Councillors appoint Mayor, Deputy
Mural unveiled at Kilsyth PS
Kilsyth Primary School unveiled its newest mural artwork, created by artist Merilyn Duff, a proud Trawoolway woman who lives in the Yarra Ranges, on Friday 22 November. Having worked with the students, staff and parents to design the schoolyard facing mural, Ms Duff said “it’s just been an absolute joy”. Depicting stories and important parts of Wurundjeri Country including Bunjil the eagle, the Birrarung, yarning circles and the Lomandra plant, known for its weaving use, each section teaches and reminds of the custodianship all people have to protect the land but of course the history of First Nations’ people doing just that for centuries.
To read and see more, turn to page 13
Police are fed-up
By Mikayla van Loon
As tensions between police members and the State Government continue, industrial action has intensified seeing police walking off the job for half an hour blocks as they call for better pay and conditions.
Croydon Police Station’s members and staff were next to take part on Tuesday 19 November after multiple walk outs, including at the police academy, occurred just days before.
“Everyone here is standing up and we’re saying ‘we’ve had enough, we’re burnt out, we’re understaffed, we’re underpaid, and we need some more resources’,” Croydon sergeant Karen said.
Requesting a 24 per cent pay rise over the next four years and the introduction of 8.5-hour shifts, police association members turned down a pay deal presented by the government which has now led to the Fair Work Commission involvement.
The Police Association of Victoria (TPAV) secretary Wayne Gatt said this action would be part of a statewide rollout of 30 minute work stoppages.
“Sadly, you’ll see more police walking out of our police stations than are walking in. That’s a trend Victoria Police knows all too well recently,” he said.
“We don’t want Victoria Police to wash its hands of our members’ future, we want it to re-
turn to the negotiating table and have some involvement in looking after its workforce.” Karen said the majority of the people she works with have been in full support of moving to the next stage of industrial action, saying it was a “slap in the face” for the government to refer the pay dispute to Fair Work.
To read more, turn to page 3
Artist Merilyn Duff (back centre-left) joined Kilsyth Primary School staff and students for the unveiling of the new mural. (Callum Ludwig: 445757)
Teenagers cautioned
Two teens were arrested in Mooroolbark on Wednesday evening after allegedly deliberately lighting a fire and fleeing the area.
Police allege the teens lit the fire in property behind a school between Cambridge Road and Reay Road about 5.50pm.
Emergency notifications for a bushfire at Reay Road were issued at around 6.40pm.
The fire quickly spread to a number of trees, before burning a large patch of nearby grass.
Two witnesses chased the boys, and while running, phoned the local police station to alert officers.
Officers arrested the pair nearby, and they were taken into custody where they were interviewed.
Both boys were issued with a caution and released.
Luckily, no one was injured, and the fire did not spread to any buildings nearby.
Police will investigate and take action to catch
those responsible when a fire is deemed suspicious, whether it was a deliberate or reckless action.
Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire faces a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment.
Lighting a fire on a total fire ban day can attract a fine of up to $46,000 or up to two years in jail.
The community also plays an incredibly important role in the prevention of bushfires and remains key in reporting reckless or suspicious behaviour.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnesses concerning behaviour in relation to fires, or anyone who has been told about this behaviour taking place.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious or reckless behaviour as it is occurring should call Triple Zero (000) and anyone with other information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au
Three men charged on aggravated burglaries
Three men have been charged and a fourth arrested after a series of aggravated burglaries in Lilydale and Montrose where they wielded firearms.
Armed Crime Squad detectives will allege three men attended a Currawong Drive, Montrose address on Wednesday 23 October about 5pm.
Once inside the property the men allegedly confronted the male resident before stealing a scooter, audio equipment and cash.
The male resident was not physically injured during the incident.
On Thursday 24 October police were called to Achillies Court, Lilydale to reports of an aggravated burglary about 7.30pm.
Police will allege four men attended the address, armed with a firearm and axe.
They forced entry to the property and assaulted a male and female resident, before fleeing the area.
The two residents suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.
It is further alleged at 11.30pm, three men attended the Currawong Drive address and attempted to gain access to the home.
Whilst outside the property they discharged a firearm and left the scene.
No one was physically injured.
Detectives will allege that both aggravated burglaries were targeted.
Armed Crime Squad detectives arrested a 29-year-old Ashwood man and a 33-year-old Bayswater North man on 12 November.
Both men have been charged with two counts of home invasion, two counts of aggravated burglary, intentionally cause injury, weapons offences and criminal damage.
On Friday 22 November Armed Crime Squad detectives, with the assistance of Viper Taskforce arrested a 29-year-old Lilydale man and a 41-year-old Warranwood man.
The 41-year-old Warranwood man was charged with two counts of home invasion, two counts of aggravated burglary, attempted aggravated burglary and theft.
The three men have been remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 6 January, 2025.
The 29-year-old Lilydale man was interviewed and released pending further enquiries.
Police arrested four men and charged three after aggravated burglaries in Lilydale and Montrose. (Victoria Police)
Police picked up two teens after they fled the sight of a deliberately lit fire in Mooroolbark. (Joe Mastroianni: 245950)
Croydon police walk
By
members and staff walked off the job as part of the intensified industrial action as the pay and fair working conditions dispute carries on.
Rostered staff and off-duty members joined the action on Tuesday 19 November calling for a fairer deal, as the State Government and Victoria Police remain idle in the pay discussions.
Croydon Police Sergeant Karen said members are at the end of their tether, currently operating at 50 per cent of normal staffing levels.
“Everyone here is standing up and we’re saying ‘we’ve had enough, we’re burnt out, we’re understaffed, we’re underpaid, and we need some more resources’,” she said.
“It’s affecting our family life. I haven’t seen my son in days [because of overnight], this is how much it’s affecting us. These guys are working overtime every shift. We don’t even open the watch house overnight because we’re running 50 per cent here at Croydon.”
Karen said despite the possibility of gaining a further six members, which may mean the watch house can reopen overnight, it wouldn’t be enough to take the pressure off existing members.
“The Chief Commissioner, the government, they need to know there’s not an endless stream of people wanting to join.
“And there isn’t a day that goes by here where I haven’t heard someone say, ‘I’ve had enough of this’. If we’re leaving and then no one joins, who’s going to respond to the community and keep everyone safe?”
Adding in the potential lack of staff because of illness, Karen said “it just throws out the whole station” and requires members to take on tasks they may not be trained to do.
“It means we have to have the sergeant or the senior sergeant working either the van or watch house just to fill those gaps, which puts pressure on the member who’s not of rank because they have to pick up all the work.
“And then, of course, the sergeant’s not doing their job either.”
With this being a common scenario, Karen said “we make it work” to ensure the community is put first but it can be to their detriment.
“We’re our own enemies. We make it work because we didn’t join to not help the community. We joined to help the community.
“So when we’re faced with a problem and we’re faced with that shortfall, we make it work and we make it happen and it’s time we get recognised for it.”
Having worked in the job for 22 years, Karen said for the government and Victoria Police to send the enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) dispute to the Fair Work Commission was “a slap in the face for us”.
“We want to be better paid. We want to be recognised for the work we do. We don’t want to do unpaid overtime. We do hours of unpaid overtime and there’s just no recognition,” the sergeant said.
Police want a 24 per cent pay rise over the next four years and the introduction of 8.5-hour shifts.
In May, an in-principle agreement was reached with officers for a nine-day fortnight and a 16 per cent pay rise over four years, but police
union members voted against the deal.
Treasurer and Industrial Relations Minister Tim Pallas said the government would attempt to justify their “fair and generous” offer before the commission, which is expected to make a ruling by the end of the year.
“Our process from here is if you reach an inprinciple agreement, then the government will not be making further and better offers,” Mr Pallas told reporters on Thursday 14 November after officers walked off the job at the Police Academy.
“We will then put the matter through Fair Work, through its intractable bargaining processes, in order to determine what is an appropriate outcome.”
The Police Association of Victoria (TPAV) secretary Wayne Gatt said this action would be part of a statewide rollout of 30 minute work stoppages.
“Sadly, you’ll see more police walking out of our police stations than are walking in. That’s a trend Victoria Police knows all too well recently,” he said.
The 30-minute walk outs, Karen said act as the lunch break police members don’t get but do not leave the community at risk, with a divisional van and office staff remaining on duty.
“It is for the half an hour that we don’t get. Most people get to have a lunch break. We don’t. We either don’t eat, or we’re eating on the way to jobs, or we’re eating while we’re doing our paperwork,” she said.
This is the second stage of industrial action, the first stage saw police vehicles covered in slogans, facts and statements about poor working conditions and underpayment, which was voted in by a majority of TPAV members.
“We don’t want Victoria Police to wash its hands of our members’ future, we want it to return to the negotiating table and have some involvement in looking after its workforce,” Mr Gatt said.
“With over 1000 vacancies, 800 plus members off sick and more police leaving than entering the building that will host [Tuesday’s] walkout, Victoria Police needs to take ownership here and correct the ship that is currently sailing off course.”
IN BRIEF
Airport arrest
Detectives from the Sexual Crime Squad have charged a man following an alleged aggravated burglary and sexual assault in Lilydale on Sunday.
A 32-year-old man was arrested at Melbourne Airport on Tuesday 19 November attempting to board an international flight.
He was charged with aggravated burglary, rape, threats to kill, intentionally cause injury and criminal damage.
The man appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 20 November.
Police will allege he forced entry into a residential Lilydale address around 4.30am on Sunday 17 November before sexually assaulting a 49-year-old woman.
Operation Trinity
Victoria Police is urging the community to lock home and vehicle doors this summer, as new police intelligence reveals aggravated burglaries and car thefts have increased as the weather starts to heat up.
The intelligence released by Operation Trinity shows a spike in offending over the past month, with unlocked properties and vehicles continuing to be targeted by opportunistic thieves.
Acting Superintendent and Deputy Police Commander of Operation Trinity Andrew McKee said they know that summer is traditionally peak season for home burglaries, however if you lock your property, the odds of falling victim dramatically reduce.
“Victoria Police has uniform officers, the Dog Squad, Air Wing, Highway Patrol, and the Public Order Response Team patrolling Melbourne from dusk to dawn ever night to prevent offending and catch criminals,” he said.
“This approach is resulting in a significant number of arrests – Operation Trinity arrests four burglars and car thieves every single day.
“However, we also need the community’s help, as the reality is police cannot address the issue alone.”
Between 17 August and 18 October this year, there was an average of 22 aggravated burglaries per week where a car was stolen.
Unfortunately, there has been a sharp increase in offending between 19 October and 9 November as the weather has begun to improve, with the weekly number of aggravated burglaries where a car was stolen rising to 32.
A significant number of these crimes have involved offenders accessing unlocked homes and vehicles.
“Before you go to bed, double check all doors and windows are locked on your home and car as often this is all it takes to deter opportunistic burglars and thieves,” McKee said.
“Other simple tips are letting a family member, friend, or neighbour know if you’re heading on holiday, so they can keep an eye on your house, collect your mail and take the bins in.
“Other key deterrents include sensor lights and pets, with offenders often scared off when either of these are present.”
Operation Trinity has been active since March 2023 where patrols run from dusk until dawn, seeing 673 burglars and car thieves arrested almost 1,550 times over the 12 months to September 2024.
All data has been collected from divisions stretching from Boroondara to Bayside, Cardinia to Whittlesea, and includes Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges.
Mikayla van Loon, with AAP Croydon police
The Police Association of Victoria assistant secretary Chris Kennedy addressed the Croydon members. (445178)
Croydon Police Station members and staff joined calls for better pay and recognition as part of intensified industrial action. (Mikayla van Loon: 445178)
Cr Higgins by mayor’s side
By Dongyun Kwon
During the first Yarra Ranges Council meeting with the new councillors, Cr Richard Higgins was elected as deputy mayor who will support the newly elected mayor Jim Child.
After the Chirnside Ward councillor was uncontested for his position, Cr Higgins told the Star Mail he could put more time towards serving the local government as he had retired from the police force.
He started to keep his promise by taking the role of deputy mayor.
When he was nominated by his fellow Cr Tim Heenan during the meeting on Tuesday 19 November, he didn’t hesitate to accept it and said “be honoured” to take the nomination.
Cr Heenan said Cr Higgins would be an important attribute towards Mayor Child.
“I believe with his 12 years experience on the council in many different avenues, Cr Higgins will be able to fulfil any duties that he needs to assist Mayor Child in his role,” he said.
“Both mayor and deputy mayor will play an important part as part of the wider team of councillors.
“I look forward to working with Mayor Child and Deputy Mayor Higgins.”
As no one else was nominated for the position of deputy mayor, Mayor Child announced Cr Higgins as the new deputy mayor for the next year.
This is Cr Higgins’ second term as deputy mayor.
Deputy Mayor Higgins has a variety of experience in the local government as he is now in his fourth term as a councillor and he took the deputy mayor role between 2018 and 2019 and the mayor position between 2019 and 2020 when Covid-19 first hit the world.
Cr Higgins said he would focus on building good harmony between the old councillors and the new councillors during his deputy mayor term.
“We’ve got a new council with four new councillors, so we’ve got to get that up and running as a complete unit,” he said.
“Importantly, we’ve got a Federal Election coming up and the State one sooner than later,
so we need to be in the right place with what we need to look at.”
Deputy Mayor Higgins thanked all his fellow councillors for their confidence in him to do his role.
“I do look forward to working hand in hand with all councillors to make this council get over the initial phases of a new council, which will be interesting to hear everybody’s thoughts and ideas come through,” he said.
Cr Jim Child (right) and Cr Richard Higgins were elected as mayor and deputy mayor of Yarra Ranges Council for 2024-25. (Yarra Ranges Council)
Jim Child is Mayor again
By Callum Ludwig
O’Shannassy Ward Councillor Jim Child has taken on further responsibility at Yarra Ranges Council stepping back into the Mayor’s chair.
Starting his fourth consecutive term as a councillor, it will be Cr Child’s third stint as Mayor of the council during this time, including back-to-back terms in recent years.
At the Tuesday 19 November Council meeting where the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor were announced, Cr Child said he wanted to thank his fellow councillors for their unanimous support in electing him for a fourth term as mayor.
“I’m extremely honoured and proud to once again be able to lead a council that will be passionate in their collaborative approach to represent their constituents but also to protect and enhance this amazing place that we call home, the Yarra Ranges,” he said.
“I wish to acknowledge Sophie Todorov for her exceptional role as mayor for the past 12 months, I also extend my sincere thanks to David Eastham as deputy mayor for the past 12 months.”
Cr Child was elected as a councillor for the first time in Yarra Ranges Council in 2012 and first served as mayor from 2012 to 2013 and most recently from 2021 to 2023.
