Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 14th January 2025

Exhibition delights in Yering

From whales photographed at the perfect moment as they launch into the air to 1960s inspired beachscapes, a popup outdoor exhibition at Chateau Yering brings art of all forms for people of the Valley to explore.

As part of the much loved Art on the Pier yearly exhibition, curator Chris MacLeod has brought a selection of these works to the gardens of Yering to showcase Australian talent in painting, photography and digital image.

The display of works are stationed evenly throughout gardens, creating a beautiful walk between each piece, with the backdrop of the open air and shady trees.

To see more, turn to page 10

ball and cricket clubs who have been making do with their current facilities.

Mooroolbark Cricket Club co-president Briony Polkinghorne said growth in both cricket and football with the inclusion and popularity of women’s sport has meant the club rooms no longer cater to the size of the sporting clubs, not to mention the deterioration of the structure itself.

“We’ve gone from four senior men’s teams this year to five, plus we’ve got two two senior ladies

teams and we’ve got nine junior teams. So we’re growing but where do you stop,” she said.

“The Cricket Club used to do dinner (on a Thursday) and they used to get maybe 30 people. Since the introduction of the women’s team, it’s now like 60 to 80 because the boys bring their partners. So it’s not just the on field women it’s created a family atmosphere across

the whole club.”

With leaks and an exposed ceiling in some places, the pavilion itself would require extensive renovations but the hope of the sporting clubs is a complete rebuild to match the facilities now dotted across Kilsyth, Chirnside Park and Mount Evelyn.

To read the full story, turn to page 7

Art on the Pier founder and curator Chris MacLeod at the Chateau Yering garden exhibition. (Rob Carew: 452577)

No mergers for hospitals

By Callum Godde

Network groupings for a state’s 76 public health services have been unveiled but a cloud continues to hang over future funding levels.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas revealed the final carve-up on Friday after the Victorian government announced its hospital networks plan in August.

The 12 geography-based local health service networks will begin operating from July 1 and are expected to share support services and back-office functions to reduce duplication.

A state government-commissioned expert review highlighted the need for “fundamental change” to the public health system and recommended some regional health services be forcibly amalgamated.

But Ms Thomas reiterated the groupings, determined following consultation, would not involving mergers.

“Every health service will retain its own identity, its own board of management and so on,” she told reporters.

“But of course we want our health services to work better together and where it makes sense to look at back-office operations and combine those, then we would welcome that.”

The networks were first announced alongside a $1.5 billion, one-year funding lifeline for hospitals following backlash at being told to tighten their belts.

Ms Thomas declined to say how much money the networks would save the cash-strapped state budget, declaring they were designed to deliver improved patient care.

Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier, who has previously dubbed the plan “amalgamations by stealth”, called for Labor to give hospitals clarity on their funding beyond this financial year.

“While Labor focuses on paperwork, patients are left waiting,” she said.

Local health service networks by region:

• BARWON: Barwon Health, Colac Area Health, Great Ocean Road Health, Hesse Rural Health Service

• BAYSIDE: Alfred Health, Bass Coast Health, Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, Gippsland Southern Health Service, Kooweerup Regional

Health Service and Peninsula Health

• EAST METRO and MURRINDINDI: Alexandra District Health, Eastern Health, St Vincent’s Health, Yea and District Memorial Hospital

• GIPPSLAND: Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Central Gippsland Health Service, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Omeo District Health, Orbost Regional Health, South Gippsland Hospital, West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Yarram & District Health Service

• GRAMPIANS: Beaufort & Skipton Health Service, Central Highlands Rural Health, East Grampians Health Service, East Wimmera Health Service, Grampians Health, Marybor-

ough District Health Service, Rural Northwest Health, West Wimmera Health Service

• HUME: Albury Wodonga Health, Alpine Health, Beechworth Health Service, Benalla Health, Corryong Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Kyabram District Health Service, Mansfield District Hospital, NCN Health, Northeast Health Wangaratta, Tallangatta Health Service, Yarrawonga Health

• LODDON MALLEE: Bendigo Health, Boort District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Dhelkaya Health, Echuca Regional Health, Heathcote Health, Inglewood and Districts Health Service, Kerang District Health, Mallee Track Health and Community Service, Mildura Base Public Hospital, Robinvale District Health Services, Rochester & Elmore District Health Service, Swan Hill District Health

• NORTH METRO and MITCHELL: Austin Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, Northern Health, and Seymour Health

• aPARKVILLE: Dental Health Services Victoria, Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellness Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Children’s Hospital, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Royal Women’s Hospital

• SOUTH METRO: Monash Health

• SOUTH WEST: Casterton Memorial Hospital, Heywood Rural Health, Moyne Health Services, Portland District Health, South West Healthcare, Terang and Mortlake Health Service, Timboon and District Healthcare Service, Western District Health Service

• WEST METRO: Werribee Mercy Hospital and Western Health

Affordable swimming lessons keeping children safer

The State Government is helping kids stay safe in and around the water, with affordable swimming lessons kicking off across the state from Monday 6 January.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Education Minister Ben Carroll joined Kathy Parton chief executive officer of Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) at the Werribee Outdoor Pool on Monday to see the first day of the program get started – which is providing affordable lessons for families at more than 170 swimming centres, including Lilydale, Healesville, Belgrave and Monbulk.

“We’re providing this cost-of-living support so kids of all backgrounds can learn how to stay safe at the beach or around the pool,” Ms Allan said.

As part of the program which runs through January, families with kids aged four to 12 will take part in five 30-minute lessons, which run over the course of a week.

Week one is now complete, with week two running from 13 January to 17 January and week three from 20 January to 24 January.

Lessons can be accessed at Belgrave Pool in weeks two and three; Healesville Outdoor Pool in week two; Jack Hort Memorial Pool in Healesville in week three; and Lilydale Outdoor Pool in week two.

“More than 16,800 kids will take part –learning the skills they need to enjoy their summers safely,” Mr Carroll said.

Ordinarily, a single swimming lesson can cost a family up to $25 but thanks to this program the cost for five lessons is just $35 per child – or $7 a lesson – plus booking fees. If eligible, families can also use their Get Active Kids vouchers to reduce the lesson cost to zero.

This summer more than 16,800 Victorian kids will take part in the program – learning the skills and water safety knowledge they need to enjoy their summers by the pool and near the ocean.

Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) chief executive officer Kathy Parton said ARV is pleased to offer the VICSWIM program for its 49th year.

“VICSWIM has become a key part of the social fabric of Victoria’s summer. At a time of increased drownings, VICSWIM offers a low cost Learn to Swim/water safety education program for children aged four to 12 years, in pools, rivers, lakes and beaches across 175 locations in Victoria,” she said.

For the first time, there are 400 extra spots this year for kids with disability and kids from multicultural backgrounds, so they can learn the same skills with the help of specialised teachers.

Lessons for kids with disability will be provided through dedicated programs and kids

from CALD families have the option of signing up for lessons in Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Sunshine, Werribee, Dandenong and more.

VICSWIM’s learn-to-swim program has helped generations of kids to feel confident in and around the water, from foundational swimming skills to water safety education.

The Labor Government has invested more than $917,000 in the program to make sure more kids get their chance to learn water-safety basics.

For more information about the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program visit vicswim.com.au.

This summer more than 16,800 Victorian kids will take part in the VICSWIM program. (Unsplash)

Eastern Health has been place in the East Metro and Murrindindi cluster. (File)

Vallence’s new role

By Mikayla van Loon, with AAP

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence has assumed a new shadow minister position under the helm of newly elected state Liberal Party leader and Berwick MP Brad Battin.

Relinquishing her industry, tertiary education, skills and training, manufacturing and innovation portfolios for shadow minister of finance, trade and investment and opposition business, the announcement came on Tuesday 7 January as Mr Battin appointed his cabinet.

“It’s a privilege to serve our community and Victoria,” Ms Vallence said in a statement on social media.

“Today, I was appointed Shadow Minister for Finance, Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment, and the Manager of Opposition Business, and look forward to delivering in these significant roles under new Liberal Victoria leader Brad Battin MP.”

Croydon MP David Hodgett will continue to hold the position of shadow minister for employment and industrial relations, while taking on Ms Vallence’s former portfolio in manufacturing and innovation.

There were no changes to Eildon MP Cindy McLeish’s shadow minister positions, retaining the crime prevention, prevention of family violence and women portfolios.

It appeared that Mr Battin’s supporters in the deposition of former leader John Pesutto late last year were rewarded with higher ranking positions within his ministry, while others were demoted.

Mr Battin said, however, the moves were not linked to factional allegiances or poor performances.

“Not at all,” he said.

Mr Battin toppled Mr Pesutto after a Federal Court judge found he defamed expelled MP Moira Deeming, who was let back into the Liberal party room after almost two years of internal turmoil.

Mr Battin said his predecessor was offered a job in the shadow cabinet but declined.

“I assure you that when our alternative government is successful … on November 28 (2026) that John Pesutto will be a very strong part of that team,” he said.

Bev McArthur, one of Mr Pesutto’s main detractors, will replace him in the shadow cabinet as opposition spokeswoman for local government and government scrutiny.

Brighton MP James Newbury was handed the prized shadow treasury portfolio at the expense of Brad Rowswell, who will take over the lesser responsibilities of environment, digital transformation and public service innovation.

Ms Vallence will take over from Mr Newbury who had held the position of manager of opposition business in the lower house.

New deputy leader Sam Groth, who quit Mr Pesutto’s shadow cabinet before thrusting his support behind Mr Battin, will add shadow minister of state to his responsibilities.

Former state leader Matthew Guy has been tasked with heading up the new portfolio of “transition to government” before the 2026 state poll.

Evelyn MP says she is ‘privileged’ to serve

By Mikayla van Loon

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence said she felt “privileged to be a part of Brad’s (Battin) team” after accepting a new and highly ranked position within his shadow cabinet.

Stepping into the shadow ministries for finance, trade and investment, Ms Vallence said she was excited to get started and bring her prior experience to the table.

“Before being elected to Parliament, I worked at the senior levels in finance, procurement and business transformation for multinational companies managing expenditure and revenue worth hundreds of millions of dollars across Asia,” she said.

“This experience gave me incredible insight in relation to efficiently managing budgets and delivering commercial outcomes, whilst ensuring quality of services remained high.

“I intend to apply my skills from the private sector to bring Victoria’s finances under control and help create the economic conditions that attract investment, which will result in more jobs for Victorians.”

Ms Vallence said one of her key concerns stepping into the role was the “current vulner-

ability of Victoria’s economy” which has seen a “1.2 per cent per capita” fall in gross state product in the past year, making it “the worst of any State, apart from Western Australia”.

“The Labor Government’s response has been to increase taxes like land tax, or introduce new taxes like the Short Stay holiday tax and the new Emergency Services levy, which will see Victorians paying an additional $2 billion in tax,” she said.

The new Emergency Services levy was welcomed by emergency workers, especially those in the SES, who have been calling for an increase in the levy since May 2024.

Households will be charged an estimated $60 extra a year - or $1.20 a week - to support all of the state services, including FRV, the CFA, Vic SES, Triple Zero Victoria, the State Control Centre and Emergency Recovery Victoria.

Ms Vallence said, however, in her view this was “not for new fire trucks but to plug holes in the deteriorating budget” - with Victoria expected to reach a net debt of $155.2 billion by July as reported by AAP.

As one of a number of appointments and reshuffles under new Victorian Liberal Party leader Brad Battin, Ms Vallence said she feels

like the team is “strong and united”, with all positions filled on merit.

“There are so many people from various backgrounds including small business, law enforcement, health, agriculture and teaching. All these lived experiences will be instrumental in putting policies in place that Victorians need to turn our economy around,” Ms Vallence said.

As a local member, Ms Vallence said her priorities for her electorate in 2025 would be the “decay of our roads” most notably the three major arterials, the Maroondah, Warburton and Melba Highways that are “plagued with potholes and degraded surfaces”.

“This not only makes travelling unsafe, but is also causing damage to cars and commercial transport vehicles.”

