Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 19th November 2024

Growling frog call captured

A budding citizen scientist recently discovered the sound of the vulnerable Growling Grass Frog in a reserve in Yering.

Eight-year-old Alice had attended an event during the Birrarung Riverfest and miraculously managed to record the call which was then confirmed and verified by the Melbourne Water team.

This discovery is the first known recording of this species in Yering for 24 years making it even more extraordinary.

The Growling Grass Frog, a large, grounddwelling tree frog known for its distinctive “growling” call, is most commonly found is Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs but has also been heard in nearby Coldstream. To read more, turn to page 14

Eight-year-old Alice captured the sound of a rare Growling Grass Frog at Spadoni’s Billabong Reserve in Yering. (Stewart Chambers: 443343)

Gender scale tips

By Mikayla van Loon

While the rest of the state remains stable in its gender representation within local government, despite the 50/50 target falling short, the results in Yarra Ranges have reverted to a one to eight female representation ratio.

Having elected the highest percentage of female councillors in 2020, with an increase from just 11 per cent to 44 per cent, it has unfortunately returned to the original figure.

With Fiona McAllister the only woman to hold

her seat at the table in Ryrie, she will yet again serve a four year term as the only woman.

Not only was there a reduction in women elected for the shire, under-representation was also seen in the number of female candidates choosing to run, with just eight of the 24 being women.

Running as a candidate for Streeton in 2020, Amy Muratore said, given the political climate, in her opinion, women just don’t feel safe to run, something that was a “disappointing trend”.

Four years ago, however, the environment was different, with the pandemic in full force

and just one woman holding a position, the push for female representation was at the fore.

“Out of the nine councillors, the only female was Fiona, and a lot of like minded women started popping their heads up and I actually had almost like a support network,” Ms Muratore said.

“We were running different campaigns, and we were running in different wards, but with candidates like Roxanne Horn, Bec Brannigan and Jo Skelton, who ended up being successful, we were all young parents living in our communities, using council services, and decided we

would all run.

“We all had the shared goal that we would like to see the gender balance on Yarra Ranges Council improve.”

Despite not winning herself, Ms Muratore said to see four women elected last term her “goal for running for council was achieved”.

Ms Muratore said in the lead up to the election, given the pandemic, women used their networks to campaign but this time around it was not as easy.

Continued page 3

Croydon pool works

Croydon’s Aquahub will close its pools and sauna from mid-November to March while essential maintenance works are undertaken.

The four month closure of these facilities will occur while the pools are retiled, grouting maintenance of surrounding tiled areas is completed and maintenance and ventilation improvements of the changing areas are done.

Users of the pool have been advised there will be no access to the pools, spa and sauna during these works and aqua programs will be relocated and/or cancelled during this time but the health club and group fitness studios will remain open throughout the works and the gymnastics program will operate as usual.

Maroondah Leisure has said that summer is an ideal time because its a period of the least amount of programming and swimming at the

Croydon Memorial Pool will be available.

The confirmed dates of opening for the Memorial Pool are Saturday 16 November to Sunday 30 March.

Aquanation will also be available for access during the closure period.

Learn to Swim and Aqua Aerobics classes will be relocated to both Croydon Memorial Pool and Aquanation.

Other options for the Yarra Ranges include Lilydale, Healesville, Olinda and Belgrave’s Outdoor Pools, the Yarra Centre, Jack Hort Indoor Pool and Monbulk Aquatic Centre.

Despite the alternatives, residents of Kilsyth and members of the Rebuild Our Kilsyth Pool group have expressed concern about the lack of access to other pools in the Yarra Ranges.

“Croydon Aquahub is closed from 18 November till late March 2025. The whole summer. The assumption in the YR Aquatic Strategy that everyone in the YR Urban area (40,000 people) can just go swimming at the small Aquahub is blatantly false,” a post read.

“Now, in Yarra Ranges, we have nowhere to swim this summer that is without driving 30km to the small Yarra Junction pool or 21km to the small Monbulk pool.”

More information about the Aquahub closure can be found at maroondah.vic.gov.au/ Development/Developing-Maroondah/Maroondah-projects/Aquahub-retiling-project and maroondahleisure.com.au/News-Events/Venueupdates/Aquahub-retiling-project-FAQs

Hub opens

Croydon Station’s new bus interchange has officially opened to passengers, boosting safety and improving travel connections for locals.

The 14-bay bus interchange, built as part of the new Croydon Transport Hub and Coolstore Road level crossing removal project, is one of Melbourne’s biggest interchange facilities, servicing 27 bus and school routes and with close to 3000 bus trips weekly.

While some bus routes transitioned across to the interchange last month, all bus services are now using the new interchange facility, which features a waiting room close to station toilets and myki machines, passenger information displays, seating and shelters at each bus bay, CCTV and extensive lighting.

Some bus routes and timetables have been updated to streamline services and better coordinate with trains at Croydon Station. Details are available on the PTV website.

Works to complete the station precinct are continuing, with the west station car park and Parkiteer set to open this month, and work continuing on building pedestrian connections and shared use paths, and planting more than 70,000 trees, shrubs and grasses.

Croydon’s Aquahub will be closed from mid-November to March while maintenance works are undertaken. (Unsplash)

The Croydon Bus Interchange has been opened to passengers. (Supplied)

Gender balance target stagnating

“We were campaigning in the middle of a pandemic, so it completely changed the playing field because we were limited in how we could campaign, it meant that we had to rely on community organising and women are good at that,” she said.

“They can make connections in the community, because they are in the community, doing things with their children. Even if they don’t have children they’re part of local clubs, they’re the managers of household budgets, they’re using the toy libraries, they’re going to the maternal child health nurse.

“So it set women up to succeed a little better, whereas this time round, now that we’ve gone back to a traditional election cycle, it’s certainly a man’s game to win.”

The push for women to run in 2020 was also backed by groups like Voices of Women, Victorian Local Governance Association and the council itself.

Welcoming a second child into the world and with her daughter in school, as well as being a teacher herself, Ms Muratore said this time around it just wasn’t possible for her to run even though it “certainly was tempting”.

“It’s certainly something that I have not put aside but for me, watching what Jo Skelton and

even Fiona, to a degree, had to do as as mothers running on council, and the support and the pay that you get, while my family and my kids are this young, it’s not that appealing,” she said.

“It sets it up for a bit more of a self funded retiree game, and really people that are not primary caregivers, the majority of which are men.”

Having also encountered threats during her campaign in 2020 and photos being taken of her daughter while at the park, Ms Muratore said this time her family’s safety was also a huge consideration.

Across the state in 2020, the percentage of women elected rose from 38 to 43.8, with the ABC reporting this make-up remains in 2024, robbing Victoria of the 2025 target issued under the government’s gender equality strategy.

Looking at eastern councils, Nillumbik (43 per cent), Maroondah (56 per cent) and Manningham (56 per cent) held the same percentage of female councillors as in 2020.

Knox saw a reduction from eight to five but women still held a majority. Cardinia gained another female representative with four women now serving.

The ABC reported that across the board it was “almost a 50-50 split between men and women

in metropolitan councils” but that others heavily slanted towards men.

“It is a state trend, but we are seeing some exciting things, especially in Stonnington, people have been working really hard. So I’m heartened by some of those results,” Ms Muratore said.

Incumbency levels were also high for Yarra Ranges, seeing a 56 per cent majority of councillors reappointed.

Nillumbik had the lowest return rate with just 14 per cent while Manningham had the highest at 67 per cent.

Ms Muratore said if diversity of all kinds is going to be achieved within Yarra Ranges Council, then perhaps incumbency needs to change to ensure they are being elected on merit and not just “rely on name recognition”.

Despite commenting on Cr McAllister being “a force on Yarra Ranges Council” and how “she’s very strong in her service to the community”, Ms Muratore said “that’s not diversity”.

“I am pleased we now have a bit more of an age diversity and I’m hopeful about some of those newer candidates coming in but we need to see gender balance because it provides a diverse lens on things that cannot be under-valued.”

IN BRIEF

Branch collection returns

Yarra Ranges residents and property owners are being encouraged to reduce excess vegetation ahead of and during summer, to prepare for the fire season.

The council’s Bundled Branches collection runs through November and December.

Community members can place out bundles of branches (each tree limb should be no longer than 1.5m, no wider than 200mm, and each bundle tied with non-plastic string) out for collection in their usual waste collection spot, and they will be picked up on their designated week. Tips for making the most of your Bundled Branches collection:

• Put your branches out where your bins are usually collected from on the Sunday before your collection week

• Tie the bundles with natural fibres, like cotton or jute string. Never use metal wire or plastic, as this can clog mulching machines and contaminate the product. We cannot collect branches tied with metal or plastic.

• Bundles need to be lifted safely by one person and fit in our collection truck, so try to keep bundles not-too-heavy, and not longer than 1.5m. If you’re in doubt, make two smaller bundles so we can safely collect them.

• Only place branches out for collection. Please use green bins or local waste transfer stations to dispose of weeds and green vegetation.

To check your street’s collection date, go to yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/Waste/ Bundled-Branch-Collection

Unattended burn off risk

An unattended burn-off in Warburton has provided a prompt reminder ahead of any last summer burning that residents need to take proper precautions.

CFA crews were called to a grassfire on Old Warburton Road at Warburton at 7.10pm on 10 November.

A CFA spokesperson said the fire was believed to be a private burn-off left unattended.

“The incident was declared safe at 7.26pm and the local council was notified due to local burning-off by-laws,” they said.

“CFA had two trucks on scene from Warburton.”

Warburton CFA Captain Ron McIntosh was one of the brigade members who attended the scene.

Mr McIntosh said he spoke to the chap involved who was very apologetic and thought it would be OK.

“He started it in the morning and then he got called into work so he’d raked it down as best he could into a little pile and then left it just sitting there smoking away,” he said.

“I said ‘No it’s not OK, you must make sure that your fires are completely out before you leave them, it must be out under council regulations, it must be registered, there must be somebody there with it at all times and you must have water available.”

Mr McIntosh said the risk of leaving a burn-off unattended is that you could have another Black Saturday.

Under Yarra Ranges local laws, burn-off offences include, but are not limited to, posing a danger to a person or neighbouring property, not having adequate attendees, tools and water supply to control the fire or windrow and not notifying the appropriate authorities prior.

The Yarra Ranges Council chamber will see just one woman represent the shire this term. (Supplied)

NEWS 40-year veteran returned

By Mikayla van Loon

After 40 years in the job, Councillor Len Cox still has fight in him and a focus on “trying to do my best for Walling”.

Estimating that this was his 15th consecutive re-election, Cr Cox said “sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but you’ve got to try anyway” and was again grateful for the community support he received.

Pulling 68.56 per cent of first preference votes, Cr Cox was easily reappointed against fellow candidate David Ferrier.

Cr Cox said his first priority would be to oversee the development of the Cambridge Road site, closely followed by rebuilding a pool in Kilsyth.

“The old school land that we bought a year ago, I want to get that really up to scratch in the next four years and the whole lot landscaped, with more parkland, bike tracks, walking tracks and an urban forest. So I’m really keen to get that done in the next term,” he said.

“The other important thing I want to try and do, I don’t know whether I’ll succeed with this, I want to get Kilsyth Pool rebuilt. It was very disappointing when the decision got made about that.

“The urban areas of the Yarra Ranges, which is nearly half the population, don’t have a heated swimming pool, an indoor swimming pool at all, whereas the rural and the hills areas have got three and that just isn’t the right way.”

Happy to be holding a seat at the table, Cr Cox said he wouldn’t be volunteering for mayor or deputy mayor.

“There’s almost no chance of that. I love being mayor, it is a great job but to be perfectly honest, I’ve done it six times and I actually think there’s a bit too much work in it for me this time,” he said.

“So I won’t be putting your hand up for that, I’m happy just to be on council.”

The first meetings of the new council occurred early this week in the lead up to the first official council meeting on Tuesday 19 November, where mayor and deputy mayor elections will take place.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the four new councillors. The beginning of a council term is always a very busy time for meetings, because they’ve got to show the new ones all that goes on and what they can do and what they can’t and all the rest of it about being a local councillor.

“So that’s always a busy time, but it gives us a chance to get to know each other, which really is quite important.”

Cr Cox said the council has received some early criticism with eight of nine wards electing male

representatives, with Cr Fiona McAllister running unopposed for her seat in Ryrie.

“The council’s already been criticised because they’ve only got one woman on council…but that’s got nothing to do with the council. That’s to do with the voters.

“Ideally, you really should have four or five men and four or five women on council, and that would be the ideal situation.”

The 40-year-veteran said a large thanks has to go to his constituents for bringing him back

ALWAYS OBEY THE STOP SIGNS

for another term.

“I’m really very grateful for the community to once again show their confidence in me and give me such a good vote. We’ve got a great community in Walling Ward, I think I’ve got the best ward in the municipality, without any doubt.

“I’m just very, very grateful that I got that vote the other day. It’s been terrific, and I thank them all for it, and certainly over the next four years, I’ll do whatever I can to make life in Walling a bit better than what it is.”

Councillor Len Cox returns for another term at Yarra Ranges Council. (File: 189615)

NEWS Heenan back in Billanook

By Mikayla van Loon

Having served on Yarra Ranges Council for 15 years, Tim Heenan will return for another four as he takes up this next term as Billanook Ward councillor.

Gaining majority of first preference votes with 56.28 per cent, Cr Heenan was guaranteed a declared spot over singular opponent Wendy Wright who reached 43.72 per cent in her first election.

“I’m very grateful that the people of Mount Evelyn and Lilydale have seen fit to have me represent them again. That’s pretty important,” he said.

As a first priority heading back into a council term, off the back of a year of community outcry and petitioning, Cr Heenan said drainage would be at the top of his agenda.