Cr Child welcomed the new councillors to their positions and said he is sure they will have no regrets on the decisions they’ve made to represent the residents of Yarra Ranges.
“Together in the coming year we will be delivering more than 120 services to our community and delivering them with passion and a keen eye on how we are able to keep the costs down
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while we still while we’re still meeting the needs of more than 150,000 people, thousands of businesses and countless visitors,” he said.
“I’m proud to say that we’ll be able to do this while navigating the challenges of the past pandemic, whilst assisting and facilitating storm and flood recovery of our communities and while facing the dual impact of inflation and rate capping,”
Cr Child was nominated for mayor by new Melba Ward councillor Mitch Mazzarella and no other nominations were put forward at the Council meeting.
Cr Child said visitors to the Yarra Ranges region are expected to double to nine million in the next decade,
“We will be advocating for federal and state government to support vital services and projects that strengthen our communities, provide quality infrastructure and create local jobs for local people,” he said.
“That’s why we’re asking for the continued support for our Ridges and Rivers projects consisting of the Yarra Valley Trail, Ridgewalk and the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, these projects on completion will deliver 500 jobs and some 80 million dollars per year into the local economy and that’s the boost our businesses need.
“We as the council will be shortly finalising the development of the 2025-2029 Council Plan and the longer-term Asset and Financial Plans, these plans outline the high-level priorities for council including how we manage our finances and assets and the goal of these plans is to advance Yarra Ranges towards the future outlined in the community vision.”
Jim Child is
returning for another stint as Yarra Ranges Council Mayor. (File)
NEWS Chandler elects Ward
By Callum Ludwig
Gareth Ward has been elected as the successful candidate for Yarra Ranges Council’s Chandler Ward.
Cr Ward beat out Belinda Grooby and Ashley Hansen to take the seat in the recent local government elections.
Cr Ward said he is incredibly grateful for the support of his community in electing him as their representative and is excited to get started and make a meaningful difference.
“I hope to bring a fresh perspective, drawing from my experiences as a local business owner and father,” he said.
“This term, we are fortunate to have a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds among the new and re-elected councillors, each of us has something valuable to contribute.”
Cr Ward received 3886 first preference votes (39.46 per cent of total first preference votes) with the second-best being Ms Grooby with 3224 (32.74 per cent) followed by Mr Hansen with 2737 votes (27.8 per cent). After preferences were distributed, Cr Ward ended up with 5498 votes (55.83 per cent), ahead of Ms Grooby (4349, 44.17 per cent).
Cr Ward also previously ran as the Liberals candidate for the Monbulk district in the 2022 State election.
Cr Ward said as promised during his campaign, he is particularly eager to address the budget and ensure they are not overspending.
“The Yarra Ranges, while a beautiful place to live, comes with unique risks and challenges, recent weather changes have highlighted our need for resilience and exposed drainage issues
throughout the Shire, I believe that with a controlled budget, we can allocate more funds to bolster our resilience and improve our infrastructure,” he said.
“For Chandler Ward specifically, I am here to support our industries, including agribusiness and tourism, for our families and residents, I want to enhance our assets, parks, play spaces, and township streetscapes.”
The Chandler Ward had a voter turnout of 10,206 residents (82.50 per cent of the total enrolment, 12,371) of which 9847 votes were formal and 359 were informal and could not be counted (3.52 per cent of the total votes).
Cr Ward said he plans to attend as many local events as possible, where residents can feel free to come up for a chat or seek assistance.
“Residents can always contact me via phone, email, or text, and I will be available to assist,” he said,
“The most important part of my role will be using my vote in the chamber to balance the wishes of the community with our local laws,”
“Additionally, I will work with my colleagues to advocate for government funding to support vital services and projects essential for our continuous improvement.”
Chandler Ward consists of Kalorama, Macclesfield, Monbulk, Silvan, Wandin East, Seville, most of Seville East and Wandin North and part of Montrose, Mount Evelyn, Olinda and Emerald.
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Gareth Ward is the successful candidate for Chandler Ward. (File)
NEWS Dog case leads to lockdown
By Callum Ludwig
The reason behind the Yarra Ranges Council lockdown on Friday 15 November has come to light.
Yarra Ranges Council went into lockdown for about an hour on the afternoon of Friday 15 November when Upwey resident Benjamin Kay arrived with the intention of trying to speak to a council officer following frustration over the seizure of his dogs. He had previously been on the phone with the front desk earlier that day, had said he wanted to come down in person and was told not to.
The Star Mail spoke with Mr Kay who openly confirmed that his two dogs, a five-year-old English Staffordshire Terrier and an almost two-yearold American Bulldog were temporarily seized after they escaped the front door and yard and attacked a pedestrian and their dog outside, causing injuries that required hospitalisation around Thursday 26 September this year.
Mr Kay pleaded guilty to charges regarding not containing the dogs on the property and for the attacks on a human and dog in the Magistrates Court and was fined.
Mr Kay said he felt he wasn’t in any way threatening when he called and then arrived at the Civic Centre trying to speak to someone about the process of dealing with his dogs..
“There was no argument or disagreement, it was just a shame that I’d didn’t get to speak to anyone that I wanted to, it was just with the front desk, the people who put through all the calls to different departments but all the messages are relayed, none of these people can tell me themselves,” he said.
“The police asked me what I was there for and then went in and spoke to the council and I never heard from the police again. This all took place outside the council offices and the public was still being turned away even though they could see there was nothing happening.”
Dogs can be declared ‘Menacing’ (has caused a non-serious bite injury to a person or animal or has rushed at or chased a person) or ‘Dangerous’ (has caused serious injury or death or been declared menacing and owner issued with two infringement notices for failing to comply with requirements such as leashing or muzzling their dog in public).
Mr Kay said he felt he wasn’t informed that his dogs would be declared dangerous until the court case and believes it won’t be feasible for him to meet the conditions required for keeping dangerous dogs.
“I can’t build all this stuff, it will need planning permits, it’s going to need concrete foundations
for what it needs to be and I’ve got to think about neighbours,” he said
“I know they want eight-foot fences erected, I know they need 10 square foot per dog, so that’s 20 square metres of concrete that has to be poured and the planning permits obviously take months to get approved so with the logistics of it all it is basically the cost of building another dwelling, I’ll have to surrender them or euthanise them, which I don’t want to be the one to do,”
“I haven’t even been able to visit them since they were seized, I was told they were at Coldstream [Animal Aid] and wanted to visit them but was told they’re sick or I can’t see them or some other reason.”
There are strict conditions for keeping declared dangerous dogs, which include: keeping it muzzled and on a lead, chain or cord in public, the dog must wear a red and yellow striped collar, the premises it is on must have dangerous dogs signs posted at the entrances and must have a fully enclosed outdoor enclosure over 1.8 metres in width and height and over 10 metres of floor space.
Director of Communities at Yarra Ranges
Council Leanne Hurst said when a dog attack occurs, it can be very distressing for all involved.
“The subsequent seizure of dogs is also emotive, and council must consider community safety
and comply with the Victorian Domestic Animal Act 1994 in circumstances like this,” she said.
“When a dog is seized and a court case has concluded where it was found that the dog had attacked another dog and person, Council follows standard procedures when serving emails, letters and paperwork to the owner,”
“Council has followed these procedures in this instance and has outlined our intentions with the owner.”
Some councils, such as Melton City Council, offer the chance to review requests to visit impounded or seized dogs on a case-by-case basis. It is unclear whether Yarra Ranges Council offers this.
Ms Hurst said the next steps in this process is for the case to be heard by a formal council panel to make a decision as to whether the dogs should be declared as dangerous.
“The owner of the dogs is able to appeal against the decision and the matter would then go to VCAT,” she said.
“It is never the intention of council to euthanise dogs and council works with owners to assist them through the conditions required should dogs be declared as dangerous. The owner has been informed of this intention,”
“It is important to ensure that the community
is protected from dogs that have been declared as dangerous. Should the dogs be declared dangerous, they will not be released by council until the list of provisions regarding owning a dangerous dog under the Domestic Animal Act 1994 are complied with. Should the provisions not be met the dogs will not be able to be returned to the owner and will be euthanised.”
To find out more about the penalties if your dog attacks a person or another dog, visit: yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/Petsand-animals/Problems-with-animals/Moreinfomation-about-dog-attacks/Penalties-andPotential-Outcomes-for-Dog-Attacks.
Ms Hurst said there are a variety of ways that people can contact council and it depends on what the enquiry is as to whether it can be dealt with by email, phone call, at the front counter or if an appointment is needed with an officer.
“It is imperative that our staff feel safe when dealing with the public. In some emotive circumstances, there can be a safety risk and council will make the necessary decisions to ensure the safety of our staff,” she said.
“If staff feel unsafe, the matter will be dealt with in a variety of ways which could include locking the building down and contacting the police.”
‘Homelessness doesn’t take a holiday’: Anchor CEO
As Australia’s homelessness crisis intensifies, Anchor is calling on the community to extend support to children and young people experiencing homelessness, especially during the festive season.
During a time that should be filled with joy and spent with family, homeless young Australians will face profound isolation, shame, and disconnection.
Anchor’s chief executive officer Heidi Tucker highlighted the unique hardships young people experiencing homelessness face over the holiday period.
“Homelessness doesn’t take a holiday at Christmas,” Ms Tucker said.
“This season, many young people will be spending Christmas in tents, boarding houses, motels, and even on the streets.
“Many other children and young people won’t have the opportunity to spend time with the ones they love at Christmas as they reside in state care. While our amazing carers and staff make Christmas warm and inviting, often they cannot replace the family these children and young people don’t see.”
This year, homelessness services saw a notable rise in demand, especially from young women aged 15 to 17, indicating a growing crisis.
“Christmas is especially hard for young people in these situations,” Ms Tucker said.
“They’re painfully aware of how different their lives are compared to their friends and peers. There’s no talk of holiday plans or gifts
to look forward to, which can bring feelings of shame and make them want to withdraw.”
Anchor’s Christmas campaign features the story of Ommy, a young woman who has overcome the trauma and barriers she experienced in homelessness, to now be thriving and embracing a bright future.
“I left my home because of fighting… it felt safer for me to be away from there at the time,” she said.
“I was homeless in the city. Most of the time I wouldn’t have somewhere to go. I spent nights in the toilets at Crown and places like that.”
Having found support through Anchor’s youth homelessness services, Ommy has been able to find safe and stable accommodation and be supported by workers who help build her independence, living skills and connections to the community.
“I have amazing support. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Anchor has changed my life and helped me achieve my goals and dreams.”
Ms Tucker emphasised that the community has a powerful role to play in brightening the holiday season for these young people.
“Even though many may have outgrown a belief in Santa, community support can inspire the kind of Christmas magic that changes lives—through donations that bring comfort, stability, and hope.”
“Knowing there are warm and generous people in the community can be life changing. That is what is important to us – making sure that people experiencing homelessness don’t feel so alone.”
With around 28,000 young people experiencing homelessness on any given night in Australia according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Estimating Homelessness: Census 2021, the Anchor Christmas campaign is a vital reminder of the support needed from our community, and the life-changing impact it can have on individuals like Ommy.
Donating to Anchor this Christmas means providing young people with a safe, stable home, and the chance to follow their dreams.
Ommy was homeless in the city before finding support through Anchor which has led to a home and connection. (Supplied)
The seized dogs, Staxx and Andre. (Supplied)
Best of the state’s press
More than 170 people attended the Victorian Country Press Association’s pinnacle event for 2024, held at the RACV Resort in Torquay on Friday 15 November.
The awards night was the culmination of the VCPA’s annual conference, in which delegates from across Australia heard from a world-class field of speakers, headlined by International News Media Association executive director and chief executive officer Earl Wilkinson.
VCPA chairman Jared Loughnan said Mr Wilkinson was widely regarded as one of the news media industry’s most experienced and respected speakers, and his presence and participation in this year’s conference was a major highlight.
“Earl is a true leader in our industry and our members and other conference delegates thoroughly enjoyed his presentation, and his company over the time he was able to spend with us,” Mr Loughnan said.
The awards night was compered by comedian Dave O’Neil and had 19 awards announced as part of a new look for the VCPA’s major yearly event, with a record 537 entries received.
Major winners included the Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser, which was named winner of the open category Newspaper Excellence award, the Yarrawonga Chronicle in the under 2500 circulation paid newspaper category and the Shepparton Adviser as winner of the Best Free Newspaper.
Star News Group featured prominently in the awards, with the Upper Yarra Star Mail’s very own Callum Ludwig nominated for Cadet of the Year.
Commended for his story submissions, Judge Sonja Heydeman said it was clear Callum was making an impact in the newsroom.
“A strong selection of stories provided balanced coverage of issues relevant to the region. In the dingo management story, well done capturing the debate around a challenging and complex issue for farmers, government, and animal welfare groups,” she said.
“‘Greater glider death on the Yarra Ranges National Park’ is an example of a compelling story reporting on the death of an endangered glider during tree-felling works. This complex story effectively captures a range of views.”
Ms Heydeman commented on the talent displayed by all finalists and the in depth reporting that brings the challenges and stories of their communities to the fore.
“The cadets shared a broad range of articles demonstrating versatility and management of complex subject matter,” she said.
“The stories reflected their communities and the power of their publications and highlighted
Yarra Ranges Shire Council election
Declaration of results
the profound importance of the industry recognising, celebrating, and encouraging emerging talent in regional and rural Victoria.”
Reporter Corey Everitt was commended in the Best Agricultural Story category for his On The Land feature headlined Chicken Before The Egg.
“Great headline and beautiful photos,” judge Simone Smith said. “A deep-dive into an agricultural business, this article includes the ideal combination of background, production detail and personal quotes to tell a well-rounded story about the development of a local egg business and what it has meant to this family.”
Corey was also highly commended in the TAC Award For Road Safety for his piece Road Trauma to the Fore, which judge Samantha Cockfield described as an in-depth look at how volunteers working for Amber Community, a not-for-profit dedicated to addressing road trauma, are changing attitudes of people convicted of serious road traffic offences.
“Corey’s portrayal of the volunteers, some of whom had previously been convicted them-
The following candidates were elected to Yarra Ranges Shire Council at the general election held in October 2024:
Billanook Ward
HEENAN, Tim
Chandler Ward
WARD, Gareth
Chirnside Ward
HIGGINS, Richard (elected unopposed)
Lyster Ward
MCILWAIN, Peter
Melba Ward
MAZZARELLA, Mitch
O’Shannassy Ward
CHILD, Jim
Ryrie Ward
McALLISTER, Fiona (elected unopposed)
Streeton Ward
MARRIOTT, Jeff
Walling Ward COX, Len
Further details about the results are available at vec.vic.gov.au
Greg Shillabeer Election Manager 8 November 2024
selves, showed a strong level of trust between the reporter and his subjects. The story also explored the potential of extending the use of seminars beyond offenders, to all young drivers.”
