkable milestone birthday.
Lilydale was the second club to form in Victoria, behind Kyneton, in 1894 and has held the grounds at Melba Park since that time.
The Lilydale Express newspaper reported that the official opening was held on 10 October 1894.
Celebrating the history and the trajectory of the club over the years, past president Peter Norman was inducted as a life member of the club, in recognition of all he did to ensure croquet would continue in Lilydale.
“Peter Norman was president of the club at one stage and he did a lot for the club. He was the first male member of the club,” outgoing president John Thomson told Star Mail in September.
“Up until then, Lilydale Croquet Club was all ladies. He proceeded to get other husbands of wives to come along and join in as well.”
Mr Norman was integral to refurbishing the circa 1925 storage shed, lobbying the council for the works to be done in 1989.
Continuing tradition, president Mick Crawley was given the honour of running the first hoop with the historic mallet, officially opening the day.
The item is major significance to the club and is the 1900 club competition prize mallet which was presented to Mrs Milne by Mrs Kay.
For those interested in giving croquet a go, the club will be hosting a come and try day as part of the 130th celebrations on Sunday 27 October between 10am and 2pm.
“So if somebody wants to come and try, they can, the coaches and members will be here to take them through the basics of croquet,” Mr Thomson said.
Lilydale Croquet members with Bridget Vallence MP, Kate Patrick (President Croquet Victoria) and Aaron Violi MP (Stewart Chambers: 432615)
Croquet Victoria president Kate Patrick unveils a plaque with Craig McCracken. (432615)
President Mick Crawley runs a hoop with the historic mallet to open the day. (432615)
Former president Bev Elanius with Renate Hartley. (432615)
Murray Howlett and Craig McCracken. (432615)Mark Edgell and club president Mick Crawley. (432615)
Graham Rhodes and his wife Ronnie. (432615)
Vice president Naomi Crotty with president Mick Crawley. (432615)
Former president John Thomson watches on. (432615)
Peter Norman (right) was made a Life Member on the day. (432615)
Casey MP Aaron Violi, vice president Naomi Crotty and Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence. (432615)
Liz Stewart, Kerri McCracken and Naomi Crotty. (432615)
Alan Jones raises the flags. (432615)
Bonsai show back again
Once again, the annual Yarra Valley Bonsai Show will make a return in late November showcasing the artform of creating, caring and maintaining a Bonsai.
The two-day event, held over the weekend of 23 and 24 November, will display an excellent collection of members’ trees, from beginners to master trees.
See many styles including formal upright trees to cascading varieties, some large and small.
There are many techniques in the art of Bonsai going back to ancient times from China to Japan to current new trends in the styling of native Australian Bonsai trees.
There are many books on growing Bonsai, however, by coming to an exhibition like this, you can see how members have worked a nursery plant or tree from their own garden to create their own beautiful Bonsai.
Bonsais are a personal form of art, with the image of the tree reflecting what you personally want it to look like.
There are a few basic rules to create the style of the tree. You can learn about soils, about wiring, pruning, fertilising and maintenance of your tree to keep it in good health and looking beautiful.
The Yarra Valley Bonsai Society will have up to 100 trees on display and you can discuss the trees with their artists.
At the exhibition you can take the opportunity to purchase starter trees, pots and tools, all available at amazingly low prices from the owners directly.
After visiting the show, anyone interested in joining the club is welcome to inquire and continue learning about the art on Bonsai.
The club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm at the Chirnside Park Community Hub and has workshops on the last Saturday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. Fellowship is also one of the great pleasures in belonging to a club.
If you like gardening, artistic work or just love trees, Bonsai can be a great hobby for young and old.
The Yarra Valley Bonsai Show will be held at the Chirnside Park Community Hub, located on Kimberley Drive, on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November from 10am to 4pm, with a gold coin entry fee asked of attendants.
For more information visit yarravalleybonsai. org.au or email david@acefilters.com.au
Park pilates offers fitness
By Dongyun Kwon
To give back to the community, Cre8tive Fitness is planning to offer three free mat pilates sessions in and around the Yarra Valley for women.
Park 2 Park Pilates will be held at local parks and green areas fortnightly starting from Tuesday 29 October at the open grass area next to Foodworks Coldstream.
Cre8tive Fitness owner Nicole Boyle, who has been a personal trainer for over 10 years, said Cre8tive Fitness offers outdoor fitness services and has received lots of support from the community.
“I’ve been in and around the community, running sessions since about 2019,” she said.
“For me, it’s really important to give back to the community that you work in because they obviously give to you, not only through being clients but also in using spaces and working with them.”
The second session will take place at Lilydale Bellbird Park on Tuesday 12 November, and the last one will be held at Mooroolbark Summerhill Park on Tuesday 26 November.
Boyle said Park 2 Park Pilates is a great way to help women move while enjoying the sunshine and local areas.
“The cornerstone of everything that I do is ‘How can I get more women moving, making it easy and fun for them to do?’,” she said.
“I thought Park 2 Park Pilates was a great way to combine all of that.
“It was also about opening up locations for
women
(Supplied)
women in the area as well because through what I’ve done previously, a lot of ladies said ‘I’ve never been here before. I didn’t know that was here.’”
Each session will start at 9.15am with a 35-minute mat pilates session followed by a cuppa at a nearby coffee shop.
Participants who stay for the cuppa will get a chance to win one of the three free coffees provided by a coffee shop; Yarra Valley Cake Company for the Coldstream session, Via Cucina for the Lilydale session and Coopercino’s for the Mooroolbark session.
“Working with other small businesses is super important,” Boyle said.
Registration can be made at the following link, form.jotform.com/242867855512870?
Where to pick up your FREE Star Mail
CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar3 Meadowgate Drive
CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway
CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway
CHIRNSIDE PARK Caltex Safeway239-241 Maroondah Highway
CHIRNSIDE PARK EG Fuelco Service StationChirnside Park Shopping Cr Little
Chipping Drive, 241 Maroondah Highway
CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway
CHIRNSIDE PARK Chirnside Park Country Club 68 Kingswood Drive
CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar158 Nangathan Way
CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar11 The Mall
KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketChuringa SC, Russo Place
KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketCanterbury Road Kilsyth
KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette Unit 7/87 Colchester Road
LILYDALE Aaron Violi MP Office 110 Main Street
LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC33-45 Hutchinson Street
LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC51-59 Anderson Street
LILYDALE Woolworths SupermarketMarketplace, 33 Hutchinson Street
LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale VillageCastella Street & Maroondah Highway
LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre7 Hardy Street
LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre1 Jarlo Drive
LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station473 Maroondah Highway
LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale346 Main Street
LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths31 Hutchinson Street
LILYDALE BP Service Station87 Warburton Highway
LILYDALE Shell Service Station469 Maroondah Highway
LILYDALE 7 - Eleven LilydaleCnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road
LILYDALE Coles Express469 Maroondah Highway
LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe251 Main Street
LILYDALE Round Bird Can't Fly170 Main Street
LILYDALE The Lilydale General110 Beresford Road
LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery96 Main Street
LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe178 Main Street
LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe222 Main Street
LILYDALE Gracious GraceCastella Street
LILYDALE Melba Coffee House33-45 Hutchinson Street
LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies7/75 Cave Hill Road
LILYDALE Point of View CafeLilydale Lakeside - Jarlo Drive
LILYDALE Freda's Cafe2 Clarke Street
LILYDALE Barry Plant Real Estate88 Main Street
LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate164 Main Street
LILYDALE Hello Harry245 Main Street
LILYDALE Noel Jones Real Estate 281 Main Street
LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate111-113 Main Street
LILYDALE Grubs Up1 Industrial Park Drive
LILYDALE Mc Donalds RestaurantMaroondah Highway
LILYDALE Olinda Creek HotelMaroondah Hwy
LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy
LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street
MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road
MONTROSE IGA Supermarket Mt Dandenong Road
MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road
MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road
MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road
MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street
MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent
MOUNT EVELYN Red Robyn Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road
MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent
MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road
MOUNT EVELYN Bendigo Bank 2/35-39 Wray Cres
MONTROSE IGA Supermarket916 Mt Dandenong Road
MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket15 Brice Avenue
MOOROOLBARK Bendigo BankUnit 19/66 - 74 Brice Ave
MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar38 Bellara Dive
MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart108 Hayrick Lane
MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark103 Cardigan Road
MOOROOLBARK Coles Express2 Cambridge Road
MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real EstateBrice Avenue
MOOROOLBARK L J HookerBrice Avenue
MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road
MOOROOLBARK Mc Donalds RestaurantManchester Road
MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road
MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale138 York Road
WANDIN NORTH Wandin Newsagency Shop 2 /18 Union Road
Local
are invited to free mat pilates sessions held in and around the Yarra Valley.
Tony Bepp, a well know Australian Bonsai Master, showing Yarra Valley members what needs to be done on a member’s black pine. (Supplied)
Intergenerational lessons
By Mikayla van Loon
Creating intergenerational links and inspiring a sense of connection, resilience and empathy has been the focus of a year-long program bringing primary school students and aged care residents together.
Every fortnight Chirnside Park Primary School welcomes six or seven residents from Bolton Clark’s Lilydale Aged Care home to learn alongside the Grade 3s and 4s as they complete lessons from The Resilience Project.
Grade 3/4 team leader and teacher Natalie Cincotta said the progression of having the residents visit every second Monday happened quite organically after seeing the students connect so viscerally with them.
“Last year we read a book in class, and it was set in a retirement home and then we showed them a video of an ABC show where the data was saying 40 per cent of residents don’t have visitors,” she said.