The Killara Road and Maroondah Highway upgrade in Coldstream, safety on Warburton Highway in Seville East, and the Hull and Mooroolbark Roads intersection, Ms Vallence said, would also remain high on the agenda.

She also said affordable housing and crisis accommodation, health and mental health services access, local emergency services support and stronger laws to protect war memorials would make up the rest of her local focus.

IN BRIEF

Operation Snookered success

Saturday 11 January was a busy night for the Knox and Yarra Ranges highway patrol officers who conducted four booze bus operations in the Knox area as part of Operation Snookered.

While the majority of road users complied with traffic laws, several violations were uncovered.

A total of 14 drink drivers and one drug driver were apprehended, while two vehicles were impounded and several other traffic offences were detected.

Police stated on social media that anyone convicted of drink or drug-driving offences will face a mandatory licence suspension. Additionally, those found guilty of drink-driving will be required to install an alcohol interlock device upon licence restoration.

Operation Snookered is an ongoing initiative aimed at targeting impaired driving across the Knox, Maroondah, and Yarra Ranges areas.

The operation, which has been running monthly, has so far resulted in 35 drink drivers, 9 drug drivers, numerous other traffic offences, and the impoundment of 9 vehicles.

It will continue in addition to regular highway patrol operations.

Police authorities have issued a clear warning to all drivers social media, if you drink or take drugs and drive, you will be caught.

Lightning strike

A household in Montrose saw the unlikely occurrence of lightning striking a tree, splitting it in half on Sunday 12 January.

With the thunderstorm rolling over most of Melbourne, bringing with it heavy rain, thunder and lightning, this tree was a lone victim in the area.

Lilydale SES’s crew was on scene to help assess any damage to the house after bits of tree went flying everywhere. Luckily no one was hurt. This serves as a good reminder not to seek shelter under trees in a thunderstorm.

Dry lightning fires around the Yarra Ranges were also reported across Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 January.

A tree in Montrose was split into multiple pieces after being hit by lightning.

(Lilydale SES)

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence was appointed shadow minister of finance, trade and investment and opposition business under Brad Battin’s leadership. (AAP Image/Diego Fedele)

Port Phillip fire risk down

By Callum Ludwig

Victoria’s Bushfire Risk Management Report for 2023-2024 was released in mid-December last year, sharing the efforts that went into fire management for the year and where fuel loads sit this summer.

Fire risk in the Port Phillip region which includes the Yarra Ranges, Cardinia, Knox and Maroondah LGAs, along with most of metropolitan Melbourne has reduced from the previous year but still remains above the target.

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic)

Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said climate change is contributing to increasing levels of bushfire risk, following the La Niña conditions of recent years, conditions are now more favourable for planned burning.

“Over the past year we have taken advantage of better conditions and reduced fuel-driven bushfire risk across more than 138,000 hectares of public land through planned burns and mechanical fuel treatments statewide fuel-driven bushfire risk below target,” he said.

“We reduce bushfire risk in many ways – from preventing new ignitions through fire bans and campfire controls, early detection of bushfires from our fire towers and reconnaissance flights, aggressive first attack by aircraft, rappel firefighters and ground crews to keep bushfires small.”

Fuel-driven fire risk, previously referred to as ‘residual fire risk’, is the amount of bushfire risk that remains after bushfires and fire management activities, such as planned burns, have taken place. 100 per cent would represent the maximum risk, where the build-up of fuel loads wasn’t reduced by any planned burns or major fires.

A target of at or below 85 per cent of maximum levels has been set for Port Phillip, up from the 80 per cent target set in 2015 until the boundary was redrawn in 2019.

Currently, Port Phillip’s fuel-driven fire risk is at 87 per cent, with forest fuel loads in outer Metropolitan Melbourne, which stretches out to townships like Lilydale, Wandin, Silvan and Belgrave at 92 per cent and the Yarra District, which includes high-fire risk townships like Yarra Glen, Warburton, Emerald and Gembrook at 86 per cent.

These figures have reduced from 89 per cent, 95 per cent and 88 per cent respectively but still remain above the 85 per cent target. The 85 per cent target has previously been criticised, namely by the late professor Kevin Tolhurst who helped develop the computer model which calculates fuel-driven bushfire risk, to being equivalent to accepting a similar level of bushfire impact as was seen on Black Saturday.

The wet forests to the north and east of Melbourne such as the Yarra Ranges create the major-

ity of the Port Phillip region’s fuel-driven bushfire risk, and are difficult for conducting large-scale planned burning due to often being too damp, though drier conditions last year helped. Nonburn fuel treatments such as slashing and mowing are also utilised in areas like this. FFMVic also

ramps up their response in areas where the risk remains above target, such as by prepositioning aircraft in the area on days of elevated fire danger.

Previous and ongoing litigation against the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate

Action (DEECA), which manages FFMVic, does continue to restrict bushfire risk reduction works though the ongoing litigation DEECA is defending itself against relating to certain works in the Central Highlands, to date has not had direct impacts on bushfire risk management operations.

Funding for emergency services has finally expanded

By Callum Ludwig

Christmas came early for the hard-working emergency services volunteers in the community with the announcement of a raft of funding changes

Announced on 13 December, the Victorian Government’s funding boost and revamp aims to improve access to new trucks, equipment and technology for CFA and SES crews, particularly the latter after a long campaign from volunteers.

Upper Yarra SES Unit Controller Hannah Brunton spoke to the Star Mail in May 2024 when SES volunteers came together for a convoy over the Bolte Bridge and said she was really overwhelmed and so so proud when she heard of the announcement.

“So many volunteers have spent so many hours lobbying for these changes and to see all of their hard work, finally pay off was incredible,” she said.

“Not only because of the hard work of the volunteers that were pushing for change but also for all of the volunteers around the state who do so much for the service and our communities; whether it’s jumping on a chainsaw, extracting patients from vehicles, preparing BAS lodgments or undertaking school visits - it is great to finally see recognition for these efforts,”

“To no longer be seen as the ‘poor cousin’ of the emergency services, with increases to the funding we need and deserve, we are closer to

being seen as equal.”

The cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, equipment maintenance, equipment replacement, consumable items and utilities are all expenses SES units either have to pay for or apply for grants to cover.

Ms Brunton said this is a huge burden off their shoulders.

“SES Units operate like individual businesses, we have expenses and overheads and this funding will help to reduce some of the strain that unit management teams and our volunteers experience,” she said.

“Currently, to combat the strain of so many expenses, we fundraise, which not only takes money from the communities pockets but also time off our hands, this change to funding will mean more time to actually benefit the community we are here to serve.”

The Victorian Government is set to spend $70 million establishing a rolling fleet replacement program for both VICSES and CFA, double the annual Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) to more than $62 million of grants available, invest $53 million to modernise the VicEmergency app and the emergency services’ central database EM-COP, $30 million into training and uupskill programs for VICSES and replacing the Fire Services Property Levy with a new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) which will support VICSES, Triple Zero Victoria, the State Control Centre,

Emergency Management Victoria, Emergency Recovery Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria, in addition to the CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria.

Ms Brunton said all of it is such a huge relief and will benefit the whole state in more ways than she can count.

“The increase to VESEP will be a huge help, currently only a small percentage of applications are approved and missing out on a VESEP grant has all sorts of implications at a unit level which just causes more unnecessary pressure on our volunteers,” she said.

“It (the campaign for sustainable funding) has been fantastic, the convoy and other campaign work being undertaken by our volunteers have really opened the eyes of people across the state, not just regarding our funding shortfalls but also more broadly who we are and what we do,”

“This whole campaign has been such a positive movement and everyone who has been involved should be so proud of what has been achieved.”

Active CFA and VICSES volunteers and life members will be eligible for an exemption from paying the ESVF on their primary place of residence such as a house or farm, and as the Fire Services Property Levy did before it, the ESVF will be collected by councils and appear on rates notices.

SES volunteers conducting a convoy over the Bolte Bridge in May 2024. (File)

Fuel-driven bushfire risk has reduced in the Port Phillip region, but remains above the 85 per cent target. (File)

Stability plan

Just prior to Christmas on 20 December 2024, Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio released the Government’s response to the Network Outage review, supporting all 19 recommendations in full, in part, or in principle with a view to supporting a resilient electricity distribution network that is more responsive to energy outages and puts Victorian homes and businesses at the heart of emergency responses.

The Government initiated the independent Network Outage Review following the February 13 storm event, which caused widespread damage to around 12,000 kilometres of powerlines lines, and left over 531,000 customers off power supply at its peak.

“We’re making sure privately-owned power companies put Victorians first when responding to storm events and make reconnecting Victorians to power supply their priority,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“These changes make sure privately-owned power companies are ready to respond, involving them in emergency planning early and ensuring they have enough resources in the right places to undertake emergency repairs.”

Implementing these recommendations aims to ensure Victoria’s privately-owned electricity transmission and distribution businesses are better equipped to prevent, prepare for, and respond to severe weather events.

‘We’ve gone to communities, we’ve listened to them, and we’ve built a plan to drive better outcomes for Victorians to ensure the resilience of our transmission network and power is restored as quickly as possible after storm events,” Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino said.

The Review was led by an Independent Expert Panel, which met with affected communities and ensured that the electricity businesses heard firsthand the experiences of those impacted.

In response to the review, the Government will strengthen oversight and accountability of electricity businesses, by requiring them report

on their emergency risk management practices annually, including emergency resources, systems, processes and arrangements with contractors to do repair works.

The Government will help Victorians impacted by prolonged outages get access to emergency funds sooner – the Extended Loss of Supply Support Payment Scheme (ELOSS Payment) will require distribution businesses to financially support customers during prolonged power outages after 72 hours.

The final design of this scheme and payment amounts will be subject to consultation.

The Government will also formalise resource sharing arrangements between all network businesses to ensure they have the right staff in the right place for a quick response to outages and reduce restoration times for customers.

Distribution businesses will also have to participate in Regional Emergency Management Planning Committees and participate emergency exercises to test implementation of these recommendations from the 13 February event.

For more information go to energy.vic.gov.au/ about-energy/safety/network-outage-review.

Power checks from above

AusNet helicopters will be seen flying overhead through the Yarra Ranges later this month as the electricity provider monitors and checks its network for faults.

The aerial inspections will take place from Monday 20 to Friday 24 January in Hurstbridge, Eltham, Woori Yallock, Launching Place, Millgrove, East Warburton, McMahons Creek, Coldstream, Yarra Glen, Healesville, Dixon Creek, Yarra Glen, Tarrawarra, Yering and Wandin.

“AusNet carries out inspections throughout the year to help identify, monitor and repair wear and tear on powerlines and poles,” AusNet media manager Nicci de Ryk said.

“These routine aerial inspections help to support a reliable and safe electricity supply

for communities across our network.”

Residents in these townships can expect to see and hear the low-flying helicopters through business hours on these dedicated days should the weather allow.

Each year the Aerial Operations Program inspects around 40,000 poles on AusNet’s electricity network from the air.

The specialised helicopters and crew thoroughly inspect overhead powerlines and poles, covering large scale areas in a reduced timeframe.

Where possible, given the potential disturbance to livestock because of the noise emanated from helicopters, pilots will attempt to divert their course and minimise the risk.

Specialised pilots and crews inspect the power network from above. (Supplied)

The Victorian Government has accepted recommendations aiming to improve network stability during storms. (File)

Urgent call for blood gift

Lifeblood has issued an urgent call for blood donors this week after a record number of planned blood donations were cancelled last week, putting pressure on blood supplies.

More than 6500 people cancelled their donation appointments last week – the highest number of New Year week cancellations in three years. A further 14,000 people either rescheduled or did not attend their appointment.

The donation drop-off at one of the most critical times of year means an extra 12,000 people are now urgently needed to book a donation this week to replenish low blood stocks. This includes the need for 5600 people to donate in Victoria, the most of any state in the country.

Lifeblood Executive Director Donor Experience Cath Stone urged people to book a donation.

“We know the festive season is a busy time of year, and everyone looks forward to a well-earned break, but the need for blood has not stopped,” Cath said.

