Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 22nd October 2024

In the groove

Yarra Valley ECOSS’ fan-favourite cultural event Rhythms of the World was held on Saturday 19 October, as attendees and musicians braved the weather for a multicultural musical extravaganza.

The free entry event provided attendees the opportunity to take part in interactive music and dance workshops, watch captivating multicultural performances and taste culinary delights from around the globe.

After a Welcome To Country by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Kim Wandin, the lineup was packed from 12.30pm to 6.15pm, featuring:

• Djirri Djirri Dancers (Traditional Indigenous Dance)

• Szara Fox Trio (Folk/World Music)

• Kids African Drum Workshop with Kofi Kunkpe Music

• Sarita Mcharg (World Music/Storytelling)

• Tenzin Choegyal (Tibetan Music/Performance)

• Afromoses Baidoo (Afrobeat/World Music)

• ROTW All-Star JAM (Multicultural Music Collaboration)

• Kofi Kunkpe Yarra Valley Drummers (African Drumming)

• AmaruTribe (Latin/World Music)

• Some of the flavourful food at the event included:

• Mexican Tacos at Tonantzin Chocolate

• The Juicy Momo (Tibetan Delights)

• Indian Curry & Spices

• Angry Mum Dishes with Dumplings and more.

Turn to page 13 for more

By Mikayla van Loon

A greyhound death was recorded in Healesville on Tuesday 15 October after a three-year-old had a fall on the track during a

“Gossips

tion of Greyhounds (CPG), who cited it as the 39th death recorded in Victoria this year.

Getting in the groove. (Angela Rivas)

A Star News Group Publication

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 Regulator, 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 includes 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

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.

“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 Chi-

na 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)

A dead kangaroo in Healesville in September this year. (File)

Greyhound sparks industry debate

From page 1

“Another week, another death on Victorian greyhound racetracks. The sad life of a racing greyhound means that they face every race with the risk of being killed or injured,” CPG Victorian spokesperson Rebekah Herron said.

“The racing industry has a skewed view of the rights of a greyhound - no human athlete lives with the same risks as a racing dog.”

The timing of the death comes at a pivotal moment, with bipartisan support in Victoria’s Parliament passing a bill requiring Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) to provide more transparent and timely data on deaths and injuries, on and off the track, on Wednesday 16 October.

“We know that dogs who injure themselves while racing are being killed from their injuries hours, days or even a week after racing,” Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell posted to social media.

“They should be counted too.”

A GRV spokesperson said this most recent death would be recorded in its annual report but euthanasia and fatality figures could not be confirmed for the year, as the report has been submitted to the government ready to be tabled later this month.

“Racing fatalities in Victoria over the past five years have decreased by more than 47 per cent and total racing injury rates are also down 18 per cent over that same period,” the spokesperson said.

“With over 110,000 starters in about 15,000 races in Victoria annually, fatalities and serious injuries in racing are rare. The causes are multifaceted and unique to each situation and cannot be solely attributable to the track design, shape or

surface.”

A track inspection following Gossips fall found it to be safe to continue racing.

In the 2022-23 year, 382 Victorian-owned greyhounds were euthanised according to GRV’s annual report.

While Ms Purcell has claimed “the greyhound industry lies” in its reporting of on-track deaths, GRV has publicly refuted this.

“382 greyhounds were killed last year but nobody knows why. From now on Greyhound Racing Victoria will have to break down euthanasia by its cause,” she said.

GRV chief executive officer Stuart Laing issued a statement on Friday 18 October responding to these claims and the newly passed bill.

“GRV strongly refutes claims made by the AJP and others that ‘GRV lies about its welfare figures’,” he said.

“GRV remains as committed as ever, as we know the greyhound racing community in Victoria is as well, to the key priorities of greyhound welfare and maintaining the integrity of the industry.”

Mr Laing said GRV has taken “proactive steps to breakdown welfare figures” and improve its reporting in the 2023-24 annual report.

“Those changes include a breakdown of euthanasia by reason, the publishing of deaths of registered greyhounds (not by euthanasia) and a full breakdown of race injuries, categorised by incapacitation periods,” he said.

The accepted bill will require GRV to include additional information on deaths that occur as result of, and within 10 days of, an injury sustained in racing; a more detailed breakdown of

non-Greyhound Adoption Program rehoming figures; and how many dogs test positive for each type of prohibited substance.

Ms Purcell said “the greyhound racing industry is currently breeding almost five times more dogs than they have the ability to rehome” and will now be expected to “declare just how many dogs were rehomed and disclose exactly where dogs end up”.

Mr Laing said over the last eight years GRV has been bringing down the number of injuries, both minor and serious, that occur on the track and this motion was just another step forward for the racing industry.

“The substance of the motion is in many respects already in line with GRV’s commitment to transparency of data and initiatives already delivered or in progress in this space,” he said.

“It does not detract from our ongoing commitment and focus on continuing to strive for our goal of being a world class regulator and to lead, develop and regulate a responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry in Victoria.”

Ms Herron said, however, according to CPG research, greyhound racing does not align with the Australian people’s values.

“Dogs being raced to death in this country is completely out of touch with modern values and attitudes. Research shows that most Australians want to see greyhound racing phased out, yet state governments continue to subsidise it,” she said.

“While the industry claims tracks are safer, there is no such thing as a safe track for a racing greyhound. The numbers of dead and injured dogs attest to that. This is an industry that is not in line with current Australian values.”

IN BRIEF

Millgrove crash

Emergency services responded to reports of a vehicle accident at around 7.52 pm in Millgrove, on Thursday 17 October 17.

Four CFA units from Wesburn/Millgrove and Warburton attended the scene alongside Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria.

Crews arrived to find a vehicle had struck a power pole and a representative from the relevant power company was contacted.

The driver was not trapped. Ambulance Victoria confirmed no emergency treatment or transport was provided.

The incident was deemed under control at 8.00pm and safe at 8.05pm.

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.

Remain aware of the possibility of mpox infection amongst other groups.

Mpox testing can be done in any primary care service (general practitioner) or sexual health clinic.

Vaccination should be promoted to all eligible people at risk of mpox, including second doses. Free mpox vaccine is widely available for eligible people through sexual health clinics, hospitals, general practitioners, Aboriginal health services, councils and pharmacies.

People at risk of mpox should be aware of the current outbreak and take measures to protect themselves and others.

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.

Mpox can spread from person-to-person through close (skin-to-skin) or prolonged contact, for example during sexual contact, as well as contact with contaminated items or surfaces, and respiratory droplets. Symptoms can occur up to 21 days after being exposed to mpox.

Ford recall

38,423 2022-2024 Ford Everest and Transit Custom Vehicles have been recalled due to an issue with the windows.

Due to a software issue, if a vehicle occupant places an obstruction such as a body part in the window space when the driver or passenger side windows are closing, the auto-reverse function may not operate until significant pressure is applied.

If the driver or passenger side window auto reverse function does not operate as intended, it can increase the risk of serious injury to vehicle occupants.

Gossips, a three-year-old greyhound, was euthanised after a fall at the Healesville Greyhound Racing Club on Tuesday 15 October. (Youtube/GRV)

Prepare for the fire season

For National Carers Week CFA urged Victorians who care for others living in high bushfire risk areas to make a fire plan using CFA’s online module ahead of summer.

The learning module Bushfire Planning: You and the person you care for, developed with Carers Victoria, is for anyone who provides informal unpaid care or support to family members or friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic health issue or age-related condition.

The one-hour online lesson dives into who needs to be prepared, important roles played, how to start a conversation and build a plan, when to choose to stay or go, how to make it all work and what resources are available.

Dromana Fire Brigade member Tim Marchinton, who informally cares for his mum who lives rurally and remotely in a high-risk area said the module has been a valuable tool in setting her up for any type of emergency.

“Sometimes mum is on her own, and she lives in an area surrounded by a lot of natural bush, so we needed to have something that she could enact if I wasn’t here,” Tim said.

“Every summer she is concerned about the what if, having previously lived in another part of Gippsland that was affected by the Black Saturday bushfires.

“It’s been challenging to chat through this, because up until Black Saturday, mum was of the mindset that you can stay and do what you need to do on your own.

“I’ve now got her to think differently by doing this plan and reassured her that we’ve got insurance and it’s not worth trying to stay and fight.”

Tim and his mum watched the module together, then went through what they learnt, condensing it into a checklist and a survival plan that she has nearby at all times.

“She now has a packed bag, with everything

essential by the door as recommended, and we re-check that every summer. We make sure the batteries are fresh, that radios are in there with bottled water and a bowl is there for the dog,” Tim said.

“A really important factor for mum throughout this process was incorporating contingencies so she could take her dog with her, otherwise she wasn’t prepared to continue creating the plan.

“She knows on a Total Fire Ban (TFB) day to listen to the radio continuously, and to make sure her phone is always charged.

Two vehicles collide at T intersection

Two cars crashed at the T intersection between Healesville-Yarra Glen Road and Old Healesville Road around 2pm on Thursday 17 October.

A car coming from the Yarra Glen [on Healesville-Yarra Glen Road] collided with another car coming along Old Healesville Road which failed to give way.

