Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 5th November 2024

Scary, but nice

Costumes were donned and decorations hung ready for Halloween festivities on Thursday 31 October.

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.

The Hills were enlivened with venturers as they explored the streets looking for treats.

Adults also joined in the celebrations, pulling out some crazy and inventive costumes.

See some of the fun in photos on pages 11 and 12

Jess, Sarah, Kim and Sofia from The Patch Primary School with Rinny from The Patch Store as a pumpkin enjoying Halloween.

(Stewart Chambers: 441027)

Hard to stomach

By Tanya Steele

Deer ‘degrading forest’

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Dandenong Ranges National Park (DRNP) is a vital natural area that showcases the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People and hosts one of Victoria’s largest Mountain Ash forests.

Over the past 18 months, Parks Victoria has been actively working to manage the deer population in this beautiful park.

Funding for these crucial deer control measures comes from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) through the Victorian Deer Control Strategy and Melbourne Water grants.

The Yarra Ranges Shire Council and the Friends of Ferny Creek Community group have also provided significant support.

Since February 2024, over 260 deer have been successfully managed in the DRNP, marking a significant step toward preserving this important natural landscape.

Convener for Friends of Ferny Creek, John Schauble expressed strong support for Parks Victoria’s efforts to mitigate the impact of deer in the park.

“These animals are significantly contributing to the degradation of forest and park areas,” Mr Schauble said.

“There are various management strategies in place, including shooting programs, which we endorse. While we do not participate directly in these activities, we believe it’s important to support initiatives that protect our natural environment.”

The DRNP is home to over 900 plant species, including more than 30 that are considered threatened.

Unfortunately, deer have been causing significant damage to the environment.

In 2021, it was reported that feral deer cost Australia about $91.3 million annually.

Parks Victoria is taking action to manage deer populations across the state, focusing on the unique conservation needs of each area.

“Our group was established over 20 years ago, originally focusing on weed management in the Ferny Creek catchment,” Mr Schauble said.

“Since then, our efforts have expanded to include the catchment of Bus Gully Creek, a tributary of Ferny Creek. While we initially faced challenges with wallabies damaging our revegetation efforts, we’ve now shifted our focus to the growing impact of deer.”

One of their current projects involves revegetation, and to protect newly planted areas, they are installing temporary fencing up to six feet high.

This creates safe zones for the plants, shielding them from deer.

“We’re excited to trial these protective measures and see the success they bring,” he said.

In the Dandenong Ranges, the goal is to reduce the numbers of Fallow and Sambar deer.

This effort is crucial not only for protecting threatened species from overgrazing but also for decreasing the risk of deer-related car accidents on nearby roads.

One particularly affected area is the Cool Temperate Rainforest in Sherbrook Forest, home to endangered plants like the Slender Tree-fern and Mountain Bird-orchid, as well as large owls such as the Powerful Owl and Sooty Owl.

The negative impact of deer is evident throughout the park, as they damage vegetation through grazing and trampling delicate plants.

Their large antlers harm trees, and their wallowing creates muddy areas that suffocate local flora.

Deer consumes vast amounts of vegetation each day, making their control essential for maintaining the park’s health.

Mr Schauble said the deer problem has become a significant issue in the Hills and is now largely out of control.

“One key step that could be taken is to declare deer a federal pest species. Currently, they are classified as game animals, which restricts the range of measures available for their eradication,” he said.

“Other states have successfully made this change, and until a similar declaration is made here, it will be challenging to implement effective strategies to manage the deer population.”

Additionally, the rising deer population poses a public safety risk. As deer frequently cross roads, they create hazards for drivers, leading to potentially dangerous collisions.

“Given that a 300-kilogram deer can cause severe damage in a car accident, this issue affects both conservation and community safety,” he said.

Over 260 deer managed in Dandenong Ranges. (Supplied)

Sambar impact-Sherbrook Forest-compaction at creek.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Food insecurity rife

From page 1

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.

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.

“Reachout.You’renotalone.Therearesomany 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.

Tall tree rescue in Belgrave South

A young boy was rescued from a tree in Belgrave Lake Park on Saturday 2 November after climbing up mid-afternoon and then finding he was unable to get down.

Rescued by several CFA and many other local emergency services, a CFA member went up the tree to place a safety harness on the child and sit with him while the rescue was underway.

Belgrave South CFA Captain Sean Grondman said the tree was near the 12-metre mark.

“He had just kept climbing, but he wasn’t stressed or upset at all,” he said.

“He was fine, it was all very exciting for him –he’d never gotten himself stuck before.”

The CFA called in for reinforcements to get appropriate equipment up to rescue the little boy.

“We called an aerial appliance in from Kalorama to squeeze the bucket in and get it high enough up in the trees,” said Captain Grondman.

“They were fantastic – Monbulk Rescue, Wandin Rescue , FRV and SES from Emerald were all there, Police and Ambulance VIctoria as well, so we had a cast of thousands,” he said.

“We all worked well together to get him down.”

Phone line issues

Boronia Police Station

Residents in the Boronia area , please be aware that the phone lines for Boronia Police Station have been experiencing some technical issues.

If you require non-urgent assistance, please contact the Knox Police Station on 9881 7000, or the Police Assistance Line (PAL) on 131 444.

If you are in danger, need to report a crime in progress, or request immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).

2024 Civic Awards

Yarra Ranges Community members are being encouraged to nominate local leaders and inspirational people for the 2024 Civic Awards.

Presented annually following the council’s citizenship ceremony on 26 January, the awards acknowledge the contributions of people throughout the Yarra Ranges who volunteer, lend a hand or go the extra mile to help people in their communities. Yarra Ranges CEO, Tammi Rose, said there were many people who give their time for others locally who don’t get recognised.

“We want to hear about what they achieved in 2024 and how this makes them a cut above. Nominations only take 10 minutes to fill out, and this special person could receive a certificate or award with their peers – something to keep forever as an acknowledgement and gesture of thanks from Council,” she said.

Nominations close 9am, Monday, 2 December, 2024.

To find out more, and nominate, visit the nomination page at Yarra Ranges website at: www. yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Latest-news/ Nominate-a-community-hero-for-the-2024-Civic-Awards“The simple fact of the matter is that, without volunteers, our community would grind to a halt,” she said.

The young boy was rescued from a tall tree at Belgrave Lake Park. (Supplied)

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)

Wild mushrooms warning

By Emily Woods, AAP

The dangers of wild mushrooms must be more widely publicised after an elderly woman died from eating death caps she picked outside her home, a coroner says.

Victorian State Coroner John Cain called for improved public awareness as he published findings on the death of Loreta Maria Del Rossi, 98, on Wednesday.

Ms Del Rossi, who lived with her adult son Nicola at Bayswater in Melbourne’s east, found mushrooms growing in their front yard in April.

She decided to pick, wash, clean and test the mushrooms, which were white, and prepared them with rice and tuna for herself and her son.

Neither of them fell sick from the meal, so when Ms Del Rossi found more mushrooms growing in the same location the next month she decided to pick them for dinner again.

They consumed the mushrooms with rice and tuna, on May 15, but after they went to bed the mother and son both became ill.

Ms Del Rossi told Nicola the mushrooms were not good and she had been vomiting since 2am. He started to feel the effects about 6am, when he also started vomiting.

They called an ambulance, which took them to Angliss Hospital, with Nicola transferred to the Austin, however Ms Del Rossi’s condition quickly deteriorated.

Despite aggressive treatment, the 98-year-old woman said she was in significant pain and was transferred to palliative care, where she died on May 22.

Judge Cain found Ms Del Rossi died from multi-organ failure following amanita poisoning, the toxin found in death cap and yellow-staining mushrooms.

While Victoria’s health department had published an advisory on wild mushroom consumption, Ms Del Rossi’s death highlighted the need

for improved public messaging.

“I commend the Department of Health for publishing a health advisory regarding the consumption of wild mushrooms,” he said in a statement.

“However, I believe that additional public awareness is merited.”

He recommended the department do annual advertising each autumn, warning Victorians about the dangers of consuming wild mushrooms, in conjunction with the Victorian Poisons Information Centre.

Ms Del Rossi’s passing follows the deaths of

three people at Leongatha in 2023, after they allegedly consumed poisonous mushrooms in a beef wellington.

Erin Patterson has been charged with their murders but has pleaded not guilty and is set to face trial in April 2025.

A 98-year-old woman died from eating death cap mushrooms she picked outside her home. (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

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

NEWS Approved plan remitted

By Gabriella Vukman

During a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing on the 29 October, the planning proposal for a new retail business in Sassafras was remitted to council to be re-evaluated under the premise that the original plan contained “material mis-statement or concealment of fact.”

Maintaining that the construction of the new business would involve the use of a crane to lift a tramcar onto the site, the plan application outlined that permission had been obtained to park the crane on a neighbouring property.

The proposed construction was intended for the site at 383 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road.

Despite already approving these plans, Council asked to re-evaluate the planning application after neighbours claimed to have never consent-

ed to having a crane parked on their property.