“Every day, we are issuing more than 9,500 blood and plasma transfusions and medications to Australian hospitals.

“There are still cancer patients, road trauma victims, new mums and newborn babies, and people with immune deficiencies that are relying on the generosity of blood donors.

“Now that the holiday season has come to an end and people are returning to their normal routines, we’re hoping more people will find an hour in their schedule to save lives.”

The urgent need for more donations comes despite a record 1.66 million donations being given in 2024, an increase of almost 30,000 donations compared to 2023.

“Demand for blood and plasma continues to increase at record levels. More donations are needed than ever before, largely due to a growing and aging population,” Cath said.

“To keep up with that demand, we need an extra 100,000 people to find their reason to make a

blood donation in 2025.

“It could be because someone you know has cancer or because you need a new year’s resolution. It could be because it makes you feel good, or it might even be because of the party pies.

“For every reason to become a donor, there’s an even bigger reason. Life. So please book your donation today.”

With the nation’s blood supply levels now available to view in real-time online, knowing when blood is needed is now easier than ever.

The Ringwood Donor Centre is the main location for the outer east, situated at U4, 38 Charter Street in Ringwood and can accommodate all donation types. There is also a donor centre in Mount Waverley.

A pop-up donor centre is currently being run in Eltham at the Community and Reception Centre located at 801 Main Road, Eltham. It will be available for blood donations only until Friday 17 January.

Upwey will see a pop-up donor centre come

to the Upwey Community Hall at 1443 Burwood Highway between Monday 24 February to Saturday 1 March, with bookings now available for blood donations.

A Lilydale pop-up donor centre will follow between Monday 10 March to Friday 21 March at the Lilydale Baptist Church on Hull Road.

To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App.

12,000 blood donations are urgently needed around the country this week, including 5600 in Victoria alone. (Lifeblood)

Violi pledges federal funds

By Mikayla van Loon

Riddled with a decaying roof, water leakages and inadequate storage and facilities, Mooroolbark’s sporting clubs who call the Heights Reserve home have welcomed an early federal election pledge.

As the election looms, Liberal Casey MP Aaron Violi has made an early campaign pledge to award Mooroolbark Heights Reserve $4 million to upgrade the pavilion if the Coalition regains power.

This announcement, which came on Sunday 15 December, was well received by both the cricket and football clubs who have been using their own funds over the years to keep the building functional.

Mooroolbark Cricket Club co-president Briony Polkinghorne told Star Mail that from the exterior the club rooms may not look that run down but behind closed doors major problems are starting to appear.

The interior of the former toilet facilities, which were moved and funded by the clubs to provide male and female bathrooms, were demoed on Thursday 9 January in hopes of repurposing the room.

“They’ve gutted it today, and they’re going to put some plaster up and do it up a little bit, just so they can use it as a coaches office but again, we’re doing that, so then that seems to push us down the list (of importance),” Ms Polkinghorne said.

The room, however, is laden with gaping holes in the ceiling, exposed to the elements causing water damage and mould growth.

A similar thing is starting to occur in the current gymnasium, with water leaks damaging the roof.

Ms Polkinghorne said the changing rooms are becoming an issue too, not only with carpet that is lifting but the size is no longer adequate, especially with the growth in female participants.

“The change rooms, they are horrible. Our opposition will get changed outside before they get changed in there because they’re small and dirty,” she said.

Despite the cricket club not having “as many challenges on game day as the football club” coordinating the usage of the change rooms, Ms

Polkinghorne said with umpires, players and the opposition, it can be a logistical nightmare, even with the help of portable rooms.

Having seen incredible growth in the cricket club especially, Ms Polkinghorne said it has brought with it a beautiful family atmosphere to training nights and playing days.

“We’ve gone from four senior men’s teams this year to five, plus we’ve got two two senior ladies teams and we’ve got nine junior teams. So we’re growing but where do you stop,” she said.

“The Cricket Club used to do dinner (on a Thursday) and they used to get maybe 30 people. Since the introduction of the women’s team, it’s now like 60 to 80 because the boys bring their partners. So it’s not just the on field women it’s created a family atmosphere across the whole club.”

With a self-funded extension of the club rooms some years ago, Ms Polkinghorne said that has helped cater to the growth both sporting clubs are seeing but it’s still not enough.

“Because of the growth within both clubs, on the social side of things, for dinners and whatnot, it’s starting to become inadequate.

“And then for retention and recruitment of players in football and cricket, we’ve probably got, I believe, one of the best grounds in the council but you drive in and our facilities look pretty ordinary compared to some other clubs.”

With surrounding and competing clubs like Kilsyth, Mount Evelyn and Chirnside Park all boasting new facilities, Ms Polkinhorne said recruitment is not an even playing field.

“When you’re going into recruitment, it might sound materialistic, but the facilities play a part.”

The vision would be to build something similar to that of Kilsyth, catering to the change room needs, expanding the bar, kitchen, club room and storage facilities, and hopefully adding in the “nice to haves” like a fitted out gymnasium and icebath facility.

Ms Polkinghorne said it would also be nice to relocate the building slightly to make the car park

more easily accessible and at the entrance to the building, as well as improving lighting for safety.

The clubs have also offered to make Mooroolbark Heights Reserve an emergency hub as one of the furthest grounds from the Dandenong Ranges and to cater to the broader community.

This is not the first time Mr Violi has pledged an amount to upgrade the Mooroolbark pavilion, having in last election promised $2.5 million if the Liberal’s were successful.

Since then Mr Violi said he had received over 2200 signatures on his petition to upgrade the pavilion.

“Currently at Mooroolbark, the change rooms are inadequate for the Mooroolbark Cricket Club, Mooroolbark Football Club and Mooroolbark Junior Football Club’s growing men’s and women’s teams. The facilities are outdated, overcrowded and lack the social space for our local clubs and community to enjoy,” he said.

“Mooroolbark clubs have seen exciting growth in women’s sport, but their facilities are holding them back.

“I am proud that an elected Liberal Government will commit $4 million towards an upgraded pavilion at Mooroolbark Heights to support women’s participation and allow all locals to continue enjoying the benefits of sport.”

The Coalition would have to be successful in the election, which is expected to be called before the end of May, for this funding to be granted.

‘Alarming’ move by Meta raises misinformation fears

By Kat Wong, AAP

Australians are being warned they could be exposed to a tsunami of misinformation with Meta’s plans to abandon independent factchecking services.

The social media giant’s decision to end its third-party fact-checking services on Facebook and Instagram in the US has sparked concerns from Australian politicians and the media union over potential impacts on local institutions.

Fact-checking and site moderation have been crucial for social media accountability, Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance federal media president Karen Percy said.

She warned to expect “a tsunami” of unchecked and unverified information.

“The news Meta will no longer fund such checks and balances is alarming and irresponsible,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“If (Meta chief executive) Mark Zuckerberg’s plan is allowed to go ahead, it will make the jobs of legitimate news providers all the harder and further undermine what is left of Australia’s media industry.

“The social media companies must uphold, not undermine, democratic principles and values.”

The federal government has attempted to mitigate misinformation and disinformation by investing in news services such as the Australian Associated Press (AAP) - which runs a fact-checking service - and public broadcasters ABC and SBS, and encouraging Australians to get their news from trusted sources.

But misinformation has only continued to grow as a federal election looms, breeding worries about Meta’s latest move.

“It’s very concerning,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers told ABC on Thursday.

“Misinformation and disinformation is very dangerous; we’ve seen it explode in the last few years and it’s a very damaging development for our democracy.”

The government has previously attempted to crack down on the issue with misinformation legislation that would have given the communications watchdog powers to regulate content on digital platforms and put social media compa-

nies on notice.

However, the bill fell by the wayside at the end of 2024 due to free speech concerns and criticism it would not adequately address the spread of deliberate lies.

Meta’s fact-checking program in the US will be replaced by a model used by X in which users add context or information to posts they deem misleading.

The social media company’s contract with AAP FactCheck has not yet been impacted by the US decision and the service said its work will continue in 2025.

“Independent fact-checkers are a vital safeguard against the spread of harmful misinformation and disinformation that threatens to undermine free democratic debate in Australia and aims to manipulate public opinion,” chief executive Lisa Davies said.

Meta has claimed fact-checkers are prone to bias and “a program intended to inform too often became a tool to censor”.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young says the Meta decision will create a trolling and misin-

formation “free-for-all” and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese argues tech companies “have a social responsibility” to the Australian public.

Stephen Scheeler, former Facebook chief executive for Australia and New Zealand, said the move was “a step backwards for social media overall” but noted local sentiment towards factchecking differed from the US perspective, due in part to the re-election of Donald Trump.

“The political winds have now changed,” he told the ABC.

“The idea of having third parties moderate that content is not fashionable in Washington, it’s not fashionable with Donald Trump.

“Mark Zuckerberg wants to get back in Donald Trump’s good books.”

It is not yet clear when Meta’s changes will roll out and there are concerns they could impact the upcoming federal election.

But Australia’s relatively short election cycles could dampen the impact of potentially harmful information.

“The less time misinformation has to flow, the less impact it can have,” Mr Scheeler said.

The bar cannot cater for more than two people behind it, making it challenging to host larger events. (453121)

Access to the main car park requires cars to drive behind the building which has only one lane. (453121)

Casey MP Aaron Violi met with Mooroolbark Cricket Club’s senior women’s side. (Supplied)

Portable facilities were brought in at the request of the football and cricket clubs to provide more change rooms. (453121)

The Mooroolbark Heights Reserve pavilion has become the first election pledge location. (Mikayla van Loon: 453124)

John Anker is honoured

By Callum Ludwig

Nearly 600 mourners gathered to remember a pillar of the Yarra Valley community on Thursday 9 January.

John William Anker, owner of Wandin Park Estate and a familiar face in a number of community groups and the equestrian scene, died on Boxing Day 2024.

Hosted in the new Grand Marquee at Wandin Park Estate by Tobin Brothers Funerals of which Tom Tobin was John’s nephew, the hundreds in attendance came to celebrate John’s life and show their love and support to his wife Angela, children Emily, Sarah-Jane, Rebecca and William and extended family and friends.

John’s son William, who he worked closely with on Wandin Park Estate up until his death, said the family were truly blown away by the turnout.

“I had no idea and I don’t think Dad ever would have had any idea how many people, my cousin Tom Tobin, the organisers, thought they had nearly 600 or at least they think close to,” he said.

“Even for me, it’s been quite an eye-opener to realise how much Dad played a role in people’s lives, I guess it shows even with the turnout we had, it’s been huge and the community, Dad was involved in a lot of the community in the earlier days and I remember us as kids almost got a bit frustrated with it,”

“He was always off doing other things, rather than doing things at home, and trying to help the wider community, that slowed down as he got a bit older and got a bit more tired and probably been there and done it.”

As well as meticulously upgrading and maintaining what would become the riding academy, wedding venue and function centre Wandin Park Estate, mostly with his own two hands, John was heavily involved in other community groups and initiatives throughout his life such as the WandinSilvan Field Days event, Seville Pony Club, The Wandin-Seville Uniting Church, Mt Evelyn Lions Club, the construction of the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, the Australian Horse Riding Centres (AHRC) Victorian Committee and the Equestrian Victorian eventing committee.

Born in the old Lilydale Bush Nursing Hospital, John grew up in the Yarra Valley, attending Wandin Yallock Primary School and Lilydale High School and playing footy at the Wandin Football Netball Club.

He left school early to help his father on the farm due to his health concerns and met the love of his life Angela at 16, a girl from Kew who told her mum she’d marry a farmer one day after she started regularly visiting a friend who lived in the Yarra Valley. John and Angela met at Young Farmers, and it would be four years before they were wed in August 1973, John in a crushed velvet suit fitting his eclectic taste in formal attire.

John farmed sheep and cattle while Angela worked as a teacher, while also teaching riding lessons in the afternoons. Angela loved teaching riding lessons so much that she asked John if she could pursue it further, and the Wandin Riding Academy was born in 1981, which would go on to become one of the largest in Victoria and even become the location of the outdoor scenes in the first series of children’s television show The Saddle Club.

