Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 29th October 2024

Artspace unveiled

Artist Jessie Bleakley and the team at Round Bird Food and Wine Merchants in Lilydale have teamed up to create a new artspace, with a vision for delivering both workshops and exhibitions.

Officially launching the space on Sunday 27 October, with Jessie’s own exhibition Fields, it signifies a chance for creatives of all ages to delve into the art world of displaying and making in all forms.

Jessie endeavours to provide a space that makes art accessible, while also encouraging people learn some simple art skills that can be replicated at home.

To read more about the project, turn to page 8

New book looks at incident that changed the face of aviation...

Plane crash legacy

By Mikayla van Loon

The stories of a potential Prime Minister, a trio of winemakers and a newly wed couple intertwine in the devastating and deadly tale of the Kyeema plane crash.

On 25 October 1938 the Australian National Airways DC-2 Kyeema plane took off from Adelaide heading for Essendon. On board were 14 passengers and four crew members.

Flying in what was reported by The Argus as “dense cloud” with “visibility…restricted to 50 yards”, the plane plunged into the side of Mount Dandenong, the location now just metres away from the famed Burkes’ Lookout.

At the time it was Australia’s “worst disaster in the history of aviation” but it also became an important mark in the country’s history.

Delving into the stories and mishaps that led to the plane’s untimely demise, Joel Martin

explores it all in his newly authored book The Weeping Mountain.

Growing up in Montrose and still a resident in the outer east, Joel said “I just got curious, it’s always fascinated me”.

Beginning the research as a pandemic project Joel realised there was much that had been left untold.

“It was a big government stuff up where there was a beacon system that should have

worked but it wasn’t turned on because they wouldn’t let them buy the right planes to test them, because the planes were American,” Joel said.

“So we had an English policy. The beacons didn’t work, the plane was in the sky, it was meant to land at Essendon but it kept going and it hit Mount Dandenong instead.

Continued page 6

Artist Jessie Bleakley opening her Fields exhibition at the new Round Bird Artspace. (Jesse Graham)

Health check for insurance

By Callum Ludwig

Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) and Disaster Legal Help Victoria are bringing a free event to Warburton with the aim of helping residents ensure they are adequately insured in the face of disaster.

Convening with the Warburton Emergency Planning Group to bring the event to town, the Insurance Legal Health Check will be held in the Redwood Community Centre on Thursday 14 November.

ECLC chief executive officer Michael Smith said as the upcoming fire season approaches, it is important that local residents have access to information about how to protect their home and assets.

“One way of doing this is to make sure that families and properties are not underinsured and know the kinds of things that insurance companies will need if they are impacted by a disaster,” he said.

“Eastern Community Legal Centre and Disaster Legal Help Victoria will be coming out to present to locals on this timely issue, sharing information about ways to prevent disputes and options for seeking advice and help.”

The workshop will aim to help residents understand:

• Home Insurance and what it covers

• The risks of underinsurance

• How to prevent disputes with Insurance providers

• Claims and disputes processes

• Future climate risks

• Where to seek help and support

Mr Smith said the most common issue ECLC has identified is when community members areunderinsured.

“It is so important for community members to know what their insurance covers and the common pitfalls before a disaster occurs, rather than finding out after an actual event has occurred,” he said.

“When people do make a claim, it is also essential that they then seek advice around the insurance process and any potential offer, some insurance companies will seek to minimise payments so it is vital that the full costs are considered,”

“Many people don’t realise they have a problem until well after a severe weather event has occurred, ECLC hopes to prevent these problems from happening by working with key services and groups to equip and support community members so that they are not caught out.”

A webinar version open to anyone across the east will also be held on Thursday 7 November from 3.30pm to 5pm.

Mr Smith said extreme weather can lead to legal challenges and emotional distress including problems around property damage and insurance.

“Residents around the Warburton area are in a high fire risk area and many people are unaware of what their home insurance actually covers until it is too late and the damage is done,” he said.

“ECLC’sClimateJusticeprogramworkstobuild community resilience to minimise risks before a disaster occurs, the community cannot prevent extreme weather events, but people can learn to be

equipped, and one important way to do this is to ensure that homes are properly insured,”

“Insurance policies vary widely so it is important for community members to check their policies and ensure they are adequately insured before a disaster occurs.”

The in-person event will be held from 5pm to 6.30pm with tea, coffee and snacks provided.

Member of the Warburton Emergency Planning Group Kevin Bargar said as they move down the path of trying to provide a resilience plan for Warburton, this is definitely information that could make a community more resilient.

“Every time we get a new insurance bill coming in the mail, we are all really worried about opening it up and figuring out what the new prices are going to be, so we thought it was a good opportunity to help the community understand a bit more about their insurance,” he said.

“In the recently-completed survey we did, the number one concern of people was future disaster impacts, over three-quarters of the people that responded were worried about exposure to natural hazards like bushfire, storms and floods,”

“Obviously with the Yarra, there are areas of Warburton that could be subject to floods, and

lately there’s been more storm damage, power outages and property damage as a result of the storms and somewhere in the future there’s going to be a bushfire because there hasn’t been one in Warburton for a while.”

The online and in-person events will go for about an hour and a half and residents are asked to have their insurance policy handy.

Mr Smith said their ECLC Disaster Recovery Legal Help Check is another tool that can help people with problems after a disaster.

“This Checklist asks residents to consider a range of important issues including safety, housing, insurance, employment and children,” he said.

“Going through the checklist can help identify new issues or existing problems that may have been exacerbated by the impact of an extreme weather event,”

“For example, many people may not realise that legal advice could help with lodging insurance claims or managing employment issues”

The Disaster Recovery Legal Help Check checklist that can be found at: eclc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Disaster-Recovery-Legal-Help.pdf.

Mr Smith said another concern is that family violence can also increase in the aftermath of a disaster.

“This has been observed consistently after major bushfires and through the pandemic lockdown periods, if you are concerned for your wellbeing or the wellbeing of someone you know, help is available,” he said.

“The Orange Door is the access point for local family violence services, and ECLC can provide a range of family violence legal assistance including support with intervention orders.”

In the case of an immediate safety risk, please call Triple Zero (000). If you require legal assistance, you can call ECLC at 1300 32 52 00, email eclc@eclc.org.au or use their online appointment request form: eclc.org.au/help.

Whether its floods, fires or storms, there’s plenty of insurance concerns for Warburton and Yarra Ranges residents. (File)

NEWS IN BRIEF

Motorbikers urged to use CRASH ID cards

By Callum Ludwig

As we near the end of Motorcyclist Awareness Month this October, there’s one small stop riders can make to help improve their chances of survival in the event of a collision.

Motorcycle CRASH cards are available to pick up at VicRoads customer service centres, select Victoria Police stations and motorcycle training providers across the state and can provide critical information for emergency responders.

In the Yarra Ranges, the only locations stocking crash cards are the Healesville and Warburton police stations while Ride-Tek Motorcycle Training Academy in Hallam or Cranbourne police station may be the closest point of access to CRASH cards for Hills residents currently.

“Sadly, motorcycle riders and their passengers are over-represented when it comes to fatalities and serious injuries on our roads,” a Department of Transport and Planning (DOTP) spokesperson said.

“The motorcycle CRASH card in Victoria helps us provide the best trauma care possible in the event of a crash, and reduce serious injuries and deaths of motorcyclists on Victorian roads.”

The CRASH card is a small self-laminated card with a form that riders can fill out with their personal details, emergency contact information and any health conditions before placing it in the line of their helmets.

The rider places a red sticker that clearly identifies to emergency responders that a crash card is inside, saving time in and assisting emergency services even more so if the rider is unconscious or unable to communicate. Emergency responders are trained to be able to remove rider’s helmets safely to access the card.

The CRASH card concept was formed in the UK and the DOTP developed the localised version of the card in collaboration with Victorian motorcycle riders, their Motorcycling Community Engagement Panel, Ambulance Victoria and the trauma units from The Alfred and Royal Melbourne hospitals.

The DOTP welcome any suggestions from riders on locations to stock more CRASH cards and a representative of a local police station encouraged their use.

According to the DOTP, Motorcycles make up only four per cent of registered vehicles, however, motorcyclists account for 16 per cent of deaths on Victorian roads.

According to the TAC, 55 motorcyclists have been killed on Victorian roads this year as of midnight on 24 October 2024, up by 16 from the same time in 2023.

To set up your CRASH card:

Fill out your personal and medical information before removing the crash card from the brochure.

Gently peel the personal details layer of the card from the brochure, leaving the second layer

Dangerous driving detected

It was a busy night for one Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol unit on Saturday 26 October.

Firstly, a 57-year-old disqualified Chirnside Park man was detected by automatic number plate cameras, attached to a Highway Patrol vehicle, driving along Maroondah Highway in Lilydale.

He was also found to have illicit drugs in his system. His car was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1060 and he will attend the Magistrate’s Court in the future.

Shortly after, a 30-year-old female from Lilydale was found to be driving with an illicit drug in her system. She received an infringement notice, with a fine of $593 and suspension of her licence for six months.

To end the day, police observed a motorcycle travelling at warp factor along Boronia Road in Wantirna. Police estimated the speed to be in excess of 150km per hour. The rider, a 52-yearold male, of no fixed place of address, was unlicensed and tested positive to an illicit drug. His motorcycle was also unregistered and was displaying a homemade plate. It was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1016 and he will also attend court.

Exchange safe zones

Special zones where buyers and sellers can exchange items purchased online have been established outside 35 24-hour police stations across Victoria, with Mooroolbark selected as one of these.

The exchange sites provide people transacting items listed on online marketplaces with a safer alternative than meeting unknown people at locations such as their homes, parks, or carparks.

Each Safer Exchange Site has clear signage outside the 24-hour police station, as well as CCTV coverage and lighting.

This concept was originally developed following an increase in robberies, thefts and assaults linked to online trading, which peaked in 2020 before COVID lockdowns. Smartphones are the most common high value item stolen in these incidents.

“While the overall number of assaults, thefts and robberies connected to online exchanges is low, we don’t want to see any occur,” Commander Tim Tully said.

“With the popularity of buying and selling items via online marketplaces continuing to grow, this initiative is all about police getting on the front foot to ensure an emerging crime theme doesn’t become an embedded trend.

Exchange zones have been popular in the United States as online marketplaces continue to gain in popularity, with feedback indicating people feel safer meeting in designated sites with good lighting and CCTV.

“While these sites are a safer alternative than meeting someone at your home or in a dimly lit area with no CCTV, we still encourage people to consider the risks of meeting a person they’ve never met before,” Commander Tully said.

“Police suggest meeting during daylight hours if possible and bringing someone with you to the exchange.”

Mooroolbark Police Station is located at 188 Hull Road Mooroolbark. The station’s phone number is (03) 9725 9999.

in the brochure and exposing the adhesive surface. Flip the card and carefully place it back onto the adhesive surface where the card was removed.

Pop the completed card out of the brochure by pushing carefully.

Place the crash card in your helmet under the lining.

Grab a CRASH card to put inside your motorbike helmet in case of a collision. (Sean Benesh/ Unsplash)

Holy Fools launches 10th Christmas hamper appeal

By Mikayla van Loon

The 10th annual Holy Fools Christmas appeal has officially launched, aiming to provide hundreds of food hampers to people in need this festive season.

Founder and chief executive officer Neal Taylor said the launch was brought forward this year to hopefully encourage people to give earlier, especially since people were already beginning to ask what items were required.

“We’ve done it a little bit earlier this year, just so that we can get going with it and get people involved sooner,” he said.