The alternative installation method for the tramcar is via Mount Dandenong Tourist Road which would be significantly more expensive and difficult.

The remittal of these construction plans was supported by the applicant, who maintained that “the original plans were approved using Mr Shane’s property knowing by the Respondent that there was no permission granted.”

“The Respondent intended to amend the plans in the two weeks provided and has clearly backed out of that commitment. I was prepared to move forward in good faith that the Respondents plans would be amended as discussed in the Practice Day Hearing,” they said.

“I would now state that the failure of Yarra

Ranges Council to communicate the amendments materially impacted our ability to object to the amendments before the permit was granted and therefore the application was incorrectly granted and as a minimum should be remitted.”

The respondent, Dais Property Group was in strong opposition to this remittal.

“The temporary parking of a crane outside the site to place the tram car on the site, is a construction matter to be dealt with primarily by the Building Regulations 2018 (VIC) and does not require any amendment to the planning permit application or planning permit,” the respondent said.

“There is no reason to remit the permit application to the Responsible Authority under section 51(2) of the Victorian Civil and Administra-

tive Tribunal Act 1998 (Vic) and the respondent strongly opposes any remittal.”

The Yarra Ranges Council disagreed with the respondent, maintaining its concerns surrounding the impact of parking the crane on a main road.

Further, according to the council, the “Remittal of the application back to the Council provides the opportunity for the permit applicant to rectify inaccuracies in the application material. Should this not occur, the Council ‘reserves the right to seek cancellation of the permit on the basis that the permit application included a material misstatement or concealment of fact’.”

Ultimately, the remittal of the permit application to the responsible authority was decided by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

CFA responds to hazmat fire on Monbulk Road

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

In the early hours of Monday 28 October, the Kallista-The Patch CFA and Belgrave Fire Brigade were called to a fire involving a spray unit on a truck on Monbulk Road - firefighters quickly responded to bring the situation under control.

While they managed to extinguish the flames and save the truck, the heat caused a leak in the chemical tank, leading to a hazmat situation.

Kallista CFA captain Luke Maclean said they were on the scene for over six hours.

“At around 4.20 [Monday] morning, we were paged along with Belgrave to respond to a fire involving a motorised spray unit on Monbulk Road. When we arrived, the cabin area of the spray unit was fully engulfed in flames,” Mr Maclean said.

“We got there in time to stop the fire from spreading to the truck, but the spray tank had developed a leak.”

This caused a full hazmat response, involving crews from Fire Rescue Victoria’s Station 88 and several other units, along with CFA commanders, Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, and Melbourne Water, they also notified the EPA to ensure the safe handling of the chemicals involved.

Special thanks were given to the Forest Fire Management Victoria crews from Knoxfield for their assistance with a skid steer.

“Thankfully, there were no injuries, and the work was done safely, the truck operator was safe and very helpful during the incident,” the captain said.

The Sassafras-Ferny Creek Fire Brigade, CFA volunteer fire investigators, and the FRV/CFA scientific officer also attended to assist.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is not considered suspicious and is believed to have resulted from a malfunction in the machine.

“Our thoughts are with the business affected by the fire, and we thank the owner for their assistance on site,” Mr Maclean said.

“Both of our initial responding teams are fully volunteer, and we’re currently recruiting, we’re fully trained and equipped to handle hazmat incidents safely.”

If you’re interested in volunteering at your local CFA station, now is a great time to join, call Kallista CFA at (03) 9752 1189 or email them at kallistacfa@gmail.com.

AusNet community grant empowers Kallista CFA response

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

The Kallista Mechanics Hall and Kallista-The Patch CFA have secured a joint grant of $37,500 from AusNet under the ‘Energy Resilience Community Fund,’ this funding will significantly enhance their response capabilities during power outages.

The initiative was led by a firefighter and chairman of Kallista Mechanics HallChris Job, captain of Kallista-The Patch CFA Luke Maclean, and secretary of Kallista Village Inc. Miki Schwartzbord.

“AusNet has recognised the importance of power resilience in our communities and has made grants available for this purpose and we are thrilled to be recipients of that grant,” Mr Job said. Kallista-The Patch CFA needs reliable power to quickly open truck bay doors during emergency callouts, helping to reduce response times.

Currently, the doors must be opened manually, which slows down their operations.

“With this new setup, the doors will open automatically during emergencies,” he said.

The CFA also requires power for general sta-

tion operations and communication during extended outages.

“We now have the infrastructure for a generator that will help with both these needs,” he said.

At the moment, they rely on pagers and a phone app for communication, but once the power goes down after three to four hours, they

lose all connectivity, making it difficult for people to contact the station.

Mr Job said as an emergency service, it is vital that they stay connected, especially during emergency situations.

In addition to enhancing CFA operations, the Kallista Mechanics Hall, in partnership with Kal-

lista Village Inc., is working to establish an emergency hub for the local community during severe weather events.

This hub will provide a reliable power source for residents to recharge devices, stay warm or cool, and access important information during extended outages.

The grant will enable the installation of generators that automatically supply backup power, greatly improving emergency readiness in Kallista.

“This will improve our response times and add functionality to the hall as an emergency hub, which we currently don’t have, it’s a positive outcome for our community,” Mr Job said.

In the event of extended outages, the Kallista emergency hub can transform the hall into a dependable power source, allowing residents to recharge devices and access vital information.

“The AusNet grant is an amazing opportunity, and we are very grateful for the support - it ensures that we can respond effectively during emergencies and support our residents when they need it most,” he said.

L-R: Miki Schwartzbord (hall committee / Kallista Village Inc), Chris Job (chairman of hall committee + CFA), Karen Job (hall committee), Brownyn Taylor (CFA), Liam Brobst (CFA), Hadas (Kallista Village Inc), Steve Holland (CFA), Richard O’Brien (CFA), Ralph Ross (CFA), Caz Grove (CFA), Carla Van Alphen (CFA), Leo Van Alphen (CFA) and Jim Lawson (CFA). (Supplied)

Belgrave and Kallista-The Patch CFA crew spend over six hours at the scene. (Supplied)

The fire is not suspicious and is under investigation.

CFA volunteers were called out early in the morning to extinguish a fire on a truck on Monbulk Road.

Mixed bag of poll results

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.

Up against six other candidates in O’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

Report gets green light

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 iin 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 Recre-

ation 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/Corporatedocuments/Policies-strategies/Annual-report.

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.

The declaration will occur at least four hours after provisional results have been released.

Once the declaration has occurred, the results are final. 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)

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

Kate ‘pinches’ top honour

By Gabriella Vukman

“It’s not work.

They say you don’t work a day in your life if you do what you love… and that’s what I do.”

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of not-for-profit, Bayswater-based organisation ‘Pinchapoo’ Kate Austin has been through it all.

From fleeing home at 16 after a near death experience due to family violence to experiencing homelessness, appearing on Victoria’s 2024 honour roll for women was not something Kate even imagined was possible.

“It is such a crazy privilege. I haven’t wrapped my head around it yet!”

Registered on the honour roll under the category of ‘Change Agent,’ Kate has dedicated herself to address the issue of hygiene poverty in Australia through her organisation ‘Pinchapoo,’ - Australia’s number one not-for-profit hygiene provider.

Kate said: “Pinchapoo came about at a time in my life when I had to flee a domestic violence situation after nearly losing my life at the hands of my parents.

“The only thing that I could think to take with me was my toothbrush in the heat of the moment, which is not very practical if you think about all of the things you should have taken. But it was that real instinct of how important it is to be able to brush your teeth, think straight, feel fresh and take some steps forward stuck with me,” Kate said.

“I was 16 when it happened but I guess unconsciously, that is where ‘Pinchapoo’ started.”

Several years later, Kate was in the shower washing her hair with a shampoo that she

should be putting it up in lights.”

Featuring in Victoria’s 2024 honour roll came as a complete surprise for Kate.

“I just received a letter out of absolutely nowhere having no idea that we had even applied, or submitted an application for the award but to hear that I was on the honour roll is amazing because I watch those awards every year and look at the incredible work these women are doing in so many different spaces so to be able to have my name sit with theirs is pretty surreal,” Kate said.

“I think somebody must have nominated me for another award and ticked a box saying ‘do you want this application to go towards the women’s honour roll?’”

“It happened a couple of weeks before I had a really long-term trip to Italy planned so I had a couple of my volunteers represent me on the ceremony night so that was a really beautiful thing for them to be able to do as well.”

The ceremony was held at the arts centre in St Kilda and was attended by minister for women Natalie Hutchens.

“We work with so many Government institutions, it’s insane that we are not getting the funding to reflect our work in that space. We have a schools program, we supply to all the hospitals in Australia so taking on the Government is the next step,’ she said.

“I will be stepping into a real advocate role and will be knocking down doors and chaining myself to the front of Parliament House if I need to.”

Another of Kate’s achievements is converting 1000 tons of landfill into hygiene products.

“The sustainability aspect is a wonderful fallout of our work,” Kate said.