Group Editor Garry Howe was commended in the Best Editorial or Opinion category for an Editor’s Desk on IBAC’s Operation Sandon investigation into planning issues at Casey Council.
The judge was Patrick Elligett, editor of The Age.
“Garry Howe’s notes from the editor’s desk are eminently readable,” he said. “Engaging to the last word, his snappy assessments of complex issues are delivered with such familiarity that they leave readers feeling like they’ve just caught up with the editor for a coffee and a chat. The tone might be casual, but the topics are important and the messages they contain are compelling.”
Cranbourne Star News reporter Violet Li was also commended for her story Home Fires Fury.
Judge Alison McAdam said her story was commended for cleverly linking a breaking news event with a long-running campaign for a new fire station.
“The journalist seamlessly switches between reporting the latest event and explaining the background context, and includes good quotes throughout the story,” she said. “The photos are well composed, showing the action of fighting the blaze as well as featuring the main primary source.”
Rob Carew’s entry Show Delight was highly commended in the Best Agricultural Photo category.
“Rob has captured what will probably one of this young girl’s most memorable moments,” judge Peter Hyett said. “Proudly, but with some obvious challenges, this young girl strives to place the ribbon around the prizes winning entry’ neck. Capturing these moments takes a keen eye, patience and the ability to respond quickly which Rob has managed to achieve. The use of long lenses does reduce your ability to create the perfect picture in relation to depth of field but with a strong focal point on the young girl face this picture draws you in to this very proud moment.”
Melba plans dating events
Melba Support Services will host a series of friend dating events across rural and regional Victoria after being awarded a pride events and festivals grant by the State Government.
Particularly trying to provide a safe and welcoming environment for queer neurodivergent people, the aim is to allow them to find meaningful connections and develop friendships.
“At Melba, we are deeply committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, including people we support and employees,” Melba chief executive officer Hayley Dean said.
“This grant is an incredible opportunity for us to learn and continuously improve to further this commitment and demonstrate our dedication to driving inclusion and diversity.”
The $10,000 grant was announced among 28 other successful organisations sharing in a total of $400,000.
“Through our Pride and Events Festival Fund we are continuing to support a range of events and activities that encourage visibility, dignity and pride,” equality minister Harriet Shing said.
“Inclusion and safety for our LGBTIQA+ communities through events and festivals is so important in making sure that LGBTIQA+ people can live wholly and freely.”
Ms Dean acknowledged the role the State Government has played in making this event series possible which will officially begin in 2025.
“Melba has long championed respect, in-
Support Services received a Pride Events and Festivals Fund grant to host a series of friend dates. (File)
clusion and empowerment. This grant grows our capacity to create safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ people within our community,” she said.
To ensure Melba’s events, to be held across Victoria, meet the needs and expectations of the LGBTQIA+ community, they are conducting focus groups on 10, 12, 17 and 19 December.
This discussion will provide valuable insights, helping them to deliver events that are meaningful, inclusive and impactful.
To register for the one-hour session, visit this website melbasupport.com.au/events/ mates-dates-focus-groups/#lgbtqia-matesand-dates-focus-groups
All participants will receive a $50 gift voucher.
Melba
Pakenham Gazette’s Corey Everitt, Cranbourne Star News journalist Violet Li, Star Mail news editor Mikayla van Loon and Upper Yarra Star Mail journalist Callum Ludwig at the VCPA Awards. (Ivan Kemp)
The long ride from London
By Mikayla van Loon
Setting off on a European adventure is something of a right of passage for many young people but Pat Tibballs did this a little differently to the standard country hopping.
Travelling from London to Lilydale by bicycle, Pat took 18 months and 20,000 kilometres to get back to home soil.
But this trip wasn’t always on the bucket list, instead it started 10 years ago when Pat was a paramedic graduate.
“I finished uni in 2014 and London’s ambulance service was actively recruiting Australians, because they and the NHS had a shortage of most staff generally,” he said.
“For me, it was an opportunity to go and explore travel, as a paid holiday. I went across in 2015 and met a variety of people in similar situations, Australians going across, or English students, and graduates new to the job. It was a nice stepping off point to get to know a new place.”
Pat worked as a paramedic and like “all the Australians that were over there, took the opportunity to travel”.
Using his rest days to see places like Iceland, Norway and Italy, the outdoor adventures started.
During his eight year stint, Pat also worked through the chaos of Brexit and the pandemic.
“We worked through Brexit. We worked through the pandemic, crazy times. It was a very intense period. But similarly, it’s the people around you that get you through,” Pat said.
Meeting fellow Australians who also had the travel bug and sense of adventure, Pat became interested in two paramedics’ journeys from Melbourne who had ridden from Melbourne to London over a period of two years.
“So that put it on the radar. They then worked for two years and they were absolutely, genuinely lovely people, and then they cycled back the other way,” he said.
“I was like, well, if these guys can do it, it’s an option.”
Getting his first look at travelling off the beaten path, Pat and some friends decided to do the six week Mongol Rally challenge.
“You get a bomb of a car and the intention is you break down, you raise some money for charity, and you’re pretty much self-sufficient as you drive from London to Mongolia.
“So we did it for six weeks in 2018, we drove through Europe, and we went through Iran and Turkmenistan ending in Mongolia.”
Pat said it was that trip in particular “that sowed the seed” for a longer adventure, really getting to immerse himself in culture and history as he travelled.
“The take home from that was we travelled too quickly through the places. We didn’t really get to see it because we were driving the whole time.
“So my idea was to take a leaf out of the couple who’d cycled’s book and during the pandemic, I started saving up and putting a bike together.
“We’d done some small trips, like we did an overnight trip, then we might have gone for a couple of days with some friends, and we might have stayed at youth hostels or started camping and small bits to build up to.”
Setting off from Cambridge in England in April 2023, Pat said for the most part over the 18 months he was on his own with some friends meeting him
along the way to ride sections.
“I took the ferry to the Netherlands, and then more or less followed the Rhine down to Switzerland, and then headed east towards the Danube, then towards Turkey.
“I got to Istanbul, and spent three months travelling around Turkey, which was incredible, and then got to Georgia next, which is on the border with Russia.
“From there, I flew to the south of India, spent a few months going up to Nepal, and then flew to the north of Vietnam, and came down through Laos and Cambodia and Thailand, I then flew to Brisbane and made my way through Oz.”
Creating his route based on places he wanted to see but also where friends might be travelling to, Pat charted his course by connecting the dots.
“If someone recommended a really beautiful place, then I’d add it to the list. I’d be changing my routes the day before, the day of. I might have a rough outline for the week and then I just alter it as I was going.”
Cycling from country to country, Pat said he was surprised to find such a large community of people doing the same.
Connecting with a group of hundreds of people, Pat said there were often suggestions of where to travel, places to stop, things to see and advice.
Reflecting on his experiences, Pat said from an infrastructure perspective, nothing could beat the Netherlands.
“Everything is so built towards cyclists and Europe generally, the mindset of drivers is very
tolerant and you’re a road user, you’re not a cyclist,” he said.
“Nature wise, Switzerland has some of the most beautiful mountains you’ll see and the crystal blue lakes and the snow capped peaks, and the people are generally quite friendly and very well educated, and it’s a nice place to travel through, but it’s also very expensive.”
A country he was surprised by was Romania, with its incredible scenery and extremely hospitable countrymen.
“People would put me up in their backyards and offered to share food with me,” he said, something that came as a nice treat after travelling on his own.
But the absolute highlight, Pat said, had to be Turkey.
“Turkey as a whole country is just fantastic. I think touring it generally but as an Australian, going to the Anzac Cove was special because they respect it as much as we do, that’s like, where their nation started, the most recent iteration, otherwise it was the Ottoman Empire.
“The food is cheap. The people are friendly. And it’s almost as big as Australia, and you’ve got all the different climates and scenery.
“I’d cycle along, and I’d find a petrol station, and I don’t speak much Turkish, maybe two or three words, and I pop in, and I’d fill up my water bottles and use the toilets, and I’d be about to roll off, and multiple times the owner of the petrol station would come out and be like, ‘Hey, you What are you doing? Come and tell me what it is that you’re doing while we share breakfast’.”
On the opposite end, Pat said unfortunately
India was his least favourite, finding it “quite overwhelming” with all the road noise and constant crowds.
“I found in India just the constancy of it, quite emotionally draining,” he said.
The 30 degree temperatures in winter, Pat said, was also physically depleting. It was also in Mumbai he experienced his first bout of food poisoning.
“So that extra level of just being exhausted, overwhelmed, emotionally drained, there was a point where I was just like, should I just cycle to the nearest airport and try and work out how I don’t not have to do this.”
Instead he made it to Nepal and recharged by its beauty and its people, he found the resilience to continue on.
“It was definitely a mental challenge. It’s a great way to learn how your brain works and you’ll find yourself in very difficult spots.
“When you’re on the bike, unless you’re plugged in with music or podcasts, you’ve got a very direct source to what’s going on in your head. And for me, it was a good lesson in the things that make me upset and unable to cope are lack of sleep, lack of food and just being generally fatigued.”
Arriving home after the 18 months at Lillydale Lake on Sunday 10 November, Pat was greeted by a crowd of family and friends.
He’s now settling back into normal life but hasn’t discarded the bike, planning to keep up the nomadic lifestyle by exploring Australia and New Zealand, but more importantly, staying close to family.
Pat Tibballs arrived at Lillydale Lake on Sunday 10 November. (Supplied)
People along the way were hospitable enough to provide a backyard for Pat to sleep.
The views were endless.
Family and friends greeted the traveller after his 20,000km ride.
Pat (right) was met by friends who joined him on parts of the ride.
Fighting gendered violence
By Mikayla van Loon
As the 16 Days of Activism campaign begins to again work towards the end of gendered violence, Star Mail took a look back at over a decade of reporting.
Much of this work in bringing a spotlight to family and gender-based violence began with a team of reporters in 2011.
Mara Sowden Pattison, Casey Neill and Kath Gannaway led the charge at Mail News Group with a six week series sharing the stories of women who had fled such violence but also the remarkable people who had dedicated time to supporting these women through horrible circumstances.
Reflecting on the intention and catalyst for this series, Ms Gannaway said it was very much the story of one woman in 2010, Jeannie Blackburn, which prompted the need to bring gendered violence to the fore.
“Her partner had been jailed for abusing her and the abuse was horrific, she lost her eyesight in one eye. She came to us with that story, and he’d already been jailed, so there were no impediments to reporting on the story, and she just wanted to get that out there about abuse,” she said.
At the same time, Yarra Valley Community Health were working on teaching young boys about respectful relationships where they had a “strong focus on changing the perception and the behavior of young men at that age”, as well as a dedicated support program for women.
Ms Gannaway said the other prompt was the incredibly high rates of family violence incidents being recorded in the Yarra Valley region but at that time still “it was a personal thing between a man and a woman inside their house. It was no one else’s business, it was domestic”.
Bringing these stories into the light, Ms Gannaway said felt like a responsibility of the paper but one they had to do carefully, given the closeness to the community.
Despite being somewhat ahead of the curve in 2011, Ms Gannaway said unfortunately the same issues are still present today.
“The same issues that were written about then, about the controlling nature, about all the reasons behind it, and the indicators like isolating people from their families, all those things are still relevant,” she said.
“There’s still a trademark of family violence for the physical, mental, emotional or financial abuse but the housing situation [too] is a huge impediment.”
Adding to these factors Ms Gannaway said in her opinion, services have been reduced, particularly those in more regional townships.
“We’d like to think there are more services. I personally don’t think there are. I’m an expert on that, I think just anecdotally, I don’t know that there’s more or that it’s a better situation now than it was then.”
One thing Ms Gannaway said has improved however, is the police response in understanding and believing women when they say they have
been abused.
A discussion that remains even decades later Ms Gannaway recalls is the one about pornography.
“It must be 20 years ago that Chum Creek Primary School had a massive community discussion on the effect of pornography on young men and women, really young teenagers, and even that long ago, they were talking about the effects and expectations of both men and women young which can often lead to violent situations,” she said.
Family and gendered violence over the last 13 years since the six week ‘Stop the Violence’ campaign has remained and will continue to remain a part of the Star Mail’s focus.
It has always been a promise of the Mail’s to hold people accountable where possible and to report truthfully but with the local community in mind.
“When you’re working in a smaller community, there are so many things you have to be so careful about, because you might think that you’re using a different name to someone’s is enough but people can be so easily identified by just a couple of comments or features or circum-
stances,” Ms Gannaway said.
“There’s a bigger responsibility to not put people that may have the best story in the world in a position which is more dangerous for them or even exposes them to sharing their most personal situations with the broader community, where everyone then knows their business.”
It is for that very reason Ms Gannaway said for the women who came forward in 2011 to tell their story, “they were very brave to do that” and “we were very grateful”.
“As a mum and grandmother, I just think those personal accounts, they’re terrible, but they’re the stories that get people to think about what’s happening and then all the other stuff has to follow as well.”
The 16 Days of Activism campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December every year, initially led by the Zonta Clubs around the world.
The history behind the 16 Days of Activism is both compelling and heartbreaking with the International Women’s Development Agency.
On 25 November 1960, sisters Patria, Minerva and Maria Teresa Mirabal, three political activists who actively opposed the cruelty and systematic violence of the Trujillo dictatorship in the Do-
minican Republic, were clubbed to death and dumped at the bottom of a cliff by Trujillo’s secret police.
The Mirabal sisters became symbols of the feminist resistance, and in commemoration of their deaths, 25 November was declared International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in Latin America in 1980.
This international day was formally recognised by the United Nations in 1999.
In June 1991, the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL), alongside participants of the first Women’s Global Institute on Women, Violence and Human Rights, called for a global campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against GenderBased Violence.
The 16 days begins with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends with International Human Rights Day on 10 December– highlighting that violence against women is a fundamental violation of human rights.
A far cry from Australia, but the sisters’ legacy has reached all corners of the globe and kicks off the 16 days of activism that calls for an end to violence against women.
Celebrating 50 years of community law at ECLC
Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) hosted its 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday 18 November. The event offered members, stakeholders, and the community a chance to reflect on the Centre’s accomplishments over the past year and explore plans for the future.
ECLC chief executive officer Michael Smith emphasised the importance of the Centre’s 50th AGM, marking a significant milestone in its history.
“ECLC was thrilled to bring together over 100 partners, staff, and volunteers for its 50th AGM,” he said.