“This year, we’ve had people say to us, ‘can we see the shopping list early’?”

Putting out a shopping list of essential items that go in every hamper, like long life milk, rice, sweet biscuits, spreads, muesli bars and cans of vegetables, Mr Taylor said if people can stick to it as much as possible it’s a huge help.

Looking to create and distribute 300 hampers again this year, Mr Taylor said it may yet be another difficult task, understanding the

struggles everyone is facing but he knows it can always be achieved.

“The last couple of years, it’s been really difficult. We’ve struggled to get the food for 300 hampers. I think this year, the demand is greater. The public knows to just give us what they can.

“Last year we were really thinking, ‘oh, we’re not going to do it’ and suddenly everything started to flow.”

This year, Holy Fools encourages people to make this a collective effort, to band together for the cause and to use community spirit to purchase donations.

“We’ve said to people, get together with the street or friends or family or something like that, you don’t have to do it yourself,” Mr Taylor said

“And that happened last year, a couple of people in a neighbourhood collected stuff and brought it down. We’re seeing a lot more schools get involved too.”

In the 2023/24 year Holy Fools was able to distribute 2750 meals and hampers, 123 material aid packages, with 950 individuals and families aided.

Over the year, it saw 56 volunteers dedicate 2099 hours to supporting others in the community.

The purple donation bins will soon be distributed to places like at Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, Bendigo Bank Lilydale and Mount Evelyn, with more locations to be announced soon.

The appeal will be accepting donations until 20 December. The full shopping list can be found on the Holy Fools Facebook page.

Gifts for youth of all ages

By Mikayla van Loon

Heading towards its fourth year, the Rotary Club of Lilydale’s Wishing Tree appeal is once again looking to the community to help provide children and teens with presents this Christmas.

Donating gifts to young people engaged in services with Anchor Community Care and the Proactive Policing Unit, the need for variable aged items is super important.

From bikes to gift vouchers, the breadth and array of presents received last year meant every young person, from those disengaged from school to those living in transitional housing were given a touch of joy and a sense of love during the festive period.

Anchor’s Partnership and Development Lead, Lauren Gordon said that Christmas is a special time for children and young people but, unfortunately, it can be an isolated and lonely time for those who are experiencing homelessness.

“There will be children living in motels this Christmas, there will be families sleeping in tents or cars, and there are teenagers who are approaching adulthood with uncertainty and instability,” she said.

“That’s what makes the Rotary Wishing Tree Project so important - knowing that there are warm and generous people in the community can be life changing for young people.”

Ms Gordon said while gifts for the little ones are a must and equally as necessary, the positive reinforcement a gift could have on an older teen may be invaluable at Christmas time.

“This year, we are hoping to see more gifts for the 16-18 year old age group. Our MyLife Project supports young people at this age who have come through the residential care system, and a simple act of generosity can really lift them up,” she said.

“The way everyone comes together is incredible – if you haven’t had a chance to donate presents, we would love to see more people jump on board and spread some magic this Christmas.

“The campaign puts smiles on the faces of young people every year. It has grown into a really magical initiative – if you haven’t had a chance to donate presents, we would love to see more people jump on board and spread some magic this Christmas.”

This year, Anchor has put together a general list of the number of children within each age range to allow gift givers to understand what is needed and who the gift will go to.

In addition to gifting presents on their own, Rotary project organisers Gerry and Anne Van Horick have set up a MyCause page to allow people to donate, which will then be converted into gift vouchers.

“In previous years, that’s always been the more difficult part. We get lots of gifts up to a certain age but for the teenagers, they’re the ones who probably need a voucher instead,” Mr Van Horick said.

The appeal officially launched on Monday 28 October with participating businesses beginning to receive their collection box.

The list, which began with just 14 businesses, has grown to over 30, with more still jumping on board.

This year presents can be dropped off to the Children’s House of Early Learning centres, CIRE’s hubs, Bendigo Community Bank Moorool-

And as demand for support grows year on year, so too does the interest from local businesses around the Yarra Ranges to support a worthy cause.

bark and Mount Evelyn, Lilydale Library, Emerald Family Dental Care, Evelyn Ridge Retirement Village, Fully Promoted, Genesis Health and Fitness, Heritage and Heritage Funerals, Lilydale Heights College, Kirkbrae Presbyterian Homes, Lakeview Kindergarten and Childcare, Lilydale Marketplace Shopping Centre, Manchester Road Dental Surgery, MiCare- Beatrix Village, Mingarra Retirement Village, Monbulk Family

Care,

Children’s Centre and The Running Company. Donations can be made until the first week of December. Monetary donations can also be made via mycause.com.au/p/356865/rotary-lilydale2024-christmas-gift-wishing-tree-appeal-supporting-vulnerable-children-and-young-people

Holy Fools’ Abbey Drake and Neal Taylor were pleased to launch the Christmas appeal for a 10th year. (Stewart Chambers: 439495)

Dental

Mt Evelyn Medical Clinic, Papilio Early Learning Centre Croydon, Physica Yarra Valley, Swinburne

Acting Sergeant Jayden Coulson, Anchor’s Talia, Rotary’s Anne and Gerry Van Horick and Anchor’s Lauren Gordon. (Mikayla van Loon: 440223)

Last year’s Christmas appeal saw hundreds of gifts donated. (379763)

From bikes to vouchers, gifts of all ages are needed to help make the festive season brighter for those who might otherwise go without. (378979)

Looking good, no foolin’

By Mikayla van Loon

The Holy Fools Lilydale Homelessness Resource Centre is starting to take shape with the space being reconfigured into a welcoming and homely drop in.

Taking over the lease of 19 Hutchinson Street at the end of last year, the change from the then concrete structure has been immense, even if there’s still more to go.

Refreshed with iconically-Holy Fools purple carpet, tables and chairs, couches and tea and coffee making facilities, as well as a meeting room and an office, the vision for the Centre is coming to life.

Holy Fools founder and chief executive officer Neal Taylor said after months of slowly chipping away at refurbing the space, it finally feels achievable and real.

“There’s been a couple of times where it didn’t feel possible. When the carpet went down, it was one of the first times where it felt like we were getting somewhere,” he said.

“Prior to that, it was bits and pieces, the offices, but it just didn’t feel like it was all gelling together yet. And then once the carpet went down, that was it, you could see where it was going.”

Getting it to this point, however, would not have been possible without the community banding together, whether donating or discounting services or materials, Mr Taylor said “we’ve had a huge team of people”.

From Tom Heenan at Eastern Edge Plumbing to Cameron Betts at Human Electrical and Design, to Tiny Homes by Hangan and all the volunteers in between, it’s been a community effort.

“I wish we had the money to get it all done, say, over a couple of months, but I think this way, you appreciate it more and the amount of people who have just put their heart into here, it’s just amazing,” Mr Taylor said.

The donation of larger items like the office

wall panelling, a drinks fridge and insulation also made an incredible difference to getting the centre to this point.

“That stuff has just been people in the community who we’ve either reached out to them to say, ‘this is what we need’, or they’ve gone and said,

‘hey, I’ve got this, would this work at your place?’”

Still to come in the renovations, Mr Taylor said is the accessible toilet, the laundry facilities and a few finishing touches like signage.

Reflective decals on the road facing windows, Mr Taylor said, have been installed to “give pri-

vacy and dignity to people who want to use the centre”.

The Centre is open to the public to pop in when and if they need but Mr Taylor there will be an official launch of the new space in the near future.

Cherry Tree Grove is a thriving community with flourishing gardens and a picturesque lake at the heart.

Enjoy easy access to shops and public transport, and sought after facilities, including a refurbished pool as well as an active social calendar.

Don’t miss out on low maintenance retirement living, enjoy spacious, modern villas with private courtyard gardens and 24/7 emergency call systems.

Holy Fools’ Neal Taylor and Abbey Drake enjoying the comfort of the new couches at the Lilydale Homelessness Resource Centre. (Stewart Chambers: 439495)

Mystery of the pennant flag

By Mikayla van Loon

A navy blue pennant flag donning the words Lest We Forget in white lettering is enshrouded with a sense of mystery, one the Lilydale RSL would like to solve.

While the pennant used to hang on the wall of the sub-branch club rooms, when the renovations began it was packed away in a box only to be found around two weeks ago.

“Originally, it was pinned on the wall outside [the main room] and that was when I first came to this RSL 10 years ago,” memorabilia manager Maureen McGinnes said.

“When they had the painting done, it disappeared and I’ve been looking for it ever since. I found it just the other week in a box when we’re looking for something else.

“I saw it and picked it up and said ‘that’s it’. I was very pleased because I was worried about it but at least it was in a safe place.”

Not much is known about the pennant flag but it is thought to have been created in the late 1930s or early 1940s to be raised at the Lilydale War Memorial to signify the death of a local soldier during the war.

“If anyone knows anything about the history or any function that it’s been used at, or how it was used, when it was first obtained, because we really haven’t got much of an idea,” Ms McGinnes said.

“I’ve been told that they used to fly it, but I wasn’t told when. So there’d be particular functions, maybe Anzac Day, or something like that, that they would have flown it, or maybe on the death of a member.”

Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson said it may have even been flown to commemorate the deaths of four Vietnam veterans but again it’s not known.

“Children may have seen it on the flagpole down at the cenotaph,” Mr Dobson said.

“Or if a parent, a father passed, they would probably remember seeing the flag there,” Ms McGinnes added.

On special commemoration days like Anzac

As the generation of people who may have witnessed the pennant being flown in town decreases, Ms McGinnes and Mr Dobson said it would be lovely if the community could help paint a picture of its use while it’s still possible.

Day, Remembrance Day and Vietnam Veterans Day, Mr Dobson said unfortunately, with only one flagpole the pennant wouldn’t be able to be flown but perhaps the RSL could reinstate tradition.

“In the event that we lost the veteran somewhere, we could do it. We could rekindle that and go back to what we used to do,” he said.

Extending that further, Ms McGinnes said it would be nice to recognise all members of the RSL in that act of remembrance.

“Anyone that’s passed, that belongs to the Lilydale RSL, not necessarily that they’ve served overseas, because a lot of them haven’t, but the thing is, they still served, and they were willing to make the sacrifice,” she said.

In the meantime, anyone with information about the pennant is encouraged to contact president@lilydalersl.com.au

New book delves into Kyeema plane crash and its legacy

From page 1

“The tragedy of the story is that it didn’t need to happen. And when the inquiry was held politicians and bureaucrats lined up to throw each other under the bus.”

The good that did come of the tragic event was that it “changed the laws and created the government bodies that make our skies some of the safest in the world”.

“It also influenced some random things like the wine cask and Medicare,” Joel said.

Joel said instantly for anyone who may search for information on the crash it brings up the story of Charles Hawker, a politician who was on his way back to Canberra where he was said to be about to challenge for the Prime Ministership.

“He had a profile. He was a war hero, but he was only one of the 18,” Joel said.

Among the dead were honeymooners, who had been married for 72 hours, and were on their way to Tasmania, three best friends who were buried side by side, and other ordinary folk who had taken a chance to fly.

“It’s fascinating because on the surface it’s just a story about a plane crash, but it’s a love story, and it’s one about a mum on the plane who was flying because the last time she was near a train, it was sending her son off to war, and he didn’t come back.

“So she said, ‘I’m never catching a train again. I’ll catch a plane, it’ll be safer’.”

Three prominent winemakers, whose legacies have carried on, Hugo Grant, Tom Hardy and Sidney Hill Smith were also on board that fateful day.

“The winemakers were going to Canberra to lobby the government on the wine exercise,” Joel said.