“The beauty and self-care industry hasn’t had an avenue to do anything purposeful with its waste so having us as someone they can reach out to is really great.”

had ‘pinched’ from a hotel when the idea for ‘Pinchapoo’ first came to her.

“I thought ‘what if I just got a few people I know who are travelling for work or for leisure to start pinching the hotel toiletries,’” Kate said.

“I knew they were included in the cost of accommodation so why not see if we can help a few people who are in situations that I have been in and that really helped me heal some mental health issues that I was having with PTSD.”

“It’s an epidemic that is not spoken about. “It is affecting as many as one in three Australians, so it is a pretty significant statistic to be ignoring. We

Starting off with just a few individuals and a warehouse in Bayswater, ‘Pinchapoo’ has grown to 2000 volunteers and operates in multiple states throughout Australia.

Despite operating ‘Pinchapoo’ for 15 years and providing hundreds of thousands of people with hygiene products each year, Kate insists that there is still “lots more to do.”

Kate said, “We are going to take on the Government in a very big way next year and I think this award has helped to open some of those doors which for me, is what is the best thing to come out of this.”

“Whether the item is close to expiry or we have changed the labelling, there might be a number of reasons why we might be able to rescue it and we scoop it up in very large quantities and it works because we have such a huge demand for our service. It’s just awesome to be able to save the environment but also put hygiene products into the hands of people who need it.”

With over a third of its worker base made of people with various disabilities, Pinchapoo is a holistic, culturally appropriate, gender inclusive personal hygiene solution for everyone in every situation of need.

For more information about how to donate or volunteer, visit the ‘Pinchapoo’ website at: https://www.pinchapoo.org.au/

FTG role model Gail, 77, gets prestigious senior award

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A Ferntree Gully resident was awarded the Healthy and Active Living Award at the 2024 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards at Government House on Thursday 24 October.

The Healthy and Active Living Award celebrates seniors in Victoria who contribute to their communities and serve as role models, the award is part of the annual Victorian Seniors Festival, which has been honouring the contributions of older Victorians for over 25 years.

Gail White, who is 77 this year, was recognised for her outstanding volunteering work, particularly as president of Family History Connections (FHC), where she has helped over 2000 people.

“I’ve always been involved in volunteering, even when my kids were little, I helped out at their school and did various things and when I worked as a librarian, I was in charge of the family history collection, but I didn’t know much about it - I thought, ‘I’d better learn how to help people with family research.’ That was about 35 years ago, and I’ve never looked back,” Ms White said.

(Supplied)

She’s been living in Ferntree Gully for almost ten years, before that, she spent 40 years in Boronia. After a 30-year career as a librarian in the Hills, she now dedicates her time to volunteering, where she teaches computer skills to her peers and encourages them to stay mentally active.

“As a librarian, my main goal has always been to help others. With family history research, I found I wanted to teach people how to

use different resources. It used to be all about microfiche and microfilm, but now it’s mostly online,” she said.

As president of the FHC for the past decade, she has collaborated with groups like Rotary and Probus, as well as the local library, to promote community engagement. Ms White was nominated by her two oldest and best friends, but she didn’t expect it to go any further than that.

“They presented 10 awards before mine, and I started to think, ‘Oh, I must be getting one of the bigger ones.’ I thought it might be the Healthy and Active Living Award,” she said.

“We were allowed to have 10 guests at the Government House, I invited close family and friends and it turned out to be a great day.”

This year’s theme for seniors was about keeping brains active, learning, and being part of communities, that fit perfectly with her involvement in the community. Ms White is also passionate about learning and has volunteered with several organisations, including Friends of the Boroondara Cemetery and Knox Gardens for Wildlife. She said the best part was reconnecting with people she hasn’t spoken to in many years. The prestigious Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year was given to the award-winning psychiatrist and family violence prevention advocate Professor Manjula Datta O’Connor for her tireless work in raising awareness about dowry abuse and family violence in Victoria. To read the profiles of each of the 2024 Victorian Senior of the year Awards recipients visit seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/awards.

Share Space charity founder Gayle is Knox Local Hero

By Gabriella Vukman

It started with a small box of disinfectant-slathered children’s books during the pandemic.

Two years and multiple bottles of sanitiser later, the charity Share Space has 62 volunteers and provides approximately $4,500 worth of free food to those in need each week.

Mother of four and founder of the charity Share Space Gayle Dye has been anointed a Knox Local Hero and is the recipient of a $20,000 grant towards her charity.

Receiving the award in early October, Gayle plans to put this money towards a van to aid with the charity’s deliveries.

Gayle said, “We do a lot of bulk pick-ups and we get a lot of pallets of stuff donated and we’ll be running backwards and forwards without cars So instead of doing ten trips, we can just do one.”

“Since February we have raised just over $19,000 so now we have $40,000 and I am going to go and appeal to all of the car yards for the last little bit.”

has been named as Knox’s Local Hero. (Supplied)

then one box very quickly became two and before we knew it, we had all these tubs at the front of the property near the garage.”

The Westfield community heroes program operates throughout Australia and New Zealand and operates to help organisations grow their impacts on local communities.

Each year three finalists go through to the communityvote.Thewinningfinalistreceivesa$20,000 grant while the others receive $5000 grants.

Gayle said, “I was a Westfield Local Hero finalist but I was not convinced that I was going to win, because the other two finalists do such amazing things for the community as well.”

With Saturday grocery hampers, smaller daily hampers, playgroup sessions, a community garden, art therapy and social meetups, Share Space’s food can be accessed 24/7 from the pickup spot located at 15 Goulburn Drive Rowville.

“We do emergency packs as well which are grocery packs that somebody will come and collect on a Saturday and we do approximately 30 to 35 family packs fortnightly too so we give them a whole thing of groceries, meat, a bag that’s got fresh fruit and vegetables.

“Our garage looks like a supermarket. I can’t really put the car in there now.”

The charity relies on grants and donations, with volunteers from the community its main staple.

“One day during Covid, a lady came up to me and asked me if I had any food. She said she was starving so my husband ran up to the shops and he bought some food to put in the box,” Gayle said.

“Then other people saw that there was food in there so they started dropping off food to contribute. We were getting books, food and toys and

Gayle founded Share Space during the pandemic in 2020 when she placed a box of children’s books outside her home for the community to collect from.

“I thought nobody was going to pick me but then I won and I felt so excited and shocked. This grant isn’t just because of me, it is also because of all of our volunteers. I am just so grateful that the community also believes in what I am doing.

“This grant has also put us smaller charities in the spotlight. I didn’t even know about the other finalist charities until now. The big charities all get their exposure but we don’t, so this is really great.”

Share Space caters to the whole of Knox and provides over 750 people with food relief monthly.

Gayle said the thing she loves the most about her community is that “Everybody bands together. We get a lot of support right throughout Knox, but the thing I love the most is how we all come together”.

“If somebody sees a need, our community just jumps on board and helps. It’s what I absolutely love.”

To request aid packages or supplies, email Share Space on info@sharespace.org.au.

Founder of charity Share Space Gayle Dye

Gail White invited 10 close family and friends to celebrate her big win at the Government House.

Founder of Australia’s largest non-for-profit Hygiene provider, Kate Austin featured in this year’s Victorian Honour Roll of Women. The award was received by the organisation’s volunteers on behalf of Kate.

A ‘piece of heaven’ on view

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, Monbulk’s stunning English garden, ‘The Nook,’ lovingly tended by Val Jackson and her late husband Don, will open its doors to the public for the 16th time on Saturday 16, and Sunday 17 November, from 10am to 4.30pm, with all proceeds supporting the Monbulk CFA.

‘The Nook’ located on 5 Tavistock Road, Monbulk, is not only a charming cottage and vibrant garden that invites visitors into a realm of beauty and serenity, but it also opens its doors to a community spirit of compassion, care, and support for the volunteers who dedicate their time to keeping our communities safe.

“The peace and tranquillity of the garden, created alongside Don, fill me with a sense of continuity even after his passing,” Val said.

“Carrying on this work has become my life, and without the garden, I don’t know where I would be, it allows me to communicate with him in spirit – it’s a loving and caring atmosphere that I cherish, as I truly enjoy caring for others.”

As the couple walked through the garden for the first time, the sunny atmosphere immediately captivated them – it revealed a perfect space for growing the plants they loved, all of which thrived in sunlight, and they fell in love with it right away and moved in just six weeks later – beginning the process of creating their very own dreamy English garden.

Initially, it featured mostly native plants and a few others that didn’t quite fit their style, so Val took on much of the rock work, which she truly enjoys to this day.

Val and her late husband Don moved to Monbulk in 2000, and began establishing the garden naming it ‘The Nook’.

He was not only a loving husband but also her mentor, inspiring her to open the garden in his memory in 2007, she continued their dream by inviting others to enjoy this special place.

The garden was featured on Gardening Australia, in November 2010.

The original cottage, built in the 1920s, once housed fruit pickers, but it has been lovingly refurbished to create the inviting home and garden you see today.