“This event was a chance to reconnect, celebrate the Centre’s accomplishments and impact over the past year, and showcase its plans and vision for the future.”
A key highlight of ECLC’s 50th AGM was hearing from guest speaker Ali Besiroglu, who shared insights into his professional and personal experiences, and the fundamental values that inspire his commitment to social justice.
Reflecting on his own journey into law, Mr Besiroglu spoke openly of his childhood and
growing up in a household impacted by family violence.
“I grew up in the Collingwood commission flats, where resilience was woven into the fabric of our lives. My mother, a single parent, was my first lesson in courage,” he said.
“In the 1980s she fled a violent marriage. At that time, family violence was seen as a private matter, not a criminal one.
“My mother endured unimaginable suffering, including being hospitalised, yet the police took no action against my father. Desperate to escape, she attempted to take her own life.”
It wasn’t until a legal aid attorney saw her “not as another file or a case but as a person deserving of justice” that his own path became clear.
“[He was] the blueprint for the kind of lawyer that I aspired to be,” Mr Besiroglu said.
“[He] didn’t just restore my mother’s legal rights, he restored her humanity. He showed our family the profound impact one person can have when they commit themselves to justice.”
Mr Besiroglu was very recently awarded the
prestigious Stephen Myall Award by the Victorian Magistrates’ Association and the Law Institute of Victoria, which recognises an individual who demonstrates an ongoing commitment to social justice issues and who encourages and inspires others
“ECLC was delighted to have Ali share about his advocacy journey, including his efforts to address police misconduct, his work on bail law reform, and his dedication to supporting disadvantaged communities, particularly First Nations peoples,” Mr Smith said.
As ECLC hosted its milestone 50th AGM, the spotlight shifted to the future with the Centre highlighting its innovative approaches to addressing evolving community needs and unveiling the Centre’s new 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.
“ECLC’s new strategic plan is the result of extensive collaboration, and the Centre is proud to be able to officially launch it at the AGM,” Mr Smith said.
For more information about the AGM, including detailed agenda and supporting documents, please visit: eclc.org.au/2024agm
People participate in the Walk Against Family Violence 2023 in Melbourne. (AAP Image/Con Chronis)
Ali Besiroglu was the guest speaker at Eastern Community Legal Centre’s 50th AGM. (Supplied)
The Road to Respect
16DAYS OF ACTIVISM
ACTION 12. SUPPORTING
Plan for and actively address backlash and resistance
ACTION 11. SUPPORTING
Strengthen prosocial behaviour
ACTION 10. SUPPORTING
Reduce the long-term impacts of exposure to violence, and prevent further exposure
ACTION 9. SUPPORTING
Challenge the normalisation of violence and aggression as an expression of masculinity
ACTION 8.
ESSENTIAL
Strengthen positive, equal and respectful relations between and among women and men, girls and boys, in public and private spheres
What Can You Do?
16 Days of Action Against Gender Based Violence is an international campaign that runs from 25 November (the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day) and encourages action and awareness against all forms of violence against women and girls.
ACTION 1.
ESSENTIAL
Challenge the condoning of violence against women
ACTION 7.
ESSENTIAL
Build safe, fair and equitable organisations and institutions by focusing on policy and systems change
ACTION 2.
ESSENTIAL
Promote women’s independence and decision-making in public life and relationships
ACTION 3.
ESSENTIAL
Build new social norms that foster personal indentities not constrained by rigid gender stereotypes
ACTION 4.
ESSENTIAL
Support men and boys to develop healthy masculinities and positive, supportive male peer relationships
ACTION 5.
ESSENTIAL
Promote and normalise gender equality in public and private life
ACTION 6.
ESSENTIAL
Address the intersections between gender inequality and other forms of systemic and structual oppression and discrimination, and promote broader social justice
Show turns it on in heat
By Tanya Steele
A hot weather blast one day followed by scattered shows and winds the next did not deter people from the annual Lilydale and Yarra Valley show over the weekend of 16 and 17 November.
Dogs jumped, sheep were shorn and Victorians gathered to show off their talents for the weekend show and a happy wander revealed anything from reptiles on display, local musicians or a blacksmith tinkering away.
Local SES and CFA represented with vehicles on display and a car cutting presentation to boot, whip cracking and wood chop displays were on both days.
Camel rides one day and ponies the next, Irish and Scottish dancing, families came to see the animals, watch the artists from the region on multiple stages and take turns on the rides.
The Lilydale Agricultural and Horticultural Society also had their displays on, with stewards in the horticulture section kept busy keeping the flowers looking fresh in the heat Saturday. Lilydale Sailing club had some of their corsairs for people to view, there was a car display and a variety of Lego models from the Southern Cross Brix Inc showing off larger ship designs, running railways and even a large Harry Potter scene reimagined.
Carnival rides, tasty treats and show bags accompanied fireworks into the evening Saturday, enjoy some pictures of the fun from the 2024 show.
Coralie from Cardinia Brix said with Lego, you can do anything.
A cow sculpture - one of many on display. Victorian Irish Dance Academy students putting on a traditional eight hand set.
Sheep shearing display keeping crowds entranced. Blacksmith Andy at work.
Head Steward Lee Callaghan and Chief Steward Chriss Perry keep the horticulture displays looking lovely.
Camel rides one day, ponies the next (444201)
The weekend of November 16 and 17 saw locals and beyond take to the Lilydale and Yarra Valley Show for 2024. The Lilydale SES putting on a car cutting presentation. (Tanya Steele)
Local musicians performed throughout the weekend.
First step to reconciliation
By Dongyun Kwon
Regardless of the result of the 2023 Voice to Parliament Referendum, a group of Healesville residents would like to keep supporting the process of knowing the truth.
Last year, a group of Healesville community members formed a group to support voting yes for the referendum.
After the referendum failed, however, the group decided to remain with the hope of narrowing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities by educating themselves with more knowledge about the First Nations.
The group has been reformed with the new name Yarra Valley Reconciliation Group (YVRG).
YVRG chair Heidi Renner said the group aims to learn about First Nations communities within a safe environment.
“One of the things that arose from the referendum is that a lot of us don’t have a deep knowledge about the history of the area and what’s happened. We needed information but it was hard to know what was real and what was not real,” Ms Renner said.
“I’m a non-Indigenous person and I wanted to learn more. I wanted to find a way to educate myself, and as a non-Indigenous person, I feel that I have a responsibility to have those conversations with other non-Indigenous people because it means that we can learn together and we can make mistakes together but we’re seeking to understand.
“From my perspective, I want our group to be a place where people can come to these conversations with their misconceptions and feel comfortable and safe to be able to ask questions.”
YVRG hosted its first event on Thursday 14 November.
Ms Renner said their first event was Conversation for Reconciliation, which the group is planning to have bimonthly next year.
“We decided that we would start a series of conversations for reconciliation that primarily will be delivered next year,” she said.
“We have a group of people who’ve been connected with us for a while, and so we wanted to let them know where we were.
“We had about 20 to 25 people come, and we invited Professor Andrew Gunstone to talk to us. He has 25 years of experience and knowledge and has written a lot of publications about Indigenous rights.”
Professor Andrew Gunstone has taken several roles at the Federation University; associate deputy vice-chancellor reconciliation, executive director of National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice and Indigenous Studies professor.
He is also co-chair of Reconciliation Victoria.
In April, Prof Gunstone published a book Reflections on the Voice: During and After the Campaign, writing about the lessons from the referendum for reconciliation movement.
Prof Gunstone said he had a great discussion with the YVRG, talking about widespread topics and issues related to reconciliation, such as the role of allies, key lessons from the referendum, the importance of addressing Indigenous rights and building networks in different communities.
“There was a lot of racism in the campaign last year, which is very distressing. I know a lot of Indigenous people who were racially attacked dur-
ing the campaign,” he said.
“We looked at the importance of building reconciliation networks in different communities. The reconciliation movement needs to engage more with multicultural communities and regional communities.
“We also talked about the importance of the wider Yarra Valley community understanding the history and impact of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station.”
During the conversation, Prof Gunstone also advised the group regarding its next steps.
YVRG vice-chair Shona Rimmer said Prof Gunstone confirmed the group was heading in the right direction.
“Our focus has been about sharing learnings about reconciliation, but also about Indigenous issues, Indigenous rights and Indigenous perspectives by providing a platform for other people to have that learning,” she said.
32 local reconciliation groups including YVRG have currently been formed and working for the reconciliation movement across Victoria.
As a co-chair of Reconciliation Victoria, Prof Gunstone had the opportunity to have conversations with about 20 local groups over the last few months.
Prof Gunstone said it is important to have participation in the reconciliation movement from the local level.
“It’s very important for local reconciliation groups to work with organisations like local governments, local schools, and local businesses, to help educate the broader community about the importance of reconciliation,” he said.
“Clearly, the referendum, as well as my longitudinal research conducted over two decades, shows that the country remains quite divided in this space, and many non-Indigenous peoples have very limited understanding of our history.”
Kilsyth Primary School proudly unveils 18-metre mural
By Callum Ludwig
Some students and parents from Kilsyth Primary School have been hard at work on a new mural that recognises and celebrates the land of the Wurundjeri people their school sits on.
The mural was officially launched to students, staff, parents and visitors on Friday 22 November by artist Merilyn Duff, a proud Trawoolway woman who lives in the Yarra Ranges and helped the students and helpful parents design and create the mural
Ms Duff said working with the students had been beautiful because it’s a lovely community at the school.
“I was bullied really badly at school, particularly in primary school, and still at my ripe old age, I was wondering about what school was like these days,” she said.
“I feel like a new woman just from meeting everybody here and how accepting and loving and kind everybody is, I know that everybody has their moments though, so they’re not perfect, but we’ve had a really great journey together making up the story and working out the designs, it’s just been an absolute joy and I’m hoping they’ll find more walls for me to paint on.”
The mural is proudly on display facing out into the schoolyard, spanning about 18 metres along the two-metre high wall.
The students had plenty to say about their experience too;
“I learnt that the hands are reaching up to the stars, and I didn’t know they were stars because they were circles with dots around them, and I liked that we all came together as a group and helped make it,” Wade said.
“It’s showing that we show respect to every
culture,” Natalia said.
“It shows that we worked hard on something that we will get to see every day,” Taylor said.
The mural features a range of different significant parts of life on Wurundjeri country including:
Two scar trees feature along the mural, depicting the resilience and strength of gum trees which continued to live after First Nations people ‘scarred’ them to coolamons {carrying dishes for food or water) or canoes.
Bunjil eagle, believed to be the creator, is depicted above a rising sun.
The Kith and Kin symbols represent the friends and family you surrounded yourself with and the beginning of life and your story
The Birrarung, or Yarra River, runs along the
bottom of the mural.
There are multiple yarning circles, representing community and a place to come together
The Lomandra plant features, as the most prominent and commonly used weaving plant found in the region, including at the school.
The hands are reaching up the stars in the sky, symbolic of reaching for excellence while there are also symbols of journeying together, such as the footprints of people, kangaroos, emus and possums.
Kilsyth Primary School’s ‘value birds’ also found a place, with the green bird representing respect, red representing resilience and blue presenting excellence.
Middle School Leader at Kilsyth Primary School Alison Harris said they are hugely proud
Hands reaching up for the stars.
of what they have achieved and the hard work that has been put into it.
“It did take quite a while, it was quite a process and lots of organising to do but I can see already the impact that it’s having on the school,” she said.
“The kids are really proud of it, hey’re curious and asking lots of questions and they all go up and if there’s a particular part of the mural that they really like, they’ll touch it, run their fingers over it or put their hands on it just to get that connection as well, which has been fantastic.”
This project was funded in-part by the Department of Education’s School Focused Youth Service program in partnership with Yarra Ranges Council
Artist Merilyn Duff (back centre-left) joined Kilsyth Primary School staff and students for the unveiling of the new mural. (Callum Ludwig: 445757)
L-R: Yarra Valley Reconciliation Group chair Heidi Renner and vice-chair Shona Rimmer with speaker Prof Andrew Gunstone. (Kath Gannaway)
Belgrave pool Zumba a hit
By Tanya Steele
Fun, exercise and laughs have seen the community come together, booking out the free aqua classes being held at the local pools in the Yarra Ranges.
The Belgrave outdoor heated pool and beyond have been filled with laughter and fun as the This Girl Can program continues into December in the Yarra Ranges.
VicHealth’s This Girl Can program came back to the Yarra Ranges from 10 to 17 November and the Yarra Ranges will host events up until 7 December.
Belgravia Leisure Community Engagement Coordinator for the Yarra Ranges Kelly Parker said the uptake this year has been outstanding, and the general vibe is one of excitement and positivity, especially with the outdoor sessions at the Belgrave Heated Outdoor Pool.
“The This Girl Can events have brought a real sense of energy and community spirit to the area, attracting a wide range of participants looking to engage in fun, low-impact exercise. With a variety of activities on offer, there’s something for everyone, and the atmosphere at the events has been electric,” she said.
Ms Parker said there’s been a strong increase in new participants trying out water-based fitness classes, particularly at Belgrave Heated Outdoor Pool, where the program is thriving.
“The range of sessions has helped introduce a diverse group of individuals to water exercise. Many newcomers are discovering that water exercise provides a low-impact yet highly effective way to improve fitness while having fun. The welcoming atmosphere of the This Girl Can events has madeiteasyforfirst-timerstofeelcomfortableand encouraged to give it a go.” she said.
The program has been bringing free and low cost activity to girls, women and non-binary people and so far the numbers and feedback have been very positive.
Ms Parker said Aqua Zumba at Belgrave has been booking out with 50 participants each session.
“Aqua Fit and Deep Water Aqua have also seen
great attendance, with many participants praising the benefits of low-impact exercise,” she said.
“The feedback from participants is overwhelmingly positive, with many enjoying the variety of sessions and the chance to try different forms of water exercise. Participants have expressed how much they appreciate the inclusive and welcoming environment, and many are returning for more sessions.”
The free aqua classes range from zumba to aqua fit and even mother and daughter yoga have seen many patrons new to the pool pop in for a chance to try something different.
Staff across the Yarra Ranges and at the Belgrave outdoor heated pool have enjoyed hosting the extra events and Ms Parker said running the program at the pool has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
“The staff and instructors love being part of the This Girl Can events, and seeing the community come together in such a supportive and inclusive environment”,she said.
“Everyone involved—staff and participants alike—has been energized by the sense of empowerment these programs offer.”
The classes will continue in Belgrave and the Yarra Ranges – throughout the last two weeks of This Girl Can month, people can book into the line-up of activities across several local venues, including the Yarra Centre, Jack Hort Memorial Community Pool, Monbulk Aquatic Centre, and Belgrave Heated Outdoor Pool.