“So to really relate it to the real world we invited some residents to come to the school and they came for just a one off, Q and A. We just tried to make them feel special.
“The kids created questions and asked them about their lives and their time at the home and all those sorts of things. The kids loved them so much and were so buzzed afterwards that we were like, ‘we wonder if we could do something more with this’.”
Two of the regular visitors to the school, Trudy Jones, 104, and Bob Craig, 90, both said their fortnightly visit was an absolute highlight of their week and month.
“It’s absolutely my world at the moment. They’re lovely, they’re beautiful children,” Trudy said.
“I am not there to teach, I’m there to learn. I enjoy it very much. I always feel good,” Bob said.
Stepping into a modern day classroom for the first time last year, Bob and Trudy said they were truly astonished by the layout, the technology and the togetherness of the students.
“When I saw the screen and I said to them, ‘I had a slate and pencil, no ink, no nothing’. And my counting things were like little cubes in a bag and they give you those, that’s all that I had,” Trudy said.
“When I went to school, the clever people were at the top and the not so clever were at the bottom. We all sat in pairs. But there’s no brightest and dumbest. Natalie gets the kids to work together, where the bright ones are helping the not so bright,” Bob said.
The enjoyment of seeing the residents every fortnight is reciprocated by the students, saying they love seeing the smiles on their faces each time they visit.
“My favourite thing about The Resilience Project is getting the people from the retirement home to come see us because I can see that it lights up their day as well as us,” one student said.
“We ask them about their week, we ask them about their day, and Miss Cincotta picks a buddy for both of them. So everyone gets to be their buddy, and then if you’re their buddy, you get to do an activity with them,” another student said.
In classic Bob style, as the aged care home’s resident jokester, sometimes he will come dressed in a costume to make the children smile and laugh, something they love.
But more than that, each lesson focuses on an element of gratitude, empathy, mindfulness and
emotional literacy and the students said since doing The Resilience Project they feel happier.
“Each of the lessons we do, we focus on one of them and we watch a video that links to an activity in our book,” Alira said.
“Doing The Resilience Project helps us, or some people who may have emotional needs, to really take control of those emotions, to say that you are stronger than your emotions and you can control them.”
Embracing the techniques of mindfulness at home and in school, like giving happy or thoughtful notes to family and friends, adopting healthy habits like reading or going to bed earlier and breathing exercises.
“When we were talking about the big elephant problem and the little ant problem, sometimes at home I calm myself by doing finger breathing,” Aria said.
Picking up their own lessons from the sessions but also being able to connect their life story to situations, Bob and Trudy said, is an incredible privilege for them because this type of learning is so far beyond what they were taught at school.
“Hopefully I am contributing to it because of the years I’ve been on this planet and what I’ve experienced. Everything they show, I have been there, done that.
“And they have a discussion about how you can make a person feel comfortable. Smile, use their name. Call them by name and smile, they immediately feel a bond. So I go around smiling, and there’s an amazing number of people who smile back at you.”
Having some tough life experiences, Bob and
Trudy use that to showcase resilience and the importance of gratitude.
“My life was pretty rough. I was 10 when my father walked out on us. I had a little brother, and he became my responsibility because my mum had to go and work,” Bob said.
“I left school at 15 because I had to go and get a job. I had an inferiority complex. Other people would talk about their dads and I was the dad to a brother who was eight years younger than me.”
Bob’s life was vastly different from that of the students he now gets to bond with.
He was called up in his late teens by the Royal Air Force to do national service and was posted to Korea and Singapore. He was goalkeeper in the Force’s football team and played in a pipe band.
Bob met his wife of 66 years when he was 18 and she was 16, they were both in their early 20s when they married and travelled from Scotland to Australia in 1960 with two young children.
“Family is pretty important to me having come from a broken home. We’ve got three kids, eight grandkids and now we’ve got five great grandchildren,” Bob said.
“My life experiences, having lived in the forces, lived in Asia, being part of a big group of young males playing team sport, I’ve had a lot I can pass on to the kids within reason, bringing it down to their level.”
Trudy also had a similar trajectory in life, growing up in Southport in Lancashire England, leaving school at 14-years-old and finding herself joining the Army.
“My mum said, ‘well what do you want to do?’ So I said ‘shorthand typing’ so I found some-
where I could learn it and I learned more there than I did at school but school was old fashioned then, it’s not like today,” she said.
Her husband was a tail gunner in the air force, while she worked as a clerk in the Army. In 1950 they made the voyage to Australia.
“It was just after we’d come out of the forces that we came to Australia. I got married when I was 21 and I was married nine years before my daughter was born and then I had my son here in Australia,” Trudy said.
Starting their life in Australia was an adjustment, landing in Sydney before moving to a remote part of the country, on the border of Queensland and New South Wales, to a town called Mungindi.
“I lived there way out in the bush. I learned to go to the toilet in the ground. But we mixed in and we took it all in. We didn’t even have the clothes to go out there. My husband said, ‘I think I should have shorts on’ because shorts were a no no in England.
“We were miles away from a shop or anything. We had to wait till somebody came in from the town of Moree. They came with the bread every now and again and so I ordered shorts. I never dreamed of wearing shorts.”
Eventually Trudy and her husband moved to Mount Dandenong in Victoria, where they lived happily for many years.
Despite hardship and having to live far away from her family in England, with her own children close by and the new life she started in Australia, her major life lesson has been to “just take it as life comes because it’s been a wonderful life”.
The students and residents alike love their fortnightly sessions and look forward to the next time they’ll see each other.
Bob Craig, 90, comes dressed in costume or his traditional kilt to bring smiles to the children’s faces. (Supplied) Trudy Jones, 104, with her buddy for the lesson.
Bev’s lasting impression
By Mikayla van Loon
To many she was known as Nan, to others as a friend and to her family a loving, caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Bev Trollope, born 30 September 1939, died at home on 17 September, surrounded by loved ones.
Remembered by her family as “always busy”, daughter Vicki Powell said no matter what she had going on in life, she always had time to help others.
It was this memory of Bev that will stay with everyone who knew her, a role model of compassion and kindness.
“My daughter (Melanie) said in her speech that Nan wasn’t only busy, but she said most of the time she was busy doing things for other people and she said that’s what she had always grown up thinking, that’s just how you live, that’s just what you do,” Vicki said.
“She would drive people places and she was just kind and giving. She was a really good person. She became friends with a lot of my friends, and my brother’s friends, she was just very welcoming, she embraced pretty much everybody.”
While the Trollope name in the outer east is mostly associated with the Ringwood and District Cricket competition’s Lindsay Trollope Shield, Bev too was a figure in sport but in her own right.
Alongside friend of 56 years George McDonald, Bev was integral in the founding of the Mountain District Badminton Association and the stadium build in Kilsyth.
To George, Bev was nicknamed “no problem” for her attitude in doing what was needed to get the job done - even if she didn’t quite agree.
“She would never say, ‘no’. I was going around Australia all the time working and I used to write things and send them to Bev, ‘Can I do this for Sunday? Can I do this?’ and she’d say ‘no problem, no problem’,” George said.
“She may not have always agreed with me but she would have 100 per cent supported me no matter what. She would say she didn’t agree but she would have never not supported me. She was like that in life. She would give everything her full support, even if she had looked at it and thought ‘I don’t think that’s the best way to go’,” Vicki said.
When the first instance of badminton began in 1968, new friends Bev, George and his wife Betty would begin a lifelong friendship.
By 1969, badminton had grown in popularity, with more than 30 players. In 1972, three courts opened in Kilsyth and a junior competition was started, seeing George and Betty’s children George Jnr and Audrey, as well as Bev and Lindsay’s children Vicki and Ken playing.
Come 1980, at the age of 40, Bev had taken it upon herself to get an over 40 age group competition off the ground.
Up until five years ago she ran the entire competition, which travelled all around the statefrom Bendigo to Swan Hill.
Bev and Lindsay called Mooroolbark home for many decades but her early life began in Armadale, the fourth born child to Frederick Charles and Evelyn Daisy Cray.
When her father was enlisted in the army, the family moved to Castlemaine to live with Bev’s great aunt.
At around four-years-old and after the war, the family moved into their own home in Carnegie,
where she then attended Ormond East Primary School and Hampton High School.
Vicki said her mum never particularly liked school and so when given the chance to leave, that’s exactly what she did. She trained as a comptometer.
“If anyone witnessed my mum on a calculator, she never lost those skills,” Vicki said.
When she was 16-years-old, Bev met her husband Lindsay at a youth club hosted by the Ormond Methodist Church. They married on 27 August 1960 and were together 55 years before Lindsay passed away.
They purchased their first home together in Neville Street Mooroolbark in 1962 and eventually moved to Woodville Road.
Bev and Lindsay became part of the Mooroolbark fabric and were the last couple to be named Mr and Mrs Mooroolbark at the Red Earth Festival in the mid-1980s.
Vicki said her parents “were very close” but were completely different in a lot of ways.
“Dad was very much a bit of a bull at a gate, at everything and so consequently there were things that would get broken and we can always remember hearing ‘Lindsay, how did that happen?
“It was tough on mum when she lost dad but he’d been not that well for a while, and it was really best for dad, in a sense, she knew that. She still had the rest of us, we all just banded together and got her through that.
“But my brother also passed away in 2019.
That was tough. That was really, really tough. To me, that proved what a strong person mum was, which I always kind of knew, because she has had a few things happen over the years, and she just picked herself up and kept on going. But losing her son made me realise how incredibly strong she was because we are a really close family.”
