Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign, over 150 people walked for better at Lillydale Lake.
The second annual Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Services walk against family violence was a show of support, awareness and the ongoing need to call out violence.
Using each stop along the way to draw people’s attention to the significance of the issue and the services available, a petition was also launched calling for more support, funding and a Royal Commission.
See full coverage on pages 2 and 3
Banners calling for the end of gender and family violence could be seen among the crowd at Lillydale Lake. (Mikayla van Loon: 446672)
Changes raise ire
By Mikayla van Loon
The power of music for children and adults with a disability cannot be understated according to a Yarra Ranges music therapist and her client. Fletcher, 14 and his mum Kim have seen and experienced this firsthand over the last four years. Music therapy has been part of the suite of
therapies Fletcher has accessed for his severe autism and anxiety since 2020 and Kim said the benefits can’t be recreated by any other support.
“It’s an evidence based practice to help humans self regulate and there’s something neurological that really can’t be replicated by any other inputs,” she said.
“It works on so many levels, so the connection
with others, it helps with regulation and managing anxiety and functional skills.”
It was for this reason they were so baffled by a recent Federal Government change to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) structure for music therapy and who can access it.
The Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) said it discovered on Friday 22 November that the NDIS will remove music therapy from the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living category.
The price guide change, effective from 1 February 2025, will see the one-on-one hourly rate shift from $194 to $67 but a group rate, of four or more participants, be able to be charged at $194. Continued page 5
Solidarity and unity at Lake
Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service team. (446672)
Wurundjeri-Wilam woman Julie Coombes led the Welcome to Country, something she said she was proud to do as a woman. (Mikayla van Loon: 446672)
The Ngwala Willumbong team with their banner. (446672)
The Access Health and Community team’s banner had the words ‘stop violence, end silence, respect women and girls’. (446672)
The words ‘respect is’ were surrounded by phrases and slogans, a powerful understanding of respect. (446672)
Attendees were asked to decorate a hand in support of ending violence. (446672)
Attendees cleansed themselves in the Smoking Ceremony before setting off on the walk. (Mikayla van Loon: 446672)
Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service chief executive officer Adam Frogley. (Mikayla van Loon: 446672)
‘Her name was Michelle’. (446672)
Emma from BWAHS spoke of the services available at the Bayswater site. (446672)
Walk to end violence
By Mikayla Van Loon
Universal support for ending gender-based violence flooded Lillydale Lake on Tuesday 26 November as the community walked for awareness.
The second annual Walk Against Family Violence organised by Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service (BWAHS) was a sign of solidarity and unity as it and services from the east continue to fight for better.
Proud Wurundjeri-Wilam woman Julie Coombes led the Welcome to Country, setting the tone of the walk, one based on respect, reflection and togetherness.
“Today’s walk is a significant time for us to reflect as we mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence to raise awareness,” she said.
“Many here today stand in agreement with victim survivors, and this walk is not only to raise awareness but to build a community that is safe for all, where everyone is treated equally and respected.
“We gather here today as a powerful voice for change, and we promise to continue to advocate for those who have been oppressed and continue to push for change within the various sectors. Violence can be prevented if we choose to change the culture, educate the mindset, shift the attitudes and the behaviors that allow it to happen.”
BWAHS chief executive officer Adam Frogley said it was under the awful circumstance of women killed by violence in Australia that brought 150 people from the community together.
“One woman is killed every 11 days, and one man is killed every 91 days. It’s not acceptable,” he said.
“We need to stand up as a community and make sure we’re putting our best foot forward, if we can use that term, to ensure that family violence remains a very high focus particularly for government, and to ensure we’ve got the ability and the resources to do the jobs we do working with community.”
Walking 560 metres to the first stop, Mr Frogley said it was representative of the estimated 56 women killed by family violence this year.
“In other spaces, you would hear that that was someone’s daughter, wife, sister or mother, and all of that is true, but they’re also the woman from your neighborhood who could grow the best tree, who was always kind, that lit up a room with her smile,” he said.
“Who fought all of her life, a warrior to the end. Someone who could have cured cancer, taught others to read, a role model for her community… she should have been safe.”
Pausing for a minute of silence to remember the women “they should have become”, the walk continued to the next speaking post, where Mr Frogley highlighted the importance of men being supported too.
“We’re trying to end gender-based family violence, domestic violence, and that involves two parties, not just the women and the children, but also the men who, in some cases, can be the perpetrators.
“The work that Boorndawan does through our Men’s Shed looks to assist and support men who are perpetrators and have committed domestic violence against family and other community members.
“Working with our men is very, very important. It’s absolutely vital. We know we can bring back culture, bring back language, and become strong for our men again, and men that look after our families and support our families and look after our children. Let’s make sure we work with our men and get a better community as a result.”
BWAHS’s Bayswater site is dedicated to supporting women and children affected by violence through family services, intensive case management, to support women leaving violence or safely staying in violence, therapeutic services, family therapy and women’s groups.
It is also a safe location for a confidential chat, whether about the individual themselves or someone who has witnessed something in community.
The walk also acted as the launch of a petition calling on the Federal and State Governments to prioritise support for victims and perpetrators, to implement a national Royal Commission into family and gendered violence, with a particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and to provide appropriate ongoing funding and support.
“Our vision and goal is to end family and domestic violence in Australia and in Aboriginal
is being expressed through family and domestic violence, lateral violence and harmful behaviors.
“Aboriginal people and our communities demand that the government at all levels, not just the federal, not just the state, not just the local, all levels work to end family and domestic violence in Aboriginal communities and across Australia.”
BWAHS training and education lead Jo Ratten said it was incredible to see such a crowd turn up in support of the same goal and the hope is the Lilydale event can only grow next year.
“It’s just really important for us to bring our entire organisation together and also bring along our clients, along with all other service providers, just to ensure we can continue to work towards eliminating violence within the home, within all aspects of life,” she said.
“And that’s why we want to continue to grow this event and hopefully continue to invite school groups and younger generations to actually understand how important this work is and that it is everybody’s responsibility to start to try and stamp out violence.”
Day-to-day and outside of major events like the Walk Against Family Violence, Ms Ratten said education was the key to making a difference.
“It’s about educating our younger generation. It’s about educating people to speak up if they
Seeking information
Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit are seeking the identity of a male (pictured) who is said to have stolen a number of tools from a car in Mooroolbark.
It is alleged the male stole tools from a utility parked on Pembroke Road, Mooroolbark at about 2.30am on 17 November.
The offender placed the tools in a neighbours wheelie bin and headed off along Lawson Road. He was seen wearing dark shorts, a red, blue and white singlet and a white cap. He was also carrying a backpack.
If you know the identity of the male, please contact Yarra Ranges CIU on 9739 2401, or submit a report via Crime Stoppers Victoria.
Teens arrested
Three teenagers have been caught by police after allegedly stealing a car which was tracked via air.
A 16-year-old Yarra male, a 17-year-old Knox female and a 13-year-old Monash female were arrested in Ringwood on Wednesday 27 November after being observed driving a BMW allegedly stolen from South Melbourne overnight.
With support from PolAir and local units the vehicle was tracked from Chirnside Park, through multiple suburbs to Rowville, then back to Ringwood where the vehicle was abandoned.
The three occupants were arrested running away from the vehicle and are currently assisting police with their enquiries.
Hooning incident
Police are investigating a hooning incident that occurred in Mooroolbark on the 19 November involving a red Holden Commodore.
The vehicle appears to have two solid black stripes running along its bonnet and boot and some additional black stripes below the doors. The vehicle at the time also displayed green P plates at the front.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Mooroolbark Police Station on 9725 9999.
Croydon burglary
Police are investigating after a burglary in Croydon earlier this month.
Investigators have been told an unknown man gained entry to a storage cage at a Lusher Road apartment building in the early hours of 7 November.
The man came and went from the premises several time throughout the morning before taking an electric scooter.
Police have released images of a man who they believe can assist with their enquiries.
He was perceived to be Caucasian in appearance and had a distinctive tattoo on his right forearm. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au.
Wet road accidents
Lilydale SES responded to two road crashes on Saturday 30 November as heavy rain fell across the region. The first incident was at the corner of Melba Highway and Macintyre Lane, involving a truck. The second saw a car flipped on its roof on Melba Highway in Yering, with a multiagency response required to assist.
A wave of people joined the walk at Lillydale Lake. (Mikayla van Loon: 446672)
Anger, worry at NDIS move
From page 1
In a statement on Tuesday 26 November the NDIS said participants and providers can still access current arrangements until 1 February.
“Participants who have art or music therapy stated in their plan, because it is reasonable and necessary and based on evidence in their specific circumstances, can continue to access supports at the higher rate,” it reads.
“While art and music therapy remain permissible, they do not meet the evidentiary standards required to be classified as a ‘therapy’ under the definition of NDIS supports.”
Cath Russell, a practicing music therapist since 2006, said to discount music therapy as “social participation rather than a therapy is just not acceptable”.
“There’s a bit of misinformation out there at the moment, Bill Shorten has been on radio and trying to push this claim that we’re not an evidence based profession,” she said.
“It’s a bit disheartening. What’s really disheartening is there’s about 50 years of university research in Australia into music therapy as an allied health profession.”
In speaking with ABC Radio Melbourne on 27 November, NDIS minister Bill Shorten said the decision wasn’t based on budgets but rather proving this form of therapy was having the best outcome for the participant.
“There’s 680,000 people on the Scheme. At the moment, 7000 do some form of music therapy. It’s – $16 million is paid out annually. Like, this is not about budget cutting. That amount of money is not the issue,” he said.
“What we want to do – and it’s not just in the music sector – we’ve been, for the first time ever in the Scheme, we are now clarifying what you can spend money on and what you can’t spend money on.
“If you already have [music therapy] in your plan until your plan expires, it’ll be paid at the level it was. After that, when your plan expires, if the therapist working with the allied health professionals can show that it’s reasonable, necessary, that in the circumstances it’s assisting someone’s functional capacity, they can continue to access support at the higher rate.”
Ms Russell said despite $194 per hour sounding like a lot, it’s not an hourly wage but rather covers a clinical practitioner’s insurance, admin, set up and pack up time, report writing and other embedded costs like having the appropriate equipment.
On one hand, however, Ms Russell said, the Federal Government has funded arts and music therapeutic courses to ensure practitioners are supported but on the other hand, she is concerned this will take work away from them.
The main uncertainty for both Ms Russell and Kim is who will continue to qualify for access to the higher paid, one-on-one support, especially given that people with a disability can stagnate in their progress but still be benefiting from the therapy.
“Sometimes people, even though you might provide them support, they may be able to just maintain that skill,” Kim said.
“Because a lot of skills that are taught in some capacity building, whether it be music therapy,
speech therapy, OT, if people aren’t given the opportunity and the support, they can actually regress. So sometimes it’s just the maintenance of a particular thing.”
Kim said music therapy was first suggested as a non-pharmacological intervention for Fletcher’s high anxiety and since then it has become an integral part of his self-regulation practice.
“He was in a higher level of distress then, and the intervention helped with the other supports with his multidisciplinary team. Together it helped pull down his hyper arousal levels and really helped him level out and not be so distressed by his environment,” Kim said.
“Since then we’ve seen the benefits of music therapy. So it helps in the acute phase but now it’s helping him with function, it helps him proactively manage his regulation, but it also helps him with simple things like fine motor skills and also with his interaction with other people.
“It’s helped him with communication. So Fletcher doesn’t speak, he primarily uses a speech device to talk, however, Fletcher has more vocalisation during music therapy compared to any other therapeutic influence.
“The modality of music helps in a way where it provides social cues and auditory cues to participate in a shared experience. So that’s something that’s really difficult to replicate with other interventions.”
Ms Russell said in cases where children don’t speak or have sensory overwhelm or have been experiencing tantrums, music is a space where they can calm, regulate and synchronise with her.
“It’s super motivational. That’s the magic of arts based therapy, they are extremely motivational ways to reach people who might struggle otherwise to achieve therapeutic outcomes,” she said.
“Moment by moment therapeutic interventions play out through a session, and from there,
the more academic and clinical side of that is assessing that and being able to communicate it effectively to the psychologist, to the teachers at school, to the OT and physio.”