“This garden holds a special place in my heart, even after Don gone, we want to share this beauty and knowledge with others and our motto has always remained the same – to feel at peace and content in the surroundings,” she said.

Val said she has had a very happy and content life and loves her garden, which’s quite evident in its fragrances and vibrant colours, featuring azaleas, camellias, and other flowering shrubs that are especially striking in winter and spring.

“I have people who come to the garden just to sit and find some peace, especially if they’re feeling unwell or need a moment alone, I let them sit as long as they like without bothering them, and many have found it very healing,” she said.

“I haven’t faced any great challenges, I just take things one day at a time, Don and I used to do the same—we’d have a plan and go for it.”

Having worked in the garden for over 40 years, it all feels very natural for Val.

She said that in the early days after Don’s passing, it felt lonely, but he was always in her heart, so she didn’t find it taxing—she knew he would have loved all the extra plants and roses she was adding.

People often tell her she works very hard, but

for Val, it’s not work at all – it’s all about passion, and the therapy she receives from it is truly rewarding.

On the day of the opening, upon entering the garden, visitors are greeted by a trio of silver birches, a signature feature of Edna Walling, with whom Don, a contemporary horticulturist, shared a deep passion for gardening.

She’s hoping for sunny weather on the opening days because a garden like hers doesn’t handle heavy rain well, especially the roses, which can get weighed down.

“I will set up tea and coffee on a table with cushions for seating to allow visitors to sit wherever they like, I also have a visitor book and cards for sale featuring a painting of the garden from about 12 years ago,” she said,

Val’s next door neighbours Gill will be setting up a little canopy along with her husband, to sell their “Nature Inspired Art” and her other neighbour, Lorraine Forrester will be on the veranda selling special plants.

Strolling through the garden, visitors will find a variety of plants – to the right of the first picket gate are lovely fuchsias and blue rhododendrons – on the left, a herbaceous border showcases both well-known and rare perennials, and of course the gorgeous climbing roses like ‘Souvenir de Mme. Leonie Viennot’ add charm to the landscape.

Next, a beautiful clematis-covered arch leads to the Walnut Garden, where shade-loving plants thrive beneath towering walnut trees – many hellebores here were grown from seeds imported from the UK.

Continuing along the path, visitors will see a vibrant display of roses, including ‘Golden Showers’ and ‘Sally Holmes’, which fill the air with their sweet perfumes.

“I welcome everyone, and I hope they find a little piece of heaven here like Don and I did – and all for such a worthy cause,” she said.

Val Jackson and Poppy in their vibrant English garden. (Stewart Chambers: 440691)

‘The Nook’ was featured on Gardening Australia, November 2010. (440691)

The Nook was established in 2000, the year the couple moved in. (Stewart Chambers: 440691)

Val Jackson and her furry companion, Poppy, are excited to welcome visitors on the opening days. (440691)

The garden is wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps and flat seating areas, ensuring everyone, of all ages can enjoy its vibrant and aromatic beauty. (440691)

Walking along the garden, visitors will find a variety of plants and gorgeous flowers, all unique and scented. (Stewart Chambers: 440691)

Stories told of lives lived

By Tanya Steele

The Narre Warren and District Family History Group Inc. held their annual spring cemetery walk-through on Sunday 27 October.

Lovely weather and scenery combined with the previously untold tales of those lying at rest at the Emerald Cemetery gave all the attendees a local history dive into the lives of those buried onsite.

The Life and death in the hills: a walk in Emerald Cemetery tour explored the lives and history of 16 people buried in Emerald and their stories ranged from those of local figures and artists to the tragic stories of children who lived in the area.

President Jane Rivett-Carnac said the tour was really good and the group were pleased with the numbers.

“There were 60 adults, one child and one very large dog,” she said.

“We enjoyed the beautiful weather walking around the cemetery and we got really good feed-

back from the people.”

Disclosing the history of First Nations artist Ronald Bull, Academy award winner John Truscott, the Fleming family and more Ms Rivett-Carnac said each group that they took around on tour had had different perspectives the history they learned from their guides.

“It was a really positive day,” she said.

Attendees ranged from near and far, with local descendants of some of those buried at Emerald present on the day, several representatives from a number of historical societies, local councillor Ben Owen and General Manager at the Eastern Region of the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust Phillip Snow.

“There were people there from the Monbulk Historical Society, the Lang Lang Historical Society and the Gippsland Historical Society,” said Ms Rivett-Carnac.

“We had a really lovely cross-section of new visitors, people we’d not met before and we had Phyllis and Ted who have been to every one of our

cemetery walks,” she said.

The grounds at Emerald Cemetery are particularly stunning in spring and Ms Rivett-Carnac said that she credits the Friends of Emerald Cemetery group for work they put in on the grounds.

“They have done a great job, and it’s always clean and neat and tidy – it was one of those really beautiful sunny days where the cemetery just shone,” she said.

The Narre Warren and District Family History Group has been conducting historical walks in the City of Casey and the Shire of Cardinia for several years, focusing on both family and local history.

Initially starting their walks in Berwick and Haraway, the group has expanded to include other cemeteries, offering walks in Pakenham, Lang Lang, Bunyip, Cranbourne, the old community cemetery in Dandenong, and Berwick.

This marks their first visit to the Emerald site, and Ms Rivett-Carnac said that the only cemetery they have yet to explore is in Gembrook.

The group always assemble a book based on

the detailed research they do for their annual tours and Ms Rivett-Carnac said they do have a book for this most recent walk.

“This is available from our website if people want to know more about the people we spoke of at Emerald, or from any of the other walks that we’ve done in other cemeteries,” she said.

The group have turned towards planning for next year’s spring cemetery walk and Ms RivettCarnac said potentially, they might go back to Pakenham.

“The only cemetery we haven’t been to in the Casey-Cardinia region is Gembrook, so that’s on our radar,” she said.

“Overall, it was all very positive and very enjoyable, and now it’s over, we have to start thinking about next year,” she said.

More information about the Narre Warren and District Family History Group Inc. can be found at: https://nwfhg.org.au/

Cemetery tour member Fay speaking at the grave of Clare Wositzky who was co-founder of Amnesty International Australia. (Supplied)

One of the groups standing at the graves of John Truscott and Sheila Scotter, the two people on the left are Philip Snow General Manager Eastern Region Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust and in front of him is Cr Brett Owen. (Supplied)

Fantastic, no plastic, party

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

The Philanthropic Collective hosted ‘Halloween on the Green,’ the Hills’ favourite event on Sunday 27 October.

Families flocked to Ferny Creek Reserve, where they enjoyed a fantastic lineup of live entertainment, carnival rides, and a variety of food options, all while soaking up the sunshine and festive spirit.

In a commitment to sustainability, the event was plastic-free, with over 3000 dishes washed and more than 4000 attendees donning Halloween costumes.

New sponsor Optus joined returning supporters like Le Pine Funerals and local businesses, elevating the event to new heights.

Event director Andrew Fillip-Gautier said ‘Halloween on the Green’ is a celebration of community spirit.

“Our goal is to create a family-friendly festival where no child or family is left behind due to fi-

nancial constraints,” he said.

To minimise their carbon footprint, the event opted for rice husk plates, bowls, and drinking vessels provided to all food vendors, community groups, and schools.

These items were then collected and washed for reuse by dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the day.

However, approximately four percent of the rice husk crockery went missing, which the organiser must replace at a cost.

“We invite the community to return any items that may have been inadvertently taken,” Mr Fillip-Gautier said.

“Our no-questions-asked return amnesty will be held at Olinda Hall, located at 69-72 OlindaMonbulk Rd, over the next two weeks on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to 10.30am.”

Alternatively, items can be returned by contacting andrew@philanthropic.org.au to arrange a return.

A sprinkle of fairy dust delivers locals a little free library

By Tanya Steele

As is by magic a little free library has popped up recently in The Patch, giving readers young and old a new and lovely local spot to pick up a book.

Situated along the main road in the Patch, near the established fairy garden a beautifully painted little free library appeared in early October - much to the delight of residents.

Jasmin van der Werf from The Patch Cafe said she has seen many people using the new little library and residents have come into the store to proudly show off their books.

“The fairies have created and brought in this little community library that’s so cute,” she said.

“We’ve had a fairy garden opposite The Patch for probably about a year now and recently, we noticed some posts up in the grass on the embankment and thought - what’s going on there?”

Ms van der Werf said the little free library has been decorated with well-known book characters by Dr Seuss along with the ever popular Hungry Caterpillar.

“There are little mushroom chairs that you can sit on, so you can sit there and read your book if you want to,” she said.

The little free library is a free community project established by some very talented local

magic makers and all are welcome to use it.

“The idea is you bring a book like to leave behind, and then you get to take a book home as well – so it’s like a community library,” said Ms van der Werf.

The day was packed with fun for every family member.

We’re dying to have some fun. (Supplied)

Let’s get this party startled.

Ferny Creek Reserve was alive with an array of spooky costumes.