“We’ve got to make good, substantial outlay now in our major projects to make sure we can fix it without any more Band Aid jobs,” he said.

“We can fix what is under our responsibility, Melbourne water plays a part too, but Yarra Ranges needs to now look at the long term benefits of having more upgraded drainage in some of the areas that have had substantial flooding.”

Cr Heenan was very pronounced in the requirement for Melbourne Water to play a large part in the upgrade of infrastructure.

“There is substantial interaction with Melbourne Water and for a very long time, Melbourne Water has not come to the table, and they need to know they play a very important part too.

“It doesn’t stop just with Yarra Ranges Council, Melbourne Water has to make sure they understand their responsibilities.”

With five returning councillors and four new appointments, Cr Heenan said “it’s great to have a new team, new focuses” but some of the key challenges still remain.

“I do have a great concern that the funding models we’ve been getting from the Federal and State Government won’t be as they have been in previous years.

“So we need to really understand how our financial situation is going to be going forward, and we’ll probably be called upon to make some really serious decisions about where the money is spent.

“I know the members of the community want it spent in a way that it will have the proper outcome for ageing infrastructure, for ageing areas of the council where there hasn’t been a lot of money spent over the years to upgrade that infra-

19-year-old fills position at Yarra Ranges Council

By Mikayla van Loon

At 19-years-old Mitch Mazzarella has become the youngest council member to serve for the next term.

Elected in one of two extremely close races, Cr Mazzarella was able to jump ahead of former mayor Sophie Todorov by a marginal percentage with just 104 votes separating the final outcome.

“The lead up to the declaration was very nerve racking, especially considering how close the election was,” he said.

“When the final results were released, I was thrilled I’d won. Having won, I am excited to work with the council to achieve better outcomes for our community, especially excited to improve drainage and street lighting in our community.”

Since being sworn in, Cr Mazzarella said he has commenced the mandatory councillor training which will continue over the next four months, beginning with the first council meeting on Tuesday 19 November.

“There is a learning curve that comes with being a new councillor, however, I have been feeling optimistic and positive about the future,” he said.

“I am very excited to join the council meeting on Tuesday. It will be a great opportunity and an honour to represent the people of Melba Ward on council over the next four years.”

Planning to juggle work, study and his responsibilities as a new councillor, Cr Mazzarella said he was prepared to do it all.

“I currently study and work part time, and time management has never been an issue for me. I know that I will be able to manage my new role as a councillor in representing the Melba Ward.”

Both ends of the age spectrum are represented in Cr Mazzarella and Cr Len Cox, among four other returning representatives and three new appointees

Mitch Mazzarella, 19, was elected as the Melba Ward councillor. (Supplied)

“We have a great wealth of experience retained on council, with five incumbents reelected.

“Each new councillor also brings their own unique experience, background and perspective to the council table. I look forward to working with them all throughout the coming term.”

Despite his young years, Cr Mazzarella said the response to his age had been quite positive.

“The vast majority of people that I have spoken to are thrilled there is young blood on the council, bringing a new and fresh perspective to the table.

“By being elected, I hope that my position on the council will inspire more young people to get involved in the process.”

structure, and that needs to be addressed now.”

Cr Heenan said that while his focus would be on his ward and residents, the broader commitment of a councillor to the entire shire was equally important.

“We shouldn’t just think that it’s about wards because we’ve all got a supreme responsibility to the Yarra Ranges, the whole of Yarra Ranges and decisions we will be making in the future will be hopefully for a positive outcome in Yarra Ranges

as the council.

“They’ve clearly stated what’s important to them, we need to somehow come to a better standing with their rubbish collection. We need to come to a better standing with infrastructure renewal.

“We need to spend money in the right places in a proper physical environment.

The people want the grassroots issues taken care of.”

Tissues and paper towel are not recyclable.

Tim Heenan was reappointed as councillor for the Billanook Ward. (Supplied)

Growing positive change

Female-founder of Building Better Brains, Sian Chambers-Vallance, was this year recognised as a championing woman in business on a national level.

The Croydon business owner received the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Award for Children’s Services for her work as a children’s counsellor and play therapist.

Ms Chambers-Vallance said it was an absolute privilege to be in a room of incredible women and to be named as the winner.

When asked about her advice to other women in business or those looking to start a business, Ms Chambers-Vallance said it was important to remain true to values and to set boundaries.

“Have high standards for yourself and for other people in your business. Set healthy boundaries because they represent you and you work so hard and you want them to be a true representation of everything you’ve created and your vision in the world,” she said.

“My best advice, value yourself, value what you do and be a bit of a gatekeeper in who you allow to grow that vision with you.”

As one of 16 finalist children’s services businesses from all across the country, Building Better Brains received the highest result as judged by an independent panel.

Precedent Productions’ awards founder and managing director Steve Loe said each entrant is judged on strategies, growth plans, financial performance, eco-friendliness, innovation, customer service and community support.

“Being selected as a champion of this major program from a national entrant pool of thousands speaks volumes of tenacity and leadership at Building Better Brains,” he said.

“The Awards honour the nation’s most exceptional female leaders of today who are making an incredible mark on the small business sector.

“Sian Chambers-Vallance is now among a highly esteemed group of recognised champions and as such, she ought to feel immensely proud of her achievements and of her team.”

Establishing the business initially on her own, Ms Chambers-Vallance was then joined by her husband Tony, who retrained from teacher to therapist during the pandemic.

In three years it grew from the pair, to over 20 therapists all working to support young people through mental health challenges, neurodiverse diagnosis and learning strategies.

Inspired by her experiences as a mother of two neurodivergent boys, Ms Chambers-Vallance knew firsthand the challenges faced by families

seeking support for their children’s mental health.

So, she set out to build an innovative clinic that would provide not just clinical services, but also a safe and inclusive environment where every child could grow, learn, and feel valued.

During her acceptance speech, Ms ChambersVallance said it was important to acknowledge not only her incredible team and family for their support but to the people who inspired the journey in the first place.

This included her late brother John, who was profoundly disabled but despite this, showed her what it is to fight everyday to live and to learn, as well as her parents who exemplified service and sacrifice which led to her becoming an advocate for education and disability support.

She also paid tribute to the many women who, like her, balance significant emotional and mental loads and manage their family and work lives every day.

“This victory is for all of us,” she said.

Building Better Brains founder and chief executive officer Sian Chambers-Vallance was awarded Women’s Small Business Champion for children’s services. (Supplied)

Husband and wife Tony Vallance and Sian Chambers-Vallance are making positive change in children’s lives.

NEWS Energy resilience boost

By Mikayla van Loon

Post the storms of 2021 communities in the most affected townships have been working to prepare and recover should another event occur.

Helping to improve this resilience is the AusNet Energy Resilience Community Fund which recently awarded $650,000 to 24 groups, including the Montrose Township Group.

Using the grant of $24,580, Township Group president Chelsey Cooper said the intention is to create a series of one-minute videos around the topic of energy resilience and preparedness in the case of a major power outage.

“We are well aware that extreme weather events and longer-term power outages are increasing and will continue to do so,” she said.

“We want locals to have embedded knowledge of the things they need to do to prepare for a potential power outage and the immediate things they can do after an event to take care of themselves and their neighbours, particularly those who may be more vulnerable.”

Ms Cooper said sharing this kind of information has been far more prevalent since the June 2021 storms, especially when the Township Group is aware of a potential storm event.

Engaging a production company called Moo Motion, whose co-founder is a Montrose local, Ms Cooper said will only bring a greater sense of synergy and understanding, especially with the videos featuring known Montrose people.

The topics covered in the short videos will include heat wave, storm, generator check-up/ maintenance and one specifically about checking on each other and vulnerable neighbours.

“We’re going the entertaining route because we believe people will be more apt to tune in that way; humour has the potential to lessen fear and opens people up to listen and respond accordingly,” Ms Cooper said.

“The message about checking in on one another will be weaved throughout all films as well as the message about MAMAM, which stands for

‘Meet at Montrose at Midday’.”

This phrase relates to a procedure initiated by the Community Emergency Committee that should the town experience an outage that lasts for over 24 hours, a Township Group member will be at the noticeboard by the Bakery at midday to share relevant information and to collect relevant information to share with the council.

“These films will add to our preparedness and community strengthening activities,” Ms Cooper said.

“They will be tools to use at relevant times so

people see them when it is most important for them to see them, they’ll be available on our website which is currently in development, and we will officially launch them with a special community screening event mid-next year so people can celebrate in the fun together.”

The production process will begin soon, with filming expected to be undertaken early next year and the launch to be held in May or June.

Ms Cooper said this project would not have been possible without the funding from AusNet.

“The grant gave us the funds to undertake this

GET YOUR HEARING CHRISTMAS READY

work, funding both the film production and the community event costs. We couldn’t have done this without the support of funding from AusNet.” Applications for AusNet’s next round of Energy Resilience Grants and Energy Education and Literacy Grants open Wednesday 27 November. Up to $50,000 is available for Energy Resilience Grants, and up to $25,000 for Energy Education and Literacy Grants.

For further information visit ausnetservices. com.au/about-us/community/energy-resilience-community-fund

The Montrose Township Group was one of 24 recipients in the AusNet Energy Resilience grants. (Stewart Chambers: 224310)

NEWS Immortalising war nurses

By Mikayla van Loon

The sacrifice and dedication of wartime nurses from the eastern suburbs will forever be immortalised in a bronze statue in Montrose.

Receiving a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Saluting Their Service program, a bronze bust of Sister Edith Yeaman, a World War I nurse from Montrose, will be created and installed in the special nurses garden in the town centre.

This process was initiated by Montrose Men’s Shed member Max Lamb in 2023 by planting a memorial garden fitted with plaques to recognise the service of nurses from the region.

Having envisioned that a bronze statue would one day join the memorial site, Mr Lamb, the Men’s Shed, the Montrose Township Group, with the help of Yarra Ranges Council, applied for funding to arrange the statue.

The Montrose Township Group proudly announced the success on Sunday 10 November ahead of Remembrance Day.

“Sister Edith Yeaman served as a WWI nurse, embodying the courage and compassion that defined her profession during such challenging times. We are proud to recognise her legacy and the legacy of all nurses who served,” a social media post read.

“The statue will be placed in a special garden located between the Montrose War Memorial and the Historical Cottage, where it will complement two existing nurse plaques.

“This garden will serve as a serene space for reflection and remembrance, highlighting the dedication of those who have served.”

Mr Lamb said while some towns around the state are starting to recognise the nurses, it is still quite rare.

“Every town’s got its memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives, but virtually no one’s got a memorial to the nurses,” he said.

“They are starting to appear now. There’s one up at Myrtleford. I believe a mural has just been unveiled in Violet Town and I think there’s one closer to Melbourne but they’re very few and far between.”

Remembering that nurses too were thrown into the horrors of war, Mr Lamb said many died and many came home injured or after being a prisoner of war.

“They went overseas, and they served very close to the front and they did get bombed a couple of times,” he said.

“When Japan took over Singapore, quite a lot got captured and then when they were evacuated out, the ship got bombed, and quite a few lost their lives or they were captured by the Japanese. So the nurses certainly were in the thick of it.”

Nurse Yeaman enlisted in 1915 at the age of 30 and on 15 May that year, just three weeks after the landing at Gallipoli, she sailed from Sydney on board RMS Mooltan headed for an island in the

Aegean Sea.

She served on a hospital ship at the port of Mudros in Lemnos. This was the port that the sick and wounded from Gallipoli were sent to.

After the evacuation of Gallipoli, Nurse Yeaman served in hospitals at Alexandria, Egypt, then on to England before finally serving in France.

In May 1917 Nurse Edith was promoted to Sister.

Fortunately, Sister Yeaman was able to return home safely to her family in May 1919, almost four years after she left and continued to work in hospitals in Melbourne and Sydney.

Her name currently sits on one of the plaques in the Montrose Memorial Gardens for Nurses, as Mr Lamb likes to call it, surrounded by names of other women who served from the district.

Unsure of when the statue will be complete, Mr Lamb said he hopes for early to mid next year, with the aim being May given Sister Yeaman’s ties with the month.

Mr Lamb said this addition to the town centre will ensure important figures from all facets of past wars will be commemorated, with the cenotaph standing in the middle and the story of the Montrose man who is said to have fired the first shot in World War I, completing a true memorial.

Wandin Preschool celebrates 60 years with reunion

By Callum Ludwig

The Wandin Preschool community came together to celebrate the kindergarten’s 60th birthday on Sunday 10 November.

Just under 70 previous staff, students and families of the kindergarten returned for the celebratory Open Morning where they were also able to enjoy old photos, a commemorative video, a sausage sizzle, birthday cake and a raffle.

Among the esteemed guests were founding members of the preschool Ray Taylor and Valmae Gaudion, who were among the local families keen to start a kinder in Wandin over six decades ago, as well as opening year student Wendy Bartsch.

Wandin Kindergarten teacher Geni Kogelman said listening to the community members tell their stories about how the kinder began and the devotion and dedication to three years of fundraising, meetings and working with other community members was extraordinary.

“The efforts and determination to get a kinder up and running in Wandin, for the Wandin families is a credit to them all, we continue to have these strong community connections with our families 60 years later, they have created such a legacy,” she said.

“It is amazing that these community members are still here to help us celebrate their efforts and to think that Valmae’s great-granddaughter is in the kinder program this year, experiencing Wandin kindergarten all these years later.”

Back on Friday 23 August, current students and their families also celebrated the milestone with a Famly Fun Night at Ace Space in Chirnside Park including a magician, ‘lucky envelopes’, crazy hair and raffle prizes to help with some fundraising.

Ms Kogelman said it was interesting to hear

the list of fundraising ventures the original local community members came up with to raise the funds to build the kinder.