Angered by Mr Shorten’s statement that “we just don’t pay people because they’re good people or because they’ve trained. It’s the outcome they have for the participant. This is not a Scheme for professionals, this is a Scheme for disabled people”, Kim said in no other profession is it outcome based nor has the criteria for a satisfactory outcome for a participant been communicated.
“I’ve actually not been told, we weren’t actually informed by the NDIS. I found out via the grapevine. They haven’t actually communicated it at all formally to participants,” Kim said.
As of Thursday 28 November, Kim said she still hadn’t received any notification of the changes nor had the NDIS portal been updated.
Ms Russell said she, the AMTA, fellow practitioners and clients have each been sending research papers to Mr Shorten’s office and the NDIS, as well as making phone calls.
“We’re making a very clear request that music therapy needs to be reinstated as a therapeutic support, that it’s not suitable to describe it as a social support,” she said.
A petition has also been started, with over 47,000 signatures on Monday 2 December. Find it at, change.org/p/keep-music-therapy-as-anndis-funded-therapeutic-support
The benefits of music therapy for people with a disability include self-regulation, communication and functioning skills. (Unsplash)
Federal Government Services and NDIS Minister Bill Shorten. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)
Treaty negotiations start
By Callum Ludwig
Having started on Thursday 21 November, the Victorian Government and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria have begun negotiations for Australia’s first Treaty with First Nations people.
The establishment of Treaty in Australia would bring it in line with treaties in other colonial countries like New Zealand (Aotearoa), the United States and Canada (Turtle Island).
Taungurung man and Healesville resident Adam Frogley said he is very happy that treaty negotiations have commenced in Victoria.
“This process has taken some time to get to this point, and as the only State to advance treaty discussions, I expect Aboriginal communities in Victoria are also excited for the process to commence,” he said.
“There are many factors that will need to be considered for discussion and negotiation as part of the treaty process. A Treaty Negotiation Framework has been developed to guide the process of agreement making and is directly informed by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP),”
“There will be several treaties negotiated under this process, including Traditional Owner treaties that apply to the 38 specific Aboriginal countries and communities, plus a State-Wide treaty that will encompass the entire state of Victoria.”
The progress in negotiations in Victoria comes as the newly-elected Liberal/National Government in Queensland repealed the state’s Path to Treaty Act with the promise of reallocating funds to ‘boost tangible outcomes in Indigenous communities’.
Mr Frogley said the importance of Treaty cannot be understated.
“For Aboriginal people, Treaty is seen as finalising unfinished business, and recognition that past practices by government and others, fundamentally and detrimentally impacted Aboriginal communities across the state and country,”
“A treaty should not be viewed as divisive, rath-
er it should be seen as an opportunity to come together under a shared understanding, with actions that will work to drive opportunities for Aboriginal people and the wider community,”
“I expect the negotiation of both Traditional Owner treaties and a State-Wide treaty, will work to address existing areas of need, like those identified as part of closing the gap, and improve outcomes for Aboriginal people. A treaty could be best described as a pathway to peace and understanding; a way of healing and building better communities.”
The Statewide Treaty will be developed by both the State of Victoria and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, which is the democratically-elected body representing First Nations people in Victoria.
Mr Frogley said officially, there are no matters that cannot or must not be discussed during the course of Treaty negotiations.
“Aboriginal communities in Victoria can table any matters for negotiation, including, but not limited to, health and wellbeing, education, employment, housing, lands and waters, truth telling and healing, environmental management, economic and community development, cultural heritage,
language and political participation,” he said.
“I expect many of the matters outlined above will be tabled for negotiation by the Traditional Owners in this region, with culture, lore, self-determination, empowerment and cultural authority underpinning, guiding and informing all discussions.”
Other countries that have treaties in place with their Indigenous peoples include Norway, Sweden, Finland, Greenland and Japan.
Mr Frogley said this is an incredibly important step and one that will provide greater opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal people and their communities.
“I am proud the Victorian Government has made a commitment to this process, and, in the future, I would like to see the same process occur in all States, Territories and nationally,” he said.
“Australia is far behind other countries around the world when it comes to negotiating a treaty, and this is a shame when you see that treaties in New Zealand and Canada have been in operation successfully for many, many years now,”
“Through the treaty process we can finalise un-
finished business and bring to an end the ongoing cycle of disadvantage; this process can and will benefit everyone.”
The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria has been consulting with Indigenous communities across the state in preparation for negotiations since 2019, with an eye to ensuring they know how communities want Treaty to be negotiated and what it should deliver.
First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria Co-Chairs Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg both welcomed the milestone
“We commence these negotiations with the support of our communities. Treaty is from the ground up and talking to our communities at every step. We are ready, we are prepared, and we look forward to a better future for our children, families and communities,” Ms Murray said.
“Whether it’s caring for land and keeping culture strong or improving the way services like health and education are delivered at a local level, we want to negotiate a Treaty that will empower Aboriginal communities for generations to come,” Mr Berg said.
“Treatynegotiationswilldrawalineinthesand, right past wrongs, and deliver real improvements to the lives of First Peoples – in housing, education, health, employment. The past cannot be changed. What we can do now is sit down respectfully and negotiate how we move forward.”
Anyone seeking more details about the Statewide Treaty can find them at: firstpeoplesvic.org/ treaty-explainer.
Premier Jacinta Allan said Treaty is about making a better and fairer state for every Victorian.
“If you listen to the people directly affected by policies, you get better outcomes - that’s commonsense,” she said.
“This is a historic day for our State and for our nation - Treaty will be a practical agreement, and a chance for all of us to build a more equitable and inclusive Victoria, which we can all take pride in,” Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said.
Treaty negotiations in Victoria began on Thursday 21 November. (File)
Violi focused on housing
By Mikayla van Loon, with AAP
Housing, or the lack of, has been a topic of discussion in Federal Parliament as the debate over how to provide affordable buy and rent solutions reached the pinnacle in the final two sitting weeks for the year.
It came to the ultimate conclusion which saw the Labor Government’s housing policy bill gain the support it needed to pass earlier this week.
But prior to that, using his parliamentary members statement on Tuesday 19 November, Casey MP Aaron Violi raised the issue of housing affordability.
“I hear so many stories from people about their concerns about homeownership,” he said.
“Right now it feels impossible to get into your own home no matter how hard you work and save.”
Leveraging the opportunity to reiterate Peter Dutton’s housing policy announcement from October, which, if elected, would put $5 billion towards speeding up the construction of 500,000 homes, Mr Violi said it would “fund the essential infrastructure that’s delaying them, unlocking more homes more quickly”.
“This includes sites such as Kinley Estate, in my community, with funding being used to build critical road infrastructure that will not only help unlock more homes in Kinley but also reduce congestion on our existing local roads in Lilydale and Mooroolbark,” he said.
Intrapac Property chief executive officer Maxwell Shifman confirmed this fund could help bring forward major infrastructure delivery at Kinley, including major road connections and a bridge over the Lilydale train line.
“The Coalition’s policy would unlock significant new housing supply across the country, including on projects such as Kinley, by delivering vital enabling infrastructure sooner,” he said.
Kooyong Independent MP Dr Monique Ryan criticised “the Liberals, the Nationals and the Greens [for] refusing to work with the government and the crossbench on housing reform” in her
statement on Tuesday.
“Australians are dealing with an unprecedented housing crisis three decades in the making. Rising interest rates, cost-of-living pressures, soaring building costs and a growing housing shortfall have led to decreasing homeownership rates and a critical shortage of rentals,” she said.
“Many first home buyers are losing hope of ever buying a house unless they can receive financial support from their parents. All levels of government and politicians have to address this issue.”
Dr Ryan said however, the suite of housing reforms announced in Victoria for areas like the Kooyong electorate came “without giving communities the appropriate reassurance” on items like housing density sensitivity, the priority of good planning and sustainability.
“Every policy lever needs to be pulled on housing. Our communities know that, and they deserve better from their politicians,” she said.
“We have to remember that housing is a human right, and we have to work together consultatively and conscientiously so that the next generation
can afford to live in well-designed, sustainable homes in our cities and not on the peripheries, close to their family and close to their friends.”
A week later the Labor Government’s Help to Buy scheme proposal was given the green light by the Greens after they did a backflip on the policy, gaining the support it needed in the Senate to pass the bill after months of debate.
“This is good policy in a proud Labor tradition. The Help to Buy legislation will help 40,000 lowand middle-income Australians get into homeownership,” housing minister Claire O’Neil said during question time on Tuesday 26 November.
“We’re talking about cleaners, childcare workers, nurses and disability workers—hardworking Australians who are right in the guts of our economy, who we in the Labor Party believe should get the keys to their own home.”
It was not without the provision, however, that a separate policy aimed at delivering more buildto-rent developments would be included.
The Help to Buy scheme is a shared equity program that will allow 10,000 first-home buyers
each year to purchase a house with a contribution from the government.
The build-to-rent policy involves tweaks to tax settings to spur foreign investment in a specific style of housing development where homes are rented rather than sold.
The Coalition remained opposed to the policy, with shadow housing minister Michael Sukkar staying forthright in this position.
Interjecting during question time on Tuesday 26 November, he stated “I don’t need to be briefed on your disastrous policy” as Ms O’Neil addressed a question posed to her, where she stated “we have made a number of attempts to brief the shadow housing minister on the policy offerings that we’ve brought before this parliament”.
This carried into the National Press Club’s policy debate on Tuesday 26 November.
The debate between Greens housing spokesman Max Chandler-Mather and opposition housing spokesman Mr Sukkar on Tuesday confirmed housing policy will be a hot-button issue at an upcoming federal election.
Asked if a coalition government would repeal the government shared equity and build-to-rent tax changes if they return to power, Mr Sukkar said his party “unashamedly oppose both of those measures”.
“They’re terrible policies, which is why we are, in many respects, unsurprised but dismayed that the Greens are now supporting it,” he said.
At the National Press Club’s policy debate, which the housing minister was invited to but did not attend, Mr Chandler-Mather said the Greens were “only just getting started”.
“It is reasonable to feel terrified and scared about the housing crisis we face,” he said on Tuesday.
“We have a government who is willing to leave behind millions of renters who will never be able to buy their own home, and every day that the government doesn’t take substantial action is a sad day.”
Unlocking housing has been a key debate in Federal Parliament with Kinley Estate brought into the discussion by Casey MP Aaron Violi. (Stewart Chambers: 321951)
NEWS High fire fuel load forecast
By Mikayla van Loon
Increased bushfire risk has been predicted for large parts of Victoria, with the Yarra Ranges and Cardinia fire danger periods announced ahead of the peak summer season.
The AFAC Seasonal Outlook for Summer has issued a warning for large parts of southwest and far west of Victoria, parts of the northeast, and the Mornington Peninsula in southwest Gippsland, as well as parts of Greater Melbourne.
Higher fuel rates because of drier conditions leading up to summer have created a dense undergrowth of dead vegetation.
“A dry autumn and winter and the hottest winter on record, with maximum temperatures for Victoria, has resulted in higher fuel loads and drier conditions, which will make it easier for fires to start and to run,” Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said.
“The fire risk potential for the remainder of the state is normal, but we do know that during normal conditions, we have deadly and destructive fires.”
Mr Nugent said already this season, 150 grass and scrub fires have been recorded, as well as two major fires.
CFA’s data indicated a 50 per cent rise in vegetation fires in 2023/24 compared to the previous year, with 2145 grass, bush and farmland fires occurring.
The fire danger period (FDP) for Cardinia Shire Council will begin on Monday 9 December, while Yarra Ranges, Knox and Maroondah will all enter the period on Monday 23 December.
Despite heavy downpours and humid temperatures in recent days, Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Keris Arndt said warm conditions were expected for the state, as well as patchy rain.
“We’re expecting the heat trend to continue over the next few weeks, and as we move into summer, with the indications very strong that we’re heading towards a warm summer with
temperatures forecast during the daytime and the night time to be above average to well above average,” he said.
“It’s going to be a wetter than average December, though this can be very patchy, especially when we’re talking about showers and storms moving across the state, some areas can get a lot of rain, and other places can be left without.