Everyone seemed to having a fang-tastic time at HOTGs.

The band ‘crept’ it real.

Locals Carolyn Gainger and Jess Burgmann with Corin Sidell from The Patch Store. (Stewart Chambers: 440858)

Jasmin van der Werf and Morgan Doe from The Patch Store grab their next read from the library. (440858)

Spooky spring spectacle

By Tanya Steele

Ghouls, goblins and witches hit the main streets across the Yarra Ranges and then began roaming the hills on the hunt for lollies - Star Mail journalist Tanya Steele succumbed to the fun (with no prompting required) and went out with her family on All Hallow’s Eve.

Belly dancing witches, spooky haunted fire stations and more saw this Halloween celebrated with gusto as enthusiasts got dressed to impress and hit the hills on 31 October for the southern hemisphere version of Halloween in Australia and personally, I am here for it.

Firmly in camp yes please, I have enjoyed Halloween for many a year. Having lived overseas in America for a span, I absolutely do not mind a bit of fun for the sake of it. I am curious to see how it will evolve over time, in our country in particular it is more of a Spring’O’Ween after all.

From Cockatoo to Belgrave, Lilydale and across to Upper Ferntree Gully, Halloween celebrations kicked off in the mid-afternoon and families wandered the streets with little ones, while older kids branched out in lolly hunting hordes.

This year many streets prepared well ahead of time, posting to social media about where to trick or treat in the Dandenongs. Some lovely good samaritans got in the spirit and donated lollies to give away on the more popular streets, a lovely way to collaborate and share the cost of the tasty treats. One family in Upper Ferntree Gully had a lolly bucket in a wagon and gave out treats as they visited the dressed up houses.

The weather delivered spots of balmy sunshine with a few spots of cloud cover that could almost be considered spooky in the later afternoon. Happy laughter and exclamations saw people spotting costumes from a distance.

Halloween can be what you make it and regardless of the many opinions that emerge over the concept in our sunburnt country, the chance to have a big ranging walk, dress up to be a bit silly and chat to the neighbours can’t be sniffed at.

It is much fun. If I didn’t live on a giant hill I would try to up my decorating game for sure. But checking out the decorated houses is part of the joy. Now excuse me while I go investigate the contents of my child’s treat bucket.

Fire and frights from CFA

By Tanya Steele

A haunted house with a twist saw volunteer firefighters transform into zombies and roam the halls of their fire station this Halloween, much to the delight of the hills community.

Monbulk CFA volunteers transformed their fire station into a Haunted Station for Halloween this year in a first for the volunteer community group.

Monbulk CFA Captain Glenn Hickingbotham said it was amazing.

“We were just blown away with a response, I’d estimate we had up to 600 people through the station,” he said.

With ghouls hanging from the ceiling, blacked-out windows in the rescue bay, a smoke machine and some willing CFA dressed to impress - the free family event saw huge engagement from the community.

‘We also held a free barbeque, which the parents appreciated,” said Mr Hickingbotham.

With treats, scares and more the community got to get up close to a real working fire station and engage with their local volunteers in a fun way.

“They had chats with us, we had our trucks open so we could show them a bit for those interested,” said Mr Hickingbotham.

“Kids were getting up on the back of our tanker, on the back of our fire truck, and we helped kids up and down from there, so they could get on the back and have a photo,” he said.

“It was great, a great way to engage – some of the community didn’t know we were here.”

The Monbulk CFA had held a smaller Halloween event in 2023 but Mr Hickingbotham this year they decided to step it up.

“We thought, let’s do more, and let’s really engage with our community and make it fun. And we had fun,” he said.

CFA volunteer Nicholle Gathercole was largely behind the movement to hold the haunted CFA event this year.

“She loves Halloween - this year she got a budget and got a whole lot more decorations,” said Mr Hickingbotham.

Along with other members of the brigade including Karen and Susan, the volunteers transformed the fire station and Mr Hickingbotham said they had probably 10 members up in the afternoon getting it all set up and prepared.

“There were a number of us around, either dressed up and in the haunted room or doing this barbecue and talking with people coming through,” he said.

Plans for next year are already in full swing and Mr Hickingbotham said they want to change the themes and activities for the kids to keep the fun levels and interest up.

“It was a good thing, we thought – let’s just have fun,” he said.

“For the CFA, we tapped into that Halloween fun and we see this as a great way to engage and we had so many people coming through our station.”

“We are wrapped and really, really happy –everyone after was buzzing, and we’re just so stoked with the response. “

CFA Monbulk are actively recruiting and Mr Hickingbotham said they are always looking for new members.

“We always want to get more members on board,” he said.

Firefighter Damien Kent. (Stewart Chambers 440890)

Captain Glenn Hickingbotham, Damien Kent, Nicholle Gathercole and John Leigh.(Stewart Chambers 440890)

Jess, Sarah, Kim and Sofia from The Patch Primary School with Rinny from The Patch Store as a pumpkin. (Stewart Chambers: 441027)

This family handed out treats as they went. (Tanya Steele: 441160)

Dom gets some treats at Lilydale. (Stewart Chambers: 441027)

A Coraline and Wybie in Upper Ferntree Gully. (Tanya Steele: 441160)

Visiting houses in Cockatoo. (Supplied)

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)

Amandine queen of the kids

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

An Upper Ferntree Gully resident has made a name for herself in the Dandenong Ranges with her love for writing and illustrating children’s books.

On Tuesday 29 October, Belgrave Library was buzzing with excitement as the French awardwinning author and illustrator, Amandine Thomas introduced her newly co-illustrated book, ‘Taronga: Big Book of Animals,’ to students from Tecoma Primary School.

‘Taronga Big Book of Animals’ was written by the Taronga Conservation Society Australia and illustrated by Amandine Thomas, Raquel Martin, Blithe Fielden, and Simone Fumagalli.

At the event, she shared the original sketches and watercolour paintings that are part of the book that came out on the day.

The students had plenty of questions for her, and shortly after, the children’s librarian, Chris gave the kids a tour of the library.

Ms Thomas has turned her love for storytelling into a successful career, delighting young readers with her charming tales and vibrant artwork.

“It was my first-time meeting some of my young readers locally, and it was such a lovely experience,” she said.

“I introduced them to my latest book, the ‘Taronga Big Book of Animals,’ it was exciting to see their fresh reactions on launch day – I spoke to a class of Grade 1 and 2 students about how the book was created.”

The TCS gathered over 200 facts about animals from around the world and discussed topics like conservation and endangered species, this fitted well with Ms Thomas’s work, as she often writes about these topics.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for me to be involved, the Society took care of all the content, while I worked with three other illustrators to create the pictures, becoming part of a small creative team,” she said.

At just four years old the-now author and illustrator told her family she wanted to be a children’s book illustrator, and since then, she has been creating stories and art that spark joy and curiosity for the young minds.

Ms Thomas’s work focuses on themes like the environment and connections with others and her reverberating watercolour illustrations have appeared in many children’s books and magazines both here and overseas.

“My first book was published in 2013, originally written in French called ‘Nobody’s Cat’ which told the story of a tomcat who thinks he’s taming a little girl, but she’s actually taming him,” she said.

“Moving to Australia opened my eyes to the amazing wildlife and nature here, which I didn’t experience growing up in Europe and this deepened my passion for protecting the environment.”

“Since around 2018, I’ve focused on these themes in my writing and love sharing them with children.”

Luka’s bond with subject Greg shines through

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A 17-year-old Cockatoo resident has won the inaugural Reilly Art Prize on Sunday 27 October at an exhibition held at Lifeview Willow Wood.

This unique intergenerational art program paired secondary students from Years 10 to 12 with residents of Lifeview aged care facilities to create special portraits.

This year, 11 students entered the competition, and the artwork from all participants was truly impressive, showcasing the creativity and talent of young artists in the Hills community. However, there could only be one winner, Luka Kill from Emerald Secondary College took that spotlight.

Among the entrants were also three students from Monbulk College.

The Year 11 student received a $5000 prize from Lifeview for her fantastic portrait of Doug, an aged care resident at Lifeview Emerald Glades.

“It has been a whirlwind, I was completely shocked, but I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to build a relationship with Doug, meeting his family, including his children and grandchildren, during the exhibition was truly a highlight,” she said. “This initiative is really wonderful, and the interest it has generated has been overwhelming – I’m still wrapping my head around it all.”

She painted a black and white portrait of Doug while he played his beloved drum kit.

“I’ve been interested in art since I was little. Art and music have surrounded me my whole life – my mum is an art teacher and artist, while my dad is not only a bass player but also an instrument maker,” Luka said.

The students were paired with aged care residents by sharing their name, age, interests, and three fun facts – however, the pairing of Luka and Doug came with a funny story.

“Since my name is unisex and I’m a drum-

Doug and Luka quickly formed a strong bond through their shared passion for music and instruments. (Supplied)

mer, they assumed I was a boy, after having a laugh about it, Doug and I really connected and built a friendship over our shared love of playing drums and other instruments, like the ukulele,” Luka said.