All three of John’s daughters would take an interest in riding horse too, leaving John and William to drop them at competitions and spend days visiting local Field Days to look at machinery, swimming in local rivers and visiting old friends of John’s he’d made along the way.

At age 39, John was given the devastating news that he had been diagnosed with leukemia and was given only months to live. So began five long years of John’s ‘three-week cycle’; one week in the hospital undergoing chemotherapy, one week at home recovering from the treatment and one week ‘making memories’ with his children, whether that be on the slopes of Mount Buller or beach camping in Wonthaggi.

John kept surviving and eventually, medical research had developed enough to the point his sister Helen could provide John with a bone marrow transplant which would help him live over 30 years more.

John oversaw the continued growth of Wandin Park Estate throughout his life; It would host the Wandin Park Horse Trials and previously the Australian Open Championships and the Trans Tasman event, with some of the world’s best riders passing through.

The property hosted its first wedding over 30 years ago and now hosts over 50 weddings a year

In 2001 at Wlliam’s behest, Yarra Valley Hay was formed with 45 machines now involved in its ventures.

John even had a hand in the Grand Marquee, which hosted the memorial, which was created for William’s wedding two years ago.

William said his Dad was a pretty amazing man, some called him a miracle man through his

health battles, but he was just a normal person who wnated to fight to stay alive too.

“I’m 38 now, I turn 39 in March and it scares me, I’m not saying I’m gonna catch leukemia, but it shows you realise now that I’ve hit Dad’s age of when he was sick,” he said.

“It’s amazing what Dad did actually do and how we fought, obviously I was young growing up with it but to see that he was able to fight it, beat it and then live another whole life on top of that was an amazing tribute to him, especially given

all that he did in those years.”

John died peacefully surrounded by family at St Vincent’s Private Hospital and was laid to rest alongside his mother Ruby, father Roy and brother Colin, who died aged just four years old, in the old Lilydale Lawn Cemetery.

Anyone who wants to show support to the family has been encouraged to make a donation to the Leukaemia Foundation in honour of John’s memory: donate.leukaemia.org.au/donate

Hundreds of mourners at the service. (Rob Carew: 452861)

A memorial was held at John’s pride and joy, Wandin Park Estate. (Rob Carew: 452861)

John Anker, owner of Wandin Park Estate, died on Boxing Day. (Supplied)

Forever a farmer. (Supplied)

NEWS Eastern 80 eyes a target

By Callum Ludwig

The Eastern 80 charity bike ride is coming up again in 2025, with this year marking a special milestone for the fundraiser.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the event and will hopefully also take it to a total of $100,000 raised since its inception.

Founder of the Eastern 80 Norm Orr said he’s pretty confident they can hit the $100,000 mark.

“We are pretty excited because I’ve gone through the figures from each year and you know, we’re very confident that we only need just over $8000,” he said.

“We’re going to start getting into it over the next week or so, I’m going to approach a lot of businesses about putting in teams and hopefully we can do that,”

“We want to bust over that $100,000 mark, not just reach it.”

This year’s event will take place on Saturday 15 February, setting off at 7.30am and starting as usual from the Warburton COG Cafe & Bike Shop at 42 Station Road, Warburton.

Mr Orr said they are still looking for any ambassadors for this year’s event who would like to share their experience with the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“We appeal to anybody that would like to promote their story and just try to get it out there where the hospital have saved their lives or certainly made their lives a lot better,” he said.

“We are hoping to get in touch with a team from last year, I think they were from Belgrave for somewhere, they’d been at the caravan park in Warby a little before that and one of their young fellows, Cooper I think his name was, he was suffering he’d been in hospital and was still suffering from leukemia and I think he was about 13 years old, so the team was there representing him,”

“We’re trying to track him down, one of the girls has sent an email to a contact because we spoke to them and we never got a contact because we thought we would’ve last year, but it didn’t happen.”

Ambassadors each year have consisted of families who have had children who have been helped or were currently being helped by the Royal Children’s Hospital as well as those who have grown up years after receiving important care from the hospital.

Mr Orr said they have reached out to resurrect teams of participants from previous years and are also encouraging new participants, particularly in the Warburton community, to join the regular riders and walkers.

“I’ve sent off a message this morning to one of our good friends who was an ambassador, young Ian Burrows the AFL umpire, to see if we can resurrect his team, we used to get about 15 umpires once but with the commitments that they have, they’ve dropped off a bit with but we’re hoping with things like that we can get teams back into it,” he said.

“The only disappointing thing in 10 years is we’d like more Warby people to really get behind us and join up, because our clientele for want of better word, has pretty much been the same all the time, we’ve had a lot of people that come back each year, and if they don’t come back, they get somebody else to take their place,” he said.

“I would encourage anybody that has never come along, they’ve got the three options as in the 50km ride, the 80km ride or the 9km walk to Millgrove and back, and if they’ve had any involvement with the hospital which most people have in some way, they can show their appreciation for the work the hospital does and has done for their own children.”

The classic Hawaiian-themed Eastern 80 shirts are making a return, available for purchase for $35 of which $10 will go to the Good Friday Appeal.

To register for the 2025 Eastern 80, visit trybooking.com/events/landing/1262869.

The 10th anniversary of the Eastern 80 charity bike ride is coming up in February. (File)

The Orr family are gearing up for the 2025 Eastern 80. (Supplied)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Outdoor exhibition arrives

By Mikayla van Loon

Art has been sprucing up some of Victoria’s most loved piers throughout summer for the last four years in a public art display taking hold of beachside towns.

This emerging tradition has now reached the Yarra Valley with the first ever winery installation on display in the grounds of Chateau Yering.

The collection of works from mostly Victorian artists and a selection from those around Australia brings an array of style, technique and materials in an accessible garden setting.

Founder and curator of what is now known as Art on the Pier, originally the Queenscliff Art Prize, Chris Macleod said it began as a way to bring some life and colour to the Queenscliff Pier.

It then expanded to South Melbourne and Rosebud piers, with a guest location each year which is how it came to Yering.

“It’s become a bit of, I think, a much loved event in those places. They sit so perfectly on the piers because the railing is there, and you just attach them,” MacLeod said.

“And a nice thing about having them on the piers is that when you look down the pier because of the angle the art is on, you almost can’t see it, so it has a very low visual impact for the environment.

“But as you walk down the pier, there’s one there and there’s one there. So it goes very well.”

From 1960s beach-scapes to abstract works and photography, the array of artworks lend themselves to colour and texture, despite being inspired by all landscapes from the Gulf of Carpentaria, Cairns, Perth, Orange, Daylesford and Anglesea.

The way the exhibition works is artists submit a high-resolution digital image of their original artwork, which MacLeod then places on quality canvas with the artist’s name, the location of the exhibit and the title of the work.

MacLeod then covers the work in a clear sheeting to enable it to withstand the elements of both sea and valley.

Some artists submit multiple works and many have returned each year to present their work.

“I often get photographs on the pier of the artist who has come down with their family,” MacLeod said.

“They’re just so happy. They get a chance to

see their work exhibited in a unique setting.”

MacLeod said receiving messages of thanks and appreciation, as well as the photos and stories of artists visiting the piers, makes it so worthwhile.

“(Artist) Stephen Richards, he had his work on the South Melbourne pier, and he took public transport from Broadmeadows eight times to visit the exhibition. They just love it,” he said.

“And understandably, there’s a great sense of pride to go, ‘Hey, that’s my work’. And I know he sold quite a number of the original and a number of commissions from the exhibit.”

Trialling the exhibition at Chateau Yering, MacLeod said he also has one planned for Oakdene

Winery in Wallington.

“From the winery’s point of view, they quite rightly think it’s a nice attraction. You attract more people to come and eat and drink and enjoy the outdoor exhibition. From the artist’s point of view, they get to enjoy the extra eyeballs and exposure.”

There’s currently around 80 artworks on display at Chateau Yering, spaced evenly throughout the beautiful landscaped gardens.

“They’re outside and somewhere that attracts large numbers of people and each one can enjoy the glory as much as the next,” MacLeod said.

The works will be positioned in the gardens until 30 June, with the works on display in Queen-

scliff until 30 April.

Rosebud Pier will see the works pop up on 1 February and be installed until 30 May, while South Melbourne Pier will launch on 15 May and be on display until 30 September.

“It’s over 24 hours. It’s free. It attracts a good demographic, the people come and then they come back again and take photographs of it.

“Especially at the piers, the ever changing natural environment, every time you go there, it’s different which is nice.”

To view more about the featured artists or to inquire about submitting for next year, go to queenscliffartprize.com.au

Under a summer sun: music fest heads to Rochford

By Mikayla van Loon

There’s nothing quite like seeing iconic Australian music artists perform under an open sky in summer especially when it’s for a good cause.

Summer Fun Fest, boasting a lineup of Jon Stevens, Daryl Braithwaite, Kate Ceberano, The Black Sorrows, Killing Heidi, and Chocolate Starfish, is heading to Coldstream’s Rochford Wines on Sunday 16 February.

Presented by not-for-profit Fun in the Sun, this festival is an inaugural music event for the charity which has a vision to help alleviate stress and improve mental health by offering children, young people and families access to opportunities and experiences they wouldn’t normally have the chance to enjoy.

“Our intention is to level the playing field for young disadvantaged people wanting to work in the arts, a postcode should not determine who has the opportunity to have extra curriculum activities in the arts,” Fun in the Sun founder and chief executive officer Mary Toniolo said.

“The arts is a very important area, and we believe that if we support, encourage and mentor children and young people, we can help give them a pathway for their future.

“We’re excited to help discover the next Beethoven, Picasso or even Kylie! Let’s support the next generation of artistic talent.”

When asked to be part of the festival Daryl Braithwaite said he couldn’t turn down an opportunity to perform at Rochford nor to support such a worthy cause, all while getting to do so with friends.

“I love playing out there at Rochford. It’s really one of those places that stick in your

mind,” he said.

“It’s outdoors, and the previous shows I’ve done out there over the years have been fantastic and well attended. It’s just good for the people, as well as for the acts performing.”

As a young man who grew up having access to the arts and music, Braithwaite said to be able to share that possibility with other young people is probably what encouraged all the artists on the lineup to say ‘yes’.

“You like to help out when you can, to give back and with Mary’s good intent, it seemed like a really good idea. Hopefully it’ll succeed and we’ll be able to help young people that are disadvantaged,” he said.

The now 75-year-old said he’s so grateful he made the choice in 1969 to leave his fitting and turning apprenticeship to join a band, despite his father’s dismay, because it gave him a career in music which now sees people sing his songs back to him.

“You don’t take it for granted. The fact that one summer they sing The Horses, they sing As the Days Go By and they sing, Howzat, which goes back to another time.

“It makes you realise that you’re fortunate you went to the left or the right, which for me was in 1969 or 1970 when I said, ‘I’ve left the fitting and turning and I’m joining this band’.”

As the lead singer of Sherbet and in his own solo career, Braithwaite saw all sides of the music industry but said it has changed a lot since the “carefree” ‘70s.

“Younger acts, they’ve got more of a challenge now than what we ever had. It’s so hard. It seems like so many people are doing it, and with technology the way it is, that sometimes gets in

the way but it also can help.

“The choices they’ve got now, it’s just incredible.”

That doesn’t stop him from encouraging young artists to push through and continue chasing that dream.

“When I see young bands or young artists especially in the music field, I try to encourage them that if they really love it and are passionate about it then give it a go,” he said.

“It can be rewarding in many ways. It’s satisfying to them when they can see achievements from week to week or whatever, and they have setbacks and all that but the setbacks are the things that really motivate you to get back up off the ground and give it another go.

“If you take up the challenge of doing artistic stuff, if it’s singing or it may be theater or whatever, it really is a great ride.”

Still invigorated by a live audience and performing, Braithwaite said he loves the “appreciation of an audience” but he also finds joy in seeing a true talent on stage from within the crowd.

“There’s nothing better than looking up on stage and seeing someone play, sing, or whatever they do, and they do it effortlessly,” he said.