“We’re coming off the back of a very dry past 18 months, that’s going to take a long while to replenish our catchments and this has a big effect on the status of fuels around the state.”
This message of not being complacent given rainfall expectations, CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan reiterated.
“Despite the rain we saw in the last two days that will clear, that vegetation will dry and it will become available again for fires in order to burn,”
he said.
“Communities need to be aware, particularly out of metropolitan Melbourne, the Greater Melbourne regions where we are seeing that significant grass growth, and again, the warm weather and the rainfall that we have received in the last couple of days will only add to that grass growth and ultimately fuel that will be available.”
Given the likelihood of both rain and heat, Mr Heffernan said it wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibility to see “consecutive emergencies occurring with fires burning in the western part of the state and storms and the like in the eastern part of the state”.
Mr Heffernan said even areas considered ‘normal’ in the summer outlook should have a bushfire survival plan in place.
“Sit down with your family, have that conver-
sation. Know what you are going to do on those days of extreme fire danger, or if a fire occurs near you, what will be your trigger points and the actions that you take with you and your family,” he said.
“Download the VicEmergency app and always have two sources of information. It’s essential that our communities remain informed during emergencies, that you can make the best decisions for you and your community.
“On the worst of fire days in Victoria, I can’t put a fire truck in every driveway, and that’s why we need to make sure the community has their bush fire survival plan. You need to take those steps to prepare your property now and keep it maintained throughout the summer months.”
It’s expected that all regions in the state will have their FDP declared and in place before Christmas.
If travelling throughout Victoria, the advice is to plan ahead, know the conditions and local restrictions, as well as points of safety and emergency contacts.
For more information, visit cfa.vic.gov.au
home electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. To assure you that their work complies with safety standards, they’ll give you a Certificate of Electrical Safety. Learn more at energysafe.vic.gov.au/certificates
Wandin Fire Brigade’s truck on scene at a major bushfire. (CFA)
The AFAC Seasonal Outlook for Summer has predicted high bushfire risk for large parts of Victoria. (AFAC)
Grim reality of homeless
By Callum Ludwig
A new feature report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has delved into the outcomes of people who have received support from Specialist Homelessness Services (SHSs) over ten years and come back with damning findings.
The data was reported by over 1700 SHSs around the country to the AIHW and the latest releases looked into the cases of people who died within the year following attending a SHS and the scale of rough sleeping in Australia.
Chief executive of Anchor Heidi Tucker said the statistics show the grim reality of homelessness in Australia and Anchor stands with their SHS sector colleagues and demands more urgency from the government to address this national crisis.
“Chronic homelessness takes a large toll on people’s mental health and wellbeing. The feelings of complete desperation and hopelessness can result in suicide, as evidenced by these statistics, but more regularly, we see a lot of rough sleepers lacking an ability to provide self-care. This leads to a lot of worsening health problems and when combined with an experience of homelessness really lock them into a bad place,” she said.
“In the last 12 months, we have seen three people we are supporting in the Yarra Ranges die while experiencing homelessness.’’
“We see the heartbreak that their families and communities experience, it is incredibly hard on our staff as well, they turn up every day and put their all into supporting very vulnerable people in the middle of the worst homelessness crisis our country has ever known. They see the best in everyone and share in their journeys, so to lose a client is devastating.”
Around 12,500 people between 2012-23 and 2021-22 received SHS support in the last year of their lives and of the SHS clients who died during the length of the study, one in four had experienced rough sleeping within the last year of their life.
Ms Tucker said no one should be left behind in homelessness, and it absolutely shouldn’t be a death sentence and that they want to see more resources, including housing options for SHS services.
“The trauma and damage done by an experience of homelessness can impact people for the rest of their lives. Anchor’s programs and services prioritise supporting young people to heal and get the tools and skills they need to be able to leave their experience of homelessness behind,” she said.
“At a community level, it really shows the need for people to show compassion and care right now. There are many wonderful organisations and groups in our area that provide safety and comfort for people experiencing homelessness, including Anchor. They can be life-saving for someone experiencing homelessness,”
“We urge members of the public to support them, champion them and be proud of the community values that we have here in the Yarra Ranges.”
During the study period, the death rate for those who had presented to an SHS was 1.8 times higher than that of people who died during that time who hadn’t accessed an SHS, accounting for the age profile of the deceased. This was particularly pronounced for males, with 1301 men who presented to an SHS dying out of 100,000 compared to 595 per 100,000 for non-clients. Women who sought homelessness support were up to one to 1.4 times more likely to die than those who didn’t during that period.
Chief executive of the Stable One winter shelter network Katherine Kirkwood said these findings make her feel so, so sad, but unfortunately, she is not surprised.
“With zero crisis accommodation in the Yarra Valley, and the dramatic increase we see in rates of people seeking SHS, it is clear that the system is grossly underfunded,” she said.
“At Stable One, through our Yarra Valley Winter Shelter, our goal is to fill that gap as best we can by providing not only shelter but also connection and community, many of the causes of
death listed in the findings can be summed up in two simple words – ‘social isolation’,”
“If more people chose to intentionally walk alongside those who are doing it tough, and intervene in this downward spiral, I’m certain we would see many more lives saved. Yes, it’s up to governments to better prioritise funding, but it’s also up to us as individuals in our communitywe all can do something to help turn these awful statistics around.”
Accidental poisoning was the most common cause of death for SHS (14–20 per cent of deaths), followed by suicide (12–15 per cent) and coronary heart disease (6.2–8.6 per cent). They accounted for one in every six accidental poisoning deaths, one in every 20 suicides and less than one in every 100 deaths from coronary heart disease among all Australians.
Ms Tucker said housing is the main issue, but they have long called for more attention on funding and improving services including better funding for integrated approaches are vital to help homelessness, mental health, drug and alcohol,
and health care services to support the complex needs of people experiencing homelessness.
“There is very little outreach offered by mental health and health services on the Yarra Ranges. To be able to adequately support rough sleepers in the Yarra Ranges you have to travel to them to make sure they are getting the services they need.”
“Our Rapid Response program can travel out to any rough sleeper location in the Yarra Ranges, but we would welcome greater partnership involvement from local health and mental health supports to help tackle the poorer health outcomes that those experiencing homelessness face.”
Of the 12,500 SHS clients who died, around 25 per cent were aged 45–54 at death and around 1 in 16 (6.3 per cent) were younger than 25.
Chief Executive of Holy Fools Neal Taylor said it seems time to examine the system of dealing with homelessness. “When we are failing so many people and losing them to death and illness it is beyond acceptable,” he said. “Our current system is failing nearly everyone that seeks help.”
Where should Yarra Ranges Council spend rates?
Early planning for the Council 2025/26 Budget is now underway and Yarra Ranges Council want to hear from the community about how it should allocate funds.
It has already heard that the community wants the council to focus on the basics – roads, drainage, waste and so funding for those areas have already been ear-marked.
However, the council provides over 100 services and to assist with planning for our budget ahead we would like to hear from you.
“We recently held several sessions with a dedicated group of community representatives who provided us with detailed feedback about what our priorities should be over the next four years,” Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said.
“This feedback covered some key themes including: cost of living pressures, infrastructure and maintenance, access to services, climate change, improving engagement and transparency, community health and wellbeing, tourism, planning and development to name a few.”
Yarra Ranges is the largest geographic municipality in Victoria – it is three times larger than Singapore. The size of the council, along with rising costs to deliver services and maintain ageing
assets makes the task of allocating the council’s funds challenging.
State and federal governments are also facing similar financial constraints, which is resulting in reduced funding to councils to maintain services and infrastructure – and this is expected to continue.
“Setting a Council budget is always a challenging task. We are operating in a post-pandemic world with our community still recovering from its deep impacts, compounded by the lasting effects of several severe weather events across the region,” Cr Child said.
The council is currently reviewing all parts of its organisation to ensure services and infrastructure are delivered for maximum benefit whilst identifying service innovations, operational efficiencies, and savings across many areas.
“As we do this review and build our next budget we would like your input, and to know what is important to you. This will help us prioritise what you value most to our diverse community and 55 townships,” Cr Child said.
Share feedback via shaping.yarraranges.vic. gov.au/council-budget-2025-26 until 15 December.
Members of Anchor’s Rapid Response Team at the campsite of a rough sleeper. (Supplied)
The Yarra Ranges Council chamber will see
woman
Safer places of last resort
By Dongyun Kwon
Leading up to the hot and dry season, Yarra Ranges Council confirmed the designation of bushfire shelter options within the municipality during the latest meeting on Tuesday 26 November.
Nineteen sites have been audited and are deemed compliant for designation as Neighbourhood Safer Places – Bushfire Places of Last Resort (NSP_BPLR) in Yarra Ranges for the 2024/25 fire danger period.
Moved by Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister, she said the annual report is always a timely reminder of stepping into the fire season.
“We do live in a fire-prone area, and as we step into summer, it’s a reminder about fire plans in place, in particular, maintenance of private property as well as the maintenance of our community safer places,” Cr McAllister said.
“In this instance, it’s a reminder there are 19 designated community safer places that used to be known as Places of Last Resort.
“We have a fire season where we need to use them and they are ready to go.”
One additional NSP-BPLR site, the Seville Recreational Reserve (First Oval), has been reinstated, being added on top of the 18 sites last year.
Melba Ward councillor Mitch Mazzarella emphasised the importance of the NSP-BPLR as well as personal bushfire preparedness.
“While I only have one NSP located in my ward, it is important for people to know where [NSPBPLR] are,” he said. “[I highly encourage] people to have a plan to be safe, be vigilant and check where your NSP is by visiting the council’s website.”
The Ryrie Ward councillor thanked the two organisations which were willing to be part of it for the safety of the community.
“Five of the 19 sites are in Ryrie Ward, and two of those, the [Yarra Valley] Racecourse and [Healesville] RACV club, are again commitment from non-council properties to be there for the community, should it be needed,” Cr McAllister said.
“I’d like to express appreciation to both those entities.”
331739)
Three existing Community Fire Refuges are still commissioned by Emergency Management Victoria and will be retained within the municipality. These buildings are state-owned and managed assets, listed on both CFA and Yarra Ranges Coun-
cil websites.
NSP_BPLR sites in Lilydale and Mount Evelyn:
· Lilydale Recreational Reserve area, Main Street (Maroondah Highway) opposite Hutchinson Street Lilydale
· Lilydale Lake Park (Between Car Park, Playground and Rotunda), Swansea Road Lilydale · Yarra Hills Secondary School (Oval), bounded by Old Hereford Road, Mikado Road and Burdap Drive (Reserve access Road) Mount Evelyn.
Lilydale Lake between the car park, playground and rotunda will remain as one of the region’s safer places for the bushfire season. (Stewart Chambers:
Firefighters are honoured
Eighty past and present Melbourne Water firefighters have been honoured with a National Emergency Medal for their heroic role in Victoria’s emergency response to the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020, in a ceremony at Mt Evelyn last week.
The Black Summer bushfires were declared a nationally significant emergency on 2 December 2020, allowing Melbourne Water personnel to be nominated for a medal or, if they had already received one, a clasp.
“My deeply felt congratulations and thanks go to our brave Melbourne Water firefighters for their work protecting the catchments and Melbourne’s water supply. This also could not have been achieved without the support of our partner emergency management colleagues across our state,” said Melbourne Water Executive General Manager Service Delivery Sue Jackman, who presented the awards on behalf of Melbourne Water.
“This acknowledgment from the people of Australia rightly memorialises your courage and contribution.”
In January 2020, following a series of lightning strikes, Melbourne Water firefighters observed plumes of smoke coming from the Thomson catchment. This marked the beginning of a nineweek multi-agency campaign by Melbourne Water, Forest Fire Management Victoria, and emergency management colleagues to contain the fires.
Melbourne Water personnel deployed for seven days at a time, working for 12 hours each day. Notably at Camberville, they worked tirelessly to contain a dangerous blaze near the Upper Yarra water storage dam, and to protect the supply of drinking water to five million people.