Hugo Grant, son of Gustav Gramp and grandson to Johann Gramp, who planted the first vines at the now Jacob’s Creek, was chief winemaker for 10 years changing Australian wine culture from fortified wines to table wines.

“His son (Colin) was at school, and he heard a plane take off, and it was actually his dad. He didn’t realise. They turned on ABC News at four

o’clock on the wireless and it was announced,” Joel said.

It’s also a tale of those who decided not to get on the plane that day.

“There’s about three or four people who were supposed to be on the plane and didn’t for one reason or another. One person’s wife said, ‘don’t get on a plane, they’re too dangerous’ and he didn’t,” Joel said.

And through all of the heartbreaking stories of love and loss, Joel said the one thing that does remain a mystery is what would have happened if Charles Hawker wasn’t on the plane that day.

“I’m really interested in the fact that we still haven’t got a conclusive answer on whether Charles Hawker was going to Parliament to challenge for the leadership and if he was chal-

lenging for the leadership of the party, he could have become prime minister. Joseph Lyons died a few months after from a heart attack,” he said.

“Going into World War Two, we could have had a commander in chief who was a former soldier, much more conservative, it wouldn’t have changed the outcome of the war but it might have meant conscription.

“That’s pretty fascinating, and it all happened here.”

The sub-title of the book sums up what the reader can expect to experience - “An aspiring Prime Minister, honeymooning lovers and a mother bound by a memory intersect in the incredible true story of Australia earning its wings.”

“It’s pretty gruesome but it’s also a classic

thing of the government not listening to people and lots and lots of red tape basically killing people. It’s love stories, sliding doors, all of this in one.”

86 years ago residents of Mount Dandenong found their small hilly suburb on the front page of every newspaper not realising at the time the transformative effect it would have on aviation and the community.

And yet despite this, the story and history of Kyeema remains somewhat hidden.

The Weeping Mountain sheds light on all of this and can be found on Amazon for purchase. Joel will also be doing a free talk for the Lilydale and District Historical Society and guests on Saturday 2 November from 2.30pm to 4pm at the Old Lilydale Court House on Castella Street.

Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson and memorabilia manager Maureen McGinnes with the pennant flag. (Stewart Chambers: 439530)

Author Joel Martin with his book The Weeping Mountain pictured at the Kyeema crash site memorial in Mount Dandenong. (Stewart Chambers: 439190)

The Kyeema crash site memorial sits just metres away from Burkes’ Lookout in Mount Dandenong. (439190)

The explosion and blaze was so intense there was barely anything left of the plane.

Shedders get hands-on

In an effort to help more people feel prepared and in control if another natural disaster occurs, Montrose-based community groups were provided with first aid training on Thursday 24 October.

Members of the Montrose and District Men’s Shed and from Montrose Community Cupboard attended the training session led by Ranges Training Solutions’ Sarah Kinder.

Men’s Shed secretary Dennis Kay said the initiative was funded by Yarra Ranges Council’s community recovery team, who in turn had re-

ceived funding through Emergency Recovery Victoria in the aftermath of the June 2021 storms.

With a small underspend from the ERV funding, the council’s recovery team reached out to the community to understand the best ways to utilise and support people in their recovery process.

What returned were answers of training, including chainsaw courses, first aid, mental health first aid and psychological first aid.

Eleven sessions of chainsaw training were

conducted, helping around 110 people feel more comfortable using the equipment.

Dennis said the council initiative promoted the bonding of the community and provided practical support to the Men’s Shed’s aim to improve the health and well being of its members.

“It is good to know that if there is an accident in the shed, there are members who know how to stop the bleeding,” he said.

“If CPR is required there are community members who now know how to administer this

and use an AED.”

Even just knowing the location of AEDs, including at the Montrose Library, inside IGA and at the Men’s Shed itself, was a helpful tool. The consensus from the day was that this training, combined with the other courses that have been undertaken, would ensure people feel more comfortable and capable to help themselves, their neighbours and their communities in another event.

A better retirement lifestyle from $590k

Men’s Shed members Chris Atkins, Eddie Newton and Frank Haynes learning CPR. (439597)

Men’s Shed members Terry Housden and Dennis Kay doing infant CPR. (Stewart Chambers: 439597)

Connecting creatives

By Mikayla van Loon

A new artistic venture has landed in Lilydale giving local creatives a space to display their work, alongside a dedicated workshop area for education and mindfulness.

The Round Bird Artspace, located above the food and wine merchants, has been transformed into a multifunctional second floor.

Officially launching the gallery on Sunday 27 October, with Jessie Bleakley’s Fields exhibition, the vision is for “creatives to meet and connect” but also to pass on their passion to others.

“This is a completely new venture that’s been happening in the last nine months. I’ve worked closely with Evan and Laura, who own Round Bird cafe, to fully renovate the upstairs space,” Jessie said.

“It’s also for people who want to enjoy art out in the eastern suburbs to have a space to come and view art, but also combine that with the food and drink and wine of Round Bird.

“The sole purpose, really, is to connect with the community.”

“What I’m doing is choosing classes, choosing workshop ideas that don’t require a huge amount of material or setup so they’re easily replicable at home.”

Every class and workshop is paired with food and drink in the cafe to further allow parents to unwind and enjoy time out of the house.

“That can be a really nice time too for them to connect with the other people in the class and hopefully create some friendships and just to also have a little bit of a more extended time.”

As for Jessie’s own work, the multidisciplinary artist said Fields comprises two bodies of work inspired by the natural environment.

The exhibition titled works depict the undulating landscapes often seen on “long country drives within Australia” and the “predominantly green and brown” colour palette.

“The landscape [can be] quite monotonous and a little bit boring but then those amazing pops of colour when you finally see canola field, or you see those large flowers that grow at the edge of the road, and the pinks and purples, and sometimes even rich purpley blue colours that just create this little pop of excitement,” she said.

Fitting it out with seating, Jessie said the idea is to make it accessible during cafe hours, to ensure people can experience the space in their own way.

“It is created for people to be able to engage in the way they want to. So if they don’t want to come to an opening, but they prefer to come in the quiet of the week, then they can do it their way,” she said.

Designing the space as a two-in-one, Jessie said, the Creative Collab is really about giving artists an opportunity to teach their craft but also a space for parents and children to learn.

“When I was a mum of a small child, which I still am, one of the things I found was that every activity we did was for the kids, and it was my job to sit there, and my job to drive,” Jessie said.

“I wanted to create a space for a parent to come and fill up their own cup as well as spend time with their child and to work next to each other.”

Jessie will be running a collage workshop, while fellow artists Katherine McGreevy and Jessica Harris will be running a series of classes in clay sculpting and drawing respectively.

Each class has been chosen to suit all levels of ability, especially so children can participate, but also to take the fear away from potentially practising these skills at home.

“It’s really about the parent having this moment of calm in the world of looking after a small person and also maybe going, ‘hey, that was really good for me, that’s something I need to or want to incorporate into my life’, and having the skills to do that,” Jessie said.

“I really hoped the exhibition pieces could imbue and feel that movement of being in the car and also to highlight that joy and to help people to reminisce about their own journeys where they’ve experienced that same feeling or that same visual.”

The second collective of work, Pink Cliffs, was inspired by the geological gold mining reserve in Heathcote.

“It’s a bunch of limestone and sandstone rocks that have been exposed through a mining process where they pretty much blasted water and washed through the topsoil to expose the gold.

“It was in the late 1800s and it had a very lasting impact on the local environment there, and that’s caused permanent damage to the area. Yet in that there is this beauty that has been exposed and it looks quite otherworldly.

“It has the most mesmerising colours, and it changes based on the weather and whether or not the stones are wet or it’s sunset or just what time of day you view it.”

Jessie said from that, she was able to visualise the colour palette of pinks and oranges and reds, with “little pops of foliage and greenery” that still remain in the area.

Using collage and painting as her medium of choice, Jessie said this technique really lends itself to the Australian landscape, creating “rich texture” and beautiful layers of colour.

Fields will be showing until 26 January next year. To find upcoming workshops at the Round Bird Artspace, go to roundbird.com.au/roundbird-art-space-lilydale/

The workshop space is designed for educational and mindful classes. (439493)

Round Bird owner Evan in the new gallery space. (Stewart Chambers: 439493)

Artist Jessie Bleakley with her newly opened exhibition Fields at the Round Bird Artspace. (Jesse Graham) Round Bird Cafe patrons are surrounded by art when enjoying a bite to eat. (439493)

Fields by Jessie Bleakley is currently showing in the gallery. (439493)

Coffee time

By Mikayla van Loon

Looking to engage with the community and hear from locals on what’s happening around their homes and businesses, Coffee with a Cop is making a return.

Acting Sergeant Jayden Coulson from Mooroolbark Police Station has been leading the push for this approach, seeing the coffee break return on Tuesday 12 November.

With sponsorship from the Rotary Club of Lilydale, coffees, up to a certain dollar value, will be paid for on the day, so it’s the perfect opportunity for people to meet and chat with their local police members about what is concerning them.

The third partner in the project is The CriBB Cafe, who have kindly offered to host the event.

Acting Sgt Coulson said the focus will be on engagement and listening to the community, while also providing information and resources.

“The idea is to get back to community engagement so there’s a bit more feedback on what’s happening locally and what can be done,” he said.

“We have a perception of what is going on but that is skewed to what we see as officers.

“It’s also an education process because of the amount of thefts from motor vehicles and burglaries that are happening and talking about security and how people can protect themselves.”

“It’s a way of starting, to try and re-engage a little bit more with the community and then hopefully every couple of months, something like this will be happening,” he said.

“We’re looking at anything we can do to help the police step into the community a bit more.”

Coffee with a Cop will be held from 11am to 1pm at The CriBB, located at 222 Main Street, Lilydale.

As the first step in building relationships and having a community policing presence, Acting Sgt Coulson said hopefully in the future there will be room to host other events like a community barbecue.

U3A celebrates milestone

For three decades, the University of the Third Age (U3A) has been supporting, educating and guiding retired folk from the Yarra Ranges. Celebrating this 30 year achievement on Monday 21 October, it saw about 50 of the 400 members attend the event, along with guests from U3A Network Victoria and Yarra Ranges Council.

In 1994, a general meeting was advertised in the local paper to determine interest from local residents on forming a Lilydale arm of U3A.

With support from the Melbourne City, Ferntree Gully and Croydon branches, the initial process of setting up a Lilydale U3A began, starting with a steering committee and some classes run by members from Croydon U3A.

Deciding from the beginning that the club would take on a non-ageist approach for the organisation, this has continued to the present, with the current mission statement referring to members as ‘a community of retirees’.

By November 1994 the first general meeting was held and an election saw 14 committee members appointed, including the inaugural president Moira Hughes.

Casey MP Aaron Violi presented a life membership and a community certificate to Moira as the founding president of the organisation and a class leader for most of the life of the organisation.

In an eloquent acceptance speech, Moira noted three important features of U3A that

highlighted its contribution to the lives of older members of the community.

She noted that the organisation started with a focus on continuing education - promoting intellectual health. It then offered programs focussing on physical health through programs such as walking groups, cycling, dance, yoga and Feldenkrais.

Moira then pointed out the third element - mental health - promoted by the social aspects of U3As.

U3A Yarra Ranges has increased from the initial nine leaders to the current 40, as well as member numbers and programs growing consistently.

Programs initially were held throughout Mount Evelyn, Lilydale (McCracken House), Montrose and in the homes of various members, until moving to the Janet Campbell Centre in Kilsyth.

Following the closure of the Janet Campbell Centre on 31 December 2013, U3A Yarra Ranges office and programs were relocated to Japara House in Kilsyth and various other Yarra Ranges Council venues throughout the Shire.