“Doug has a quick wit and a great sense of humour that can make anyone laugh, he shares a strong bond with his wife and family, which was evident when I met them all at the exhibition. He always took the time to connect with me, eager to share stories and his love of music.”

The aged care resident loves sharing his music with fellow residents during Friday Happy Hours. Interestingly, Luka is also a drummer, which created an instant connection between them.

So far, the 36-year-old has written and illustrated six books primarily in French, including ‘Les Aventuriers du Jardin’ (The Garden’s Adventurers), ‘Imagine ta Planète... en 2030 (Imagine Your Planet... in 2030), ‘Forêts et Comment les Preserver’ (Forests and How to Preserve Them), ‘Oceans et Comment les Sauver’ (Oceans and How to Save Them), ‘Le chat qui n’etait à personne’ (Nobody’s Cat), and ‘Belle’Ville’ (Pretty City).

There are five other books that include her illustrations, such as ‘Taronga Big Book of Animals,’ which was launched last week, as well as ‘The Sea in Me,’ ‘Poetic Portraits Anthology,’ ‘Les Émotions des Animaux’ (Animals’ Emotions), and ‘L’incroyable intelligence des animaux’ (The Incredible Intelligence of Animals).

Her books have been translated into Spanish, Korean, Russian, and Chinese, but they have yet to be translated into English, she is working hard to make it happen.

She is currently working on two books that are

set to be released in August 2025.

In December and January, she plans to start on two more books, which will come out in late 2025 or early 2026.

The author and illustrator said working on a book can feel isolating, often taking up to a year without much direct feedback.

“I love teaching kids, I create my stories for them, and meeting them is always a highlight, I enjoy discussing what they liked and their favourite moments, as it gives me valuable feedback,” she said.

“I was also lucky to receive some awards in France for my French books, which offered great recognition from adults.”

She is a full-time author and illustrator, but since her last book was released in 2023, she has spent more time illustrating other people’s books rather than writing.

Apart from writing and illustrating books, Ms Thomas is a mother of one, and her passion for reading and painting has inspired her daughter, who also loves to read and paint.

“It’s lovely to share this with her, she likes painting with my art supplies and even makes little books, it feels like she’s on the same path— she’s pretty much a mini me,” she said.

With her passion for storytelling, Ms Thomas continues to inspire young readers with her unique approach to literature and art.

3MDR celebrates smashing its radiothon target figure

By Tanya Steele

Community generosity has seen local radio station3MDRexceeditsfundraisingtargetof$20,000 during the ‘But wait, there’s more’ themed radiothon for 2024.

Putting their money where their ears are through the last of September and early October the community has shown up for the volunteers at Mountain District Radio which broadcasts from Ferntree Gully to Emerald and Silvan to Berwick 24 hours a day.

As the station heads towards its 40th year in broadcasting, station manager Nat Grant said the station is thrilled with the support.

“We set a $20,000 goal – we raised $23,420,” they said.

Radiothon is an annual and educated fourweek fundraising campaign for the station and Grant said while it is about money, it is also about keeping the station on the air for another 12 months.

“It is about raising awareness that it does cost a lot to put on, to do what we do,” they said.

Grant said the month-long drive also has a celebratory feel to it.

“It’s a lovely morale-boosting, celebratory kind of opportunity as well,” they said.

The 3MDR team ran two main gigs this year, they did a live broadcast from the Upwey-Belgrave RSL on 21 September and a wrap-up celebration on 11 October at the Sooki Lounge in Belgrave.

The RSL live broadcast featured presenter Ron King’s show - An Acoustic Companion, which saw a bevy of local bands present live acoustic music.

“It was really, really, lovely,” said Grant.

The Sooki Lounge Gig had a great turnout and eight bands and three DJs entertained the crowds, which saw over 200 people through the door in support of the station.

Grant said the fundraising drive had a twopronged approach this year, with the theme ‘But wait, there’s more’ allowing the volunteer presenters to talk to their audience and connect, while also communicating to them what the ra-

and

dio station was doing for them. Volunteer and presenter John Weeks said that from 3MDR he has been able to develop a set of skills that has changed his life. “It’s become a lifestyle full of creativity, inventiveness and confidence in effective communication with the outside world,” he said.

“For artists and musicians, we play their music, we have them in, we record them live, we put them to air, we promote their gigs for community groups, we go to their markets and we lend them our equipment,” Grant said.

Illustrator Amandine Thomas with Tecoma Primary School Student Alice Dutton. (Supplied)

Amandine Thomas’s co-illustrated book features over 200 animals.

New presenter

volunteer Tina began broadcasting during radiothon with her show You Never Can Tell.

Malcura perform at the Sooki Lounge. (Supplied)

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Addressing misconceptions

Osteoarthritis is a major cause of chronic pain, disability 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

Croxford of Form & Practice. (File)

Ben

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.”

AT TARRAWARRA

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.

REMEMBRANCE DAY Youth lead commemoration

As the autumn leaves turn in the Tim Neville Arboretum, Knox prepares to mark a solemn milestone – the 106th anniversary of the end of World War I.

This year’s Remembrance Day ceremony, set for Sunday 10 November, carries special significance as it showcases the next generation’s commitment to preserving the memory of those who served.

Unlike traditional ceremonies across Australia, Knox’s commemoration stands apart through its unique approach: local primary and secondary school students take center stage in conducting nearly all aspects of the service. From delivering readings to laying wreaths and managing the flag ceremonies, these young citizens demonstrate that remembrance transcends generations.

“The involvement of our youth ensures that the sacrifice of those who served will never be forgotten,” said Boronia RSL President Rod Canobie.

“Seeing students participate with such reverence and understanding gives us hope that the importance of Remembrance Day will continue to resonate with future generations.”

The ceremony will commence at 10.55 am at the Knox War Memorial, preceded by a march beginning at the Francis Street rotunda in Ferntree Gully. Veterans and family members are encouraged to wear their service medals or those of their relatives who served, creating a visible link between past and present.

Originally known as Armistice Day, Remembrance Day marks the historic moment when silence fell across the battlefields of World War I. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns finally fell silent after four years of devastating conflict. The war’s scale was unprecedented – mobilizing over 70 million people worldwide and claiming between 9 and 13 million lives, many of whom still lie in unmarked graves.

The tradition of observing one minute’s silence began on the first anniversary of the armistice in 1919, a practice that continues to hold deep meaning today. Following World War II, the observance was renamed Remembrance Day to honor all those who have served, fallen, or been affected by military service across all conflicts.

A school choir will provide musical accompaniment to the ceremony, their young voices carrying the weight of history through traditional songs of remembrance. The symbolic raising and lowering of flags, performed by students under

Boronia RSL

Remembrance Day Service

careful guidance, serves as a powerful reminder of the protocol and respect that underpin military tradition.

Community participation remains a crucial element of the ceremony, with organizers inviting all residents to join in this act of remembrance. Provisions will be made for attendees to lay poppies at the memorial, continuing the tradition of the red flower that bloomed across the battlefields of France and Belgium.

As we gather to remember the cost of war and the price of peace, Knox’s ceremony demon-

strates that remembrance is not just about looking back – it’s about ensuring future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices that have shaped our nation. The participation of our local students ensures that the promise ‘We will remember them ‘continues to echo through time, carried forward by young voices who understand its profound importance.

Residents wishing to participate in the march should arrive at the rotunda no later than 10.45 am. All community members are welcome to attend this moving tribute to service and sacrifice.

Join Boronia RSL for an early Remembrance Day service on Sunday 10 November. (File)

REMEMBRANCE DAY

As old as they come in Vic

Belgrave RSL was one of the very first RSLs in Victoria, commencing in 1917 just before World War I ended.

The Belgrave Memorial (RSL) Hall was destroyed by fire in June 1957 with the amalgamation of Belgrave, Tecoma and Upwey occurring in 1974.

Originally, there were two premises used for the RSL Services at different times, and both were located at or near the Cameo Cinema, Belgrave.

Now known as the Upwey-Belgrave RSL and Running Rabbits Military Museum operating in Upwey on Mast Gully Road, Upwey and services our communities throughout the local and surrounding region.

Upwey Belgrave RSL is a traditional, nongaming Sub-Branch, nestled in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges.

We are committed to providing vital resources and services that support and enhance the social and physical wellbeing of our Veterans and the Community.

Our outreach to Veterans and their families is

predominantly enabled through fundraising activities, events and the commitment of our dedicated volunteers.

What do we do? Have you heard of our very Special Poppies Bistro? A must-visit with family and friends for special occasions, or just an outing. Open Wednesday through Saturday for dinner, or lunch on Saturday or Sunday. Our special catering outreach extends to Functions and Events of all sizes and celebrations. A warm and welcoming environment beckons.

We offer a wonderful variety of entertainment, including music from the best of local talent to special shows and celebratory days on everybody’s calendar. Why not dinner and a show? Or simply, a pleasant afternoon or evening to wind down.