With most of the significant fire activity occurring in Gippsland and Hume regions, Melbourne Water firefighters were also deployed throughout the state to Omeo, Swifts Creek, and Dargo.
Responding under the Forest Fire Management Victoria banner, Melbourne Water firefighters are a first-response strike force, responding to any threat from lightning strikes or nearby fires to the
reservoirs and dams in our forested water supply catchments.
Each fire season, the workforce roughly doubles as it takes on project firefighters stationed across the state from Healesville, Warburton, and Woori Yallock in the Yarra Ranges through to the Thomson Dam.
Renelle Verkes joined Melbourne Water as a project firefighter ten years ago, having led her local Country Fire Authority brigade at Hoddles Creek as its first female captain.
“Leading a task force on a hot night through a smouldering forest is not your usual day at the office,” said the Operations Officer, having received a clasp.
Fires create silt, debris, ash, and charcoal on the ground, which can flow into water storage reservoirs throughout catchments. Preventing this allows Melbourne to maintain the high-quality drinking water the city is renowned for.
“That’s why our firefighters, committed to their duty, receive mentoring and rigorous, nationally recognised training - do what they do,” she said.
James Wolff joined as a project firefighter in
Lake wins international award
Lillydale Lake has won a prestigious international award for well-managed parks and green spaces, recognising more than 30 years of work on the beloved community park.
The lake was awarded thec in November, along with eight other recipients around Australia.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said the award recognised decades of work to maintain and enhance the lake.
“Since Lillydale Lake was established in 1990, we’ve had teams working hard to ensure the built and natural environment is first-rate for our locals and visitors,” Cr Child said.
“Between a well-maintained walking path that is used by hundreds of people daily, a significant playspace and water play park, wetlands and community spaces, the lake is one of our most-visited parks in the Yarra Ranges, especially during warmer months.
“The Green Flag Award recognises the essential role of parks in enhancing quality of life for everyone who visits them. It also assesses excellence in
planning, maintenance and community connection.
“For our teams, receiving this award is real recognition that the work they do has benefitted the community – people of all ages have precious memories of this space, and are making more every week and weekend.
“I’m proud of our teams. I’d like to congratulate them for their efforts and thank the Green Flag Awards for their recognition.”
The Green Flag Award is a non-profit international accreditation program that recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy alongside other operators.
Lillydale Lake was established in 1990 in partnership between the council and Melbourne Water, to help reduce flooding in the Lilydale region.
The lake was one of nine award winners for Australia, and the only winner from Victoria in the 2024/25 awards.
2011, became a crew leader, and now leads the training of recruits.
“From operating bulldozers to clear fire breaks, to watching out for hazard trees and working through the night to extinguish the flames, it can be hot and difficult work,” he said.
“I joined a crew in Gippsland at the end of 2019 as a crew leader, which means managing human and technical resources over a large area as we worked to suppress the fires,” said Mr Wolff, who also received a clasp.
“Prevention is better than cure, so we spend the rest of our time clearing roads and creating breaks to prevent the spread of fire and provide easy access for our crews.”
Melbourne Water’s firefighters maintain 600 kilometres of fuel breaks and 1,900km of roads while performing ongoing maintenance on aqueducts and treatment plants.
Melbourne Water issued congratulations to their brave and dedicated firefighting crews whom they believe ‘we all owe a debt of gratitude’ and wish for their safety and their success ahead of the upcoming fire season.
Melbourne Water National Emergency Medal recipients (L-R) Renelle Verkes (of Hoddles Creek) and Nick Garden. (Supplied)
Lillydale Lake has been awarded a Green Flag for being a well-managed park and green space. (Stewart Chambers: 331739)
Medals were awarded to brave Melbourne Water firefighters for their efforts during Black Summer. (Supplied)
Melbourne Water National Emergency Medal recipients (L-R) Tim Sanders, David Lefel, Kathryn Preston, Daniel Garth, Renelle Verkes, Henk Gooren, Christine Asvestas, Craig Vanderklift ,Nick Garden, James Wolff, Simon Roberts, Rod Lloyd, Zoe Fawcett and Dana Chapple. (Supplied)
Melbourne Water National Emergency Medal recipient James Wolff. (Supplied)
The 2024/25 project and ongoing firefighters (L-R) Steph Ney, James Talbett, Ashton Foulis, Heath Armstrong, Simon Roberts, Ollie Speed, Ben Van der Hulst, Renelle Verkes and Issy Smith. (Supplied)
Social media ban for kids
By Andrew Brown and Tess Ikonomou, AAP
A world-first ban on social media for people younger than 16 will lead to less harm and better outcomes for children, the prime minister says.
Federal parliament signed off on laws on Friday that will bar under-16s from being able to access social media, following late-night sitting of the Senate.
The laws, which will come into effect from late 2025, will capture platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit and X (formerly Twitter)
Exemptions will apply for health and education services including YouTube, Messenger Kids, WhatsApp, Kids Helpline and Google Classroom.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said social media companies would have a greater responsibility to keep children safe online.
“Parents can have a different discussion with their young ones, a different discussion that will result in better outcomes and less harm for young Australians,” he told reporters in Canberra on Friday 29 November.
“Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them.”
Social media sites will have to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from creating accounts, with $50 million fines to be imposed on companies for systemic breaches.
Mr Albanese said the 12-month gap between the laws being passed and coming into effect will ensure the changes will be effective.
“What we’ve done is world leading. We’ll work to make sure that it’s got right. But the legislation is very clear,” he said.
“We don’t argue that its implementation will be perfect. Just like the alcohol ban for under 18 , it doesn’t mean that someone under 18 never has access, but we know that it’s the right thing to do.”
Age-verification trials on how young people would be stopped from accessing social media are still ongoing.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the ban would be a relief to parents.
“It’s something that most, most parents around the country would give a head nod to, because these big tech companies only see our kids as a profit-making venture,” he told Nine’s Today program.
“Hopefully we can keep young kids, young impressionable minds, off Snapchat and other social media platforms.”
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has said social media users won’t be forced
to hand over government-issued IDs including passports to verify their age.
But it’s unclear how age would be confirmed without identity verification, a parliamentary committee found.
Concerns have been raised by social media companies, individuals and human rights groups that the laws have been rushed through without proper scrutiny, with Australia the first country to implement such a ban.
The committee found while protecting children was a legitimate aim and the ban could
be capable of that, it’s not clear if the measures would be a proportionate limit on their rights.
Human rights groups and mental health services are opposed to a total ban, warning that vulnerable children could be isolated from accessing support.
Improving safety would have been a better approach, they argued.
eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant has said while children need to be protected online, marginalised kids still need a way to connect with others.
Cherry Tree Grove is a thriving community with flourishing gardens and a picturesque lake at the heart.
Enjoy easy access to shops and public transport, and sought after facilities, including a refurbished pool as well as an active social calendar.
Don’t miss out on low maintenance retirement living, enjoy spacious, modern villas with private courtyard gardens and 24/7 emergency call systems.
A world-first ban of social media for teens under 16 has been passed through parliament. (Joel Carrett/AAP)
Fest’s damp but great vibe
It was another top turnout at the recent Kilsyth Festival. The weather did its best to put people off from attending, with heat wave conditions leading up to the event followed by steady light drizzle on the day. But this didn’t deter locals and visitors from farther afield coming along to enjoy what the event had to offer.
It was the Festival’s 10th birthday. The party was again held at Elizabeth Bridge Reserve which looked like a picture. Umbrellas were the order of the day early on (even Mr Chelodina Turtle needed one!), but things really took off as conditions eased.
An outstanding stage program full of local talent kept everyone entertained, with singing, dance, drumming, and the fabulous Ruccis circus. Animal friends weren’t forgotten either. The children were engrossed with the reptile display, turtles, and a dog obedience demonstration.
Once again the garden at Japara Bridge was looking superb. It played host to a series of games and craft exercises for the younger patrons. And all the while tasty food offerings were very popular.
A special highlight of the event was the cutting of the birthday cake by Des Cox, one of the founding organisers, who told the story of how the Festival began. Of course, the onlookers all received a piece of cake. Later on, Santa arrived in a Montrose CFA truck and quickly drew a huge audience of youngsters.
Organiser Mike O’Meara said his team was particularly impressed by the number of young families enjoying the record number of craft and information stalls and activities on show.
“We weren’t sure how things would go given the weather conditions, but the turnout and vibe confirms our event has become ‘a Kilsyth thing’,” he said.
The organising group worked very hard to put on the event, so Mr O’Meara said it was gratifying
to see that so many appreciated the effort. He paid special tribute to the cadets from the 31 Army Cadet Unit based in East Ringwood.
“These young people gave their time voluntarily to help us out and did themselves, and us, proud,” he said.
Prepare your vocals because the carols are coming
By Mikayla van Loon
It’s time to prepare the vocal chords and practice your favourite Christmas carols as communities come together for a night of festive cheer.
Mooroolbark’s Community Carols in Hookey Park are returning on Friday 6 December, while Lilydale’s Carols in the Park will be hosted in Melba Park on Saturday 14 December.
In a very special addition to the Lilydale carols this year, it will coincide with the official launch of the Lilydale Outdoor Pool’s season with a pool party occurring throughout the evening.
Boasting free entry and inflatables, it will hopefully be the perfect way to cool off before the carols begin at 5.30pm.
The Lilydale Township Action Group also hopes to host a Christmas film screening after the carols conclude at 8pm, as long as the weather holds up.
The event will feature cover band Party Pack who will provide all the sing alongs required, Santa will visit to see the little ones and a sausage sizzle, snacks and drinks all provided.
It’s the perfect family friendly night out.
In Mooroolbark, preparations are very much underway, with almost every group, club and school pitching in to help their hosts, the Croydon Mooroolbark Lions Club.
Secretary Margaret Haines said there will be six schools, including Ruskin Park, St Richard’s,
Join the Lilydale Township Action Group at Melba Park for some Christmas cheer and carolling. (Stewart Chambers: 234335)
St Peter Julian Eymard, Croydon, Lilydale and Pembroke Primary Schools, the Mooroolbark Community Choir and the Croydon Brass Band all performing.
The Scouts and Girl Guides will also be supporting the event through the cooking of a sausage sizzle and popcorn respectively, while the
Lions Club will be selling their famous, locally made Christmas cakes as well as programs and candles.
“Every dollar that we are able to attain goes back to the community in many different ways,”
Ms Haines said.
“The whole idea is obviously celebrating
Christmas within the community and coming together with friends and family to just have a nice, relaxed evening. And you can’t beat carols for bringing on that Christmas spirit.”
Mooroolbark’s carols get underway at 7pm, with food and drinks available from 6.30pm. Santa will also be making a stop here too.
To continue supporting the Lions Club, they will be selling their Christmas cakes on Fridays and Saturdays at Croydon Central and on Sundays at Bunnings between now and Christmas. Also, don’t miss spotting the Lilydale Township Action Group’s Christmas decorations which were placed around town on the weekend.
Hookey Park will be the perfect backdrop to the community carols. (387927)
Kilsyth Festival founding organiser Des Cox and Casey MP Aaron Violi cutting the 10th birthday cake. (Supplied)
As Santa arrived, the kids flocked to see the big man in red.
The turtles and suite of reptiles were a big hit.
Bianca with her daughter Delilah who was able to enjoy the face painting.
The 31 Army Cadet Unit.
Music and dance performances from schools and other groups were a joy to watch.
Remembering the crash
By Mikayla van Loon
As a little girl growing up in Montrose during the late 1920s, Joan Balcombe got up to the typical fun, and sometimes mischief, of the era with her brother, sisters and cousins in tow.
But in October 1938 at age 11, Joan witnessed one of the biggest events to occur in Australia at the time - the Kyeema Plane Crash.
Living on Trevallyn Close, Joan said her parents owned a house and a property which was adjacent to the primary school.
Recalling the day the plane crashed into Mount Dandenong, Joan said her mother was pushing her younger sister Shirley in the pram on the verandah.
“She rushed the pram onto the road, she thought it was going to crash on the house, it was so low,” she said.
“It was a very foggy morning, you couldn’t see a hand in front of you.”
Moments after the plane had crashed, Joan’s uncle, Fred Emery, who was part of the fire brigade, arrived in his ute and was going to the site.
