Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 5th November 2024

Superspooky

As Halloween fell across the eve of Thursday, the donning of costumes from the spooky to the superhero could be seen throughout suburban streets.

Children once again embraced trick or treating, with celebrations kicking off in the mid-afternoon as families wandered the streets with little ones, while older kids branched out in lolly hunting hordes.

Crowds also filled the Mooroolbark Miniature Railway for its annual Halloween spectacular, train rides the hottest commodity of the evening for many young chap and lass.

To see more, turn to page 14

Food insecurity is rife in our region and hard-pressed volunteers find it...

Hard to stomach

By Tanya Steele

Officer

Katie Fisher said when a person is hungry and their kids are hungry, they want to fill their tummies that day.

“Retailers referred to it as a beige spike,” she said.

“It’s what they see in terms of spikes in demand when there’s issues like this cost of living,” she said.

Ms Fisher said consumers were dropping

costlier fresh food items like protein and dairy off their regular shops in favour of lower-cost items like chips and pizzas.

“Cost of living is impacting on the decisions that we’re making around what we’re feeding our families,” said Ms Fisher.

This year’s Foodbank Hunger Report for 2024 by Foodbank Victoria confirmed that food insecurity in Australia has reached a critical point. Almost half of low-income households have faced

food insecurity in 2024, the worst the situation has been since the cost-of-living crisis began.

Compared to the average population experiencing food insecurity in 2024, those experiencing it for the first time this year were more likely to be young, aged 18-24, fulltime students, people earning higher incomes (over $95,000) and those impacted by natural disasters.

Continued page 3

Kate from Lilydale getting ready to go trick or treating. (Stewart Chambers: 441027)

NEWS IN BRIEF

Food insecurity rife

From page 1

Family and friends serve as informal support to people doing it tough and in the past 12 months, the proportion of Australian households experiencing food insecurity that have received informal food relief has decreased significantly from 32 per cent in 2023 to 25 per cent in 2024.

This suggests that the role of food relief organisations has grown even more essential.

Outer East Foodshare Secretary Marilyn Lambert said they’re noticing a lot more people are seeking food relief and people who are coming for the first time, who’ve never sought food relief before.

“The crunchy thing is, they’re just managing to pay the mortgage or the rent, and they’re just keeping ahead, and then something happens, the fridge breaks down and has to be replaced, or something else, like major car repairs,” she said.

According to Foodbank, the cost of living continues to be the main contributor to food insecurity, with 82 per cent of food-insecure households citing high or increased living expenses as a factor.

Australian households are managing this costof-living situation by saving on everyday essentials, planning meals ahead, and reducing spending on eating out.

Serving the community from East Warburton to Mooroolbark, Love in the Name of Christ (LinC) Fresh Food Coordinator and Treasurer Mark Knoll in the Yarra Valley said there has been a huge uplift in demand in his time at LinC.

“People are now needing more – especially in the last two months,” he said.

Service demand for LincC has gone up significantly and Mr Knoll said his numbers for this year have increased since July 2023 from just over 100 to averaging around now 180 a week.

Both Ms Lambert and Mr Knoll have also noticed the ‘beige spike’ influenced by the increased strain that people are under.

“Things are not working out for them, and that makes things worse – people can become anxious,” said Ms Lambert.

Ms Lambert said using leftovers to reduce waste and trying to purchase healthier items can save people money.

“It’s amazing the number of kilos that are wasted by households each week,” she said.

Mr Knoll said at LinC they also guide clients to not just take the basics that they’re used to, like pumpkin, potatoes and carrots.

“We try to encourage them to use some of the other newer vegetables, and teach them how to how to use bok choy and stuff that they don’t normally buy.”

Mr Knoll said he has noticed a gap in service emerge for preschool-aged kids and postpartum families.

“It’s becoming a huge issue in the community, with local kindergartens coming to get food so they can give it to the parents, as they pick up their children,” he said.

“They tell me that 20 per cent of the children go to kindergarten without breakfast or any food supplies.”

Mr Knoll said he has also noticed a vulnerability for parents who are in the first throes of having children.

“They start a family, and it’s all right for about the first 16 weeks because they’re on maternity leave. But once that maternity leave drops the infant welfare centre nurses start referring them to me to help them with food,” he said.

“That’s driving a new class of working poor –most people I talk to don’t realize that, but I see it on the ground.”

Yarra Ranges Emergency Relief Network (YRERN) Project Coordinator Fiona Regan said some agencies are struggling to source sufficient food, as they’re seeing such an increase in demand.

“Many have arrangements with local supermarkets, and now find they need to collect food more regularly in order to stock their food pantries,” she said.

“Any extra work like that of course means more need for volunteers.”

“Agencies assisting people with food relief are also seeing increases in the number of people in insecure housing - either homeless, couch surfing or in inadequate housing and people needing referral for financial and housing assistance.”

A positive outcome seen by Foodbank is the significant increase in awareness of food relief itself.

“There’s a positive lens to that around it’s becoming more acceptable, more mainstream, and there’s an awareness piece of that,” said Ms Fisher.

“The challenge there is you’ve got a whole lot more people needing support from a food relief perspective, and so the demand on charities and food relief agencies,” she said.

Ms Lambert said another positive note is the diversion of food from landfill.

“It’s not just about donated food – you’re actually helping the environment by taking rescue food,” she said.

Mr Knoll said for organizations like LinC, fresh food is the low-cost option.

“LinC runs 100 per cent on volunteers – so there’s no labour cost. The food costs nothing,” he said.

Ms Regan said agencies would love to have more funding to be able to access items such as meat and dairy, particularly those who are running community meals.

“Our most recent survey of agencies say 90

per cent report an increase in demand, over half reported the need for more volunteers and more fresh food; 75 per cent said they need more funding.”

Heading into Christmas and New Year, Ms Fisher said Christmas is expensive, and that the supply chain into the food relief sector is pretty compromised over he holiday period with fewer volunteers available.

At Outer East Foodshare Ms Lambert said they will be providing several ‘pop up’ food access points across the Yarra Ranges, Knox and Maroondah.

“Come January, that’ll have gone and the traditional agencies won’t be open, so that’s where these pop-up markets will fill a big gap,” she said.

“We really would love some new volunteers to put their hands up to help with those markets.”

Mr Knoll said his Yarra Junction location doesn’t close over Christmas, but the other locations will.

“Once January starts, that’s when you see the uplift in demand, because the first couple of weeks of January, and then all the bills for Christmas start hitting that they put on their credit cards, and then that doesn’t finish, and then the school fees start,” he said.

The Foodbank hunger report stated that 47 per cent of Australians know where to get support if they can’t afford enough food, compared to 34 per cent in 2023.

However, the proportion of food-insecure households accessing formal food relief remained relatively steady from 2023, with fear of social stigma being the main barrier.

Food relief providers continue to encourage people to come forward, use the services, get financial help and and connect over community meal services.

“Reach out. You’re not alone. There are so many other people out there, and you can get food,” said Ms Lambert.

“We have something that we can’t ignore – because there’s enough food in Victoria and there’s enough food in Australia to feed every person healthy food,” Ms Fisher said.

“Food is a basic right,” she said.

Lilydale man killed in Seville collision

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Seville yesterday evening.

It is understood a vehicle travelling west has veered onto the other side of the road and collided with a motorcycle along Beenak Road about 6.20pm.

The motorcycle rider, a 30-year-old Lilydale man, died at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle, a 34-year-old Woori Yallock man, has been interviewed and released pending further enquiries.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision remains ongoing.

Identity

sought

Mooroolbark Police are seeking public assistance to identify a male depicted on CCTV, wearing a white Nike T-shirt and jeans.

On 24 August at around 10.30am, it is alleged the male selected a vacuum cleaner valued at $949 from a retail store in Chirnside Park before leaving the store without making any payment.

If you have any information regarding the identity of this person, please contact Mooroolbark Police on (03)97259999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Expect Yarra Valley Trail delays

There will be some brief delays this week on the Yarra Valley Trail between Lilydale and Coldstream.

Yarra Valley Water is surfacing a private road, which crosses the trail to connect with the Lilydale Food Waste to Energy facility.

There will be short and temporary closures requiring riders to wait up to 10 minutes while construction vehicles cross the trail.

The delays will occur Wednesday 6 November, between 7am and 5pm.

Police are seeking to identify this man. (Victoria Police)

Outer East Foodshare said they’re noticing a lot more people are seeking food relief and people coming for the first time, who’ve never sought food relief before. (Supplied)

YRC hails ‘great outcomes’

By Callum Ludwig

Despite the current caretaker period as votes for Council elections continue to be counted, Yarra Ranges councillors convened on Tuesday 22 October to endorse the 2023/24 Annual Report, Financial Report and Performance Statement.

Now released, the reports and performance statement outline the ‘operational and financial performance’ of Yarra Ranges Council as well as how well their performance has aligned with the 2021-2025 Council Plan.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Sophie Todorov said in the last 12 months, this council group, which she was very proud to be associated with, has achieved great outcomes for the communities of the Yarra Ranges.

“I also wanted to especially acknowledge our community members, the last 12 months have really placed emphasis, focus and value on the community voice and all those diverse voices that we appreciate hearing and their input into all our strategies and plans and their contributions are critical to this success,” she said.

“We’re also focused on deliberative engagement and form part of those discussions that were held over a period of weeks as well where communities spent their time and partook in various workshops around the most important elements of our Council Plan.

“We know that there’s a lot more to do but I can say that we should all be proud of the work that we have done and achieved over the last 12 months together.”

Major achievements listed in the report, and also acknowledged by Cr Todorov, included:

• 337 Capital Works projects carried out with a value of $71.9 million

• Completed over 90 per cent of planned asset investments this year, including upgrades to play spaces, pavilions, drains, roads, and more than half of their 78 public toilets, managing over $1.5 billion worth of existing assets.

• Rehomed 157 animals

• Responded to 124,277 calls to customer service

• Reconstructed over 25,500 square metres of sealed roads.

• Adopted a Housing Strategy, Active Recreation Plan, Nature Plan, Tree Canopy Strategy and an Aquatics and Leisure Strategy.

• Supported 17 arts and heritage project grants with a value of over $160,000, 35 community development grants valued at over $241,000. and 14 festivals and event grants for over $97,000 under the Grants for Community Program.

• Progressed the Wandin North Town Centre Master Plan, the Kilsyth Recreation Reserve Master Plan, the Warburton Urban Design Framework and the Monbulk Urban Design Framework.

From a financial perspective, Yarra Ranges Council’s expected outcomes took a hit but remained in an operating surplus, with increased expenses to blame for the tighter financial position.

At the end of the last financial year, Council’s total revenue was up $7.4 million from their budget prediction but expenses were up $19.6 million, resulting in a comprehensive result of $7.9 million against the adopted budget of $20.1 million (60 per cent lower).

This has been attributed to operating grants being received in July that were budgeted for June, materials and services coming in $6.8 million over budget due to various factors, a net loss of $7.7 million on works in progress that could not be capitalised and the e removal of capital grants from the comprehensive result.

Cr Todorov said at face value, the report would make it sound like the Council is financially robust, but she thinks financially sound is probably better.

“Certainly in a context of ever-increasing costs, again the focus on efficiency, effectiveness and increasingly on other sources of revenue is a critical piece for every local government and it certainly has been for us,” she said.

“The other piece that I think is really important is the process of checks and balances, the scrutiny and the thoroughness to ensure the accuracy and hopefully the accessibility, in terms of community or anyone who picks up these documents being able to understand them.”

The annual report can be viewed in full at: yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Corporate-documents/Policies-strategies/Annual-report.

Yarra Ranges Council’s 2023-24 Annual Report has been released. (File)

Some council seats look set

By Tanya Steele

Local election results are just under a week away from final declarations for the Yarra Ranges and some seats look set, while others remain in question.

Progressive count figures after a week of counting on saw numbers for group A posted for public viewing at the Silvan election office on Friday 1 November.

Provisional results will be available after group B counts have been completed and any required preference distribution.

Voting in the Yarra Ranges Shire Council election has now closed and according to the Victorian Electoral commission (VEC) website, Yarra Ranges will be officially declared by 2pm Friday 8 November. All local council results will be declared by 15 November.

UpagainstsixothercandidatesinO’Shannassy Ward, Jim Child looks set to serve another term holding 47.08 per cent of the votes counted so far.

In Walling Ward Len Cox has landed 69.40 per cent of the provisional votes counted against David Ferrier with 30.60 per cent.

The trio of candidates in Lyster Ward each have around 30 per cent of the votes, Peter Mcilwain leading with 36.86 per cent, Mick Spruhan, with 32.66 per cent and Divesh Sareen, 30.49 per cent. Streeton Ward so far sees Jeff Marriott with 61.09 per cent of the votes, holding the upper hand against Sigrid Petersen who has pulled in 38.91 per cent so far.

Sophie Todorov remains ahead just above her two other candidates in Melba Ward with 37.49 per cent of votes counted, Mitch Mazzarella is trailing her with 35.90 per cent and Chris Templer has drawn 26.61 per cent of the progressive count.

Chandler Ward has seen Gareth Ward move to the front of the pack with 39.77 per cent, Belinda Grooby coming in with 32.13 per cent and Ashley

Hansen 28.09 per cent. Finally in Billanook Ward, Tim Heenan so far has a count of 56.09 per cent of votes and Wendy Wright is at 43.91 per cent.

Two wards did not need to be counted at all, remaining uncontested this election, Fiona McAllister will be once again serving the people of Ryrie Ward and Richard Higgins remains with Chirnside.

As of Wednesday 30 October 72,624 ballots had been returned, equating to 80.73 per cent of the votes required.

According to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) website, things which can affect the counting timeline include the number of vacancies in each ward, if results are counted by hand or by computer, how many people are enrolled in the council and how many candidates there are in each ward.

The VEC uses preferential counting in singlecouncillor wards and proportional counting in multi-councillor wards and unsubdivided councils. Most preferential counting is done manually by hand, but sometimes, if deemed appropriate, it can be done by computer. Preferential counting by computer means the VEC enters each voter’s preferences into a computer count application.

An example of where a computer count would be deemed appropriate for single-councillor elections is where there are many candidates in the election or ballot papers to be counted.

The election manager will advise candidates of the time and location of the declaration of results, which is a public event which anyone can attend including candidates, families and friends, community members, council staff, local media and other interested parties. The election manager will then announce the result of each election and declare the successful candidates elected.

For more information, visit www.vec.vic.gov. au/voting/2024-local-council-elections

As of Wednesday 30 October

72,624 ballots had been returned, equating to 80.73 per cent of the votes required. (208517)

Build-to-rent bill support

By Caitlin Powell, AAP

Housing organisations and independent politicians are urging the Senate to pass the build-torent bill as new research shows housing affordability is a priority for voters.

Almost eight in 10 Australians (79 per cent) say there is a lack of affordable housing in their area, with the issue charting as people’s second highest concern, a YouGov poll for the Property Council of Australia has found.

The poll found respondents were most concerned about the cost of living, with the economy and health care ranked third and fourth respectively.