“This Girl Can events have a clear sense of empowerment, particularly for women, but also for anyone looking for a welcoming and supportive environment,” Ms Parker said.
“These events challenge the idea that fitness spaces can be intimidating or exclusive, offering a space where participants can enjoy exercise without fear of judgment,” she said.
“The This Girl Can program is about breaking down barriers—whether physical or mental—and building confidence, creating a community where people feel empowered to embrace an active lifestyle.”
Get involved in Yarra Ranges Council’s 2025-29 plan
Stage three of Yarra Ranges Council’s engagement on the Council Plan 2025-29 is now open until 15 December as Yarra Ranges Council now want to dive a little deeper into the data and need residents help to bring it to life.
This third opportunity follows extensive engagement already undertaken where approximately 1100 people from across Yarra Ranges have participated and provided feedback.
In July and August, council’s representative community panel, made up of 35 independently selected community members, met several times and explored the feedback already received during the broader community engagement, and delved deeper into council’s current challenges and what council’s future priorities should be. These complex challenges included how council should manage its extensive assets, road maintenance, financial sustainability, managing the impacts of climate change, bal-
ancing tourism with local liveability and how council can make balanced decisions to meet the needs of its diverse communities.
While feedback is still being analysed, there are clear community priorities emerging, including: community involvement in decision making and council transparency; tourism management; climate change; emergency management and service and infrastructure provision/maintenance.
The goal of these plans is to advance the Yarra Ranges towards the future outlined in the Community Vision.
So check in at Shaping Yarra Ranges for your chance to vote on regional approaches, build on the themes the Council have already heard or share you ideas. Consultation is open from 18 November until 15 December.
Once this consultation phase has concluded a Draft Council Plan 2025-29 will be produced and presented to the community again.
The program has fostered fun and community at the poolside. (Josie Rothon, Zumba Instructor)
Zumba at the Belgrave Outdoor Heated Pool has seen big uptake from the community.
Yarra Ranges Council is seeking further feedback on the Council Plan. (File)
Christmas with a cause
Dogs like Rollo, Snoop and Skyla have been well supported by Animal Aid in Coldstream no matter their journey into the shelter.
Rollo has received extensive medical treatment for severe allergies.
He’s been loved and cared for and is now on his way to having a forever home.
But as just one of many dogs, cats and kittens being cared for by the charity, the great need for support only grows.
Each year around 6000 animals find their way to Animal Aid through no fault of their own.
As you’re dusting off the decorations, planning festive feasts and cherishing time with family and friends, why not add a donation to the list of things to do these holidays.
Do something a little different this year and give the gift of giving by visiting the shelter or their website.
Rollo was gifted some early Christmas presents. (443626)
Smiles, love and care can be found at Animal Aid, Rollo can attest. (443626)
Have a Snoop kind of Christmas. (443626)
Skyla is waiting for adoption but is very loved by the Animal Aid’s workers like Elisa. (443626)
Rollo is decorated and ready for Christmas. (443626)
Rollo has being fostered through Animal Aid and is on his way to a forever home soon. (Stewart Chambers: 443626) Elisa from the Animal Aid with Snoop who’s ready for adoption. (443626)
Skyla is very cuddly. (443626)
International voices heard
WOORILLA WORDS
By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
A globally recognised competition, the Woorilla Poetry Prize celebrated another successful year in Emerald on Sunday 17 November.
Despite the challenging Melbourne weather, more than 60 people attended in person, with many more joining online from around the world.
One of the keys focuses of the Woorilla Poetry Prize is encouraging young voices, and Ms Millers has worked to ensure the competition remains accessible to all, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The prize offers free entry to young poets, eliminating the financial barrier and encouraging them to share their work.
“We want to encourage young people to express themselves, especially those from backgrounds where it might be hard to find their voice,” Ms Millers said.
What began in 1989 as a small local initiative by Maria Millers has grown into an international celebration of poetry, attracting entries from across the globe - this year, poets from countries including the USA, China, Zambia, India and of course Australia participated, showcasing the competition’s expanding reach.
The ceremony highlighted the diverse voices in the poetry world, with winners announced
across three categories.
The Junior Section, which is divided into two sub-categories, had a competitive field. The Youth Sub-Category for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) poets, recognising young writers whose first language is not English, saw first prize awarded to Cloris Shi from Irvine, California, who received $300. The second-place prize of $100 went to Genevieve Watson from Hidden Hills, California.
In the Louise Rockne Youth Section, named in honour of the late Louise Rochney, a passionate advocate for young poets, Cloris Shi claimed the top prize again, this time $300. Local poet Annie Zhou from Wheelers Hill was awarded second place with a $100 prize.
In the Judith Rodriguez Open Section, for poets aged 18 and over, the first-place prize of $3000
The runner-up was poet Rico Craig from Redfern, New South Wales, who received $500 for his poem ‘A Saturday in Nundah’.
This year’s judges included Poet Emilie Collyer, and an academic and a writer Gayelene Carbis – both of whom praised the high calibre of submissions.
The youth section judge remarked that this year’s competition was one of the most difficult she had ever judged, given the exceptional quality of the poetry.
Throughout the event, music played a key role in creating a vibrant atmosphere. Pianists Mark Gemmel and Pia Nivara performed, while attendees enjoyed a range of food provided by Millers’
family, which received much praise.
The event, while a competition, was more of a celebration of poetry, with the emphasis on providing creativity and connection among poets.
This year’s prize also drew attention to the global nature of the competition, with poets from Zambia, South Africa, China, the Philippines, Singapore, and Australia entering.
“It’s incredible to see how much the prize has grown over the years. What started as a small local competition has truly become a platform for young poets and established writers worldwide,” she said.
Looking ahead, Ms Millers is planning to introduce a new category in 2025, where poets will write in response to visual art, such as paintings or sculptures.
She also spoke of her vision for a broader poetry festival in Emerald, where poets of all kinds could come together for a weekend of performances and workshops. However, she acknowledged that such an event would require more support from local councils to become a reality.
“We’ve had incredible support from the community, but for events like this to thrive, we need more recognition from local councils,” she said.
The Woorilla Poetry Prize continues to be an important platform for poets worldwide, connecting voices from different cultures and backgrounds.
As Ms Millers put it, “Poetry has a unique power to bring people together, whether they’re in Emerald, California, or Zambia.”
With its growing impact, the prize is set to continue celebrating and supporting poetry for years to come.
Ms Millers said the event would not have been possible without the technical support of Phil Byers and Frank Leonard, Anna Millers’ hosting and organisation skills of Non Blair – who has been a driving force throughout.
Help Yarra Ranges Council create next Health Strategy
Yarra Ranges community members are encouraged to provide their thoughts on what issues are influencing their health and wellbeing as part of the development of Yarra Ranges Council’s next Health and Wellbeing Strategy 20252029.
The four-year strategy will act as a roadmap for the council to support optimal health and wellbeing of communities across the municipality. It will reflect and leverage where the council has responsibility, capability, influence, roles, and resources to support health and wellbeing of the community.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Jim Child said he was looking forward to seeing Council build on the momentum created from the previous Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025.
“A lot was accomplished through the previous plan, and the input into it from the community went a long way towards determining its success,” Cr Child said.
“Just a small sample of these achievements included rolling out free mental health first aid training to over 480 community members and volunteers, supporting community groups to run events and programs through our Grants for Community program, providing Child Safe Standards training for community organisations and supporting social connection and physical activity for our older residents through events held during the annual Over 50s Festival.
“We have a lot of health data already for the
Yarra Ranges, not just from government departments and local health providers, but also from our own community on health-related issues from the recent community engagement on our upcoming Council Plan.”
Community members can ‘follow’ this project via the Yarra Ranges Shaping Page to keep informed.
Community members are invited to have their say online at shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov. au/health-wellbeing-strategy-2025-29
Community are also invited to come and speak with Council in-person at a range of pop up events, in townships such as Healesville, Chirnside Park, Kilsyth, Seville, Warburton, Lilydale and Tecoma.
Community members have until Sunday 15 December to provide feedback.
Further consultation on the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2029 will happen again in 2025.
“Now we’d like community to help us rank
identified health issues in order of importance to them,” Cr Child said.
“We’d also like to hear from community about what keeps them healthy and well and what would better support community health and wellbeing?’
“While every local council in Victoria must have its own health and wellbeing plan, this is more than just a legislative requirement to us, we want to ensure we’re doing all that we can to enhance the health and wellbeing of our community which is why it’s crucial to hear from them about what their\ needs are, as the landscape is ever-changing.”
In-person engagement dates
These dates may be subject to last minute changes.
Sunday 24 November, 10am to 4pm
• Kilsyth Festival
• Elizabeth Bridge Reserve
Thursday 28 November, 10am to 2pm
• Seville Shopping Centre
• Outside Seville Woolworths - Warburton Highway Seville
Friday 6 December, 4pm to 8pm
• Christmas Warburton Waterwheel Market
• Warburton Highway, Warburton
Sunday 8 December, 9am to 3pm
• Lilydale Melba Festival and Street Fair
• Main Street Lilydale
Yarra Ranges Council is encouraging community members to share their voices for the next Health and Wellbeing Strategy. (418469)
was awarded to Stephanie Powell from Brunswick East.
Musician Pia Nesvara.
Youth section guest reader Aloma Davis, Maria Millers seated and judge Gayelene Carbis. (Phil Byers)
Open section judge Emilie Collyer.
Host Anna Millers and her niece.
Fourth term as Yarra Ranges Mayor
On Tuesday 19 November, I was honoured to be elected as Mayor, alongside returning Chirnside Park Ward Councillor Richard Higgins as my Deputy.
This is my fourth term as Mayor of Yarra Ranges, and I’m proud to lead our new Council in their first year.
This Council will be passionate and collaborative in representing our community; we’ll continue to protect and enhance the place that we call home, and the things you love about it.
Council is responsible for delivering more than 120 services to 55 townships, and our Council group has a keen eye on how we can keep costs down, while still meeting the needs of more than 150,000 residents, thousands of businesses and millions of annual visitors.
We expect visitation to the region to double over the next decade, so a priority is going to be advocating to the State and Federal Government for their continued support.
With more than 500 local jobs and an extra
CARTOON
From my From my desk
Jim Child
$80 million per year into our local economy, as a result of our Ridges and Rivers projects, we’re excited to usher in the first stages of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, ngurrak barring and the Yarra Valley Trail.
We’re currently working to finalise our 202529 Council Plan, along with our Long-Term Financial Plan and Asset Management Plan.
We, as community and Council, will build on these plans, to ensure our future matches the vision of our community.
I’d like to take a moment to pay tribute to our outgoing Mayor, Sophie Todorov, and Deputy David Eastham, along with our previous Council group.
We worked fantastically over the last four years and I’d like to thank each of them for their service to the community.
Welcome to our new Council group, particularly our new Councillors, Cr Mitch Mazzarella Melba Ward, Cr Jeff Marriot Streeton Ward, Cr Peter Mcilwain Lyster Ward and Cr Gareth Ward Chandler Ward.
We’re going to have a great four years ahead of us.
The one person I’d like to thank more than anyone is my wife, my confidante and my support over countless years - Teresa. Thank you.
I look forward to working with our community for another fantastic four years.
Cr Jim Child, Mayor of Yarra Ranges
A green mark of quality
Wicked
Starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Michelle Yeoh
Rated PG
3.75/5
Directed by Jon Chu and based on the hit stage musical of the same name, Wicked is a magical experience driven by two exceptional central performances.
In this prequel to the Wizard of Oz, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a woman born with green skin and magical gifts, enrols in Shiz University and locks horns with fellow student Galinda (Ariana Grande).
Wicked features vibrant art direction and plenty of joy, pageantry and lively musical numbers.
Erivo is a magnetic lead, conveying incredible dignity as a dedicated, compassionate woman rising above the stigma of her skin and the scorn of her classmates. Grande is her perfect frenemy counterpart: sweet and bubbly on the surface and a vain, bossy suck-up beneath.
A popular fan theory about the 1939 Wizard of Oz film asserts that Galinda/Glinda manipulated Dorothy into killing the Wicked Witch to gain control over all of Oz, and Galinda being Wicked’s Mean Girls-esque antagonist for the first act amusingly lends some weight to this theory.
Wicked’s narrative doesn’t accomplish much dramatically in this first half (with Wicked: Part 2 coming out in November next year), but Elphaba and Galinda’s steady journey from enemies to best friends provides a satisfying foundation.
At 160 minutes, Wicked is too long, and beyond Elphaba and Galinda, the characters are somewhat thinly-sketched. Elphaba and Galinda finally drop their feud in a bizarre scene that contains some of the daggiest dancing since Raygun at the Olympics, and the plot draws a clumsy parallel between the people of Oz discriminating against Elphaba for being green and prejudice against the land’s talking animals.
Playing in most Victorian cinemas, Wicked is mostly song-and-dance set-up, but still an endearing, energetic and stunning ride.
A life led astray makes for uncomfortable reading
Book review of Fang Si-Chi’s First Love Paradise by Lin Yi-Han
Fang Si-Chi’s First Love Paradise, written by Taiwanese author Lin Yi-Han and translated by Jenna Tang, is an intense and uncomfortable read.
The story is full of pain and trauma, and is said to be of an autobiographical nature. It is widely recognised as the most influential book of Taiwan’s #MeToo movement.
As Lin described in an interview eight days before her death by suicide at the age of 26 in 2017, the story can be summarised in one “direct and brutal” sentence:
“Over many years, a teacher used the power of his position to seduce, rape and sexually abuse female students.”
And that is what happens to 13-year-old Fang Si-Chi, who loves reading and learning, and whose parents are rich and strict yet unsuspecting of all figures of authority.
When a revered literature teacher offers private tutoring for free, Si-Chi’s parents happily accept.
After all, he is a long-term resident in their upscale apartment complex.
Si-Chi’s story is a harrowing account of sexual violence and sexual grooming, but it is also a fierce attack at the power structures that allow it to continue happening.
One of the most haunting paragraphs in the book is from the teacher and serial predator himself:
“Lee Guo-Hua discovered...that social taboos about sex were all too convenient for him.
After he raped a girl, the whole world would point at her and tell her that it was her own fault. And then the girl would actually think it was her fault.
A sense of guilt would chase her back to him.”
Equally chilling is the scene when Si-Chi informs her mother that “a student in her school” is having a relationship with a teacher.
Her mother quickly passes a judgement: “Already a seductress at such a young age.”
When Cookie, another girl in the story, reveals what Teacher Lee has done to her, she is immediately dumped by her boyfriend: “How can I still be with you when you’ve been dirtied?”