“I just hopped in the back [of the ute] and I can remember, he was quite close to it, but he said, ‘stay in the car’ and I didn’t, I got out because there wasn’t a fire or anything,” she said.
“I remember there were newspapers all around. I remember picking up a piece of silver and when I got home, I got a nail and etched the name of the plane into it. I had that for years and years but when you move around, things get lost.”
Her younger brother Jack, who was 10, also ventured up by foot with some school friends to the crash site.
Joan said “the people who lived up in Kalorama and Mount Dandenong were the first to go there” but as news spread through the grapevine in Montrose, people were curious.
After that day however, everything returned to normal in Joan’s life and as the country saw World War II come about, the plane crash became a dis-
tant memory.
It wasn’t until 70 years later that Joan stumbled on a book by local Macarthur Job called Disaster in the Dandenongs which documented the crash and how it happened, that her memory was triggered.
“These things still stay in your mind. Growing up from 11, you wouldn’t even think about it again. I was 14 when I looked for work and so, it’s out of your mind. For years and years, it’s out of your mind. It doesn’t come up again,” she said.
Born in July 1927, Joan was the oldest with her brother Jack only a year behind, followed by Dorothy and Shirley.
Montrose was quite different in those days and Joan remembers the orchard her dad grew, the cow in the property next door and having to
go collect the mail after school.
“We had no electricity. We only had tank water and the battery wireless. We loved listening to Dad and Dave in those days.
“On Sundays, dad put the trailer on and we’d go up as far as Kalorama and get wood for the wood stove for the week.
“We had a cow, dad was the only one that milked the cow in those days, and we only had a bath on a Friday night. We weren’t allowed to have soap because dad kept the water from the bath to put on his orchard.”
Known as ‘tiger’ for always climbing trees and onto the roof, while a few mishaps happened, Joan said “we had to make our own fun after school”.
To keep them occupied on a Saturday, Joan and her brother used to sell their dad’s flowers.
“Dad grew Boronia flowers and on Saturdays, he worked on the border works, and he had the weekend off.
“So we bunched up the Boronia flowers, and dad put out a board notice ‘shilling a bunch’, and my brother Jack and I would go down Swansea Road and if any car slowed down, we would run down, hoping it would stop. That was our holiday money.”
Life changed quickly for Joan, going from young girl to adult in the space of five years.
“I joined the Australian Land Army at 16 with my cousin Edna. She was a year older. Edna was sent up to Shepparton, which we didn’t even know where Shepparton was. It was frightening,” she said.
“But I was just off Canterbury Road. And I was lucky enough that I got there so I could just ride my bike.
“I was there until 17 and then ‘45 the war ended. It was pretty hard work. It was frightening going down in these big silos to clean them with a spade on your back.
“I remember I would climb up the ladder and down the ladder with the sacks on our back and spades to clean out the bottom of the silos, and we had to harness the horses and dig around the orchard and clean up all the chook poo.”
Despite having to work hard, Joan never lost her spirit, always dancing and singing in performances with her cousins at the town hall and continuing this into her older life.
Moving to Healesville in 1989, Joan was one of the foundation members of the Probus Club, joining in 1992 and singing in the choir for 19 years.
At 97-years-old, Joan still lives in Healesville and is the proud mother of six beautiful children, and is now grandmother to eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
“I’ve had a good life, even if it has been a hard life at times.”
Will Aunty Dot be sculpted as a public artwork?
By Dongyun Kwon
Healesville Aboriginal woman is named on the list for public artwork subjects.
The Victorian Government will fund six new public artworks to honour women’s contributions to Victoria through the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program and has opened a vote to decide which inspiring women’s stories should become the subjects.
The late Aunty Dorothy ‘Dot’ Peters AM, a widely loved and respected Yarra Yarra woman who spent most of her childhood in the Healesville region, has been named on the list for her efforts for First Nations people and culture.
During her lifetime, she devoted herself to having First Nations peoples’ contributions to the armed forces formally recognised as well as to pass Indigenous cultural practices and knowledge down through generations.
Aunty Dot’s father, Vincent, was a Yorta Yorta man who fought in the Second World War and was captured and died as a prisoner of war on the Burma (Myanmar) Railway.
Like many Aboriginal service people at the time, Vincent’s sacrifice went unacknowledged and his family was not awarded the same compensation as those of other servicemen.
Aunty Dot and then-president of the Healesville RSL retired Flight Sergeant Sam Halim held the first remembrance service to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women in Healesville in 2006.
In the following year, the service, now called Victorian National Aboriginal Service, was taken by the Shrine of Remembrance and has been held at the Shrine of Remembrance annually since then, which has been spread nationally.
This year, it was held successfully on Friday 31 May, having about 300 attendees including the federal attorney general Mark Dreyfus KC, which was the first time a representative from the Federal Government came to the service.
Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Committee chairman Dr Andrew Peters, who is also the son of Aunty Dot, said he was happy with the progress of the service for a couple of rea-
sons when Star Mail interviewed him after the service in early June.
“One, because it’s something that my mum started. I’m very proud of her role in creating it,” he said.
“But more importantly, it’s become such a big event with so many different people involved that recognise the service of Aboriginal people in serving Australia in our war efforts.”
Aunty Dot learned how to weave traditional baskets and eel traps from her grandmother at Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve and later hosted workshops to pass these skills and tra-
ditions onto younger generations. She was an Aboriginal educator at a local primary school and wrote a Dreaming story about how Badger Creek got its smooth rocks and clear water.
Aunty Dot passed away in 2019.
The Victorian Women’s Public Art Program is addressing the underrepresentation of women artists and women in public art, along with gender stereotypes about women’s achievements as fewer than two per cent of close to 600 statues in Melbourne’s public spaces currently represent women.
“Creating a permanent record of the excellence and leadership of Victorian women shows future generations of women and girls what is possible – if you can see it, you can be it,” Women minister Natalie Hutchins said.
“As we can only choose six, I hope by opening the decision-making process to the public we can expose even more people to the stories of inspiring Victorian women who all deserve to be celebrated and remembered.”
To find out more about the 13 women’s stories and vote for Aunty Dot, visit engage.vic. gov.au/womens-public-art-program
Joan’s uncle Fred Emery was captured in one of the photographs (centre) as used in Macarthur Job’s book and first published in The Argus newspaper. (Stewart Chambers: 446732)
Aunty Dot Peters at the Shrine of Remembrance. (194178)
MEDICALLY SPEAKING
Make skin checks a habit
With the arrival of warmer months, We are ready to enjoy the sun-drenched beaches, barbecues, and outdoor adventures. But as we head into summer, it’s important to remember that skin health should be at the top of everyone’s mind. At QHealth - Lilydale Doctors, our skin clinic offers comprehensive skin checks that can make a lifesaving difference.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, with two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70. Although our sun-kissed lifestyle is wonderful, it also exposes us to a higher risk of UV damage. Early detection of skin cancer dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment, making regular skin checks a critical aspect of your health routine.
“Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate by age or gender—it can happen to anyone,” Lilydale Doctors GP and cosmetic physician skin specialist Dr
Binay Kumar said.
“That’s why routine checks are so valuable, particularly as we enter the months when UV exposure is at its highest.”
A skin check is quick and non-invasive, and if a suspicious spot is found, our experienced team can guide you through the next steps, including biopsy, treatment, or ongoing monitoring.
“Self-monitoring is a great way to stay on top of any changes, but an annual check by a trained professional can catch what might otherwise go unnoticed,” Dr Tina Zhong said.
Who Should Get Checked? Everyone, regardless of skin type or age, can benefit from an annual skin check.
Enjoy the sun, but stay safe! Book your skin check today online or call 03 9088 8177and make skin health a priority this summer.
Comprehensive
Womens
Specialist
Doctors can investigate all suspicious spots. (Unsplash)
Skin checks are necessary for everyone. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Where to pick up your FREE Star Mail
CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar3 Meadowgate Drive
CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway
CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway
CHIRNSIDE PARK Caltex Safeway239-241 Maroondah Highway
CHIRNSIDE PARK EG Fuelco Service StationChirnside Park Shopping Cr Little
Chipping Drive, 241 Maroondah Highway
CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway
CHIRNSIDE PARK Chirnside Park Country Club 68 Kingswood Drive
CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar158 Nangathan Way
CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar11 The Mall
KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketChuringa SC, Russo Place
MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road
MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road
MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road
MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street
MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent
MOUNT EVELYN Red Robyn Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road
MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent
MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road
MOUNT EVELYN Bendigo Bank 2/35-39 Wray Cres
MONTROSE IGA Supermarket916 Mt Dandenong Road
MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket15 Brice Avenue
MOOROOLBARK Bendigo BankUnit 19/66 - 74 Brice Ave
MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar38 Bellara Dive
MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart108 Hayrick Lane
MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark103 Cardigan Road
MOOROOLBARK Coles Express2 Cambridge Road
MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real EstateBrice Avenue
MOOROOLBARK L J HookerBrice Avenue
MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road
MOOROOLBARK Mc Donalds RestaurantManchester Road
MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road
MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale138 York Road
WANDIN NORTH Wandin Newsagency Shop 2 /18 Union Road
NEWS AusNet grants open
Applications are now open for the second round of Energy Resilience and Energy Education and Literacy Grants under AusNet’s $12 million Energy Resilience Community Fund (ERCF).
Over $3.5 million has already been distributed to help support impacted communities, with twenty-four recipients recently receiving a combined $650,000 in grants from round one, including groups from Montrose, Millgrove, Badger Creek, Kallista, Monbulk, Powelltown and Tecoma.
Executive General Manager Distribution, Andrew Linnie, said the aim of the ERCF is to help communities become more prepared to withstand future weather events and other electricity reliability challenges.
“We are seeing the increase in severity and frequency of weather events, and with that the risk of prolonged power outages also increases. These grants will be awarded to eligible community and not-for-profit organisations, local councils, and small businesses to strengthen community energy resilience,” he said.
Up to $50,000 is available for Energy Resilience Grants and up to $25,000 for Energy Education and Literacy Grants.
Grants funding is for physical and mobile energy resilience assets and education, awareness and literacy programs to help build and strengthen community energy resilience, and to help communities prepare for and recover after a severe weather event or outage.
The Energy Resilience Community Fund was
AusNet’s Energy Resilience Community Fund is open for round two applications. (Supplied)
created to enable projects that will build longterm community energy resilience and provide support to communities during the recovery phase after severe weather events which significantly impact the electricity network.
Funded projects must be located within AusNet’s electricity distribution area and clearly improve community energy resilience. To check if your project falls within AusNet’s network visit, energy.vic.gov.au/households/find-your-energydistributor
For further information visit ausnetservices. com.au/about-us/community/energy-resilience-community-fund
Free forest camping begins across Victoria
The State Government has boosted regional tourism this summer by making camping free in every national park and state forest in Victoria.
Environment minister Steve Dimopoulos announced on Sunday 1 December the start of the free camping season across all of Park Victoria’s 131 paid camping grounds – which has already put $2.1 million back into Victorian families’ pockets.
Mr Dimopoulos said busy families deserve a great holiday in our great outdoors –with 100,000 nights already booked we know Victorians will be making incredible memories in nature thanks to free camping.
“We’re making camping accessible to every Victorian – it’s great for families, great for regional towns, great for businesses and great for local jobs.”
Since the announcement, there has been an 115 per cent increase in Parks Victoria campsite bookings, as Victorians take advantage of the chance to stay and explore some of the state’s most iconic destinations from Wilsons Promontory to Lake Eildon.
Free camping will run from 1 December until 30 June 2025 – with almost 100,000 nights of free camping already booked.
Government’s $9 million investment means free camping is now available at every national park and state forest, which is expected to attract new visitors to towns all over regional Victoria.
As part of free camping, $1.7 million has been invested for additional maintenance, repairs and operating costs to ensure campgrounds are kept clean and safe for every visitor.
More than 50 million people visit Victoria’s iconic state forests and national parks every year, for camping, hiking, fishing and hunting, four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, horse riding, birdwatching and many more outdoor activities.