The property council and the National Shelter and Community Housing Industry Association said 105,000 new homes could be delivered across the next decade - including 10,500 affordable rentals - if build-to-rent legislation was passed with their proposed changes.

The groups are calling for three amendments to the bill - to adjust tax settings to encourage build-to-rent housing growth; refine the 10 per cent affordable housing requirement within projects; and introduce measures to enhance the security of tenure for renters.

The YouGov poll found most (61 per cent) respondents supported a bill with these additional incentives, while only 13 per cent opposed the proposal.

Property council chief executive Mike Zorbas said the government must seize the opportunity to address the housing shortage.

“With the right amendments, this legislation is the best and cheapest way for the federal parliament to add 105,000 new rental homes to supply across Australia over the next decade,” he said.

The Albanese government is trying to push forward legislation that would secure tax incentives for developers and financiers that put properties up for rent instead of selling them off.

However, the legislation has stalled in the Sen-

ate due to opposition from the coalition and the Greens.

With the upcoming sitting week the third-last of 2024, a group of independent MPs and senators hopes the impasse can be resolved before the end of the year.

“This polling backs up what Australians have been telling me - they are sick and tired of the Greens and the coalition holding up action on housing for those Aussies who most need it.”

The sentiment was echoed by Wentworth MP

“We’ve got two more weeks left this year to get this done,” senator Jacqui Lambie said on Monday.

Allegra Spender, who said building more houses was the only long-term solution to the housing crisis - and “build-to-rent is a part of that”.

“It’s time that the Greens and the Liberal National parties stopped blocking constructive housing policy,” she said.

“My community wants action, not politics.”

A poll has found 79 per cent of Australians say there is a lack of affordable housing in their area with a call to pass the build-to-rent bill. (File)

Progress in battle with DV

By Callum Ludwig

Following outrage at the rising number of family violence incidents and deaths, a raft of measures have been announced at a state and national level in 2024.

The Star Mail reached out to local Free From Family Violence (FVREE, formerly EDVOS/Eastern Domestic Violence Service) to share their thoughts on the initiatives and funding that have been announced and what impacts they are seeing on the ground.

FVREE chief executive Christine Mathieson said since the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence, the Victorian Government has made an unprecedented level of investment, reform, and funding in this critical area.

“These efforts have expanded the policy focus, increased funding, and strengthened the workforce, culminating in the establishment of 17 Orange Doors across Victoria, while these initiatives are commendable and set a leading example, significant shortfalls remain in case management support and recovery funding,” she said.

“Additionally, the lack of financial support for primary prevention and education directed toward specialist family violence services, such as FVREE, poses challenges in delivering holistic outcomes for victim-survivors, their children, and the broader community,”

Furthermore, while the recent Commonwealth financial packages are a welcome step forward, they represent only a small part of the solution, comprehensive and sustained investment is necessary to effectively address the complex needs of those affected by family violence and to create lasting change in our communities.”

Victoria’s Royal Commission into Family Violence was started in 2015 following a number of family violence incidents that made headlines, with 227 recommendations handed down in March 2016, of which the Victorian Government had implemented all by January 2023.

Ms Mathieson said ongoing investment from both Federal and State Governments is essential

across all aspects of the family violence continuum, particularly in primary prevention and recovery.

“For example, our organisation does not receive sustainable funding for our primary prevention initiatives and relies solely on grants, donations, and fee-for-service work, while we recognise that achieving prevention outcomes requires time, violence rates will not decrease without supporting initiatives that tackle the root causes of vio-

lence - gender inequality, at the systemic, community, and individual levels,” she said.

“Additionally, securing long-term recovery services is challenging, as many survivors struggle to access the therapeutic support necessary for their healing.”

“Another critical area is holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, as the incidence of murders continue to rise, we must shift our focus as a society from questioning the behaviour of victim-survivors—asking ‘Why doesn’t she just leave?’—to examining why perpetrators choose to use violence.”

FVREE has been working of a number of their key programs and starting new initiatives to target areas of need they are spotting in their service area, which stretches from Boroondara out to the Yarra Ranges:

Three new Practice Lead roles have been hired to provide dedicated support to victim-survivors who are children and young people, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

Staff have undergone extensive training to next year implement the Safe and Together model, which focuses on perpetrators’ patterns of behaviour, recognising the strengths of victim survivors, and prioritising the safety and welfare of both adult and child victims.

Their therapeutic program offer sessions for parents or guardians and children together, as well as individual sessions for parents or guardians and for young people to help in healing and growing together after experiencing family violence.

FVREE’s Primary Prevention Team has worked with 58 students from 12 local primary schools in the Outer East to deliver the Young Leaders for Equality and Respect program, helping students identify gender inequality and promote safer, more inclusive school communities.

Following legislation that came into force last year, businesses are mandated to provide employees with a minimum of 10 days of paid family violence leave and FVREE has been working

with local businesses to provide training for their leaders and staff, ensuring they create a safe and supportive environment for those who may need to use this leave.

Ms Mathieson said homelessness and the misidentification of victim-survivors as perpetrators continue to be a concern in the eastern region.

“Homelessness among women and children due to family violence continues to rise in the eastern region, despite increased investments aimed at helping women and children remain in their homes, many survivors are still forced to flee and seek refuge in crisis accommodation,” she said.

“While we have access to programs that provide temporary crisis housing for victims, securing long-term housing remains a persistent challenge,”

“Some perpetrators actively manipulate police, as well as the justice, health, and child protection systems, for their own advantage, perpetuating family violence, this can have serious implications for the safety and well-being of victim-survivors, as the individuals most in need of protection are often not being safeguarded.”

FVREE also advises victims of domestic, family, and sexual violence to contact 1800RESPECT, the national counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit their website: 1800respect.org.au.

Ms Mathieson said their key message to victimsurvivors is clear; you’re not alone and support is available.

“As a specialist family violence service, we understand the complex nature of family violence, and clients who engage with us have reported feeling safer as a result,”

“If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, we encourage you to reach out to the Orange Door in your area,”

“Violence is never acceptable, and it’s never your fault. Everyone deserves respect and the right to live free from harm.”

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!

FVREE responds to the raft of family violence measures announced throughout 2024 and how the issues continues to evolve. (File)

NEWS Container scheme hits 1b

On the first anniversary of the introduction of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), the state is celebrating another major milestone.

One billion containers have been returned through the scheme, reducing litter and putting money back into Victorians’ pockets. The scheme not only benefits the environment but has injected nearly $100 million back into the community, including over $918,000 to charities and community groups through donation partners.

Visy, operator of the CDS Vic North Zone, has established over 245 refund points across the Loddon, Mallee, and Hume regions and the inner north and eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

These return points include Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), which offer self-service automated returns, Over-the-Counter (OTC) refund points operated by local businesses and community organisations, and Depots, capable of processing larger quantities of containers.

The Yarra Ranges Shire Council has 18 deposit points, with only the Whittlesea and Wodonga LGAs having more. In the Yarra Ranges, 13,204,647 containers have been deposited, consisting of 56 per cent cans, one per cent cartons, 22 per cent glass and 20 per cent plastic. The Powelltown Football Netball Club are the key donation partner for the Yarra Ranges.

Only the Greater Bendigo (28,279,209), aforementioned Whittlesea (27,361,647), neighbouring Knox (23,209,197), Mildura (20,556,825), Greater Shepparton (18,872,380) and Darebin (16,638,665) LGAs have deposited more containers than the Yarra Ranges.

General Manager of CDS at Visy Tim O’Donnell said the success of the scheme proves people care about the environment and love recycling.

“We’re honoured to have worked with local communities and partners to play our part in making CDS VIC the most accessible scheme in Australia.”

The community can find their nearest re-

fund point, and access their electronic refunds, through the CDS Vic North app for iOS or Android.

“Victorians have gone gangbusters for our Container Deposit Scheme – saving one billion

containers from landfill, putting $100 million back in their pockets and making it the number one scheme in the country,” Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said.

“There are lots of things to celebrate on the

one year of this scheme that gives back to the community, creates local jobs, teaches kids about recycling and safeguards our environment.”

To find out more about Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme visit www.cdsvic.org.au

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2025.

Free Kinder is available for three- and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services. Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,563 each year, per child.

At kindergarten, your child will:

• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance

• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment

• build skills and confidence before primary school.

Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2025. Visit vic.gov.au/kinder

The Victorian Container Deposit Scheme has hit one billion containers by its first anniversary. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Ranger jobs major boost

By Dongyun Kwon

A Healesville-based First Nations corporation welcomed two federal politicians who brought a great announcement for the First Nations communities on Thursday 31 October.

Federal Indigenous Australians minister senator Malarndirri McCarthy and federal Victoria senator Jana Stewart announced more than 1000 new Indigenous ranger jobs will be created across the country, with the Federal Government investing $355 million over four years to expand the Indigenous Rangers Program, at the property of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (WWCHAC), which was named one of the recipients of this funding.

Through this investment, First Nations women will make up the vast majority of the new fulltime, part-time and casual roles, with up to 770 Indigenous ranger positions.

Yanyuwa woman senator McCarthy said expanding the Indigenous Rangers Program will provide more opportunities for First Nations people to share their knowledge and benefit from the social and economic outcomes that come from meaningful employment.

“This expansion delivers on the government’s commitment to increase the footprint of the Indigenous Rangers Program and bolster activity in existing locations,” she said.

“I’m particularly pleased to see so many new opportunities for women Indigenous rangers who play a unique role in caring for Country.

“I acknowledge the work of all rangers and the care and strength they demonstrate in looking after Country.”

For more than 65,000 years, First Nations people have been caretakers of Australia’s land, rivers, seas, flora and fauna.

Indigenous rangers continue this legacy today, managing Country according to Traditional Owners’ objectives combined with modern conservation training.

They use traditional knowledge and cultural practices, and western science, to manage land, river and sea Country and deliver environmental, cultural, social and economic development outcomes for First Nations communities.

Wurundjeri elder Uncle Bill Nicholson Jnr welcomed the visitors and led the smoking ceremony.

Mr Nicholson said the health of the environment is a key part of Wurundjeri culture.

“It’s probably the underlying heart of what Wurundjeri culture is all about because children were brought up here for generations and two key things they were taught was the health of the land related to their health and the actions that you incorporate within the land, how that will benefit future generations and also playing your role in society with the knowledge that was taught by your extended family,” he said.

“Everyone takes their responsibility, and it works. The tribal system worked like a team.”

After the smoking ceremony, the two visitors toured the on-site Indigenous plant nursery, the depot and the adjoining property where the Narrap Rangers undertake land management activities for the area.

Narrap Rangers from WWCHAC undertake a range of natural resource management activities on Country at the request of clients, including the

Smoking ceremony.

maintenance of firebreaks in accordance with local council by-laws.

Narrap Ranger crew leader Damien Nicholson, who is Uncle Bill Nicholson Jnr’s son, said there has been a lot of progress since he started working for the Narrap team eight years ago.

“What we mainly do is conservation land management, which is pretty much taking care of the invasive weed species,” he said.

“We’ll go out and spray, hand weed or even put the fire back on Country to get rid of all that stuff and bring back all the good stuff like the native grasses and plants.

“We do a lot of different things from fencing and burning to surveys to help this Country get back the way it was.”

115 projects will receive funding including 35 in Queensland, 23 in Western Australia, 21 in New South Wales, 12 in Northern Territory, 11 in South Australia, nine in Victoria and four in Tasmania.

This marks the first time in more than a decade that new ranger groups have been able to apply to join the Commonwealth Indigenous Rangers Program.

This expansion round also includes grants of up to $50,000 per year over four years to strengthen ranger groups and support their long-term sustainability.

The Albanese Government is investing a total of $1.3 billion to 2028 in the Indigenous Rangers Program with aims to double the number of Indigenous rangers by the end of the decade.

Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman senator Jana Stewart said First Nations people have been custodians of Australia’s land and waters for tens of thousands of years.

“Expanding the Indigenous Rangers Program honours this legacy and provides sustainable and meaningful employment opportunities for mob,” she said.

“Traditional Owner groups in Victoria are strong and mighty. I am thrilled to see over $23.6 million invested in Victoria, and eight groups in the state receive Indigenous Ranger Program funding for the very first time.

“The economic and social contribution of Traditional Owner groups like Gunaikurnai, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans cannot be understated. I am so pleased to see the significance of their work recognised in this way.”

Where to pick up your FREE Star Mail

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar3 Meadowgate Drive

CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Caltex Safeway239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK EG Fuelco Service StationChirnside Park Shopping Cr Little

Chipping Drive, 241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Chirnside Park Country Club 68 Kingswood Drive

CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar158 Nangathan Way

CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar11 The Mall

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketChuringa SC, Russo Place

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketCanterbury Road Kilsyth

KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette Unit 7/87 Colchester Road

LILYDALE Aaron Violi MP Office 110 Main Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC51-59 Anderson Street

LILYDALE Woolworths SupermarketMarketplace, 33 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale VillageCastella Street & Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre7 Hardy Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre1 Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station473 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale346 Main Street

LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths31 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE BP Service Station87 Warburton Highway

LILYDALE Shell Service Station469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE 7 - Eleven LilydaleCnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Coles Express469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe251 Main Street

LILYDALE Round Bird Can't Fly170 Main Street

LILYDALE The Lilydale General110 Beresford Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery96 Main Street

LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe178 Main Street

LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe222 Main Street

LILYDALE Gracious GraceCastella Street

LILYDALE Melba Coffee House33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies7/75 Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Point of View CafeLilydale Lakeside - Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE Freda's Cafe2 Clarke Street

LILYDALE Barry Plant Real Estate88 Main Street

LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate164 Main Street

LILYDALE Hello Harry245 Main Street

LILYDALE Noel Jones Real Estate 281 Main Street

LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate111-113 Main Street

LILYDALE Grubs Up1 Industrial Park Drive

LILYDALE Mc Donalds RestaurantMaroondah Highway

LILYDALE Olinda Creek HotelMaroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street

MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road

MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street

MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent

MOUNT EVELYN Red Robyn Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent

MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road

MOUNT EVELYN Bendigo Bank 2/35-39 Wray Cres

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket916 Mt Dandenong Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket15 Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Bendigo BankUnit 19/66 - 74 Brice Ave

MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar38 Bellara Dive

MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart108 Hayrick Lane

MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark103 Cardigan Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Express2 Cambridge Road

MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real EstateBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK L J HookerBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK Mc Donalds RestaurantManchester Road

MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale138 York Road

WANDIN NORTH Wandin Newsagency Shop 2 /18 Union Road

Federal Indigenous Australians minister senator Malarndirri McCarthy and federal Victoria senator Jana Stewart announcing the new investment. (Dongyun Kwon: 441204)

(441204)

From alps to ocean by air

By Mikayla van Loon

Two women, one plane and over 1500 kilometres of distance to travel between dawn and dusk is a challenge that awaits two female pilots from the Yarra Valley.

Delia Jones and Theresa MacDonald are planning to travel the length of the Murray River, from the alps to the ocean, roughly between the hours of 5am and 8.30pm as part of the International Dawn to Dusk Competition.