Combining the 30 year celebrations with the annual general meeting, a new committee was elected to be led by incoming president Vivien Cassin.

To find more information on U3A Yarra Ranges, visit u3ayarraranges.com.au

Nestled in the picturesque heart of Wandin lies Wandin Valley Farms.

This idyllic family-owned farm has been a cherished gem for generations, its story interwoven with the rich tapestry of the Sebire family’s dedication to quality and tradition.

The Sebire family’s history is the backbone of this thriving agritourism destination. Over a century ago, they sowed the seeds of their vision, cultivating not just cherries, but a legacy that would stand the test of time.

Today, the spirit of this legacy permeates every inch of Wandin Valley Farms.

Cherry season at Wandin Valley Farms is nothing short of a spectacle. As spring blossoms into summer, the orchards burst into a vibrant sea of red, a testament to nature’s abundance and the meticulous care that goes into every tree.

The Sebire family’s expertise and commitment to excellence shine through in each plump, juicy cherry.

The Farm Gate Shop stands as a testament to the Sebire family’s dedication to quality. Here, visitors can find an assortment of cherry-inspired delights, from artisanal preserves to other delightful creations, all crafted with the same care and attention that defines the Sebire legacy.

The aroma of ripe cherries fills the air, creating an ambiance of pure indulgence.

Open seven days a week from early November till late January, the Farm Gate Shop welcomes all who seek a taste of Wandin Valley Farms’ exquisite cherries.

In preserving the Sebire family’s legacy, Wandin Valley Farms embodies the spirit of sustainable agriculture. The farm employs eco-conscious practices, ensuring that the land continues to thrive for generations to come.

This commitment to stewardship is not only admirable but crucial in today’s world, where responsible agriculture is paramount.

Wandin Valley Farms is more than a farm; it’s a living testament to the enduring power of family, tradition, and the land. Visit us this cherry season, and let the Sebire legacy enchant you.

Come and experience the magic of Wandin Valley Farms, where every cherry tells a story.

To ensure the availability of cherry boxes on the day of your visit, it is recommended to give the cherry farm shop a call on 0408 189 052, ahead of time.

Rotary Club of Lilydale’s Anne Van Horick, Acting Sergeant Jayden Coulson, Rotary’s Gerry Van Horick and The CriBB Cafe manager Kelly. (Mikayla van Loon: 440204)

Inaugural U3A Yarra Ranges president Moira Hughes was given the honour of cutting the cake. (Supplied)

Pelvic health

By Ali Minichiello

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that attach from the coccyx (tailbone) to the front of the pelvis. These muscles form the base of the pelvis and help to support the pelvic organs (bladder, bowel and uterus in females and bladder and bowel in males).

What does pelvic health entail?

Pelvic health encompasses the assessment, treatment, management of problems involving the bladder, bowel, reproductive organs, pelvic floor muscles and nerves.

This plays an important role in complete physical, mental, social, and sexual well- being.

Why is a healthy pelvic floor important?

A healthy and functional pelvic floor is critical for living a happy and full life. Pelvic floor dysfunction may result in bladder or bowel loss, pain, prolapse (descent of the pelvic organs) and a general imbalance in the musculoskeletal systems of the body.

Common pelvic floor complaints:

As Physiotherapists working in the Pelvic Health space, we may see the following in adult patients:

• Faecal/urinary incontinence

• Urgency (an inability to “hold on”)

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Pelvic pain

• Pelvic floor weakness

• Sexual dysfunction

• Pregnancy or postnatal-related issues

• Coccyx or sacroiliac pain

How can Physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapists with special qualifications in Pelvic Health are able to assess these conditions and provide the patient with a tailored management plan. We work closely with other medical professionals to ensure that holistic care is provided. It is important that the patient understands their condition and their treatment options so they can make an informed decision on how to proceed with Physiotherapy.

Ali Minichiello works alongside the physiotherapy team at Form & Practice Mt Evelyn and Chirnside Park. She has additional qualifications in Pelvic Health physiotherapy for women and looks forward to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals.

Sloppy but entertaining

Venom: The Last Dance Starring Tom Hardy, Juno Temple and Chiwetel Ejiofor

Rated M

3.25/5

The fifth film in the Sony Spiderman Universe franchise, Venom: The Last Dance is a sloppy but entertaining film, just like the rest of the Venom trilogy.

Fugitive journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and his alien symbiote best friend Venom must go on the run from government forces and Venom’s creators. Constantly clashing yet devoted to each other, Eddie and Venom have better chemistry than ever, resulting in plenty of charming, funny moments.

An endearing plot-thread has Eddie and Brock bond with an alien-obsessed hippie family on their way to Area 51, which feels like a cheeky nod to the 2019 social media campaign to storm the base. Funnily enough, The Last Dance has two short musical sequences that more actively impact the plot than anything in Joker: Folie A Deux.

Like in the first two Venom films, Eddie and Venom’s amusing dynamic holds up a scattershot, poorly-made action movie.

The Last Dance’s pacing is slow and sparse,

Chiwetel Ejiofor is unmemorable as Strickland, a shortsighted soldier tracking Venom, and Knull (Andy Serkis) is one of the blandest, most ineffectual villains in any comic book movie. The action is chaotic and indistinct (but finally has a decent amount of blood; the Venom series is oddly bloodless for a title anti-hero who bites bad guys’ heads off).

Playing in most Victorian cinemas, Venom: The Last Dance is miles ahead of Morbius and Madame Web, and the best film in the Venom trilogy. Kelly Marcel wrote the prior Venom movies, and so does a great job directing Eddie and Venom’s final adventure, but the elements surrounding the charismatic core are underdeveloped as ever.

This year’s National Shared Reading Week takes place from Monday 28 October to Sunday 3 November.

As Street Library Australia declares: “Shared reading is simply reading with others.”

Week celebrates sharing the delight of reading PASSION FOR PROSE

“National Shared Reading Week presents an opportunity for people to share not only books, but the importance and joy of reading... Because teaching children to read shouldn’t be the domain of parents and teachers only; it’s everyone’s responsibility to be good role models for future generations,” Nic Lowe, Founder and Chair of Street Library Australia, said.

Established in 2016 as a not-for-profit and a registered charity, the organisation’s mission statement begins with these famous words from Dr Seuss: “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you will go.”

Street Library Australia exists to encourage literacy and bring neighbourhoods together through books.

“The hope is that one day, a little boy or girl with no books in their house can pass by a local Street Library and discover a new world of opportunities.”

“When people take a book and leave a book, they create a cycle of generosity that allows them to share what they love with those around them.”

The Street Library movement is all about “encourage reading, encourage sharing, and encourage community”.

Presently there are more than 5200 registered Street Libraries across the nation, with 1170 in Victoria.

These are “a contemporary, thriving example of the circular economy – where the items we buy can be reused by other people,” Mel Lake, general manager of Street Library Australia, said.

During the National Shared Reading Week, Street Librarians around the country are encouraged to host an event where a chosen book can be shared with their community.

After registering, participating Street Li-

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

brarians will have their events publicised via a country-wide map on the National Shared Reading Week website.

They will also receive a badge for their Street Library, plus posters and flyers to inform the community about their events.

But shared reading is not just about Street Libraries, as reading together strengthens social connections among people of all backgrounds and ages.

Professor Genevieve McArthur of the Australian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy explains: “Reading is one of the most influential factors in determining success in school and in life. Shared book reading builds children’s understanding of words and spoken language, and improves general cognitive skills like memory and problem solving.”

Perhaps award-winning YA fiction author Maryam Master illustrates it the best: “As a child I lost myself in books and stories. For me they truly were an escape. A lifeline. A portal into a world beyond my own reality. I love Shared Reading because it connects human hearts through words and stories. It’s food for the soul.”

Those interested in the National Shared Reading Week events hosted by participating Street Librarians can check out the official website, at streetlibrary.org.au/nationalshared-reading-week

The Street Library Australia website also has a Street Library Map where readers can find their local Street Libraries, at streetlibrary. org.au/find/

Special shows, big and small, coming here soon

Torvill and Dean

Skating Legends return to Australia after 30 years for the Arena Spectacular Torvill and Dean’s last dace.

Tickets on sale from 29 October. Due to demand Paul Dainty has announced new shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Torvill and Dean’s highly anticipated June 2025 Farewell Tour.

Torvill and Dean: Our Last Dance will feature the greatest skaters of all time, alongside Company of the world’s best skaters, as they teel the story of Torvill and Dean and recreate their legendary moments, including their iconic Bolero, for one final time.

Tickets for the newly added shows go on dale at 10am on Monday 28 October.

Torvill and Dean’s Last Dance marks their first return to Australia since 1994, celebrating over decades if their illustrious career Before retiring from skating together.

Season: Roc Laver Arena. June 18, 19 at 2pm and 7.30pm, Tickets on sale from TICKETEK.

Burrinja Theatre

Double Feature- Sara Storer and Fanny Lumsden

Experience a spectacular night at the Lyre Room with two ARIA and multi Golden Guitar winning artists Sara Storer and Fanny Lumsden. Enjoy their unique Australian country sounds and captivating stories in this special double feature event.

Each artist will perform a full set, promising an unforgettable evening.

Season: Friday 1 November at 8pm.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre

LITTLE WOMEN the Broadway Musical. Luise May Alcott’s beloved story if the adventures of the four March sisters is brought to vivid musical life in Little Women.

The American Civil War is in full swing and the March sisters – Meg, the oldest and a romantic, the spirited and boyish and sweet and loving Beth; and irascible, playful Amy – lve in concord, Massachusetts with their Mammee while their father is on the battlefield.

Filled with adventure, heartbreak and a deep sense of hope , the sisters’ efforts to find their own voices mirrors the growing pains of a young America.

Season: Thursday 14 November – Saturday 30 November.

1812 Theatre

Noises Off

Called the “funniest farce ever written”, Noises Off presents a manis, menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing as flop called Nothings On.

Doors slamming, on and offstage love triangles and plates and plates of sardines all feature in the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play.

Season: 14 November – 7 December.

Form & Practice’s Ali Minichiello. (Supplied)

Same bank, big new look

The Mt Evelyn Bendigo Community Bank has been serving customers in the region for 22 years.

In that time, they’ve given back more than $4 million dollars to community groups to help strengthen the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of our community. And they’re here to stay!

In fact, they are investing in their physical presence in Mt Evelyn, with the branch in Wray Crescent recently celebrating a refurbishment.

“We want our branch here in Mt Evelyn to continue to be a place our community can feel proud of as well as ensuring our space serves the needs of our banking customers,” board chair John Stroud said.

“Our refreshed branch aims to provide a great environment for customers to do their banking in as well as demonstrate to our customers, and community, that we are here to stay (unlike the big four)!”

The revamped branch was officially opened on Monday 21 October with current and past board members, staff, Bendigo bank officials and local Federal MP Aaron Violi.

Mr Violi said Mt Evelyn Community Bank makes an enormous contribution to our local community.

“It was a pleasure to cut the ribbon on the newly refurbed branch in Mt Evelyn. The branch gives back so much to support our community and we are very fortunate that it is here to stay,” he said.

Branch manager Ann Peters said she was thrilled with the new look branch and that the staff are excited to get to work, continuing to deliver the great service and big impact for customers and community.

“Drop in for a visit and check out the space, and of course, see if we can help,” Ann said.

“We love having a big impact in our community through better banking!”