“Some of which included waste paper drives, bottle drives, fabric drives with Fred Guadion (Valmae’s husband) taking a truck load of paper all the way into the city to cash it in, there was a fishing competition in a local dam, with the lucky tagged fish, that never seemed to get caught,” she said.

“There were over 300 people catered for in a local dance where mothers donated their time to do the catering making some items like two dozen jelly cakes or 10 sponges, Ray Taylor recalls in our commemorative video that actress and singer Tony Lamond came and sang giving up her time for the event,”

“In the planning process a significant donation was made by Percy (PJ) Mould a local coun-

cillor, who heard of the plight of the parents in developing a kindergarten for Wandin and he came forward and donated a block of land, this gave the committee a wonderful gift and great hope in their efforts as this was one aspect of their work and fundraising efforts that they now didn’t need to find additional money for.”

In 2021, Wandin Preschool amalgamated into Yarra Ranges Kindergartens who took over the administrative demands from the parents on the Committee of Management who had done so over the previous 57 years. Wandin Preschool subsequently became one of 22 kinders under their stewardship and parents can still remain actively involved in the kinder’s Parent Support Group who support the preschool’s fundraising and social events, maintenance and other aspects of the kinder.

Ms Kogelman said in 2025, Wandin Pre-

school will be offering 7.5 hour sessions for children in the three and four-year-old programs, which will be the longest sessions they have ever offered at the kinder, as a result of the Victorian Government’s Early Years reforms.

“We always have dreams and plans to make modifications to our setting, we can only do this through our fundraising efforts and we are in the process of developing some new ideas to incorporate more playscapes into the playground, there is hope that we may be able to apply for grants in the coming year to help us achieve these goals,” she said.

“Once again, the community spirit shines through with these celebrations with the Parent Support Group assisting to coordinate the events, seeking donations from local business, creating promotional signs, running stalls and donating their time in support of our kinder,” Our staff have also supported events by being involved with the planning, promotion, attending events and also seeking community support and creating take-home appreciation cookie gifts for attendees on the Open Morning.”

Attendees including founding members Valmae Gaudion and Ray Taylor (centre) enjoyed the celebration. (Supplied)

The Wandin Preschool was brightly decorated for the event. (Supplied)

The dedicated garden is fitted with two plaques, one for local nurses and the other recognises the sacrifice of all nurses. (Stewart Chambers: 443697)

Sister Edith Yeaman will be recognised for her service in World War I in a bronze statue to be placed Montrose. (Supplied)

The dedicated garden sits in the centre of the Montrose town square. (443697)

With the presence of Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) in the Yarra Valley last fruit season, history has shown us that we need to be prepared and tackle the fruit fly issue head on this season. Using traps for monitoring for any QFF that are possibly in the area will help detect the first generation, and then we can focus on preventing QFF establishing. Investment in prevention is cheaper in the long run, when compared to the fruit losses and the cost of management should the QFF population take hold. Minimising the use of QFF control chemicals also significantly contributes to the preservation of all the beneficial bugs in our growing systems. Fruit growers, both commercial and home gardeners, should always consider that new QFF risks can arrive in any new season at any stage, mainly from the transport of infested fruit grown in QFF areas. Your fruit can be impacted suddenly if your neighbour’s fruit has QFF or the tree down the road is infested. Blackberries can also host QFF in mid-late Summer. Be prepared. Install and monitor fruit fly traps and prune your fruit trees to allow for installation of netting.

TIPS FOR USING QFF TRAPS

Traps help monitor for the presence of Queensland Fruit Fly. In the Yarra Valley there is a network of traps to detect the first QFF around. Your traps are an essential part of this network!

Early detection means rapid action can be taken at the crucial time to prevent costly damage and to minimise the of area control required. It also means unnecessary action is avoided when there are no QFF present, saving money, chemicals and protecting the beneficial insects. Trap information helps everyone determine when the best time to start management, or if you need to be doing more to control QFF better.

Traps should be hung at 1.5m high in trees and shrubs. Ideally, traps should be in operation by blossom time, and stay for the whole season. Place traps in amongst the leaves to protect the trap from direct sunlight. QFF don’t like hot traps. Checking traps is really important. If you detect a QFF, a control program can begin straight away. Remember to notify the Regional Coordinator, your agronomists, local nurseries, friends, family and neighbours. Visit, check and clean the trap at least weekly. Record your trap results to help with future QFF management decisions.

Old lures need to be removed and replaced according to label directions, about every 3 months. Expired lures can maintain their attractiveness to QFF, but they loose their ability to kill the QFF, which can lead to misleading monitoring results.

TIPS FOR NETTING TREES

Netting fruit trees is a big commitment for any fruit grower. It’s expensive, annoying and complicated. However, it is chemical free, reusable and it is adjustable to the fruit trees or plants requiring protection each season. The additional benefit is that it can protect the fruit from other insect pests, birds and possums!

Netting is the best defence against Queensland Fruit Fly because even with all of the cleaning up of fallen fruit, trapping, baiting programs and other controls, some pregnant female QFF can still lay eggs in fruit. Netting is the last line of defence!

Netting should be put over the fruit tree or garden when the fruit is small, green and immature. Wait until the flowering and pollination is completely finished. Use a structure like a metal frame, or star pickets with plastic pipe arches, to hold the netting away from the fruit. This stops the QFF reaching the fruit through the netting holes, and the larger structure allows for better air flow around the tree, minimising the fungal disease risk under netting.

Netting comes in any length, at 3m, 6m, or 10m roll widths, or pre sewn into box shapes of various sizes e.g. 3m x 3m x 3m to cover a tree or tomato patch. Netting bags can protect a small cluster of fruit. Use netting that is 2mm or smaller in hole size. Ask your local nursery to help find a net solution.

Summer prune stone fruit branches to keep the branches small and short.

Prune the long leafy shoots to at least half or shorter. The fruit for next year will be at the base of these shoots. This technique helps manage tree vigour, and promotes increased fruit production. Some prefer to only prune stone fruit in Summer. Keep all fruit production at a height that you can prune pick and protect! Everyone can grow summer fruit if they manage it responsibly.

Helping others with fun

By Dongyun Kwon

After overcoming severe mental illness, Chirnside Park resident Marcus Reeves has put on a car and bike show She Won’t Be Right Mate (SWBRM) to support people who are going through a similar experience he had.

Now its fourth time, SWBRM is going to focus more on mental health this time, inviting mental health and well-being services to the venue to connect people with mental issues with the suitable organisations on the spot.

Event organiser Marcus Reeves said SWBRM this year has the same aim from the previous ones, fundraising for Eastern Health while enjoying a day with fun activities.

“We have headspace, EACH, Bloke Psychology, Australian Defence Force Soldier On present and there are another one or two services just in case anyone needs any information or they’re not sure where to go to have a chat,” he said.

“We’ve got similar activities again this time, we’ve got face painting, petting zoo, jumping castle, Becky Bubble show.

“We’ve also got racing car simulators, remote control racing cars and slot cars, handball and basketball competition.”

There will be also a live band performance, giveaways and raffles as well as some sports stars, former Richmond AFL player Dale Weightman and former Australian boxer Barry Michael, coming up.

The last three SWBRMs went successfully with the increased amount of donations each time.

The first one ended up having about 150 cars along with about 1500 people and raising $11,000 throughout the day, which proceeded to Eastern Health to get gym equipment for patients to exercise.

The second event attracted approximately 280 cars and 3000 people along with raising $18,000 which went towards an Eastern Health program, called FaPMI (Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness), to improve support for parents and

carers, children, young people and families including helping 16 families get a weekend retreat in Balnarring.

Despite unlucky weather and a few other things, Mr Reeves said the event was still able to raise $25,000 last year.

“Last year’s donation went similar to the first year, went to upgrading facilities in the mental health inpatient ward, they were able to purchase an area for families to be in and get artwork painted. They were able to upgrade some furniture,” the event organiser said.

“This year’s target is $30,000. My goal is to do a similar crossover to what we did with FaPMI, where we can send families or people away.

“I’d love to try and fund people’s psychologist appointments through Eastern Health.”

His hard work has been recognised as he has been nominated as a finalist for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Award in the 2024 Victoria Community Achievement Awards.

Mr Reeves said he is grateful for being a finalist in the award.

“I do this event in the hope it can help someone who is going down a similar path to what I did in 2019,” he said.

“There are so many people out there doing great things, and many nominated in the same categories as ours who are all deserving.

“I prefer to be in the shadows, but [I’d be happy to come out from the shadows] if being nominated can help bring more awareness and help a young kid, parent or partner see it’s OK to have our bad days, there is help out there and life can

be a wonderful place once you come out of the rip dragging you back down into the bottom of the ocean.”

SWBRM is free entry for kids under 12 but $10 for adults and car entry.

It will be held at Yarra Glen Racecourse from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 23 November. The tickets can be purchasable at the event or at the following website, eventbrite.com.au/e/ she-wont-be-right-mate-car-show-and-familyday-tickets-836939718227

To vote for Mr Reeves for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Award, please visit awardsaustralia.app.do/2024-community-achievementawards-for-victoria

The vote can be done multiple times with a condition of one vote per day.

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

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

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

She Won’t Be Right Mate is a car and bike show to fundraise for people with mental issues. (Australian Car Events)

Dads’ Chat Project open

By Callum Ludwig

An opportunity for dads and male carers to have their say on what they’d like to see for them in local programs and activities is currently open.

The Yarra Ranges and Maroondah City Councils have each partnered up with allied healthcare provider Building Better Brains to expand on their Dads Chat project, which both Councils have recently held in local venues, opening up surveys for their residents to say what they’d like to see.

Tony Vallance from Building Better Brains said it’s super exciting and he’s feeling extremely positive about it.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the feedback from the surveys they’ve put out on the socials from both councils and really looking forward to using that data to dive in and create really useful, hands-on, locally-applicable resources for dads out there,” he said.

“A common theme I’ve heard from them is feeling isolated, so finding ways to help the dads feel connected, help the dads feel safe enough to share our stories, our scars and our stars, some of the awesome things that have worked for us and for our young kids,” he said.

“Also when things don’t work out, research has shown us that the zone of good enough parenting is 70 per cent so we need to be a bit reflective but not too harsh on ourselves when we’re not at our best because we all juggle so much, it’s about learning to reflect without too much judgment and then bounce back in and go at it again with our kids.”

Mr Vallance led a pair of Dads Chat events for the Yarra Ranges and Maroondah earlier this year, an in-person Maroondah event in April and an online event in the Yarra Ranges in July.

Mr Vallance said he encouraged dads and male carers to dive in to the project, even if they need to just sit there in the room.

“You don’t have to share if you don’t feel comfortable but once you’re there in person with a

bunch of guys going through incredibly similar stuff, from the awesome parts of fatherhood to the more challenging parts,” he said.

“Being able to share it and realise that you’re not alone, to learn a bit about the brain and behaviour and techniques that we can do as dads to help our kids feel more connected, to help them with their big feelings as well, it’s just such an awesome opportunity,”

“I think having that local approach is super important because we outsource so many things in life, we might be looking at YouTube videos or TikTok videos or whatever it is about parenting or about various things, but speaking to, sharing with and chatting with other dads and being supported to learn a few more new things, to vulnerably share a few things and share some of our victories with a bunch of our local dads is awesome.”

For Yarra Ranges dads and male carers to give feedback and find out more about the Dads Chat Project, including local in-person consultation opportunities in local townships, visit shaping. yarraranges.vic.gov.au/dads-chat-project.

Director of Communities at Yarra Ranges Council Leanne Hurst said they know there’s a gap in programs and activities for male carers and dads, so their teams are partnering up to learn more and develop a plan to address this.

“We’re working with Maroondah Council on a project to hear from dads and male carers of children under eight years, about things they feel would support them in their family role, social settings and the community,” she said.

“I strongly encourage all local dads and carers to share their feedback at Shaping Yarra Ranges, so we can develop programs and activities that support dads and male carers, their families and the wider community.”

For Maroondah dads and male carers, visit yoursay.maroondah.vic.gov.au/dads-chat-project Engagement for both council’s surveys closes on 4 December.

Community Bank, Mt Evelyn | AED’s save lives

Over the past twenty-two years we have given over $4million back to the Mt Evelyn, Montrose and surrounding communities, making good things like this happen, through grants, donations and sponsorship.

We are particularly proud of the number of AED’s we have funded in and around the communities of Mt Evelyn and Montrose.

An automated external defibrillator is a portable device that can be used to quickly shock someone’s heart and try to save their life if they collapse, have no pulse, and stop breathing.

According to the Heart Foundations website “More than 26,000 people have a cardiac arrest out of hospital every year in Australia, and only about 10 per cent of these people survive.

But acting quickly can help save lives. If a bystander uses an AED in addition to CPR, the survival rate is around 50%.”

John Stroud, Chair of the bank’s board says “We have developed the graphic here to show our community the location of AED’s in the Mt Evelyn, Montrose and Coldstream area that we are aware of.

“We want everyone to know where to go and where they are available if they find someone experiencing cardiac arrest.

“We are looking to create a magnet with this graphic to share with households as well as hold a training night for anyone interested, to see how these devices work. Whilst these lifesaving devices are fairly straightforward once you turn them on, they can feel intimidating if you haven’t seen one in action before. Knowing what to expect could make all the difference in a crisis.”

For more information or to register your interest in attending this information session, go to the Community Bank Mt Evelyn facebook page, or send us an email.

It’s local banking supporting local people - making good things happen.

If you’re keen to find out more about how your banking can do some good in your community, then give our branch a call, email or drop in and visit our newly refurbished branch. Let’s see how we can help you.