Setting off from Lilydale Airport on 28 November, Delia and Theresa will spend a night in Benalla, with the intention of travelling to the source of the Murray at Indi Springs to begin their official flight path on 29 November.

“Then we’ll follow it on its course all the way down to Goolwa in South Australia,” Theresa said.

The in-flight time is expected to take over eight hours, with the pilots planning to make eight stops throughout the trip to refuel and meet with other female pilots from across the two states.

“When we get to Goolwa there’s Lake Alexandrina, if we’ve still got time before landing we’ll do a lap of the lake and a group of South Australian women pilots are meeting us there and taking us to dinner. That’s the plan at least,” Theresa said.

“I’m also trying to get a formation endorsement, which allows you to fly close to other planes. If I get that, then we’ve got a couple of fellas who are going to see us off from Lilydale, and there’s a lady up at Yarrawonga who’s going to do a little formation with us from Yarrawonga to Tocumwal.”

Part of the competition requires documentation of the process and journey, so Delia has acquired two cameras, one that will be attached to the outside of the plane, while the other will be inside the cabin.

While for the first section of the flight over the high country, the plane will have to stay quite high, after that they can descend closer to ground, hopefully getting to fully experience the Austra-

lian landscape, from outback to greenery and eventually ocean.

Delia has also been tasked with exploring the history of the Murray River, another requirement of the competition submission.

“So from the original uses by the Aboriginals through to the early settlements, and the explorers that went through there, like Burke and Wills,” she said.

“Up to the present day, with the Murray Darling plan and usage, agriculture and what they’re using up here, and requirements for water because all the towns, of course, rely on the Murray for water.

“Then when horse and cart changed, and it was vehicles, how the structure of the towns changed. When they used to have railways into the towns, then they stopped that, then it was cars, and they would just bypass all the towns getting to Sydney.”

This will be Theresa’s second flight challenge

in the Dawn to Dusk competition, having completed the ‘Australia in a day’ flight with three other pilots in 2022 but for Delia, it has always been a dream.

“Back in 2009 I was absolutely enthralled by a woman pilot giving a talk at one of the conferences, Marion McCall, about her attempts at the Dawn to Dusk,” Delia said.

“It’s been on my bucket list ever since.”

Instantly suggesting the Murray River idea as soon as Theresa agreed to take on another flight challenge, the pair have been planning and researching since February.

It will be Delia who gets the honours of doing the last leg and lap of Lake Alexandrina before touching down in Goolwa, hopefully having completed the challenge successfully.

Delia and Theresa met around 20 years ago as they both embarked on their pilot training in a small group of other women at Lilydale.

“I think there were six or seven women pilots

then, not many at all. Now there’s loads of them there. But because there weren’t many women we gravitated towards each other,” Theresa said.

Among the small group were Marjy and Helen who both lost their battles with cancer, “that’s why we’re doing this”.

“Raising [money] in their memory” for Counterpart, a cancer support group where women support women, felt only right for Delia and Theresa.

“The charity that we’re raising money for, a lot of people haven’t heard of, it doesn’t give medical advice but it gives peer support to women who come through cancer,” Theresa said.

Aiming to raise $5000 for the charity, the pair have already reached a total of $3,630 with about four weeks until they set off on their challenge.

To support their fundraiser, go to gofundme. com/f/alps-to-ocean-to-support-women-livingwith-cancer

More about Counterpart and its services, can be found by going to counterpart.org.au

Yarra Valley pilots Delia Jones and Theresa MacDonald will set off from Lilydale Airport on 28 November to embark on the Alps to Ocean challenge. (Mikayla van Loon: 441281)

Theresa MacDonald and Delia Jones have known each other for around 20 years, since they first started learning to fly. (441281)

Decade of angelic support

By Mikayla van Loon

Ten years and hundreds of hand crafted and painted Angel Boxes later, Croydon Men’s Shed has been instrumental in supporting families grieving the loss of a baby.

The partnership between the Men’s Shed and Mooroolbark’s Treasured Babies, which falls under the auspice of Red Nose, began in 2014 seeing the shed deliver 60 wooden boxes to the charity.

Fast-forward 10 years and the Men’s Shed is set to have delivered in the realm of 900 Angel Boxes by the end of the year.

“We’re delivering around 80 boxes a month at the moment…They go from here over to Mooroolbark and then they go all around Australia,” Croydon Men’s Shed secretary Geoff Coutis said.

“It’s important we send out the best possible product because when people get these, they’re in a really bad way, if they look at this box, it’s a

beautiful box fitted for their baby.”

Angel Boxes are donated to families who experience miscarriage, stillbirth or SIDS, with clothing handmade by volunteers and each box fitted with a silk pillow and doona.

Treasured Babies volunteer Val Moore said the impact these items can have on grieving parents can be immense.

“I’ve been with Treasured Babies for 20 years and about 15 years ago, we had a person in from one of the funeral homes, and she said, ‘never underestimate what you’re doing, because it’s the only time these parents are able to make a choice for their babies’,” she said.

“With the packs we send them, plus the angel boxes and everything. It’s a sad thing, but it’s very worthwhile.”

Mr Coutis and Ms Moore said demand has doubled even in the last year, with Treasured Ba-

bies and the Angel Boxes now being supplied to interstate hospitals and some funeral homes.

The incremental growth each year has seen Croydon Men’s Shed build and paint 188 boxes in 2016, 252 in 2017, a joint figure of 885 in 2020-21, 525 in 2022 and 650 in 2023.

October marked pregnancy and infant loss awareness month, with an estimated one in four pregnancies ending in miscarriage each year, and approximately 3000 babies dying from causes such as stillbirth and SIDS in Australia.

Ms Moore said it is still unknown as to why this figure is so high.

“The important thing is with the Angel Boxes, we work as a team and we are meeting a really important need for families at a bad time, and we’re doing it Australia wide,” Mr Coutis said.

“It’s a real symbiotic relationship.”

For Croydon Men’s Shed, Mr Coutis said as

much as “the idea of the men’s shed is about mental health” it is very much about supporting the community.

From refurbishing kindergarten furniture to making fully accessible garden beds and of course, the Angel Boxes, giving back is a huge part of the philosophy for the shed.

But this wouldn’t be possible without the support of Bunnings, Bowens, Bendigo Bank, Swinburne University’s Croydon Campus and Federal Deakin MP Michael Sukkar.

To keep this community project thriving and ensure Angel Boxes can continue to be made and delivered right across the country, Mr Coutis said a hardware store voucher wouldn’t go astray, nor would a Spotlight voucher for the volunteers at Treasured Babies.

For more information about donations, visit rednose.org.au/article/treasured-babies-donations

Racing pigeons fly to raise funds for prostate cancer

By Mikayla van Loon

Described “as my Men’s Shed”, the Croydon Homing Pigeon Club is more than just a place for people to race birds but is an outlet for social and mental support.

Supporting the community both within the club and outside of it has become a major focus, that’s why on Sunday 3 November members from Croydon and beyond hosted a fundraiser for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Club member and event organiser Peter Farrell said with so many men impacted by prostate cancer and being a primarily male club, it seemed a fitting choice.

“We have some special races during the year, including one from Tasmania where the proceeds go to Camp Quality,” he said.

“This is the first time we’re running this one from Lakes Entrance, and we decided that we do it for prostate cancer research.”

As a prostate cancer survivor himself, the fundraising event also holds significance for Mr Farrell, not only for funds but for awareness too.

“We also have a speaker coming from [the Prostate Cancer Foundation] organisation to give us about a 15 minute talk on prostate cancer and the research that they’re doing so it gives us a bit of an indication of what they would do with the proceeds from our fundraiser,” he said.

With the actual race of the birds happening on Tuesday 5 November, beginning at Lakes Entrance, Mr Farrell said Sunday night’s event consisted of what they call “basketing the birds”, ready for them to travel down to the seaside town on Monday.

Mr Farrell said as part of the fundraising there would be “food and drinks, and we’ll run at Calcutta, we’ll run a Melbourne Cup sweep as well. We’re going to auction off some birds as well. So some of the members have donated some birds.”

Major sponsors like Bendigo Bank and another dozen or so sponsors have also jumped on board to get the fundraising efforts off the ground.

And with members from nearby clubs, who

form the Greater Melbourne Pigeon Federation, who came in support, Mr Farrell said there was around 40 members and close to $4000 raised making “the fundraiser a huge success”.

“It actually escalated bigger than what I thought,” he said.

Then there’s the racing element, with the birds set to take flight on Tuesday morning and landing back home around lunch time.

“They’re all released together at eight or nine o’clock in the morning, and then they find their

way home, and it’s all done on velocity to where you live,” Mr Farrell said.

“So I’m out in Healesville, so I’m classed as a short flyer, because the birds have less to travel from the release point to my loft compared to the guys way down at Dandenong or Mornington Peninsula.”

Each bird is fitted with an identification ring at just a year old and then when it’s time to race, a chip that tracks their flight and time is added.

“What we have here at home is, when they

land on the loft, there’s a scanner that will scan that chip and record it on the clock.

“It’s all electronic nowadays, so we don’t have to be here when the birds get home. The old days, they used to have a rubber ring on them, and you had to pull the rubber ring off physically and put it in a clock and then do it that way.

“Then we take the clock back into the club, it gets put into the main system, and it automatically calculates the velocity and who’s won and who hasn’t.”

Mr Farrell said this year for Croydon, it has been an “outstanding” and successful year with a number of members racing some great birds, placing in the higher results each week throughout the July to November season.

In terms of the sport itself, Mr Farrell said it’s “a growing sport where, probably 10 years ago, it was a dying sport” with lots of new members joining for next year.

“I used to race when I was a kid, and then I’ve only just been back in it for two years.

“Life gets busy, you don’t have the time and then now at retirement age you get the time, and most of the guys of the club are the same.

“They might not like playing bowls or going to the Men’s Shed or whatever and they may have had an interest in pigeon racing when they were younger and might just say, ‘Oh, look, I wouldn’t mind going down and having a look’.”

Mr Farrell said there are a number of younger members also joining the club who have “been racing since they were kids and kept it going”.

“If you’re living in suburbia, there’s always somebody within a couple of kilometres if you want to know something, you can go around to see them, or they’ll come around and help you out.”

Trying to keep membership fees down as much as possible, Mr Farrell said the club wants to make the sport as accessible as possible for people, while having a focus on giving back.

Croydon Homing Pigeon Club is located at Hughes Reserve, 435 Maroondah Highway Croydon.

Croydon Men’s Shed secretary Geoff Coutis and president Michael Green, with Treasured Babies volunteers Jean Kroese and Val Moore, who have worked in partnership for 10 years. (Stewart Chambers: 439508)

The handcrafted and painted Angel Boxes are delivered to Treasured Babies to be decorated before heading across the country. (439508)

Ian Matthews has been painting the Angel Boxes for eight years. (439508)

Micky Doric was a multiple purchaser in the bird auction. (Supplied)

NEWS Truly life-changing program

By Callum Ludwig

A local Rotarian is helping drive an organisationwide initiative to provide urgent medical care to children in need.

The Rotary Club of Wandin’s Gavan McIntyre also holds the position of ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children) District Chair of District 9815, ably supported by his wife Di, helping coordinate for children in neighbouring countries in Oceania to come to Melbourne for crucial medical procedures.

Mr McIntyre said he and the Rotary Club of Wandin have been involved in ROMAC for about 10 years.

“The club got involved in hosting a boy from Vanuatu 10 years ago, he had broken his leg when he was about five years old and came out here when he was about 13 or 14 to have his leg repaired because it had basically grown at right angles because it had never been set properly,” he said.

“Rotary found him in his village, he couldn’t walk, so we brought him out here, Wandin hosted him for a couple of months, he and his mum lived here and he had his operations, all done at Epworth in Richmond,”

“He went home a happy and healthy teenager, he could run around and kick a football all before he even went back home.”

Started over 35 years ago, ROMAC has provided life-altering surgeries for over 500 children in more than 20 countries, entirely from the efforts and fundraising of volunteers in Rotary.

Mr McIntyre said a lot of these kids just don’t have the opportunity to have their conditions fixed and become a burden to their family and village forever.

“One of our most recent patients had a club foot, the kid couldn’t walk but he came here and has gone home walking normally, which is heartwarming,” he said

“But another big problem with these kids and parents from these countries, a lot of them don’t have birth certificates, they don’t have any paperwork, so when it comes to wanting to leave a

country, they need to get a passport, a visa and it can take a hell of a long time because a lot of them live remotely and have got no way of getting into the main towns to do the paperwork, they don’t

know how to do it,”

“It can take 12 months to get the paperwork, and we have lost kids. You know, we’ve had the kids die before we can work together to bring them to the country which really sad but that’s just the way it is.”

To help prevent those circumstances, as well as Rotarians in Australia and New Zealand ready to support children and their families upon arrival, ROMAC has people in the nations it serves who ‘help with passport and visa applications, finding and communicating with our potential patients, organising medical checks and ensuring they are on time to board their plane.’

Mr McIntyre said you don’t have to be a part of a Rotary Club to support ROMAC.

I don’t need to be part of the Rotary Club, they can donate to Ramy and I think in the Committee “You can donate to Rotary or straight to ROMAC on the website, all donations are tax-deductible and all the money is used, there’s nobody getting paid anywhere in ROMAC and the surgeons are really good too, they do it pro bono most of the time,” he said.

“It’s mainly the hospitals we’ve got to pay for, the use of operating theatres where some of these operations might go for five or six hours and we’ve got to pay for all the dressings and all the stuff they use, and sometimes we have to pay for half a dozen scans before they work out what they are going to do,”

“We can volunteer to take these kids on and we’ve done it, you take them into the Children’s Hospital and it might be for scans three or four days in a row, then you take them in for their operation and they might be in for a few days or a few weeks depending on what they’re getting done and it’s a commitment, but it’s a pretty rewarding commitment.”

To find out more, read patient stories or donate, visit: romac.org.au.

New ROMAC patient Armenia with her family, arriving from Timor Leste on Tuesday 29 October. (Supplied)

Never too late to graduate

Returning to school may seem daunting, especially as an adult but with the expansion of mature age VCE programs and options, getting a completion certificate has never been easier, especially in the east.

Data from the Productivity Commission reveals nearly one in five Australian students leaves school without completing Year 12.

With studies confirming that completing Year 12 can improve employability by up to 20 per cent, alternative education providers are a vital step towards bridging the gap.

Over the past five years, more than 6000 Victorians have enrolled in VCE as adult students and many choose to complete their Year 12 through TAFEs, like Box Hill Institute (BHI) where they are treated as adults, rather than school children.

Following a bout of ill-health VCE student, Noni Sawell left school in Year 10. She tried online study but found it too difficult to stay engaged. Noni and her mum discovered BHI’s VCE program through a family friend.

“I wasn’t aware VCE for adults was an option. I was too old for high school and all my friends had moved on to uni,” Ms Sawell said.

Inspired by the medical team that aided her recovery, Noni enrolled in BHI’s VCE program to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. To help balance study, work and prioritise her health, she studied Years 11 and 12 part-time over three years.