Victoria Police confirmed it was a two-vehicle collision with nil injuries.

A CFA spokesperson said four CFA units from Healesville and Badger Creek responded to a vehicle in Healesville.

“All occupants were safely out of the vehicles,” they said.

“Victoria Police and VicRoads were called to the scene.

“Incident was deemed under control at 2.25pm and safe at 2.32pm.”

“It’s been a great conversation starter, her exit road has two choices, so we’ve talked about where she would go if she was to leave early as her house is wooden and more vulnerable.”

Due to the gravity of the information, Tim took a person-centred approach when working through the online learning with his mum and completed it over a number of sessions.

Ahead of and during summer Tim and his mum spend time cleaning up the property, emptying gutters and clearing leaves anything surrounding the area.

“We’ve put a ring sprinkler around the house so that there is some barrier against ember attack when she needs to leave, it has a 50,000L tank that is preserved for this purpose to create some sort of ember wash,” Tim said.

“If she needs to leave quickly there is a safe spot for her on the neighbours’ property surrounded by low cut grass. However, mum and her neighbours have already agreed that leaving early to go and stay with friends on a TFB day is the best course of action.

Since launching, 580 people have completed the module, with a further 184 currently in progress and another 107 enrolled to begin. Visit CFA’s website at cfa.vic.gov.au/carers for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it. To learn more about Carers Victoria, visit carersvictoria.org.au

Tractor goes up in flames

By Callum Ludwig

An unfortunate incident for some Launching Place landowners has ended in the complete loss of a tractor which burst into flames on Monday 14 October.

CFA crews from Hillcrest and Yarra Junction responded to the reports of a tractor fire in a paddock at around 4.12pm between Wickhams Road and Government Road in Launching Place.

“The incident was deemed under control at 4.28 pm and safe at 4.32 pm.”

The cause of the fire is unknown, with the tractor parked, turned off and otherwise safe.

Hillcrest CFA 3rd Lieutenant Peter Jenkin was the incident controller and said the fire was contained almost completely to the tractor.

“It was surprising, it was near a stringybark tree but the fire did not spread, the grass was very short and it was a well-maintained property,” he said.

“As a result, it was totally just contained to the tractor, probably not even a metre around the tractor.”

Unfortunately, the tractor was not able to be salvaged at all.

Mr Jenkin said while they don’t know what caused the tractor to set alight, it’s a good reminder to maintain properties as well as these owners had.

“As we come into summer, obviously the fewer fuel loads that are lying around in the paddock, then the less chances there are of something setting alight,” he said.

“I came off a farm myself as a young bloke and the farm was always maintained to the utmost, particularly in summer, so I advise any owners to tidy up and get rid of any rubbish they can prior to the summer coming in,”

“Make sure you have equipment that’s well maintained, this one was from what I could tell because it was already on fire but I feel for the owners because it wasn’t a cheap, nasty tractor, it was a decent piece of equipment.”

The fire was contained almost entirely to the tractor on a property in Launching Place. (Supplied)

CFA urges carers to help plan and prepare for bushfire seasons. (CFA)

Two cars collided at the T intersection between Healesville-Yarra Glen Road and Old Healesville Road on Thursday 17 October. (438390)

CFA, Victoria Police and VicRoads responded to the accident. (Dongyun Kwon: 438390)

By Dongyun Kwon

Shire not in kinder plan

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

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 experi-

ence 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

The new Cire Early Years Learning Hub in Yarra Junction. (File: 424532)

MotHs host forum for Yarra Ranges candidates

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 forums 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 impacts Yarra Ranges residents.,” said Ms Young.

“The cascading impacts can be more diffi-

cult 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 from 7.30pm - 9pm.

“We hope that by providing this opportunity we enable Yarra Ranges residents to make a more informed voting decision in the upcoming election,” said Ms Young.

Voters in Yarra Ranges Shire Council have until 6pm on Friday 25 October to vote in the local election via postal ballot.

Grooby brings local touch

By Callum Ludwig

The

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, solutions-oriented 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.”

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. (On File)

final candidate for Yarra Ranges Council’s Chandler Ward is Monbulk resident Belinda Grooby.

Belinda Grooby. (Supplied)

Paddocks to park in 25 years

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 ame-

nities 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 accommodation 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.

“It’s just a whole sense of satisfaction because it has been a lot of work since 2020 and you seem 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.

“For the next 12 months, two years, it should be a fairly steady routine, hopefully, if people still keep caravanning and camping and staying.”

The camp kitchen is ready to welcome groups. (436766)

Cabins are fitted with king size beds which can be separated to create two singles. (436766)

The new outdoor recreation room has been fitted with a barbecue and fire pit. (Stewart Chambers: 436766)

Compact but comfortable, the new cabins are set up with all the essentials. (436766)

Beautifully landscaped areas are perfect for group activities or just lounging in the sun. (436766)

Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park is located on Warburton Highway, central to the Yarra Valley and Upper Yarra. (436766)

Take garden walk together

By Dongyun Kwon

Recognising the significance of the First Nations history and culture in the Yarra Valley, Healesville-Yarra Glen Uniting Church has opened a special space in front of the church after the worship service on Sunday 20 October.

The opening of special garden was led by Walking Together group which was formed within the church, aiming at walking together with First Nations.

Walking Together group member Margaret Blair said the group started in 2018, thanks to the funding from the Synod of Uniting Church Victoria and Tasmania.

“It’s taken various forms along the way. Basically, we’re a group of people who are not First Nations people who want to understand more about the First Nations people here and particularly with Coranderrk and Wurundjeri,” she said.

“We talked with the people and we did a lot of reading and we tried to come to a better understanding of what had happened in this district.

“What we discovered was very disturbing. We knew it would be but it was even more disturbing than we thought, the way that the First Nations people had been treated.”

As part of the projects, the group came up with an idea of a special reflective space.

Another group member Coral Jeffs, who is a horticulturist, said the garden project was a good way to bring back indigenous plants which grow in Healesville.

“We were aware that a lot of people used to use the church lawn or probably still do on the other side to sit and have a picnic,” she said.

“It was important for me to have what’s called a Coranderrk plant, the colonial name of it is the Victorian Christmas Bush.

“It was a signature plant from Coranderrk, so it

was important for me to have a specimen of that in the garden.”

First Nations artist Aunty Kim Wandin created a binak [basket] for the garden.

“Chris Joy did a lot of the design work and the concept side of things and then Aunty Kim created a binak that is very significant to their culture,” Ms Jeffs said.

“The basket was a very used receptacle as a nurturing kind of symbol. She wove that out of the lomandra, Mat Rush leaves and then got dipped in bronze.

“We were donated the rocks, the Lilydale rocks. That was really important, really special to Aunty Kim too because she saw them as part of Bunjil’s creation.”

Josh rides for the Royal Flying Doctor Service

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.

Healesville-Yarra Glen Uniting Church historically has a close link to Coranderrk as John Green and William Barak both were involved in the church and one of the windows in the church commemorating Anne Bone, who supported the First Nations people.

“One of the things we discovered was that John Green, who was the superintendent at Coranderrk. He ministered to Coranderrk and was a significant friend of the Coranderrk, the First Nations people,” Ms Blair said.

“He was also minister of this church so that was a link that we were pleased to find.

“We also discovered when we went back through our historical records that William Barak was listed as a member of this congregation, so

we felt that was a great honour that had been the case.”

Yarra Ranges Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister attended the event to celebrate the significant step of reconciliation.

Cr McAllister said the garden is a very special place for the community.

“To have such a beautiful space, that sends a clear message of connection to country and connection to history with an artwork made by a beautiful local Aboriginal artist, is such a wonderful thing for the church to have done and also such a gift to the community,” she said.

“[Because the location of the space is on the main street of Healesville,] people will be curious, come, explore, and look to understand.”

Josh and his trusty bike have been riding to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. (Supplied)

Binak and Lilydale Rocks. (Dongyun Kwon: 438764)

Aunty Kim Wandin explaining binak. (Dongyun Kwon: 438764)

Coral Jeffs, Aunty Kim Wandin and Chris Joy (L-R) unveiling the binak. (Dongyun Kwon: 438764)Margaret Blair explaining the journey of Walking Together group. (Dongyun Kwon: 438764)

Carers care for themselves

By Dongyun Kwon

Carers, who have provided consistent support to others, had a special time to look after themselves on Wednesday 16 October in the middle of National Carers Week.

About 10 local carers participated in the Empowered Creativity Workshop held at McCoomb Room in Yarra Glen Memorial Hall where they made bath salt and blended oil, the tools for selfcare. The workshop was led by Christina Johns who is a therapeutic artist and a life coach as well as a carer for over 30 years.

The workshop facilitator said she was still happy with the turnout although a few people didn’t come. “That is the nature of caring. What happens isacrisiscomesandtheygettornawayintheircaring role,” Ms Johns said.

“Whenever you have a carer event, you have to always allocate for people not turning up.

“The class today was wonderful. I met some really beautiful carers who are truly struggling, and it was nice to connect with them and to be able to offer something more than just the class, to be able to talk to them about some of their problems.”