NOWLISTEN!WE’RESTEPPIN’OUT

At The Memo in Healesville on Sunday 17 November at 4pm - Star Mail are offering one lucky reader a double pass to the show! From Daddy Cool to Mondo Rock and as a solo artist, no less than 26 ARIA Top 40 hits to his credit as a singer, songwriter and producer, Ross Wilson is one of Australia’s most awarded, respected, and well-known artists!

Mt Evelyn Bendigo Community Bank celebrated its new look on Monday 21 October. (Supplied)

SHOWCASE HOME ON LANDSCAPED GARDENS

SHOWCASE HOME ON LUSH LANDSCAPED GARDENS

TOP to bottom, inside and out, this rare turn-key property is a feast for the senses. Impeccably extended and renovated and situated on a stunning 3,509sqm (approx.) block of lovingly landscaped gardens, new owners can move straight in and starting living the ultimate Hills lifestyle.

High privacy hedging, a circular drive, and beautiful deck entry extend a warm invitation to step inside this spectacular home. Immediately impressive, the expansive open concept living area with vaulted ceilings, sunny skylight, wideboard flooring, and stacking doors to the deck is the ideal backdrop for beautiful family moments. Accentuated by a chefs’ kitchen with Caesarstone benchtops, 900mm Westinghouse gas stove, and walk-in pantry with sensor lighting, this space will inspire entertaining. Adding to the appeal are complementary sideboards in the dining area and lounge as well as a cosy gas log fire.

Luxurious accommodation is provided by the 4 smartly situated bedrooms. The main bedroom with deck access features a walk-in robe with stylish barn door and a designer ensuite with floating vanity and rain shower. At the opposite side of the home, there are 3 further family bedrooms with plush carpet,

ceiling fans, and built-in robes accompanied by a showcase bathroom with superb soaking tub, floor to ceiling tiles, and relaxing rain shower. The large, bright laundry with guest powder room is the perfect finishing touch. Outside, the immaculate fenced and landscaped gardens features a generous shed with power and water, firepit area, terraced playscape area, recreational vehicle parking, and raised veggie beds.

With an extensive list of extras such as a security system, double-glazed windows, gas ducted heating, split system heating/cooling, full home water filtration system, quality internal and external lighting, high-end window furnishings, natural gas BBQ point, 15,000L rain storage, roofline and under-house storage, and a new roof, this property is an experience to explore. Plan your viewing today.

• Incredible family residence recently luxuriously renovated

• Expansive open plan living with wideboard floors and vaulted ceilings

Chefs’ kitchen with high-end appliances and walk-in pantry

• Stacking doors to the covered deck with views of the landscaped garden

• Luxurious bedrooms, including main with stylish ensuite and walk-in robe.

BEAUTIFUL HOME NEAR BELGRAVE TOWNSHIP

STEP into impressive style and liveability at this freshly renovated family home situated only a stroll from Belgrave township and train station, Selby Primary School, bus transport, and beautiful Belgrave Lake Park.

This double-storey dwelling is filled with brilliant updates that add immense comfort throughout. The covered verandah welcomes you into the lounge featuring high ceilings, a cosy wood fire, and modern easy-care laminate floors. A bespoke barn door then leads into the open plan dining area and contemporary kitchen with sleek black cabinetry, butcherblock benchtops, quality appliances, and timeless subway tiles.

Complementing the upper level further are 2 spacious and sunlit bedrooms with vaulted ceilings, plush carpet, and built-in robes. For an added touch of luxury, the bathroom with freestanding soaking tub and splendid treetop views is ideal for relaxing.

For added convenience, the lower level bonus bedroom/living area with separate entry is accompanied by the equally stylish laundry.

Highlighting the useability of the lovely landscape are the sizeable shed, chicken coop, raised veggie beds with abundance of northern sunlight, and plenty off-street parking.

This beautiful home suits buyers seeking a turn-key property in a lifestyle location near amenities and leafy parkland. Guaranteed to impress, prompt inspection is advised to call this property home. Plan your viewing today. Beautiful quarter-acre landscape with abundant off-street parking

Impeccable family residence with impressive updates throughout

• Chefs’ kitchen with quality appliances and butcherblock benchtops

• Lounge with wood fire and lower level bonus living area/bedroom

Sunlit bedrooms and luxurious bathroom with freestanding tub.

• Powder room with second toilet

THE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE OF KINGLAKE LIFESTYLE

THIS architecturally designed home, within minutes of town, ticks every single box: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms (incl master ensuite and powder room), 3 living areas (incl formal lounge, open plan living room, upstairs rumpus) and remote-controlled double lock-up garage.

The home is air-conditioned by electric reverse-cycle ducted air-conditioning, 2 x split systems, ceiling fans, and a double-sided wood heater for both living rooms. Features include: built-in robes and master walk-through robe attic storage throughout ceiling space cathedral ceilings and hardwood floors

• free standing bathtub and double vanities

• vehicle access to backyard and roundabout driveway

Externally the property provides a spacious timber decking for parties and summer barbecues, a beautifully landscaped arbour and established garden, and an 8 m x 12 m 3-bay shed with mezzanine, concrete base, pot belly heater and separate metre (3 phase power connected). There is also vegetable gardens ready to be sown, chicken coop and fire pit area to complete your lifestyle dreams. If you’ve already clicked the star at the top of screen, a dozen other buyers have. Don’t miss out. Text 21BALD for your exclusive inspection.

-Wood burner, reverse cycle air conditioning

-9 solar panels, gas instant hot water, gas stove top

- 3.5 m x 3.5 m shed for gardening and tool storage.

-Landscape architect-designed habitat garden with reticulated pond

- 80 acres on a sealed road, just minutes from town.

-7x7m gazebo and wide verandas and 8x7m garage

-12x11m barn with 4 stables, tack room, wash bay

-Combustion wood heater, ducted central heating and reverse cycle air con

- 3 dams, piped bore water and Steels Creek water frontage, 125,000 litres of water storage

-Olympic-sized riding arena -Fully renovated home, hardwood timbers

Double carport. 3 phase

- Extra-large master with

is

robe and ensuite - Recently renovated

with 1200 mm Bosch induction

-Built on concrete stumps with ample access and faces due north. - 9 m x 8 m 4-car garage with wood heater and sink

- Paved alfresco, huge covered deck and 3 living areas - Wood heating, Ducted heating, Ceiling fans in all bedrooms, Ducted vacuum

Chicken coop and ample veggie boxes tank + mains

-Downstairs offers versatile self contained unit - Hydronic heating, reverse cycle air-conditioning, charming Jotul wood heater. - Leadlight windows and high ceilings, Blackbutt laminate flooring, Double glazing and solar - Breathtaking views of the mountains

HOME FOCUS

LIFESTYLE LOCATION WITH TREETOP VIEWS

WITH nearly 2 acres of lush landscape in a location that offers easy access to Monbulk’s shopping, transport, and schools, this beautiful property provides a balanced lifestyle.

Completely private and complimented with a double carport, garden shed, wood shed, greenhouse, veggie beds, and walking access to Hunter Street, you will discover a wonderful lifestyle here.

As you cross the landscaped pond and step onto the wrap-around verandah, there is a sense you have arrived some place special. Upon entry, the feel of light and roominess created by cathedral ceilings with exposed trusses makes a lasting impression. The versatile study/sitting room introduces the rich timber flooring that flows throughout.

From here, open plan living takes centre stage highlighted by a modern kitchen with butcherblock benchtops, Blanco dual sinks, DeLonghi 900mm gas range, Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, and inviting peninsula seating. From the lounge and dining area with warm wood fire access is afforded to the charming alfresco that soaks up the treetop views. Equal

consideration has been paid to providing beautiful bedrooms. The family bedrooms with quality carpet and built-in robes share a stylish bathroom with soaking tub and separate WC with skylight. The privately situated main bedroom has a relaxed retreat-feel and features a walk-in robe and modern ensuite. This lovely lifestyle property suits houseproud buyers who seek move-in readiness in a superb location. Inspection will impress, so join us for a tour today.

• 7,765sqm (approx.) property with greenhouse and double carport

Landscaped pond entryway leading to the wrap-around verandah

• Versatile sitting room/study with timber floors upon entry

Exquisite open plan living and dining with wood fire and alfresco access

• Stylish kitchen with high-end appliances and inviting peninsula seating

• 4 generous bedrooms including main with ensuite and walk-in robe

Lifestyle location with walking access to Monbulk via Hunter Street

SuzieBrannelly

CHARM AND CHARACTER IN ABUNDANCE

THIS captivating property is set to tug on your heart-strings. The character charmer is nestled amongst private cottage gardens and lovely old oaks, giving you a feeling of the old days while you sit on your shady verandah’s, sipping a cuppa and enjoying the bursts of colours surrounding you.

Inside polished timber floors, high ceilings and decorative features just start the picture of what living in this home will truly be like. A beautiful country kitchen showcases ample bench and storage, 900ml country cooker to bake those delicious cakes, dishwasher and a beautiful outlook through your casement windows, this space is divine!

The home has formal and informal living spaces, dedicated dining nook, beautiful dado panelling throughout – even into the stunning bathroom, where you will love the pedestal basin, and the bath to soak in after a day pottering in the garden.

There are three generous and pretty bedrooms, the master has direct access to the gorgeous main bathroom and provides triple robes.

Old and new are on show with double hung and casement windows, French doors, dado panelling, corbels, high ceilings, pot belly stove gas, ducted heating, reverse cycle airconditioner, and much more.

Outside there’s a lock-up workshop and double carport tucked behind a remote roller door and privacy fencing, the corner block creating a wonderful space to use and enjoy every square meter of the 693m2 block. Ideally located just a short walk to the yummy delights of the Gladysdale Bakery or a quick drive to the local shops, schools, and the iconic Warburton Trail.

38ChristineStreet,Millgrove

AffordableOpportunityinthisCharmingHome

$540,000-$580,000

Tuckedawayattheendof aquietstreet,thischarminghomeoffersa fantasticopportunityforfirst timebuyersorsavvyinvestors.Currentlytenantedwith asolidrentalreturn,itpresentsgreatvalue. Thecozyhomefeatures2 to 3bedrooms, 1bathroom,andanopenplanlivinganddiningarea, alongwithanoriginalkitchenthatopensouttoa largeoutdoordeckperfectforenjoyingthe serene,treefilledsurroundings. Awoodfireandsplitsystemensureyearroundcomfort,whilethe carportandspaciousbackyardofferplentyofroomtorelaxorentertain.Thispropertyisa wonderful packageandgreatvalueformoney.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

LargeAcreageBlisswithPeaceandPrivacy

Admireandenjoytheamazingviewsallyearroundatthissuperbproperty,situatedonjustover36 picturesqueacreswith amixofundulatingpastureand abushsettingit’ssuretoimpress!Theclassic rusticmudbrickhomeiswarmandinvitingandhasallthecharmandambienceofa countryescape offering 4bedroomsplusanoffice/studyarea.Thespaciouslounge/livingareasoffergreatspacefor thewholefamily.A separatemeals/diningareahasamplespaceforthegrowingfamilyplus alarge kitchenareaand averyimpressivecombustionstyleovenandhotplate.Amplecar,trailer,truckor caravanaccommodationwith alargebarnandloadsofextraroomtomove, ablankcanvasready andwaitingtocreatetheidealcountrylifestyle.It’sa greatplacetocallhome.