“It’s been great to have a supportive learning environment. I was socially isolated but I remember meeting two lovely girls at orientation and we’ve been friends ever since,” Ms Sawell said.

Melissa Carling is another mature-aged student who returned to complete her VCE. She dropped out of high school early to have a child, and re-enrolled when her daughter was completing her VCE. Like Noni, she has studied part-time, taking one subject a year for six years to balance study with other commitments.

“I felt supported, guided and encouraged. Do-

ing my VCE has opened doors to better opportunities,” Ms Carling said.

With over 200 Year 12 enrolments in 2024, BHI is one of the largest providers of Year 12 education outside of secondary schools in Victoria. To accommodate rising demand, BHI is expanding its Year 12 program to its Box Hill campus, while keeping its popular Year 12 program in Melbourne’s CBD.

This means it will be more accessible for people in the outer east looking to gain their VCE

qualification closer to home.

Director of BHI’s Foundation Education College, Matt Hetherington, highlights the growing interest in an alternative Year 12 experience.

“Not everyone has a great experience at secondary school. People leave early for various reasons but don’t want to miss out on completing Year 12. That’s where we come in,” he said.

The curriculum is carefully curated with popular subjects favoured by mature-aged students.

Learners can also tap into various support services including financial scholarships, a Head Start program and ongoing curriculum assistance.

“Our teachers are experts at supporting people to become confident, lifelong learners,” Mr Hetherington said.

Enrolments for the Box Hill and city campuses opened in October through BHI’s website boxhill. edu.au/courses/vce-victorian-certificate-of-education-vce01-vce/

Adult VCE student Noni Sawell returned to study to live out her dream of becoming a nurse. (Chris Franklin, Box Hill Institute)

Completing the VCE has opened doors for Frankston North mum, Melissa Carling. (Chris Franklin, Box Hill Institute)

Halloween goes miniature

By Mikayla van Loon

Superheroes, pumpkins, tradies and witches descended on the Mooroolbark and District Miniature Railway (MDMR) as they celebrated Halloween for 2024.

Laughter, surprise and amazement at some of the costumes brought an air of fun to the Hawthory Road park.

Excitement and smiles filled children’s face as they lined up and awaited their turn for their train ride.

With trains conducted by the friendly volunteers from MDMR from late afternoon until the early hours of the evening, it was the generosity of MDMR’s members that made it all possible.

Hundreds of people lapped up the opportunity to gather with friends and family for picnics in the park, before some headed off to go trick or treating in the local streets.

Train rides were flowing throughout the evening. (Mikayla van Loon: 441180)

The train drivers got in the spirit of Halloween, dressing up in costume. (441180)

From junior tradies to witches, costumes abounded with variety. (441180)

A dinosaur roamed the park. (441180) The Railway park was bustling with excited children. (441180)

Mascot Locomotion was there to say hi to the kids. (441180)

Even the adults got to enjoy a train ride. (441180)

The Railway station master was joined by a storm trooper to ensure everything was in order. (441180)

Mooroolbark Miniature Railway volunteers like Nancy kept everyone fed. (441180)

GREYHOUND ADOPTION DAY

Fill the hole in your heart

By Molly Haines

Could you possibly have a greyhound shaped hole in your heart? How would I know, I hear you ask…

Well, it can present in a number of different ways…

An audible aww when you walk past their model-like physique and shiny coats which is usually followed by your heart skipping a beat or two.

After touching the softest of soft ears, you will find yourself with the need to give those velvety ears another pat.

There is also a very high chance that you follow at least one pet greyhound on your Instagram feed.

But on most occasions, it presents as a little voice in your head telling you that life will be better with a greyhound by your side.

Joining you for strolls around town, stopping in for a coffee and puppachino, or a wine and water.

There is only one cure for this greyhound shaped hole in your heart…. To get yourself a greyhound.

In rare cases, you don’t know you have a greyhound shaped hole in your heart until you read an article about having said hole in your heart.

But I have some great news for you! The Greyhound Adoption Program is coming to Healesville on Saturday 16 November for a Greyhound Adoption Day.

The Healesville Greyhound Racing Club will

open its picturesque doors to around 20 greyhounds looking for their perfect match from 11am to 1pm.

Greyhounds make spectacular pets, they are loyal, affectionate, and lazy despite being known for their athleticism. Their energy comes and goes in short spouts known as Zoomies.

Adoption Days aren’t just for adopting a greyhound, they are a great way to learn more about the breed from the people who know them best - GAP staff and Volunteers.

Greyhounds adopted through GAP are fully vaccinated and desexed. The adoption fee is $100.

Join us for a day of unlimited pats, free lunch, barista coffee and sweet treats on Saturday 16 of November at the Healesville Greyhound Racing Club from 11am, it’s just what the doctor ordered. For more information, head to gap.grv.org.au.

Do you have a greyhound-shaped hole in your heart?

A Greyhound Adoption Day is coming to Healesville on Saturday 16 November. (Supplied)

Give someone a ‘fabric hug’

By Callum Ludwig

Quilts for Orphans (QFO) are bringing their ‘fabric hugs’ back to the Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead for the start of November.

Opening on Sunday 2 November, the exhibition will be on display from Wednesday to Sunday up until Sunday 10 November.

President and Secretary of QFO Libby Anderson said their goal was to create 50 quilts to display at Mont De Lancey to then gift to people and organisations in need in the Yarra Ranges, and they ended up making 68.

“We had some projects running from August through to now, incorporating what we call Makers Marathons, where we had some days that we’d set aside like our Saturday gathering days and some of the Tuesdays to work on some projects,” she said.

“We used a technique called Quilt As You Go, which was a new challenge for many of us, butwe made some single and some lap quilts through those Makers Marathons and then they were community quilts where everybody was involved making a block and then would be joined together, so it was a real team effort.”

No joke, the Bard is back

By Dongyun Kwon

One of the Shakespeare’s plays will be performed in Healesville by a group of young people.

The MISFIT Project (TMP) is a creativity and empowerment organisation founded by young people for young people, which provides an inclusive, safe, creative community for those who have not felt like they have had somewhere to belong.

MISFIT Theatre, a theatre group attached to TMP, has prepared for the production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is one of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies.

TMP youth mentor and facilitator Alana Michaud, the director of the production, said she is excited to put on a big cast show.

“It’s been a few years since TMP has put on a big cast show because the last few years they put on small radio plays. So this is the first one back for a while,” she said.

This is the second time for Ms Michaud to direct a theatre production.

The director said her focus for the show is creating a fun experience that is enjoyable for both audience and actors.

“These old plays written by Shakespeare, which often you learn in school and you find them boring. But the idea is to learn through this play and the process of putting on the show that there is so much in all of Shakespeare’s writing to work with, and it can be a really fun thing to do,” Ms Michaud said.

“We’ve put a little bit of a twist to this show, and we are going to have a 360 stage so it’s really immersive for the audience, the actors will walk past you as they enter and exit the stage.

“We have a lot of really fun lighting design, and we’re playing on the dream aspect of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with some kind of fun psychedelic lighting.”

MISFIT Theatre is an audition-based group open to diverse age groups.

21 Cast members from all across Melbourne were selected through auditions in June and July.

“At the beginning of the year, I started with my ideas for the show, but it was in June that we put out the call for auditions,” Ms Michaud said.

“From July, every Thursday till now, we have been rehearsing to do this production [in Croydon].

“We have a diverse group of people from different parts of Melbourne. We also have a lot of different experiences in our cast as well. We have some people who have done a lot of performing, and some people who this will be their first ever Shakespeare production.”

The production will be performed three times at The Memo, Healesville on Friday 22 November and on Saturday 23 November.

For more information, please visit the following website at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ Experience/Events/A-Midsummer-NightsDream

QFO gifted 520 quilts in the 2023/24 financial year and have gifted 169 so far this year to organisations including Life’s Little Treasurers, the Queen Elizabeth centre, Kirkbrae aged care, Cottage by the Sea, Open Door Community Centre, Change the One and to residents in Ukraine.

Ms Anderson said they will also have their craft sale on alongside the quilt show.

“It’s one of our major fundraisers for 2025 to help cover our costs in being at Hoddles Creek Hall and to buy the wadding that goes in the middle of the quilts and backing fabric and Mont de

Lancey is very supportive of what we do,” she said.

“We’ve recently been on the Yarra Valley FM Community Radio, we had a stall a couple of weekends ago at TLC, the Truth and Liberation Church, they ran a fair market a couple of Saturdays ago with crafts and fair trade items.”

Any community groups interested in contacting QFO to access quilts for those in need can email Ms Anderson at quiltsfororphans.org.

The ‘Fabric Hugs for the Yarra Ranges’ Quilt Show and Craft Sale has been supported by the Yarra Ranges Council Small Grants program.

Call to get down to business: Dress your Christmas windows

Businesses across the Yarra Ranges are being urged to get into the Christmas spirit by decorating their storefronts, as part of Council’s annual Christmas Window Competition.

The competition, which is now open for entries, aims to find the most festive store window via public vote between the end of October and mid-December.

Entries for businesses open 28 October, while public voting will open on 11 November.

Yarra Ranges Council Director of Communities, Leanne Hurst, encourages businesses to sign up and get decorating.

“We know a lot of businesses in the Yarra Ranges will already have plans to make their shopfronts festive this year. Our annual competition is a great way to have some fun, encourage visitation and get into the spirit of Christmas together,” she said.

“Our region gets a significant amount of visitation over the warmer months, particularly around Christmas and New Year, and this competition encourages visitors to check out the shops, enjoy the sights and make the most of daylight savings to do some late-night shopping.”

To take part, simply visit shaping.yarraranges. vic.gov.auor scan the QR codes on the posters we’ll be placing around the region, enter the competition with a photo of your business windows, and encourage visitors to place their vote!

“We’ve had a really tremendous number of businesses get involved in our competition for the last two years and I’m looking forward to seeing the entrants and winners this year.”

Last year’s winners were Mooroolbark’s Shapers Hair and Beauty, Belgrave’s Fraulein’s Flowers, Woori Yallock’s We Got the Scoop and Healesville Jeweller.

The winning entrants will receive chocolates and champagne, with community members voting going into the draw to win one of four $150 vouchers to spend locally.

Voting is open from 28 October until 12 December. Community members can only vote once during the competition.

For more information, terms and conditions, and to sign up, visit shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov. au/yarra-ranges-christmas-window-competition-2024

The play will take place in The Memo, Healesville. (File: 271901)

Quilts for Orphans are back at Mont De Lancey. (Supplied)

Quilters have spent the last four months preparing for the exhibition.

Quilts will be going to community groups looking after Yarra Ranges residents in need.

AT TARAWARRA

New view on human body

In its final week of exhibition, the collaborative works of leading contemporary Australian artists Su san Cohn and Eugenia Raskopoulos are ones not to miss.

The exhibition (SC)OOT(ER)ING around, curated by TarraWarra Museum of Art director Victoria Lynn, explores how the human body expresses social and cultural experiences.

Invited by Lynn to exhibition together, despite coming from different ends of the art spectrum in jewellery and installation, the cross-section of ideas, thinking and subject matter traversed artistic form.

“I thought of putting them together because they’re both senior women artists working in Australia today. Eugenia is in her mid 60s, and Su san Cohn is in her early 70s. It’s important we respect our senior practitioners,” Lynn said.

“The other thing they have in common is that they’re very interested in women’s rights and freedom of the body and freedom of women, really, and I felt that at this time, right across the world, that’s a message that I think is relevant to hear, particularly through the eyes of artists.”

The human body wears lived experience both on its skin and within. It expresses the cultural, sexual, racial and diverse geographic histories of individuals.

“For me, I have long watched their work from afar and been really impressed with how inventive they’ve both been to express the way that the human body and the female body wears its experience,” Lynn said.

“With Su san Cohn, we literally wear her works because they’re jewellery and then for some of Eugenia’s works, she’s looking at the inside of the body, like the heart or the skeleton, or she’s looking at what happens from within and there’s a psychological dimension to that as well.”

Two significant works in the exhibition explore exactly this concept of both the internal and external use of the body.

For the exhibition, Cohn has unveiled four new works including ‘I wish I was more like HER…’.

This piece is a tribute to five women who she admires and who have contributed to both women’s rights and human rights, namely American diplomat and political scientist Madeleine Albright being just one of those influential women.

“My work looks at women’s voices and listening. By drawing attention to strong women who have contributed to women’s rights and human rights in the work I wish I was more like HER …, I want to encourage other women to support each other,” Cohn said.

A major installation from Raskopoulos called ‘and the beat goes on’ is a sound and neon installation featuring the recorded heartbeats of 96 female artists over the age of 47, from all over Australia and of diverse backgrounds.

“The number is significant because my grand-

mother’s heartbeat stopped when she was 96 and I was 47,” Raskopoulos said.

“I envisage the heartbeats will be like a minimalist symphony – each heartbeat is unique, intimate and symbolic, and these portraits reflect on personal identity that includes time and body consciousness.”

Raskopoulos and Cohn also collaborated on works, including You’re Too Sharp and Word of Mouth, both exploring language, phrases and words used to describe women and how women embrace their unique relationship with language to subvert power structures and challenge social norms.

Lynn said while the intention of (SC)OOT(ER) ING around was about exploring “the role of women in society today” and expelling ageism, it has been done in an extraordinarily lovely way.

“What’s been surprising about the exhibition is

that it’s quite playful. There’s a lot of wordplay in it, and there’s lots of reflections and shadows and colour,” she said.

“So it’s an exhibition with a serious message, but it’s also an exhibition that is aesthetically, just very, very beautiful.”

Su san Cohn and Eugenia Raskopoulos’ works can be seen until Sunday 10 November.

TarraWarra Museum of Art’s next exhibition will be unveiled on 30 November, called Intimate Imaginaries featuring 13 artists with intellectual disabilities from Art Project Australia (APA).

“This is the first time those artists have had a big museum show,” Lynn said.

“So this is a very quirky, curious, colourful, unexpected, bright exhibition using fabric, drawing, painting and video. There’s a lot of very humorous work in it and all of the artists have just really responded to their everyday environments.”

Eugenia Raskopoulos’ installation ‘and the beat goes on’. (Fred Kroh)

Judith Lucy from Su san Cohn’s ‘I wish I was more like HER...’ series.

Memories of a scoutmaster

Ronald Victor Alfred Hester, born in Footscray in 1910, remembered Scout camps at Mt Evelyn.

When he was about 11 (1921), Ron travelled with first Yarraville Scouts by train to Lilydale, then they walked to the Recreation Reserve by following Olinda Creek and the old David Mitchell tram track.

At this time there was no football oval, just bush at the Reserve.

The Scouts used to go up to the Baker’s alongside the Police Station. He used to bake his own bread and we used to go there to get our bread … in our Scout caps … We spent a lot of time up there, watching him bake the bread and poking a bit of wood into the oven … it was beautiful bread too.

CARTOON

Looking back

Janice Newton

Mount Evelyn History Group editor

Ron discovered a secret fishing spot.

One of my camps up here at Mt Evelyn … I was going for a badge, Bushman’s badge or something.

I had to stay out overnight and I had to make my own camp, on my own, and I had to scrounge for myself, what I could.