Tony Vallance leading a Dads Chat event earlier this year. (File)

Dads and male carers in Maroondah and Yarra Ranges are invited to give feedback on what they’d like to see to support them. (Unsplash)

Remembrance respects

On the morning of 11 November, the Mount Evelyn War Memorial was surrounded by young and old as people gathered to pay their respects for Remembrance Day.

RSL vice president and piper Iain Townsley opened the ceremony with the sombre sounds of the bagpipes, playing the poetry of the warrior. The ceremony, led by RSL president Matthew Crymble, reflected on the sacrifices of service men and women from all conflicts in recent history.

As the clock struck 11am, silence fell over those present, remembering the fallen and all who have served and continue to serve in armed forces in Australia, as well as across the world.

Students from Mt Evelyn Christian School, Mt Evelyn Primary School, Birmingham Primary School, Yarra Hills Secondary College and St Mary’s Catholic Primary helped continue the legacy of young involvement, speaking and laying wreaths at the cenotaph.

After the Remembrance Day service, Mr Crymble conducted a brief service by at the RSL club rooms’ memorial rose garden in honour of four recently passed RSL members, including Ursula Caccamo, Ernie Johnson, Barry McCormack and Tony Van Herwaarde.

A plaque honouring each of those past members now sits on the memorial wall.

Saluting the fallen. (Supplied)

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School students at the ceremony.

Bugler Tom Steele played the Last Post. St Mary’s Catholic Primary School students place a wreath in memory.

RSL members gathered at the memorial.The rose memorial garden is surrounded by plaques honouring the members no longer here.

Bugler Tom Steele, RSL president Matthew Crymble and vice president and piper Iain Townsley.

Teen’s poem hits the mark

The Remembrance Day service was well attended at the Lilydale Cenotaph, with school students from St Patrick’s Primary School, Lilydale Primary School and Lilydale High School all contributing to the service.

Those who read poems did so very well, while students from the Mount Lilydale Mercy College choir sang beautifully.

One highlight was when the Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence read a poem by Laurel Pickett. She wrote the poem at the cenotaph after an Anzac service in 1947 as a 17-year-old after losing her father and cousin as a result of war.

Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson conducted an Anzac Day service last year at the Bolton Clark Aged Care in Lilydale and promised Laurel that the poem would be read at the next Remembrance Day, sadly Laurel passed away recently.

Laurel’s daughter Bronwyn Leamey and family attended the service and mentioned afterwards that Laurel would have been thankful to have the poem read on Remembrance Day.

Bundled Branch Collection

Yarra Ranges Council bundled branch collection will commence on Monday, 25 November and take place throughout the Yarra Ranges until Friday, 13 December.

Items accepted for collection

Each household can place out up to three cubic metres of bundled branches, provided: Branches must be tied with non-plastic string.

Their pile has no more than 20 bundles of branches. Each individual bundle, tree limb or log is no longer than 1.5m, no wider than 200mm.

Logs should be straight and clean with side branches removed.

Items NOT accepted for collection

stumps, timber, roots, hard waste, bamboo, creepers, soft plants and grass clippings

Bundled branches must be placed on your nature strip up to one week prior to your collection week - check yarraranges.vic.gov.au/myneighbourhood for your property’s collection week

For more information please call Council on 1300 368 333 or visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/bundledbranches

Naval chaplain Miles Fagen, veteran Les Bailey, Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence, Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson and treasurer John O’Donoghue. (Supplied)

Mooroolbark College students at the Mooroolbark Remembrance Day service.

Mount Lilydale Mercy College students place a tribute at the cenotaph.

Lilydale Primary School students read poems.

Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson led the ceremony.

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence lays a wreath at the Lilydale cenotaph.

Alice records a rare frog

An exciting scientific discovery was made when eight-year-old, Alice Dutton, a budding citizen scientist from Tecoma, recorded the call of the threatened Growling Grass Frog (Litoria raniformis) during a Birrarung Riverfest event at Spadoni’s Billabong in Yering.

According to Melbourne Water’s frog data, the species has not been recorded in this location for 24 years.

Alice captured the rare call using the Melbourne Water free Frog Census app on her mum Jess’s phone, and it was later verified by specialist ecologists who listen to and categorise every call submitted via the app.

Freshwater ecologist and Melbourne Water Waterwatch Coordinator Jane Petch, who was training people on how to use the app at the Spadoni’s Billabong event, said the recording was significant because there has been concerted effort by Melbourne Water and the Yarra Ranges Council to improve the habitat in that area.

“The Growling Grass Frog has not been officially sighted at Spadoni’s Billabong since 2000,” Ms Petch said.

“The recording of so many frog species at Spadoni’s Billabong reflects its improved ecological health thanks to the work of Melbourne Water to re-connect the Billabong to the Yarra River. This means that the Billabong now receives fresh inflows from the Yarra when river water levels are high.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see these targeted conservation efforts supporting the return of local wildlife.”

The Growling Grass Frog was listed as vulnerable in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 in 2003. This listing was made due to threats to the species’ habitat, including urban development, land clearing, and changes to water quality in its wetland habitats.

Jess, Alice’s mother, said the event had further sparked her daughter’s interest in frogs and the local ecosystem.

“We had never heard of the Growling Grass Frog before that day, but Alice was thrilled by her discovery and felt like a real citizen scientist,” Jess said.

“There were so many different frog calls in the area, and it was exciting to learn that we had captured a rare recording of a vulnerable frog species.”

Since the event, Alice has become an enthusiastic frog tracker.

“Alice and I now listen for frogs wherever we go, whether in the garden or on walks. She even gave a presentation to her class, and we’ve started making frog-friendly habitat at our home,” Jess said.

“I’d encourage kids to have a go at making a recording using the Frog Census app because you might discover something really special.”

Yarra Ranges Council Director for Planning and Sustainable Futures, Kath McClusky said the council has invested in habitat improvement works to enhance the area’s ecological health,

including the restoration of the surrounding wetlands and floodplains.

“We are thrilled to hear about the return of the Growling Grass Frog to the Yarra Valley. The works undertaken at Spadoni’s Billabong are part of our ongoing commitment to improve local ecosystems and support biodiversity. Alice’s discovery underscores the value of our partnership with Melbourne Water and the community’s involvement in conservation,” she said.

Ms Petch added, “The data gathered through the Frog Census app is crucial for our conserva-

tion work. It helps inform Melbourne Water’s environmental projects and supports decisionmaking around the management of local waterways and wildlife.” Frogs, as “indicator species”, are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, making them key to understanding the health of ecosystems.

In metro Melbourne, there are 16 species of frogs, including the vulnerable Growling Grass Frog, which is primarily found in Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs.

Kilsyth celebrates 10th anniversary of its festival

A special staging of the Kilsyth Festival happens this Sunday when it celebrates its 10th birthday between 10am and 4pm at the beautiful Elizabeth Bridge Reserve in Durham Road, Kilsyth.

What started out as a small group of local craftspeople and traders brought together by the Friends of Elizabeth Bridge Reserve with the support of Yarra Ranges Council, the festival has become a significant annual event for Kilsyth and the surrounding community.

A founding organiser, Shelley Large, said although it has grown since it began in 2014, it has still managed to keep that feel of a village fair that locals have come to love.

“Each year there have been more things for people to enjoy, but basically we just want visitors to the Reserve to mingle in a relaxed family environment. The rising attendance, especially since Covid, tells us we are doing something right,” she said.

In a period of cost of living concerns, the free event is timed to give people an opportunity to pick up some early Christmas bargains.

There will be an even greater range of stalls and activities this year, and they will be spread more widely throughout the Reserve, so there is plenty for families to explore.

“It’s a great way for everyone to discover what this wonderful environment has to offer and don’t forget to look out for the Eastern Long Neck Turtles which the original festival was named after, because they breed in the Reserve’s lakes,” Shelley said.

Over 70 stalls will offer everything from crafts, workshops, clothing, fitness, plus community service information. There will be plenty for the kids to get involved in, from face

painting to football, pony rides, as well as games and wildlife in the garden of the fabulous Japara Bridge house!

You can also expect to see Mr Chelodina Turtle, Captain Koala, and of course Santa will be dropping in.

Throughout the whole day there will be sen-

sational entertainment for all, including wellknown favourites Ruccis Circus group with their daring aerial act, and West African drummer, Kofi. There will be singers, bands, Irish dancing, and a dog obedience demonstration.

If all of this makes you a bit hungry or thirsty, there will be plenty of food and refreshment

stalls to make sure everyone is satisfied. There is plenty of parking available, including the car park at 150 Cambridge Road (the former school site). Anyone who is driving in the area at the time is asked to be particularly mindful of pedestrian traffic.

Find a range of games and wildlife in the Japara Bridge garden during the Kilsyth Festival. (Stewart Chambers: 443681)

With the playground nearby, the festival provides a perfect family outing. (443681)

Experience Elizabeth Bridge Reserve in all its glory. (443681)

Eight-year-old Alice captured the sound of a rare Growling Grass Frog at Spadoni’s Billabong Reserve. (Stewart Chambers: 443343)

Leesa Riley from Melbourne Water with Alice and her mum Jess. (443343)

Alice with her mum Jess. (443343)

Tips for kitten season care

It’s that time of year again – kitten season!

Tiny kittens are beginning to arrive at Animal Aid, and many might be found out in the community needing a helping hand.

If you stumble upon a litter of kittens, there are a few important steps to follow to give these little ones the best chance of thriving.

Check for mum

Kittens do best when cared for by their mother.

If you find a litter, step back and observe from a distance to see if she’s nearby.

She may be out hunting or avoiding the area because she senses you nearby.

Cats are naturally cautious, so monitor the

CARTOON

aid Animal

Mark Menze Animal Aid CEO

area for a few hours to see if she returns.

Protect the kittens

If the mother doesn’t come back, ensure the

kittens are safe from immediate dangers like predators or extreme weather.

Very young kittens are especially vulnerable to the cold, heat, and dehydration, and they can’t go long without their mum’s care.

Older kittens can go a bit longer, so take your time to assess the situation.

Call ahead and bring them to safety

If the mother is still absent after a few hours, it’s essential to get the kittens to a safe place.

Contact Animal Aid or your local vet to coordinate next steps, and please call ahead if possible.

They’ll receive the care, warmth, and nour-

Now that summer is almost here, some of us may be reminiscing about the cool winter days, the warm doona and hot cuppa, and a pile of good books to go with the cold, quiet nights.

This reviewer recently chatted with Robin Barden, Manager of Lilydale Library, about the Warm Winter Read campaign last June to August.

Looking back at the Warm Winter Read PASSION FOR PROSE

The annual campaign was hosted by Public Libraries Victoria and facilitated by all 51 public library services across the state.

Along with Janet Laws from Croydon Library, Barden coordinated some of the reading initiatives on behalf of Your Library Ltd.

“This was the third year of the campaign, with 1800 readers signing up for the challenge,” Barden said.

“It’s been tremendous to see so many of our patrons getting involved and sharing their passion for reading. Some very keen readers actually told me they wished the challenge could have gone on longer!”

“The library staff love to get involved as well, reading, reviewing and recommending books and taking part in the various challenges. Some of our favourite challenges this year were ‘Create a Cosy Reading Spot’, ‘Listen to an Audiobook’, and the ‘Literary Pair and Share’ foodie challenge.”

One of the campaign’s highlights was author Garry Disher’s visit to Lilydale Library.

A Warm Winter Read Ambassador, Disher spoke to a very enthusiastic audience about his crime fiction, including his latest book Sanctuary.

During the challenge, Barden herself enjoyed books by authors such as Claire Keegan, Paul Murray, Madeleine Gray, Clare Chambers, and Bonnie Garmus – just to name a few.

When asked about people’s reading tastes and habits in recent years, Barden said: “There has been a big move to ebooks – many people love the convenience, while some still prefer the tactile qualities of a physical book. Audiobooks are also increasing in popularity in our busy lives.”

“The way people discover new books is also changing, with people sharing their passion for reading on social media platforms such as TikTok. Ultimately people who love to read will read

ishment they need until they’re ready for new homes.

Handle mum with care

If you find the mother cat and plan to bring her and the kittens to a vet or shelter, act with caution.

Cat bites and scratches can quickly lead to infection, so keeping her calm is important.

Ensure she is in a secure carrier, as cats—especially anxious or active ones—can easily escape during transport.

With your care, these tiny lives have a chance to thrive.

By giving them a safe start, we can all help vulnerable animals find their forever homes.

The better Ridley Scott sequel

Directed by Ridley Scott, Gladiator II is an excellent sequel to Scott’s 2000 historical action epic.

After his home city is conquered, Lucius (Paul Mescal), son of Maximus from the first film, is sold into slavery and becomes a gladiator.

Gladiator II’s plot follows most of the same beats as the first film, but distinguishes itself with an invigorating current of idealism, corruption and scheming (and so brings more new ideas to the table than Alien: Romulus, 2024’s other Ridley Scott sequel).

Mescal is both formidable and sensitive as Lucius, Denzel Washington steals the show as Macrinus, Lucius’s flamboyant, Machiavellian master, and Pedro Pascal is deeply engaging as Acacius, a noble Roman general tired of serving tyrants.

in any format and don’t like to be without a good book.”

“People love Australian stories, as can be seen from the success of ‘Australian Noir’, gripping crime stories by writers such as Jane Harper, Candice Fox, Chris Hammer, and of course the aforementioned Disher.”

“There has been an increase in diverse voices in Australian writing. For example, there have been some brilliant books published recently by First Nation writers. Graphic novels are also an increasingly popular and inventive way of storytelling,” Barden said.

She described libraries as “warm, vibrant community spaces offering so much to the library user (and for free!)”.

“The best way to support libraries is to pay us a visit, join up and use all the great things on offer – and best of all, by borrowing a book... or three.”

“Research shows us that reading for pleasure offers so many benefits, with a positive impact on our mental health and feelings of connectedness. It also increases empathy, self-esteem, and awareness of other cultures.”