“And when people just go, ‘Oh my God, how good is that?’ and it doesn’t look like they’re doing anything at all, but it just sounds like or there’s something they’re emitting from their body, which just captivates people.”

To enjoy a day of live music, while supporting young people in their dreams of entering the arts world, or to find out more information, go to rochfordwines.com.au/summer-fun-fest

Art on the Pier founder and curator Chris MacLeod brought a selection of 80 artworks to Chateau Yering for a special display. (Rob Carew: 452577)

Each artwork is unique, like this one from Tams called Starseed Soul. (452577)

From iconic landmarks to colourful coffee cups, the outdoor exhibition has it all. (452577)

Musician Daryl Braithwaite is supporting Fun in the Sun’s charity event Summer Fun Fest by joining the lineup at Rochford. (Supplied)

PLACES TO GO - THINGS TO DO

Go wild and visit the zoo

On a stunning 12 ha property with sweeping views to Mt Buller and beyond is a very special place where Dr Doolittle dreams of talking to the animals regularly come true.

A fabulous day out for the whole family, and one of the best kept secrets of Victoria’s High Country, the Mansfield Zoo is home to all kinds of Australian and exotic animals.

Once inside the gates, discover a surprising and magical place where kids can interact with and hand feed a large variety of animals like the kangaroos and deer and guinea pigs that roam freely.

The zoo is also home to a colony of Meerkats as well as Marmosets and Capuchin monkeys, llamas and alpacas, wombats, a variety of birds including red tail black cockatoos and peacocks, water buffalo and antelope.

There are also three magnificent African lions, including two, rare white lions (of only 100 in the world!), and visitors of all ages can experience the thrill of being up close to these majestic creatures on a daily feeding tour of these as well as other animals at the zoo.

It’s an ideal place for large family gatherings with lovely, undercover places to picnic and barbecue. And for a truly unique family experience, there are gorgeous campsites to spend the whole night under the stars and literally wake up to the sounds of the jungle.

Mansfield Zoo’s Bronwyn and Dave and their dedicated team welcome visitors every day from 10am to 6pm, except for Christmas Day. It’s a perfect way to introduce children to the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom in a safe, relaxed and picturesque environment.

Come and meet the meerkats at Mansfield Zoo.

Meet the White Fallow Deer on your visit to the zoo. (Supplied)

A landscape of summer

Fires raging in parts of the state for weeks on end, storms lashing east and foggy mornings brightening into clear, hot days -

From the blood red of the sun to a dusting of fog over the Yarra Valley, summer has brought with it all conditions.

Tracey Frazer has captured nearly all of it from her doorstep in the Yarra Ranges.

As fires burned across Victoria throughout December, the sun shone bright red in the late afternoon in the Yarra Ranges.

As the sun rose and fog disappeared, a spiderweb could be seen in full.

Wednesday 8 January began in dense fog with the hot air balloons rising over the Valley, taking in all the shades of orange and pink. (Tracey Frazer)

Blue sky blended into the hillside as fog settled in the Valley.

Wednesday brought with it all hues of sunrise.

A paraglider spotted in the distance enjoyed the clear sky and conditions.

The shades of fire reflected against the sun turned it bright red.

Look out for ragwort pest

By Callum Ludwig

A local landcare group is calling for residents across the Yarra Ranges to take action to prevent the spread of a pesky pasture weed.

Mt Toolebewong & District Landcare Group Inc are calling for landowners to take action to rid their properties of ragwort, a declared noxious weed under the The Catchment and Land Protection (CaLP) Act 1994, which means landowners must take reasonable steps to control ragwort and prevent its spread.

Speaking from his Don Valley home, Mt Toolebewong & District Landcare Group member Alan Scoble said it’s a little late for dealing with ragwort, but it’s better late than never.

“I’ve been down this path about 20 odd years ago, with the previous Don Valley Landcare group, which has morphed into Mt Toolebewong & District and we had a good result, not eradicating it but we really knocked it around in Don Valley,” he said.

“I’ve noticed it’s creeping back, people have become a bit blase or they’ve forgotten the lessons that we learned back in the 90s, it’s coming back with a vengeance and ideally, we need to do something about it before it becomes crazy and works its way down the valley.”

According to Agriculture Victoria’s profile on ragwort, it is a herbaceous plant with themes reaching between 45 and 60cm high and are rigid, reddish or purple near base, branched at top, furrowed and sometimes bear cobweb-like hairs. Running up the stem will be dark-to-mid green leaves that can grow up to 35cm long but the most distinguishable feature is the bright yellow flowers which appear with daisy-like heads in large clusters at the ends of branches.

Ragwort can spread by wind, water, animals, farm implements, in agricultural produce includ-

ing hay, on clothing and other equipment. Most seeds will fall near the parent plant, but many become airborne and travel for long distances and can float in water.

Yarra Ranges Landcare Network’s Landcare Facilitator Corey McFadyen said there are multiple negative impacts to leaving ragwort to seed and spread.

“It causes displacement of pasture weeds, from a farmer’s perspective, that’s no good, because you could have 20 per cent of your paddock that’s taken up by ragwort, which isn’t healthy and is toxic to animals,” he said.

“But then from an environmental perspective, you’ve got conservation areas not just paddocks, where it causes dissipation of the kind of quality biodiversity you want to see.”

A rosette forms in the first year of the ragwort’s growth, and a flower stalk and yellow flowers will usually form in the second year which is when it becomes easier to spot.

Mr Scoble said he’s driven past some local properties that are 20, 30 or even 50 per cent infested with ragwort.

“While it’s slow, it just seems to creep up on you, you don’t notice it until it’s flowering and then it seems to come up and will grow anywhere,”

“We’ve got equipment here that people can hire and anyone who has questions, we can direct them to someone wo kows or give them our advice.”

Mt Toolebewong & District Landcare Group have a 400 litre spray unit on a trailer available for hire to control ragwort and blackberries at this time of year and you can email sectoolebewong@ gmail.com for more details.

Ragwort can also be controlled by cutting the stems and bagging them for removal so the seed doesn’t fall.

Yarra Valley update

Hello Yarra Valley gardeners!

Welcome to the January 2025 fruit fly update where we will share where the fruit fly detections are starting to show up in the region. If you hear about a QFF detection in your suburb or neighbouring area, please elevate your fruit fly action plan. QFF prefer to move from tree to tree, but they can travel 3-5km if they are in search of a mate or the next fruit to lay eggs into. What fruit hosts are around your production area? Please report suspect fruit fly to qff@agribusiness-yarravalley.com

QFF Detections @ JAN 9th 2025 Yarra Valley and surrounds

Coldstream—1 QFF in a trap

Yarra Glen —1 QFF in a trap

Lilydale— 2 QFF in a trap

Warrandyte—QFF larvae in nectarines

Chirnside Park—QFF larvae in nectarine and apricot (two separate locations)

Kilsyth—suspect QFF larvae in fruit (TBC—high alert) There will likely be more detections as this goes to print, and more detections coming across this Summer. On high alert, due to QFF in the area last summer, are the areas of Silvan, Yellingbo, Hoddles Creek, Gruyere, Wandin and Montrose.

Spot the fruit flies! There are two QFF on this sticky card from Lilydale. Some other insects can get caught, so correct ID is important.

Check out fruitflyfreeyv.com.au for QFF ID features to use.

Spot the fruit fly larvae! They are hiding in the brown jelly like rot near the stone. This fruit needs to be boiled or frozen to kill the larvae.

QFF larvae can be found in many fruits, ‘fruiting vegetables’ and weeds with ‘fruit’ on them. All unmanaged fruit hosts should be destroyed, removed, or reduced in size. Prevent the fruit from falling, harvest and process the fruit as soon as possible.

Agriculture Victoria’s Queensland fruit fly information page.

L-R: Alan Scoble holding some ragwort with its signature yellow flowers alongside Corey McFadyen. (Callum Ludwig: 453084)

Where to pick up your FREE Star Mail

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar3 Meadowgate Drive

CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Caltex Safeway239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK EG Fuelco Service StationChirnside Park Shopping Cr Little

Chipping Drive, 241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Chirnside Park Country Club 68 Kingswood Drive

CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar158 Nangathan Way

CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar11 The Mall

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketChuringa SC, Russo Place

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketCanterbury Road Kilsyth

KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette Unit 7/87 Colchester Road

LILYDALE Aaron Violi MP Office 110 Main Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC51-59 Anderson Street

LILYDALE Woolworths SupermarketMarketplace, 33 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale VillageCastella Street & Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre7 Hardy Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre1 Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station473 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale346 Main Street

LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths31 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE BP Service Station87 Warburton Highway

LILYDALE Shell Service Station469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE 7 - Eleven LilydaleCnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Coles Express469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe251 Main Street

LILYDALE Round Bird Can't Fly170 Main Street

LILYDALE The Lilydale General110 Beresford Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery96 Main Street

LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe178 Main Street

LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe222 Main Street

LILYDALE Gracious GraceCastella Street

LILYDALE Melba Coffee House33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies7/75 Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Point of View CafeLilydale Lakeside - Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE Freda's Cafe2 Clarke Street

LILYDALE Barry Plant Real Estate88 Main Street

LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate164 Main Street

LILYDALE Hello Harry245 Main Street

LILYDALE Noel Jones Real Estate 281 Main Street

LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate111-113 Main Street

LILYDALE Grubs Up1 Industrial Park Drive

LILYDALE Mc Donalds RestaurantMaroondah Highway

LILYDALE Olinda Creek HotelMaroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street

MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road

MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street

MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent

MOUNT EVELYN Red Robyn Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent

MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road

MOUNT EVELYN Bendigo Bank 2/35-39 Wray Cres

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket916 Mt Dandenong Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket15 Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Bendigo BankUnit 19/66 - 74 Brice Ave

MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar38 Bellara Dive

MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart108 Hayrick Lane

MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark103 Cardigan Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Express2 Cambridge Road

MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real EstateBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK L J HookerBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK Mc Donalds RestaurantManchester Road

MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale138 York Road

WANDIN NORTH Wandin Newsagency Shop 2 /18 Union Road

Three words can save you

Victoria (AV) paramedics are calling on the Victorian community to make use of what3words via the Emergency Plus app, describing it as a life-saving tool.

What3words is a program linked to the Emergency Plus app which divides the world into three metre squares with each square assigned a unique combination of three words.

Just these words can be used to find a precise location – which can be invaluable in life-threatening emergencies when every minute counts.

Mobile intensive care ambulance (MICA) paramedic Matt Nadin said what3words was crucial in helping locate a woman in urgent need of medical attention.

“We were having difficulty locating the patient based off their description alone,” Mr Nadin said.

“We felt that time was running out and we had exhausted all our traditional methods to establish their location.

“I suggested instructing the patient to use what3words and this simple step allowed us to pinpoint their location and reach them within minutes.”

The Emergency Plus app shows a patient’s

latitude and longitude in addition to their unique three words.

Calls to Triple Zero (000), SES and for non-urgent police matters can be made directly through the Emergency Plus app.

What3words can also be accessed through its own website and app.

Mr Nadin said all Victorians with a mobile device should ensure they have quick access to what3words.

“It’s an incredible tool if you’re in an emergency and don’t know exactly where you are,” he said.

“Whether that’s in a rural or remote area, along a freeway or highway, or simply in a new place – what3words takes away the guesswork which helps us reach you faster.

“You can tell a Triple Zero call taker your three words and they will know what to do to pass this location information on to all required emergency services.”

Location services via the Emergency Plus app can be pre-loaded and used without an internet connection.

For more information, visit emergencyplus. com.au

When exploring Victoria’s many natural wonders, make it easy for Ambulance Victoria’s crews, like the Wildnerness Response team, to find you by using the what3words app or the Emergency Plus app to pinpoint locations. (Ambulance Victoria)

Ambulance

Ambulance Victoria Paramedics Katey (left) and Kate (right). (435406)

COMMUNITY COURSE GUIDE

Education for all at MDLC

Education transforms lives, and Mountain District Learning Centre (MDLC) is leading the way in making lifelong learning accessible for all. Adult education provides a second chance for individuals to rewrite their stories, whether by improving literacy, mastering digital skills, or learning English to thrive in Australian society. MDLC delivers tailored programs that empower learners, demonstrating that it’s never too late to embrace education.