I didn’t have very much to eat so I wandered off … just behind where the first Melbourne water supply was … I walked up through the bush [and found a] big puddle of clear water.

Of course I had a big fishing line in my pocket, cooked a nice couple of fish, they were blackfish … I lived in great style.

Next morning, I packed up and worked my way back to camp. Ron began work at the railways and did an engineering course.

During World War II he joined the RAAF.

He moved permanently to Mt Evelyn in 1943,

still working at the Camberwell RAAF base until 1945, when war injuries forced him to resign.

In about June 1948 Ron revived first Mt Evelyn Scouts, which had operated from around 1928 to 1932. He purchased the land for the Scout Hall for £50. He also joined the Fire Brigade.

All we had were a few beaters, they’re like a hessian sort of thing or canvas on the end of a pole … a few rakes, shovels and knapsacks … you’d fill them up with water and carry them on your back … with a pump on them to pump water to put the fires out.

In September 1991, four months before he died on 10 January 1992, Ron recorded his memories for the Lilydale Museum’s oral history project.

What’s wrong with obvious?

Here

Starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright and Paul Bettany

Rated M 4.25/5

Based on the graphic novel by Richard McGuire, Here is an affecting, visually-ambitious drama with some worrying technology behind it.

Here is a touching tapestry of love, worry, compromise and turbulent family life, and reunites Tom Hanks and Robin Wright for the first time since Forrest Gump.

Shot with one unmoving camera angle, Here has a mosaic structure not unlike Cloud Atlas, jumping across time to portray several families living in this single room or plot of land, with comic panel-like inserts to juxtapose different eras and draw fun or poignant parallels.

The primary focus is Richard (Hanks) and Margaret’s (Wright) family: Richard is a dedicated husband and father with an overcautious nature; Margaret, Richard’s wife, is comfortable but stifled as her dreams go unfulfilled; Al (Paul Bettany), Richard’s veteran father, is a good man suffering from a bad temper and alcoholism.

The themes and dialogue can be heavyhanded, with a slow, almost leisurely pace, but this is true-to-life; family conflict can be extremely unsubtle, and Here captures the frustrated, struggling but net-happy ebb-and-flow of

so many lives.

The extensive de-ageing visual effects overall look very convincing and only occasionally dip into the Uncanny Valley, and were achieved with Metaphysic Live generative AI (essentially making it “Deepfake: The Movie”).

While Metaphysic professes to a highlyethical, consent-based approach to AI production, this is just one facet of the entertainment industry recklessly barrelling forward with AI, and we need to make sure films like Here don’t normalise more unscrupulous uses of AI (Metaphysic reanimating Ian Holm for Alien: Romulus, for example).

Here is playing in most Victorian cinemas, and I seem to be one of the only film critics in the world who thoroughly enjoyed it.

Eurovision on Tour

The biggest live music show on Earth is touring for the first time since the Eurovision Song Contest began in 1956.

Eurovision, the biggest live show on the planet, coming Kemp’s curtain call

Following concerts ion London, Paris and Madrid, Eurovision on tour brings the Eurovision experience to the fans and will tour to three Australian cities, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney on 13, 15 and 17 November.

No less than 18 Eurovision legends will perform the songs that captivated the world on the internationally televised singing competition, alongside dedicated fa zone complete with stage props and legendary outfits (including ABBA).

Season: 15 November.

Venue: The Palais Theatre St. Kilda.

Located at 510 Elizabeth Street, Sticky Institute is run by voluntary artists who are ardent defenders of zine culture, dedicated to supporting and celebrating all things zine.

Offering a space to make, showcase and sell nearly 20,000 zine titles, the Melbourne-based non-profit is an important source of inspiration for zine makers around the world.

A zine – short for magazine – is a self-published work of text and images. Often produced using a photocopier and with a small circulation, zines can be comics, collages, poems, stories, essays or opinions. They reflect the DIY philosophy while emphasising the unique artistic styles of their creators.

Luke Sinclair is one of Sticky Institute’s three coordinators. In a recent Q and A, he introduced his role as to “keep the project open and going” –running the zine shop, writing grant applications, and attending zine fairs around the country on be-

Bookings: eurovisionontour.tv.

Peter and the Starcatcher

The smash hit of Broadway production and winner of five Tony Awards, will have its Australian Premiere touring nationally from 2024. Originally developed by Disney Theatrical Group.

Peter and the Starcatcher is the untold story

half of Sticky. Sticky opened in 2001 with 15 zines on its shelves. By 2008, it had launched the first zine fair in Melbourne outside its original location in Campbell Arcade, the underground connection between Flinders Street Station and Degraves Street. Then the zine fair moved to the biggest room in

of neverland. Before Neverland there was an island. Before Captain Hook, a moustached pirate.

Before Wendy, her mother Molly. Before Peter, a nameless orphan. Reimagined by Australia’s Dead Puppet Society, acclaimed for creating visual astounding worlds, this highly anticipated version of Peter and the Starcatcher blurs the lies between reality and fantasy, traversing oceans of mystical mermaids, and loads of curious creatures.

Season: from 8 November.

Venue: Arts Centre, Playhouse Melbourne.

Bookings: Contact Arts Centre Melbourne. Burrinja Theatre

Songs of the Southern Skies Volume 2.

Katie Noonan and Farin Schaupp have an intui-

tive an intuitive musical connection that has developed over the course of the 20 years of their creative relationship. Their collaborations to date have earned them ARIA Award and widespread praise. Together they return to their acclaimed Southern Skies catalogue reinterpreting some of their favourite songs by antipodean artists – this time focusing on some of our finest female artists. Renowned for breaking down genre boundaries, Kate Noonan’s technical mastery and pure voice makes her one of Australia’s most versatile and beloved vocalists. Guitarist Karin Schaupp is an internationally sought-after recitalist and soloist.

Season: Saturday 6 November. At 7.30pm. Venue: Burrinja Theatre.

the Melbourne Town Hall.

“I’m proud that we’ve kept the project alive,” Sinclair said. “We survived Covid and now we’ve survived the renovations in Campbell Arcade [as part of the Metro Tunnel project]. Our new location [in Elizabeth Street] is our 4th home in 23 years and it’s big and beautiful.”

The coordinators work with the Sticky Institute Management Committee to outline the organisation’s future direction.

“It’s a lot of work and once you factor in the planning of the zine fairs we coordinate and all the other things we do, you get an idea how much work it takes to keep the project alive. But when a mind-blowing new zine arrives on the shelf, it’s all worth it,” he confirmed.

“Through a mix of extreme hard work and good luck, we’ve managed to exist for 23 years thanks to the help of hundreds of volunteers over the years.

I look around and ask if the world still needs what we do and the answer is always yes, so we go round for another year.”

As a volunteer-operated long-term campaign, Sticky faces many challenges.

“The pros of being long-term is that you develop a following and a reputation and people know what to expect from a Sticky Institute event,” Sinclair said. “The strange part is that all of a sudden you are 50 years old and the new volunteers are 18. But I think everyone has something to offer the space so somehow it works.”

For those interested in zine making, Sinclair advised: “Give yourself an hour and make a zine from start to finish. Don’t be a perfectionist. Finish it and give it to all your friends. Listen to feedback. Then make another zine that is better than the first – and keep on doing that until you have made two thousand zines.”

MEDICALLY SPEAKING Addressing misconceptions

Osteoarthritis is a major cause of chronic pain,

and activity limitation in modern Australia.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around one in 11 Australians have osteoarthritis and the waitlists for joint replacement surgery are only getting longer. As a physiotherapist, I treat people with osteoarthritis every day and I understand very well the challenges it presents.

So, what is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and it is characterised by the wearing away of cartilage in a joint – most commonly the hips, knees, spine and hands. This changes a joint’s congruency (shape) and can lead to pain, inflammation/swelling and loss of movement.

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about osteoarthritis. Whilst many risk factors for developing osteoarthritis include unavoidable factors such as age, genetics and old injuries, the most common causes of osteoarthritis are actually being overweight and having a sedentary lifestyle. The risk of osteoarthritis is significantly less in people who are of a healthy weight range, exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet.

The notion that joints are ‘worn out’ by exercise over a lifetime is generally misleading too. Recreational runners, for example, actually exhibit a significantly lesser incidence of knee osteoarthritis than non-runners!

We also now understand that imaging modalities such as X-rays, CT, and MRI scans are poor indicators of the severity of osteoarthritis in a joint. The results of these scans are shown to correlate poorly with a patient’s actual symptoms, physical presentation, and likelihood of long-term problems. Most updated guidelines suggest not using radiology results as the main factor in treatment decision-making for osteoarthritis.

When it comes to treating osteoarthritis, there is plenty of good news. Though osteoarthritis involves permanent changes within a joint space, the research evidence now unequivocally shows that symptoms like pain, joint range-of-motion and function can all be improved through nonsurgical treatment options such as exercise, weight loss and lifestyle modifications. Too many people rush off to get costly and painful joint replacement surgeries with a lengthy recovery without adequately trialling the substantial benefits of exercise therapy. Appropriate exercise for an osteoarthritic joint is safe, does not further damage the joint (in fact it prevents further damage) and improves pain, function and quality of life. It’s also cheaper and easier than surgery –which should only be utilised as the last resort.

Physiotherapists are experts in prescribing safe and appropriate exercise for people with all degrees of osteoarthritis and can give practical advice on pain management strategies and healthy lifestyle tips. It might be a bit of hard work initially, but the benefits are extraordinary. Osteoarthritic joint pain can improve without surgery. You just need to get out there and keep moving!

Ben Croxford is a Physiotherapist and leads the team at Form & Practice Mt Evelyn, Olinda and Chirnside Park.

His writings explore his favourite health topics, challenge common myths and aim to empower you to take control of your own health. Find out more at formandpractice.com.au

Ben Croxford of Form & Practice. (File)

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Enduring call of the pipes

The mournful wail of bagpipes cuts through the crisp November air, carrying with it the weight of a century’s worth of memories. It’s a sound that bridges generations, connecting those who stood on battlefields long ago with those who gather today to remember them.

“Through the voice of the Pipes I communicate the poetry of the warrior,” reflects Iain Townsley, a local piper and veteran of 25 years’ military service. “It evokes a primal, emotional and inspiring effect on the audience and awakening memories of a time now lost.”

Iain’s connection to Remembrance Day runs

deep. As the son of a World War II veteran, he cannot recall a time when he didn’t attend a ceremony. Now, his role has evolved from observer to participant, his pipes giving voice to the solemn occasion.

Each year on 11 November, communities across the nation fall silent at the 11th hour. The tradition, born from the armistice that ended World War I, has grown into something far more profound than a simple memorial service. As Iain poignantly observes, “Remembrance Day is probably the largest and most respectful anti-war protest one could ever attend.”

This perspective challenges us to see beyond the military precision of the ceremonies and the gleam of polished medals. At its heart, Remembrance Day serves as a powerful reminder of war’s true cost – not in territory gained or lost, but in human lives forever changed or extinguished.

“Remembrance Day is a time for all people from all nations to put aside our differences and to stand in respect and silent tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Iain explains. In an era where global tensions often dominate headlines, this message resonates with particular urgency.

The ceremony’s power lies in its simplicity: the two minutes of silence, the laying of wreaths, the reading of names. These rituals transcend cultural and political boundaries, speaking to our shared humanity. The pipes’ lament, whether playing “The Flowers of the Forest” or “Amazing Grace,” touches something primordial in those who gather to listen.

For younger generations, these ceremonies provide a vital link to history. They transform abstract numbers in textbooks into real stories of

courage, sacrifice, and loss. Through the stories of veterans like Iain and his father, through the photographs and letters preserved in local museums, through the names etched in stone on war memorials, the past reaches out to teach us about the precious nature of peace.

As our community prepares for this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony, Iain’s words remind us that this is more than a moment to honour the past – it’s a commitment to building a more peaceful future. When the pipes fall silent and the crowds disperse, the true work of remembrance continues: ensuring that the sacrifices made by so many were not in vain.

In the end, Remembrance Day’s most profound impact lies in its dual purpose. As Iain Townsley reflects, we honour both those who gave their lives and those who returned forever changed by their experiences. His poignant observation reminds us that remembrance carries with it the eternal hope of preventing future conflicts and ensuring such sacrifices need not be repeated.

Piper Iain Townsley plays the sombre sounds of the bagpipes as ‘the poetry of the warrior’. (Mikayla van Loon: 372930)

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Heeding call to remember

On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, a minute’s silence is observed and dedicated to those soldiers who died fighting to protect the nation.

Next Tuesday everyone is welcome at Lilydale Cenotaph to commemorate this day.

As guns fell silent on the Western Front after four continuous years of relentless warfare, 11am on 11 November 1918 would forever become a day of significance.

It was the day the Germans suspended fighting, calling for an armistice, to bring peace to all nations involved. An unconditional surrender ensued.

World War I mobilised over 70 million people, left between nine and 13 million dead, and as many as one third of these with no grave.

On the second anniversary of the Armistice, the commemoration became a funeral when the remains of an unknown soldier were returned from the battlefields of the Western Front.

The remains were interred with full military honours in Westminster Abbey in London. The entombment attracted over one million people

who came to pay their respects.

The remains of an unknown Australian soldier exhumed from a First World War military cemetery in France, were ceremonially entombed in the Australian War Memorial’s Hall of Memory.

Renamed from Armistice Day to Remembrance Day after World War II to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars, today the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day.

Remembrance Day ceremonies are conducted simultaneously in Lilydale and in towns and cities all over the country, culminating at the moment of burial at 11am and coinciding with the traditional two minutes’ silence.

To ensure the welfare of all returned servicemen and women is upheld, the RSL Poppy Appeal has raised funds to provide life-changing support for veterans and their families.

Through the sale of badges, poppies and other merchandise each year, vital funds allow Lilydale RSL to support its members through hardships.

We will remember them. Lest we forget.

Lilydale RSL member Nita Mcdougall selling merchandise at Lilydale Marketplace for the Poppy Appeal. (Mikayla van Loon: 441357)

Join Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson and the community to commemorate Remembrance Day. (Stewart Chambers: 439530)

WALMSLEY CHRISTMAS MARKET

A place to truly call home

Catch up over coffee, play a game of billiards with friends or find a quiet spot to indulge in reading — life is what you make it at Walmsley.

Set amongst 12 hectares of gardens and close to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, this warm and inviting community is the perfect place for a rewarding retirement in Kilsyth. It is all about living life at your own pace and enjoying the retirement you deserve. With the comfort of your own residence in a unique community environment with outstanding amenities and friendly staff and neighbours, Walmsley is a welcoming place to call home.

Life is for living at Walmsley

At Walmsley, life is as busy or as quiet as you want it to be. The newly built Walmsley community centre is a hub of social activity and events and is the perfect venue for entertaining friends, joining a special interest group and participating in organised classes and activities.

The community at Walmsley has much to offer when it comes to your physical and mental wellbeing. Sign-up for group Tai Chi classes, join the friendly competitions on the croquet court or simply enjoy a stroll through the communal gardens. Whatever level of exercise you are looking for, there is sure to be an activity to suit your pace and preferences.