When Hsiao-Chi, yet another girl in the story, tries to expose Teacher Lee online, she herself is
condemned: “So how much money did you take from him?” “Homewreckers should go to hell.”
“That teacher’s wife should be pitied.”
And when Si-Chi’s literary mentor I-Wen gets married, she cannot know that one day her beloved husband will wake up from his drunkenness to find himself in a pool of her blood.
“He thought about the night before, when he came back home and kicked I-Wen fiercely.”
As translator Tang explains: “The idea of sexual grooming...is central to what this novel wants to bring to our attention.
It is the idea of a monster trying to make sense of the world for those who didn’t understand what situation they were in, and therefore, through its crooked logic, that monster convinces its audience that certain sentiments, certain emotions, exist for a reason.”
Fang Si-Chi’s First Love Paradise is Lin’s only novel.
Trigger warning.
Time to stock up on plants
By Mikayla van Loon
For the second time this year Knoxbrooke’s nursery in Mount Evelyn will be opening up its car park for its major plant sale having had an incredible spring growing season.
Knoxbrooke chief executive officer Annie Revell said it’s such a delight to be able to open the nursery to the community for four days next month so they can purchase some beautiful stock.
“We’re really delighted to be able to do it. We’re going to be having it run from the fifth to the eighth of December,” she said.
“We’re just going out with those four days because we actually think we can bring out the biggest amount of our plants at one point in time and just open them up so that everyone gets as much opportunity to get what they want from it.
“Because we don’t do sales through the nursery on a regular basis, this is when we really make sure we’ve got the peak of our stock that’s able to come out to people and just really showcase the nursery.”
Having always been known as the Yarra View Bushland Nursery, Ms Revell said come early next year the name will be streamlined to the Knoxbrooke Nursery, so when people buy from them they know it “supports people with diverse abilities to have real jobs”.
“Most of the people who come or come to our car park sales really just know us for our great plants, the huge range that we’ve got and of course, we also are a commercial nursery to the industry,” Ms Revell said.
“But what people might not really be aware of is that we are actually a social enterprise, and in fact, we’re the largest and most successful social enterprise nursery in Australia.
“We’ve had the nursery since 2000 but Knoxbrooke as a charity organisation, a not for profit, has been in business for 57 years now.
“So we’ve decided it’s time to take a step, to rebrand all of our social enterprises as the one name Knoxbrooke, so when people are buying from us, it’s really clear to them and to any new customers that they’re going to be supporting a social enterprise every time people do business with us.”
The nursery alone employs 75 people with diverse abilities, while Knoxbrooke as a whole has 143 supported employees currently working with them.
“We’re really proud of our Knoxbrooke team and the people that work with us, and some have
been with us for so many years as well, that it really becomes a large family.”
As much as the plant sale itself is about selling plants and supplying top quality products to the community, Ms Revell said it is also an opportunity for people to walk in and see how a social enterprise functions.
“What’s really great is it allows people to see that it’s actually a meaningful job, not just something that’s tokenistic,” she said.
“They have their set rosters that they do, they have to take sick leave or holiday leave like all the rest of us, they get the expectations of anyone that
comes to work, the highs and lows that everyone gets with a normal job, our supported employees experience all of that.
“It’s not just the outside work and nursery that appeals to people, which is why Knoxbrooke is so proud that we’ve got other social enterprises that can suit what people’s skills are and what their goals are in life.”
Ms Revell said as for the plants “spring has really sprung” providing a great variety of plants at an affordable price.
“The nursery is having its biggest year yet. It’s quite incredible the amount of stock. We’ve got the Aussie natives, the exotic grasses, hedging, you name them, we’ve been growing it, and it’s just looking gorgeous at the moment. The nursery is just sparkling,” she said.
The car park plant sale will be running from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 December, opening at 8.30am at the York Road site.
To find out more, go to yvbn.com.au or call 9737 0400.
The nursery provides meaningful employment to 75 supported workers. (Supplied)
Knoxbrooke’s nursery has a wide variety of plants ready to be purchased by the community. (Mikayla van Loon: 242627)
LILYDALE STREET FAIR
Lilydale’s favourite vibe
By Mikayla van Loon
The third annual end of year street fair, festival and parade in Lilydale is just two weeks away and this year there’s been a few big changes.
Undergoing a rebrand to reflect the heritage and culture of the suburb, this year’s celebration has been named the Lilydale Melba Festival and Street Fair.
Street Fair founder and lead organiser Bec Rosel said it seemed like a logical next phase in the growth of the fair, particularly because Lilydale doesn’t have a heritage festival.
“It’s the first year we’ve started to bring out more heritage and culture and that’s something we will then grow on and build on,” she said.
“We want to tie in our parade with the heritage obviously stemming back to Dame Nellie Melba, because she is the face of Lilydale, but we want to make that more poignant.”
On the day, that heritage will be visualised with people walking around in period costume, as well as with some local historical tours in conjunction with the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.
There’ll also be some well kept surprises for the parade highlighting that history but Bec said all would be revealed on the day.
In another significant change, this year’s festival will be held on Sunday 8 December, to tie in better with local trade and community sport, hopefully encouraging more people to attend and visit Lilydale.
“I think it’s going to work better on a Sunday. It also frees up volunteers and it does free up some kids too, because there’s no kids sports on Sundays,” Bec said.
“This was born in Covid and it’s there to highlight the businesses in the area. And that’s why being on a Sunday, because not a lot is open on a Sunday, it still brings people here, walking the streets and seeing what shops are here and then we hope they’ll return.”
With a shift in the timeframe to make the day run from 9am to 3pm, with the parade kicking off at 10am, Bec said she hopes it will encourage more people to be out and about in that hour be-
fore the parade to watch on.
For the rest of the day people can wander and explore the many food trucks, the 90 stallholders from authors to craftspeople, and browse the classic car display.
“We’re at capacity for stalls which is great and there’s lots of variety. There are lots of not for profit community organisations and then sporting clubs, local crafts and handy people and then services as well.”
Roaming performers, the main stage with numerous local artists, including the ballerinas, and the Lilydale CFA open day will provide entertainment and activities at every turn.
Again, Bec said a lot of this wouldn’t have
been possible without the grant from Yarra Ranges Council nor the support of the Lilydale Township Action Group.
With the fair growing and developing each year, Bec said she is always excited to see and feel the reaction of the community.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the increase in size can really make the town buzz. I still think there’s more we can do, but I don’t want to push the space as well,” she said.
“We’ve increased again this year, as far as store spaces, food vendors go and then having Clarke Street back, so reworking Clarke Street will be great, and just seeing how everything fits together again and what the vibe is.
“The vibe for me is the biggest thing. It was different last year to the year before, I think mainly because of the weather, but especially with the heritage feel, people walking around in period costume, just seeing how people respond to that, and then with hopefully a little surprise in the parade.”
And of course, Bec said if people want to lend a hand on the day, even just to be an information point or to sub in for stall holders while they take a break, it would be a huge help to the smooth running of the day.
To enquire about volunteering, contact Bec via email at rosel.bec83@gmail.com
The tiniest dancers always bring a crowd. (Gary Zuccala)
With roaming performers, there’s entertainment at every turn. (Gary Zuccala) Get moving with a Zumba class on the main stage. (Gary Zuccala)Find unique, hand made and crafted gifts from a range of stallholders. (Gary Zuccala)
Everyone wants to meet and get a photo with the CFAs Captain Koala. (Gary Zuccala)
LILYDALE STREET FAIR
Diving in for summer fun
As the warm days of December approach, we’re thrilled to announce that the Lilydale Outdoor Pool will open its gates early this season to celebrate the vibrant Lilydale Melba Festival and Street Fair on Sunday 8 December! From 9am to 3pm, the community is invited to enjoy free entry to the pool, where everyone can make a splash and have fun together. Whether you want to take a leisurely swim, enjoy the exhilarating inflatable, or partake in exciting land games for children— generously donated by the Lilydale Township Action Group—there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
This early opening marks the beginning of what promises to be the best summer yet at the Lilydale Outdoor Pool. Officially launching its 2024/2025 season on Saturday 14 December, the pool will serve as the summer hub for our community. With programs, including the beloved Aqua Classes, VIC Swim Intensive Week, and the
heart-pumping Heart Foundation walks, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you engaged and active. Don’t miss out on our special events days like Carols In The Park Pool Party, Wave of Colour Pride, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and the season’s most popular event Doggy Day!
For those looking to make a splash this season, early bird prices for season passes will be available for purchase during the Lilydale Melba Festival and Street Fair, ensuring everyone can join in the fun. The pool will be open from 14 December to 3 February, operating daily from 1pm to 6pm. Then shifting, to weekday hours of 3pm to 6pm and weekends from 1pm to 6pm until 10 March.
Come together as a community to create lasting memories this summer. Stay connected and updated on opening hours via the Lilydale Outdoor Pool Facebook page facebook.com/lilydaleoutdoorpool/ or the Lilydale Outdoor Pool website lilydalepool.com.au
Join us for an exclusive Pool Party during the Lilydale Street Fair Sunday December 8. Free Entry between 9am-3pm. Giant children’s games & pool inflatables.
Regular season opens on Saturday, 14th December 2024! Get ready to dive into fun with friends and family at your local community pool.
EARLY BIRD SEASON PASSES AVAILABLE NOW!
Why wait? Take advantage of our Early Bird Season Passes, now available at a special price for a limited time! Why Lilydale Outdoor Pool?
• Family-Friendly Fun: Shallow areas for little swimmers, plus plenty of space for all ages to enjoy.
• Relax by the Poolside: Lounge in the sun or find some shade while you soak in the summer vibes.
• Special Events & Activities: From pool parties to fitness classes, there’s always something happening.
• Community Spirit: Meet new friends, reconnect with neighbours, and make the most of your summer together.
Soak up those warm December rays and take a dip in Lilydale’s Outdoor Pool.
Test your skills and enjoy the exhilarating inflatable. (Supplied)
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Inside you will enjoy 4 generously sized bedrooms plus 4 spacious and separate living zones designed for relaxation or entertaining on a grand scale, each with ample natural light, high-end finishes and attention to detail that defines every inch of this home, offering a sense of refined elegance.
Warmed by a cosy gas log fire, 3 split systems and slab heating you can be sure of complete comfort all year around. From every angle the double glazed windows provide you with wonderful views of the surrounding landscape and beyond.
Dive into your very own paradise with a luxurious solar heated, salt chlorinated inground pool, complemented by a spa, surrounded by lush gardens and shaded outdoor spaces. Perfect for cool evenings, the fire pit area creates a cozy ambiance for relaxing with family and friends under the stars.
The oversized 4 car garage provides ample storage, while the massive 16 x 12m shed with 3-phase power, concrete flooring, and remote doors offers endless possibilities for work, hobbies, or additional storage. With plenty of parking space for guests and vehicles, this magnificent home is surrounded by lush landscaping ensuring you’ll enjoy ultimate privacy in your own oasis.
This is more than just a home; it’s a lifestyle. With its exceptional combination of luxury, space, and seclusion, this property offers an idyllic setting to relax, entertain, and unwind in total comfort. All the hard work has been done here – inspect today!
METICULOUS HOME ON MAGNIFICENT GARDENS
TUCKED into magnificent Tuscan-inspired gardens complete with a patio with dappled sun and shade and a gazebo covered in lush greenery, this property offers a refined yet relaxed approach to Hills living. Perfect for entertaining in the warmer months ahead and inspirational for budding gardeners, this 1,556sqm (approx.) property will make a lasting impression.
The interior of this inviting single-level brick home is meticulously presented. The lounge features floor to ceiling windows, plush carpet, and a beautiful gas fireplace. At the rear of the residence, the open plan kitchen with gas cooktop, wall oven, and breakfast bar flows to the dining area and alfresco to ensure it is ideal for hosting family and friends.
The 3 bedrooms provided are also bright and inviting. The main bedroom boasts a bay window, stylish ensuite with spa tub and skylight, and ample storage.
Added features include a family bathroom with soaking tub, generous laundry with linen press, and a double garage for convenience.
This immaculate residence and incredible landscape are the perfect find in this lovely lifestyle location. Prompt inspection is advised to call this property home. Plan your viewing today.
Landscaped gardens with paved patio, leafy gazebo, established trees, and meandering pathways
• Meticulous single-level residence with double garage
• Inviting lounge with gas fireplace and plush carpet
• Open plan kitchen with wall oven and breakfast bar
Impressive main bedroom with relaxing spa tub ensuite.
HOME FOCUS
YOUR LUXURY OASIS: 27.5 ACRES OF PERFECTION
NESTLED in the prestigious and picturesque pocket of Macclesfield, this extraordinary property offers 27.5 acres of rolling pastures and natural bushland, creating the perfect blend of luxury, tranquility, and rural charm. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the care and attention that has gone into crafting this exquisite, one-owner residence, designed with comfort, elegance, and functionality in mind.
The home itself is a masterpiece of design, boasting four oversized bedrooms that cater to every need. The master suite is a private haven featuring a spacious walk-in robe and a luxurious ensuite complete with a double vanity.
The guest bedrooms are thoughtfully positioned at the opposite end of the home, each with built-in robes and serviced by a stunning family bathroom adorned with marble benchtops. Adding to the home’s versatility is a large office, ideal for those who work from home or easily adaptable as a fifth bedroom. At the heart of the home lies a chef’s dream kitchen, offering an abundance of stone bench space and quality stainless steel appliances. The adjoining expansive family meals area ensures effortless entertaining and everyday living. For larger gatherings or moments of relaxation, the home provides multiple living areas, including a main living room with soaring high ceilings and a wall of windows that flood the space with natural light while showcasing the breathtaking garden and pasture views.
An additional rumpus room with a vaulted ceiling adds an extra layer of grandeur, while a formal dining area completes the living experience with timeless sophistication. Throughout the home, premium features abound, from the 2.7-meter ceilings and 2.4-meter-high doors to the ducted refrigerated heating and cooling system. A solid fuel fire in the family room adds warmth and charm, creating the perfect ambiance for cooler evenings.
Stepping outside, you’ll find an entertainer’s paradise. A spacious covered alfresco area leads up stunning Ironbark steps to a resort-style, self-cleaning, heated, salt-chlorinated pool that overlooks rolling hills. This incredible outdoor space is complemented by a pool house featuring its own bathroom, complete with floor-to-ceiling tiles and an oversized shower, ensuring every gathering is unforgettable.
Beyond the main residence, the property
offers unmatched infrastructure for those seeking space or versatility.
A massive 12x14 meter shed provides the perfect environment for running a business from home or catering to car enthusiasts, with additional machinery and storage sheds enhancing the functionality of the property. Multiple paddocks, eight of which have water, are ideal for grazing livestock or horse enthusiasts, while the bushland areas and
dam further enhance the property’s charm. To the rear of the property there is an adjoining creek, perfect to sit by and relax.