TheReadWriteNowcourseisacornerstoneof MDLC’s offerings, designed to enhance literacy, numeracy, and digital skills in a supportive environment. Participants gain practical tools for managing everyday tasks, such as budgeting and letter writing, fostering independence and boosting confidence.

For migrants, the English for Living and Working in Australia course provides vital language skillsfordailylifeandwork.Bybreakinglanguage barriers, it helps participants build connections, integrate into the community, and access opportunities.

MDLC ensures affordability through Learn Local funding, offering concessions to minimise costs. With their welcoming approach, MDLC transforms education into a bridge to brighter futures.

For more information or to enroll, call (03) 9758 7859, or email office@mdlc.org.au Don’t wait to transform your future—the time to learn is now!

Mountain District Learning Centre (MDLC) provides a number of programs for adults to learn and grow. (Supplied)

Lilydale Community House

We offer a variety of classes and social activities

Most are low cost or no cost

Here are some of our activities for TERM 1, 2025

MONDAYS

Paint, Draw, Create, Explore

10.30–12.30pm Try your hand at painting, drawing, collage or other creative media, explore the possibilities! Gold coin donation Soup & Stories 11am–1pm. Learn how to make a different soup each week and enjoy chatting and eating together. Free Qi Gong & Tai Chi

6.30-8pm. Learn coordinated body posture and movement, breathing and meditation. $15 a session, pay on the night.

TUESDAYS Table Tennis

1-3pm. Join others for a fun session of table tennis and socialising. Gold coin donation Beginners Linedancing

4.30-5.30pm Join Duree to learn to linedance in a fun and relaxed class. $10 a session. Beginners Guitar

6-7pm Learn how to play the guitar, starting with the basics. $200 for the Term. Make Up Basics for Older Women

10.30am-12.30pm Feb 18, 25, March 4, 11 Four weeks, covering different aspects of make up. $50

WEDNESDAYS

Meditation

6.30-7.30pm Relax and de-stress with an hour of meditation to manage stress and improve your wellbeing. $45 for the Term.

THURSDAYS

Step & Connect Women’s Social Walks Group leaves the House 9.30am sharp. This weekly walk welcomes women to join to

take a fun and relaxed walk around the area, followed by a cuppa. Free Cooking for One

February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 13. 11am-1pm Join Sarah to learn to cook easily for just one person. $50 for 5 weeks.

The Singing Circle

1.30-3.00pm Bring your shower voice and experience the joy and laughter of singing. $10 per session. Pay on the day.

FRIDAYS Yin Yoga

9.30-10.30am Ease into gentle stretches and practice calming breathwork. Includes chair yoga. $12 a session, or $100 for 10 wk Term Exercise for Older Adults

Fridays 11–11.45am. Strengthen your body through the right exercise. $10 a session.

SATURDAYS

Mosaics

February 1, 8, 15, 22. 9am-12pm $100

Join Leoni and learn the basics of mosaics.

KIDS SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

Creative Cupcakes

Tuesday 21 January. 11am-1pm Cost: $15 one child; $25 two children; $30 three children. Suitable for ages 6-12.

Creative & Messy Play Thursday 23 January. 11am-1pm Cost: $5

WORKSHOPS with Bunnings - FREE

Make a herb basket of box

Tuesday February 11, 10.30am-12.30pm. Raising Seedlings Tuesday March 18, 10.30am-12.30pm.

7 Hardy Street Lilydale | Ph: 7036 6813

Website: www.lilydalech.org.au | Email: enquiries@lilydalech.org.au

Read Write Now

Boost your literacy, numeracy, and digital skills in a supportive, fun, and personalized learning environment! Gain practical skills that fit your needs and interests.

Wednesday and Thursday 5.30pm – 8.00pm (MDLC)

Workplace English & Digital Skills

From a CALD background and want to improve your English and digital skills? Join our tailored course to excel at work, further study, and everyday life in modern Australia!

Monday 12.30pm – 2.30pm (Rowville Library)

Digital Essentials

Take your digital skills to the next level with our hands-on program! Learn to navigate technology, master various devices, and connect with others in meaningful ways.

Tuesday 10.00am – 12.00pm (Belgrave Library), or Tuesday 1.00pm – 3.00 (MDLC), or Wednesday 1.00pm – 3.00pm (MDLC)

Health and Financial Wellbeing

Learn how small changes can improve your mental health and financial wellbeing. Join our course to discover simple, practical ways to feel more confident and in control.

Friday 12.00pm – 1.30pm (Boronia Progress Hall)

Semester

English for Living and Working in Australia

Build your English skills for everyday life and work with our confidence-boosting class. Get practical language support tailored to your needs.

Wednesday 9.30am – 3.30pm (MDLC) or Thursday 9.30am – 3.30pm (MDLC)

English Conversation Groups

Is English your second language? Do you want to improve your speaking and listening skills? Join our group where you can practice English and gain confidence in real-life conversations.

Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday Bayswater, Rowville, Croydon Libraries and Boronia Progress Hall

Brainworks

Keep your mind sharp and improve your thinking skills with this fun and engaging course! Build focus, stay mentally active, and enjoy brain-boosting activities.

Monday 11.00am – 12.30pm (Bayswater Library), or Wednesday 12.00pm – 1.30pm (Knox Library), or Friday 10.30am – 12.00pm (Boronia Progress Hall)

Learn Local Endorsed Courses

Learn Local Courses are funded by Learn Local. We require proof of Australian or New Zealand citizenship, or Asylum seekers valid visa. Where applicable, concession card holders and pensioners pay only $50.00 tuition fee per year, regardless of the number of courses. Materials and resources fees are not subject to concessions.

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.

Doctors can investigate all suspicious spots. (Unsplash)

Skin checks are necessary for everyone. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

New audiologists on team

At Hearsmart Hearing Solutions, we provide comprehensive audiological services to meet a wide range of hearing needs.

We’re thrilled to welcome two new members to our Hearsmart family.

Stacey Louras is a senior audiologist with over 12 years of extensive experience in the field of audiology, offering a wealth of knowledge and expertise in her practice. She holds a Bachelor of Science followed by a Master of Audiology from Melbourne University, solidifying her academic foundation in this specialised field. Throughout her career, Stacey has focused on adult rehabilitation, helping individuals regain and preserve their hearing health through tailored audiological solutions. A passionate advocate for innovation in clinical practice, Stacey has developed a keen interest in the technique of wax removal via microsuction, ensuring her patients receive safe and effective care. Her dedication to advancing audiological care and her commitment to improving patient outcomes have made her a respected professional in her field.

Whitney Qian is a dedicated audiologist specialising in paediatric audiology. Whitney brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, holding a Bachelor of Science and Master of Clinical Audiology from the University of Melbourne. She’s spent the last four years honing her skills, particularly in paediatric care, ensuring every appointment is not just beneficial but also fun and comfortable for our little clients! Whether it’s hearing evaluations, assessments, or any audiology-related services, Whitney is here to provide personalised care for your child.

Our Services:

1. Hearing Evaluations

• Comprehensive Hearing Tests: For all ages to assess hearing ability and identify any issues.

• Tympanometry: To evaluate the condition of the middle ear and eardrum.

2. Hearing Aid Services

• Hearing Aid Fittings: Customized to individual hearing loss and lifestyle needs.

Hearing Aid Repairs and Maintenance: Onsite repairs and routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

Hearing Aid Adjustments and Programming: Regular updates to software and adjustments to settings based on changing hearing needs.

3. Paediatric Audiology

Specialised Paediatric Care: Tailored evaluations and treatments to address the unique needs of infants and children.

Parental Guidance and Support: Educating parents on managing their child’s hearing health effectively.

4. Preventive Hearing Care

• Custom Ear Protection: For musicians, industrial workers, and individuals exposed • to high noise levels.

• Swimmer’s Ear Plugs: Custom-fit to prevent water-related ear issues.

5. Tinnitus Management

• Tinnitus Assessments: To determine the cause and severity of tinnitus.

• Tinnitus Therapy Options: Including sound therapy, counselling, and management techniques to alleviate symptoms.

Hearsmart Hearing Solutions is committed to enhancing the hearing health of our community through a wide array of services tailored to meet diverse needs. Whether you require detailed diagnostic testing, specialised paediatric care, or effective management of hearing loss, our team is equipped to provide the highest standard of care. If you have any questions about our services or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us at your convenience.

• Hearsmart Hearing Solutions, 321 Main Street, Lilydale. Telephone: 9735 3322

Come see Whitney Qian and the team at Hearsmart Hearing Solutions. (Supplied)

OPINION Facts matter

Meta’s decision last week to dismantle its fact checking processes will largely go unnoticed.

But it should be raising serious alarm bells, particularly as it apparently comes at the behest of incoming US President Donald Trump, whose long-term disdain for traditional media outlets is self-serving and dangerous.

The last time he occupied the White House Trump moved immediately to discredit and demean the media, coining the phrase ‘fake news’ when any unwanted scrutiny came his way.

That allowed him to pedal his own version of reality and in the process become the greatest pedaller of ‘fake news’.

When his rhetoric and decision-making was scrutinised – a big part in the role of the media of holding the powerful to account for centuries – his tactic was to attack the messenger.

He and his supporters would argue it was upholding a right to ‘free speech’.

CARTOON

There’s a big difference between free speech and deliberate misinformation and disinformation.

Countries where the media is dismantled or discredited are usually considered dictatorships, with the leadership beyond reproach.

To encourage big tech mates to allow the unfettered distribution of propaganda is outrageous.

Over here, our government is looking to rein in the influence of big tech on our society by introducing social media age limits.

The need for independent, unbiased and reliable dissemination of information has never been greater. It’s just a shame we can’t rely on the big tech companies to provide that.

So where do you find a company that has covered the news accurately and unbiased without fear or favour for more than a century? I wonder?

- Group Editor, Garry Howe

Tale of tensions in tough times told with empathy PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

If you like Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, then you’ll probably enjoy Australian author Sean Wilson’s Gemini Falls, which also explores serious and complex social issues through the eyes of young people.

The year was 1930, and Phar Lap just won the Melbourne Cup. The race failed to raise the spirits of hundreds of thousands of Australians who were in the grip of the Great Depression. Worse, an outbreak of the polio epidemic provoked intense public anxiety in Melbourne.

13-year-old Morris and his family moved to the town of Gemini in rural Victoria. His father Jude, a police detective originally from there, was assigned to investigate the murder of a young woman whose body was left in the local coal mine tunnel.

Morris and his family stayed in a farm owned by Jude’s estranged brother Jimmy. There was considerable tension between the brothers, for reasons unknown. Further questions remained regarding why Jude left Gemini in the first place.

Meanwhile, Morris met his cousin Flo, who dreamed about becoming a detective herself. Together with the mayor’s son, Sam, they roam around Gemini trying to identify

the killer. It’s often through the eyes of young people that we see the dark and undesired truths of a world dominated by adults. In this case, it’s the displaced people and their plight to which Morris’s attention was drawn.

“I picture more camps springing up with shacks like these, all over the country. I think about the problems that lead to shacks like this, if they’ll ever get fixed or if they’ll only be patched up, the way these shacks are. Held together with wire and twine, clinging on until the next storm.”

“This is a place you go when you can’t go anywhere else, a place you drop into, falling and reaching out to save yourself. This is not a place you choose to come.”

The author makes it clear that he wants to explore the difficult and tragic and joyful and hopeful parts of life “by showing how characters and relationships transform through conflict”. In his words:

“What happens in a society when the gap between rich and poor widens? How do we treat the displaced who end up in the unused spaces around our cities and towns? Who do we blame in a crisis? Who holds out a hand, and who raises a fist?”