Celebrating Bev’s life at the end of September, Vicki said she was surprised but not at the crowd that gathered to send her off.
With members from the RDCA and Mooroolbark Cricket Club there, Vicki said the respect they had for her parents was immense.
“From the time they named that top grade of cricket after dad, she just has always felt that was such an honour, and we’d go to the presentation nights. Then I started playing ladies cricket and she’d come and watch,” Vicki said.
“She really loved it and she got really interested in it. More often than not, she’d be there on the sidelines watching the ladies cricket.
“And they just embraced my mum. They called her Nan. The whole cricket club called her Nan.
“It’s times like this you realise how important it is to have something that you belong to, something other than your own family.”
For family and friends it is now navigating the future without Bev that will require the same strength she showed in life.
“I’m not sure how my life looks without her in it, because she was my go to person,” Vicki said.
“Now, I face the future without Bev Trollope which will be a hard task,” George said.
Lindsay and Bev Trollope were named Mr and Mrs Mooroolbark in the mid-1980s - the final iteration of the award. (Supplied)
George McDonald and Bev founded the badminton competition in the east but more than that were friends for 56 years.
The Trollope family are incredibly close. Here they all wear Bev’s hand knitted Christmas beanies. Bev Trollope, front right, became an integral part of the women’s cricket team, affectionately known as Nan.
NEWS Tattoos and tales of regret
By Maria Millers
I got tattoos for purely antisocial reasons, and now people do it for social acceptance. I miss individualism. Mike Ness, musician.
As the warmer weather finally arrives and we shed our winter gear for lighter and more revealing clothes and expose more skin, it appears that more and more of us are getting ‘inked’.
No longer confined to criminals, sailors, carnies or showies, tattoos are still less common to spot among professions such as doctors, lawyers, politicians and also older Australians.
It’s the Millenials and the GenZs both men and women who are embracing the tattoo culture.
Tattoos are not a modern phenomenon.
In ancient cultures tattoos were far more than mere decoration: they were tied to cultural identity, spirituality and social status. In some cultures they persist in this role.
The word tattoo in the context of body art comes from the Polynesian tatau meaning to mark or strike.
In case you’re wondering about the connection to ceremonies such as The Edinburgh Military Tattoo this origin dates to a 17th century Dutch phrase doe den tap toe meaning to turn off the taps, a signal for soldiers to return to barracks and for taverns to stop serving beer.
There have been times when tattoos were a mark of cruel dehumanisation as in the forced tattooing of Holocaust victims.
For survivors the tattoo had deep significance and now some descendants are choosing to replicate the numbered tattoo of a family member as a means of remembering.
Excerpt: My Grandmother’s Tattoo by Julia Kasdorf
… She let me trace
COMMUNITY DIARY
COMMUNITY DIARY
WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY
Get creative, have a chat and learn with these community events
Presenting Issues Report webinar
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) will host its annual Presenting Issues Report webinar on Wednesday 6 November where OPAN chief executive officer Craig Gear OAM will discuss topics like poor provider communication, concerns around fees and charges and lack of choice and control.
To make this more accessible to the Yarra Ranges older person population, Lilydale health advocate Brian Mier is looking to screen the webinar at the Lilydale Recreation Reserve club rooms, off Main Street – enter from the service road on the west side of Olinda Creek.
In order to book the venue Mr Mier needs to know numbers ASAP – deadline is Thursday 31October at 6pm. There will be a limit of 30 people. Individuals and groups are welcome to book.
The webinar begins at 1pm and runs for an hour, with Mr Mier suggesting a post webinar discussion over tea, coffee and a bite to eat.
This is a one-off event, but more may follow. There is no charge but a donation would be appreciated to cover refreshment costs (tea, coffee) and act as a small fundraiser for community organisations. BYO lunch if you wish.
Contact Mr Mier at bpm45au@bigpond. com or on 0418 326 670 to enquire or register interest.
Round Bird Artspace venture
Round Bird Artspace is a creative hub directly above Round Bird Food and Wine and comprises
WOORILLA WORDS
the lines: small, neat digits inked into the soft flesh of her forearm.
“It’s a tattoo,” she said.
“From a camp
Defenders of tattoos regard them as a declaration of individuality or a rebellion against conformity.
They also see tattoos as reminders of meaningful life experiences, laid out on their skin as for all to see. It appears that expressing your individuality through actions, opinions and deeply informed conversations or even style of dress is no longer enough.
Also the expression of individuality argument does not hold up when a tattoo choice is based on following current trends or fashion dictated by celebrities.
Then there is the question of tattoos as fine art. Undoubtedly there are tattooists whose work is being recognized as fine art, but they come at a hefty price.
The problem is that tattoos are impermanent and the art work is lost when the person dies.
When in the early 20th century Japanese pathologist, Dr. Fukushi Masaichi began removing
skins from corpses as part of research into skin lesions he never anticipated that today an enterprising father and son duo of embalmers, Save My Ink Forever, would set up in Ohio a flourishing business of preserving the nominated tattooed part from a dead loved one and transform it into a framed loving tribute.
Getting a tattoo is a long term investment and a momentary decision can lead to regret.
Designs evolve over time as trends change and lose their allure when sentiments or tastes may not remain relevant.
As Ariane Grande sings:
And if I’d known, if I’d known, if I’d known
If I’d known you’d rip it apart
Oh, I wish I didn’t get your name tattooed on my heart
Having a tattoo should also involve health considerations.
To begin with, strict hygiene practices are needed.
Certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can cause adverse reactions.
Similarly, blood disorders, allergies, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, heart conditions and pregnancy should be a cause to stop and rethink.
After all, the process involves injecting a toxic substance into your body.
And as skin cells are constantly dying and being replaced, toxic chemicals in the ink break down and travel in the blood, lodging in the lymph nodes obstructing the body’s ability to fight infections.
Some psychologists have also noted the connection between youth disaffection and tattoos.
Can tattoos be viewed as socially accepted self harm? We know that they are often used by recovering self -harmers to hide the scars on their
arms.
And in an age obsessed with looking youthful there should be warnings that tattoos don’t age well.
Exposure to sunlight, friction from clothing may make them fade and become distorted. So, the image that looked so sexy in your youth may morph into a grotesque one as you age.
Excerpt: Tattoo by Ted Kooser She regrets the sunburst on her breastbone, the outline, which has gone green and blurry. She regrets how, without her shirt, she becomes a target, as though the tattoo is pointing, Look at me.
Many lament their impulsive decision and seek services to remove a tattoo they now regret. In the next poem a youthful public display later in life engenders a sense of regret and shame that is palpable.
Excerpt: Anonymous I thought I’d love it, forever bold, Now it just feels like a story told That I wish I hadn’t shared so loud, Inked on my skin for the whole damn crowd. We are always evolving according to our life circumstances.
We grow, adapt, survive and change. And perhaps there is more freedom and individuality in not having skin permanently marked in a way that tethers us to a past we may have long left behind.
Woorilla Poetry Prize Awards Afternoon: 2pm, 17 November at The Hub, Emerald.
a Gallery Space and Workshop space.
Last week a parent and child workshop launched that aims to provide a connective and safe place to explore creativity and learn new skills alongside one another. To empower parents to reconnect with their own creativity, explore art and share the experience both in class and at home through creative play. Participants enjoy a delicious lunch together after the class.
The next Creative Collab - Collage Workshop is on 29 October 10am to 12pm.
Learn to create a unique artwork around your drawings, enjoy collage process to add colour and texture to your piece.
Book via website or phone 9735 9724
Art Workshops are scheduled regularly with local artists and art exhibitions held in
the gallery space.
The Fields Exhibition, by Jessie Bleakley, will launch the Gallery space on 27 October and run until 26 January.
To find more visit, roundbird.com.au/roundbird-art-space-lilydale
Coffee with a Cop returns
The Rotary Club of Lilydale has partnered with Victoria Police to bring a Coffee with a Cop event back to Lilydale.
Hosting the event on the Tuesday 5 November from 11am to 1pm at The CriBB Cafe, it’s an opportunity for the community to meet some of their local police and about things like public safety, current crime trends in the area and preventative measures.
Round Bird in Lilydale.
An Artspace above Round Bird in Lilydale has launched providing workshops and exhibitions. (Supplied)
OPINION
Addressing ageism is a critical strategy in preventing elder abuse.
Evidence strongly suggests that ageism and disrespect are key drivers of the mistreatment of older adults.
Ageism fight Legal matters
A study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) found that around one in six older Australians had experienced elder abuse, with financial and psychological abuse being the most common forms.
At Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC), we know that educating communities about the harms of ageist attitudes, and the links between ageism and elder abuse is crucial.
By shifting ageist attitudes and behaviours, we can help to create communities where older people feel safe, valued and respected, and elder abuse is prevented before it occurs.
As part of the Centre’s work to prevent elder abuse, ECLC leads the Eastern Elder Abuse Network (EEAN) - a network of organisations in Naarm’s (Melbourne’s) East working to prevent, raise awareness, and respond to elder abuse.
The EEAN has over 160 members from more than 50 organisations.
How is Ageism connected to elder abuse?
1. Ageism is rooted in societal views that often see older people as frail, dependent, or less competent.
These negative stereotypes can result in older adults being mistreated including physical, emotional, financial, or neglectful abuse.
2. When society overlooks the value and rights of older people, abuse is more likely to go unrecognised or unreported.
Ageist attitudes can lead to a perception that older adults’ grievances are less serious or not credible, making it difficult for them to receive help.