In addition to free camping, government’s $106.6 million investment in Victoria’s great outdoors has delivered 31 new and 60 up-
graded campgrounds, as well as 155 upgraded four-wheel drive tracks and 16 walking tracks totalling 31 kilometres.
There are still plenty of free bookable campsites available in December and up to June 30, including popular campgrounds from Aire River West in the Great Otway National Park to Neds Gully in the Cathedral Ranges and Upper Yarra Reservoir Camping Area. To book a free camping site visit, parks.vic. gov.au.
Since the announcement, there has been an 115 per cent increase in Parks Victoria campsite bookings. (File: 447228)
CHRISTMAS AT MARKETPLACE
Santa is spreading the joy
This Christmas, make magical memories with Santa at Lilydale Marketplace!
From now until Christmas Eve, Santa will be visiting on selected days from 10am to 4pm, ready to capture the joy of the season with professional photos by Corporate and Event Imaging. Families can pose with Santa against a festive backdrop, and yes—your furry friends are welcome too!
Children visiting Santa will also receive a special gift (while supplies last), adding an extra touch of holiday cheer. Find Santa located near
The Reject Shop in centre, and don’t miss this chance to create a holiday tradition for the whole family. Walk in’s are welcome! Pet photo sessions are also available and require bookings. For session dates, times, and bookings, visit www.lilydalemarketplace.com.au.
From the retailers, staff, and management at Lilydale Marketplace, thank you for your support this year. We wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy, and memorable holiday season.
Don’t miss the chance to have a photo with Santa at Lilydale Marketplace. (Stewart Chambers: 234335)
Visit Santa at Lilydale Marketplace up until Christmas Eve. (Supplied)
OPINION
Thrive with small business
When small businesses thrive, our community thrives.
Whether it’s a sign hanging on the fence of a local sporting ground or sponsoring our local events – small businesses are always giving back.
They contribute to something bigger than themselves through supporting their communities and striving for a stronger, more connected region.
But as I speak to local small and family business owners in our community, many are struggling to stay afloat.
They are facing a perfect storm of skyrocketing power bills, higher loan repayments, increased rents, near-impossible insurance premiums and fewer young apprentices and trainees coming through – among other challenges.
From my From my
desk
Federal Member for Casey
Disappointingly, the latest ASIC insolvency data shows Australia’s economy is getting worse, not better.
Labor has broken its own record to deliver the highest number of insolvencies in a single month on record – with 1364 Aussie businesses going under in October 2024.
In our community, up to 39 local construction businesses entered external administration between 1 July 2023 and 14 March 2024.
CARTOON
This is a huge loss for our region which is home to the highest number of tradies in building and construction in the nation.
To add to the concern, since Labor took office Australia has 85,000 fewer apprentices – a loss of one in five.
The business closure figures are even more startling across the state, with 3013 Victorian companies entering administration or liquidation in the 2023-24 financial year.
Labor’s economic mismanagement is putting pressure on business budgets and forcing local shop owners to make tough decisions.
They are doing everything they can to balance the budget and keep locals employed.
The burden on small business owners has only increased in the last two and a half years despite Labor’s promises to reduce red tape.
The operating environment is stuck in decline
Plays to see at local theatres next year
Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre
The theatre has notified this publication of the 2025 season.
• Opening with Moon Over buffalo Season: February 13 – March 1.
• Haunted Season: April 24 – May 10.
• The Diary of Anne Frank Sesson: July 3 – 19.
• The Importance of being Earnest. Season: September 11 – 27.
• Sister Amnesia’s Country Western Nunsense Jamboree Season: November 20 – December 6.
• bookings: 9735 1777 or www.lilydaleatc.com
The Round Theatre
Rejoice and be Merry
Promac Productions Australia present their highly acclaimed Christmas production packed, packed with all your favourite Christmas carols plus some contemporary Christmas songs.
Midweek Matinee Wednesday December 11. At 11am.
Shirley Valentine
Leading Lady of stage and screen Natalie Bassingthwaighte returns to Australian stages to star in one of the world’s most popular plays,
Shirley Valentine
Thid beloved one-woman play by Willie Russell tells the inspiring and hilarious story of Shirley, a middle-aged, working class Liverpool housewife stuck in a life of routine.
Talking to her kitchen wall, she dreams of escape and wonders what happened the adventurous girl she once was.
When a friend invites her on a spontaneous holiday to Greece, Shirley takes a bold leap into the unknown.
With humour, charm and grit, she rediscovers her passion for life and her sense of self.
Will she return to her old ways, or will Shirley
Kemp’s curtain call
find a new life where she can finally be her true self?
Season: January 30 – February 16. 2025. Venue: Athenaeum Theatre Collins St. Melbourne
The 1812 Theatre Noises Off
A good comedy to close 1812’s season.
A play within a play.
The stage is set _with a revolve showing the interior of a house (Two-storied) and the actors rehearsing a show called Nothing On.
Also, a plate of sardines plays a large part.
After interval the stage is spun around, and the audience sees what goes on behind the scenes.
The set was very well built with both sides with stairs on both sides of the stage.
Upstairs and downstairs are windows on the ground floor looking out to a wonderful view of a garden.
With doors both upstairs and downstairs there are doors each side of the stage.
A well-constructed and used as apt of the story.
The players are Jacinta Birchall, as Dotty Otley and as in Nothing On as Mrs Clackett.
Jacinta carried the role well with a good change of voice in both parts.
while concerns rise about regulation, increased costs and slowing demand.
The Coalition is the party that understands small business.
We will get small business growth back on track by winding back excessive government intervention.
The Coalition is committed to expanding the Instant Asset Write-Off to assets valued at up to 30,000 indefinitely to provide certainty for small business.
This will simplify depreciation for millions of small businesses by cutting red tape, boosting investment in productive assets and lowering business costs.
Through giving local businesses an incentive to invest, we will create stronger local businesses, which will lead to a stronger local community.
Double horror catch-up
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person and The First Omen M, MA15+ 4.25/5, 4.5/5
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person is a touching, intimate French Canadian horror comedy-drama that refracts family pressure, tough love, teenage rebellion, bullying and suicidal ideation through a vampiric prism.
Sara Montpetit stars as Sasha, a young vampire who is too compassionate to kill people for food.
Ross Blowers was Garry Lejeune and in Nothing On was Roger Trampleman.
A good interpretation of both characters and a busy role.
Rhiannon played the role of Brooke Ashton in Nothing On and the character of Vicki.
A good performance and a very energetic one.
With lots of falling and being rather traumatised each performance.
|Rosy Leonardi was the assistant stage manager of Nothing On.
Played by Rosy Leonardi who gave a wonderful performance as the frustrated ASM running around and being told what to do.
Stephen Shinkfield was Phillip Brent in Nothing Onwhere he played the role of Frederick Fellows.
Stephen captured the character with professionalism and enjoyed by the audience.
Kate Bowers was Belinda Blair in Nothing On where she played Flavia Brent.
Another good portrayal adding to the high standard f the evening.
Aaron Wilson played the role of Timothy Allgood n Nothing On.
An all around part with Tim as stage manager, fixing the set, understudy and running Lloyd’s instructions.
Aaron gave a terrific performance in the role.
The Director of Nothing On, Lloyd Douglas was played by Chris McLean.
A wonderful full on performance as the frustrated director.
The 1812 theatre certainly added to the 224 season with this production with a good cast, two programs one for the original and inside the program for Nothing On.
When her family cuts her off from their blood supply, Sasha befriends Paul (FelixAntoine Benard), a suicidal student willing to give his life for her, and commits to fulfilling his dying wish before they do the deed.
Montpetit plays Sasha as melancholic and waifish but with a strong will, and Sasha and Paul develop such a sweet connection as reserved kindred spirits.
The pacing is easygoing yet efficient, with the first act succinctly establishing Sasha’s hungry empathy, Paul’s kind nature and the bullying he experiences at work and school.
Paul’s quest to get back at his tormentors, Sasha’s starvation and her tense but enduring bond with her family all feed (pun intended) into each other for a nuanced, low-impact but deeply engaging experience full of heart and dark comedy.
In a year full of legacy franchise entries, The First Omen may be the best of them all.
Anchored by a phenomenal, fearless performance by Nell Tiger Free as Margaret, a nun-in-training who uncovers a conspiracy to birth the Antichrist, The First Omen is a compelling character study and an entrancing, old-fashioned slow-burn with a superb steady escalation of dread and intrigue.
An outstanding directorial debut for Arkasha Stevenson, The First Omen features radiant cinematography, detailed but organic dialogue and shocking yet measured imagery that never goes too far, and it sets up the original 1976 Omen without wallowing in its foundations.
Both films are available to rent or buy on iTunes.
PRESTIGIOUS QUARTER-ACRE “GLENWOOD” WITH POOL
PRESTIGIOUS QUARTER-ACRE “GLENWOOD”
IF you have been holding out for something truly magnificent, the moment has finally arrived. Introducing “Glenwood” on coveted Glenfern Road that combines luxurious liveability with lush landscaped gardens.
Behind the privacy hedging and remote gated drive, this property reveals itself in style. Box hedge, wide pathways, and feature trees set the tone while the rear garden with sparkling inground swimming pool, covered alfresco, and convenient freestanding pool house will be the go-to place for gatherings. Inside is equally impressive and designed with family in mind. From the wide foyer/lobby, the floorplan steps into the stylish lounge with relaxing fireplace that features French doors to the sunroom. The adjoining dining area with picturesque pool views leads into the dream chefs’ kitchen with stone benchtops, Miele fridge/freezer, and integrated Neff appliances including slide-away oven, convection oven, coffee machine, and draft induction hob. With a peacefully positioned main bedroom with exquisite rain shower ensuite and dressing room, a guest powder room, and family-size laundry also on this level, every consideration has been made for elevated comfort.
Upstairs, family bedrooms with custom cabinetry, charming window seats, and plush carpet are paired with a showcase bathroom with slipper claw foot tub and separate powder room.
With a substantial list of bonus features including 20 solar roof panels, Tesla 10kW battery, ducted heating and reverse cycle air conditioning, ducted vacuum, electric and solar hot water, 2 Samsung frame TVs, and remote control sun blinds, this home is the obvious choice for an outstanding lifestyle close to local townships and the convenience of Wellington Road. Guaranteed to impress, prompt viewing is advised. Join us for a tour today.
THE EPITOME OF COMFORTABLE HILLS LIVING
NESTLED on a sprawling 2,567 sqm block in the picturesque town of Emerald, this inviting and immaculate 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature. With tree top views, north facing orientation, and abundant natural light, this property offers a relaxing lifestyle with modern comforts.
Step into the loungeroom with an open fireplace, setting a warm ambience that’s enhanced by new hydronic heating throughout the home. The dining space is bathed in natural light, thanks to large windows that bring the beauty of outdoors in and opens onto a spacious deck offering elevated views and providing a peaceful place to entertain family and friends. The kitchen features timber benchtops, convenient breakfast bar, SMEG gas cooktop and electric oven, all under the glow of a skylight and overlooking the family room/2nd living area with access to the natural back yard. Tassie oak flooring is featured throughout the home adding a touch of warmth and durability.
Stunning raked timber ceilings create a sense of space and sophistication, while the large windows frame serene tree-top views. There are 2 bedrooms downstairs adjacent to the family bathroom. A spacious laundry is adjacent to a unique spiral staircase that leads to the upper level, where you will find a spacious master retreat featuring a private balcony and luxurious ensuite, and a 4th bedroom, which is a versatile space that can be used as a bedroom, office or creative studio.
Outside a large single garage/workshop provides secure parking and storage space and there are two sheds on site for wood storage and workshop options. There is even a cubby for the kids to play in this imagination fuelled landscape.
This charming property in Emerald combines natural beauty, comfort and distinctive design elements – an ideal home for those seeking a relaxed, nature-connected lifestyle within walking distance of coffee and cake in the Emerald Village.
Call to arrange a private inspection today.
Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office.
SLEEK AND COMFORTABLE ENTERTAINER
CHIC, comfortable and convenient are three words that describe this residence, showcasing quality fixtures and desirable inclusions spanning over a light-filled, layout. A celebration of contemporary design, this stunning home ensures a coveted lifestyle of low-maintenance living and streamlined space, in a family-friendly neighbourhood close to amenities.