The bittersweet adventures of Morris and his friends in 1930s Gemini reflect some of the issues that never left our society – violence, xenophobia, problematic masculinity, inadequate housing, weak labour rights, and politicians taking advantage of public division for personal gain. But there are also dashed ambitions and unfulfilled dreams, as well as families and friends who stand by us through times tough and uncertain.

Gemini Falls is a novel full of empathy and compassion. Highly recommended.

Seth’s take on all things Golden Globes and the host

The 82nd Golden Globes took place on January 6, and I have mixed feelings about the results.

Comedian Nikki Glaser, the first solo female host in Golden Globes history, overall did an excellent job. Glaser cleverly poked fun at the nominees, the entertainment industry and celebrities in the audience with cheeky, often searing humour without being cruel, and she frequently made fun of herself (her brief self-deprecating musical number ‘You’re Going To Be Pope-ular’, a riff on Wicked and Conclave, made me laugh out loud). The only joke Glaser may have gone too far with was when she mocked Stanley Tucci in the context of Diddy parties; Tucci is a treasure and incomparable gentleman, so to associate him, even as a joke, with the exploits of a sexual predator felt kinda mean.

I was overjoyed to see Demi Moore win Best Actress (Musical/Comedy) for The Substance. Moore’s inspiring speech hailed her Golden Globe, which is her first ever major acting award, as the long-awaited recognition of her worth in the career she loves, when a producer long ago told her she would only be a popcorn actress, and she espoused self-love and affirmation for everyone watching: ‘You can know the value of your worth if you just put down the measuring stick.’

Many of the night’s big winners hadn’t yet been released in Australia or still aren’t out at time of publication: Conclave won Best Screenplay; The Brutalist won Best Director, Best Actor (Drama) for Adrien Brody and Best Picture (Drama); Emilia Perez won four Globes, including Best Picture (Musical/Comedy).

I wish Substance writer-director Coralie Fargeat had won Best Director or Screenplay for her smart, shocking, tightly-directed triumph, al-

though she did win Best Screenplay at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

One gripe I have with the Golden Globes was that Best Supporting Actress did not go to Margaret Qualley (instead going to Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Perez). I will bang this gong until the end of time, but like Andrea Riseborough and Christopher Abbott in Possessor and Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Moore and Qualley’s performances in The Substance are so deeply complementary that it’s only logical to award them together.

However, Qualley’s loss may further the themes of the film. In The Substance, Elisabeth’s

younger clone Sue rockets to stardom in the industry that discarded Elisabeth because she was “too old”, leaving her behind and horrifically mutating her body in the process. While Moore and Qualley had a very supportive relationship on-set and the film takes a stand against such destructive competition, you could view Moore winning her Globe as Elisabeth metatextually getting back at Sue.

Dune, Part 2 director Denis Villeneuve was also alarmingly absent from the Best Director category.

I was confused to see Kinds of Kindness, a great film that I just couldn’t squeeze into my

top 10, receive only one nomination: Best Actor (Drama) for Jesse Plemons. Kinds of Kindness is a dark satire (and therefore comedy), not a drama, but more importantly, why wasn’t Emma Stone nominated? Stone delivers an equally varied and compelling trio of performances, leading one short and in supporting roles for the other two (the inverse of Plemons’ contribution), so Stone should, by rights, have been nominated for Best Supporting Actress. With the Golden Globes gone, I now await the Oscars in March with both excitement and trepidation.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

The 82nd Golden Globes was hosted by Nikki Glaser. (EPA/CAROLINE BREHMAN)

Demi Moore poses in the press room with her Golden Globe award.

COMPLETE STYLE AND CONVENIENCE

COMPLETE STYLE AND CONVENIENCE

BY blending timeless character and top-tier contemporary elements, this beautiful home is one to be proud of. Immaculately presented and poised in a premier position within walking distance of Belgrave Outdoor Pool, Borthwick Park, Belgrave shopping and cafes, and Belgrave Station, you can step right into a sensational lifestyle here.

This quarter-acre property is accentuated by a sealed drive, double carport, terraced lawns, flourishing veggie beds, and garden/ wood shed. New owners will also benefit from a cost-saving solar power system with Tesla battery storage.

From the covered verandah, the leadlight front door opens into the generous lounge with wideboard floors, high ceilings, and a warm wood fire. At the rear of the home, the open plan dining area boasts a second fire and picture windows with magnificent outlooks. The adjoining kitchen with butcherblock benchtops, 900mm gas cooker, stainless steel

dishwasher, and walk-in pantry will inspire even the most discerning chef.

The main bedroom with walk-in robe resides on the main level accompanied by a luxurious bathroom with soaking tub, rain shower, and herringbone tiles. Downstairs, the second living area is framed by 2 further family bedrooms, a convenient study nook, laundry, and second showcase bathroom with terrazzo tiles and separate WC.

This ultra-stylish and centrally situated home welcomes new residents to simply move in and enjoy. Plan your viewing today.

• 1,000sqm (approx.) landscape with double carport and terraced lawns

• Beautifully updated residence with breathtaking treetop views

• Generous lounge with high ceilings and a warm wood fire

Modern kitchen with quality appliances and walk-in pantry

• Second living area, luxurious bathrooms, and spacious bedrooms.

WAKE UP TO NATURE AT YOUR DOORSTEP

FLOWING over 3 levels this unique architecturally designed home is sure to impress. Passive solar design with walls of glass to a northern orientation keeps the home warm in winter and cool in summer.

The open plan interior connects to the outdoor paved area for those private BBQs with the frequent guests, a family of king parrots who make it feel like paradise. The upper level is a MASSIVE master bedroom and retreat or study, spa ensuite, and walkin robe to a secret attic (4m x 3m). There are two other bright bedrooms with ample built-in robes. A host of additional elements include split-level living areas with a cozy open fireplace, ducted heating, and split system airconditioning. If you’re a bit handy or a tradie, the renovations are underway to the bathroom and relocating the kitchen ( for the new owners to complete)

Privacy is assured with a 1,370sqm block (fruit trees and herb garden) plus an adjoining bush buffer, which makes it feel like your own little Sherbrook Forest yet the Dandenong Ranges National Park is only a few doors away at one end of the street and the shops, station and school at the other end. For the four-legged family member, there is a fully fenced rear yard plus a BRICK double garage/ workshop with remote control ease of access. You can be too early but you can’t be too LATE so make your call to view 8 Sandells Road Tecoma.

HOME FOCUS

ELEGANT CEDARWOOD HAVEN

ESCAPE to the serene beauty of this remarkable 991sqm property in Cockatoo, where a charming Cedarwood home effortlessly combines modern functionality with timeless character. Enveloped by manicured gardens and fully fenced for privacy, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom sanctuary offers a lifestyle of comfort and tranquillity.

Arrive via the in and out asphalt driveway, leading to a powered garage with a concrete floor and a separate carport that connects seamlessly to the wrap-around undercover verandah. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed kitchen that is the heart of the home, featuring high ceilings, hybrid floating floors, and luxurious porcelain benchtops, a magnificent 1100mm Falcon oven with a gas stovetop, complemented by a large island bench, abundant storage, walk-in pantry, and a skylight that bathes the space in natural light.

The open-plan dining and lounge area is equally inviting, showcasing exposed beams, a woodfire heater, ceiling fan, and split-system air conditioning, though the home does also offer gas ducted heating throughout.

With natural light streaming in, this space extends to a north-facing undercover deck, offering picturesque views of the lush gardens—perfect for entertaining or unwinding.

The master suite, located at the front of the home, features a walk-in robe and a modern ensuite, providing a private retreat. Two additional bedrooms, both with built-in robes, include one with ensuite-effect access to the central bathroom. A well-equipped laundry completes the interior layout.

Outside, the property continues to impress. The fully fenced gardens include a large veggie patch with hoops and netting, a workshop with concrete flooring and power beneath the house, and a 5 sqm carpeted studio or teenager’s retreat, fitted with double glazing and a split system.

This home, with its blend of practicality and charm, offers an exceptional lifestyle opportunity in a peaceful and picturesque setting.

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.

SpaciousFamilyHomewithModernComforts &OutdoorAppeal. This4BR,2-bathroomhome,situatedona 3,319sqmblockinEmerald,offersa perfectblend ofpracticality,& family-friendlyfeatures. Ahorseshoedrivewaywelcomesyou,leadingtoan undercoververandah.Stepthroughthefrontdoorintothelight-filledloungeroomwithtiledflooring, splitsystem& cleverlyrecessedstudynook.Adjacenttotheloungeisthemastersuite,featuringa WIR& privateensuite,with asecondbedroomalsowith aWIR.Downthehallway,you’llfindtwo additionalbedrooms,eachwithBIR& servicedby acentralbathroom.Theheartofthehomeisthe open-plankitchen/diningareawitha largeislandbench,generousbenchspace,cornerpantry, integratedoven&gascooktop.Fromhereenjoydirectaccesstothefullyfencedbackyard,perfect forchildren& pets.Thepropertyalsoincludes adoublegarage& plentyofoff-streetparking.

FamilySanctuaryon5372sqmwithPool,HugeShed&

Potential!

On5372sqm,this4BR,3-bathroompropertyoffers aperfectblendofspace &comfort.Welcoming youintoa sunkenlounge,idealforrelaxation& entertaining.ThemasterretreatwithBIR,office nook,s/sheating/cooling& ensuite. 3additionalbedrooms,allwithBIR &servicedbya central bathroom.Theopen-planmodernkitchen/dining,offeringamplebenchspace,generousstorage& gascooktop.An11.28kWsolarsystem,thehomealsohasGDHthroughout.Acrosstheundercover breezeway aselfcontainedunit,anidealretreatforguestsorfamily.Thisflowsseamlesslytothedeck &fencedsolar-heatedpool &spa.Outside,A highbay16m x9mshedwithconcretefloor,power& dual3.2mrollerdoors,singlegarage,doublegarage,3-carcarport &26,000-litrewatertank.

SpaciousandVersatileFamilyHomeinCockatoo

This3-bedroom,1-bathroomfamilyhomeon a990sqminCockatoo.Designedforbothcomfort& practicalityoffersspaciousliving& plentyofoutdoorspace.Theundercoververandahinvitesyou tostepinside,wheretimberfloorsgreetyouinthelivingroomcomplementedbyGDHthroughout& asplitsystem.ThemasterbedroomislocatedoffthelivingroomfeaturingBIR.Ontheoppositeside, twoadditionalbedrooms,alsowithBIR.Theopen-plankitchen/diningarea,offeringslateflooring, largepantry,integratedoven,gasstovetop.Thelayoutflowsseamlesslytothefamilybathroom& laundry.Outside,thefullyfencedbackyardprovides aprivatespaceforchildren& petstoplay.A largeundercoverentertainingareaisidealforhostingBBQs. Asealeddrivewayleadsto adouble tandemcarport,storageshed& 6kWsolarsystem.

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

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

AMAZING VIEWS, 2 HOMES ON 50 ACRES

MAINLY cleared acreage with the current owners working on revegetating the gullies, this property offers a variety of options and is worth viewing. It’s private and quiet.

House 1: Original 1970’s build. Retro classic.

• 3 bedrooms, WIR and ensuite to main

• Family bathroom. Separate laundry Excellent living spaces, huge rumpus, family room, L-shaped dining/lounge Central kitchen Wood heater, split system and polished floorboards.

• Covered patio, a verandah

• Double garage with powder room. House 2: Smaller but more modern with views.

• 2/3 bedrooms 1 bathroom Lounge/dining Central kitchen and a laundry Wood heater, split system, polished floorboards

• Nice, covered deck

• Huge shed 15.5m x 9.4m

A great land holding of 47.05 acres, mostly cleared, some paddocks, two dams. Plenty of room for livestock, pets and a veggie garden. Near to Cockatoo Township this rural property is sure to pique your interest, we look forward to showing you through.

GEMBROOKVIEWS!