3. Ageism reinforces power imbalances between younger and older people.
Financial abuse is a common form of elder abuse, often driven by the notion that older adults are less capable of managing their finances - justifying manipulation or theft.
4. When older adults are perceived as incapable of making their own decisions, it becomes easier for others to justify taking control of
CLOC Musical theatre Come From Away
Based on actual events that happened on 9/11 the little town of Gander Newfoundland which had the ;largest airport in the world.
Anita Koochew Eastern Community Legal Centre
their personal, financial, or medical affairs. This can lead people manipulating an older person’s decision-making to benefit themselves.
5. Ageist attitudes can marginalise older individuals, making them more susceptible to social isolation - a significant risk factor for elder abuse because it reduces opportunities for outside intervention or support. Older adults are also less likely to seek help because the abuse may be perpetuated by adult children or carers.
his can discourage victims from speaking out, and therefore limit their access to help.
How can you help?
• Learn more about how you can challenge ageism at opera.eclc.org.au or contact ECLC about its community education opportunities.
• Learn how to respond to ageist remarks in the workplace and/or social settings here: eapn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AGuide-for-Addressing-Ageism-in-the-Workplace-PDF.pdf
• Check out ‘Planning Your Future Medical Care Guide’ A practical tool for older Victorians to plan their future medical care needs. The Guide is available to be downloaded for FREE from eclc.org.au/futuremedicalcare/
To learn more about ECLC’s work and the EEAN, visit eclc.org.au/elder-abuse/#EEAN
If you or someone you know may have a legal problem or would like to speak to the team about elder abuse, you can contact ECLC for FREE legal help 1300 32 52 00 or use our online appointment form here: eclc.org.au/help
Plays coming from away Kemp’s curtain call
As 9/11 eventuated this airport was the destination of 38 airplanes and 7000 passenger.
Gander itself had a population of only of 10,000 so one can imagine the difficulty in feeding, clothing and accommodating these passenger who did not know why they were diverted to Gander.
CLOC Music took this story and did a wonderful portrayal of the townspeople, the passengers, crew, local police, and a new TV reporter.
A small orchestra split on both sides of the stage. A simple set comprising chairs and tables with the chairs being moved around to act as aeroplanes, busses and local homes.
There were trees with lights attached and a log backdrop.
A cast of 12 all enacting multiple roles such as the police, the residents, TV reporter, the passengers and the helpers.
An amazing spectacle with the 12 playing many parts which is not easy to change from one character to another let alone many characters.
A smooth flowing production with amazing voices.
Each actor caught the chrematistics of the person they were portraying giving excellent performances.
Your reviewer was privileged to see the original professional version, and this easily equalled the original. In fact, media night the critics rose to a standing ovation and I was told that opening night the whole audience rose as one to a standing ovation.
In all the years I have been a critic this is
the first time I have seen a amateur company receive a standing ovation.
Well done CLOC.
The Gem Open Stage Night
Welcome one and all to Gemco’s ongoing Open Stage Night.
Hosted by Carol and Dalys, our popular open stage has been running for many decades.
Held in the cosy hall, you are welcome to perform anything you like or just come for the lovely entertainment.
Enjoy music, poetry, singing, monologues, or anything you wish to show!
Running the first Saturday of every month from 8pm.
If you’d like to perform just turn up and register your interest when you arrive with Carol McCoy.
Venue: The Gem Community Arts Centre, 19 Kilvington Cr. Emerald
REMEMBER:
Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre. Little Women. Season: 14 – 30 November. Bookings: 9735 1777.
Eltham Little Theatre. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Season: 15 – 30 November. Bookings: 0411 713 095.
The 1812 Theatre. Noises Off. Season: 14 November – 7 December. Bookings 9758 3964.
Have you ever wondered how many books there are in your local library’s collections and how they are managed?
And what happens when you suggest an item for the library to purchase?
Lyn Baines is the Manager of Collections at Your Library.
Behind library collections PASSION FOR PROSE
She recently took time to explain various aspects of her work for our readers.
Presently there are 350,000 items in Your Library’s collections, and Baines is in charge of purchasing all the physical ones, including books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks.
“We acquire our items through library suppliers, who also provide shelf-ready services, such as processing, cataloguing, and delivery,” Baines said.
As any avid reader would sooner or later encounter a certain title that has somehow eluded their local library’s collections, requests to purchase new items are often made.
When making a request for a book, for example, readers are asked to provide some basic details.
These may include the book’s title, the author’s name, the book’s publisher, publishing date and ISBN (International Standard Book Number), and where the reader would like to pick up the book when it is purchased and arrives at the library.
“I buy requested titles based on availability and suitability for the collection,” Baines said.
“If a title is in print and suitable for a general audience, I’ll buy it. I don’t purchase tertiary- level texts as these would be of limited interest.
“Magazine subscriptions are reconsidered
CARTOON
WITH CHRISTINE SUN
annually, so any requests for new titles are collected and considered by availability at that time.”
When asked how requests are assessed and how the library caters for the varied reading tastes and preferences of our communities, Baines elaborated:
“I try to buy a wide range of titles that will appeal to as many borrowers as possible. I’m guided by requests from borrowers, pre-publication information and catalogues from publishers, reading newsletters and websites from Australia, UK and US, being aware of titles being adapted for film or TV, etc.”
“We can’t buy everything, but I try to buy at least one copy of a range of titles. If a title becomes popular with a lot of reservations, I buy additional copies.”
Sounds easy? Definitely not. But Baines finds her job highly rewarding.
“I’m always amazed at the wide range of titles that are published and that borrowers want to read. There are so many ways for people to discover new books (mostly social media), I’m happy if I can order titles before the borrowers know that they want to read them,” Baines said.
A slasher
documentary
4/5
In A Violent Nature is a savage Canadian horror movie with an intriguing minimalist style that may turn off some viewers.
When a group of campers steal a necklace from a fire tower in the woods, a killer rises from the dead to hunt them down.
Shot on film (an increasing rarity these days) and full of visceral practical effects, In A Violent Nature is a lean slasher throwback: the first act establishes the killer, his lore and a cast of jerks for him to kill, and the rest of the film shows him doing just that.
In A Violent Nature features some extremely creative brutality, but writer-director Chris Nash brings a documentary-like detachment through the long static shots (mostly from the killer’s perspective) and lack of non-diegetic (played outside the film’s world) music.
A scene with a log-splitter is one of the most gut-wrenchingly tense scenes of the year, and the simple presentation sends our minds into horrified overdrive like good horror should.
Despite being a supernatural slasher pas-
tiche, In A Violent Nature is highly-reminiscent of Gus Van Sant’s 2002 film Gerry, which is a slow, trance-like drama about two friends stuck in the desert.
Like Gerry, marching footsteps are a nearconstant layer of the soundscape, with large tracts of the film showing the killer slowly walking from place to place and kill to kill.
Some viewers will be bored to tears by this approach, and these shots do end up somewhat monotonous, but still heighten our grim anticipation throughout the killer’s rampage.
Slow, languid, horrifically gruesome but minimalist to a fault, In A Violent Nature is available on Shudder and to rent or buy on iTunes.
In A Violent Nature Starring Ry Barrett R18+
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 According to the bill of fare (1,2,5)
5 Southern European country (6)
10 Happen (5) 11 Unrestricted (9)
12 Computer network linking newsgroups (6)
13 Keep back (7) 14 Accumulated (8)
15 Blades (6)
18 Sick (6)
20 Mixture (8) 21 Entrap (7) 24 Creations (6)
27 Assailant (9)
28 US city (5)
29 Signals (6)
30 Of the state of Tyrol (8) DOWN 1 At the top (4)
2 Inherited from one’s family (9)
3 Male name (5)
4 Members of a trust (8) 6 1970s band, – Lake & Palmer (7)
7 Bread maker (5)
8 Spoke to (9) 9 Cicatrix (4) 14 Central American country (9) 16 Grant (9) 17 North Italian region (8) 19 Tidiest (7) 22 Smooth transition (5) 23 Not difficult (4) 25 Lover (5) 26 Camouflage (4)
No. 209
No. 208
TRANQUIL FOUR BEDROOM RETREAT
TRANQUIL 4 BEDROOM RETREAT
THIS Exquisite 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom (with powder room) home, set on 1 ¼ Acres of established gardens in a tranquil pocket of Emerald is a serene escape within walking distance to the township. Upon entry, a spacious, tiled foyer welcomes you, leading into a generous hallway lined with solid hardwood herringbone flooring and illuminated by skylights that bathe the home in warm, natural light.
To the left, the master retreat offers a tranquil escape with its spacious layout, large windows with picturesque views of the lush surroundings, and a beautifully tiled ensuite with luxurious double vanity. With large walk-through robes offering an abundance of storage, creating a functional and sophisticated space. Along the hallway, 3 additional, generously sized carpeted bedrooms, each with built in robes and garden views. A well designed large family bathroom and well-appointed laundry add convenience to family living.
The heart of the home is the open plan living, dining, kitchen area, where style meets functionality. The kitchen features elegant Marble island and stone benches with a breakfast bar, ample bench space, a fridge recess, stainless steel oven and dishwasher, and a spacious pantry. Expansive doors connect this area to the wrap around verandah, an idyllic space for relaxation with panoramic views. A woodfire heater, gas ducted heating ensure comfort in every season.
Outside, a double garage adjoins a versatile workshop/studio space with large windows, perfect for creative endeavours or additional storage. This home blends spacious indoor/ outdoor living with the serene beauty of its surroundings, offering a perfect sanctuary near the heart of Emerald.