Some days you may just want to stay close to home, such as a quiet read in the library. Perhaps you will be socialising with new friends and neighbours at happy hour in the community centre, playing billiards or treating your visitors to a barbecue feast. If you feel like taking a break from cooking, for a fee, you can join friends in the din-

can explore

ing room to enjoy a meal. There is a wide range of organised activities and events for you to participate in including day trips, shopping excursions, movie nights and more.

For your peace-of-mind, Walmsley has a dedicated aged care residence on-site. At Australian

Walmsley Community Christmas Market

Looking for a delightful way to spend your afternoon? Join us at the Walmsley Community Christmas Market. Whether you are shopping for unique finds or fresh produce, purchasing a delicious treat from one of the local food trucks, or simply wishing to experience our vibrant community, our market is the perfect afternoon escape.

Tuesday, 19 November, 1pm to 3pm Call 1300 859 303 to find out more

Unity, we support you to live life on your terms to help you remain independent and live your best life, whenever and however it suits you.

Walmsley Community is organising the Community Christmas Market on 19 November from 1pm to 3pm. Whether you are shopping for

unique finds or fresh produce, purchasing a delicious treat from one of the local food trucks, or simply wishing to experience our vibrant community, we look forward to seeing you there!

The newly built Walmsley community centre is a place to socialise and meet fellow residents. (Supplied)

Residents

the library to find their next literary adventure.

PRESENTING AN ULTRA-MODERN LIFESTYLE

CHIC, comfortable and convenient are three words that describe this ultra-modern complex of townhouses, showcasing quality fixtures and desirable inclusions spanning over a lightfilled, contemporary layout. Town houses 2, 3, 4 and 5 are available to purchase.

Brand new, never lived in and set in the highly esteemed enclave; these stunning homes are located only moments from Lilydale Railway Station and shopping precinct. Boasting stylish accents and a sturdy construction, the residences are altogether complemented by a well-composed garden and contemporary façade lending a hint of all that awaits inside.

Neutral tones, high ceilings and timber flooring are seamlessly integrated throughout the light-filled interior to provide vivid contrasting and spaciousness, enhancing the exceptionally inviting ambience. Furthermore, the beautiful views, and tree top aspect are a true point of difference.

Designed with an open-plan living area incorporates the dining domain, connecting with the well-equipped kitchen featuring stainless steel electric oven and stove plus dishwasher. Other highlights list as; stone benchtops, a series of sizable drawers, tilled splashbacks, plenty of preparation space and easy connectivity via sliding doors to the sizeable balcony outside.

Three spacious, carpeted bedrooms are well proportioned, with robes. Main bedroom with access to a full bathroom whist bedroom two and three are zoned together and share a modern bathroom hosting the addition of a bathtub with separate toilet. On this level there is also the thoughtful addition of a study nook. Seasonal relief has been well catered for with four split system units in each house, dedicated laundry with storage and bench space, water tank and double garage with extra storage space and remote roller door and internal access.

Suitably positioned in a reputable community, this address is placed only a short walk from quality primary and secondary schooling options, Reserves with playgrounds. Also within easy reach of golf courses, local eateries, Eastland and EastLink freeway for direct access to the CBD. Proximity to the delights of the Yarra Valley for weekend activities are also a bonus.

An ideal property for those looking to downsize on maintenance and upsize in lifestyle, these stunning residences are truly in a league of their own.

FLAT ALLOTMENT AND GREAT GARAGING

OFFERS CLOSING Tuesday 26th of November at 4pm (unless sold prior).

Discover the hidden charm of this ideally located family home, close to all of Emerald’s amenities. Nestled on a private, flat 1180m² (approx.) allotment, this character-filled residence spans two levels, offering a unique blend of comfort, space, and countryside views from the upper floor.

Inside, you’ll find 5 spacious bedrooms plus a study, including an oversized master suite with a walk-in robe and modern ensuite. The modern central bathroom is positioned to easily service the remaining bedrooms. The home is thoughtfully designed for both family living and entertaining, featuring a formal lounge, a large kitchen with stainless steel appliances and dishwasher, meals area, family room, and a rumpus room complete with a wet bar, also a gym and 5th bedroom currently an office for those wishing to have private space to work from home.

Comfort and convenience are assured with gas ducted heating, a split system, polished floorboards, ducted vacuum, gas heater, and ample storage. Parking is abundant, with a triple garage (with 2 post hoist) and a 3-car carport.

Entertain in style with a vast alfresco area, complete with cooking facilities, or unwind by the solar-heated pool, surrounded by a deck and its own outdoor bathroom.

An indoor spa offers a relaxing retreat, while the flat lawn areas and established gardens are perfect for kids and outdoor activities.

Located on a peaceful, no-through road within walking distance to town, this home is packed with features and possibilities.

Come see for yourself how you can easily transition your family to a fabulous ‘Hills’ lifestyle.

HOME FOCUS

EXQUISITE BEAUTY AND A SERENE LIFESTYLE

DEDICATED to exemplary family living and entertaining, positioned in a serene leafy location, this stunning and sophisticated four-bedroom residence perfectly blends with its backdrop revealing its contemporary beauty. Approximately ¾ of an acre of open spaces and gardens encircle this attractive home and beyond the brick façade awaits a residence that promises to immerse the family in generous proportions.

Every detail throughout has been carefully curated to showcase a series of immaculate spaces underpinned by quality appointments and craftsmanship with timber accents and modern finishes. It becomes immediately apparent that every care has been taken to produce a residence that is not only inviting but inspiring at every turn. Adding aesthetic charm, the home brings together a fusion of high ceilings, large windows, skylights, plus formal and casual living options.

The main living area is truly striking, high ceilings, timber tones, rendered fireplace with large mantle and wood hutch with great connectivity via sliding doors into the rumpus and games room with bar, perfect for entertaining a crowd or as separate living areas to accommodate its new family’s needs.

The open plan kitchen, and dining area is comfortable and spacious, opening to the enviable alfresco deck, with pitched roof, showcasing an outdoor living space perfect for larger gatherings or relaxing quietly with tranquil outlook to the green garden views.

Centrally placed, the kitchen is as sleek as it is functional, featuring quality appointments, an abundance of cupboards and drawers, gas cook top, double wall ovens, island bench with breakfast bar and glass splash back.

The sumptuous master suite comprises large windows with a garden outlook, in addition to a walk-in robe and full ensuite and split system. The further three bedrooms share a spotless bathroom incorporating a bath, shower and separate toilet.

Additional benefits of the home list as; dedicated laundry, ceiling fans, split systems, gas ducted heating, double garage with internal access, sealed U shaped driveway to make coming and going simple and provide plenty of off street parking, plus access via gates into the back yard providing further options to park boats, caravans or trailers.

Chic, comfortable and convenient are three words that describe this ultra-modern complex of townhouses, showcasing quality fixtures and desirable inclusions spanning over a light-filled, contemporary layout. Town houses 2, 3, 4 and 5 are available to purchase.

Brand new, never lived in and set in the highly esteemed enclave; these stunning homes are located only moments from Lilydale Railway Station and shopping precinct. Boasting stylish accents and a sturdy construction, the residences are altogether complemented by a wellcomposed garden and contemporary façade lending a hint of all that awaits inside.

Neutral tones, high ceilings and timber flooring are seamlessly integrated throughout the light-filled interior to provide vivid contrasting and

spaciousness, enhancing the exceptionally inviting ambience. Furthermore, the beautiful views, and tree top aspect are a true point of difference.

Designed with an open-plan living area incorporates the dining domain, connecting with the well-equipped kitchen featuring stainless steel electric oven and stove plus dishwasher. Other highlights list as; stone benchtops, a series of sizable drawers, tilled splashbacks, plenty of preparation space and easy connectivity via sliding doors to the sizeable balcony outside.

Three spacious, carpeted bedrooms are well proportioned, with robes. Main bedroom with access to a full bathroom whist bedroom two and three are zoned together and share a modern bathroom hosting the addition of a bathtub with separate toilet. On this level there is also

the thoughtful addition of a study nook.

Seasonal relief has been well catered for with four split system units in each house, dedicated laundry with storage and bench space, water tank and double garage with extra storage space and remote roller door and internal access.

Suitably positioned in a reputable community, this address is placed only a short walk from quality primary and secondary schooling options, Reserves with playgrounds. Also within easy reach of golf courses, local eateries, Eastland and EastLink freeway for direct access to the CBD. Proximity to the delights of the Yarra Valley for weekend activities are also a bonus.

An ideal property for those looking to downsize on maintenance and upsize in lifestyle, these stunning residences are truly in a league of their own.

HOME FOCUS

ROOM FOR ALL THE FAMILY ON 1,619 SQM

YOUR search for that true family-friendly home is right here at 51 Sandells Road, Tecoma where the comfort of a 4 bedroom (plus study or fifth bedroom) meets the serenity of mother nature. Split over three levels where everyone can enjoy their own space. The huge 7-meter-long kitchen boasts updated appliances, including induction cooking, S/S dishwasher, corner pantry, and AMPLE bench space. Adjoining dining/lounge with a toe toasting log look fire is a quiet retreat. Each of the four bedrooms have builtin robes and the master with a large ensuite and a walk-in robe. The BEST room is the massive rumpus room, an all-purpose room where once stood a full-size billiards table but is now a playroom/games room or whatever you wish room.

With a glorious backdrop of open lawns and scattered gums, there is ample space for kids to play and explore the garden corners plus the ideal chill zone at the bottom of the garden around the fire pit. With a lock-up 3m x 3m garden shed and the under-house space, your storage/workshop needs are covered. These are just some of the things the current owners have to say about living here…..

“We really loved the location. Our kids could walk to both the Primary and Secondary Schools or down to the station to get to work or University. We often strolled into Belgrave or Upwey to enjoy the many restaurants or the cinema. As keen bush walkers and trail runners, the Sherbrooke Forest at the end of the road provided great opportunities and the local wildlife offered plenty of entertainment. We have a little Tawny Frogmouth family who roost right outside our rumpus room every year, King Parrots, so tame they eat from our hands, a cute echidna who ambles through the yard and a choir of Kookaburras who wake us at night. The frogs love our pond and we even have regular visits from Powerful Owls. When I was working full time, I loved to wind down by sitting on the back deck or the balcony, taking in the beautiful scenery. When it’s just the two of us, we like to sit on the balcony with a coffee-but when friends or family are over, the back deck and back yard garden areas are great for get togethers.

The size of the rumpus room, saw it reinvented many times as our family grew and changed. It started as a playroom, then as our kids grew it became party central, a place where their friends could hang out and play pool or watch TV. When they left home it became an art studio and now we’ve come full circle and it’s once more a playroom.

This house has really given us decades of wonderful memories and we will be sad to say goodbye.”

OFFERSCLOSING4pmMonday11/11/24

LivinghereisallaboutrelaxingandenjoyingthelifestylethatisjustminutesfromMonbulk Township.Accessisviaa gateanda sealeddriveway &thereisplentyofparking.The homehasa welcomingvibe,livingspaces &frontdeckwithgreatoutlooks,freshly paintedinteriors,a stunningbathroom,refreshedkitchen, aTikki-stylebar,coveredareas onewitha potbelly,a tieredrearyard,a pondandevena Tippee.Thepropertyhasan extra-longsinglegarage,a dogenclosure,fabulousparking,gatedandfencedyard.

MickDolphin 0429684522

OFFERSCLOSING4pmWednesday20/11/24

Discovertheperfectblendofprivacyandpotentialonthisexpansive5656m²cleared blockofland,situatedon aquiet,no-throughroadinscenicCockatoo.Thispeaceful retreatisreadyforyourvision,withplanningpermitsfor afamilyhomecurrentlyin progress.Thelarge,16mx20mfully fittedshedincludesa modernkitchen,dining,living areawithcozywoodheating&asplitsystem.Enjoytheoutdoorswitha stunningoutdoor bathbuiltinto aspaciousdeck.Power& waterconnectedwithgasavailable.

MickDolphin 0429684522

AlisonBarkley 0494175410

OFFERSCLOSING4pmWednesday13/11/24

$1,190,000-$1,300,000

Curved &sophisticatedthis‘oneofa kind’homeexcitesthesenses &invitesthosewho liketominimisetheircarbonfootprint& includes 2livingareas-one a‘GreatRoom’with 4.5mceilingswith aEurofireplace, aTVroom,polished concreteHydronic floorheating, 10Kwsolar,2 inverters& Teslabattery,doubleglazing,covered patiowithbreathtaking views,established fruittrees,greenhouse,multipletankstotaling34000L,remotegates, doublegarageand aninsulated studio/work/arts& crafts/playroomwithdoubleglazing 3 A 2

MickDolphin 0429684522

AlisonBarkley 0494175410

AUCTION7pmThursday21/11/24

Setonthehighsidetotakeinnicetreedvistas,thisneat& tidyWesternRedCedarhome issuretoimpressanditismove-inreadywithnothingtodo!Thehomefeaturesanopen planbright &airykitchen,living& dining,extrawidefrontdeck,A/C,GDH, adouble carport,excellentunder-housestorage,concrete& steelstumpsandestablishedgardens onjustover a¼ acre.Locatedwithinwalkingdistancetobelgrave’sshops,cafesand trainstation.ZonedforTecomaPrimary,UpweyHigh &belgraveHeightsChristianSchool

AnthonyIorlano 0494142438

DaveStewart 0411655611

THIS WILL BE A JOY TO LIVE IN!

WELCOME to a spacious, light filled sanctuary nestled in a quiet spot with a beautiful babbling “ Walkers Creek” meandering through. A remarkable property offering a harmonious blend of comfort and elegance, featuring leafy surroundings.

As you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the stylish and modern, yet warm atmosphere that instantly created. The spacious kitchen and dining area flow seamlessly into a large undercover deck, making it ideal for entertaining with friends while enjoying the serenity.

This versatile home boasts three generous bedrooms, plus a study or nursery or home office - your choice. Two stylish bathrooms and beautiful window vistas throughout enhance the sense of spaciousness and tranquility.

The outdoor space invites you to dip your toes in the creek, stroll over the bridge to gather fresh fruit from your trees.

Off street parking, a lock-up garage/ workshop area, there’s ample room for vehicles. Embrace the warmer months with a refreshing walk to the Yarra for a swim, and take advantage of the nearby village shops offering a delightful variety of food and goodies.

Whether you’re seeking a weekend getaway or a forever home, this stunning property promises a lifestyle of comfort, beauty, and connection to nature. Don’t miss your chance to make this unique home your reality!

CharmandCharacterinAbundance!