“Librarians love to engage with readers and share the pleasure we all gain from stories. Hearing what people have enjoyed reading and sharing recommendations is one of the best parts of my day,” Barden concluded.

The sequel does a better job than the first film of showing the people’s distrust of their corrupt leaders, in this case the detestable twin emperors Caracalla and Geta, and Lucius’s journey as a star gladiator is the focal point of a well-woven web of intrigue.

Call me crazy, but I find the action in the first Gladiator unsatisfying: it’s bloody and tense, but often choppy and shot too close.

Gladiator II’s action is an immense improvement, with wider shots, fewer cuts and grander, more creative staging (including a phenomenal naval battle inside the Coliseum).

Gladiator II does seem stylistically slightly toned-down from the first film, though, with the first film’s rival gladiators having an almost Mad Max-like aesthetic (and where the original has some odd editing, II has some annoying shaky camerawork).

Gladiator II is arguably more of a soft reboot than a sequel, but offers richer character writing and political conflict, with Washington as the fun villain centrepiece, and is a compelling, visceral thrill-ride playing in most Victorian cinemas.

Gladiator II

Starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal M 4/5

Where to pick up your FREE Star Mail

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar3 Meadowgate Drive

CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Caltex Safeway239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK EG Fuelco Service StationChirnside Park Shopping Cr Little

Chipping Drive, 241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Chirnside Park Country Club 68 Kingswood Drive

CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar158 Nangathan Way

CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar11 The Mall

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketChuringa SC, Russo Place

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketCanterbury Road Kilsyth

KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette Unit 7/87 Colchester Road

LILYDALE Aaron Violi MP Office 110 Main Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC51-59 Anderson Street

LILYDALE Woolworths SupermarketMarketplace, 33 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale VillageCastella Street & Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre7 Hardy Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre1 Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station473 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale346 Main Street

LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths31 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE BP Service Station87 Warburton Highway

LILYDALE Shell Service Station469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE 7 - Eleven LilydaleCnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Coles Express469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe251 Main Street

LILYDALE Round Bird Can't Fly170 Main Street

LILYDALE The Lilydale General110 Beresford Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery96 Main Street

LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe178 Main Street

LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe222 Main Street

LILYDALE Gracious GraceCastella Street

LILYDALE Melba Coffee House33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies7/75 Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Point of View CafeLilydale Lakeside - Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE Freda's Cafe2 Clarke Street

LILYDALE Barry Plant Real Estate88 Main Street

LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate164 Main Street

LILYDALE Hello Harry245 Main Street

LILYDALE Noel Jones Real Estate 281 Main Street

LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate111-113 Main Street

LILYDALE Grubs Up1 Industrial Park Drive

LILYDALE Mc Donalds RestaurantMaroondah Highway

LILYDALE Olinda Creek HotelMaroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street

MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road

MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street

MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent

MOUNT EVELYN Red Robyn Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent

MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road

MOUNT EVELYN Bendigo Bank 2/35-39 Wray Cres

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket916 Mt Dandenong Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket15 Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Bendigo BankUnit 19/66 - 74 Brice Ave

MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar38 Bellara Dive

MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart108 Hayrick Lane

MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark103 Cardigan Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Express2 Cambridge Road

MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real EstateBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK L J HookerBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK Mc Donalds RestaurantManchester Road

MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale138 York Road

WANDIN NORTH Wandin Newsagency Shop 2 /18 Union Road

Upgrade to get underway

After years of delays, this week the Yarra Valley community received the long awaited news that the Maroondah Highway and Killara Road intersection upgrade is planned to commence next year.

Representatives of the Department of Infrastructure and Transport confirmed in Senate Estimates on Monday 4 November that construction is expected to start in mid-2025.

The answer came in response to questions submitted by federal Casey MP Aaron Violi around the proposed timeline for the project.

Mr Violi said this news was welcomed by the community that has long been waiting for these vital safety upgrades.

“The former Liberal Government funded this project in 2019. Both state and federal Labor Governments have continuously delayed and failed to get started on the project, so it is fantastic to have Labor finally confirm construction is expected to begin mid-2025,” he said.

Mr Violi also recently wrote to the Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety seeking an update on the commencement of the project.

The Victorian Government confirmed the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has been engaged in preconstruction activi-

ties on the project, including a detailed assessment of scope elements, determination of site impacts and work on the delivery strategy for the project.

Preconstruction activities also include development of the project program, which is expected in early 2025.

The program will include details on the timing of community consultation, and the commencement and completion of project construction.

Mr Violi urged the government to get on with community consultation as a priority.

“It is disappointing that Coldstream and Yarra Valley residents, community organisations and and business owners are yet to be consulted on this project,” he said.

“The Coldstream CFA Fire Brigade has been instrumental in advocating for this upgrade for the safety of all residents. It is vital the CFA and local community is consulted as a priority and I will hold the government to account to ensure a proper consultation process occurs.

“If the Labor Government is going to meet its own deadline of mid-2025 for construction, they must begin consulting with the community immediately.”

Federal Casey MP Aaron Violi held a community meeting to show local support for the upgrade to Maroondah Highway and Killara Road intersection. (Supplied)

Treadworx for tyre quality

Known

the go-to spot for all your automotive needs, catering to a wide range of vehicles, from everyday cars to robust 4x4s and even wheelbarrows. They offer an impressive range of tyres from leading brands like Maxxis, Yokohama, Falken, Kumho, and many more. Whether you’re looking for durability, performance, or a bit of both, you’ll find the perfect tyre for your vehicle here.

Dynamic, Sniper, ROH, PDW, Lenso, and others, ensuring a stylish and functional fit for any ride.

Treadworx is also proud to be an authorized Fulcrum Suspensions dealer.

“With over 20 years of experience and a knowledgeable team, we’re dedicated to offering a wide range of high-quality products and services at competitive prices,” he said.

Their wheel selection is equally extensive, featuring popular names such as Extreme 4x4,

They provide a comprehensive range of suspension products from Fulcrum, tailored to meet the needs of every type of vehicle.

Owner Nathan Hawkless sums it up well:

For expert advice, exceptional service, and a personal touch, Treadworx Lilydale is your local destination. Stop by and find out why they’re the preferred choice for so many!

Treadworx Lilydale are your friendly local experts for tyres, wheels and suspension. (Stewart Chambers: 426116)

Treadworx owner Nathan Hawkless.

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 Vision-related (5)

4 Major sale (9)

9 Camper (7)

10 Relating to the natural emblem of a clan or tribe (7)

11 Thoughts; ideas (7)

12 Made sense (5,2)

13 Well pleased (9)

15 Bag (4)

17 Just (4)

19 Pain in a nerve pathway (9)

22 Common crumble ingredient (7)

25 Forbidden (7)

26 US state home to the Grand Canyon (7)

27 Scrutinise (7)

28 Designer of goods and structures (9)

29 French painter, Edgar – (5)

DOWN

1 Wearer of rose-tinted glasses (8)

2 Conveyance through (7)

3 Settler (9)

4 Danish writer, Hans – Andersen (9)

5 Unneeded (5)

6 Valued (5)

7 Travelling from place to place (7)

8 Break loose (6)

14 Undeniably (5)

15 Right side of a ship (9)

16 Loss of hair (8)

18 Hurting (7)

20 Getting bigger (7)

21 Polished (6)

23 Bedeck (5)

24 Hold responsible (for something bad) (5)

LIFESTYLE ACREAGE WITH MAGNIFICENT FAMILY HOME

LIFESTYLE ACREAGE WITH MAGNIFICENT HOME

THIS magnificent lifestyle property situated only 550m from Monbulk township is a tantilising display of sophistication inside and out. Comprising a grand architectural residence settled onto a showcase 2-acre landscape with sealed drive, rolling lawns, firepit area, and convenient sheds and carports, this beautiful property proves you can have it all.

Step from the large verandah into this spectacular residence set over 2 sprawling levels. The primary level boasts timber cathedral ceilings and expanses of glass that overlook the deck and garden. The generous lounge and formal dining area feature a large open wood fire. The gourmet kitchen is adorned with a waterfall island, Haier oven and induction cooktop, Bosch dishwasher, wine cellar, and oversize butlers’ pantry. With an equally comfortable family room with wood fire, a sizeable study with separate entry, 3 beautiful bedrooms including main with 2 walk-in robes and luxurious ensuite, and a show-stopping family bathroom with freestanding tub also on this level, there is a bounty of comfort to be discovered here.

On the lower level, these spaces can be set to suit your way of life. Enjoy a generous rumpus room/art studio with kitchenette that steps out to the alfresco, a games room/ second study or bedroom with cosy carpet, and a large bedroom and designer bathroom with frameless shower. The laundry with bonus shower bathroom and the 4-car garage are also accessible on this level.

With so many incredible features set to a backdrop of lush landscaped gardens, this property pulls out all the stops to impress.

Plan your viewing today.

Easy stroll to shopping, schools, and transport

• Gated 8,193sqm (approx.) property with sealed drive, picturesque rolling lawns, carports, and convenient sheds

• Expansive family residence with under-house 4-car garage

Gorgeous gourmet kitchen with waterfall island, Haier and Bosch appliances, versatile butlers’ pantry/storeroom, and wine cellar

Beautiful bathrooms and luxurious bathrooms on both levels.

PEACE AND PRIVACY IN SOUGHT AFTER SHERBROOKE

IN what could be considered the most soughtafter area throughout the Dandenong Ranges, is this ‘wow’ factor open plan home that provides more than enough room for all the family to enjoy.

Low-maintenance BV construction boasts a brilliant entertaining deck that overlooks the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens for quiet strolls with mother nature.

Fully renovated throughout 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms (full ensuite) and is surrounded by stunning green lawns of 1,575 sqm, mature trees and colourful local birdlife.

All kept comfortable by a cosy combustion wood fire, gas ducted heating, and split system cooling. With a securely fenced yard, 6m X 3m store shed/workshop, under-house storage, and the convenience of a remote lock-up garage. If you are looking for a better lifestyle in the ‘Hills’, then look no further than this outstanding opportunity.

HOME FOCUS

CONTEMPORARY CONVENIENCE

AFFORDING a luxury lifestyle within an extremely convenient location, this well designed residence brings together spacious living and quality appointments.

From the outset, stylish, contemporary appeal conveys an impression of sophistication and upon entry, a thoughtful selection of design elements result in a unified look, including neutral tones and features.

A thoughtful entry foyer leads into a formal living area and the open-plan layout feels completely relaxed, incorporating the kitchen, casual family and meals area to create a superb hub, perfect for entertaining friends and family. Access via a glass sliding door reveals a private decked outdoor zone—the ideal space to unwind at the conclusion of the day or when hosting guests.

Designed to excite those who like to cook, the fully-equipped kitchen features stainless steel appliances; electric oven, gas stove and dishwasher, as well as ample storage, stone benchtops and a long island bench with breakfast bar. Light fills this space, creating a pleasurable atmosphere for both cooking, dining and relaxing.

Continuing on, the master bedroom comprises a walk-in robe and a full ensuite. Whilst the further two bedrooms are fitted with double built-in robes and are within easy access to the large bathroom incorporating a bathtub and separate toilet.

Other key features include; gas ducted heating, storage, high ceilings, water tank, and double garage with internal access.

An ultra-convenient location, a short walk to Lilydale Railway Station, the shops, cafes and amenities that Lilydale has to offer. Victoria Road Primary and Lilydale Heights school zoning, comfort and convenience collide here to create the ultimate low-maintenance lifestyle property. Determined to impress, an inspection is recommended to make this marvellous home your own.

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.

COMPLETE WITH CREATIVITY AND CHARACTER

NESTLED into an exclusive, no through road location, surrounded by nature yet close to all that Belgrave South has to offer, this unique and very comfortable, 2 storey home comes complete with a versatile floorplan and a creative design.

Beautifully landscaped with rock walls and intricate paving, you will see the years of love and care that this property has received.

Filled with plenty of natural light, the living areas are spacious, offering a lovely lounge with wood fire and a dining area that is large enough for the entire family. With plenty of cupboard space, the modern kitchen blends perfectly with its surrounding decor and will be a welcome addition to any buyer.

A split system, along with hydronic heating and the cosy wood fire, all function perfectly together no matter what the season and will keep you comfortable year round!

Although currently being used as a

two bedroom home, the mezzanine home office and oversized dressing room to the main bedroom could also become two further bedrooms with ease if needed. Two bathrooms, including a luxury ensuite, are ideal for any growing family and a generous laundry provides extra storage for all your bits and pieces.

Outside, a partially covered timber decking is large enough to host any function and there simply is no better spot to enjoy the outlook over your colourful, peaceful block.

Fully fenced, the property also boasts two workshops, a water tank, solar panels, a carport that is ideal for trailers and the like, parking for 2 cars, excellent under house storage and a mature, colourful garden.

Enjoy all the benefits that this lifestyle property will gladly give you, as well as discovering this sought after family friendly community.

HOME FOCUS

IMMACULATE FAMILY RETREAT WITH VIEWS

SET on an expansive 1895sqm block in picturesque Menzies Creek, this versatile 4 Bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style and space.

A wraparound, tiled verandah welcomes you, providing a scenic spot to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and distant views over the Cardinia Reservoir year-round. Inside, step into a spacious entryway leading to the formal lounge with an abundance of windows and an ambient open fire, perfect for those chilly nights in.

There is also a further sun lit family room with large windows that frame the lush outdoors and fill the room with natural light and a toasty wood heater, whilst the home is complemented by gas ducted heating and electric reverse cycle heating & refrigerative cooling for comfort and convenience in all seasons.

The open plan kitchen and dining area is a chef’s delight, featuring slate flooring, an ILVE 1000mm free standing stove/oven, ample bench space and plenty of storage.