While making the two special items which will help relax them, they also had a Q and A time with Christina Johns.

Healesville resident Gracie Valcart, a carer of her son who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, said she enjoyed the workshop where she could find a lot of connection with people who are in the same boat. “The connection and being part of the community are everything to me,” she said.

“These kinds of workshops and organisations that support carers are my lifeline.

“If I didn’t have that, I would really struggle.”

Robyn Littlewood is another participant who came to Yarra Glen from Western Australia to look after her mum in January.

Ms Littlewood said the workshop was professional which was a timeout for her.

“If things don’t fall on the right day, you can’t go but this one fell on the day when I had a carer to look after my mum,’ she said.

“I found the aromatherapy and the voice of the facilitator very relaxing and I feel on top of the world now that I’ve been here.”

The workshop was organised by EACH in collaboration with Yarra Glen Living and Learning Centre.

EACH assistant program coordinator Lee-Ann Cockburn attended the workshop and she said events like the Empowered Creativity Workshop highlight the importance of self care for carers.

“It empowered them to care for themselves and enabled them to maintain the relationships within the family and the people that they care for,” she said. “It’s fantastic to host workshops like this for people in more rural and remote areas.

“I felt energised and relaxed after taking some timeout to focus on things that are important.”

The workshop facilitator thanked the two organisations who supported the workshop.

“I just like to thank EACH and the community centre [Yarra Glen Living and Learning Centre] for hosting this today,” Ms Johns said.

“Iwishtherewasmorefundingavailableforme to be able to teach more often. I really love doing this and sharing what I do with carers.”

Christina Johns sharing her own experience as a carer. (Dongyun Kwon: 438261)

Robyn Littlewood asking a question. (438261)

About 10 carers attended the workshop. (438261)

Christina Johns handing out rosemary she took from her garden. (438261)

Gracie Valcart (left) and Robyn Littlewood adding oil for their bath salt. (438261)

Cock-a-hoop over croquet

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)

President Mick Crawley runs a hoop with the historic mallet to open the day. (Stewart Chambers: 432615)

Alan Jones raises the flags. (432615)

Former President Bev Elanius with Renate Hartley. (432615)

Murray Howlett and Craig McCracken. (432615)

Croquet Victoria president Kate Patrick unveils a plaque with Craig McCracken. (432615)

Peter Norman (right) was made a Life Member on the day. (432615)

Liz Stewart, Kerri McCracken and Naomi Crotty. (432615)

Vice president Naomi Crotty with president Mick Crawley. (432615)

Casey MP Aaron Violi, vice president Naomi Crotty and Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence. (432615)

NEWS Centre to host exhibition

By Callum Ludwig

The ADRA Redwood Community Centre in Warburton is set to bolster its already burgeoning sense of community with an exhibition next month.

The centre will be hosting a Community Group Showcase, with any and all Warburton and Upper Yarra community groups welcome to attend and tell attendees all about themselves.

Manager of the ADRA Redwood Community Centre Kate Barratt said they want to celebrate the efforts of the groups and volunteers in the town alongside giving others the opportunity to get involved.

“We are all well aware of the benefits of community engagement, social interactions and even volunteering, they all play a huge role in better mental and physical health outcomes. We wanted to make it fun and easy for locals to explore ways to get involved,” she said.

“So much happens behind the scenes and it was important for us to allow groups to share their achievements, we also want to let people know that volunteering and participation comes in all shapes and sizes from once a year, to weekly,”

“From learning new skills to sharing your own skills, everyone has something to give and something to learn.”

So far, about 20 community groups have signed up to showcase on the day including the Warburton Emergency Planning Group (W.E.P.G), Sunday Circle Craft Group, Upper Yarra Landcare and the Upper Yarra Toy Library.

Ms Barratt said there’s absolutely opportunities for more local groups to get involved.

“Groups are encouraged to set up a small display to share what they do and how others can get involved, it doesn’t have to be elaborate and can be as simple as representatives appearing on the day to have a chat with people,” she said.

“We want to have a range of groups to appeal to the diverse range of individuals in our beautiful community, it has been a great experience having the opportunity to chat with these groups so far and will be wonderful for all groups to learn more about each other on the day,”

“Locals will get to find out just how active our

community is, they will have the opportunity to sign up to take part or simply learn about what is out there, it could also be a way for people to see how they may be able to start a group of their own.” The event will also mark the launch of the ADRA Redwood food trailer which will be stocked with free food provided by Friday Soup

Night (and not just soup).

The event will be held on Sunday 10 November from 10am to 1pm and is free for all attendees.

Any groups or interested attendees can contact Ms Barratt at katebarratt@adra.org.au to register or find out

The ADRA Redwood Community Centre is hosting a Community Group Showcase. (File)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The plight of that tree ...

By Callum Ludwig

Warburton resident Ivor Wolstencroft is holding an exhibition that reflects on the plight of the contentious Warburton Tree.

Mr Wolstencroft was and still is a big advocate for the preservation of the three, including continuing to champion calls for a conservation report to be carried out by the Royal Botanic Gardens as recently as August this year.

Despite his strong stance, Mr Wolstencroft said he has great admiration for people who had a differing opinion to him on the issue of the Warburton Tree.

“To me, the way that the tree had been as-

sessed was always about risk and I think it had avoided or it hadn’t taken into account its beauty, I just felt like we’d missed something,” he said.

“It was just an order that was perhaps intended to provide security but it really missed a point completely and it seemed symbolic of the whole thing, the toing and froing, it was difficult on both sides, it was certainly difficult for the council and it was difficult for the supporters of the tree,”

“I think the exhibition is going to elicit different reactions from different people but I’ve always thought that it’s something we shouldn’t forget, it’s something that has caused pain.”

Mr Wolstencroft’s exhibition is his own paint-

ings based on photographs of the 20 locks that were used to lock the panels of the perimeter fencing erected around the Warburton Tree when the initial attempt to cut it down took place on 22 March 2023.

Mr Wolstencroft said he went out and took photos of the locks at the time and made it his mission to paint them one day.

“I was part of the group that was against the cutting of the Warbornen tree down to ground level, and as part of that I sometimes attended a shift as part of the 24-hour seven-days-a-week vigil that went on for 71 days,” he said.

“I’m not sure exactly when it was, it wasn’t im-

mediately but I think it was about two-thirds of the way through, I noticed some new gleaming locks and gold chains appearing, and it really surprised me because it only covered about a third of how locks would have been required if you’d locked every panel,”

“Because I’m an artist it somehow appealed to me that it was somewhat symbolic of some of the miscommunication between both sides regarding the future of the tree.”

Mr Wolstencroft’s exhibition will be held in Studio 7 of the Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centre over one weekend; Friday 25 October from 4pm to 8pm, Saturday 26 October from 2pm to 8pm and Sunday 27 October from 4pm to 8pm.

Free concert to honour 10 years of song and friendship

By Dongyun Kwon

With the ups and downs on the journey, Badger Creek Women’s Choir (BCWC) finally has reached its 10-year anniversary.

The choir will perform a free concert to celebrate its significant milestone on Saturday 16 November at The Memo, Healesville.

Choir director Jenny Legg said the past 10year journey has been wonderful where she has made a lot of new friends.

“It’s taken me to a lot more study about choral arranging and conducting,” she said.

“It’s become a big part of my life, and I feel it adds a lot of value to the community and my life.”

Over 30 singers will come along to sing together for the 10th anniversary.

The concert will comprise 12 songs including Australian rock, Celtic and blues, and soul music by BCWC along with a performance by the special band.

BCWC began in 2014 with a group of women who wanted to meet, sing, laugh and bring a little harmony into their lives.

Since then, over 70 women have sung with the choir, and it currently has about 35 members.

“I was the music teacher at Badger Creek Primary School, and some of the mums asked if I knew of a local choir, and I didn’t,” Legg said.

“It seemed to be that people were looking for somewhere to sing, so I decided I would start a choir.

“I was well placed to run a choir because I have a music degree.”

The choir performs annually at The Memo, Healesville, Healesville Anzac Day commemorations, Community Carols and several other community events and venues.

Occasionally, BCWC also joins with the Badger Creek Children’s Choir to deliver exciting, vibrant and moving events.

The annual concert had to be held off for

several years because of the Covid pandemic and finally came back in October last year.

Legg said the last year’s concert went successfully although she was nervous to stand in front of the audience again after a few years of gap.

“It was fantastic. It couldn’t have been better. The Memo was full,” she said.

“I hadn’t done a concert for a while, and there’s a lot of things to pull together, a lot of people involved.”

Yarra Ranges Council has supported the BCWC along with its 10-year journey by offering

a concert and meeting venue as well as grants including the Partnership Program, which is a four-year grant program.

The choir director said the entry door for the choir is open for every woman.

“It’s a community choir. You don’t have to audition [to get in],” Legg said.

“We put a big emphasis on being a welcoming and relaxed space where people can make friends.

“It’s a safe space for women to make friends and improve their singing skills.”

BCWC has a regular meeting every Wednesday night from 7pm at The Memo, Healesville during school terms and enjoys dinner together at a pub on occasion.