Thischaractercharmerisnestledamongstprivatecottagegardensandlovelyoldoaks.Inside polishedtimberfloors,highceilingsanddecorativefeaturesjuststartthepictureofwhatlivingin thishomewilltrulybelike. Abeautifulcountrykitchenshowcasesamplebenchandstorage,900ml countrycooker,dishwasherand abeautifuloutlookthroughyourcasementwindows,thisspace isdivine!Thehomehasformalandinformallivingspaces,dedicateddiningnook,beautifuldado panellingthroughout,a stunningbathroom.Therearethreegenerousandprettybedrooms,the masterhasdirectaccesstothegorgeousmainbathroomandprovidestriplerobes.Outsidethere’s alockupworkshop& doublecarporttuckedbehinda remoterollerdoorandprivacyfencing,the cornerblockcreatinga wonderfulspacetouseandenjoyeverysquaremeterofthe693m2block.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

HobbyFarmLivingonSmallAcreage

Smallhobbyfarmlivingatit’sbest,thisoriginalandmuchlovedfamilyhomeisnowavailableforthe nextfamilytoenjoyandlivetherelaxedsemirurallifestyle.Situatedonjustover3 acreswithloadsof spacetoexploreandenjoyit’stheidealsizetotocreateyourownselfsufficientlifestyle.Thehome isspaciousandboastsupstairsanddownstairslivingoffering 3bedrooms,plus2 bathroomsandwith multiplelivingzonesover2 levelswith afeaturefamily/livingroomupstairs;ideallysituatedtocapture thenaturalsunlightandoverlookingthepicturesquevista.Ventureoutsideandenjoytheopen spacewitha multitudeofpossibilities, afantasticopportunitytosecurea greatfamilypropertyina popularandsoughtafterarea.

DavidCarroll M 0419539320

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

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

MichaelRobinson M 0418505635

12BrettRoad,Warburton$730,000-$780,000

EnchantingHomeon ½acrewithMountainViews Thistwostorycharacterhomeboaststhreebedroomsandtwobathrooms,offering adelightful retreatamidststunningmountainvistas.Nestledon ageneroushalfacreblock,it’sideallysituated. Thegroundlevelhoststwobedroomsalongside amainbathroom,gracedwithhighceilingsand decorativecornices.Theupdatedkitchenis aculinaryhaven,boastinga stylishbreakfastbar,ample benchspace,and adelightfulwindowoverlookingthelushgarden.Stepoutsideontothegorgeous deckarea,perfectforalfrescodiningwhilesoakinginthepicturesquesurroundings.Downstairs, aspaciousrumpusareaawaits,andmainbedroomcompletewithanensuiteandbuiltinrobe. Outside,themeticulouslylandscapedgardensburstwithcolour,adornedwithcharmingshadetrees scatteredthroughouttheproperty,creatinga sereneoasistocallhome.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

Inspection: Fri4:00-4:30pm

DESIRABLE FAMILY HOME WITH DEPENDENT PERSON’S UNIT

IF you tally up the top features of this impressive property, you will discover an unparalleled level of versatility and comfort.

Comprising a generous 4-bedroom family home, an idyllic 2-bedroom self-contained dependent person’s unit, large workshop, secure double carport, and abundant offstreet parking, you simply won’t find all these elements anywhere else.

The primary residence is immaculately presented in preparation for new owners to move in and make themselves at home. The sunlit lounge features a lovely secure wood heater with ornate mantle. The open plan sitting room, dining area, and kitchen with breakfast bar, stone benchtops, gas cooker, and shaker cabinets is the ideal hub of this inviting home. Add to this a sizeable home office, beautiful bathrooms including a modern rain shower ensuite with the main bedroom, and a stellar outdoor entertaining area with covered and open decking, built-in spa, paved patio, and inground swimming pool.

With a long list of bonus features including cost-saving solar power, external blinds, quality flooring and carpet, plantation shutters, and ducted heating and cooling, this residence has it all.

Settled on a magnificent 1,741sqm (approx.) allotment only 350m from Tecoma Station and also within walking distance of schools, shops, cafes, and parkland, there are no compromises required at this exceptional property. Plan your viewing today.

• Fabulous 4-bedroom home with bonus 2-bedroom unit

Large allotment with sealed drive, carport, workshop and inground pool

Open plan kitchen with breakfast bar and quality appliances

• Main bedroom with modern rain shower ensuite

• Fantastic outdoor entertaining and pool area

• Sizeable study and cost-saving solar power.

CHARACTER HOME WITH SCENIC SURROUNDINGS

NESTLED in the tranquil suburb of Emerald, this 2,639sqm property offers a blend of comfort and contemporary living. Upon entry, you are greeted by a bright formal entryway with polished floorboards that lead into the open plan carpeted lounge/dining area, complete with woodfire heater for those chilly evenings.

The home also has gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling throughout, ensuring year-round comfort and convenience. French doors open from the lounge to a sunny tiled verandah, the perfect place to enjoy a cuppa in the morning sunshine.

The heart of the home is the expansive kitchen/dining space. The kitchen is equipped with a wall oven with separate grill, 900mm gas stove top, and large walk-in corner pantry.

The standout feature is the generous island bench fitted with elegant Stone benchtops, ample storage and plenty of seating. The adjoining lounge area opens seamlessly to a spacious undercover deck, perfect for outdoor entertaining.

The layout is both functional and thoughtful, the master bedroom with large bay window, allowing nature light to flood the room, walk-in robe and private ensuite. With 2 additional bedrooms both with built-in robes, a central bathroom with separate toilet, and a generous study/4th bedroom if required.

Outside, the property has a double carport, heaps of under house storage with a workshop, and a 60L water tank for the garden alongside a further utility shed.

This property is a harmonious blend of elegant character, modern amenities, ample space, and peaceful surroundings, ideal for those seeking a serene lifestyle in Emerald.

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.

11-13FirstAvenueCockatoo$1,150,000

BeautifullyRenovated5 BedroomFamilyHome +BungalowonanAcre! Situatedonjustover 1acreofflatland,thisstunninghomewithwraparoundverandahhasallthe creaturecomforts.Featuringa long,centralhallway &9ftceilingsthroughout.Fromthespacious laundry,tothelargeopenloungewithanelectricfireplace.Meanderingdownthehallyouwillfind 5stylishbedrooms,theMasterwithFrenchdoorsopeningontotherearverandah, alargewalkthroughrobe& ensuite.Thefamilybathroomisgenerousinsize,& offers abath, &shower.Addto this aseparatediningroomwithFrenchdoorstotheverandah.Thekitcheniswell-appointedwitha hugeislandbenchwithstonetop,newfreestanding900mmgas/electricstove,D/W,& WIP. Outside,hasa 2BRbungalowwithlounge& kitchenette,thepropertyisfullyfenced.Addtothisa workshopwithconcretefloor &power.

22BoroniaCrescentCockatoo$685,000 -$750,000

Bright &Spacious,WalktoEverything! Situatedon aspaciouselevated1015sqmblockon apeacefulnothroughroad.Witha full-length frontverandah,thissplit-levelhome,withhighcathedralceilings &largewindows.Thelowerlevel contains 2livingareas,theloungeroomwithwoodfire,s/s,aswellasGDHthroughout, &separate openplandiningroom,kitchen &familyroom.Thekitchenisequippedwithanintegratedoven, largepantry, &D/W.Upa fewsteps,thesecondlevelhas acarpetedhallwayleadingtothemaster bedroomwithdoubleBIR& accesstothetwo-waybathroomwithseparatetoilet.Attheotherend ofthehallway,2 carpetedbedrooms,eachwithBIR.A laundrywitha separatetoiletisalsolocated onthislevel.Outside,under-housestorage,gardensoutthefront.Therearyardisprivate,hasa gardenshed &plentyofspaceforkids& petstoplay &3kWsolar.

SamanthaScott M 0438680032 3 A 1 BC

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

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.

4 A 2 BC

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 Sweet sauce made with milk and eggs (7)

5 Tableland (7)

9 Gloomy (9)

10 Distort (5)

11 SleepingBeauty protagonist (6)

12 Elegant (8)

14 Mother or father (6)

15 Fur (4)

19 Web auction site (4)

20 To present (6)

24 Small blade (8)

25 Marketplace (6)

27 Town famed for witchcraft trials (5)

28 Largeness (9)

29 Ocean creature (3,4)

30 Region (7)

DOWN

1 Occasional (6)

2 A planet (6)

3 Relating to cultivated land (8)

4 Speaker’s platform (4)

5 Showing something to a group (10)

6 Movement (6)

7 Main action of a play (8)

8 Inverted (8)

13 Horrific (10)

16 Fierce storms (8)

17 Flowering shrub (8)

18 Initial service fee (8)

21 Cloisonné (6)

22 Female Arabic name meaning captivating (6)

23 Stick of wax used for writing (6)

26 Neglect (4)

A big week of athletics

By Jamie Strudley

The Victorian All Schools Track and Field Championships continued over the weekend. Five Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes represented their respective schools at Lakeside Stadium.

Star of the weekend was Briar Keyser who continued her fine run of form in major championships with a silver medal in the Women’s U20 5000m race. Briar kept a steady pace for the entire race, running in warm conditions to record 19.45 for the 5000m.

Zoe Clarke returned to form with a strong run in the Women’s U16 800m. Zoe ran a strong final lap to come home in fourth place, running 2.29.08.

James Chrome-Smith ran in the Men U17 800m finishing seventh in his heat and 14th over-

all with a time of 2.06.30. James also ran a 3000m race earlier in the day finishing 16th in 9.41.

Two athletes in the Men U16 800m heats, both running solid races but fading in the last stretch.

Mitch Pointon was sixth in his heat and 19th overall with his time of 2.16.18. Blake Saloyedoff finished seventh in his heat and 21st overall with a time of 2.17.50

Eight club athletes took the opportunity to race mid-week at the Box Hill Twilight event. Harry Norman showed his class with an effortless 3.56.59 to win in the 1500m A race.

Gus Norman and Luke Hunter ran in the B 1500m. Gus stormed home to finish in third place in 4.41.07, Luke fading in the final 300m to finish 11th in 4.21.12. Ky Harris and Hamish De With both ran steady races in the respective 1500m re-

cording 4.42.75 and 5.01.47 respectively. Katrina Winger found herself in a stacked 3000m A race. Katrina followed her race plan to work at a consistent pace for the entire race to finish with a sub 11 min time of 10.56.72. Bree Coffey ran her first ever track 3000m and showed great determination to finish strong in 11.38.90.

Little Athletics club competition was held on a warm Friday evening, the first Twilight round of the year. The athletes enjoyed the opportunity to compete in the evening and enjoy a BBQ dinner. Some exciting races and competition throughout the evening with a few PB’s.

This week’s round will be back to Saturday morning. Watch the socials for the early (8am) events otherwise normal warm up from 8.45am. The seniors will return to AVSL action as we con-

tinue our push for promotion.

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

Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability. New members and anyone interested in trialling are always welcome.

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

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

Local croquet teams set their sights on championships

By John Thomson

On Monday 28 October the Lilydale Division 1 team played at home against Ringwood. Ringwood this season have been one of the top teams while Lilydale have been in the bottom half of the ladder, so Lilydale would certainly have to play at their best.

Lilydale’s team this week comprised Craig McCracken and John Thomson.

In the doubles Ringwood won the first couple of hoops, Lilydale came back and won the next couple of hoops and so it went until the 12th hoop where it was 6 hoops each. Ringwood had first shot to the 13th hoop and placed their ball perfectly in front of the hoop. Lilydale could not clear the Ringwood ball and they ran the hoop to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

In the first singles John played. John had a break early but the Ringwood player gradually worked his way back into the game. John made a couple of unforced errors which eventually was the difference in the game. Ringwood 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.

Craig played in the next singles. This game was a battle with both players taking their opportunity to run the hoops when they could. After 12 hoops had been played it was 6 hoops each. The 13th hoop was also closely fought but in the end Lilydale was able to run the hoop and win 7 hoops to Ringwood 6 hoops.

At the break the scores were Ringwood 2 games 20 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 18 hoops. Lilydale were still in the game but had a bit of ground to make up.

Craig played in the first game after the break. Ringwood got off to a great start, Craig battled hard to get back into the game but the Ringwood player had and held the ascendancy and went onto win 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops.

John Thomson played in the last game. This was another game that went hoop for hoop with neither player able to get a decent break at the end of the 12th hoop. It was 6 hoops each with the 13th hoop to be played to decide the winner. Both players set up fairly well, John had first shot at the hoop but hit the leg of the hoop which allowed the Ringwood player a shot at

the hoop which she ran and won the game 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

Final scores were Ringwood 4 games 34 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 27 hoops. This was definitely a game of missed opportunities for Lilydale.

This week’s Lilydale Division 2 team played away to Kew.

Lilydale’s team this week was Alan Jones, Mick Crawley and Mike Gilsenan.

Alan and Mick paired up for the doubles. Alan and Mick got off to a great start and controlled the game for most of the time and went onto have a comfortable 7 hoops to Kew 3 hoops win.

Mike played in the first singles game. This game was tight with both players taking their opportunities when presented, Kew eventually getting a small break to go on and win 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.

Alan played in the next singles game. This game was almost a carbon copy of the previous game but this time it was the Lilydale player that was able to get a small break to go on and win 7

hoops to Kew 5 hoops.

At the break the scores were Lilydale 2 games 19 hoops to Kew 1 game 15 hoops.

Mick played in the next game. Mick’s skill and experience showed in this game as he controlled the game right from the start going on to have a comfortable win 7 hoops to Kew 2 hoops.

Mike played in the last game. Mike battled hard in this game but unfortunately his opponent was able to build a lead and go on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops.

Final scores Lilydale 3 games 30 hoops to Kew 2 games 24 hoops.

This win keeps Lilydale on top of the Ladder, they are one test, 14 games and 64 hoops in front of second place. With two weeks to go until the end of the season they will be hard to beat from here.

On Thursday 31 October, the Lilydale handicap team hosted the Mornington club. Lilydale have had a very settled team for the last few weeks and this week was no different with Murray Howlett, Mick Crawley, Kerri McCracken and Colleen Howlett playing.

Mick played in the first singles. Mick was starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage, but that did not deter Mick as he took control of this game and went on to win 7 hoops to Mornington 3 hoops.

In the first doubles Murray and Kerri paired up. Lilydale were starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage while the Mornington team had a 2

hoop advantage. Murray and Kerri have both been in good form in recent times and this game was no exception as they had soon made up their 1 hoop disadvantage and from there took control of the game to go on and win 7 hoops to Mornington 3 hoops.

Kerri played in the next singles game. This time Mornington were starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage. As mentioned Kerri has been in good form and in this game she jumped out of the blocks and got away to a good start and was able to hold that lead winning 7 hoops to Mornington 3 hoops.

The husband and wife combo of Murray and Colleen Howlett played in the next doubles. Lilydale were starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage while the Mornington team had a 1 hoop advantage. Again, Lilydale had made up the 1 hoop disadvantage early and were able to take charge of the game and win 7 hoops to Mornington 3 hoops.

At the lunch break the scores were Lilydale 4 games 28 hoops to Mornington 0 games 12 hoops. With two games to play Lilydale had already won the day.

Mick played in the first game after lunch. Mick was starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage. In this game the tables turned slightly with the Mornington player able to take charge of the game and have a win 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops.

The last game was a doubles and Murray and Kerri again paired up. Lilydale were starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage while the Mornington pair had a 2 hoop advantage. This game was much closer than Murray and Kerri’s first doubles game as Mornington took it up to Lilydale. Lilydale eventually got on top and won 7 hoops to Mornington 5 hoops.