This property has it all so don’t miss out - call to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office.
OPPORTUNITY TO COMBINE YOUR HOME AND WORK
ONCE the Selby General Store this local landmark property has been renovated, updated and refurbished, ready to be a residence, a new business opportunity, or both – so it offers a great opportunity to provide some extra service to the local community. The property includes:
1275 m2 allotment
2 bedrooms
• Central contemporary bathroom, plus a second toilet
• Living space
• Laundry
• Kitchen -900mm stove, dishwasher and S/S benches
Cool room
Retail area comprising of open plan space
Ducted heating, split system
There are some lovely character features including high ceilings, strapping and some pressed metal ceilings.
You may like to investigate opening that new business opportunity you’ve been thinking of, tearooms, art studio, micro-brewery, tapas bar, physio, wellness studio, craft studio – the options are endless and subject to council approval. I’m sure the locals would love to see the Selby General Store sign go up again. If you’ve got the vision, we’ve got the property, so please contact Mick Dolphin on 0429 684 522 or Anthony Iorlano on 0494 142 438 to arrange your inspection today!
The owner is also open to renting the property if a suitable tenant puts forward a proposal, please call to discuss.
DOUBLE STOREY ENTERTAINER’S DREAM
THIS Charming double storey home in Olinda, set on a spacious 1124sqm block, combines comfort with elegance. The property features an inviting undercover verandah that leads to the entryway. Inside, there are 3 generously sized carpeted bedrooms including built in robes, the master with ensuite for added privacy and convenience.
The main level offers an expansive openplan lounge, dining, kitchen area. Solid timber flooring, large windows flooding the space with natural light, and a wood heater creates a warm relaxing atmosphere, complemented by gas ducted heating throughout as well as ducted split system to the bedrooms, for year round convenience. The entertainer’s kitchen includes beautiful timber benchtops, abundance of storage and quality stainless steel oven and dishwasher. Step directly from the kitchen onto the deck, perfect for entertaining or enjoying peaceful moments
with scenic views.
A staircase leads down to a large rumpus/ theatre room with stylish floating timber flooring, gas log fire, ideal for movie nights or family gatherings. Large bi-fold glass doors open out to an additional outdoor area, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. The home also offers practical underhouse storage, ensuring ample space for all your needs.
This property combines modern living with a tranquil natural setting, making it an ideal retreat in the heart of Olinda.
This property has it all so don’t miss out - call to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office.
DoubleStorey 3BedHome,EntertainersDream!
ThisCharmingdoublestoreyhomeinOlinda,seton aspacious1124sqmblock,combinescomfort withelegance.Thepropertyfeaturesaninvitingundercoververandahthatleadstotheentryway. Inside,thereare3 carpetedbedroomswithBIR,themasterwithensuite.Themainleveloffersan expansiveopen-planlounge,dining,kitchenarea.Solidtimberflooring,largewindows&awood heater,complementedbyGDHthroughoutaswellasductedS/Stothebedrooms.Theentertainer’s kitchenincludesbeautifultimberbenchtops,abundanceofstorage &qualitystainlesssteeloven& dishwasher.Stepdirectlyfromthekitchenontothedeck.A staircaseleadsdownto alargerumpus/ theatreroomwithstylishfloatingtimberflooring,gaslogfire.Largebi-foldglassdoorsopenouttoan additionaloutdoorarea.Thehomealsoofferspracticalunder-housestorage.
Setamidstalmost2 acresofsprawlinggardens.This5BRresidence,isa homeofoutstandingquality. Traditionalloungewherea grandfireplaceisthecentrepiece,adjoinsthediningroom.Expansive kitchencraftedinsolidMyrtledoors,Stonebenchtops &Europeanappliances,witha generousWI cornerpantry.Themainbedroomfeaturingdoublemirroredwalk-throughrobethatleadstoan ensuite,inadditionto ahugeWIrobe.Thecentralbathroom,withitsclawfootbath.Informalfamily diningopensontothelivingroomwarmedby aslowcombustionheatersetin alimestonefireplace. TasmanianOakflooring,doubleglazedwindows& reversecycleairconditioner.Thepaved courtyardfeaturesa remote-controlawning.Expansivelawns,outdoorentertainingareas,cascading stream &stonefeaturewalls.GDH,doublegarage& shedarejusta fewofthenumerousfeatures.
Tranquil4 BedroomRetreat,inGreatLocation. ThisExquisite4BR,2-bathhome,seton1¼AcresinEmeraldisa sereneescapewithinwalking distancetothetownship.A spacious,tiledfoyerwelcomesyou,leadingintoa generoushallway withsolidhardwoodherringboneflooring& illuminatedbyskylights.Themasterretreatoffersa tranquilescape,largewindows, &a beautifullytiledensuitewithluxuriousdoublevanity.Withlarge walk-throughrobes. 3additionalcarpetedbedrooms,eachwithBIR. Awelldesignedlargefamily bathroom &well-appointedlaundry.Theheartofthehomeistheopenplanliving,dining,kitchen area.ThekitchenfeatureselegantMarbleisland& stonebenches,stainlesssteeloven &D/W,& pantry.Expansivedoorsconnectthisareatothewraparoundverandah.A woodfireheater,& GDH ensurecomfortineveryseason.Outside,a doublegarageadjoinsa versatileworkshop/studiospace.
AaronDay M 0407365994
BrennanMileto M 0422996451
4 A 2 B 2 C
PerfectlyLocated,Spacious2 BedroomUnit!
Perfectlylocatedin aquietlocation,CentraltoBoronia,KnoxCity& closetoEastlink,thisbrightsingle storey2BRtownhousewithsinglelockupgarageispartofa well-maintainedgroupofunits,There arenostairsatthisproperty,makingaccess abreeze.With apublicrecreationareajust afewsteps away.Itsprimelocationplacesyoujustminutesawayfromshoppingcentres,schools,restaurants& publictransport.Inside,thepropertyfeaturestwogoodsizedcarpetedbedrooms,eachwithBIR& amoderncentralbathroom.Thespaciouskitchen/tileddiningarea,hasanabundanceofbench space,Integratedoven &D/W,& gasstovetop.With aseparatetoilet& laundry.Thespaciousliving areais ahighlight,withsoaringceilings &largewindowsthatfloodthespacewithnaturallight,with GDHthroughoutthehome.Theseparatediningareaopensontoa privatecourtyardattherear.
CHARACTER AND CONVENIENCE WITH SEPARATE STUDIO
TAKING in views across towards the sparkling city lights and Glenfern Valley Ridge, this quaint and comfortable, character home provides a perfect location close to Upwey’s vibrant main street, train station and local schools and sporting facilities.
There is so much to love about this property: Inside, the home boasts two bedrooms, unique main bathroom, open galley kitchen with sun filled meals area and an open plan lounge – Absolutely perfect for first home buyers, down sizers or young families.
The property also features a separate studio which works perfectly as a third bedroom option, work from home office or extended family living.
Enjoy the oversized decking that acts not only as a fabulous outdoor entertaining space but also a convenient play area for children.
With the glorious backdrop that provides amazing sunsets, there is no doubt you will spend plenty of warm weather time outdoors enjoying your useable back yard and decking.
With a bonus of an oversized two car parking bay, great under house storage and an ideal location, this property is a must see for anyone entering the sought after Upwey market.
ENJOY YOUR LIFE WITH NOTHING TO DO
THE perfect blend of heritage 1920’s architecture and contemporary style.
Featuring: 4 bedrooms or 3 and a formal lounge
The master – private and spacious – full rain shower ensuite and BIR’s
• Luxurious bathroom – soaking tub - rain shower – stone topped dual vanitycustomized lighting, heated towel rails and auto fans
A state of the art, white and bright kitchen awaits and will delight the avid chefs of the family. Abundant cabinetry and quality appliances.
• The living and dining room, with wood fire will be the ‘meeting place’ of the home, family comes together to eat, relax, and chat about the day.
An attic is a fabulous ‘extra’ space, gaming room, theatre, office, yoga/meditation, even a library the choice is yours.
• A huge laundry completes the home.
• Oak laminate flooring, new carpets, NBN, data networked, ducted heating, wood fire, split system
Outdoors:
Useable and fenced 1051m2, established gardens and lush fernery
• A four-car remote garage, rear access, and interior access into the home
• Sealed driveway
• A front porch, perfect for morning coffee Spacious covered rear deck with views across Gembrook
• Shed, power and wood store
Location: Perfect location, just opposite the Primary School, walk into town for a coffee and cake, dinner, also bush walks and trail rides nearby, also 15 minutes to Pakenham rail connections, a bus stop nearby.
Country lifestyle in contemporary splendour. Nothing left to do except unpack, this home offers the ultimate convenience for busy buyers seeking a hassle-free transition.
SERENITYOFMOTHERNATURE
Welcometothiscomfortable 3levelhomethatmeetstheserenityofMotherNature
Offering ahuge7-meterkitchenboastingsupdatedappliances,cornerpantry& ample benchspace,adjoiningdining/loungewith aloglook fire,BIR’sinallbedrooms,ensuite& WIRtomasterand amassiverumpus.Witha gloriousbackdropofopenlawns,scattered gums,amplespaceforplayanda ‘chillzone’witha firepit.Just ashortwalkintotown andattheotherendofthestreetisthefamousDandenongRangesNationalPark
GrantSkipsey 0418528102
Nestledina peacefulcourt,thisbeautifullypresentedhomehaslargewindows throughoutallowinglotsofnaturallightyear-round.The ¼acreallotmenthaslovely establishedgardenswithfruittreesandisuseable,idealforthewholefamily.Keyfeatures includeBIR’sinallbedrooms,openplanliving& dining,stunningclawfootbathinmain bathroom,GDH,solar,shedding &plentyofparkingspace.Quiet& privatelocation, closetolocalschools,parksandshops.Perfectforfamilies, first-homebuyersorinvestors.