Any local woman who wishes to join the choir is encouraged to contact Jenny Legg via Badger Creek Women’s Choir’s Facebook page. To book a ticket, please visit the following website, yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/ Events/Badger-Creek-Women%E2&per cnt;80%99s-Choir-10th-Year-Anniversary-Concert

Badger Creek Women’s Choir is inviting locals to its free 10th anniversary concert. (Supplied)

What remains of the Warburton Tree in 2024. (File)

A piece in the exhibition by Ivor Wolstencroft. (Supplied)

Ross Wilson back in town

By Dongyun Kwon

After experiencing good interaction with the Healesville audience last year, Legendary musician and ARIA Hall of Famer Ross Wilson has decided to have one more concert in Healesville as he loves the town.

Continuing an extensive tour, Ross Wilson is set to venture forth again with his all-star band The Peaceniks to celebrate over 50 Years of Hits.

“This is part of the 50 years tour [‘Now Listen! We’re Steppin’ Out! 50 Years of Hits National Tour’],” Wilson said.

“It’s a continuation of playing in a lot of theatres, pubs and clubs all around Australia, and it’s great to be invited back [by Healesville].

“It’s about 54 years now. It just gets rolling on.”

In recognition of his success in music, Wilson was inducted ARIA Hall of Fame twice, once as a solo in 1989 and again as a member of Daddy Cool in 2006.

The ARIA Hall of Famer said he likes performing in different types of venues.

“There are two kinds of people. Some people like going to concerts and sitting down while other people like the interaction that you get when you’ve got a dance floor and live music exciting,” Wilson said.

“We tend to play both kinds of places.”

His tour has been targeting regional towns again this year.

Wilson said he wants to give a good experi-

ence for people in the regional towns.

“We’ve discovered that most regional towns have a great art centre, cultural centre or theatre. They’re modern and they’ve got good facilities, and great to attend, and they’re good to play at,” he said.

“Acoustics are really good compared with the old halls that we used to play in.

“So we’ve been using and utilising those facilities, and it makes for a good experience for everybody.”

The concert in Healesville will be held from 4pm to 6pm on Sunday 17 November.

The singer said the concert will be similar to last year’s concert with a few changes.

“We do stick in different songs from time to

time. I’m still writing songs, so we try out new songs. I’m happy to say I’m still being creative and writing new songs and preparing for another album, so we’ll be playing some of those tunes as well,” Wilson said.

“People expect certain songs, so we are still doing some of Daddy Cool’s best hits and Eagle Rock is coming back again.

“Mondo Rock had a bunch of hits too, the band I fronted in the 80s, like Come Said the Boys, Chemistry and Cool World as a whole lot of those ones, people like those ones, so we usually save those two up near the end and have a big finale.”

To purchase a ticket, please visit the following website, yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/ Events/Ross-Wilson-The-Peaceniks

All-star lineup as Rhythms of the World returns

Yarra Valley ECOSS’ fan-favourite cultural event Rhythms of the World was held on Saturday 19 October, as attendees and musicians braved the weather for a multicultural musical extravaganza.

The free entry event provided attendees the opportunity to take part in interactive music and dance workshops, watch captivating multicultural performances and taste culinary delights from around the globe.

After a Welcome To Country by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Kim Wandin, the lineup was packed from 12.30pm to 6.15pm, featuring:

• Djirri Djirri Dancers (Traditional Indigenous Dance)

• Szara Fox Trio (Folk/World Music)

• Kids African Drum Workshop with Kofi Kunkpe Music

• Sarita Mcharg (World Music/Storytelling)

• Tenzin Choegyal (Tibetan Music/Performance)

• Afromoses Baidoo (Afrobeat/World Music)

• ROTW All-Star JAM (Multicultural Music Collaboration)

• Kofi Kunkpe Yarra Valley Drummers (African Drumming)

• AmaruTribe (Latin/World Music)

• Some of the flavourful food at the event included:

• Mexican Tacos at Tonantzin Chocolate

• The Juicy Momo (Tibetan Delights)

• Indian Curry & Spices

• Angry Mum Dishes with Dumplings and more.

The event was proudly sponsored by Yarra Ranges Council and the Victorian Government’s Multicultural Victoria and Children’s Week grants programs.

After receiving $10,000 from Yarra Ranges Council for the event in January this year, Yarra Valley ECOSS’ Executive Officer Chelsea McNab said the event wouldn’t have been able to go ahead without the funding support.

“Rhythms of the World is one of the only multicultural festivals occurring in the Upper Yarra Valley. It offers vibrant performances and

multicultural food tastings, as well as cultural education and immersive experiences in learning to play multicultural instruments,” she said.

Ms McNab also told the Star Mail in August that the drying up of other avenues of grant funding had brought about some trying times for the organisation but their programs and events were being prioritised.

Valley ECOSS aimed to improve its financial stability in the future (once planning permissions are granted) by:

• Renting the blue site shed near the office, the bottle room, the Studios next to UpCycles once built and other spaces at ECOSS

• Tendering for Native Tubestock Supply on a large scale

• Growing its Corporate Volunteer Program

• Introducing User Pays systems for some programs

• Growing the Market and Shop.

Valley ECOSS’ next major event will be the Christmas Twilight Market on Friday 20 December.

Yarra

Yarra

Chelsea McNab and Leanne Hall of Yarra Valley ECOSS.

Adequate protection for the day.

All hands up for an interactive dance.

Market stalls

The Djirri Djirri dancers.

Plenty of participants for the drumming workshop. (Angela Rivas)

Ross Wilson in Sunbury.

Ross Wilson in Birdsville, Queensland in 2023.

Ross Wilson is looking forward to having one more concert in Healesville. (Supplied)

Have a mat finish

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 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?

Platypuses aplenty in Melbourne Water stats

While spotting for potential platypuses in our local rivers and creeks can often feel fruitless, eDNA technology is reassuring Melbourne Water that the elusive critter remains plentiful in our waterways.

Melbourne Water is undertaking platypus surveys across Greater Melbourne this spring breeding season as part of a three-decade-long monitoring program.

The water authority recently completed its most comprehensive mapping effort using environmental DNA (eDNA) testing in combination with traditional ‘capture and release’ methods.

Melbourne Water’s eDNA program involved sampling water at 1,800 locations across Melbourne’s creeks and waterways between 2021 and 2023 to detect traces of DNA shed into the environment from mucus, urine, faeces, skin and saliva. The DNA traces remain in the water for days to weeks after the animal has been present, allowing detection even when the platypuses are inactive.

Analysis of the eDNA data shows that platypuses are present in dozens of creeks and rivers throughout Greater Melbourne, including in the waterways in the Outer East LGAs of the Yarra Ranges, Knox, Maroondah and Cardinia.

“Platypus are quite shy, occur in a variety of habitats and are predominantly nocturnal, so it can be difficult to monitor their activity through traditional methods alone – particularly where rivers are wide, deep or fast flowing,” Manager of Waterways and Wetlands Research at Melbourne Water Dr Rhys Coleman said.

“eDNA provides crucial insights into their presence in specific rivers and creeks. By integrating this data with our trapping records and other information, such as publicly reported sightings, we can create detailed maps and track changes in their distribution.”

Platypus are quite shy, and can be difficult to monitor through traditional methods, so eDNA provides a useful way of tracking them. Image credit: Doug Gimesy

Dr Coleman says that in the face of declining numbers, it’s more important than ever to monitor where the platypus live – knowing where they

Platypus DNA has been recorded in many waterways in the Outer East, no matter how hard they can be to spot with your own eyes. (File)

occur is the first step in being able to look after them.

“Climate change and increasing urbanisation are impacting platypus habitats, and we must seize every opportunity to protect our precious waterways to stabilise their numbers,” he said.

“With urbanisation comes increased water runoff from hard surfaces such as roofs, driveways, and roads into stormwater drains which flows into waterways destroying platypus habitats and introducing contaminants, including litter that can become tangled around animals and cause mortality,”

“Tackling the complex issues that threaten platypus requires collaborative efforts, including all levels of government, waterway managers, urban planners, scientists, Traditional Owners and the community,” he said.

Baby

Saving the natural world, slowly

The stats are in from one of Australia’s biggest native wildlife hospitals with Healesville Sanctuary treating 2091 patients in past financial year and experiencing their busiest start to winter in three years since the Black Summer fires.

Incredible life-saving rehabilitation work happens each day with dozens of different patients, from the tiniest of reptiles to the chunkiest of wombats needing expert care.

Australian Wildlife Health Centre life sciences manager Gerry Ross admits multiple factors could be having an influence on the influx of patients; one being the creation of the epic Raptor Rehabilitation Centre – a 100-metre donut-shaped building that allows birds of prey to build up their flight fitness before returning to the wild.

“The Centre has allowed us to rehabilitate some cases that we would not have been able to in the past, due to a lack of fitness training options for some species,” Ms Ross said.

Melbourne Water’s platypus monitoring program is part of the Healthy Waterways Strategy 2018-2028, which provides a roadmap for directing conservation efforts across strategy partners over the coming decades.

Dr Coleman says that the community can do their bit to help platypus.