A picturesque bay window invites the beauty of the outdoors inside. Down the hall, the Master Suite offers double built-in robes and a private ensuite, while 2 additional carpeted bedrooms also include built in robes, adjacent to the family bathroom featuring a spa bath, with separate toilet and a spacious laundry with abundant storage found nearby.

For those looking for entertaining options or multigenerational living there is a versatile games/lounge room with a kitchenette that can be closed off to the remainder of the home.

This versatile space features a home office/ study that provides a quiet workspace or even a 5th bedroom if required, a 3rd bathroom for convenience and up a few stairs a spacious 4th bedroom or 5th living space that offers views over the property and stunning gardens . All this flows seamlessly onto an enclosed deck where a swim spa awaits, making it a wonderful space for year-round relaxation or catching up with family and friends. Outside, the private, fully fenced grounds are also designed for relaxation and entertaining, with a designated fire pit area, perfect for evenings under the stars, while the private, established gardens, create a serene and secluded atmosphere.

A garden shed offers extra storage, and an outdoor entertaining area is enhanced by a pizza oven, perfect for al-fresco dining. Completing this exceptional property is a double car garage, ensuring ample storage and additional off-street parking.

This remarkable home is a must-see for those seeking a move in ready, tranquil, family friendly retreat with all the amenities you could need.

Don’t miss out - Call to arrange a private inspection today.

Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office.

HOME ESSENTIALS

CharmingMudbrickHome,WalktoTownLocation. This4BRmudbrickhomeona 2621sqmblockincockatooistheperfectblendofrusticcharmwith moderncomfort,with agated,sealeddrivewayofferingplentyofspacefor acaravanorboat, &walkingdistancetotown.Enterthroughtheundercoververandah,wheretimberflooring &tall ceilingscreate awarm,invitingambiance.Thegenerousloungeroom,witha woodfire &s/sforyearroundcomfort.Thekitchen/diningareabathedinnaturallightfroma largeskylightisbothfunctional &elegant.Withexposedbrickwalls,softclosecabinetry& stonebenchtops.Themasterbedroom featuringstunningleadlightwindows,WIR &ensuite.Stepouttotheundercoverareawithviewsof thebackgarden.Threeadditionalbedroomsfeatureclerestorywindows.Fullyfencedgarden,witha courtyard,veggiepatchwithwateraccess,gardenshed,& fencedrearpaddock.

AaronDay M 0407365994 BrennanMileto M 0422996451

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

&ElevatedOutlook!

450sqmblockinPakenham,this3-year-oldhomeblendsmoderndesignwiththoughtful features.RelaxinthecarpetedMasterSuite,completewithplantationshutters,& walkthroughrobe leadingtotheensuite.Threeadditionalbedrooms,allwithBIR,& plushcarpets,idealforfamilyor guests,& arelocatedattheotherendedofthehome.Theheartofthehomeis abright,openplan kitchenspacewithwideplanklaminateflooringconnectingthekitchen,lounge &diningareas.The kitchenexudesstyle &functionality,with agenerousstone-toppedislandbench &walk-inpantry.The homealsofeatures asecondloungeorformaldiningarea.AddtothisGDH &reversecyclecooling throughout.Outside,anenclosedalfrescoareawithcaféblindsopenstoa completelyprivate, landscapedbackyard.A manicuredfrontyard &a doublelockupgaragewithinternalaccess.

SpaciousFamilyHome –WalktoTownLocation!

Thislovinglycraftedfamilyhome,builtbythecurrentowner,offerswarmth &space.Uponentry, youaregreetedby alight-filledloungeroom,withlargefrontwindows.Theloungeflowsseamlessly intotheopenplankitchen,dining& 2ndloungearea,allfeaturingfloatingfloors.Thekitchen,with largebench,abundanceofstorage,new900mmgasstove& electricoven &dishwasher.Down thehallwayare3 largecarpetedbedrooms,eachwithBIR. Acentralbathroomwithseparatetoilet &laundryarelocatedherealso.Themastersuiteispositionedatthefrontofthehome,withlarge windows,WIR& privateensuite.Recentlypainted,newcurtainsthroughout,hotwaterservicenew12 monthsago& ductedheatingthroughout.Stepoutsidetoa fullyfencedbackyard &doublelockup garageforsecureparkingorextrastoragewithmezzanineflooring.

YOUR DREAM LIFESTYLE IS WITHIN REACH

HAVE you ever imagined escaping the hustle and bustle of suburban life to live on a peaceful property with stunning views, quiet surroundings, and absolute serenity? What if we told you, it’s more affordable than you think?

Picture yourself enjoying warm summer evenings, hosting friends for dinner on a gorgeous deck beneath the stars—this is the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. And that’s just the beginning.

The property boasts:

• Spacious modern living with distinct living zones

• A fantastic garage and sheds for all your tools and toys

• A well-equipped backyard studio/home office with impressive additions

• A separate spa room for ultimate relaxation

• This home is ideal for tradies, young couples, or anyone looking for space, tranquility, and easy access to Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs for work. With motivated vendors eager to sell, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

• Located just a 5-minute drive from Launching Place Primary School, as well as nearby parks and reserves, it’s also only a short 5-minute drive to Woori Yallock Central Village.

Don’t miss your chance to see this property— your dream home could be closer than you think.

Thislight &spaciousbrickveneerhomehastheperfectblendofspace,comfortand moderntouches.Entrancetothehomeisthrough afabulousenclosedsunroomandthen stepinsidetodiscovertheopen-planlayout,galley-stylekitchen,mealsarea,downstairs rumpusroomwithitsownpowderroom,spaciousunder-housestorageandampleoffstreetparkingforcars &caravansetc.Thelocationdirectlyacrossfrom aNationalPark offersscenicviewsandeasyaccesstowalkingtrails,perfectforoutdoorenthusiasts.

JanBrewster 0409558805

MickDolphin 0429684522

CHARACTERCOTTAGEINPRIMELOCATION

Nestledona quietno-throughroadisthischaractercottageseton1332sqm.The flexible floorplanoffersmanyoptionsofeither3 bedroomsor2 plusa gorgeoussunroometc. Otherfeaturesincludehighceilings,polishedfloorboards,anopenfireplace, ducted heating, acentralbathroom &kitchenanda singlegarage/workshop.Thedeckjustoff thediningarea,istheperfectplacetotakeintheestablishedgardens,abundantbirdlife andthesoundofthegentleflowingClematisCreekatthebottomofthegarden

JanBrewster 0409558805

OFFERSCLOSING4pmWed.27/11/24

Thisinviting,fullyrenovatedhomeprovidesanidealescapefromthecityandisseton anear-level1/2acreintranquilhillsidesurroundings.Withmodernupdatesandversatile dual-livingoptions,itisa perfectchoiceforfamilies.Propertyhighlightsinclude astone & timberkitchen,openplanlivingwithvaultedceilings &fireplace,coveredentertaining spaces,beautifulgardens& lushlawn,a self-containeddownstairsapartment,large doublegarage,4-carcarport,off-streetparking&acirculardriveway,perfectfortradies.

MickDolphin 0429684522

AlisonBarkley 0494175410

PEACE& PRIVACYON1575SQM

Inwhatcouldbeconsideredthemostsought-afterareathroughoutthedandenong Ranges,isthis‘wow’factor,spaciousopenplanfullyrenovatedhomethatoffersan entertainingdeckthatoverlookstheAlfredNicholasMemorialGardens, acombustion wood fire,gasductedheating,splitsystemcooling, asecurelyfencedyard,6m x3mstore shed/workshop,under-housestorageandtheconvenienceofa remotelock-upgarage. Ifyouarelookingfor abetterlifestyleinthe‘Hills’,thenlooknofurther! 3 A 2 B

GrantSkipsey 0418528102

STUNNING HOME WITH BREATHTAKING VIEWS

WELCOME to your dream retreat!

This beautifully presented split-level home offers breathtaking mountain views that create a serene backdrop for everyday living. Imagine relaxing on the spacious decking, soaking in the stunning surroundings.

Inside, beautifully presented and ready to just move in and make it your own. With an emphasis on open, light, and space, the design prioritizes comfort and style. Master suite boasts mesmerizing views, a walk-in robe, and an ensuite, making it a perfect sanctuary where you may never want to leave the comfort of your bed.

The inviting lounge features a central fireplace, providing a cozy atmosphere ideal for gatherings. Newly renovated with modern tones and quality flooring throughout, this home caters to even the most discerning buyers.

The large kitchen is a chef’s delight, offering ample bench space, abundant

cabinetry, and updated appliances, all adjacent to the open dining area and a convenient study nook. The bedrooms are fresh and inviting, featuring new carpets, shutters and split system air conditioning in all bedrooms ensuring year-round comfort, an additional split system in the dining area enhances the home’s climate control.

The stunning family bathroom includes a dreamy bath and a walk-in shower, complemented by a gorgeous laundry that adds to the home’s appeal.

Step outside to discover a large undercover area, well maintained gardens, and ample parking, including a double garage, lovely area outside for entertaining or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Don’t miss this opportunity to own a slice of paradise with spectacular views and all within an easy stroll of the pristine Yarra river and charm of the Warburton township.

Stepintothischarming 5bedroom,2 bathroomhomewithcharacterstraightfromthe1890s,that seamlesslyblendsrusticambiencewithmoderncomforts.Setonover2,000sqmsofgorgeous landscapedgardens,thisserenecountryhomeinvitesyoutoexperience alifestyleofrelaxation.The heartofthehomeistheinvitingopenplankitchen.Theloungeexudeswarmthandcharm,witha woodburningfireplace.Themainbathroomshowcasesa luxuriousclawfootbath,a quirkyretrostyle toilet,anda spaciouslaundrywithabundantstorage.Outside,theexpansivegardensarea true haven,filledwithfruittreesandendlesspossibilitiesforentertaining,gardeningorsomeartworkinthe additionalstudiospace. Auniquecombinationofhistoricbeauty,modernamenities,andserene surroundings,thisisthequintessentialcountryretreat.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

38ChristineStreet,Millgrove

$540,000-$580,000

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

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068 Inspection: ByAppointment 3 A 1 B 1 C

PicturesqueAcreagewithGloriousViews

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Telstra plans to co-locate new equipment on an existing telecommunications facility located at Plante’s Hill Reserve, 162 Maroondah Highway, Mooroolbark VIC 3138 (Lot 1 on TP875567) www.rfnsa.com.au/3138002

1.Telstra Limited (A.C.N 051 775 556) are currently introducing 5G to Telstra’s network. As part of this network upgrade, Telstra proposes the installation of LTE700 (4G), LTE1800 (4G), LTE2100 (4G), LTE/NR2600 (4G/5G), NR850 (5G) and NR3500 (5G) technologies at Mooroolbark. Proposed works at the above site will involve the installation of six (6) new panel antennas (each no more than 2.8m in length), the installation of three (3) new outdoor units within the existing compound andassociatedancillaryequipment.Allinternalequipment will be housed within the proposed outdoor units located at the base of the facility.

2.Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the above description.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/ or written submissions should be directed to Max Peel, Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (A.B.N 54 005 139 873) via email to: max.peel@aurecongroup.com or via post to: Max Peel,Aurecon Pty Ltd, 5/863 Hay St, Perth WA6000 by 5pm on 3 December 2024.

Woolhouse passes 9000

By Les Hutchings

Kilsyth’s First XI played at Alan Smith Oval, Pinks Reserve in a two-day match against North Ringwood in Round 6 of the Trollope Shield competition. North Ringwood won the toss and elected to bat on a hot day with the temperature expected to reach 34C. North started well with a 53 run opening partnership, which came to an end in the 16th over when Thomas Robinson was bowled by Andy Solomons for 26 off 48 balls (5 fours). A second wicket partnership of 67 between Nathaniel I’Anson and Aaron Leis took the score to 120 when Solomons bowled I’Anson for 71 off 118 balls (11 fours), in the second last over before tea. At tea, North Ringwood were 2/121 off 42 overs with Aaron Leis on 22 not out, and Captain Luke McPhie yet to score.

After the tea break, North Ringwood progressed to 188 when McPhie was caught and bowled by Mackenzie Scott-Thomas for 37 off 44 balls (5 fours) in the 56th over. In his next over, Scott-Thomas had Aaron Leis adjudged lbw for 52 off 126 balls (7 fours), and North were 4/189 after 58 overs. North Ringwood continued to build the score and the 200 came up in the 61st over. It was 5/221 in the 66th over when Charlie Moore was trapped in front of his stumps by Andy Solomons for 18 off 23 balls. At the 70 over mark, North Ringwood had progressed to 5/232. With 10 overs remaining, they were looking to increase the run rate even more. The sixth wicket fell on 260, when Lachlan O’Donnell was well caught by Pasan Ganegoda from a skied catch to mid-on off the bowling of left arm spinner Uvindu Wimaladharma. The last wicket to fall was that of Ryan Peter-Budge, stumped by Captain Marcus Adams for 42 off 65 balls, off the bowling of Mackenzie Scott-Thomas with the score now 7/268 in the 78th over. In the end, North Ringwood finished on 7/294cc off their allotted 80 overs with Corey Rennison 17 not out off 9 balls, and Mitch Skinner 14 not out off 10 balls. All North’s batsmen reached double figures in a consistent bat-

ting display throughout the day. Kilsyth’s bowlers toiled hard in the hot conditions. Wimaladharma was outstanding, sending down 30 overs 6 maidens and finishing with 1/73. The other wicket takers were Andy Solomons 3/53 off 14 overs (2 maidens) and Mackenzie Sott-Thomas 3/84 off 19 overs (4 maidens). Opening bowler Kamal Kuruppu kept it tight early, sending down 5 overs 1 maiden 0/5 in his first spell. He bowled a second spell after tea and at one stage had 0/11 off 8 excellent overs, only to finish with 0/27 off 9 overs when North Ringwood set about increasing the run rate. Kilsyth have their work cut out next week, but the target is not beyond their capability.