Final scores for the day, Lilydale 5 games 39 hoops to Mornington 1 game 24 hoops. This win keeps Lilydale on top of the ladder, they are two tests, 16 games and 78 hoops in front of the second team, with two weeks to play. Even if Lilydale lose the last two rounds and the second place team wins theirs Lilydale should still be on top due to the games and hoop count.

Briar Keyser on the podium with her silver medal. (Supplied)

Keyser in the Victorian All Schools Championships 5000m.

Mike Gilsenan joined the Division 2 team this week in their victory against Kew. (411985)

Kerri McCracken congratulates Mick Crawley on his shot. (Stewart Chambers: 411985)

An epic, third-last-ball win

By Les Hutchings

The First XI played the undefeated Croydon Ranges in a Trollope Shield one-day match at Alan Smith Oval, Pinks Reserve. Croydon Ranges won the toss and elected to bat. At drinks they were 0 /128 off 20 overs and in complete control with Jack Kearns 88 not out and Darcy Turnbull 28 not out. After the drinks break Kilsyth bowled two left arm spinners in tandem, Mackenzie Scott-Thomas and Uvindu Wimaladharma, and they put a break on the scoring. In the 23rd over, with the score on 133, Uvindu had Jack Kearns well caught at deep long-off by Jack Childs for a brilliant 89 off 79 balls, including 12 fours and 1 six. In the next over, Turnbull was caught behind by Will Beard off Scott-Thomas for 33 off 60 balls (2 fours) and Croydon Ranges were now 2/133. A change of bowler in the 27th over saw leg spinner Jack Childs take a brilliant catch off his own bowling with his second ball to see Ranges 3/140. Andy Solomons took the fourth wicket LBW with the score on 4/156 in the 32nd over. At that point Ranges had lost 4/28 in the 12 overs since the drinks break and Kilsyth were fighting back. Opening bowler Kamal Kuruppu was recalled into the attack and had Matt Steiniger caught for 16 off 20 balls (1 four) by Uvindu Wimaladharma at short cover, with Ranges now 5/187 in the 37th over. They added 20 in the next 2 overs to be 5/209 with one over remaining. Mackenzie Scott-Thomas was reintroduced to bowl the last over and he picked up two wickets with his last two balls (both bowled) and Ranges finished on 7/213cc off their allotted 40 overs. Joe Blyth, who had batted well, was dismissed off the second last ball for 19 from 15 balls (1 four). For Kilsyth, Mackenzie ScottThomas took the bowling honours with 3/27 off 8 overs (1 maiden). Other wicket takers were Jack Childs 1/9 off 3 overs, Kamal Kuruppu 1/36 off 7 overs, Uvindu Wimaladharma 1/39 off 8 overs and Andy Solomons 1/43 off 8 overs.

After tea, Kilsyth set about the run chase with Kevin Baldsing and Jack Childs opening the batting. The first over yielded 12 runs, including 11 wides! A fine opening partnership of 95 came to an end in the 17th over when Baldsing was bowled by opening bowler Darcy Carrigan for a bright 50 off 56 balls, including 6 fours and 1 six. Andy Solomons and Jack Childs then put on 58 for the second wicket when Andy was well caught by Matt Steiniger off the bowling of first change Will Spencer for 30 off 36 balls (2 fours) in the 29th over. Jack Childs was then on 49 not out. With boundaries hard to find, Pasan Ganegoda and Childs ran brilliantly between wickets to keep the run rate up. They lifted the score to 200 when Pasan was bowled for 30 off 34 balls (1 four) with Jack

Childs then on 65 not out. Kilsyth were 3/200 after 37 overs when Captain Marcus Adams joined Jack Childs. After 38 overs the score was 3/207 and then 3/210 at the end of the 39th over, with Kilsyth needing 4 runs off the final over to win. The first ball saw Jack Childs caught by Carrigan off the bowling of Joe Blyth for a splendid 74 off 107 balls (5 fours), his highest First XI score. This brought Mackenzie Scott-Thomas to the crease with four needed off 5 balls. “Macca” missed an attempted ramp shot and then attempted a quick single to get his Captain on strike. Unfortunately, Mackenzie was run out by Matt Steiniger and Kilsyth now needed 4 runs off 3 balls with the game going down to the wire and the tension building. However, Marcus Adams cover drove the next ball for four to give Kilsyth victory with only two balls to spare. For Croydon Ranges, Darcy Carigan took 2/39 off 7 overs, Joe Blyth 1/42 off 8 overs and Will Spencer 1/44 off 7 overs.

The Second XI won the toss and batted first against Croydon Ranges at Silcock Reserve. Openers Rhys McKean and Mark Unternahrer put on 44 for the first wicket when Unternahrer was caught off the bowling of Xavier Spencer-Welch for 16 after facing 15 balls (3 fours). The loss of two more wickets, both taken by Spencer-Welsh, saw Kilsyth 3/74 when Hayden Pleming joined

Rhys McKean. They added 102 for the fourth wicket before Pleming was caught by Chris Whittaker off the bowling of Harrison Low for a wellmade 36 from 57 balls (5 fours). With the score on 219, Rhys McKean was the sixth wicket to fall for a magical 122 off 127 balls with 18 boundaries. After 40 overs Kilsyth had compiled 7/233 cc and was in a good position. For Croydon Ranges, Xavier Spencer-Welch captured 3/22 off 7 overs (2 maidens), Tom Noonan 3/25 off 4 overs and Harrison Low 1/41 off 8 overs. Harrison also took 3 catches in the field.

After Matthew Young captured an early wicket to have Ranges 1/7, the game was set up for Ranges with a magnificent 181 run second wicket partnership between Michael Henley and Captain Michael Crosbie. Crosbie was eventually bowled by Hayden Pleming for 66 off 90 balls (9 fours). The third wicket fell on 224 when Aston Buffey was caught by Rhys McKean off the bowling of Captain Matthew Coghlan for 15 from 11 balls (3 fours). However, Ranges soon chased down the target in 39 overs, finishing on 3/234 with Michael Henley a scintillating and match winning 131 not out off 119 balls with 20 fours. Wicket takers for Kilsyth were Matthew Coghlan 1/38 off 7 overs (1 maiden), Hayden Pleming 1/39 off 8 overs (1 maiden) and Matthew Young 1/43 off 4 overs.

The Third XI won the toss and chose to bat first on Roy Baldwin Oval at Pinks Reserve against top of the ladder team Chirnside Park. It was not looking good early on when the Redbacks had lost 4/24, including three ducks. Opener Anthony Cook had scored 15 off 21 balls (3 fours), before being caught by Sugar Ray Turner off the bowling of Matthew Cooper. Swing bowler Cooper was doing the damage, taking all four wickets for

Chirnside. However, a 92 run fifth wicket partnership between Justin Smith and Dan Beard got Kilsyth back on track. Smith was the fifth wicket to fall, caught by Barry Collins off the bowling of Sandip Kumar for an excellent 61 off 71 balls (9 fours and 2 sixes). Kyan Harper then joined Dan Beard and they shared an unbroken sixth wicket partnership of 101 to see Kilsyth finish on 5/217cc after their allotted 40 overs. Dan Beard played a magnificent innings of 81 not out off 95 balls (11 fours) and Kyan Harper also batted well to score 35 not out off 40 balls (4 fours). Wicket takers for Chirnside Park were Captain Matthew Cooper, 4/20 off 8 overs (2 maidens), and Sandip Kumar, 1/46 off 8 overs (1 maiden).

Chirnside Park put up a good effort in the run chase but in the end were dismissed for 195 in 38.1 overs. The highlight of the innings was a top score of 74 by Kaiden Holliday, who faced 75 balls and struck 9 fours and 1 six. For Kilsyth, Mark Wells took 4/40 off 5.1 overs, bowling the pressure overs at the end of the innings. Matthew Burgess 3/23 off 7 overs, Justin Smith 2/20 off 8 overs (1 maiden) and Luke Paolini 1/18 off 4 overs were the other wicket takers for the Redbacks. In the field, Dan Beard and Luke Paolini both took two catches each.

The Fourth XI also played Chirnside Park, who won the toss and elected to bat at Kimberley Reserve, Number 2 Oval. An opening partnership of 47 between Captain William Hailon, 20 off 24 balls (1 four and 1 six), and Cameron Anderson got them off to a good start. After being 2/53, a 99 run third wicket partnership between Anderson and Donovan Shortt took the score to 3/152. Chirnside Park finished on 4/205cc off their 36 overs.

When Kilsyth opener Andrew Smith retired hurt for 34 off 39 balls (7 fours), Captain Anthony Sequeira was joined by Kasun Ekanayake. With the score on 113, Kasun was the first wicket to fall in the 17th over, bowled by Trent Summers for 16 off 15 balls (3 fours). At that stage Anthony Sequeira was on 44 not out. A second wicket partnership of 48 was shared between Sequeira and Greg Gommers, who made a classy 28 off 25 balls (4 fours) before being caught and bowled by Paul Dryden. Dryden then dismissed Anthony Sequeira for an enterprising 60 off 71 balls (6 fours and 1 six) to see Kilsyth 3/164 after 25 overs. Dryden and Donovan Shortt then picked up a wicket each and suddenly Kilsyth were 5/179 after 28 overs with work to do. However, Ryan Kaal 11 not out off 9 balls (2 fours) and Jordan Relf 15 not out off 11 balls (3 fours), steered Kilsyth to 5/209 in 31.2 overs to achieve a well-earned victory.

Mt Evelyn firsts struggle against strong Seville rivals

With many cricketers using the long weekend to head off for some much needed rest before the Christmas rush, the Ringwood and District Cricket Association left it to the upper grades to battle it out in perfect conditions for cricket. For Mt Evelyn Cricket Club, it left the top two grades to fight it out with Yarra Valley rivals, Seville, whilst it was a road trip to Warrandyte for the Third XI.

For the First XI, it was a trip to Seville in a key clash for early ladder positions. Seville won the toss a duly elected to put a score on the board. The early going was tough and tight as neither team looked to give the other an inch. In-form Seville opener Aaron Bermingham and fellow opener Finn Saurine held strong in the early overs seeing the opening bowlers off and setting their team up well with a 54 run partnership before Jamie Shaw would make the timely breakthrough, having Saurine caught by Daniel Giblin in the 14th over.

Unperturbed, Bermingham would continue his stout resistance against some tidy bowling by the Mounters, and another useful partnership, this time with Caleb Frankovic. The pair would put the home team in a powerful position at 1/93 after 24 overs, leaving time for a late order assault on a tiring attack. Along the way, Bermingham would bring up his third half century in a row on his way to a score of 65. Shaw, and captain Troy Hancock, would have none of it and with three quick wickets, gave the visitors a chance of keeping the final total in check.

Mt Evelyn would tighten the screws, and when Riley Foster and Jarrod Carroll fell to the hand of Will Macklin, the innings looked to have

lost it’s lustre as it had been squeezed to 6/146 with just under four overs remaining. A pair of familiar faces would ensure the early work of their top order would not be in vain, as former Mt Evelyn premiership stars, Kane Jones (47 not out off 24 balls) and Jon Williams (13 not out) would push the score to a healthy 6/193. A total that was well within reach, but a lot more substantial than it looked to be in the final overs of the innings.

After an early flurry of shots from Hancock, the Mt Evelyn innings struggled to take flight. Hancock and Giblin would be dismissed on consecutive balls with the score on 30 and when Campbell Mole joined them in the pavilion, the innings couldn’t have got off to a more disappointing start with the score teetering at 3/40. Brothers Jesse and Dan Fraser would look to resurrect the innings and momentarily steadied the ship. Unfortunately, the partnership wouldn’t grow into something substantial, and when Jesse Fraser fell with the score on 4/68, the pendulum would significantly swing in the Burras favour.

Kane Jones would seize the opportunity to enter the attack, and with a four wicket burst, will swiftly reduce the visitors to 8/88 within the space of 10 overs effectively ending the contest. Dan Fraser would fight on, repelling an opposition full of confidence, and a faulty hamstring, denying the Burras an early finish, and at time pushing the onus back on the fielding team to find answers. With under 40 runs to score off the final five overs, he had given the Mounters an outside glimmer of hope. Unfortunately for the visitors, his resistance would end with the score

at 9/157, and a well made 68, and with that the innings was swiftly wrapped up.

The Second XI have made an excellent start to the season, and they would host Seville in another key clash considering the ladder positions. Mounters captain Shane Laird won the toss, and like the First XI game, would take the opportunity to put a score on the board. His openers, Adam Smith and Brad Westaway, wouldn’t let him down, and in the face of some disciplined bowling, the pair would hold their nerve, and their patience. Unperturbed by a moderate run rate, the pair would navigate the team through to the first big milestone, drinks. At 0/80, the home team were well set with wickets in hand to have a burst at a significant total in the back end of the innings.

The openers would then tick off the next goal, a century partnership, with Smith collecting an impressive half century along the way. Unfortunately for Westaway, his innings would end just shy of a half century as he was caught by Jordan Foster, off the bowling of Rowan Prowse, for 48. Smith would power on as his innings would open up with some more expansive stroke play. Despite some partners coming and going, three to the bowling of Jace Hamilton, he would up the ante. Eventually Prowse would have his measure and Smith was dismissed for an impressive 84.

New recruit, Mike Mawson, would add a little cream on top with an unbeaten innings of 30 to lead the home side to 6/211 at the end of the allotted overs. Seville’s young opening pair of Jasper Barry and Elkin Croydon, approached the chase just as their opponents did, keep the

scoreboard ticking over without any undue risk. In a mirroring of the first innings, the pair would safely navigate their team to the drinks break without the loss of a wicket and 82 runs on the board. Croydon would lose his wicket to Brad Westaway trying to ramp up the run rate, but Barry would continue on to a much deserved half century. With the Burras well set, Luke Shepherd would swing things in the home team’s favour within a blink of an eye.

Shepherd would remove Barry for 60, caught and bowled, bag another two wickets for himself and finish with three wickets and three catches in the space of 15 balls to stall the innings at 5/136. Seville still requiring 76 runs off 51 balls. More importantly, they needed a batsman to ramp up the challenge. Angus Nelson was that man. The big hitting left-hander blasted his way to an unbeaten 48 off 25 balls to charge his team to victory. Ably supported by Macca Hardy (23 not out), the victory target would be achieved with an over to spare. A fantastic contest with a memorable finish.

The Second XI will be buoyed by the efforts, despite the loss, and will look to regroup against Bayswater Park in Round 5 action.

The Third XI would ensure the club would not go empty handed from the weekend’s action as they travelled to Warrandyte and comprehensively eclipsed the hosts. It was a much needed victory for the thirds and they will look to string together consecutive victories as they face Heathwood in an important clash for early ladder positions.

Rhys McKean scored a magical 122 off 127 balls with 18 boundaries for Kilsyth’s Second XI against Croydon Ranges in the Pascoe Shield competition last Saturday.

Jack Childs scored a splendid 74 off 107 balls (5 fours) for Kilsyth’s First XI against Croydon Ranges in the Trollope Shield competition last Saturday. (Supplied)