“We need to use all the tools in the toolbox, including intensive revegetation, better stormwater management, reducing pollutants in waterways, and maintaining natural water flows in our rivers and creeks,” he said.

“It may surprise many Melburnians to learn that there are platypus in their local creeks and rivers,”

“We hope that the data inspires people to get involved in looking after their local waterways such as through tree planting and litter clean-up days and be mindful of what gets washed down stormwater drains.”

The community can play an important part in protecting platypus by:

Becoming a citizen scientist by reporting platypus sightings via the Platypus Spot app

Joining a Waterwatch group to monitor the health of waterways.

Participating in a local streamside planting day or litter clean-up day (check out your local waterway’s Friends community group).

Installing rainwater tanks to reduce the amount of stormwater that enters our drains and waterways – and use the collected water as much as possible (keeping tanks empty to capture more stormwater next time it rains).

Thinking about what you wash down your driveway and footpaths that flow into street gutters and waterways; reduce the use of fertilisers, insecticides and herbicides that kill the insects that platypuses feed on.

If you have a property that backs on a waterway, you can get involved in Melbourne Water’s Stream Frontage Management or Rural Land Management Programs.

Securing your bin on bin night so that rubbish doesn’t end up in the stormwater drain.

Environmental factors also impact the wildlife they treat.

“With milder weather conditions, it could mean that animals are out for longer over the winter months instead of hunkering down,” Ms Ross said.

“The team is incredible. They take each case as it comes and ensure it gets the absolute best of care.

“No animal is given less care because of limited time. The team pulls together and never complains about another patient coming in the door.”

The veterinarians and vet nurses also work closely with a network of wildlife carers seeing adorable joeys who need support, often requiring bottle feeding for up to two years.

Gerry said there has been an increase on this front too in the past 12 months.

“We wouldn’t be able to do the work we do without carers being able to continue the rehabilitation journey,” she said.

“We rely on them to take in animals to provide additional care. It is great working with these knowledgeable people.”

In the last financial year, the Australian Wildlife Health Centre treated 285 Common Ringtail Possums, 183 Eastern Grey Kangaroos and 129 Common Wombats.

Overall, they saw 160 different species.

The Australian Wildlife Health Centre based at Healesville Sanctuary can assist with injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife, and is open from 9am to 4pm every day of the year.

The work of the veterinary team is visible through the internal glass walls of the hospital, which is open to visitors.

If you come across an injured animal on the road and if safe to do so, stop and collect the animal and take it to your nearest vet or registered wildlife carer.

Wildlife Victoria can assist further from there.

wombat. (Zoos Victoria)

Local women are invited to free mat pilates sessions held in and around the Yarra Valley. (Supplied)

Tattoos: Think before you ink

WOORILLA WORDS

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 dehumanization 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 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

COMMUNITY DIARY

Millers explores the history of body art and its connection to poety.

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 recognised 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

The playspace and recreation area will stay open during this time.

Little Yarra Trail open

Melbourne Water is delighted to announce today’s opening of a new 1.5km walking trail along the Little Yarra River following extensive waterway restoration.

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

ry, honeysuckle, and ivy, as well as woody weed species like willow, holly, elm, and sycamore maple.

The weeds were replaced with local, indigenous trees, shrubs, and grasses, which included 14,000 terrestrial and 8,000 aquatic plants.

Writers and rhythm

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.

Led by Kirsty James. Trained, experienced, great tips and tricks!

Sustainable Christmas Gifts and Floristry

Thursday 14 November (11am-1pm)

Led by Sally Smith, florist. Using permaculture principles.

Urban Floristry

Sunday 17 November (10am-12pm)

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE

VALLEY

Warburton Water World repairs

Yarra Ranges Council have advised that the water play area at Warburton Water World will be temporarily closed for urgent repairs from Monday 21 October to Thursday 24 October.

Council expects it to reopen as usual at 8am on Friday 25 October.

The new Little Yarra Trail starts at the Lilydale to Warburton Trail near Lowes Road and continues to the Warburton Highway, near the Blue Lotus Water Garden.

“The revegetation work on the river will protect its banks, provide a new habitat for native animals, and let locals and visitors enjoy this beautiful place in a new way,” said Melbourne Water Acting EGM Service Delivery John Woodland.

The Little Yarra Trail connects to a broader network of pathways throughout the eastern metropolitan region for walking, cycling, and leisure. It features rest stops including a platform with views of the new habitat wetlands; a short walk from a nearby parking area on the Warburton Highway.

The work to improve the health of the Little Yarra River included removing weeds such as blackber-

Come along to a wonderful, not for profit, night of celebrating our local poets, song writers and musicians at the beautiful Healesville Uniting Church on Friday 8 November at 7pm til 10pm.

Enjoy the exquisite acoustics of the church, whilst experiencing the comfort of modern, all abilities facilities and share a delicious supper, tea/coffee included during interval at 8.30pm.

Tix are $20 at the door. Byo drinks For bookings or enquiries 0417002793

Free workshops at Healesville

Community Garden

Plant Propagation for Home Gardens Sunday 3 November (10am-12pm)

Led by Sally Smith, florist. Making the most of urban gardens.

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

Cost: Free. All welcome

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

Badger Creek Community

Garage Sale

It is on Saturday 9 November from 9am to 1pm at Badger Creek Hall located at 358 Badger Creek Road, next to the Badger Creek CFA station. Stall holders for either inside Hall or outside car boot style can book by phoning 5962 3639.

Maria

(Unsplash)

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+

FAMILY OASIS, ROOM TO GROW

FAMILY OASIS WITH ROOM TO GROW

NESTLED in a serene location this solid brick home with a Bal 40 fireproof building design offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature with Four Mile Creek running through your backyard. The property is fully fenced for privacy, making it a peaceful retreat.

Designed with a conventional modern layout, this home is great for buyers seeking the ease of a home where there’s nothing to do! The spacious master bedroom features a walk in robe and a full ensuite, providing a personal sanctuary for parents. Two additional bedrooms with built-in robes, along with a family bathroom, make it ideal for growing families or those looking to downsize while still accommodating guests.

The open plan kitchen is equipped with modern appliances and ample cupboard and bench space, ensuring a delightful cooking experience. The inviting living and dining areas create a comfortable atmosphere for relaxation and entertaining. Ducted heating and ducted refrigerated cooling along with double glazed windows cater for all the creature comforts.

Step outside to discover a delightful backyard filled with an assortment of fruit trees, a play area for children, and lush lawn space that transitions into a wooded area with meandering paths leading to the creek perfect for outdoor adventures.

ADDITIONAL features include a lock up garage with internal access and the convenience of being within walking distance to the beautiful Lala Falls, all complemented by filtered mountain views. This home truly offers a unique blend of comfort and a gorgeous setting, making it a wonderful retreat for everyone.

HOME FOCUS

BEAUTIFUL “BELLEREIVE” HOME AND BUNGALOW

BEAUTIFUL “Bellereive” opens endless options for homeowners and growing families.

Positioned near Upwey township and train station as well as easily accessing 1000 Steps parkland and Ringwood-Belgrave Rail Trail, this property is the perfect package.

The premier primary residence boasts spacious bedrooms with plush carpet and built-in robes on both levels, including one with walk-in robe and ensuite, as well as a sizeable home office with custom desk, storage, and shelving. On the upper level, the open plan living and dining area is a spectacular space featuring sash windows, chandeliers, timber floors, wainscotting, and French doors to the balcony. The sophisticated country-style kitchen with slate floors, shaker cabinets, shiplap ceilings, and both gas and wood-fire cookers will inspire the chef of the family. The finishing touch on this level is the contemporary bathroom with cleverly integrated laundry facilities.

Ideal for multi-generational living or a B&B income-generating space, the studio bungalow with open plan lounge and kitchen, private bathroom, paved patio, and outdoor spa is the bonus space every family craves.

Outside, new owners will also appreciate ample off-street parking, a garden shed with dog run, and an upper level terraced garden accessible via Hughes Street that is soaks up sensational hillside views.

With so many features on offer, why wait? Join us for a tour of this enticing property today.

• Versatile 997sqm (approx.) allotment with dual access

• Beautiful primary residence with 3 bedrooms plus study

Lounge with balcony access and stylish country-inspired kitchen

Brilliant bungalow ideal for multigenerational living or rental income

• Superb location near transport, parkland, schools, and shopping.

Please note: All information provided has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate, however, we cannot guarantee the information is accurate. Interested parties should make their own enquiries and obtain their own legal advice. We accept no liability for any errors or omissions (including but not limited to a property’s land size, floor plans, size, building age or condition).

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

HOME FOCUS

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

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.

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)

or

and

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

SPORT

Top scores at Warby

By Ron Hottes

The V.V.V’s:

Once again, we had more than six playing this week, they being Sally-Ann, Deborah, Annaliese, Vicki, Georgie and Maureen with the best score recorded under sunny skies and perfect conditions by Annaliese, with a superb 21 points over the front nine. This Lady, when on her game, can blow the rest of the field away and did so today. Although, with an equally impressive 19 points, Georgie would not have been too disappointed with just the runner-up prize. Both those results were well ahead of the rest of the field. There were no NTPs today, but they are coming soon, as the course dries out.