The Second XI also played North Ringwood, at their temporary home for the season at Barngeong Reserve. Kilsyth won the toss and batted. Unfortunately, the Redbacks were all out for 149 in 63.2 overs. Top scorers for Kilsyth were Will Beard 35 off 87 balls, his father Dan Beard, 24 not out off 78 balls, Dylan Smith 16 off 44 balls, Daniel Caton 15 off 17 balls, and Joel Harris 14 off 26 balls. The outstanding bowler for North Ringwood was Nicholas Rule, who captured 5/50 off 28 overs (8 maidens). He was well supported by David Maddox, 3/49 off 19 overs (4 maidens), and Liam Sweeney 2/13 off 5.2 overs (2 maidens). North Ringwood batted for 16 overs and at stumps were 0/54 with Daniel Roe, 37 not out (7 fours), and Glenn Ibbott 17 not out (2 fours).

The Third XI played away against Lusatia Park at the picturesque Wickhams Road Reserve. Kilsyth won the toss and batted first but were all out for 171 in 53.1 overs. The highlight of the innings was a dashing 56 from Club stalwart Andrew Woolhouse, who faced 66 balls and hit 8 fours. During his innings, Andrew became the second player to pass 9000 senior runs for Kilsyth Cricket Club. The late Roy Baldwin is the Club’s leading run scorer with 10,328 (his records are incomplete). Kilsyth’s Mark Wells scored 26 off 52 balls, Ryan Tooth 23 off 61 balls, Trent Potter 18 off 19 balls and Matthew Young 16 off 31 balls.

At stumps, Lusatia Park were in a strong position being 1/130 off 25 overs. Matthew Burgess with 1/22 off 4 overs, was the sole wicket taker. Kilsyth’s Justin Smith played his 250th senior game for the Club in this match.

The Fourth XI played at home on Roy Baldwin Oval, Pinks Reserve against North Ringwood in a two-day split innings match. Kilsyth won the toss and chose to bat first, scoring 4/150 in the first split of 36 overs. The top scorer for the Redbacks was Anthony Cook, who scored a brilliant 76 off 87 balls (13 fours), before being, unfortunately, run out. The other batsmen to get going were Shane Smith, 28 off 39 balls (5 fours) and Matt Harper 26 not out off 40 balls. Shaun Goodwin was the other not out batsman on 8. There were two run outs in Kilsyth’s innings and the wicket takers for North Ringwood were Stephen Parsons, 1/15 off 6 overs (1 maiden), and Rodney Stuart 1/16 off 4 overs. In reply, North Ringwood were 2/110 at stumps after their 36 overs, and next week, North will continue their innings in another split of 36 overs. For North Ringwood, Captain Colin Rule made 33 off 73 balls (6 fours), whilst Stephen Parsons was 26 not out off 51 balls (5 fours), and Isaac Parsons 25 not out off 69 balls (4 fours). Wicket takers for Kilsyth were Tait Harper 1/15 off 5 overs (1 maiden), and Mark Rollings, 1/19 off 5 overs (1 maiden). Kilsyth ended the first day with a slight advantage.

The Fifth XI, who played Templeton at Elizabeth Bridge Reserve, Kilsyth, won the toss and elected to bat. After losing an early wicket on 16, Kilsyth were 1/70 at drinks after 18 overs. The second wicket did not fall until the score had reached 183. There were three half century retirees: Geoff Kennedy 50*, Rhys Kearney 54* (his first senior half century), and Ryan Kaal 50*, enabling the Redbacks to post a good score of 6/218cc off their allotted 36 overs. However, Templeton chased down the target in the last over, finishing on 5/220 off 35.1 overs. Kilsyth were unable to stop Templeton’s momentum at any stage, with them be-

ing in control and scoring at six an over for the entire innings. Chief run getters for Templeton were Jack Bartlett and Luke Moore, both 50 retired not out, whilst Giuseppi Stratti 37, Arun Nair 22 and Arjun Arun Nair 19 not out, all contributed towards the win. There were five individual wicket takers for Kilsyth: Hayden Monds 1/9 off 4 overs, John Wilson 1/25 off 4 overs, Rhys Kearney 1/22 off 3 overs, Captain Tyron Paspa 1/21 off 4 overs and Ryan Kaal 1/24 off 4 overs. Tyron Paspa also took two catches whilst wicket keeping for part of the innings.

On Sunday, Kilsyth Women’s First XI played Blackburn at Morton Park, Blackburn in a T-20 match. The Redbacks won the toss and decided to bat first. Kilsyth lost their first wicket at 20 in the fourth over and second wicket at 76 in the 11th over, when Belinda Hutchings was bowled by Joanne Fox for 30 (2 fours). At that stage, Kilsyth Captain Ashleigh Katoa was 28 not out, and she went on to retire on 50 not out (9 fours). Avanthi Jayawickrema was the third wicket to fall on 138 in the 20th over, after making a rapid 28 off 20 balls (4 fours). So, Kilsyth posted 3/138cc after their allotted 20 overs. Blackburn’s wicket takers were Sophie Agnew 1/10 off 2 overs, Joanne Fox 1/11 off 3 overs, and Alyssa Rowe 1/18 off 4 overs. In reply, Blackburn lost early wickets: 1/12, 2/37, and 3/37 after 8 overs. A 73 run fourth wicket partnership between Lisa Agnew and Bella Fox lifted the score to 3/110 after 19 overs and they finished on 4/113cc from their 20 overs. Top scorers for Blackburn were Bella Fox 44 not out off 47 balls (6 fours), Lisa Agnew 26 off 39 balls (2 fours), and opener Alyssa Rowe, run out by Belinda Hutchings for 15 off 22 balls (3 fours). For Kilsyth, Courtney Anderson took 1/12 off 4 overs, Sarah Gibb 1/16 off 4 overs and Avanthi Jayawickrema 1/28 off 4 overs. It was the second consecutive win for the Women after losing 3 of their first 4 games.

Mounters struggle with the bat through Saturday heat

The first big challenge for cricketers entering a new season is when the temperatures rise for the first sun baked day of the season. Saturday’s temperatures rose well beyond 30 degrees, and depending on which side the coin fell, it was either a long day baking in the sun, or a quick cameo before cooling in some much needed shade. For the cricketers in maroon, it was a mixed bag of performances.

The Community Bank - Mt Evelyn 1st XI had no hesitation asking their hosts, Warrandyte, to field first under the draining sun, with a goal of asking them to stay out there all day. The Mounters have had their struggles with the bat at the top of the order and were determined to reignite their season with an improved showing with the bat. Unfortunately, the innings would begin with a familiar tune, as the Mounters quickly fell to 4/14 despite a cautious approach to the innings.

Captain Troy Hancock partnered with Jake Blackwell to avoid further damage as the experienced pair would combine the patient resistance of Blackwell with the blistering force of Hancock to re-establish the team in the contest after a dismal start. Just as Hancock started to press on, and the partnership extended beyond fifty, he would lose his wicket after consecutive boundaries. When Blackwell fell just ten runs later with the score on 85, the innings was teetering on an early finish with the afternoon tea break still some time off.

Chris Morrow would hold things together as Jett Hartman and Will Macklin had short stays at the wicket, but it would take some lusty hitting from tailenders Bohdie Jones and Caleb Hrabe to add some substance to the score as the lower order would push the score from 8/104 to close at 191. The score, although still short of par, would give the visitors some semblance of hope given the innings could’ve been wrapped up around 100. The most disappointing part of the innings is that the Mounters left a meaty 23 overs still on the bone. Luke Killey was the chief destroyer for the Bloods with excellent figures of 5/32.

Warrandyte would take no risks for the remainder of the day, taking 31 runs off the chase

without the loss of a wicket. It leaves them well in front of this contest and solid, risk-free start to day two would see them well on their way to victory. For the Mounters, after a wicketless finish to the day, need to find wickets, and fast. If they can find themselves deep into the order quickly, then anything can happen.

The Professionals Outer East 2nd XI managed to succeed where their counterparts could not as they batted out the day at home against Croydon Ranges. Under the urging of captain Shane Laird, he put the onus on his batters to keep wickets intact, tire the bowling attack, and cash in over the back end of the innings. There would be a few of the Mt Evelyn top order who would be disappointed they didn’t hang around long enough to cash in with Adam Smith, Luke Paterson and Jesse Fraser all falling after making promising starts. The one thing the Mounters didn’t allow was consecutive wickets which would’ve pleased the captain.

At 4/97, the innings could’ve taken a turn either way. The visitors could continue to take regular wickets and eventually wear down the batsmen, or home team could find a partnership of substance, and cash in at the back end of the innings. Thankfully for Mt Evelyn it was the latter. Mike Mawson and Jamie Bliss would come together, and their first point of order was to engage in the arm wrestle taking little risk in the lead up to the afternoon tea adjournment.

They would creep the score forward over the next 20 overs, but sticking to their plans, the partnership would continue unblemished. With the score at 4/141 after 50 overs, the pair had set the team well to fill their boots over the concluding overs.

Firstly, Mawson and Bliss would ramp up the run rate taking advantage of their earlier hard work. The only sour note to their partnership was that Bliss would fall within reach of his century, falling with his score on 74. The pair had executed their partnership with aplomb, a steady start, polished off with a blistering finish, saw the pair put together 133 runs and have the Mounters in a position of power at 5/230 with 13 overs still in the bank. Luke Shepherd would ensure the innings would lose none of its momentum as he would play the perfect foil for Mawson who would go on to register a well deserved century. Mawson’s form over the last month had indicated a big one was coming, and he made hay while the sun shone. He would eventually be dismissed in the penultimate over for a fantastic 116, and the damage was done as the team had surged to 6/323 when stumps were drawn.

The Mounters has executed the master plan to perfection and have a stronghold on this contest. The Kookaburras will be well aware that if they can replicate a similar game plan that they will give themselves every chance on a Gary Martin Oval full of runs. The Mt Evelyn attack, however, will be keen to sink their teeth into this task as their batsmen have given them a total where with tight bowling, their opposition will be forced to take risks, creating chances.

The Rhead Group 3rd XI had a tough first days play against Mooroolbark at Gruyere. Under the split innings format, their opposition will Barkers won the toss and elected to bowl first whilst the blistering heat had yet to arrive and it proved to be a master stroke. The Mt Evelyn batting performance never really ignited as wickets fell consistently under the pressure of a well tuned attack. Sam Vanhoogstraten’s score of 22, as average as it is, was the only score of any substance as the home team were bundled out for 73 before they had seen out the first split.

This consigned the team to a difficult period in the field under blistering heat and an experienced, in form, batting line up. The bowlers would battle manfully, but with little scoreboard pressure, the Barkers batters were able to keep their score ticking over with minimal risk. The Mounters would take four wickets over the course of the 38 overs in the field, but with Mooroolbark putting on 147, the opportunity is theirs to give their bowlers enough time to chase an outright victory. For Mt Evelyn, their task is simple, try and grind the Mooroolbark innings to a close, then show a fair bit more resistance with the bat to avoid in ignominy of outright defeat.

The Hop Hen Brewing 4th XI had a high scoring affair against Montrose on the ‘Postage Stamp’ at Mt Evelyn Recreation Reserve. Chris Doyle would win the toss and elected to send the Wolves in to bat, in a move he would soon regret. Nathan Veith got the innings off to a flyer as he reached his 50 and retirement within 25 balls and he was ably supported by Andrew Gibson who would also reach a half century. Up and coming star Cambell Finch and the experienced Mark Shepherd would then combine to rein in proceeding. Finch would be the wicket taker taking 5/35, whilst Shepherd was miserly taking 1/20 at 3.33 an over. Montrose would have one last splash at the total courtesy of Leigh Marshall (50 not out off 39 balls) to push the score to a respectable 8/229.

Jarrod Hartman would get the chase off to the flyer it needed blasting himself to an early retirement scoring 55 not out, featuring nine fours and three sixes. Like their opponents, the Wolves would rein things in through the middle overs courtesy of regular wickets, but the Mt Evelyn run rate was too great to overcome. A half century to Ian Hawkey, was complimented by contributions from Connor Hartman (36) and Mark Shepherd (25 not out) and the Mounters had the chase ticked away with still six overs to spare.

The Mt Evelyn 5th XI would continue their winning ways with a victory on the road, also against Montrose. The Flowtec 6th XI fumbled their chances on the road to North Ringwood.

Mt Evelyn’s 6th XI wearing their poppies to commemorate Remembrance Day in support of the Mt Evelyn RSL. (Supplied)

Two titles for croquet club

By John Thomson

This week was the final week of the South East Metro Challenge for the Spring season.

The Lilydale Division 1 level play team made the long trek down the Peninsula to play Mornington, consisting of players Murray Howlett and Craig McCracken.

The first game was the doubles and Lilydale had won the toss so they hit off first. The game was close all the way as one team would get a hoop or two in front only then the other team would even things up again. Late in the game Lilydale was able to get a mini break and then hold it and eventually win the game 7 hoops to Mornington 5 hoops.

Murray played in the first singles game where he got off to a good start, but the Mornington player was not going away. Murray was able to run consecutive hoops to give him the lead and take the win 7 hoops to Mornington 4 hoops.

Craig played in the next singles game. This game was another tight affair as each player traded hoop for hoop. Late in the game Craig was able to get on top and win 7 hoops to Mornington 5 hoops.

At the lunch break the scores were Lilydale 3 games 21 hoops to Mornington 0 games 14 hoops. With two games to play Lilydale had won the day, so it was a matter now of by how much or could Mornington win the last two.