Everybody is welcome to join, and membership categories cater from Veterans through to social members. As we remember with pride and gratitude on this Remembrance Day, we also draw our local community to support our RSL Club to continue our vital outreach.

Volunteer James from the RSL Running Rabbits Military Museym. (Stewart Chambers 393561)

Join Upwey-Belgrave RSL for Remembrance Day. (Supplied)

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 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)

IMMACULATE CHARACTER HOME WITH SCENIC SURROUNDINGS

IMMACULATE 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.

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.

HOME ESSENTIALS

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

HOME FOCUS

WELCOME TO ‘WARLEY’ – THE PERFECT BNB OR MULTIGENERATIONAL LIVING OPPORTUNITY

THIS stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick home in Gembrook sits on an expansive 34.6acre property backing onto the William Wallace Creek and the Bunyip State Park. Coming complete with a lake, expansive gardens and 3 self-contained cottages with undercover parking, making it perfect for a BnB, weekend retreat or multigenerational living.

As you enter the main home a spacious, carpeted formal entry, leads to 2 separate living areas. The central living area features exposed brick walls, amazing floor to ceiling windows with electric external shutters, exposed beams, and soaring ceilings, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The second, formal living space is more intimate and features a toasty wood fire.

The kitchen and dining area with abundant bench space, 900mm Falcon oven, and second woodfire offers access to a convenient mudroom which has easy access from the double lock up garage. Down the hallway on ground level, there is a central bathroom with separate toilet, and functional laundry for convenience.

Ascending the grand staircase, the second level showcases timber flooring throughout and 3 spacious bedrooms, each with walk in wardrobes and windows allowing natural light to flood in. Add to this a central family bathroom,

with claw foot bath, and separate toilet for family living, and a study/office/library area overlooking the living area below.

Being located within 4 kilometres of the township Gembrook, Puffing Billy Station, Restaurants and shops along with nearby wedding venues ensured it was once a successful Bed and Breakfast.

The BnB 3 cottages on the property are fully self-contained complete with kitchens, laundry facilities, wood fires, split systems, verandahs and each has its own carport and view over the lake. Hawthorn Cottage and Beech Cottage each have 1 bedroom with Beech also including a spa while The Cottage features 2 bedrooms and also a relaxing spa.

Adjacent to the cottages there is a second garage/storeroom/workshop and a double carport and is located out of the sight of the primary residence to ensure privacy for all.

Outside you will enter via the winding sealed drive as the property opens to this natural oasis of rolling lawns and native bushland.

There is 6 x 6 machinery shed tucked away out of site and plenty of clear land for the horse or hobby farm.

This unique and immaculate acreage property is truly one of a kind and offers an abundance of opportunity.

Call to arrange a private inspection today.

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

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 to day.

• 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.

Eyes are on the racetrack

By Maria Millers

Racing is a dangerous and sometimes lethal pursuit, largely for the animal and the grossly underfed human sitting on its back.

With the Spring Racing Carnival in full swing this week horses are the stars.

These magnificent, powerful creatures have captivated people’s imaginations for centuries, from myths and legends they have left a significant mark in various contexts: warfare to literature culture and sport.

Sowhentheseanimalsshowupinourdreams, they carry deep symbolic meaning that often represents raw instincts, sexual energy, inner power, or a need for freedom and escape.

In the realm of dreams, they come, Horses with manes like waves of silver moonlight, Hooves that scatter stardust, tails that sweep the night.

They carry us beyond the bounds of reality, Into worlds unseen, unexplored, unknown.

Mystic Companions by Dan Higgins

The relationship between horses and people is rich, deep, and ancient.

Think Bucephelus Alexander the Great’s beloved steed or Seabiscuit, the American thoroughbred of unimpressive lineage that during the Depression brought hope to millions happy to see an underdog succeeding. And similarly, our own Phar Lap was a source of pride for struggling Australians. Nor to be forgotten is the bravery and loyalty of horses on the front lines providing companionship and strength to soldiers in past wars.

Horses have also played a major role in transport, food production and industry.

Whether pulling the ploughs in the fields or working as pit ponies in mines.

Not that very long ago milk was still delivered in some areas by a horse drawn vehicle.

In The Man from Snowy River, Banjo Paterson

Trades & Services

WOORILLA WORDS

illustrates the bond that existed between Australians and their horses, portraying horses as more than just animals; they are loyal partners and trusted companions in a challenging environment.

So he went; they found him later, at the bottom of the hill,

In a clump of trees and scrub, all gaping wide; And the man from Snowy River never haggled at a hill —

For his horse could climb a mountain that an alpine goat would shirk,

And he counted on his horse, his friend, his only hope and work.”

This Week as the Spring Racing Carnival unfolds reaching its peak with the Melbourne Cup there are mixed feelings abroad.

Victorians are undoubtedly happy to enjoy a holiday, but not all see this event in a positive light.

The increasing commercialization of the event and the expanding international influence has in many minds make it appear as detached from the roots of Australian culture.

But for government and business the Melbourne Cup generates more economic benefit than any other sporting event in Australia.

Still the groundswell of critics is growing Foremost is concern for the welfare

of the animals.

Those in the industry will argue that race horses are the most pampered animals cared for by teams of, grooms, farriers, nutritionists, veterinarians, behaviourists and physiotherapists to make sure they are in peak health and condition.

Many like Australian philosopher and animal rights advocate Peter Singer argue that horse racing is ethically unjustifiable as horses are often subjected to significant injury and suffering primarily for human entertainment and profit.

There is the selective breeding and discarding of those that early show a lack of racing potential.

And then there’s the practice of overtraining young horses often leading to injuries making them no longer profitable for racing.

This raises disturbing questions as to what happens to them?

Some are ’rehomed’ with families, farms or charities but the ugly fact remains that slaughter of thoroughbreds is legal in Australia and that is the fate of many.

For many the use of the whip is unacceptable.

There are now restrictions on the use of the whip but it still allows the jockey to inflict pain when the guidelines only stipulate that the whip be used in a way that is humane and to avoid sensitive parts.

And horse injuries and deaths still occur.

It’s worthwhile to remind those who justify extreme training and racing by believing that horses like their human counterparts are elite athletes and therefore happy to undergo rigours of training etc.

The difference is that the human athlete made a choice to become one, whereas the horse was not given that choice.

The horse is, like man, the most beautiful and most miserable of creatures, only, in the case of

man, it is vice or property that makes him ugly.

He is responsible for his own decadence, while the horse is only a slave. Rosa Bonheur, The Horse

The economic boost of the Cup spans numerous sectors, including retail, hospitality, and tourism.

It seems more and more that this is an event about corporate branding with so called celebrities, influencers and affluent socialites promoting outfits ranging from the extreme to the bizarre and dining and wining in magnificent marquees while the general public is confined to lawn areas and General Admission Stands.

Often the traditional elegance of the past has given away to unfortunate fashion choices, excessive drinking and questionable behaviours.

Overall, while the Melbourne Cup is a celebrated event bringing people together, the social divisions are evident in the way attendees engage with the event, their attire, and the areas allocated.

While many participants and businesses involved in the Melbourne Cup profit, the racing clubs, sponsors, and betting agencies often see the most significant financial gains overall.

Overall, while the Cup might not consistently lead to the same high-frequency losses that everyday gambling venues do, it still represents a substantial risk for those susceptible to gambling harm, especially given the heightened media coverage and huge focus on the race.

For those who look forward to the Cup as their one flutter for the year, I wish you all the best of luck.

But be mindful that behind the glitter and glam there is the reality and spare a thought for the horses.

The Woorilla Poetry Prize Event will be held at 2pm on 17 November at the Hills Hub. Delightful afternoon of performances, music and great food.

•Meet

•

•

•

•

•Ability

and as part of a team.

•Previous sales or customer service experience is a plus, but not required.

How to Apply

If

Tigers outslug the Giants

By Sean Talbot

On a day that was terrific for hitters and rough for pitchers, the Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers did enough to outlast the Werribee Giants and a former premiership teammate Saturday in Wyndham Vale,

After making their way down the freeway and to Presidents Park, the Tigers were greeted by a familiar face in their former teammate and 2022/23 premiership player Wes de Jong who was looking to guide his side past the visitors as he squared off with Tigers ace Jarrod Turner.

The Tigers opened their scoring in the first inning as Harvey Chinn came all the way around from first to score on a Josh Hendricks double after being drilled by a pitch. The Giants answered right back in the bottom half of the inning, as clean-up hitter Wade Balzer left the yard for a two-out, two-run home run.

While the Tigers were unable to score in the second or third, the Giants padded their lead in the bottom of the third on an Addison Bishop-Worn single, scoring Joseph Jaco.

The Tigers blew the game wide open in the top of the fourth inning, as three walks, one HBP, five hits, a sacrifice bunt, a fielder’s choice and a home run to Chinn saw Upwey score 7 to take an 8-3 lead and chase de Jong from the game. Not to be outdone, the Giants scored five of their own in the bottom half of the inning as Turner temporarily struggled with his command and capitalised with well timed base hits to tie the game 8-8 and end Turner’s day, with Donavon Hendricks calling on Ryder Wilson in relief.