ExecutiveStyleLuxuryLivingintheYarraValley

Thisstunning,modern,twostoreyhomeintheheartoftheYarraValley,idealforthoseseekingluxury andstyleisnestledonoveranacre.Beautifullydesignedthroughoutandfeaturinganopenplan kitchenwithhighqualityappliancesand aspaciouswalk-inpantry,thediningandlivingareaopens uptoalfrescoentertainingwith amagnificentmountainbackdrop.Witha totalof3 bedrooms, 3bathroomsandlotsoflivingoptionstocomplimentthisexecutivefamilyhome.Upstairs,the hugemastersuiteboastsa luxuriousensuiteandexpansivewalkinrobe, aversatiletheatreroom downstairsforthemoviesbuffsortheoptionofanadditionalbedroom.Outside,enjoythewell maintainedgardensandbreathtakingValleyvista.Thisspectacularhomeiswaitingforyou,don’t misstheopportunitytomakeityours!

Thiswillbe ajoytolivein!

Welcometoa spacious,lightfilledsanctuarynestledina quietspotwitha beautifulbabbling“ WalkersCreek”meanderingthrough.Thespaciouskitchenanddiningareaflowseamlesslyinto alargeundercoverdeck,makingitidealforentertainingwithfriendswhileenjoyingtheserenity. Thisversatilehomeboaststhreegenerousbedrooms,plus astudyornurseryorhomeoffice.Two stylishbathroomsandbeautifulwindowvistasthroughoutenhancethesenseofspaciousnessand tranquillity.Offstreetparking, alock-upgarage/workshoparea,there’sampleroomforvehicles. Whetheryou’reseekinga weekendgetawayor aforeverhome,thisstunningpropertypromisesa lifestyleofcomfort,beauty,andconnectiontonature.Don’tmissyourchancetomakethisunique homeyourreality! 45WongaRoad,Millgrove

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068 Inspection: Wed5:00-5:30pm

$600,000-$660,000

HOME FOCUS

SERENE FAMILY OASIS WITH DUAL LIVING

NESTLED in the tranquil surroundings of Belgrave Heights, 12 Osborne Avenue offers a unique opportunity for comfortable family living, complete with the added benefit of a second dwelling for multigenerational use or rental income.

The main residence is a spacious twostorey home featuring five bedrooms and two bathrooms, perfect for large families or those seeking extra room.

Downstairs, the heart of the home is a beautifully renovated kitchen with modern appliances, including a sleek three-door oven, gas hotplates, and a dishwasher. The kitchen flows effortlessly into the dining area, creating a warm and inviting space for family meals.

At the front of the home, a cozy lounge room with a freestanding wood heater provides a perfect spot for relaxation, while three generously sized bedrooms and the main bathroom complete the lower level.

Upstairs, the master suite is complemented by a freshly renovated ensuite and opens onto a balcony that offers peaceful views of the backyard and surrounding trees. An additional living space and 5th bedroom offer space and flexibility.

Year-round comfort is assured with split system heating and cooling, along with gas ducted heating throughout the home.

Step outside, and you’ll be greeted by an

expansive deck designed for entertaining, featuring a built-in spa and an outdoor kitchen area. The lush lawn area, complete with fruit trees and a charming chicken coop, adds to the property’s appeal. For those who love sustainability, the home is equipped with a new 4.9kW solar system and two large 20,000-litre water tanks.

The property is also secured with CCTV cameras installed both inside and out.

At the back of the property lies a fully self-contained second dwelling, perfect for generating rental income or housing extended family. This modern one-bedroom unit includes a well-equipped kitchen, complete with an oven, cooktop, dishwasher, and laundry facilities, as well as split system heating and cooling to ensure comfort. Currently rented out at $350 per week, this additional home is an ideal source of passive income.

Adding to the property’s functionality, there’s a large workshop and a single-car garage under the main roofline, providing ample storage and workspace. With its beautiful surroundings, practical features, and potential for extra income, this property offers a rare opportunity in the heart of Belgrave Heights. It’s more than a home — it’s a lifestyle waiting to be embraced.

Arrange your inspection today to discover all that this remarkable property has to offer.

HOME FOCUS

PRIVATE THREE BEDROOM HOME

NESTLED on a 3300sqm block surrounded by crown land, this 3-bedroom,2-bathroom home in cockatoo offers a peaceful retreat with modern comforts. A welcoming verandah leads you to the front door, where you step into the spacious upper level. Polished timber floors flow throughout, setting the tone for this well-designed home.

To the left of entry at the end of the hallway, the master suite awaits with a walk-in robe, ceiling fan, split system and a private ensuite. A central bathroom with a separate toilet adds convenience for family and guests. To the right of the hallway 2 generously sized bedrooms, both with built in robes and ceiling fans. The laundry is also located here for ease.

The heart of the home lies in the open plan kitchen, living, dining area, where natural light and views of the back yard create a relaxing atmosphere. The kitchen features timber benchtops, large pantry, gas stovetop, and plenty of storage and workspace, perfect for creating culinary masterpieces. Adjacent is the dining/lounge area, complete with woodfire, split system and gas ducted heating throughout the home for year-round comfort. From here step effortlessly out onto the expansive back deck, perfect for entertaining. A second living/rumpus room with its own split system and deck access offers additional versatility.

Outside, with a second driveway access to a flattened area at the rear of the property, a perfect spot for a shed (STCA), Making this home ideal for growing families or those who love to entertain. Surrounded by nature and offering abundant space, this property is the perfect sanctuary.

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

GembrookFamilyHomewithCountryCharm.

Nestledona sprawling2193sqmblockintheheartofGembrook,thischarminghomeoffersa serenecountrylifestyle.Stepintotheloungeroom,wherethewoodfirecreatesa warm &inviting atmosphere,floortoceilingwindows &accesstothedeckarea,withnewcarpetsthroughoutthe home.Theexpansivemasterbedroom,withlargewindows, agenerousWIR,& spaciousensuite. Upstairsyouwillfindanopenplankitchen/diningarea.Thekitchen,equippedwithanintegrated oven &gasstovetop,islandbench &plentyofstorage.Withaccesstotheverandahfromthedining areaofferingseamlessindoor-outdoorflow.Thehomeoffers 3additionalbedrooms,twoofwhich haveBIR. Acentralbathroomwithseparatetoilet& laundry.Outside,with 2gardenshedsforstorage &severalanimalenclosurescompletewithrunningwater,makingitidealforhobbyfarming.

BethanySullivan M 0438844968 AaronDay M 0407365994

7HillcrestCourtCockatoo$850,000-$935,000

Solid,PrivatelyLocated, 4Bedroom,FamilyHomewithStunningPool! Asyoudrivedownthesealeddriveyouwillfindthishiddengemfeaturing4 bedrooms, 2bathrooms, doublecarport, &solarheatedpool.Onenteringthehomeyouarewelcomedbytheloungeroom withwoodfire.AdjacentisthemasterbedroomwithWIR,ensuite& Frenchdoors.Downthehallyou willfind 2bigbedrooms,0newithdoublerobes &largecolonialwindows.Thekitchen/meals/family roomisopenplan &featuresa woodheaterwhilstthehomehasmainsGDHthroughout.Thekitchen hasa newdishwasher,electricwalloven &900mminductioncooktop, &plentyofbenchspace.At thisendofthehomeisthe4thbedroom,familybathroom &laundrywithrearyardaccess.Outside hasa doublecarport,lockableshed,& stepsleadingtothesolarheatedingroundpool.

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

Expansive4-BedroomHomeinGembrook. Setona generous3,630sqmblockinGembrook,this4-BRhomeoffers aperfectblendofspace& comfort.Theopenplankitchen/living/diningflowsseamlessly,staycomfortableyear-roundwith GDH& doubleglazingthroughout.Thekitchenisequippedwithanintegrateddoubleoven,walk inpantry,largewindows.Anamazingsunroomsurroundedwithwindows,completewith alarge woodfire.Thehomeoffers 4spacious,carpetedbedrooms,eachwithBIR.TheMasterbedroom featuringa largebaywindow,WIR &ensuite.A secondcentralbathroomcaterstotheneedsofa busyhousehold. Aspaciousdoublegarage.Thepropertyalsohasa 5.2KVAgenerator,1.5kWsolar, 2x20,000ltrwatertanksforhouseholduse,thoughtthehomeisalsoonmainswater,1x10,000ltrwater tankforgardenuse,&abigworkshopwithconcretefloor &power-itevenhasanAC!

minutestotown!

Thischarming 3bedroom,2 bathroomfamilyhomewithDLUG,isconvenientlylocatedlessthan5 minutestotheCockatooshoppingprecinct.Insidediscoverslateflooringthroughoutthelivingareas &carpetinthebedrooms.Thekitchenisopenplanwiththecosydiningroomwithwoodfireheater, &adjoinstheloungeroomcompletewithgasheater& ceilingfans.Thekitchenoffersplentyof bench& pantryspace,a dishwasher,gasstovetop &anoven.Thereisa largelaundrywithit’sown externalaccess, &a familybathroomwithupdatedvanity&afantasticoriginalsunkenbathtub.2 of thebedroomsfeatureBIRs,& theexpansivemasterbedroomhasa walkthroughwardrobe& private ensuitewithshower& toilet.Wanderoutsidetodiscovera terracedbackyard, aDLUGwithconcrete floor,power &lights, &a 3m*3mshed.

A 2 B 2 C

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Association football (6)

4 Science venues (abbr) (4,4)

10 British territory in southern Spain (9)

11 Delay (5)

12 Expression (4)

13 African country (4)

14 Happen (5)

16 Adolescent (4)

17 Flower merchants (8)

20 Pastoral (8)

22 Element’s smallest part (4)

25 Jet (5)

26 Scottish island (4)

28 Slight (4)

30 Verboten (5)

31 Insipid (9)

32 Becoming prominent (8)

33 Strain (6)

DOWN

1 The outstanding features to be seen on a visit (6)

2 Restaurant with entertainment (7)

3 Web auction site (4)

5 Dreadful (8)

6 Ordinariness (10)

7 Touches (7)

8 Astonish (8)

9 Sicilian volcano (4)

15 Stubborn (10)

18 Plastic unit containing audio or visual tape (8)

19 Southern Asian country (8)

21 Disintegrate (7)

23 People of Malta (7)

24 Outer parts of loaves (6)

27 Cosy retreat (4)

29 Flesh (4)

If

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SPORT Super tiebreak excitement

By Joanna Campe

Round 3 results for Lilydale Tennis Club in the Eastern Region Tennis Competition. With last week being a washout, the teams were all keen to get back on the courts.

Junior Open Singles Doubles 7 Lilydale v Nunawading

After round 1 Lilydale was just outside the top four with no win yet this season.

Lilydale was represented by Haady Aziz, Olivia Mason and Ivy Pieper.

Lilydale played at home this week against Nunawading. Lilydale played well and fought hard but Nunawading were too strong on the day winning 6 sets to 0 – winning 36 games to Lilydale 8.

Result: 3-6, 1-6, 0-6, 1-6, 0-6, 3-6 Open Rubbers 14 v Yarra Glen

After round 1 Lilydale was sitting in fourth place on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by Adam Johnson and Noah Burow.

Lilydale played at home this week against Yarra Glen. It was a very competitive match with Yarra Glen taking the points on the day 4 sets to 3 – winning 25 games to Lilydale 22.

Result: 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 0-1 (super tiebreak), 3-6, 6-2, 1-0 (super tiebreak)

Lilydale Tennis club welcomes all players of any age and ability. For information on how to join Lilydale Tennis Club please visit play.tennis. com.au/lilydaletennisclub.

For all coaching enquiries (Juniors and Adults) please contact Andrew at Pro Touch Tennis Academy ptta.com.au/contact

Haady Aziz, Olivia Mason and Ivy Pieper came up against Nunawading. (Supplied)

Records tumble at the All Schools Championships

By Jamie Strudley

The Victorian All Schools Track and Field Championships provides for athletes to compete against other secondary school athletes from around Victoria. Seven Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes represented their respective schools at the Lakeside Stadium over the weekend.