Wednesday 16 October, Stableford: With showers staying away, making conditions ideal for great scoring, David Waterman proved that in no uncertain terms, posting a very pleasing 44 stunning points. This was David’s best result for many months, so well done to him. The runner-up was my regular playing partner Rob Hendy. RJH snared that prize with his best score for some time also, an impressive 41 points. The third prize was taken by another old mate of Your Loyal Scribe, Darryl Ward. Dazza posted a 40-point result. With these scores being recorded, it was no wonder that the balls only ran down to 36. NTP winners were: Wardy (3rd), Glenn Forbes (9th), Rob Hendy (12th), John Haynes (15th) and Mario De Vincentis for a superb approach shot on the 17th.

Twilight:

On an afternoon when storm clouds were brew-

ing and the groups hitting off late copped it, Scott Atkinson timed his game to perfection, coming in just before that storm with a superb result posted of 23 points. But, unbelievably, he only won on a countback, because young tyro Jack Sheehan matched that great score but could not match the last three of Scott’s holes. Still a great effort from both boys. Ash Hall showed his son who is boss, when the chips are down, by grabbing the third prize with a fine 22-point result (Good work, Dad). As expected, the balls only went down to 18. NTP winners were: Sean ‘Bruno’ Kennedy (10th), Troy Veenker (12th) and Ash Hall (15th).

Saturday 19 October, 4-Person Ambrose:

On this big day for the Club, with a ‘Back-toWarby’ theme, it was pleasing to see many faces of previous members, plus numerous guests

who were visiting the beautiful W.G.C, some for the first time. But with a result that surprised no one, four of the well-known locals teamed up to win the prizes by the narrowest of margins. Led by Darryl Ward, Geoff Sharp, Rob Ferguson and Joshua Hin combined brilliantly to post a Nett 52.5 result. They won this day by a quarter of a stroke because Peter Whitehead, Ken White, Paul Osbourne and Matt Maloney recorded a gross 61 also, coming up with a Nett 52.75. Another old mate, ‘Shaggy’ and his team posted the best gross result on the day, a superb 60 off-the-stick. There were plenty of NTPs taken home: by guest Jason Knight (3rd), President Nursey (5th), guest Gary Veale (9th), Josh Hin (12th), Michael Pinkster (15th), Panda Lever (2nd shot 17th) and finally to straight-shooter Ken Barratt for his ‘gun-barrel’ drive on the 16th.

Two defeats to start pennant

By Garry Lewis

Warburton Bowls Club started the new Pennant Season with two disappointing defeats, but all rinks certainly tried their best.

Warburton 1 travelled to Monbulk which has been a bogey destination in the past. The Burras were quite confident of testing Monbulk 1, particularly after a hard-fought and even first half. However, the Hawks, on their home green, were able to play crucial shots in the finish to hold the Burras at bay. Two Warburton rinks were successful, but it was not enough as they went down 68 shots to 83.

Rink scores were as follows: P. McConachy 26/ 12; T. Appleton 7/ 31; C. Neale 19/ 17 and S. Lord 16/ 23. For those new to the game, the skips are the names listed.

Pennant Training continues on Thursdays from 4pm at the club. New and beginning players are always encouraged to attend and join in the fun. Coaching is available.

The highly popular Bingo Nights continues this week on Wednesday from 7pm. Doors open 6.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend for a fun evening of Bingo, including Music Bingo, prizes, refreshments and drinks at bar prices.

Back at it

By Ian Milgate

Healesville had both sides at home for the opening of the 2024/25 Pennant Bowls Season.

The first side has been promoted to third. division this season after winning the flag last season.

The team knew this year would be a real challenge to them, stepping up a division and losing some quality players at the end of last season.

They were playing Ferntree Gully who are used to playing on fast greens, in particular their own, so they were hoping this may give Healesville a home ground advantage as the green runs a fair bit slower.

At the half time break, the team were up by eight shots and then when they came back out they continued to draw away finally winning by 12 shots 76/64.

A great effort by everybody.

The team will play Lilydale next week at Lilydale.

First Side

• Ian Milgate, Mick Featherstone, Bob Brown, Mark Ward 18/14

• Barry Parker, Effie Laban, Rob Broadhurst, Steve Graham 24/17

• Bernard Godde, Rita Featherstone, Chris Hawting, Steve Bulled 20/16

• Gerda Otto, John Fitzpatrick, Robyn Turville, Colin Jarvis 14/17

The second side played Mooroolbark who are a strong club with plenty of members to choose from.

Healesville has always struggled for members,

Although Healesville had three new members to the club this year, Bernard Godde, John McMillan and John Allen who have stepped up to play Pennant.

Healesville got away to a good start and at the half time break were looking good.

And like the first side they came out with determination and in the end won comfortably by eight shots 72/64.

The team must give credit to Sarah Gallacher, John McMillan, John Allen and Bernard Godde for their great effort on the day.

Also John Howard and Judy Veermann who were moved up to a skip position and did a great job for their first effort.

Next week they play Doncaster at Doncaster.

Second Side

Rink scores were P. Summers 10/ 18; R. Zunneberg 21/21; M. Van Meurs 17/ 19 and D. Fahy 18/ 17. The Burras also look forward to improving this week against Bennettswood 1 away.

The Midweek Tuesday Pennant Warburton 1 side plays Healesville 1 away this week determined to start the season well.

The Burras top side are determined to improve this week against Lilydale 2 at home. The Warburton 2 game against Boronia 2 at home, started in gloomy and misty rain conditions for the opening of their Pennant Season. Going into the break the Burras had the lead. However, after the break Boronia played extremely well to come back strongly and eventually won, 75 shots to 66.

Winning start to the season

By Rodney Bates

The club managed a clean sweep for all sides to start the 2024-25 pennant season.

As well as three wins on the board, the club unveiled its new pennant uniform, which has been well received by members and supporters alike.

Yarra Glen Division 1 side recruited well in the off-season, with four new players in the starting lineup.

They travelled to Wantirna South, who were promoted from Division 2 last year.

Two winning rinks were enough to get the overall win and 14 points 94/76.

C. Carswell 24/28; S. Manifold 23/14; Beau Simmons 15/23; Ben Simmons 32/11.

Side 2 (Division 4) played Heatherdale at home, and after a slow start steadily built a lead and held on for a three-rink win and 16 points 96/54.

S. Smith 28/9; R. Thurkle 25/14; R. Bates 14/19; M. Ramage 29/12.

The Wednesday Night Barefoot Bowls Jack Attack Triples Competition will commence on Wednesday 6 November from 6.30pm. All 16 team positions are now filled. Emergencies are always needed so please contact Glenys, 0473653137, if you are interested in joining in the fun and meeting the locals. All equipment provided. Music, food and refreshments are offered throughout the evening in a highly enjoyable atmosphere.

Social Bowls continues to be played on Mondays from 12 midday with everyone including new and beginning players encouraged to attend. Come along and give Bowls a try.

• Ken Gallacher, Jim Vickers, Russell Smith, Mike Adams 27/22

• Leonie Fitzpatrick, John Mc Millan, Sarah Gallacher, John Howard 25/17

• John Allen, Karl Tok, Glenda Graham, Judy Veermann 20/25

Well done both teams in the first week of Pennant.

Weather a challenge

By Anita Prowse

Up and down weather over the last week has been a bit of a challenge for event organisers, but as always, plenty was on in the Valley and surrounds.

Shirley Heights Round 2 Spring Dressage Training Day on Wednesday just got through before the thunder started with two rings running to meet demand.

Friday saw Yarra Glen ARC’s first round of the Friday Fun Jumping Series, again a little hairy in the weather department. Well done to those who got drowned and kept going.

A. Thurkle 20/18; L. Baker 12/25; Alan Skillern 29/7; D. McMenaman 26/21.

Midweek pennant round 1 starts Tuesday 22 October, with Division 2 at home against Heathmont, and Division 4 away at Boronia. Go Yarra.

Side 3 (Division 6), also at home against Vermont South, claimed a 16-point three rink win 87/71, despite being one player short due to some late withdrawals.

On Sunday, Upper Yarra Pony Club held their rally under thankfully better skies. Coming up on Saturday is Upper Yarra ARC’s Dressage In The Valley at Wesburn Park. UYPC has a Freshman’s Jumping Day on Cup Day, 5 November with entries on the day.

Very sad to see a lot of competitions all over the state struggling to attract the usual amounts of entries. Times are getting tough for a lot of people, but we all need to continue

to support our fellow clubs and venues to keep our amazing sport thriving through the hard times.

Equestrians are a very tough bunch, so keep going everyone and encourage and support each other and help out where you can. Riders will be hoping for drier weather ahead. (File)

Warburton 2 in action against Boronia 2. (Supplied)

Yarra Glen Bowls Club side 2 won against Heatherdale. (Supplied)

Warburton Golf Club results. (File) Warburton Golf Club results. (File)

Healesville outperform

By Dongyun Kwon

After wrapping up the 2024 season, Healesville Soccer Club turned its gaze towards the last competition of the year.