The Tigers re-took the lead in the fifth as Jack Ratcliffe lifted a sacrifice fly ball to score Nick Rice, making the score 9-8. Wilson worked a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom half before Upwey scored four more times in the top of the sixth to take a 13-8 lead, highlighted by doubles to Jayden Christie-Dossetter and Ratcliffe before Wilson again kept the hosts scoreless.

After a scoreless seventh for both sides and a scoreless eighth for Upwey, the Giants came roaring back, scoring three runs on a Jaco home run to peg the lead back to 13-11, however Wilson and closer Staci Rogers were able to prevent any further runs scoring, securing the win for Upwey and a perfect 5-0 record on the season.

Ratcliffe (two hits, five RBI), Chinn (two hits, three RBI), Josh Hendricks (three hits, one RBI) and Donavon Hendricks (two hits, one RBI) were the pick of the Tigers hitters, whilst Turner, Wilson and Rogers covered the nine innings played, showing solid bullpen depth in very encouraging signs as the season works towards the start of midweek games.

The Tigers will play host to last year’s premiers Waverley on Sunday at Kings Park in a game both teams will be wanting to win in the latest chapter of the storied rivalry between the two clubs.

Taking the field for the early game with the wind howling, the Seconds made their eight team hits count for maximum return, taking advantage of ten walks and two HBP’s from the Werribee pitching staff and eight errors from the defence to easily run away winners 16-3 in an rough showing from the home side, punctuated by Upwey scoring four, four, five and three in the first four innings played. Looking to firmly keep pressure on their hosts, the Tigers were put in motion by coach Ben Thorn all day, stealing 11 bases as a team, led by Stuart Milz (four) and Ryder Wilson (three). The visitors received production up and down the order, with every starter reaching base via a base hit or walk at least once each, led by cleanup hitter MC Cameron (two hits, one RBI), assistant coach Michael Oxworth (one hit, two RBI) and Shaun Irvine (two hits, two RBI).

While starter Sean Meldrum (three innings) and reliever Dan Smith (one inning) were not at their best on the day, they were more than enough for the Werribee hitters, keeping the Giants off base and giving the Tigers plenty of chances to keep piling it on before closer Pat Gawith worked a no-nonsense, scoreless last inning to secure to lopsided win, one the Giants will be keep to quickly move on from. The win sees the Seconds also run their record to a perfect 5-0 and maintain top spot on the ladder as they host 5th placed Waverley next weekend.

Hosting the visiting Mornington Pirates, the Thirds got a brilliant start from pitcher Harry Snoxell, who firmly applied the clamps to the visitors over 6 1/3 terrific innings en route to a hard fought 6-1 win. With both team scoreless through three full innings, the Pirates struck first in the top of the fourth to take a 1-0 lead before the Tigers broke through for four runs on the back of patient, team-oriented hitting in an inning that saw two walks, four hits, a sacrifice bunt and a stolen base. With all the run support he would need for the game, Snoxell continued to tighten the screws on the visitors before coach Tarquin Booth called on Steve Johnson to record the final two outs of the game.

Johnson was the pick of the Tigers hitters on the day, collecting three hits and three RBI in a terrific day from the two-hole, while Snoxell was brilliant on the mound in the win. The win sees the team also maintain a perfect 5-0 record as they hold top spot

on the ladder, looking forward to next week which will see them on the road to Sandringham.

Themselves hosting Mornington on Sunday, the Fourths scored early, often and regularly on their

way to a blowout 20-10 win at Kings Park. In a game that saw 30 runs, 27 hits, 12 walks and six stolen bases, defense took a back seat to offense as both teams took advantage of the friendly winds to continually

put the ball in play and keep the scoreboard ticking over. In a terrific showing of team depth, five hitters recorded multiple hits (led by Oscar Monagas with three hits, four RBI), three others recorded one hit and Sean O’Halloran being walked three times in the lead-off spot. The game saw the Tigers scoring multiple runs in all four innings played, including a third inning where both teams scoring the maximum seven runs possible.

All credit must go to the Pirates, who despite facing a 7-1 deficit in the third inning proceeded to take an 8-7 lead before the Tigers did enough to re-take the lead and hold on to it. A special mention must also go to Mornington pitcher Andrew Jones who threw a 144-pitch complete game while doing everything he could to keep his side in the game, a truly lionhearted performance.

The win improves the Tigers to 4-1 on the season, good enough for second place on the ladder as they take on the 9th placed Royals at Tjilatjirrin Reserve on Sunday.

Scores and stats for the Fifths and Sixths were unfortunately unavailable at time of publishing, with Masters Gold and Masters Black to play Monday night.

Travelling to Napier Park to take on Waverley on Saturday morning, the Tigresses ran into a brick wall of veterans, unable to do enough to get past the experienced Wildcats in an 11-3 loss.

Staying well within the contest until a game breaking fourth inning, the Tigresses scored once each in the first, third and fourth innings to trail 4-3 and well within reach, however the Wildcats took reliever Hayley Mather to the sword, making the young righty work deep into counts and working walks to plate the maximum seven runs to take an 11-3 run as time ran out.

Unlike previous weeks, the Tigresses were unfortunately unable to cash in on seven team hits and eight stolen bases, with Waverley pitcher Terina Stokes working in and out of trouble in a complete game effort.

While both sides fielded extremely well, it was ultimately the 11 walks issued by Upwey pitching that was provided Waverley the baserunners needed to keep running up the score.

Tigers speed demon MC Cameron in action. (Adam Battye)

Sean O’Halloran hits big. (Stewart Chambers, 372591)

Pitcher Dan Smith (Stewart Chambers, 372591)

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!

Monbulk 1 works hard, rises to second on the ladder

By Jack Rollings

The Bureau assured us that Saturday’s temperature would be 26. Well, they missed the mark there, it was cooler than that. But they were correct about the wind, which was swirling all afternoon. Tail winds became head winds before the bowls had reached the head. It was challenging for all sides.

Monbulk 1 played at home against UpweyTecoma who have yet to register a win.

They would be throwing everything at Monbulk and that’s what happened. It was hard work all afternoon.

Eric Markham’s team won 12 ends and didn’t give up the lead all day. In the closing stages Upwey made a move and got to within two shots heading into the last end, but Monbulk steadied, picked up a 3, and won the rink 20 shots to 15.

Jim Bras’ team trailed throughout the front half. After the tea break, they won three ends in a row to draw level. Upwey fought back and, with two ends to go, had a five-shot margin. Monbulk won the last two ends with doubles, just falling short and losing the rink 17 shots to 18.

Karen Rice’s team also had a rough front half, not getting on the scoreboard until the seventh end and trailing by seven shots. After the break they won four good ends in a row including a three and afour, and got their noses in front on the 15th end. The race home see-sawed and scores were level going into the last end. Monbulk managed to hold onto a single and win the rink 19 shots to 18.

Brian Smith’s team fought a close match for the first two thirds. Then they grabbed a couple

Anne Ward. (Supplied)

of threes to put in a healthy margin. By the 18th end this had grown to a nine-shot lead. But with the finish in sight, Monbulk dropped a four-shot clanger to give their opponents a glimmer of hope. The final two ends were singles each way, so Monbulk won the rink 22 shots to 17.

Overall, Monbulk defeated Upwey-Tecoma 78 shots to 68, gaining 16 ladder points. Now Monbulk is second on the ladder but it’s a tight fit with all top four sides having recorded two wins and one loss. Next week Monbulk play away against Lilydale 2 who are fifth on the

ladder. Yesterday Lilydale lost a home game to Heathmont so they’ll have a strong incentive to make up for that.

Monbulk 2 played away, also against UpweyTecoma.

Peter Koomen’s team won nine ends but they were low scores, whereas their losses included a four, a five, and a six. And that was the exact difference at the end of the day.

Monbulk lost the rink 13 shots to 28.

Graeme Goller’s team led for most of the front half but only managed to win two ends in the back half. Mostly they were able to contain the losses to minor scores, but disaster struck after the break when Monbulk dropped a 3 and then a punishing seven-shot clanger. Monbulk lost the rink 12 shots to 26.

Andy Smith’s team started strongly and picked up a four-shotter on the second end. Their opponents fought back in the middle of the game and grabbed some multiples of their own and took a seven-shot lead. Monbulk won more ends in the race home but they were all singles and the margin was too great to make up. Monbulk lost the rink 14 shots to 20.

Mike Harris’ team won seven ends including a three and a four. But their losses included two threess, two fives and two sixes. It proved an impossible task to make up for those clangers. Monbulk lost the rink 14 shots to 41.

Overall Monbulk lost the third round 53 shots to 115, with no ladder points gained. Monbulk remains on the bottom of the ladder. Next week Monbulk will play at home against Cockatoo who are in second bottom place. This is a must-win match.

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

Keyser in the Victorian All Schools Championships 5000m.