Two club records were broken or equalled as our club athletes mixed it up with the states best school athletes. Bree Coffey took over 30 seconds off the Girls U14 3000m walk record with a fast 18.25.54 to finish in fourth place in the championship. Bree also ran a PB on Saturday in her 1500m, recording 5.17.20 to finish 10th in her heat and 19th overall.

Emily Pincott, representing her Primary School at the Championships, competed in the Girls 14 High Jump. Emily’s jump of 1.50m equalled the club record from December 2016. Emily finished fourth in the event, only one successful jump away from a medal.

Emily Feidler made the final of the Girls 15 400m finishing eighth in 62.73 after running 60.99 in her heat.

Club athlete results from the first weekend of the championship are:

• Girls U16 1500m Zoe Clarke 12th 5.03.08

• Girls U15 400m Emily Feidler 8th 62.73 (60.99 in heat)

• Girls U15 100m Emily Feidler 10th 13.59

• Girls U14 1500m Bree Coffey 19th 5.17.20

• Girls U14 3000m Walk Bree Coffey 4th 18.25.54

• Girls U14 High Jump Emily Pincott 4th 1.50m

• Boys U17 1500m James Chrome Smith 21st 4.25.87

• Boys U16 1500m Mitchell Pointon 31st 4.40.52

• Boys U16 1500m Blake Saloyedoff 37th 4.58.02 Little Athletics club competition continued on Saturday morning. The athletes got their first opportunity to compete in 1500m races and, the always exciting, sprint hurdles. It was fantastic to see YRA’s athletes overcome nerves and race over the hurdles, both our new members doing a hurdle race for the first time or “seasoned” athletes racing over a new height. PB’s set for the next time.

This week’s round will be a twilight round starting from 5.30pm on Friday night. Please try to arrive earlier to help with set up and be ready to join in the fun by 5.30pm.

Training for the little athletes five-12yo takes place on Tuesdays from 4-5pm. All registered and trial members are welcome. Please check the website for more training session details.

Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability. New

members and anyone interested in trialling are always welcome.

Go to www.lavic.com.au or www.athsvic.org. au or email info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au for information about membership, events and registration.

For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org.au or check us out on Facebook. Run, Jump, Throw…too easy!

Tori, Lily and Brookley competing in the 800m.

Georgia Boundy racing in the 200m. 800m racers Max and Cam.

Liam Russell running the 200m. (Supplied)

Five half-centuries attained

By Les Hutchings

Kilsyth First XI resumed their second innings at 1/25 at the start of Day 2, in Round 3 of the Trollope Shield competition against Norwood at Mullum Mullum Reserve.

At stumps on the previous Saturday, Jack Childs was on 16 not out and Kevin Baldsing 4 not out. They took the score to 69, adding 58 for the second wicket when Childs was out for a solid 30 off 85 balls (2 fours). Kevin Baldsing went on to score 36 off 80 balls (2 fours) and he was the third wicket to fall on 87. However, with the loss of two quick wickets, it was soon 5/95 and then 6/119, 7/123 and 8/139, when Kilsyth’s lead was only 94 with two wickets in hand. Best of the batsmen during that period were Uvindu Wimaladharma 18 off 27 balls (3 fours) and Andy Solomons 19 off 19 balls (3 fours). On the fall of the eighth wicket, Scott Nicholson joined Mackenzie Scott-Thomas and they batted very well to take the score to 8/213 in an unbroken partnership of 74 for the ninth wicket. At this point, Kilsyth declared with Scott-Thomas on 57 not out off 81 balls (7 fours), and Scott Nicholson on 28 not out off 46 balls (2 fours). Multiple wicket takers for Norwood were Ishraj Jandu 3/50 off 16 overs (4 maidens) and Grant McInerney 2/61 off 18 overs (3 maidens). Norwood were set the task of scoring 169 off 26 overs for an outright victory. However, at stumps they were 4/86, Sam Storey top scoring with 41 off 72 balls, including 5 fours. Kilsyth used 10 bowlers in the second innings with the wickets shared between Scott Nicholson 1/5 off 2 overs, Mackenzie Scott-Thomas 1/17 off 5 overs, Hayden Pleming 1/7 off 2 overs and Kevin Baldsing 1/5 off 1 over.

TheSecondXI,inasimilarsituationtotheFirst XI, resumed their second innings at 1/15 against Norwood. Trailing by 71 runs in the first innings, Kilsyth set about occupying the crease and in the end batted for 86 overs to finish on 8/162 at stumps. Top scorers for the Redbacks were Rhys McKean, 57 off 180 balls (8 fours), Captain Matthew Coghlan 28 off 110 balls (1 four), and Anthony Cook 25 not out off 51 balls (3 fours). During his innings, Rhys McKean passed the 3000 senior

runs milestone for the Club. Joshua Kelly was the best of Norwood’s bowlers with 5/62 off 23 overs (3 maidens), whilst Lewis Miller took 2/22 off 15 overs (6 maidens).

The Third XI posted 280 last week against Lilydale on Roy Baldwin Oval at Pinks Reserve. However, after being 3/47, Lilydale chased down the target and finished on 7/285 off 79 overs. Lilydale’s Kalen Tahirovski batted very well to reach the magical ton, scoring 103 not out off 205 balls (6 fours) in a match winning performance. He was well supported by Scott Boyce 31 (5 fours), Captain Matthew Browell 29 (5 fours and 1 six), Angus Smith 25 (3 fours), Luke Green 25 (2 fours and 1 six) and Elijah Prentice 24 (4 fours). Multiple wicket takers for Kilsyth were Luke Paolini 2/42 off 9 overs (3 maidens), Travis Tyszkiewicz 2/63 off 14 overs (2 maidens), and Sanjeeva Rana 2/63 off 18 overs (4 maidens). Spinner Justin Smith bowled economically, sending down 10 overs, 3 maidens and yielding only 18 runs.

The Fourth XI played a one-day match against Wantirna First XI at Schultz Reserve. Wantirna won the toss and elected to bat. After 21 overs they were 7/81, with opening batsman Jason Green out for a bright 32, including 3 fours and 2 sixes. Number 9 batsman, Lachlan Green, was the last man out, run out off the last ball for a brilliant

65 (11 fours and 2 sixes), to see Wantirna all out for 177 after their 36 allotted overs. Brodie Goodwin was Kilsyth’s best bowler, capturing 4/25 off 7 overs. Other wicket takers were leg spinner Andrew Smith, 1/15 off 7 overs (2 maidens), Kyle Galea 1/15 off 2 overs and Tait Harper 1/27 off 5 overs. In all, there were three run outs in Wantirna’s innings.

In Kilsyth’s run chase, an opening partnership of 50 between Andrew Smith and Captain Anthony Sequeira 10 (2 fours), was followed by a second wicket partnership of 95 between Andrew Smith 75 (14 fours), and Kasun Ekanayake. Kasun was then joined by Kamal Kuruppu, playing his first game for Kilsyth, and he blasted a quick fire 36 not out (6 fours and 1 six) to take Kilsyth to victory with the final score on 2/185 after 29 overs. Kasun Ekanayake played a good innings of 33 not out, including 2 fours and 1 six. For Wantirna, Matthew O’Brien took 1/31 off 7 overs and Dilpal Sarna 1/15 off 2 overs.

The Fifth XI journeyed to Mount Evelyn and played on the scenic Number 2 Oval. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat. After losing the first wicket at 28, a second wicket partnership of 76 between Ryan Kaal 49 (9 fours) and Pat Moilanen got Kilsyth underway. Pat retired on 50 not out but came back in at the end to finish on 52 not

out (9 fours and 1 six). The other main run scorers in Kilsyth’s innings were Rhys Kearney 31 (4 fours and 1 six), and Ravin Mehra, a scintillating 50 retired not out, including 4 fours and 5 sixes. After 36 overs Kilsyth reached the impressive score of 8/233cc. The multiple wicket taker for Mount Evelyn was Harry Churchill who took 2/49 off 6 overs.

In reply, Mount Evelyn lost two early wickets to be 2/20 in the third over. However, they kept batting with intent and after 20 overs had reached 2/140. With 2 overs remaining, Mount Evelyn were in with a chance at 7/213 and then 8/219 after 35 overs. Needing 15 to win off the last over, 7 runs were scored off the first 3 balls and the game was going down to the wire. Then Ravin Mehra took a wicket off the fourth ball and in the end, Kilsyth ran out winners by 4 runs in an exciting and tense finish. Craig Kennis 56 not out (9 fours), Leighton Joyce 54 not out (6 fours and 1 six), and Jason Dunstone 32 (6 fours), were the chief run scorers. For Kilsyth, Ravin Mehra took the bowling honours with 3/22 off 6 overs (1 maiden) to cap off a great all-round game. Jordan Relf, 2/35 off 6 overs and Ryan Kaal, 3/37 off 7 overs (1 maiden), were the other multiple wicket takers for the Redbacks. Playing in his 150th senior game for the Club, Kilsyth’s Fifth XI Captain Tyron Paspa took three catches behind the stumps as stand-in wicketkeeper.

On Sunday the Women’s First XI played an away game against Heatherdale, who won the toss and elected to bowl. After a solid opening partnership of 39 in 14 overs, Kilsyth lost both openers, Belinda Hutchings for 13 off 34 balls (1 four) and Nicole Woolhouse 15 off 47 balls (1 four). Then Captain Ashleigh Katoa batted well to score 26 off 24 balls (5 fours), but with the score at 5/77 after 22 overs Heatherdale were on top. However, a determined unbroken sixth wicket partnership of 43 between Avanthi Jayawickrema, 27 not out off 44 balls (4 fours), and Sharon Sheals 8 not out off 45 balls, enabled Kilsyth to reach 5/120cc after 36 overs. For Heatherdale, Alice O’Connell took 2/8 off 4 overs (2 maidens). Congratulations to Dana-Lee Mehra who made her debut for Kilsyth.

Mounters’ firsts fall short in run chase, sixths make history

It was a mixed bag of results for the men and women in maroon this weekend with two out of six senior teams saluting with wins. The 2nd XI steadied their ship to secure an important win, whilst the inaugural 6th XI combined to post a win in their first game. For the other teams, they came across much tougher opposition.

The Community Bank - Mt Evelyn First XI had the task on their hands as Montrose had posted an imposing target of 297, but were of the full understanding that if they could bat their allotted overs on the fast Gary Martin Oval, then they would be in this contest up to their eyeballs. Openers Campbell Mole and Jesse Fraser started accordingly taking a measured approach to the challenge. Unfortunately when set, the pair couldn’t capitalise and give the innings the momentum it needed early on. Mole and Daniel Giblin would depart without making a dent in the scoreboard, whilst Fraser’s stout innings would end at 23. Wolves youngster Charley Smith the chief destroyer with two early wickets. Things would go from bad to worse for the Mounters as Bailey O’Neill would ensure there was no repeat of the Elimination Final massacre from last season as he quickly had Jake Blackwell and Troy Hancock heading back to the pavilion and score looked forlorn at a measly 5/72. Luke Jones, fresh off a half century in the Second XI, and exciting prospect Jett Hartman would come together and try to resurrect the team and regather after the early debacle. The pair would graft their way through a tough period whilst ensuring the scoreboard continued to tick over at a pace that would keep the innings up to the speed required to chase the meaty total. With the partnership at 86, things would’ve looked a bit tighter than the visitors might of liked. Jones would post consecutive half centuries, but unfortunately for him, and the Mounters, he was unable to kick on as he was bowled out by Jake Motteram for 52. The wicket would prove to be the straw that broke the camel’s back. Hartman (43) would fight on, primarily with the support of a stoic innings by Will Macklin, but it was too little too late as the home side was dismissed for 204, 92 runs short of their opponents score, and 15 overs short of their task of batting 80 overs.

takes the field. (Supplied)

The Professionals Outer East Second XI found themselves in a precarious position heading into the second days’ play at Yarra Glen. The Mounters did well to restrict the home side to 155, but left the door ajar for the River Pigs, losing five early wickets to have the score delicately poised at 5/69 at stumps on day one.