Adding even more value, a separate twobedroom bungalow with its own driveway offers complete independence with a lounge room, kitchen, bathroom, solid fuel fire, split system, and separate utilities.
Situated in an enviable location next to a renowned primary school and just minutes
from the vibrant Emerald town centre, this property offers the ultimate in convenience. With easy access to supermarkets, schools, restaurants, cafes, shops, and public transport, this is an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the best of rural and modern living. Rarely does a property of this calibre come to market. Don’t miss the chance to make this extraordinary luxury oasis your own. Contact us today to secure your dream lifestyle.
3
6
3 phase power ideal for any tradesman. 1 acre of space and stunning garden.
• Entertain on your covered decking or paved alfresco.
• Dual street access with remote controlled gate.
PRESENTING a spacious family home with extensive storage on just under 1 acre.
Close to Healesville, and walking distance to the RACV Country Club and Golf Course, yet only 59 mins to Hoddle Street, this property is positioned to be your next great investment.
The home comprises 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (incl ensuite) and 3 living areas including kitchen / dining, formal lounge and rumpus / pool room with wine cellar.
The home is in fantastic condition, having been constructed with R-22 rated timber on CD ply and concrete stumps.
The master is of mega proportions, with a lovely aspect and view onto the grounds, plus walk-in robe. Downstairs, the rumpus room opens out onto a paved alfresco, adding another entertaining option to the huge covered deck above.
Features include:
Recently renovated kitchen with 1200 mm Bosch induction stove.
• Solar panel system.
• Wood heating.
• Ducted heating.
• Ceiling fans in all bedrooms. Ducted vacuum.
Externally the 9 m x 8 m 4-car garage/shed is pride of place, offering secure parking for 4 cars, and a wood heater and sink. Additionally, there is a double carport. 3 phase power is connected. One of this property’s favourite features is its double street access with remote-controlled main gate and second drive. There is so much parking here. Add to the package a dam and small orchard.
This property represents the best offering on 1 acre in Healesville right now.
Text 30-34HAZFORD to 0448 820 022 now to register for limited private viewings
HOME FOCUS
TRANQUIL ESCAPE IN COCKATOO
NESTLED on a serene ¾ acre block, this delightful property offers a perfect blend of contemporary comfort and natural charm.
With thoughtful design, quality finishes and incredible outdoor spaces, with views of the Warburton Ranges, this home is a haven for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with plenty of room to entertain.
Step through the undercover entry into the home, with floating timber floors throughout, enhancing the sense of warmth and style. A separate toilet near the entry adds convenience. 2 light filled bedrooms are located on the lower level. A centrally located bathroom with sleek floating vanity and contemporary finishes.
The kitchen is a chef’s dream with a 900mm SMEG oven, farmhouse sink, dishwasher, stunning stone benchtops, plenty of storage. Adjacent is the dining room, which opens up via bi-fold doors onto a spacious merbau deck, perfect for entertaining.
The lounge impresses with its soaring ceilings, exposed timbers, woodfire heater, the home also offers gas ducted heating and sliding doors that flood the space with natural light and connect to the deck. Upstairs, the master retreat with tall ceilings, huge his / hers walk in wardrobe & office/study nook, an ensuite, internal plantation shutters with views over the loungeroom below and a private balcony overlooking the lush surroundings. Outside, the property is designed for relaxation and entertaining. The deck leads to an entertaining area with a brick fireplace and built in bbq. Steps take you down to an electric spa, surrounded by glass balustrades and offering stunning views. The expansive gardens are well maintained, a large fire pit area and two garden sheds for additional storage.
This property provides the ultimate balance of style, comfort and serenity. With stylish interiors and impressive outdoor amenities, it’s a home that invites relaxation and connection with nature.
This property has it all so don’t miss outcall to arrange a private inspection today.
Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office.
TranquilEscapeinCockatoo!
Nestledona¾acreblock,thispropertyoffers aperfectblendofcomfort &naturalcharm.Step throughtheundercoverentryintothehome,withfloatingtimberfloorsthroughout. 2lightfilled bedroomsarelocatedonthelowerlevel.A centrallylocatedbathroomwithsleekfloatingvanity. Thekitchenwith aSMEGoven,farmhousesink& stonebenchtops.Adjacentisthediningroom, whichopensupviabi-folddoorsontoa spaciousmerbaudeck.Theloungewithitssoaringceilings, woodfireheater,thehomealsooffersGDH.Upstairs,themasterretreatwithhis/hersWIR,office/ study,ensuite& privatebalcony.Outside,Thedeckleadstoanentertainingareawithbrick fireplace& builtinbbq.Stepsdowntoa Spa,surroundedbyglassbalustrades.Thegardensarewell maintained,a largefirepitarea& twogardensheds.
6AshGroveMenziesCreek $1,550,000
ImmaculateFamilyRetreatwithEndlessSpaceandViews!
Setona 1895sqmblockinMenziesCreek,isthis4BR,3-bathroomhome.A wraparound,verandah welcomesyou,Inside,stepintotheloungewithanopenfire.Thereisalso afurthersunlitfamilyroom with awoodheater,whilstthehomeiscomplementedbyGDH& electricreversecycleheating& refrigerativecooling.Thekitchen/diningareafeaturinganILVE1000mmfreestandingoven,ample benchspace &a picturesquebaywindow.TheMasterSuiteoffersdoubleBIR& ensuite,while2 additionalbedroomsalsoincludeBIR,a familybathroomwithspabath, &separatetoilet. Agames/ loungeroomwith akitchenette.A 3rdbathroom &upa fewstairsa 4thbedroom/5thlivingspace. Thisflowsontoanencloseddeckwhere aswimspaawaits.Outside,theprivate,fullyfencedgrounds withafirepitarea,gardenshed,a pizzaoven,& doublelockupgarage.
SamanthaScott M 0438680032
TheEpitomeofComfortableHillsLiving! Nestledona 2,567sqmblockinEmerald,thisinviting4BR,2-bathroomhomeoffers apeaceful lifestyle.Stepintotheloungeroomwithanopenfireplace, &newhydronicheatingthroughoutthe home.Thediningspaceisbathedinnaturallight,thankstolargewindows &opensonto aspacious deck.Thekitchenfeaturestimberbenchtops,breakfastbar,SMEGgascooktop.Tassieoakflooring isfeaturedthroughoutthehome.Rakedtimberceilingscreate asenseofspace& sophistication.2 bedrooms& bathroomdownstairs.A uniquespiralstaircasethatleadstotheupperleveltothe spaciousmasterretreatwithprivatebalcony& ensuite, Aversatilespacethatcanbeusedasa bedroom,office/studio.Outsidea largesinglegarageprovidessecureparking,storagespace& two shedsforwoodstorage.Thereisevena cubbyforthekidstoplay.
NeatLowMaintenance &ReadytoMovein!
Thisimmaculate 3bedroom,1 bathroomunithasplentytooffer& only ashortwalkintoGembrook. Thekitchenfeaturesplentyofbenchspace,2 goodsizedpantries& s/swallmountedelectricoven, gasstovetop& D/W.Openplanliving& dining,withtiledflooring,GDH& S/Scoolingthroughout. Theunitoffers alarge,carpetedmasterbedroomwithBIR& en-suiteeffecttomainbathroom,2 furthercarpetedbedroomsalsowithBIR &secondarypowderroom.Slidingdoorsfromthedining arealeadtotheoutdoorstoa lowmaintenancegarden &paved,fullyfencedcourtyard.Withrear externalaccesstothesinglelockupgarage,withremotedoor &internalaccess.Ifyouarelooking todownsize,thisover55’sunitistheperfectplacetocallhome. 12-13VistaCourtGembrook
BethanySullivan M 0438844968
$530,000-$580,000
LARGE FAMILY HOME IN IDEAL LOCATION
UPON a sealed drive with terraced lawns and spectacular views this renovated residence anticipates the arrival of new owners.
Refurbished and set in quiet family-friendly surrounds, steps from Belgrave Heights Christian College and beautiful Birdsland Reserve, this move-in ready home offers a magnificent lifestyle.
The interior is brimming with beautiful features including high ceilings, polished floorboards, and 3 impressive living areas to choose from. With a new open plan kitchen calling out to the chef of the family and a flowing floorplan that expands out to a new deck and beautiful balcony, this inviting home encapsulates how exceptional it is to live in the Hills.
Complemented by spacious bedrooms and modern bathrooms on both levels, super-size laundry/wetroom, expansive under-house storage/Workshop space, and a patio and firepit area to take in the fabulous views, buyers will be thrilled they have secured this thoughtful home.
All that is required is to move in and enjoy, so act quickly to acquire this outstanding property.
• New Solar panels and dual hot water service
• Sensational location only steps from Belgrave Heights Christian College and beautiful Birdsland Reserve
Easy access to bus transport and Belgrave township and train station
• Sealed drive, landscaped garden, and terraced upper lawn with garden shed perfect for a fire pit area.
• Renovated family residence with adaptable bedrooms/work-from-home spaces
• Deck entry into spacious living area with high ceilings and clerestory windows
Second living area adjoins new kitchen with lush hillside outlooks
Upstairs retreat accompanies spacious and sunlit bedrooms
PICTURESQUE ACREAGE WITH GLORIOUS VIEWS
COME and enjoy the glorious surrounds and fantastic Yarra Valley views at this beautiful property, situated on just over 10 picturesque acres with a mixture of undulating pasture and scattered bush it’s the ideal spot come and live the relaxed country life.
The home is superb and just a few years old offers the growing family a fantastic semi rural lifestyle with self sustainable off grid living with alternative solar power.
Beautifully presented and offering 3 bedrooms with a luxurious main bathroom and ensuite in the main bedroom, the kitchen is stunning, light and bright with quality appliances and fixtures throughout with ample bench and cupboard space.
Welcome the outdoors in with the main living/lounge areas perfectly situated to sit back, relax and enjoy the ever changing Yarra Valley vista.
Immerse yourself in the outdoors with established gardens and loads of space for the kids and pets to explore and enjoy, a fantastic small acreage property in a beautiful location with acres of space to create your own hobby farm.
SmallAcreageParadisein aFantasticLocation
Positionedtopleasethisbeautifulsmallacreagehobbyfarmistheidealplacetostarttherelaxed countrylifestyle,situatedonapprox.4.5acresofrollingpastures,thereisloadsofspaceforthe growingfamilytospreadoutandenjoy.Currentlysetuptosuitthehorseenthusiastwithmultiple paddocksandsheltersplus 3stablesandholdingyardsplusa largebarnwithmezzaninefloor.The countrystylehomeiswarm,homelyandinvitingoffering 2goodsizedbedroomsplusa family/ loungeareawithgasheatingandmultiplesplitsystemsthroughoutthehome.Thekitcheniswell appointedandhasplentyofbenchandcupboardspaceincludinga separatemeals/diningarea.A sensationalpropertyinanexceptionallocationbackingontotheWarburtontrailandjusta shortwalk tolocalschools,shopsandtransportit’sa greatplaceforthefamilytocallhome.
DavidCarroll M 0419539320
2:30pm
AGardener’sParadise& Entertainer’sDream
Setona sprawlingblockofover3000sqm,thisstunning4-bedroomhomeoffers auniqueopportunity forthosewhoappreciatethebeautyofnatureandthecharmofspaciousliving.Themastersuite features aprivateensuiteand agenerouswalk-inrobe.Twoadditionalwell-sizedbedroomswithin thehomeprovideamplespaceforfamilyandguests.TheStudio/Teenagers’Retreat: Afantastic additionalspacethatcanserveasa homeoffice,artist’sstudio,orprivateretreat.SheddingOptions: Whetheryou’rea hobbyist,gardener,orneedextrastorage,thispropertyoffersplentyofshedding space.DoubleCarport:Convenientlylocatedwithplentyofspacefortwocars,plusadditional parkingforvisitors.Featuringductedheatingthroughout,evaporativecoolingand acozywoodfire, thishomeisdesignedforyear-roundcomfort.Don’tmissthisrareopportunity!
5BTheCrescent,Wesburn$1,250,000-$1,320,000
Thisbrandnewandluxuriousresidenceisreadytomoveintoandenjoy.Exceptionalbuildquality withenergyefficiencyinmind,noexpensehasbeensparedfromstarttocompletionandmeticulous attentiontodetailineverypartofthehomeby askilledandfastidiousbuilder.Boasting 4oversized bedroomsincluding afeaturemainbedroomandstylishensuite,youwillbeimpressedwiththethree expansiveliving/loungeandfamilyroomsofferinggreatspaceforthegrowingfamilytorelaxand enjoy.Thekitchenareaisallclassandstyle,withtopqualityappliancesandfinishingsthroughout anda separatedining/mealsareaoutside.Withjustover 1acreoflandtoexploreandenjoy,there isloadsofroomforthekidsandpetstorunaroundallyearround,wideverandahsanddeckingoffer greatoutdoorentertaining.It’sjusttheidealspot!
DavidCarroll M 0419539320
Sat1:00pm-1:30pm
Don’tmissoutonthis 3bedroomhome,idealforfirsttimebuyersorthoselookingtodownsize. Thispropertyoffers asimple,functionallayoutwith aspaciousfamilybathroomandcomfortable livingspace.Thelivingareaflowsseamlesslyintoa wellappointedkitchen.A cozywoodfireadds characterandwarmth,whilethesplitsystemairconditioningensuresyearroundcomfort.Thelarge, fullyfencedbackyardoffersprivacyandplentyofroomforeveryonetoenjoy.A standoutfeature ofthepropertyisthededicated“mancave” agreatspaceforhobbiesorstorage,with aconcrete floor,powerconnected,andeven awoodshedforaddedconvenience.Enjoytheconvenienceof beingjusta shortstrolltotheYarraRiver,WarburtonRailTrail,localschools,andpublictransport.This lovelypropertypresents arareopportunityina fantasticlocation.