Murray played in the first single after lunch. Murray started brilliantly and had the first 4 hoops up, from then on he controlled the match to go on and win 7 hoops to Mornington 3 hoops.

Craig played the last game. Another tight game with both players playing a negative clearing game making it hard to run hoops eventually after the twelfth hoop it was 6 hoops a piece, so the 13th and deciding hoop had to be played. Mornington was able to set up well and then win the hoop. Mornington 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

The final scores for the day were Lilydale 4 games 34 hoops to Mornington 1 game 24 hoops. Congratulations to the Ringwood team for winning the Division 1 competition this season. In a very close, hard fought season Lilydale ended up a very commendable third. Well done to the team of John Thomson, Murray Howlett and Craig Mc Cracken.

In Division 2 this week Lilydale hosted the Monash club.

Lilydale’s team was Alan Jones, Kerri McCracken and Mike Gilsenan.

Alan and Kerri played in the doubles. The Lilydale pair got off to a great start and were able to build on their early lead and win the game 7 hoops to Monash 3 hoops.

Mike played in the first singles game. Mike started well but his opponent fought back. From there the game was close, eventually the Monash player got on top and won 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.

Alan played in the next game. Alan got off to a blistering start and was able to control the whole game and have a comfortable win 7 hoops to Monash 1 hoop.

At the break the scores were Lilydale 2 games 19 hoops to Monash 1 game 11 hoops. Monash could still win the day but they needed to win the last two games.

Kerri played in the next singles game. Kerri’s game has improved as the season has gone on, and in this game she was able to produce some more of that good form and win 7 hoops to Monash 4 hoops.

In the last game, Mike played. The Monash player built a good lead early and although Mike tried to fight back the lead that the Monash player had was just a bit too much. Monash 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops.

The Final scores Lilydale 3 games 29 hoops to Monash 2 games 22 hoops.

Congratulations to the Lilydale Division 2 team for winning the Spring competition this season. Lilydale only lost the 2 tests for the season and finished 2 tests, 14 games and 62 hoops in front of second placed Sandringham. The Lilydale team this season was Alan Jones, Mick Crawley, Kerri McCracken and Mike Gilsenan. Well done to you all, a truly great effort.

On the last day of the handicap season Lilydale hosted the Monash side.

The Lilydale team this week consisted of Murray Howlett, Kerri McCracken, Colleen Howlett and Murray McLean.

Kerri played in the first singles game. Kerri was starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage. This was a

very close game. Kerri made up her 1 hoop disadvantage but could not get a break on her opponent. After the 12th hoop had been played it was 6 hoops a piece with the 13th hoop to decide the winner. Both players did not set up well for this hoop but in the end it was the Monash player who was able to run the hoop and win the game, 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

In the first doubles game the two Murray’s ( Howlett and McLean) paired up. Lilydale were starting this game with a 2 hoop disadvantage. Lilydale started well and had made up their disadvantage in the first 2 hoops, from then on it was a level play game and Lilydale’s experience showed through and they went on to have a comfortable 7 hoops to Monash 2 hoops win.

Colleen played in the next singles game. Colleen was starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage. Both players took time to get into the game with Colleen being the first to get on track and she made up her 1 hoop disadvantage and along the way ran some very nice hoops to go on and win the game 7 hoops to Monash 4 hoops.

Murray and Kerri played in the next doubles game. Lilydale were starting with a 2 hoop disadvantage and Monash with a 1 hoop advantage. Lilydale won the first 2 hoops to cancel their disadvantage but Monash were still in front by their 1 hoop advantage. Lilydale worked their way in front over the course of the game winning 7 hoops to Monash 4 hoops.

At the Lunch break the scores were Lilydale 3 games 27 hoops to Monash 1 game 17 hoops. With 2 games to go Monash could still win, but they certainly had the job in front of them.

Kerri played in the last singles of the day. Kerri was starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage. Monash started well but then a couple of errors from Monash and Kerri made them pay, making up the 1 hoop disadvantage and getting her nose in front and going on to win 7 hoops to Monash 5 hoops.

This win gave Lilydale the day with one doubles game to play.

Murray and Colleen played in the last doubles. Lilydale were starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage while Monash had a 1 hoop advantage. This game was a real struggle. Lilydale tried to make up their disadvantage and get on equal terms with Monash and they were still holding their advantage. Eventually it was all tied at 6 hoops each so the deciding hoop had to be played. Lilydale were able to set up the best and then run the hoop to win the game 7 hoops to Monash 6 hoops.

The final scores, Lilydale 5 games 41 hoops to Monash 1 game 28 hoops.

The Lilydale handicap team has had a fantastic season, they did not lose a game during the season, the worst they did was a draw in one of their games. Lilydale finished 3 tests, 14 games and a staggering 84 hoops in front of second placed Monash team. Congratulations to the captain Murray Howlett and his team of Mick Crawley, Kerri McCracken, Colleen Howlett and Murray McLean.

Lilydale Croquet Club had an extremely successful spring season. (Stewart Chambers: 429649)

Colleen Howlett taking aim to clear an opponent’s ball. (Supplied)

Murray and Colleen talking tactics.

Athletes tackle competition

By Jamie Strudley

A huge week of competition for Yarra Ranges Athletics with members representing the club at Little Athletics EMR Region relays and seniors at Vic Milers and round 5 of AVSL.

The Little Athletics athletes finally had the opportunity to represent the club this week at the Region Relay Championships, a qualifier for the Victorian Little Athletics Relay Championships. Tough conditions at Box Hill but YRA managed to secure five Gold, three Silver and five Bronze, and hopefully lots of teams progressing to State Champs in December. All the runners and teams were amazing with no scratchings on the day and hopefully lots of fun in teams with their mates.

A shout out to three of YRA’s multiclass runners who were part of an EMR team that came a close second to Ringwood in the 4x200m and 4x100m. Hopefully they get a rematch at States! Big thanks to the Age Leaders who coordinated their teams, and also our parent volunteers who had to put in overtime due to the program unfortunately running well behind. Results are:

• Girls17 Medley Relay: 2:43.28 (1st); 4x100m: 55.46 (2nd); 4x200m: 2:03.09 (1st);

• Female 16 Medley Relay: 2:48.42 (1st);

• Female 15 4x100m: 57.02 (2nd);4x200m: 1:55.15 (1st);

• Female 14 Medley Relay: 2:50.69 (3rd); 3:08.50 (5th); 4x100m: 63.98 (7th); 57.46 (3rd); 4x200m: 2:14.79 (7th); 2:01.77 (3rd);

• Female 13 Medley Relay: 2:54.14 (5th); 4x100m: 59.54 (7th); 4x200m: 2:06.09 (5th);

• Female 12 Medley Relay: 3:08.97 (9th); 3:15.56 (11th); 4x100m: 62.93 (7th); 70.23 (10th); 4x200m: 2:10.22 (7th); 2:32.70 (12th);

• Female 11 Medley Relay: 3:13.91 (4th); 3:34.04 (8th); 4x100m: 63.29 (3rd); 74.58 (11th); 4x200m: 2:14.18 (2nd); 2:33.80 (9th);

• Female 10 Medley Relay: 3:16.57 (5th); 4x100m: 67.49 (6th); 4x200m: 2:23.22 (6th);

• Female 09 Medley Relay: 3:37.23 (6th); 4x100m: 73.47 (6th); 4x200m: 2:35.57 (4th);

• Male 12 Medley Relay: 2:46.06 (4th); 4x100m: 61.33 (10th); 58.02 (5th); 4x200m: 2:08.76 (11th); 2:02.03 (4th);

• Male 11 Medley Relay: 3:12.02 (7th); 4x100m: 64.73 (9th); 4x200m: 2:22.82 (8th);

• Male 10 Medley Relay: 3:11.40 (7th); 3:32.52 (12th); 4x100m: 64.24 (4th); 72.97 (13th); 4x200m: 2:48.27 (11th); 2:19.75 (8th);

• Male 09 Medley Relay: 3:22.01 (7th); 3:51.81 (12th); 4x100m: 74.94 (11th); 68.68 (6th); 4x200m: 2:46.57 (11th); 2:28.17 (6th);

• Mixed 09 4x100m: 67.73 (1st); 4x200m: 2:42.18 (12th);

• Mixed 10 4x100m: 76.25 (14th); DNS; 65.78

(6th); 4x200m: DNS; 2:22.88 (5th);

• Mixed 11 4x100m: 63.86 (6th); 73.36 (13th); 4x200m: 2:20.18 (8th); 2:36.09 (11th);

• Mixed 12 4x100m: 67.68 (13th); 57.71 (3rd); 4x200m: 2:07.61 (5th); 2:18.26 (12th);

• Mixed 13 4x100m: 58.33 (4th); 4x200m: 1:59.00 (4th);

The senior squad were in action at round 5 of AVSL in Frankston. The under 20 women’s team continued their domination again winning their age group for the round, while the open women finished second. Results are:

Women

• 200m: Camden Hewitson 27.85 (5.9); Ashleigh Rooke 28.80 (4.1); Taryn Bourke 29.83 (3.3); Shani Bullard 31.98 (5.9);

• 3000m Walk: Carolyn Rosenbrock 17:49.6h;

• Discus: Meg Sparkes 26.60m; Hayley Wilkins 22.72m;

• Hammer: Sarah Ebbels 34.05m; Anne-Marie Ebbels 31.27m; Camden Hewitson 26.94m; Kathi Hewitson 21.55m;

• High Jump: Emily Pincott 1.48m; Shani Bullard 1.28m; Erin Taylor 1.28m; Ashleigh Rooke 1.18m;

• Javelin: Meg Sparkes 16.76m; Hayley Wilkins 34.06m;

• Shot Put: Camden Hewitson 10.70m; Hayley Wilkins 8.63m; Ashleigh Rooke 8.06m; AnneMarie Ebbels 7.16m; Shani Bullard 6.63m; Sar-

ah Ebbels 6.50m; Erin Taylor 5.99m; Lily Messom 5.56m; Kathi Hewitson 5.01m

• Triple Jump: Camden Hewitson 10.12m Shani Bullard 8.23m; Erin Taylor 8.19m; Ashleigh Rooke 7.48m; Lily Messom 6.77m; Kathi Hewitson 6.48m; Men

• 200m: Liam Russell 23.29 (3.1); Oliver Duncan 24.07 (4.6); Blake Saloyedoff 26.22 (2.3); Joseph Johnston 28.37 (1.0); Pete Willmott 31.44 (1.4);

• 800m: Liam Russell 2:07.31; Daniel Gibbs 2:15.65; Blake Saloyedoff 2:16.32; Craig Hewitson 2:45.90; Pete Willmott 2:55.49;

• Discus: Dale Bullen 31.75m;

• High Jump: Oliver Duncan 1.68m; Pete Willmott 1.13m;

• Javelin: Dale Bullen 41.70m; Ilikimi Tove 25.64m;

• Shot Put: Craig Hewitson 7.68m; Pete Willmott 7.65m; Liam Russell 7.32m;

• Long Jump: Ilikimi Tove 3.59m;

• Triple Jump: Oliver Duncan 10.92m; Craig Hewitson 6.97m;

• Officials: Carolyn Rosenbrock; Seven club athletes competed in the opening Vic Milers meet for the season. 3000m events for all athletes, all taking the opportunity to chase PB’s. Briar Keyser ran a 30 second PB to record a new club U20 record of 10.46.39.

Results are:

• Women 3000m: Olivia Twining 10:03.82; Grace Muller 10:44.15; Briar Keyser 10:46.39; Rori Jones 11:45.92;

• Men 3000m: Max Savill-Bentley 8:30.13; Luke Hunter 9:41.21; Sam Arnold 10:12.12; A belated congratulations to Sam Arnold for his effort in the Melbourne Marathon. Sam missed the club record by three seconds when recording 2 hours 43.35.

This weekend it’s a return to normal Little Athletics competition on Saturday morning. Watch the socials for any early events. The seniors are competing in the AV State Relay Championships at Doncaster.

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!

Well paired matches but Lilydale unable to lead scoring

By Joanna Campe

Round 5 results for Lilydale Tennis Club in the Eastern Region Tennis Competition.

Junior Open Singles Doubles 3 Lilydale v East Croydon Kilsyth

After round 4 Lilydale was on top of the ladder. Lilydale was represented by Adam Paladino, Ryan Taylor and Alex Paladino.

Lilydale played away this week against top three team East Croydon Kilsyth. The teams both played well, and it was all tied at 3 sets a piece, however, East Croydon won the match on games – winning 25 games to Lilydale 24.

Result: 1-6, 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 3-6, 6-3

Junior Open Singles Doubles 7 Lilydale v Blackburn

After round 4 Lilydale was just outside the top four with no win yet this season.

Lilydale was represented by Ivy Peiper, Olivia Mason and Brodie Manger.

Lilydale played at home this week against Blackburn. Lilydale played well, but Blackburn proved too strong on the day taking 5 sets to 1 –winning 34 games to Lilydale 16.

Result: 4-6, 2-6, 0-6, 2-6, 2-6, 4-6 Open Rubbers 14 v Willison Park After round 4 Lilydale was in fourth place on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by David Halkidis and Rishabh Chowdhury.

Lilydale played away this week against third placed Willison Park. It was a tough day for Lilydale who were beaten 5 sets to 0 – Willison Park proved too strong on the day winning 30 games to Lilydale 10.

Result: 6-3, 6-0, 6-4, 6-0, 6-3

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

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

Ivy Peiper, Olivia Mason and Brodie Manger teamed up against Blackburn. (Supplied)

Adam Paladino, Ryan Taylor and Alex Paladino faced East Croydon Kilsyth where all three sets were tied.

Oliver Duncan makes it over the high jump bar in round 5 in Frankston. (Supplied)Amelia and Flynn relay change at region relay champs.