Externally presenting a neat street appeal, whilst internally, a welcoming spacious entrance and theatre room leads the way upfront, with neutral tones, high ceilings and timber floors are seamlessly integrated throughout to provide vivid contrasting and spaciousness, enhancing the exceptionally inviting ambience. Furthermore, beautiful floorto-ceiling curtains finish the look perfectly.
Designed with an emphasis on entertaining, the open-plan living area, made ambient in the cooler months with gas log fire incorporates in with the dining domain, connecting with the well-equipped kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances including 900mm electric oven, gas stove and dishwasher. Other highlights list as, stone benchtops, large island with waterfall edge sink, series of sizable drawers, breakfast bar, large walk-in pantry and sleek glass splashbacks.
The living zone has easy connectivity via sliding doors, stepping outside to a private
covered entertaining area surrounded by an established yet low maintenance garden. This space offers plenty of room to host a barbeque with guests and loved ones while admiring distant leafy views.
Three spacious, carpeted bedrooms are well proportioned, with the master containing a walk-in robe and full ensuite comprising a walk-in double shower. Bedrooms two and three are zoned together off the hall and boast double built-in robes and share a modern bathroom hosting a shower and bath.
Seasonal relief has been well catered for with a perfect combination of ducted heating and cooling, as well as other appreciable inclusions such as; separate laundry with storage and bench space, linen cupboards, hardwired surround sound throughout the home, security system and double garage with remote roller door and internal access.
Suitably positioned in a fantastic community, this address is placed only a short walk from the Chirnside Park Country Club, reserves and playgrounds and moments to quality primary and secondary schooling options. Also, within easy reach to Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, Eastland and EastLink freeway for direct access to the CBD. An ideal property for those looking to downsize on maintenance and upsize in lifestyle, this stunning residence is truly in a league of its own.
Chic, comfortable and convenient are three words that describe this ultra-modern complex of townhouses, showcasing quality fixtures and desirable inclusions spanning over a light-filled, contemporary layout. Town houses 2, 3, 4 and 5 are available to purchase.
Brand new, never lived in and set in the highly esteemed enclave; these stunning homes are located only moments from Lilydale Railway Station and shopping precinct. Boasting stylish accents and a sturdy construction, the residences are altogether complemented by a wellcomposed garden and contemporary façade lending a hint of all that awaits inside.
Neutral tones, high ceilings and timber flooring are seamlessly integrated throughout the light-filled interior to provide vivid contrasting and
spaciousness, enhancing the exceptionally inviting ambience. Furthermore, the beautiful views, and tree top aspect are a true point of difference.
Designed with an open-plan living area incorporates the dining domain, connecting with the well-equipped kitchen featuring stainless steel electric oven and stove plus dishwasher. Other highlights list as; stone benchtops, a series of sizable drawers, tilled splashbacks, plenty of preparation space and easy connectivity via sliding doors to the sizeable balcony outside.
Three spacious, carpeted bedrooms are well proportioned, with robes. Main bedroom with access to a full bathroom whist bedroom two and three are zoned together and share a modern bathroom hosting the addition of a bathtub with separate toilet. On this level there is also
the thoughtful addition of a study nook. Seasonal relief has been well catered for with four split system units in each house, dedicated laundry with storage and bench space, water tank and double garage with extra storage space and remote roller door and internal access.
Suitably positioned in a reputable community, this address is placed only a short walk from quality primary and secondary schooling options, Reserves with playgrounds. Also within easy reach of golf courses, local eateries, Eastland and EastLink freeway for direct access to the CBD. Proximity to the delights of the Yarra Valley for weekend activities are also a bonus.
An ideal property for those looking to downsize on maintenance and upsize in lifestyle, these stunning residences are truly in a league of their own.
RETRO CLASSIC REINSPIRED FOR TODAY
***CLOSING DATE FOR OFFERS 4pm
MONDAY 9th DECEMBER (unless sold prior)***
THE Patch is known by locals as one of the most picturesque places in the Dandenong Ranges, Autumn and Spring being the showcase seasons that bring sensational colours to your chairside.
Just within walking distance to the favourite Patch General Store this 3-bedroom plus study, 2-bathroom home has a great vibe throughout and is move in ready.
The pink stairs give a little hint of the quirky style! Sensitive to its origins the home still boasts, gleaming polished timber floors, ornate cornices and ceilings. These blend with more modern fittings to create perfect spaces. You’ll love the extension (master bedroom+study) that has been architecturally designed.
Featuring:
A main bedroom, ensuited with walk in shower, excellent storage.
2 further bedrooms serviced by the updated full bathroom
• Designated work from home/study space
• Open plan, spacious kitchen, 900mm SS oven/cooktop, DW and ample storage Lounge and separate dining
Well-appointed laundry
Outdoors is just under ½ an acre of beautiful old growth trees, Elm and Oak, in established gardens with fruit trees. Also, a chicken coop, veggie patch, under house storage, a deck to sit and take in the vistas also a covered entertaining area for BBQ’s and gatherings.
You are minutes to Monbulk township, rail connections at nearby Belgrave.
Pack your bags and get excited to move to The Patch, explore all that the Dandenong Ranges have to offer and live your best life.
MODERN LIVING WITH COUNTRY CHARM ON APPROXIMATELY SEVEN ACRES
THIS home offers so many possibilities! With 4 bedrooms and two bathrooms spread across 2 storey living. This home is suitable for the growing family or dual accommodation needs.
Situated less than 10 minutes from the heart of Emerald, this gorgeous home feels like you have the ultimate privacy and peace and quiet. When you arrive at the property, you’re greeted with a huge 6 car garage that is flooded with light, has concreted floor and power and connected to a great office space complete with kitchenette. There is then a covered breezeway through to the main home. Entering into the home there is an open plan kitchen, dining, loungeroom with gorgeous vaulted ceiling complete with ceiling fan, and a cosy wood fire that doubles as a water heater. There is also a split system air conditioner in the lounge room. The kitchen has a fantastic treed outlook and stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher and electric oven & stove top. There is also a expansive butlers pantry, complete with a second oven! The upstairs contains the master bedroom with built-in-robes and direct access to the balcony. A family bathroom, and a further bedroom. There is also a laundry which has external access.
Explore the downstairs wing to find two further bedrooms, a family bathroom with shower and bath, and a separate toilet. The feature of downstairs however is the amazing home theatre room.
The features continue outside, with the flat grassed areas to the front and back of the home, the expansive natural bush to enjoy, and the second huge shed located near the second driveway entrance. This second shed has concreted floors throughout and power. This home also features solar panels and a solar hot water system, sprinkler system, and security system.
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.
POSITIONED privately behind a gated entrance and surrounded by over half an acre of colourful, established gardens, this original expansive Hills home has an abundance of space and is filled with olde world charm. Ready for its new owners to breathe life to its much loved walls, this character residence is an exciting opportunity for anyone wanting to add their own touches to a perfectly located Hills gem.
Offering an extremely versatile floorplan that consists of three living zones, sunroom area plus a spacious kitchen with meals area, there is so much here to enjoy. There are three bedrooms - The master bedroom with full ensuite and walk in robe, the second bedroom comes complete with its own lounge room / retreat. With the ability to look out across the garden from every angle, this home is a beautiful reminder of what family living is all about.
Outside, a wrap around veranda overlooks the grounds and a separate studio / office which is perfect for those who work from home or are looking for a quiet retreat for their favourite hobby.
With a double carport, fully useable block and excellent access to Upper Ferntree Gully train station, Belgrave and Olinda townships plus with public transport right at your doorstep, this is a project you just can’t miss.
EXCEPTIONAL, MODERN FAMILY LIVING IN A CONVENIENT LOCATION
THIS brand new and luxurious residence is ready to move into and enjoy.
Exceptional build quality with energy efficiency in mind, no expense has been spared from start to completion and meticulous attention to detail in every part of the home by a skilled and fastidious builder.
Boasting 4 over sized bedrooms including a feature main bedroom and stylish ensuite, you will be impressed with the three expansive living/lounge and family rooms offering great space for the growing family to relax and enjoy.
The kitchen area is all class and style as well, with top quality appliances and finishings throughout and a separate dining/meals area outside is just what you’ve been looking for.
With just over 1 acre of land to explore and enjoy, there is loads of room for the kids and pets to run around all year round, wide verandahs and decking offer great outdoor entertaining any time of the year. It’s just the ideal spot to sit back, relax and enjoy the fantastic views , colourful sunsets and glorious surrounds.
A sensational family home in a superb location just a short walk to Wesburn main street and Wesburn park sporting hub and mountain bike mecca, local school, shops and transport are just a short walk away as well, an amazing property and a truly impressive home from all aspects.
A relaxed country feel, now is the time to make the change to a care free, slower paced lifestyle, this is a place you won’t want to leave.
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x
ACROSS
1 Billiards stick (3)
3 Doctor with superior knowledge in a specific field (10)
10 Primes (7)
11 Counter (7)
12 Despise (9)
13 Simple (4)
15 Unbend (10)
17 Copier (4)
19 German automobile manufacturer (4)
20 Kentucky’s largest city (10)
23 French abbot (4)
25 Gaseous fuel (9)
27 Erected once more (7)
28 Manager of a fund for another’s benefit (7)
29 Sent off (10)
30 Decay (3)
DOWN
1 Relating to molar teeth of a carnivore (10)
2 Feeling a strong affection (9)
4 Variety of nut (9)
5 Arc (5)
6 Reply (6)
7 False gods (5)
8 Ned Flanders’ son in TheSimpsons (4)
9 Two-piece swimsuit (6)
14 Profane (10)
16 Point above focus of an earthquake (9)
18 Synthetic material (9)
21 Someone who watches (6)
22 Part of the eye (6)
24 Nurslings (5)
25 Ancient Mexican (5)
26 Poke (4)
Mounters on top 16 target
The heavens opened on Saturday consigning cricketers of all ages to a day on the sidelines as play was abandoned. Fortunately, the weather has been a lot kinder on Tuesday evenings over the past month as Mt Evelyn’s T20 team have advanced to the knockout stages of the RDCA Community Big Bash after some great performances across the four qualifying rounds.
Led by exciting all rounder Will Macklin, the team have belied their weekend form to secure three wins from four games to rank tenth of forty four teams to secure their birth in pointy end of the competition.
The action for the Mounters kicked their campaign off at home against Kilsyth. Mt Evelyn would kick the game off with the bat and would explode out of the blocks courtesy of a fast paced opening partnership of 67 from Campbell Mole and Daniel Giblin. Mole would anchor the innings with an explosive knock of 87, featuring four fours and six sixes to lead the team to an imposing total of 6/171.
With Kilsyth at 5/114, mainly courtesy of wickets to Bohdie Jones (3/43), the home side looked as if they had done enough for victory, however a brilliant half century from Redbacks’ Captain Marcus Adams ensured the visitors would claim victory in the last over with four wickets in hand.
Week two would see the Mounters travel to Chirnside Park to take on the Panthers. On a gloomy night, where rain threatened to curtail the contest, Mt Evelyn would again take to the batting crease first in a bit to post an insurmountable total. In an even batting performance, the visitors were able to compile a handsome total of 7/164 before a rain delay would shorten the innings to 19 overs. Opener Daniel Giblin was the star of the innings with 41, whilst Jesse Fraser (36) and Troy Hancock (34) would ensure that the scoreboard would continue to flow throughout the innings.
Regular wickets would determine the Panthers’ fate as they could not develop enough meaningful partnerships to make a serious tilt at the target. Most of the bowlers would enjoy some some success lead by Will Macklin (3/15) and Troy Hancock (2/8) as they put the squeeze on the batting line up to see them tucked away for a disappointing score of 92.
Week three saw the team on the road again as they travelled to local rivals Mooroolbark in a key clash for final positions. On the wide expanses of Heights Reserve, Mt Evelyn batted first once again, and once again they would produce a useful total. This time it would be built on a blistering middle order blitz from 1st XI captain Troy Hancock who would combine brutal force with fine touch to compile 82 runs off 39 balls featuring eight fours and five sixes. He was ably supported by Jesse Fraser (24) and Mike Mawson (27) as the visitors scored 6/167.