PUZZLES
ACROSS
1 Unfathomable (7)
5 Reprieve (7)
9 Most pungent (9)
10 Facetious (5)
11 The capital of Spain (6)
12 Former US Supreme Court
Justice Thurgood – (8)
14 Hate (6)
15 Monarch (4)
19 Musical instrument (4)
20 Leader of the X-men (6)
24 Self-government (8)
25 Bottle for the table (6)
27 Belonging to them (5)
28 From Oslo, eg (9)
29 Broadcast, transmitted (7)
30 Ways (7)
DOWN
1 Undertake (6)
2 Surrenders (6)
3 Island group in the Indian Ocean (8)
4 Ogle (4)
5 Alluring (10)
6 One who goes naked (6)
7 Relating to lines on a weather map (8)
8 Large logs traditionally burnt at Christmas time (4,4)
13 Looked again (10)
16 Of no consequence (2,6)
17 City in Québec (8)
18 Deteriorating (8)
21 Liveliness (6)
22 Gambling house (6)
23 Game played on a court (6)
26 Stiffly neat (4)
Childs reaches top score
By Les Hutchings
Kilsyth’s First XI had the challenging task of chasing down North Ringwood’s score of 7/294cc on Day 2 of Round 6 in the Trollope Shield competition. Openers Kevin Baldsing and Jack Childs put on 48 for the first wicket, when Baldsing was caught in the slips by Thomas Robinson off the bowling of Mitchell Skinner for 33 off 34 balls (4 fours) in the 11th over.
Andy Solomons and Jack Childs then took the score to 70, when Childs was caught at first slip by Captain Luke McPhie for 23 off 49 balls (4 fours), from the bowling of left arm orthodox spinner, Luke Ridgwell. Kilsyth were now 2/70 after 16 overs with Solomons on 11 not out. With the score on 95, the Redbacks lost two wickets, both claimed by Ridgwell in consecutive overs. The score was now 4/95 after 26 overs with Solomons on 27 not out, so the run rate was on track but the Redbacks were losing wickets.
A 46 run partnership for the fifth wicket was looking good until Mackenzie Scott-Thomas was caught at short backward leg for 17 off 26 balls (3 fours) off the bowling of Ridgwell, his fourth wicket. Kilsyth went to the tea break on 5/151 off 38 overs and were well in the game, with Solomons batting superbly on 66 not out and Captain Marcus Adams yet to score. However, on the third ball after tea, Kilsyth’s hopes suffered a major blow with the score on 153 when Andy Solomons was caught behind off medium pacer Mitch Skinner for a superb 68 off 87 balls, including 11 fours. It was Solomons fourth consecutive half century, including T-20 matches. After that, Kilsyth battled hard but in the end were all out for 187 in 55.1 overs. Luke Ridgewell took the bowling honours, sending down 21.1 overs, 7 maidens and capturing 7/44 in a brilliant display of spin bowling. He was well supported by the other wicket taker, Mitch Skinner, who took 3/50 off 14 overs (2 maidens).
The Second XI were all out for 150 the previous Saturday with North Ringwood 0/54 at stumps. North continued batting on Day 2 and the game was called off after they passed Kilsyth’s score, reaching 2/152 in 47 overs. Daniel Rowe top scored with 65 off 97 balls (12 fours) and was well supported by Matthew Stoikos, 39 not out
Andy Solomons scored a superb 68 off 87 balls (11 fours) for Kilsyth’s First XI against North Ringwood in Round 6 of the Trollope Shield competition. (Supplied)
off 56 balls (4 fours), Glen Ibbot, 25 off 83 balls (2 fours), and Benjamin Gill, 21 not out off 46 balls (1 four and 1 six). For Kilsyth, Mark Unternahrer took 1/12 off 5 overs (2 maidens), and Daniel Caton 1/32 off 10 overs (3 maidens).
The Third XI were dismissed for 171 on Day 1 and in reply, Lusatia Park were 1/130 at stumps. On Day 2, Lusatia Park batted on to reach 4/277 and record a comfortable victory when the game was called off after Paul Broussard was dismissed forabrilliant98.Duringhiscommandinginnings, Broussard faced 147 balls and struck 8 boundaries. He and Sumant Gupta took the score to 189 in a 113 run second wicket partnership with Gupta scoring 77 off 77 balls (13 fours & 1 six). Further support came from Dean Sharman, 48 off 54 balls (7 fours), and opener Michael Dwyer, 35 off 47 balls (7 fours). For Kilsyth, Trent Potter captured 2/35 off 4.3 overs, including the wicket of Paul
Broussard, whilst Andrew Woolhouse took 1/9 off 2 overs and Matthew Burgess 1/22 off 4 overs.
The Fourth XI played a split innings two-day match against North Ringwood. Last week Kilsyth batted first compiling 4/150 in the first split of 36 overs. North Ringwood replied with 2/110. On Saturday they continued their innings and put the foot down on the pedal, being all out for 339 in 72 overs.
The Fifth XI were the only Kilsyth senior team to win on Saturday. They played a oneday match against Hoddle’s Creek Second XI at Elizabeth Bridge Reserve, Kilsyth. The Redbacks won the toss and elected to bat, posting an impressive 6/262cc off their allotted 36 overs. For Kilsyth, the main run scorers were Captain Tyron Paspa, 52 retired not out off 50 balls (9 fours and 1 six), Greg Gommers 51 retired not off 42 balls (8 fours and 1 six), Ravin Mehra 38 off 24
Jack Childs scored a brilliant 89 off 91 balls for Kilsyth’s Under16’s against North Ringwood.
balls (8 fours), Ryan Kaal 26 off 25 balls (5 fours), Geoff Kennedy 23 off 27 balls (3 fours), and Jordan Relf 21 off 13 balls (4 fours). Multiple wicket takers for Hoddles‘s Creek were Ash Bradley 2/28 off 6 overs, and Thomas McLachlan 2/52 off 7 overs (1 maiden). In reply, Hoddle’s Creek finished on 8/186 off their 36 overs, Sam Ismail top scoring with a scintillating 60 not out off 26 balls (9 fours & 2 sixes). Kilsyth’s Fifths are having a good season and after seven rounds are in second position on the ladder.
On Sunday, all women’s matches were abandoned by the RDCA with no play due to the weather. Kilsyth’s women’s team are currently third on the C Grade ladder.
The highest score for Kilsyth on the weekend came in the Under 16-1’s when Jack Childs scored a brilliant 89 off 91 balls (7 fours and 1 six).
Seconds held firm, taking 95 run win against Ranges
Stifling conditions for cricketers across the weekend as temperatures soared into the high 30s and it resulted in a mixed bag of results for the Mt Evelyn teams as most were due to field in difficult conditions.
The Professionals Outer East 2nd XI were the biggest winners on day two of their contest against Croydon Ranges. The Mounters did most of their work last week with that bat, compiling a big score of 6/323 courtesy of great knocks from Mike Mawson (116) and Jamie Bliss (74). The Kookaburras to the challenging total by the horns and quickly had the run rate soaring early on day two. Josh Torney took the attack to the bowlers and with the score at 1/82 in the 13th over, the chase looked more than manageable.
Unfortunately for the visitors, maintaining the momentum would prove difficult. Brad Westaway was brought into the attack and with two quick wickets, including the prized wicket of Torney for 76 off 46 balls the pressure was put back on the batting line up. Darcy Fraser would bowl manfully as well as his experience proved pivotal in keeping things in check. The Kookaburras would play on bravely, continuing to keep the scoreboard ticking over at the required rate, but the falling wickets would prove fatal. David Payne (43) and Finney George (45) would keep the glimmer of hope shining, but a determined Mt Evelyn bowling line up weren’t about to let this golden opportunity slip as they wrapped up the innings for 237, a win of 95 runs.
The Community Bank Mt Evelyn 1st XI had the task ahead of them as they travelled to Warrandyte for day two of action. At stumps last week, the home side had wrestled themselves to 0/32 in pursuit of 192 for victory. The arm wrestle would continue into day two as some probing bowling from the Mounters would be matched by some stout defence from the
Bloods. Bohdie Jones would get an early breakthrough with the wicket of Isaac Rakuscek with the score on 46, and after a brief batting reset, the Mounters would dislodge the key wickets of Ben Taylor and Lokupothagamage Madushanka, and all of the sudden the innings was precariously balanced at 3/72, still some 122 runs shy of victory. Ayton Dehmel, with the support of Ben Davies, would briskly put any thought of a Mt Evelyn victory out of mind with a blistering innings. The Warrandyte tyro would plunder a tiring attack for 87 not out at a speedy strike rate to race his team to the winning total without the
loss of another wicket.
The Rhead Group 3rd XI had their work cut out for them after conceding first innings points on day one. Mooroolbark elected to bat on in pursuit of a first innings lead great enough to open the door to an outright victory. Mt Evelyn would toss the ball between bowlers to keep things tight and ensure the Barkers would earn their runs, and eventually the visitors would declare with the score on 6/238, a lead of 165.
Graeme Foster (2/27) and Flynn Orchard (2/57) were the pick of the bowlers.
The Mounters would battle bravely against
the tide and early on they looked like they were a chance of seeing off outright defeat courtesy of fighting innings from Dickie Hearn (40) and Daniel Meades (29) at the top of the order. Unfortunately for the Mounters the resistance didn’t last beyond the opening partnership and the innings fell away to see the home side’s second innings tucked away for 114 ensuring the Barkers would reach their goal of outright victory.
The Hop Hen Brewing 4th XI and the Flowtec 6th XI were reduced to spectators for the weekend as the heat policy put an end to their games prematurely.
Mt Evelyn’s Bohdie Jones sending down a delivery to Warrandyte. (Supplied)
Croquet club blooms in spring season
By John Thomson
On Monday 18 November the South East Metro Challenge committee held their presentation day for the Spring competition. The event was held at the Ringwood Croquet Club. It was a wonderful day with plenty of food, refreshments and great fellowship between all the competition players and organisers that attended.
The Lilydale Croquet Club had a fantastic Spring season, The Handicap team finished in first place ably led by their captain Murray Howlett, they did not lose a game all season, a fantastic effort by the team.
The Level Play division 2 team also finished in first place, Alan Jones was the captain and did a great job guiding his team, with a number of his team improving their handicaps over the season.
The Level Play Division 1 team finished third. This division was very close so finishing third was a good effort considering early in the season they were down near the bottom of the ladder. Congratulations to the Ringwood Croquet Club who won this division.
The next competition season will be the Autumn season and that will start late February 2025.
Heating up
By Joanna Campe
Round 6 results for Lilydale Tennis Club in the Eastern Region Tennis Competition. Junior Open Singles Doubles 3 Lilydale v Emerald
After round 5 Lilydale was on top of the ladder. Lilydale was represented by Ari Marappan, Josh Jamieson and Alex Paladino.
Lilydale played at home this week against fourth placed Emerald. This week we welcomed French exchange student Angele to Lilydale who was playing in her first tennis competition for Emerald. Despite the heat on the day both teams played lots of competitive games and long rallies! Lilydale eventually won the day 6 sets to 0 –winning 38 games to Emerald 17.
• Result: 6-4, 6-0, 6-1, 7-5, 7-5, 6-2 Junior Open Singles Doubles 7 v Heatherdale
After round 5 Lilydale was just outside the top four with no win yet this season.
Lilydale was represented by Ivy Peiper, Haady Aziz and Brodie Manger.
Lilydale played away this week against top of the ladder team Heatherdale. It was all tied up when the heat came into play and the match was called off. At that time, it was 2 sets all with Lilydale ahead on games 14 to Heatherdale 12.
• Result: 6-1, 0-6, 0-6, 6-1 – heat out, no further play Open Rubbers 14 v Doncaster After round 5 Lilydale was in fourth place on the ladder.
Lilydale was represented by Rishabh Chowdhury and Tim Bassett.
Lilydaleplayedathomethisweekagainst top of the ladder team Doncaster. Lilydale played well and had some great games and rallies across the day. Doncaster proved too strong taking 5 sets to 0 – winning 30 games to Lilydale 9.
• Result: 3-6, 3-6, 1-6, 1-6, 1-6
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
Relay championships continue for Yarra Ranges athletes
By Jamie Strudley
Athletics Victoria Track and Field relays championships were held at Doncaster Athletics track on the weekend. Events included 4x100, 4x200, 4x400, 4x800, 4x1500, a sprint medley, distance medley and two field event ‘relays’, 3x shot put and 3x long jump.
Yarra Ranges Athletics had eight teams compete over the weekend finishing with two silvers and two fourth placings. The Women’s 3xShot Put team of Hayley Wilkins, Anne-Marie Ebbels and Lauren Nankervis finished second. Shot Put relay is the combined distance of each athlete’s best put. The men’s 2xLong jump team of Oliver Duncan, Liam Russell and Ash Almond also won the silver medal.
The Open Women 4x100m team of Taryn Bourke, Brookley Horsburgh, Ashleigh Rooke and Emily Fiedler smashed the club record by over a second recording 52.97. Results are:
• Open Women 4x100m: (Taryn Bourke, Brookley Horsburgh, Ashleigh Rooke, Emily Fiedler) 52.97 (10th);
• Open Women Shot Put: Hayley Wilkins 8.33m (4th); Anne-Marie Ebbels 6.56m (7th); Lauren Nankervis 5.93m (9th);
• Women U16 Medley Relay: (Brookley Horsburgh, Brienna Coffey, Emily Fiedler, Zoe Clarke) 4:31.66 (4th);
• Open Men Medley Relay: (James Laven, Liam Russell, Blake Saloyedoff, Oliver Duncan) 3:53.24 (5th);
• Open Men 4x400m: (Oliver Duncan, Mitchell Pointon, Daniel Gibbs, Liam Russell) 3:49.36 (14th);
• Open Men 4x800m: (Daniel Gibbs, James Laven, Blake Saloyedoff, Liam Russell) 8:56.03 (4th);
• Open Men Long Jump: Oliver Duncan 4.98m (4th); Liam Russell 4.83m (5th); Ash Almond 4.69m (6th);
• Mixed Open 4x400m: (Brookley Horsburgh, Daniel Gibbs, Liam Russell, Emily Fiedler) 4:05.64 (7th); Little Athletics competition resumed after a
week off for their relay championships. Another huge turnout, despite the heat, saw hundreds of athletes chasing PB’s in their events. This week was a bit different with club v club competition running alongside normal competition. Everyone’s performances contributed to wards on overall team score, the winning team (club) will be announced this week.
This weekend, the Little Athletics competition is on Saturday morning. Watch the socials for any early events. The seniors are competing in round 6 of the AVSL competition.
Training for little athletes five to 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!
L-R: Jude, Georgia, Ari, Angele, Alex and Josh. Angele is a French exchange student who played her first tennis comp after arriving in Australia in August. (Supplied)
Women’s shot put team Anne-Marie, Hayley and Lauren took home the silver medal. (Supplied)
Captain Alan Jones with the division 2 trophy. He led his team Kerri McCracken, Michael Gilsenan and Michael Crawley. (Supplied)
Murray Howlett accepted the winners trophy alongside Kerri McCracken and Murray McLean. Colleen Howlett, Michael Gilsenan and Michael Crawley also played in this team.
Ringwood Croquet Club’s Phil Shattock with the handicap trophy alongside team members Deb Newbold and John Miles.