MickDolphin 0429684522 AnthonyIorlano 0494142438
LAWNS,GARDENS& NATURALBUSH
Thecurrentownerscamehereinthe1980’s& createdthisoasis &ranch-stylebrick veneerhomethatoffersvaultedceilings,slate floors,openplanliving,atticstorage,huge coveredoutdoorareawithbuilt-inbar &a firepitnearby.Themastersuitehas aWIR,full ensuite,loungearea &doorstooutside.Outdoors youwill findtreehouses,biketracks, a man& lady cave,shedding,outbuildings,plenty ofcaraccommodation,tractorshed, veggiepatch,hothouse,shadehouse &goodfencing.Allthisonly minutestoEmerald 4 A 2 B 10 C
MickDolphin 0429684522
AnthonyIorlano 0494142438
4CARGARAGEAND ADOUBLECARPORT
Thispropertywithanupdatedlowmaintenancebrickhomesuitsa varietyofbuyer’s needslikethosewantingtodownsizebutstillwantlandaroundthem.Otherfeatures includea4cargarage &a doublecarport,2 livingspaces,contemporarycentralkitchen with a900mmuprightdesignerstove& excellentstorage,spaciousfamilybathroomwith aluxurioussoakingtub,openfire,bambooflooring,ductedheating,splitsystem,fenced rearyard,establishedgardensandallwithinwalkingdistanceintoEmeraldtownship.
MickDolphin 0429684522
ErinDavies 0493136937
SERENE MOUNTAIN RETREAT WITH VIEWS
THIS charming home offers a rare opportunity for someone to fall in love with a tranquil retreat, perfect as a weekend getaway or a peaceful permanent residence. Nestled amidst magnificent mountain views, this property is designed to maximize the scenic beauty, especially from the outdoor deck a spot so serene, you won’t want to leave. Surrounded by lush gardens and the sounds of nature, the light filled, open plan layout creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The home boasts three bedrooms, each with picturesque windows that capture the beauty of the surroundings. The spacious kitchen is perfect for cooking enthusiasts, featuring a large oven, dishwasher, and plenty of counter space. An updated family bathroom, separate toilet, and a laundry with ample storage complete the main level.
Downstairs, you’ll find a versatile space, ideal for a home office, studio, or hobby room, along with a generous workshop and additional storage. The stunning gardens wrap around the home, offering a peaceful retreat that feels like your own private sanctuary.
Conveniently located just a short distance from Warburton’s shops, cafes, recreation reserve, Yarra River walks, and the Warburton Rail Trail, this delightful home offers the perfect blend of serenity and accessibility. Don’t miss the chance to make this enchanting property your own.
PicturesqueYarraValleyViewsAllYearRound
AdmireandenjoythiscolourfulandeverchangingvistawithfantasticYarraValleyviewsanda comfortablefamilyhomeina popularandsoughtafterarea,thiscouldbejustwhatyouarelooking for.Thehomeiswellpresentedandverywelllookedafter, amuchlovedfamilyhomeforover30 years.Offering 3bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesincludinganensuiteinthemainbedroom,spacious openliving/loungeareasgivethegrowingfamilyplentyofspace.Thekitchenhasamplebenchand cupboardspaceplus aseparatemealsarea.Ventureoutsideandenjoytheopenairentertaining, sitbackrelaxandenjoytheviewsandthecolourfulscenery,thekidsandpetswilllovethewide openspacewithapprox.1680sqmtoexplore,enjoyandrunwild.A fantasticpropertyofferingthe growingfamilya convenientandcomfortablelifestyle.
DavidCarroll M 0419539320
Commercial RentalsAvailable
10CCentellaPlace,LaunchingPlace -greatstreet frontage,highexposurelocation,rearaccess available.$440.00perweek +O/G
Shop2/2445WarburtonHwy,YarraJunction -fully equippedcafeavailable,greatlocationonthemain street.$320.00perweek +O/G
3461WarburtonHwy,Warburton -renovatedspace with alovelyoutdoordeckarea,wouldsuitcafeor winebar.$450.00perweek +O/G
5/3505WarburtonHwy,Warburton -idealforsmall business/officespace,situatedinthemainstreetof Warburton.$180.00perweek +O/G
4/1609WarburtonHwy,WooriYallock -highway frontage,115sqmspace,includes akitchenette & toilet.$430.00perweek+O/G
Ifyouwouldlikemoredetailsonthese Commercialopportunities,
TranquilLivingon1&1/2AcreswithArmstrongCreekFrontage Nestledonover1&1/2acresoflushland,andenjoyingadjacentriverreserve,thisenchanting propertyoffers alifestyleoftranquillityandleisure.Asthedayfadesintoevening,retreattoyour expansiverearveranda.Youcanunwindamidstnature’sbeauty,perhapsindulgingin asoothing soakintheoutdoorclawfootbath.Inside, acozyambiancebeckons,courtesyoftheslow combustionwoodfireandsplitsystem,ensuringyear-roundcomfortforyourfamily.Thewarmthofa lovelytimberkitchenprovidesamplespacetocookup afeast.Withtwoinvitingbedroomsandan additionalprivatestudioorguestroom,completewithitsownlittledeck,thepropertyoffersversatility andseclusion.Safetyandsecurityareparamount,thankstothefencedbackyard,providingpeace ofmindforbothchildrenandpetsalike.Don’tmissout...Yourriversideparadiseawaits!
Setona picturesqueblockofapprox.1800sqmandofferingthewholefamilyloadsofspaceto enjoy,thispropertyisideallypositionedtoexploreandenjoythepicturesquesurroundsofEast Warburton.Thehomeoffers 3bedroomsplusa separatelounge/livingareawithanopenplan kitchenandmeals/diningarea.Thekidsandpetswilllovetheoutdoorswithplentyofroomto spreadout,exploreandenjoy.Thelandismainlyclearandflatwithestablishedgardensshrubs andtreessurroundingtheproperty,givingit asenseofprivacyandseclusionyetjust ashortdrive totheWarburtontownshipandwiththeYarraRiverjustovertheroadits’ agreatplacetoenjoythe warmsummermonthsahead.A greatfamilyhomein afantasticlocationandsetincolourfuland picturesquesurrounds.
DavidCarroll M 0419539320
All the action from AVSL
By Jamie Strudley
Morrison Reserve hosted round 3 of the Athletics Victoria AVSL competition. Over 300 athletes from around the state travelled to Australia’s most picturesque athletics track for an afternoon of interclub athletics. The sun came out as well to make for a great afternoon of athletics.
Yarra Ranges Athletics had a big turn out of athletes that resulted in some excellent team points and an overall team win in the division. Top points scorers were Zoe Clarke and Olivia Twining, both amassing more than 1000 points. Performance of the day went to Uli Homann and Jane Pointon who kept the canteen running from 8am through to 6pm. An awesome effort. Thanks also to all the club helpers who volunteered their time to ensure the day went smoothly.