Captain Shane Laird implored his batters to be patient and smart, no need to force the run rate. The game would be won or lost in how they approached the first hour. The middle order bats executed their captains plans perfectly. New recruit Mike Mawson was the mainstay at the wicket on day two and with two well paced forty plus partnerships with Jamie Bliss, then Chris Morrow, the game was put to bed with little fuss.

The Rhead Group Third XI travelled to Coldstream and were essentially one wicket from taking victory. Captain Graeme Foster won the toss and duly asked the Crocs to post a total. The Mounters had the best of the early exchanges as the new ball pairing of Austin Leonard (3/9) and Luke Shepherd (1/27) quickly had the Crocs struggling at 4/40. Enter Dan Whelan who would turn the innings, and effectively the game, on its head. With excellent execution and some fortune of missed opportunities from the fielding team, he would see out the innings, with the help of the rest of the batting line up to push the score to an

imposing 7/188 on the spacious surrounds of the Halle Supple Reserve. In the only misfortune for Whelan, and the Crocs, the innings would close with his innings one run short of a deserved century.

The Mounters would make a fair fist of the chase. Openers Adam Smith and Luke Shepherd would ensure that the innings would begin on the front foot, whilst middle order bats Luke Paterson and Alex Whiting would keep the scoreboard ticking over through the middle overs. Kadyn Newport and Sam Vanhoogstraten would then add some impetus at the close of the innings. Unfortunately, for the visitors, regular wickets would be their downfall. With each of these spurts, the set batsmen would lose their wickets at crucial intervals leaving the next pair to regain momentum. With no batsman, or partnership approaching a half century, the innings looked destined to fall short of the intended target.

Eventually the innings was wrapped up at the end of the 34th over with the score at 173, 15 runs short of the Crocs total.

The Hop Hen Brewing Fourth XI travelled to Vermont and found their hosts too tough to overcome. The Eagles batted first and put together an innings that would prove too great for the visitors. A good run rate, and wickets in tact all along would see Vermont post a solid total of 5/195.

The Mt Evelyn bowlers battled manfully and kept their opponents honest with Flynn Orchard being the pick of the crew with figures of 2/34.

Right from the beginning of their innings, the Mounters found the going tough against a skilful attack. The Eagles didn’t give an inch and had the batsmen pinned from the first ball. Other than captain Chris Doyle at the end, no batsmen could have a stint at the wicket long enough to really trouble the scorers and the visitors were ingloriously skittled for 54.

The Fifth XI had the classic for the weekend with a last ball thriller as they hosted Kilsyth, who won the toss. Ryan Kaal (49) and Pat Moilanen (52 not out) had the visitors on the front foot early as some blistering stroke play had the Redbacks humming early. Wickets to up-and-comer Ben Dunstone, and father/son duo, Alastair and Harry Churchill kept things in check through the

middle overs before a burst from Rabin Mehra (50 not out) would see the innings squared away at 8/233. After the early wickets of Alastair Churchill and Jonah Langenbacher, Craig Kenins and Leighton Joyce would give the impetus to the innings that would springboard this game on to a classic finish. The pair would get themselves to half centuries, and a partnership of over 100, that would have the team keeping pace with their opponents. Jason Dunstone’s contribution of 32 made sure the work of Kenins and Joyce would not go to waste. With the score on 150 upon his departure, the game was evenly poised. Wickets fell as batsmen tried valiantly to keep the scoreboard ticking over at the required rate. Under 12 gun Ezra Joyce played years above his age, and playing experience, and almost wrote himself into Mt Evelyn Cricket Club folklore with his mature approach. Unfortunately, the overs would run out on the chase with the score four runs short of the Redbacks total at 9/229.

In a first in the club’s history, the Mt Evelyn Cricket Club is fielding a Sixth XI, and the team duly saluted in their first hit out against Healesville. The Bloods opened up with the bat, and had the better of the early going despite some tight bowling. Chase Missen (2/23) entered the attack and a quick couple of wickets started to turn the innings. Regular wickets, and a tightening of the run rate, saw the Mounters wrestle ascendancy over the innings as they restricted the visitors to 8/156. All the bowlers did their job when asked with the highlights being maiden senior wickets to Finn Blanksby and Mitch Jenes.

Healesville backed their young guns Aeden Senti and Raff Morcombe to lead their attack, and after an early arm wrestle, three quick wickets had the innings teetering at 3/40. Mark Kuhne would join Dickie Hearn at the wickets, and the pair’s experience would see the home side take ascendency once the threat of Senti and Morcombe had been seen off. The partnership would complement each other as Kuhne’s destructive force was balanced by Hearn’s patience and running between wickets as both would reach their half centuries within sight of the finish line. This left sister/brother duo of Ash (14 not out) and Chase Missen (17 not out) to see the team to the winning total with overs to spare.

Injured Under 16 Captain Joseph Chamberlin gives his final words of inspiration before the team

Mackenzie Scott-Thomas scored 57 not out off 81 balls (7 fours) for Kilsyth’s First XI against Norwood on Saturday, sharing an unbroken 9th wicket partnership of 74 with Scott Nicholson (28 not out).

Opening batsman Andrew Smith top scored with 75 (14 fours) for Kilsyth’s Fourth XI against Wantirna, sharing a second wicket partnership of 95 with Kasun Ekanayake (33 not out). (Supplied)

Matches down to the wire

By John Thomson

On Monday 21 October, Lilydale hosted the Sandringham Division 1 team.

A bit of early morning dew on the court but all in all a perfect day for croquet.

Lilydales team this week consisted of Murray Howlett and Craig McCracken.

In the doubles the Sandringham team started well and did not let the Lilydale boys get into the game at all. Sandringham 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops. Was this going to be the pattern for the day?

Murray played in the first of the singles games. This game was tight early then Murray started to get on top and controlled the area around the hoops and went on to win 7 hoops to Sandringham 4 hoops.

Craig played in the next game. This was almost a carbon copy of the first game with Craig eventually getting on top and winning 7 hoops to Sandringham 4 hoops.

At the lunch break the scores were Lilydale 2 games 17 hoops to Sandringham 1 game 15 hoops. With 2 games to play either team could still win the day.

Craig played in the first singles after lunch. This game was going hoop for hoop and then a missed hoop by Craig let in his opponent and Sandringham won the game 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.

Both teams were now even on 2 games a piece and both teams on 22 hoops a piece, so it was all down to who could win the last game.

Murray played in the last game. Murray got off to a great start and his experience and skill really was on show. Murray went on to have a comfortable win 7 hoops to Sandringham 1 hoop.

This win gave Lilydale the win on the day 3 games 29 hoops to Sandringham 2 games 23 hoops.

In Division 2 this week Lilydale made the journey to Sandringham to play their Division 2 team. Lilydales team this week is Alan Jones, Kerri McCracken and Michael Crawley.

Alan and Michael paired up in the doubles. This was a tight struggle all the way with both teams running some nice hoops while other times mistakes were made. After the 12th hoop had been played it was six hoops each, so the 13th and deciding hoop had to be played. Both teams set up well but it was the Sandringham team that was able to run the hoop to win the game, 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

Kerri played in the first singles game. This game was also close with both players going hoop for hoop, and after the 12th hoop it was six hoops each, again, it was the 13th hoop that would decide the game, and again, it was Sandringham that was able to run the hoop and win 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

Michael played the next singles game. Michael’s game is improving all the time and, in this game, he dominated right from the first stroke and hardly gave his opponent a look in. Michael went on to win 7 hoops to Sandringham 1 hoop.

At the break it was Sandringham 2 games 15 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 19 hoops. With two games to play the final result was evenly poised.

Kerri played in the next singles game. Kerri started well and had the first couple of hoops be-

fore Sandringham got on the board, from then on Kerri was able to hold her lead and go on to win 7 hoops to Sandringham 4 hoops.

This win by Lilydale put both teams on two wins each with Lilydale on 26 hoops and Sandringham 19 hoops. The last game would decide the winner on the day.

Alan played in the last game. The game was close as the final result hung on the outcome of this game. Late in the game a missed hoop by Lilydale gave Sandringham the advantage and they were able to go on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.

The final scores were Sandringham 3 games 26 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 31 hoops. It is not often that the losing side wins more hoops than the winning side, that is how close this game was.

This week’s Handicap team also travelled to Sandringham. These two teams sat first and second on the ladder with Lilydale on top, so it was all set up for a close day.

Lilydale’s team was unchanged from last week with Murray Howlett, Michael Crawley, Kerri McCracken and Colleen Howlett.

Michael played in the first singles. The Sandringham player was starting with a one hoop ad-

vantage. Michael started a little slowly, maybe it was the long trip to Sandringham. Michael started to settle into the game and made up a bit of ground but that one hoop start that Sandringham had was all they needed to go on and win 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.

Murray and Kerri played in the first doubles. Again, Sandringham started with a one hoop advantage. Lilydale got off to a great start and had soon made up that one hoop and then controlled the game to go on and win 7 hoops to Sandringham 3 hoops.

Kerri played in the next singles. Both players were on the same handicap so this was just a level play game. As you would expect this game was close for most of the game until the Sandringham player made a couple of errors which allowed Lilydale to capitalise on this a win the game 7 hoops to Sandringham 5 hoops.

In the next doubles Michael and Colleen teamed up. Lilydale were starting with a one hoop disadvantage. Lilydale struggled in this game and the Sandringham team was able to take advantage of this and go on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops.

At the Lunch break the scores were Sandringham 2 games 22 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 23

hoops. With Lilydale in front by only 1 hoop, as expected this match was going down to the wire.

Michael played in the first game after lunch. Michael was starting with a 2 hoop disadvantage. Michael was working hard but that two hoop disadvantage was difficult to make up, Sandringham 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops.

This gave Sandringham a 1 game and 2 hoop lead so it was down to the last game to see who would have bragging rights on the day.

The last game was a doubles, with Murray and Kerri pairing up. Lilydale were starting with a 2 hoop disadvantage and Sandringham had a 1 hoop advantage, this was going to be tough for Lilydale to make up, the pressure was on. Lilydale started well and had soon made up that 2 hoop disadvantage, but Sandringham still had a 1 hoop advantage. The Lilydale pair were combining well and eventually worked their way into the lead and went on to win 7 hoops to Sandringham 5 hoops.

All players were racing for their calculators to try and work out the final scores.

Final scores, Sandringham 3 games 34 hoops to Lilydale 3 games 34 hoops, a draw. This win keeps Lilydale on top of the Handicap ladder, they are 2 tests, 8 games and 39 hoops in front of Sandringham with three weeks to play.

Murray Howlett and Craig McCracken paired up in the Division 1 match against Sandringham. (Stewart Chambers: 432615)

Some early morning dew at Lilydale Croquet Club on Monday 21 October made for a glorious day of play. (411985)

Kerri McCracken played some excellent shots against her Sandringham opponents. (411985)

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