The Mooroolbark innings would prove to be a tough arm wrestle. The Barkers bats would continue to tick the scoreboard over at a steady rate, opposed to a Mt Evelyn bowling attack that would hold their nerve and restrict the batters access to the boundary. Eventually, the visitors would grind their way to victory courtesy of disciplined bowling and clever field placements. Bohdie Jones (2/12) would once again be the pick of the bowlers as he was backed up by another allround bowling performance to restrict the home side to 7/144.
The final qualifying round saw the Mounters host old Yarra Valley foes Yarra Junction. For the first time in the competition, Mt Evelyn would be asked to bowl first. Another disciplined bowling effort would be produced by the Mt Evelyn bowlers. The Eagles couldn’t latch onto anything speedsters Bohdie Jones (1/10 off 4 overs) and Caleb Hrabe (2/20 off 4 overs) delivered, whilst Troy Hancock’s innocuous medium pacers would net the wickets as he took 3/29. The visitors would compile a tricky total of 8/135, a score below par, but challenging enough if early wickets fell.
Mt Evelyn openers Campbell Mole and Daniel Giblin would have none of this as they blasted their way to the winning total without the loss of a wicket. The pairs contrasting styles complimented each other perfectly as Mole’s steady approach allowed Giblin to blast his way to an impressive century. Giblin was brutal against all bowlers as he hit the ball to all parts of the field to score 102 not out off 47 balls featuring 74 runs scored in boundaries alone. The home side would race to the total within 14 overs to secure their place in the final rounds of the tournament.
The competition now moves into the knockout stages, and the Mounters have drawn another Yarra Valley foe in Seville this Tuesday at Gary Martin Oval. This clash promises to be a tough battle between bat and ball with a place in the last 16 up for grabs.
Campbell Mole didn’t hold back scoring four fours and six sixes against Kilsyth. (Supplied)
Bohdie Jones was key in bringing Mt Evelyn to victory.
Daniel Giblin, alongside Mole, led the opening partnership helping notch up the score of 67.
Campbell Mole managed 87 to lead Mt Evelyn to the 6/171 total.
Kilsyth women win well
By Les Hutchings
All Saturday’s RDCA Junior and Senior matches were abandoned with no play due to the weather. Kilsyth’s First, Second, Third and Fourth XI’s fixtured two-day matches will now become one-day games next weekend.
On Sunday, Kilsyth Women’s First XI played Mooroolbark Second XI at Kiloran Park, Number 1 Oval. The Barkers won the toss and elected to bowl with showers forecast to occur during the afternoon. Kilsyth lost their first wicket on 33 in the 8th over, and the second on 49 in the 10th over, when opener Belinda Hutchings was out lbw for 22 off 39 balls from the bowling of Holly Brennan. On the last ball of the 20th over, with the score on 92, Sarah Gibbs was bowled by Penny Sinclair for 16 off 39 balls (1 four). The outfield was slow due to the heavy rain the previous day and at that stage only three boundaries had been scored. However, a 30-run partnership for the fourth wicket saw Kilsyth reach 4/122 after 28 overs. Only three runs were scored off the 29th over but the last over resulted in a further 13 runs with Avanthi Jayawickrema scoring two boundaries. Thus, Kilsyth finished on 4/138cc after their allotted 30 overs. The highlight of the innings was a brilliant 52 not out off 64 balls (7 fours) by Avanthi Jayawickrema, who hit the last ball of the innings for four to bring up her first ever half century. For Mooroolbark, Penny Sinclair took 2/21 off 6 overs, Holly Brennan 1/8 off 3 overs and Shayla Jones 1/13 off 3 overs. Opening bowler Willow Sinclair also bowled well, yielding only 12 runs from her 6 accurate overs. n the run chase, Mooroolbark lost regular wickets: 1/10, 2/12, 3/24, 4/37, 5/37, 6/56 and 7/59 after 15 overs at the drinks break, with showers interrupting play for a short time on a couple of occasions. Mooroolbark were eventually dismissed for 99 on the last ball of the final (30th) over. The top scorers were captain Shelley Vass 12 off 29 balls (1 four), Melinda Ruddick, 10 off 10 balls (1 four), and Shayla Jones 11 off 51 with extras contributing 41. ballRuddick was batting well before she was brilliantly run out by wicket keeper Sharon Sheals, who threw down the stumps with a direct hit from short fine leg. There were also two other run outs, both by lightning throws from Eva Gottschling to ‘keeper Sharon Sheals. Courtney Anderson took the bowling honours capturing 3/11 off 5 overs (1 maiden), closely followed by Sarah Gibbs, 3/19 off 4.1 overs. Pace bowler Georgia Smith was the other wicket taker with 1/12 off 4 overs (1 maiden). Belinda Hutchings, 0/10 off 4 overs (1 maiden), and Stephanie Gibbs 0/12 off 3 overs, were both economical. It was another good win by Kilsyth’s Women’s team to retain third position on the ladder.
Kilsyth Men’s First XI remain undefeated in the T-20 competition after a tense finish against Seville in Round 4 last Tuesday evening. Playing at the scenic Seville Number 1 Oval, Kilsyth lost the toss and were sent in to bat first. A brisk opening partnership of 56 in 6.1 overs between captain Marcus Adams and Sudhir Prabhu came to an end when Prabhu was caught by Jared Carroll for 16 off 19 balls (2 fours) from the first ball bowled by medium pacer Kane Jones. This brought Andy Solomons to the crease, and he hit the first ball he faced for four. With the score on 80, Kane Jones took the second wicket in his second over when he bowled Marcus Adams for a blistering 45 off 24 balls (9 fours). Jones, who was putting a brake on the scoring, took another wicket in his third over and Kilsyth were now 3/90 after 10.5 overs with Solomons on 23 not out. Solomons and Jack Childs added 56 for the fourth wicket when Childs was bowled by Captain Liam Kay for 15 off 15 balls (1 six), on the second ball of the 17th over. In the same over he had Andy Solomons caught deep on the boundary by Jasper Barry for a brilliant 63 off 35 balls (3 fours and 5 towering sixes). It was an innings of power, mixed with patience, against some good bowling, demonstrated by the fact that he hit 10 singles and a two in 11 consecutive scoring shots, but “Solly” always kept the score moving with good cricket shots. It was Andy’s fifth consecutive half century for the Club. Thus, after 17 overs, Kilsyth were 5/148. Only two singles came from Bailey Humphrey’s next over, the 18th of the innings. Riley Foster’s final over only yielded 5 runs and after 19 overs Kilsyth were 5/155. Mackenzie Scott-Thomas then hit the first 3 balls of the last over for 4, 6 and 4 to give a muchneeded boost to the team’s score. However, on the fourth ball, he was caught by Jasper Barry off the bowling of Bailey Humphrey for 17 off 10 balls (2 fours and 1 six), attempting another huge hit. A run out off the last ball going for a second run
saw Kilsyth finish on 7/172cc after their 20 allotted overs. For Seville, Kane Jones was the standout bowler taking 3/20 off 4 overs, while spinner Liam Kay took 2/48 off 4 overs. Riley and Jordan Foster both bowled economically, yielding 23 and 30 runs respectively off their 4 overs each. Bailey Humphrey was the other wicket taker with 1/51.
After the break, Kilsyth opening bowler Kamal Kuruppu struck in his first over, following a catch by wicket keeper Will Beard, to leave Seville 1/1. This brought Kane Jones to the crease and he batted impressively, striking three consecutive boundaries in the second over and hitting two big sixes in the fourth over to get Seville back on track at 1/40 after 4 overs. Fortunately for Kilsyth, Jones was caught by Jack Childs at deep point off the bowling of Kuruppu for an impressive 29 off 15 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes and Seville were now 2/43 in the fifth over. Opener Finn Saurine and Bailey Humphrey then took the score to 2/115 off 12 overs and they looked like taking the game away from the Redbacks. At that stage, Seville needed 58 to win off 8 overs with eight wickets in hand. Captain Marcus Adams then introduced left arm spinner Uvindu Wimaladharma into the attack, and with the score on 120, after a 77-run fourth wicket partnership, Uvindu had Saurine brilliantly caught by Andy Solomons after the ball went miles into air. Left hand opener Saurine had batted very well to score 45 off 45 balls (3 fours and 1 six), with Humphries still not out on a brisk 41. The score progressed to 3/140 off 15 overs, so Seville now needed 33 off 5 overs with 7 wickets in hand. Then Andy Solomons picked up two wickets in his second over, including the prize wicket of Humphrey, who was caught by Sudhir Prabhu at deep point for a dashing 57 off 37 balls (5 fours and 2 sixes). The other wicket resulted from a good catch by Hayden Pleming at fine leg. After 16 overs Seville had reached 5/146, needing 27 off the last 4 overs. Six runs came from Unvindu’s next over, which included Jared Carroll’s second boundary, and the score was now 5/152 off 17 overs. The tension was building with Seville requiring 17 off 18 balls with 5 wickets in hand. Interestingly, at the same stage Kilsyth were 5/148. The 18th over resulted in four singles and a wicket to Andy Solomons (clean bowled). Uvindu Wimaladharma bowled a superb fourth over which yielded only 2 runs so the score was now 6/158 after 19 overs. Kilsyth were 5/155 at the same point, indicating how close the game was. The first ball of the last over was edged past the ’keeper for 4 and the equation for Seville was 11 needed off 5 balls. However, it wasn’t to be with
Andy Solomons picking up 3 wickets in the final over, including that of Jared Carroll, who was bowled by Solomons for a quick-fire 16 off only 10 balls (3 fours). In the end, Seville finished on 9/164 in a very exciting match, well played by both sides. Mackenzie Scott-Thomas took a great catch at midwicket in the final over after running in from the boundary. Andy Solomons was certainly the star of the match, finishing with 6 for 25 off 4 overs, together with his 63 with the bat off 35 balls and a brilliant catch. The best of the other bowlers were Kamal Kuruppu, 2/19 off 4 overs, and Unvindu Wimaladharma, 1/22 off 4 overs, bowling at the death. A great effort by Kilsyth to be undefeated and fourth on the ladder after 4 rounds in a field of 44 teams. However, there is certainly room for continued improvement in all aspects of the game, batting, bowling and fielding, as the competition will hot-up in the finals and the team will need to be on their game to
keep progressing in the competition. On Friday evening the Under 12’s played an away one-day match against Heatherdale at Simpsons Park. Heatherdale won the toss and elected to bat, posting 3/113cc off their 20 allotted overs.BestofthebatsmenwereKrishKedar22not out off 25 balls (4 fours), Reyansh Goswami 18 retired not out off 15 balls (2 fours), Yashveer Kohli 10 off 14 balls (1 four) and Krishna Marwaha 10 off 15 balls (1 four). For Kilsyth, Aiden Nicoll took 1/11 off 3 overs, Isaac Donley 1/13 off 2 overs, and Noah Sterling 1/20 off 3 overs. In reply, Kilsyth tried hard but struggled to score against some good bowling and finished on 6/68cc. Bailey Kennon scored 13 retired not out off 30 balls (1 four), Isaac Donley 6 not out, Zack Mellerick
and
6 (1 four)
Tate Lindsay 6. Heatherdale’s Reyansh Goswami captured 3/4 off 3 overs (1 maiden), Farhan Alam 1/1 off 2 overs (1 maiden), Yashveer Kohli 1/6 off 3 overs, and Chloe Bryant 1/9 off 3 overs.
Avanthi Jayawickrema scored a brilliant 52 not out off 64 balls for Kilsyth Women’s First XI against Mooroolbark. (Supplied)
Kilsyth Captain Coach Marcus Adams made a blistering 45 off 24 balls (9 fours) opening the batting in the Round 4 T-20 match against Seville.
Andy Solomons was the star of Kilsyth’s Round 4 T-20 match against Seville, making a scintillating 63 with the bat off 35 balls and then capturing 6 for 25 off 4 overs and taking a brilliant catch.