Briar Keyser broke a seven year old record in the Under 20 Women’s 3000m running 11.09.54. We had four Little Athletics athletes take the opportunity to see what all the fun is about by trialling in some events. Well done to Arden Simpson, Karlie Van Zyl, Tori Kincaid and Janna Rodriguez. Results are:
Women
• 200m:EmilyFiedler27.46(1.2);GeorgiaBoundy 27.86 (-1.0); Ashleigh Rooke 28.34 (+0.0); Zoe Clarke 28.66 (+0.0); Camden Hewitson 29.02 (-2.6); Hannah Collier 29.81 (-1.7); Rori Jones 30.04 (-2.2); Brookley Horsburgh 30.90 (-2.2); Taryn Bourke 30.66 (-0.7); Erin Taylor 31.04 (-2.6); Shani Bullard 31.10 (-1.7); Arden Simpson 31.56; Karlie Van Zyl 31.87; Lily Messom 34.94 (-0.0); 800m: Olivia Twining 2:23.78; Zoe Clarke 2:28.29; Rori Jones 2:30.88; Brookley Horsburgh 2:48.86; Tori Kincaid 2:53.46; Lily Clarke 2:54.18; 3000m: Olivia Twining 10:44.31; Briar Keyser 11:09.54; Bonnie Morris 12:17.26; Rori Jones 12:30.30; Lily Clarke 12:35.94; Arden Simpson 13:45.29; Elisabeth Coffey 14:31.26; Erica Purcell 17:24.71; 5000m: Grace Muller 19:10.67; 200m Hurdles: Janna Rodriguez 46.51 2000m Walk: Emilie Garside 11:57.5h; 4x400m: Yarra Ranges 4:28.14 (Taryn Bourke, Ash Rooke, Hannah Collier, Zoe Clarke); 4:44.27 Rori Jones, Grace Muller, Briar Keyser, Olivia Twining); 5:07.57 (Janna Rodriguez, Lily Messom, Camden Hewitson, Lily Clarke);
• Discus: Hayley Wilkins 30.04m; Meg Sparkes 28.81m;
• Hammer: Sarah Ebbels 35.76m; Anne-Marie Ebbels 28.26m; Camden Hewitson 25.59m; Kathi Hewitson 16.99m; Meg Sparkes 16.53m;
• High Jump: Olivia Twining 1.32m; Shani Bullard 1.32m; Erin Taylor 1.32m; Katrina Winger 1.27m; Ashleigh Rooke 1.27m;
• Javelin: Hayley Wilkins 32.73m; Meg Sparkes 18.92m;
• Shot Put: Camden Hewitson 10.47m; Ashleigh Rooke 8.05m; Hayley Wilkins 7.73m; AnneMarie Ebbels 7.10m; Shani Bullard 6.88m; Sarah Ebbels 6.88m; Hannah Collier 6.77m; Meg Sparkes 6.45m; Lauren Nankervis 6.01m; Lily Messom 5.53m; Kathi Hewitson 4.76m;
• Triple Jump: Camden Hewitson 9.68m; Zoe Clarke 8.81m; Olivia Twining 8.79m; Shani Bullard 8.74m; Ashleigh Rooke 8.64m; Arden Simpson 8.62m; Lauren Nankervis 7.41m; Katrina Winger 7.61m; Lily Messom 6.82m; Kathi Hewitson 5.31m; Men
• 200m: Liam Russell 24.04; Oliver Duncan 25.00 (-0.3); Blake Saloyedoff 26.85 (-1.1); Mitchell Pointon 27.01 (-3.2); Joseph Johnston 28.40 (0.1); Ilikimi Tove 32.00 (-0.8);
• 800m: Harry Norman 1:57.02; Max Savill-Bentley 2:05.72; Daniel Gibbs 2:16.03; Mitchell Pointon 2:17.22; Blake Saloyedoff 2:17.34; Ilikimi Tove 2:47.62;
• 3000m: Angus Norman 9:12.93; Harry Norman 9:13.60; Max Savill-Bentley 9:33.72; Liam Russell 10:24.12;
• 5000m: Matthew Morrison 19:11.10; Bryan Ackerly 24:25.24;
• 4x400m: Yarra Ranges 3:47.19 (Oliver Duncan, Tynan Mims, Mitch Pointon, Liam Russell); 4:18.63 (Joseph Johnston, Daniel Gibbs, Ash Almond, Max Savill-Bentley);
• Discus: Ash Almond 30.56m;
• Hammer: Dale Bullen 25.45m;
• High Jump: Oliver Duncan 1.72m; Ilikimi Tove 1.22m;
• Javelin: Ash Almond 52.13m;
• Shot Put: Ash Almond 9.51m; Dale Bullen 8.95m; Ilikimi Tove 6.24m;
• Triple Jump: Oliver Duncan 10.68m; Mitchell Pointon 10.25m;
Thanks also to club officials: Carolyn Rosenbrock and Jamie Strudley who also earned team points for official’s duty.
A rainy start to Saturday meant a reduced program of athletics for the Little Athletics competition. The weather did not deter the fun and excitement shown by the athletes as they took to their events with plenty of enthusiasm. Check socials and other messaging for the canteen duty age group for round 4 and any early events.
Bree C and Brock P represented Eastern Metro at the 60th Anniversary Region Challenge in Geelong on Sunday. Bree won her 1500m and Brock won High Jump and third in Long Jump.
YRA had two athletes compete in the Melbourne Marathon 10km event last weekend. Harry Norman finished in an impressive fourth place and new club record, running 29.26. Tynan Mims was not far behind in ninth place recording 31.13. Training for our little athletes five-12yo takes place on Tuesdays from 4-5pm. All registered and trial members are welcome. Pole Vault training for those interested will be on this Friday from 5.30pm. Please check our website for more training session details.
Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability. New members and anyone interested in trialling are always welcome.
Go to www.lavic.com.au or www.athsvic.org. au or email info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au for information about membership, events and registration.
For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org.au or check us out on Facebook. Run, Jump, Throw…too easy!
Ash Rooke mid flight in her Triple Jump at Morrison Reserve. (Supplied)
Brock P and Bree C with their LAVic 60th Anniversary Region Challenge medals.
Lilydale in convincing win
By John Thomson
Monday 14 October saw the Lilydale Croquet Club’s Division 1 team play at home against Monash
The Lilydale team this week was Murray Howlett and Craig McCracken.
The first game in level play is the doubles. Lilydale won the toss and hit off first. Lilydale got off to a good start and had a small break early but Monash came back only to see Lilydale skip away again late in the game to win 7 hoops to Monash 4 hoops.
Murray played in the first singles game. This game was close all the way until Murray had a bit of bad luck which gifted the Monash player a couple of hoops which was the difference in the end. Monash 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.
Craig played in the next singles game. This game was close early but then the Monash player was able to run a couple of very long hoops to give her a break and go on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops.
At the break the scores were Monash 2 games 18 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 16 hoops. With only 1 game and 2 hoops separating the two teams the final result was far from being known.
Murray played the first singles after the break. Both players were going hoop for hoop but then Monash took their chance and ran a couple of very nice hoops which gave them the break. Monash 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.
With one game to play Monash had now won the day.
Craig played in the last game of the day. It seems that close games were the order of the day and this game was no exception. This time though it was Craig who was able to run the crucial hoops and go on to win 7 hoops to Monash 5 hoops.
The final score for the day was Monash 3 games 30 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 28 hoops.
The Lilydale Division 2 team this week travelled to Monash. The Lilydale team consisted of Alan Jones, Kerri McCracken and Michael Crawley.
In the first doubles Alan and Michael paired up. Alan and Michael got away to a flying start and just did not let their Monash opponents get a look in and went on to win 7 hoops to Monash 0 hoops.
Kerri played in the first singles. Again a quick start by Kerri set up the game and she was able to then control the game winning 7 hoops to Monash 2 hoops.
Alan played in the next singles. This game was a bit closer but Alan was still able to take control and win the game 7 hoops to Monash 4 hoops.
At the lunch break the scores were Lilydale 3 games 21 hoops to Monash 0 games 6 hoops. With only two games to play Lilydale had already won the day so it was just a matter of whether Monash could get on the winners board.
Michael played in the second last singles. Again, Michael was able to get off to a very good start and was able to build a lead and hold it through to the end winning 7 hoops to Monash 3 hoops.
Kerri played in the last singles. This game was almost a carbon copy of the previous game with Lilydale building a good lead early then being able to hold it through to the end. Lilydale 7 hoops to Monash 3 hoops.
The final scores for the day, Lilydale 5 games 35 hoops to Monash 0 games 12 hoops.
This was a most emphatic win by the Lilydale team, the second time this season they have been able to keep their opponents scoreless and with four weeks to play might just have secured themselves top spot.
In the Handicap competition Lilydale hosted Monash this week.
Lilydale’s team comprised Murray Howlett, Michael Crawley, Kerri McCracken and Colleen Howlett.
Michael played in the first singles game. Michael was starting with a two hoop disadvantage. Monash had won the toss and hit off first. Michael was focused on his task at hand and had soon
made up the two hoop disadvantage and just concentrated on playing a level play game and went on to win 7 hoops to Monash 5 hoops.
The next game was a doubles and Murray and Kerri teamed up for this game. Lilydale were starting with a one hoop disadvantage. This game was close early but gradually over the game Lilydale drew level and then was able to set up a break and go on to win 7 hoops to Monash 4 hoops.
In the next singles Kerri was playing. Kerri was playing Monash’s top player so she was starting with a 2 hoop advantage and the Monash player was starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage. Kerri’s game has been improving over the season and this game was no exception as she went onto win 7 hoops to Monash 1 hoop.
Michael and Colleen paired up for the next doubles. Lilydale were starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage. The Lilydale pair got off to a good start and had soon made up their 1 hoop and from there on controlled the game to win 7 hoops to
Monash 3 hoops.
At the lunch break Lilydale were 4 games 28 hoops to Monash 0 games 13 hoops. With 2 games to play Lilydale had won the day. Michael played in the last singles for the day. Michael had a 2 hoop disadvantage in this game. This was not an easy game with Michael slowly making up his 2 hoop disadvantage and then working his way into the lead to go on and win 7 hoops to Monash 4 hoops.
In the last game of the day Murray and Kerri paired up. Lilydale were starting with a one hoop disadvantage. Lilydale soon had that one hoop made up and from there on controlled the game to go on and win 7 hoops to Monash 3 hoops. The final scores were Lilydale 6 games 42 hoops to Monash 0 games 20 hoops, a convincing win for the Lilydale team.
This win keeps Lilydale on top of the ladder, 2 tests, 8 games and 39 hoops in front of the second placed team with four weeks to play.
Colleen Howlett running a hoop. (Supplied)
The Lilydale team watching on.
Michael Crawley prepares his shot.
Alan Jones lining up a shot.
Bowlers go on the attack
By Chris Anderson
Overnight rain threatened to put a dampener on this weekend’s cricket games, and for those cricketers in the lower grades it did sentence them to a day on the sidelines after many grounds proved unplayable. Fortunately for the Premier Grades, the skies opened up at midday, drying soggy outfields for an afternoon of action packed play.
The Mt Evelyn Cricket Club Community Bank - Mt Evelyn First XI hosted Montrose in a replay of last season’s elimination final, and in a ploy to avoid the onslaught they felt in last season’s final, Montrose took the opportunity to get on the front foot and put the score on the board as they elected to bat upon winning the toss. Debutant Kynan Yates put his stamp on the game early with the first three wickets of the contest to have the Wolves teetering at 3/45 inside the first 10 overs. With a need to steady the innings, and regain some control of the contest, young gun Mitch O’Neil joined Will Newey at the wicket, and the pair patiently regained control of the innings. The Mt Evelyn bowlers embraced the grind with Will Macklin and Jake Blackwell bowling extended spells giving little scoring opportunities to the batsmen. Not to be perturbed from their task, Newey and O’Neil executed their task with precision over the next 40 overs scoring excellent half centuries along the way. When Newey fell, the pair had almost added 100 to the score and had set the foundations for a late innings onslaught from the rest of the batting line up.