Christian Football Federation Australia National Titles was held at the home of the Matildas, the Victorian State Football Centre in Bundoora from 4 to 7 October.

Healesville Soccer Club members participated in the tournament with different roles as players, coaches and volunteers.

Gordon Koel is one of the players who represented Victoria in the Under 14s division. He played left back for the team and ended up bringing a gold medal to Healesville.

Koel said he was extremely happy about being part of the team that managed to win the title.

“The teammates and the coach were all super accepting and were really good people to play with and just be around,” he said.

“Our grand final opponent was New South Wales and we won 1:0, which overall played very well.”

Koel is well known within Healesville Soccer Club for his consistent hard work and passion to improve his skills.

Lindsay McKie, who has coached him for about four years at the Healesville Soccer Club, was one of the people who was impressed by Koel’s attitude toward soccer.

McKie said if he is picking a team, Koel is one of the first kids he will pick because he is determined to improve and helps everyone around him.

“He is one of the best kids you’ll ever meet, he is incredibly well driven and disciplined,” he said.

“When I came across in the Under 12s, Gordon had already been playing for a few years, but he was probably a fringe player, so he wasn’t in the best five or six in the team.

“Between Under 12s and 13s, he spent most of that summer working with one of the best players in the team to get himself better, and he got himself into the best four or five in the team. He put gym routines and fitness regimes in place for himself and tried to get others involved.”

Koel has played for the club for about four years, primarily playing for the defence line either centre back or right back but also striker occasionally.

The coach said Koel is a reliable defender, and his team has given him a nickname of The Great Wall of Gordon.

“No one gets past him,” McKie said.

“Because I was coaching [one of the teams in the Nationals], I was lucky enough to be there and watch his games.

“We were so proud of his effort, ability and how far he has come.”

Koel said both experiences of playing for a local soccer club and representing Victoria in the national competition were incredible.

“It was tough starting out [at Healesville Soccer Club]. I started in a team where a lot of players were already very good and older than me,” he said.

“They are incredibly good players with demeanour and a great supportive attitude who helped me improve a lot.”

Another four Healesville Soccer Club members, including coach Lindsay McKie, were involved in the Victorian Men’s Development Team at the Christian Football Federation Australia Nationals as players and coaches.

The team advanced to the grand final but they were defeated by Queensland by one point at the penalty shootout after each team shared one goal during the regular time.

McKie said he was disappointed that they didn’t make it to win the title.

“But it was an extremely close game. [The Nationals] was a great learning opportunity for the assistant coach Joseph McLachlan, two Healesville players Johnny and Josh,” he said.

“Johnny quickly became one of the leaders of the group, we named him vice captain. Although he was really sick during the tournament, he still ended up playing and we’re proud of his effort.

“Josh, in my opinion, would have been one of the best three players in my team.”

The Victorian Men’s Development Team was announced in June and had some practice matches as well as training sessions before the Nationals.

To build a good camaraderie among the players in a short period of time, the coach didn’t announce captains until the final week of training.

“We wanted to see who the natural leaders were and who people gravitated towards,” McKie said.

“We thought if we announced it early, we might restrict someone’s potential. They might pop up late and we didn’t want them to feel like they couldn’t say things.

“During training, we would run the same drills over and over so that players felt confident in what they were doing, so they focused less on learning what we were doing and spent more time on interacting with each other.”

Lindsay McKie, who started his coaching journey at the age of 13, has been involved in Healesville Soccer Club as a coach and a player for about five years.

After having experience of coaching with a few other clubs, McKie started coaching a junior team in Healesville.

“This year, I coached juniors Under 15s, I’ve coached this team since they were Under 12s. My son’s in that team too,” he said.

“We won the division and the title last year but this year we actually came last because we lost a few players.

“We improved but so did the league and unfortunately, they just improved a bit better than we did.”

Healesville Soccer Club vice president

Leesa Riley was on the organising committee of the national tournament and supported the competition as volunteer coordinator during the tournament.

Riley said the tournament was run by volunteers.

“During the tournament, there were 12 dedicated volunteers across the time, and all of the committee were volunteers as well,” she said.

“I coordinated all the volunteers that gave their time across the tournament to help the tournament run smoothly.”

This year nine Healesville players participated in the Nationals, an increase from four last year.

Riley said it was exciting to have so much involvement and interest from Healesville Soccer Club.

“I’m really proud that Healesville had so many volunteers that were willing to give their time to the tournament to make a good experience for the players,” she said.

“In terms of the player side of Healesville participation, [the increased number] shows the growth in the skills of our players and how progressive Healesville is becoming a talented club with lots of talented players.

“Gordon has done an amazing job, and Ava, who participated in the last year’s Nationals, was the youngest in the squad last year and this year she captained the team, which shows the growth in our players.”

U14 Victorian Team lifting trophy.

Victorian Men’s Development Team.

Nationals participants from Healesville Soccer Club (L-R: Leesa, Lindsay, Sophia, Josh, Kiah, Johnny, Kate, Olive, Gordon, Ruby, Ava and Joe). (Supplied)

Gordon Koel (left) with U14 Victorian Team coach Matthew Doty.

SPORT Rain wreaks havoc again

By Travis Gloury

Under 16/4

• Yarra Glen vs Hoddles Creek

• Hoddles Creek 3/26

Spencer Boers and Dylan Shambrook both took early wickets in the wet conditions including a nice first slips catch from Sam Holland with a slippery ball.

However after an interrupted 10 overs of persistent teasing rain it was decided to abandon play for the morning and come back next week and start fresh for a one day game.

Seniors 1st XI

• Yarra Glen 155

• Mt. Evelyn 5/69

With the second and third XI washed out for the day, our first XI were asked to bat in the first two day game of the season on a damp outfield.

Noah Evans (20) helped get the innings off to a solid start with Travis Gloury after the loss of Ash Waters in the sixth over.

Noah Evans lost his wicket in the 16th over after doing a good job for the team to see off the new ball.

Tony Biddiscombe joined Travis and together put on a partnership of 35 before Tony was caught at first slip with the score 3/84 after 27 overs.

At 3/101 in the 31st over Travis (35) was caught in gully off the first ball from the leg spinner.

Phil Cowan and Liam Senti got through to the tea break, half way through the day with the score 4/119 against an opposition proving to be a good fielding team.

Phil (24) was bowled in the second over after the tea break at 5/128.

Liam Senti, Oscar Grenfell, Tim Lilley and Jordan Bain all lost their wickets for the addition of six runs to be 9/134 in the 45th over.

Hunter Grenfell and Matt Donnelly joined forces for the last wicket to put on a partnership of 21 before Matt Donnelly was run out at the non strikers end, (this time with no involvement from Jodan Bain!) with both players playing some nice shots with a positive mindset to score runs and give us a total of 155 to defend.

With 29 overs left in the day, Oscar Grenfell

used his pace in combination with the tall left arm of Matt Donnelly who led a spirited team effort to defend the modest total with a breakthrough coming in the third over after Noah Evans hung on to a chest mark at point off the bowling of Matt Donnelly.

With persistent nagging line and length from our bowlers and great support in the field, Matt collected his next wicket in the nineth over caught behind to be 2/18.

Phil Cowan`s medium pace swing bowling was put to good use in a four over spell replacing Oscar Grenfell and was rewarded with a wicket in the 15th over from an excellent diving caught and bowled catch to have Mt.Evelyn 3/35.

Jordan Bain replaced Matt Donnelly and continued to put the ball in the right areas and was rewarded with the wicket of their number three batsman, out LBW who was looking comfortable at the crease with the score 4/48 in the 23rd over.

Matt Donnelly and Oscar Grenfell were brought back into the attack for the last few overs of the day, with Matt Donnelly snaring the wicket of their dangerous number six batsman, to collect his third wicket to finish the day 86 runs in front with five wickets in hand at 5/69 with the game up for grabs to resume next week. Under 10s, Under 12s and Under 14s all washed out.

Only three games played due to the bad weather

By Chris Handasyde

U14/3 Healesville 146 vs Wonga Park (Day 1 of 2 day game)

With the weather swirling from the night before, the newly installed drainage system at Don Road held up well allowing for one of the few games of cricket to be played at the venue.

With Healesville winning the toss and electing to bat with the hope the ball would deteriorate to Wonga Park.

Endo Gotch and Henry Harding opened up and saw through the openers before Gotch was bowled going for a big shot.

Harding then sooned followed being dismissed similarly before Summer Caldicott and Aeden Senti joined at the crease to form a strong partnership increasing the scoring rate and putting pressure back on the bowlers before Senti hit a strong six then was dismissed off a “WormBurner” than stayed low off a short length for 24. Caldicott would later retire on 16*.

Harry Thomas articulated a well made 18 before being bowled off a ball that cut in considerably and Raff Morcombe looked back to his brutal best before being caught at mid off in a rather soft dismissal.

At 3/111 the team felt settled but despite Coach Josh Handasydes Warning, a feeling of content set in and a collapse ensure with Healesville losing 5/15 runs and eventually being bowled out for 146 with Harry Duff finishing the innings well, hopefully the start of good things for him.

The team failed to bat the overs leaving 10 left out there and will need to bowl well to defend the total, but is very do able and seek to continue their undefeated streak.

1st XI Healesville 7/187 vs Wonga Park (Day 1 of 2 day game)

With Report to grounds the direction and a junior game being played at the venue, the game was all good to go with skipper Darren Edwards

winning the toss and electing to bat.

Handasyde and Zinghini looked to continue their good form but “Zinger” nicked off early driving outside his off stump.

With a very slow and boggy outfield due to the previous rain, and a skiddy deck with the ball moving considerably off the pitch.

Handasyde and Max Minney found scoring difficult, despite trying and Handasyde would later be caught hooking to a well taken catch off a dive for a painful 9 off 49, leaving Healesville 2/25 after 16.

Brother Tom would replace him at the crease with the pair continuing to slowly tick the scoreboard over before Minney was run out after being sent back to the end he started.

Ash Hamer and Tom Handasyde would increase the rate and put the pressure back on Wonga before Ash was dismissed for 30.

Leaving Healesville 4/115 after 60 overs.

Tom would then get caught for his 57 with skipper Edwards soon to follow.

New player Hudson Heatherton and Darcy English would finish off the innings with some

good batting and hard running to finish 30* and 25* respectably and bring the innings to a halt at 7/187 at the close of play. A total to bowl at but will take a good effort from the bowlers next week.

2nd XI Healesville 8/190 Vs Chirnside Park (Day 1 of 2 day game)

Healesville’s seconds won the toss and opted to bat against chirnside park.

Max Wallace and Mark Powell opened up the batting on a slightly damp deck both batting with patience and setting up a good platform until Max was unfortunately dismissed in the 18th over for 19.

Ben Wallace came to join Mark at the crease, nicely ticking over the runs until himself was caught behind and shortly after Mark found him self trapped in front of the stumps for 28, bringing the Score too 3/61 in the 28th over.

With the weather cleared up and the pitch dry Michael Davern, who has had a rough first couple rounds with the bat welcomed in form Kris Andersen to the crease for both knuckled down and fought through and few overs of good bowling and sweating on the bad ball put together a 50 run partnership coming to an end with a faint edge from Kris leaving him out on 27, 6 overs later Michael got himself out going for the big shot and skying the ball dismissed for 30.

The score now 5/125 with 30 overs still to bat, young Denzel Parsens put his talent on show batting very confidently playing a wide range of shots, keeping his cool with a few wickets falling around him.

In a bold move Healesville declared with six overs left in the day at 8/190 with Denzel finishing 31 not out, running the risk by trying to sneak one or two wickets late in the day.

Even with some very nice bowling from Max Wallace, Sam Keath and Beau Hawkins unfortunately we couldn’t snag a wicket and at stumps Chirnside Park finished 0/12

Healseville faced Wonga Park and Chirnside Park. (File: 222821)

Yarra Glen 1st XI played against Mt Evelyn. (Supplied)

Wandin power on for round

By David Marshall

With the rainy weekend causing the 2XI and 3XI games to be abandoned, only our 1XI got the chance to stretch their legs on Saturday. Sunday, however, offered perfect cricketing weather, allowing our Women’s team and the Yarra Valley Vets to hit the field.

Wandin Men’s 1st XI

The 1st XI ventured down to Park Orchards for their first 2-day match of the season against Warrandyte. Losing the toss, Wandin was promptly sent into bat, finding themselves up against a fierce Warrandyte bowling attack. It wasn’t an easy day at the office for our top order. Openers Bryce Edwards (11) and Dave Thorne (13) dug in deep, showing the kind of grit normally reserved for a Sunday morning hangover, facing 40 and 59 balls respectively before falling to the relentless pressure.

A couple of quick wickets later, things were looking about as stable as a house of cards in a windstorm, until Captain Rick Painter and Taylan Hall stepped in to save the day. They built a much-needed middle-order partnership of 56 runs—Rick contributing a hard-fought 17 while Taz top-scored with a crucial 27. Unfortunately, the lower order couldn’t find much rhythm, and we were bowled out for 131—hardly ideal, but hey, cricket’s a funny game.

Then came Wandin’s turn to bowl, and boy, did the lads bring their A-game. After 20 overs, Warrandyte had only managed 22 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. Mitch Kogleman had Warrandyte’s opener trapped LBW in the very first over, setting the tone for the rest of the innings. Koges finished with the kind of bowling figures that make you double-check it was actually him bowling. 5 overs, 1 for 3! Meanwhile, Jarrod Dobson was tighter than a jar of pickles, conceding just 4 runs from his 4 overs. Taz and Ethan Alderman kept the pressure on, with Taz removing the other opener with a beauty of a ball. Taz ended with 6 overs, 1 for 5, while Ethan gave away just 10 runs in his 5 overs.

If Wandin keeps this kind of form up, Day 2 promises to be an absolute nail-biter. Wandin Women’s 1st XI Meanwhile, over at the picturesque Wandin East Oval, our Women’s 1st XI took on North Ringwood under bright skies. After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Wandin knuckled down to post a competitive total of 5 for 106. While all Wandin’s batters provided valuable contributions, the star of the show was none other than Gayle ‘Two Hands’ Burgi, who carried her bat

from start to finish like an absolute champion, scoring 44 not out off 66 balls. Gayle owned the leg-side boundary, dispatching anything loose to the fence, while keeping the good ones at bay.

With a decent total on the board, the bowlers stepped up to the challenge. Olivia ‘Captain Fantastic’ Edwards opened the attack with a cracking spell, picking up 2 for 5 from her 3 overs. Kerry Peet was promoted to open alongside her, and she didn’t disappoint, grabbing 1 for 19. And just when things looked to be steady for North Ringwood, Olivia produced a highlight-reel moment with a direct-hit run-out from side-on that had jaws dropping.

Tilly Pearce, bowling the most overs of anyone, kept things tight with 0 for 13 from her 4 overs, while Sky Wilson and Allanah Peet applied more pressure, conceding just 2 and 7 runs,

respectively. The bowlers combined to restrict North Ringwood to 4 for 85, securing a strong win over a tough opponent.

Yarra Valley Vets

Yarra Valley pulled off one of their greatest-ever run-chases with a thrilling win over a strong Ringwood combination in round two of the Victorian over-60s cricket competition at Wandin last Sunday.

Set an imposing 214 runs to win off 40 overs, Yarra Valley overhauled the total with seven balls to spare, thanks to a spirited team batting display led by dashing knocks from John Masters with 40 retired off just 23 deliveries and Phil Jackson with 42 retired off 25 balls. Both hit seven boundaries. They were capably supported by Bill Dobson with a stylish 29 not out (three fours), Frank Bernabo 20 (three fours), Gary Semple 17 retired,

Trevor Selby 16 and Rick Kohlman 15 (three fours).

After some nervous moments as the target approached, John King sealed the result with a timely boundary.

Earlier, Yarra Valley’s bowlers had toiled hard after Ringwood’s top-order batsmen got away to a flyer, bringing up the century in just the 17th over for the loss of just one wicket. Three wickets to skipper Eric Glazner (3-14 off five overs) and two each to Trevor Selby and Rick Kohlman stemmed the tide, restricting Ringwood to 7-213 when a total of around 250 had looked possible.

John Masters was named Yarra Valley’s man of the match for his game-changing innings at No. 3, while opener Darren Bersey earned the honour for Ringwood with a classy 35 off 28 balls with six fours and a six.

Lusatia’s Ladies dominate as wet weather halts action

By Michael Nicholls

Lusatia Park Cricket Club’s senior ladies’ side travelled to Kilsyth to take on the Redbacks.

Lusatia Park lost the toss and were put into bat. Mak and Stace opened up and put on 9 before Mak was bowled with a cracker of a ball. Caity came in and not long after Stace was dismissed caught.

2/11 brought in birthday girl Sammy. Caity and Sammy batted brilliantly together putting on 104 run partnership with Sammy eventually dismissed for 37.

Amelia joined forces with Caity and put on another 44-run partnership before Amelia was dismissed for 6.

In came Nikki she was dismissed for 2 after a beautiful cover drive just didn’t make the boundary.

Lucy was to join Caity and was dismissed for 1.

First gamer Kylie came to the crease with only 9 balls left and scored 3 and ran hard with Caity and her to finish not out with a beautiful captain’s knock of 81.

Lusatia Park set Kilsyth a healthy total of 6/179.

Kilsyth started their innings well being 41 before the first wicket was taken with a run out.

Lusatia Park’s girls then got set to work with some great fielding and their best-catching performance to date.

Bring on young Lucy Pritchard with outstanding figures of 6/30 off 5.1 overs taking a

wicket in every over she bowled. Bocky toiled away taking 3/33 of 7 with 2 great caught and bowled. Special mentions to the newcomers Lauren, Olivia and Kylie.

The Lusatia Park ladies picked up a strong win over Kilsyth. (Supplied)

Lucy Pritchard took home the match ball after her haul of 6/30. (Supplied)

Gayle Burgi with a sweep shot on her way to 44 runs for the day. (Supplied)