The Wolves looked as if they had botched their lines as Macklin got just rewards for his toil, and a glut of wickets saw the visitors wobble, and a quick finish to the innings looked possible when the score fell to 7/189. Charley Smith joined Cameron Storm in the middle, and the pair were determined to capitalise on the efforts of their top order. The partnership would plunder a tiring attack and would quickly boost the total, with their partnership ballooning beyond 100 within the space of 15 overs. Runs were scored all around the
wicket as the pair would both score ‘run-a-ball’ half centuries.
Eventually, the innings would close at 8/297 as the visitors would bat out their allotted overs. Macklin (4/82) and Yates (3/55) were the pick of the bowling attack which was made to toil hard by a batting line up determined to maximise their time at the wicket. The Mounters will have to bat well to chase down the target, however, in batter friendly conditions, if they can bat out their allotted overs they know they will be around the mark.
The Mt Evelyn CC Professionals - Outer East Second XI travelled to Yarra Glen which would see a seesawing first days play. The Mounters looked to exploit the overcast conditions, as they asked Yarra Glen to bat first in humid conditions that looked likely to offer the eager bowlers some
movement in the air.
The early part of the innings was a real arm wrestle with neither team gaining any meaningful advantage. The River Pigs would tick the scoreboard over with handy contributions from their top order, but they would be stifled by regular wickets and with the innings at 4/128, it could’ve swung either way. Experienced medium pacer, Darcy Fraser, would ensure it would swing the way of the fielding side as he swooped to a five wicket haul and a quick wrap up of the innings to see the home side post 155.
With nearly 30 overs still to bat, the Mounters had a great opportunity to put the game firmly in their favour, but would only open the door to Yarra Glen’s challenge. Openers Brad Westaway and Dan Fraser were bowled out cheaply to the
skill of Matthew Donnelly, then like the home side, the Mounters’ middle order could not gain enough momentum to give the score enough guts.
With the visitors finishing the day at 5/69, the River Pigs would be well pleased with the finish to the day, and will enter day two knowing a couple of early wickets will quickly drive them towards victory. The Mounters on the other hand will be bitterly disappointed that they did not capitalise on their bowling efforts and now have a real challenge on their hands to rescue a victory from this contest. They fully know however, that they have plenty of experience and run scoring still left in the sheds that the 87 runs still to made is not a mountain too hard to conquer.
Unternahrer, Smith, Rana lift their team to a big score
By Les Hutchings
Kilsyth First XI played Norwood at Mullum Mullum Reserve on Day 1 of Round 3 in the Trollope Shield competition. Norwood won the toss and elected to field. The first wicket fell in the 8th over with Kilsyth 1/4. It was 2/8 after 12 overs and then 3/19 when Kilsyth’s Captain Marcus Adams was caught behind for 10 off the last ball of Ishraj Jandu’s first over. Then, with the first two balls of his next over, medium pacer Jandu took two wickets (both LBW) to claim a hat-trick! Interestingly, he didn’t realise that he had achieved the feat at the time due to the break in overs. However, Kilsyth were in trouble at 5/20 and the next over from Norwood’s opening bowler Adam Baker was a wicket maiden with the Redbacks now 6/20. It was 7/26 when Baker bowled another wicket maiden in his next over. In the end, 14-year-old Will Beard top scored with 11 off 24 balls (1 four) and Kilsyth were dismissed for 50 after 38 overs. For Norwood, Ishraj Jandu finished with 3/16 off 7 overs (1 maiden). Opening bowlers Adam Baker, 2/7 off 13 overs (7 maidens), and Grant McInerney 3/20 off 13 overs (5 maidens), bowled with great accuracy and picked up key wickets. Spinner Ben Sanson chipped in with 2/4 off 5 overs (2 maidens) to wrap up the innings. In the run chase, Norwood lost two early wickets and were 2/8 after 4 overs. Opening bowler Daniel Stapelfeldt, bowling with good pace,tookthefirstwicket,wellcaughtbyUvindu Wimaladharma. Fellow opening bowler Scott Nicholson captured the second wicket when Andy Solomons took a brilliant diving catch at short cover to a full-blooded drive. Then a 63 run partnership between former Kilsyth star batsman Josh Turner, 32 off 59 balls (3 fours), and Ben Hastie 37 off 68 balls (3 fours), took the score to 71. It was on this score that Norwood lost two wickets, both claimed by left arm finger spinner Mackenzie Scott-Thomas with a double wicket maiden. Josh Turner was caught by Uvindu Wimaladharma and the other wicket was caught and bowled. Mackenzie struck again in his next over, dismissing Hastie, caught behind by ’keeper Will Beard with Norwood now 5/80 in the 26th over. Norwood declared on 5/95 at
the end of the 28th over leaving Kilsyth 14 overs to negotiate before stumps. Wicket takers for Kilsyth were Mackenzie Scott-Thomas 3/36 off 9 overs, Daniel Stapelfeldt 1/17 off 6 overs (1 maiden) and Scott Nicholson 1/17 off 7 overs (2 maidens). At the close of play Kilsyth were 1/25 in their second innings with Jack Childs 16 not out and First XI debutant Kevin Baldsing 4 not out. Norwood’s Adam Baker had 1/9 off 4 overs. The Second XI suffered a similar fate, also against Norwood. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat but it wasn’t their day being dismissed for 78 in 42.5 overs. Top scorers were Daniel Caton 17 off 27 balls (2 fours) and Captain Matthew Coghlan 15 not out off 71 balls (2 fours). For Norwood, Lewis Miller 3/10 off 9 overs (5 maidens), Joshua Kelly 3/30 off 9 overs (1 maiden) and James Menzies 2/21 off 9.1 overs (1 maiden) did most of the damage with the ball. Norwood replied with 4/149 declared off 27 overs with Jason Cant scoring an excellent
84 off 90 balls including 11 fours and 3 sixes. He was well supported by Matthew Sansom, 26 off 31 balls (2 fours and 1 six). At stumps Kilsyth were 1/13 in their second innings. With the Fourths and Fifths’ games abandoned with no play due to the state of the grounds,theThirdXI’sperformancewiththebat proved to be the only real highlight for Kilsyth on Saturday. Playing Lilydale at Roy Baldwin Oval, Pinks Reserve, Kilsyth won the toss and chose to bat first. An opening partnership of 97 between Shane Smith and Sanjeev Rana got the Redbacks off to a great start and at the end of the day Kilsyth were all out for 280 off 75 overs. Openers Shane Smith, 72 off 90 balls (12 fours and 2 sixes) and Sanjeev Rana 54 off 58 balls (9 fours) batted superbly. Then Mark Unternahrer, coming in at number 5, took control and blasted 90 off 133 balls with 13 fours and 1 six to build on the good start. Lilydale’s wicket takers were Mohit Singla, who captured 5/22 off 31 overs (8
maidens), Craig Staggard 3/58 off 24 overs (6 maidens) and Angus Smith 2/26 off 6 overs (1 maiden). Congratulations to Russell Hutchings who passed the 2,000 senior runs milestone for Kilsyth Cricket Club during the match.
On Sunday, Kilsyth Women’s First XI won the toss against Lusatia Park and elected to field. Lusatia Park were 2/11 after 3 overs but then a 104 run partnership between Caitlyn Parker and Sam Reynolds lifted the score to 3/115 when Reynolds was out for 37 off 60 balls with one boundary. Then a partnership of 44 between Parker and Amelia English made it 4/159 off 31 overs. At the compulsory closure after 36 overs, Lusatia Park were 6/179 with Caitlyn Parker finishing on a sparkling 83 not out off 105 balls (8 fours). Wicket takers for Kilsyth were Avanthi Jaywickrema 3/41off 7 overs, Ashleigh Katoa 2/29 off 7 overs and Courtney Anderson 1/24 from 7 overs. Also, Avanthi and Ashleigh each took a catch in the field.
After the tea break Kilsyth set about the run chase but a 41 run opening partnership came to an unfortunate end when Belinda Hutchings was run out for 17 (1 four). It was 3/65 off 14 overs when fellow opener Nicole Woolhouse was caught for 16. Captain Ashleigh Katoa struck the ball well before being caught for 18 off 18 balls (1 four & 1 six) and Kilsyth were now 4/84 after 17 overs. Avanthi Jayawickrema struck two boundaries before being out for 8 off 3 balls and Sharon Sheals in her first bat for the Redbacks did well to score 12 (1 four) with Kilsyth 6/102 after 20 overs. Two other new players, Eva Gottschling and Faye Baxevanis scored 9 and 10 respectively and together with Alice Matanisiga 10 not out, helped Kilsyth reach 150 all out off 33.1 overs. For Lusatia Park, Caitlyn Parker took 3 catches and was also involved in a run out assist whilst Melissa Page also took 3 catches, including two caught and bowled. Lucy Pritchard took a wicket in every over she bowled, finishing with the fine figures of 6/30 off 5.1 overs and she was well supported by Melissa Page who captured 3/33 off 7 overs. Unfortunately, all junior matches were abandoned with no play due to the inclement weather.
Debutant Kynan Yates made his mark notching up some of the best bowling for the First XI. (Supplied)
Kilsyth’s Mark Unternahrer scored a brilliant 90 off 133 balls (13 fours and 1 six), for Kilsyth’s Third XI against Lilydale. (Supplied)