CapturingthespectacularviewsoftheYarravalleyRangesandtheruralvistaof Gembrookyetcentrallylocatedwitha5minpicturesquewalktothecentreoftown.The househas acharmingopenplandesignwithindoor &outdoordiningin agardensetting Thebackyardisenclosedwithfencing,andincludes afirepit,suretobe afavouriteplace torelax.WithinreachofthetownshipisKirthKiln,BunyipStateForrest,bushwalkingtrails, therecentlyrenovatedskateandfamilypark,GembrookParkandsomuchmore!

MickDolphin 0429684522

DUALLIvINGCHARACTeRHOMe

AlisonBarkley 0494175410

RURALOUTLOOKON2/3ACRE

Multi-generationallivingand flexibilitycomestotheforehere.Featuresincludethe masterwithrenovatedensuiteanda WIR, arenovatedkitchenincludinganopenplan familyroom,separatelounge,sunroomandanundercoverdeck.Completelyseparate downstairsoffers alargecentrallivingroom,a bedroomwithWIR,anoffice,a fully equippedkitchenanditsownverandahanddecking.Thepropertyalsoincludesmultiple splitsystems, agas fireheater,GDHand3 sheds.Ruraloutlookin aquietpartofemerald.

MickDolphin 0429684522 AnthonyIorlano 0494142438

AMAZINGVIEWS,2 DAMS &AMPLESHEDDING

Private& quiet!Mainlyclearedacreagewiththecurrentownersworkingonrevegetating thegullies,thispropertyoffers avarietyofoptions.House1:Original1970’sbuild,retro classic, 3bedrooms,WIR& ensuitetomain,hugerumpus,familyroom,L-shapeddining/ lounge,wood heater,s/system, floorboards,covered patio,veranda, doublegaragewith powderroom.House2:Smallerbutmoremodernwithviews,2/3bedrooms,woodheater, s/system,floorboards,covereddeck& 15.5x 9.4mshed.Mostlycleared approx.50acres 5 A 3 B

MickDolphin 0429684522

AlisonBarkley 0494175410

Lovinglyrenovated1920’shomesetuponnearly1200sqmofbeautifullymaintained gardens,complete with amagnificentdate palm,ferngully &creekfrontage.This propertyoozesbeauty &serenity we love aboutthe hills.Keyfeaturesinclude dualoccupancyoption,classicoriginalarchitecture &artistictouches,stainedglasswindows, dadowalls,highceilings,hugeverandas &pavedareas,re-stumped,raisedgarden beds,chickencoop &muchmore!Perfectlypositionedjust10minutesfromBelgrave. 5 A 2 B 1 C

AlisonBarkley 0494175410

DaveStewart 0411655611

SERENE MOUNTAIN RETREAT WITH VIEWS

THIS charming home offers a rare opportunity for someone to fall in love with a tranquil retreat, perfect as a weekend getaway or a peaceful permanent residence. Nestled amidst magnificent mountain views, this property is designed to maximize the scenic beauty, especially from the outdoor deck a spot so serene, you won’t want to leave. Surrounded by lush gardens and the sounds of nature, the light filled, open plan layout creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The home boasts three bedrooms, each with picturesque windows that capture the beauty of the surroundings. The spacious kitchen is perfect for cooking enthusiasts, featuring a large oven, dishwasher, and plenty of counter space. An updated family bathroom, separate toilet, and a laundry with ample storage complete the main level.

Downstairs, you’ll find a versatile space, ideal for a home office, studio, or hobby room, along with a generous workshop and additional storage. The stunning gardens wrap around the home, offering a peaceful retreat that feels like your own private sanctuary.

Conveniently located just a short distance from Warburton’s shops, cafes, recreation reserve, Yarra River walks, and the Warburton Rail Trail, this delightful home offers the perfect blend of serenity and accessibility. Don’t miss the chance to make this enchanting property your own.

CharmingCabinintheForest –onover6 acres Forthefirsttimeinover50yearsthishiddengemisavailabletothemarket.Nestledattheendofa quiet,nothroughroad,thispicturesquecabinofferstheultimateinprivacyandserenity. Setwithina lushMountainAshforestonover6 acresofland,withPheasantCreekmeandering throughtheproperty,it’stheperfectretreatforthoselookingtoescapethehustleandbustleof everydaylife.Thecozy 3bedroom,1 bathroomhomeinvitesyoutounwindandrelax,perfectfor apeacefulweekendgetaway.Backingontostateforestyetonly ashortstrollintothetownshipof Warburton.Don´tmissthechancetoownthismagicalhideaway,offering aperfectblendofnature, privacy,andpossibility.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

FamilyAcreagewithSomethingForEveryone

Aprivateandpicturesquelocation,thisrusticfarmhouseonsmallacreageoffers afantasticlifestyle. Boasting 4bedroomsandloadsofspaceforthegrowingfamily,witha flexiblefloorplanofupstairs anddownstairsliving.Thekitchenisspaciouswithanopenfeelandamplebenchandcupboard space.Getoutsideandenjoytheoutdoorswiththewideopenspacewithjustover2.5acresto exploreandenjoy.Forthehorseenthusiast,separatepaddocks,plus aridingarenaandstables. Openmachineryshedand ahighclearancecarportforfloatsandcaravans,plusthekingofsheds with ahugelockupgarage/workshopbigenoughtoaccommodatelargetrucksandtrailers. Entertainandenjoythesummerweatherwith acoveredentertainingareaandanaboveground poolwithdeckingallround. Afantasticsmallacreagepropertyin agreatlocation.

Secluded18AcreRetreatintheHeartofKurthKilnStateForest Nestledina privatesetting,this18-acrepropertycombinesnaturalbeautywithmodernoffgrid living.BorderedbyKurthKilnStateForest,itofferspeace,privacy,andanorganiclifestyle.Featuring nativebushlandandclearedpaddocks,idealforselfsufficiencyandequippedwithessentialoff-grid amenities,includingwatertanks, a17kWsolarsystem,andelectriccarcharging.Thehomeincludes 3-4bedrooms, 1bathroom,andopenlivingspacesdesignedforflexibility.TomahawkCreekwinds throughtheproperty,creatinga picturesquebackdrop.EnjoydirectaccesstoKurthKiln’stracks, forhorseriding,cycling,orwalking.Additionalfeaturesincludelargeshedding &amplestoragefor hobbiesorequipment.Thisuniqueoffgridpropertyoffers arareopportunitytoconnectwithnature andenjoymoderncomforts.

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

HOME FOCUS

LIFESTYLE ACREAGE WITH MAGNIFICENT HOME

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

Step from the large verandah into this spectacular residence set over 2 sprawling levels. The primary level boasts timber cathedral ceilings and expanses of glass that overlook the deck and garden. The generous lounge and formal dining area feature a large open wood fire. The gourmet kitchen is adorned with a waterfall island, Haier oven and induction cooktop, Bosch dishwasher, wine cellar, and oversize butlers’ pantry. With an equally comfortable family room with wood fire, a sizeable study with separate entry, 3 beautiful bedrooms including main with 2 walk-in robes and luxurious ensuite, and a show-stopping family bathroom with freestanding tub also on this level, there is a bounty of comfort to be discovered here. On the lower level, these spaces can be set to suit your way of life. Enjoy a generous rumpus room/art studio with kitchenette that steps out to the alfresco, a games room/ second study or bedroom with cosy carpet, and a large bedroom and designer bathroom with frameless shower. The laundry with bonus shower bathroom and the 4-car garage are also accessible on this level.

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

• Easy stroll to shopping, schools, and transport

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

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

• Gorgeous gourmet kitchen with waterfall island, Haier and Bosch appliances, versatile butlers’ pantry/storeroom, and wine cellar Beautiful bathrooms and luxurious bathrooms on both levels.

FAR BIGGER THAN THE AVERAGE 3 BED HOME

ONE look a the floor plan tells you this isn’t your typical 3-bedroom home... What if we told you, it’s more affordable than you think?

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

The property boasts:

• Spacious modern living with distinct living zones

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

A well-equipped backyard studio/home office with a separate living area and other impressive additions

• A separate spa room for ultimate relaxation and adjacent an extra-large study space

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

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

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

CHARMING WEATHERBOARD HOME ON ONE ACRE

SET on a tranquil 1-acre parcel, this inviting 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom weatherboard home offers a seamless blend of character, comfort, and functionality. The circular driveway leads to a double carport and undercover entry, welcoming you into a home designed for relaxed family living.

Step inside to an open-plan dining and kitchen area, featuring tall ceilings, slate flooring, a gas cooktop, integrated oven, dishwasher, and a spacious pantry and a dedicated fridge recess.

This bright and functional space overlooks the lush gardens and deck, creating the perfect connection between indoor and outdoor living. Adjacent to the kitchen, the carpeted lounge invites you to unwind by the warmth of the wood fire heater, though the home does offer gas ducted heating throughout, and large doors open out to the expansive undercover deck, ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying the serene surroundings.

The master suite is a private retreat with built-in robes and an ensuite, while three

additional carpeted bedrooms also feature built-in robes and garden views. A central bathroom with slate flooring and a separate toilet ensures convenience for the whole family.

Outside, the home continues to impress with a large undercover deck that overlooks the sprawling backyard. This space is perfect for children to play or for creating your own outdoor sanctuary. Practical additions include a garden shed, a large storage shed, 3,000 litre water tank and a second carport running along the side of the home.

Offering a peaceful lifestyle in a picturesque setting, this property provides the perfect balance of charm and modern comfort, just moments from the heart of Cockatoo.

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.

equipment Outdoor Cabinet on the existing elevated platform inside water tank at ground level.

Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Lowimpact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), the based on the description above. The proposed

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

ACROSS

1 Fish appendage (3)

3 Persistent (10) 10 Differing (7)

11 Of rocks, derived from magma or lava (7)

12 Harmful (9) 13 Squish (4) 15 Formal university attire (10)

17 Vaulted recess (4)

19 Old stringed instrument (4)

20 Chemical processes in the body (10) 23 Continent (4)

25 Conceptual (9)

27 Biased (7)

28 Everlasting (7)

29 Ordinariness (10)

30 School subject (abbr) (3)

DOWN

1 Approvingly (10)

2 Compass direction (9) 4 Evening entertainment (9) 5 Parishioners (5)

6 Set of chromosomes in a gamete (6) 7 Gods (5)

8 Huff (4) 9 An illusion (6)

14 Thin noodle (10)

16 Mitigation (9) 18 Artworks (9) 21 Common Irish surname (1’5)

22 Gambling house (6)

24 Piece cut off (5)

25 Flooring tradesman (5)

26 Unsolicited email (4)

Mounters claim four wins

Temperatures rose for the return of cricket after the Christmas break, and the cricketers from Mt Evelyn were looking to begin the new year with a hot start. With four wins for the day, the Mounters made a positive start.

The Community Bank – Mt Evelyn 1st XI travelled to Heathwood in a bid to capitalise on their good form leading into the break which saw them return to the top four in the standings. Heathwood elected to bat first upon winning the toss, and put together an excellent innings based on a fruitful approach by their top order. Star allrounder, and captain, Robert Cranmer gave the innings the impetus it needed with a well made innings of 78, and with the support of Sam Noske and Yadeesha Deerasooriya, the innings looked well set for a late innings flurry with the score on 2/159 in the 32nd over. Regular wickets to the Mounters over the closing overs ensured the score wouldn’t blow out. Darcy Fraser would be the main threat as his four late wickets saw the score reduced to 193 all out on the final ball of the innings. Fraser would be the pick of the bowlers with 4/43 being well supported by Caleb Hrabe 3/43. Heathwood’s total would make for an interesting chase. The total was healthy, but by no means unattainable. After a solid opening stand of 41 between openers Jake Blackwell and Daniel Giblin, the innings would quickly turn as Cranmer would again assert his dominance on the game as the host cut a swathe through the Mounters middle order. The innings was left teetering at 5/56 after 15 overs. Whilst Blackwell was still at the wicket, there would be a glimmer of hope for the visitors with plenty of time to bat. Handy partnerships with Luke and Bohdie Jones would give the Mounters a chance to chase the runs late, but neither partnership would extend into a match winning effort. When Blackwell fell with the score on

8/141, the innings was all but snuffed out. Darcy Fraser would keep the flicker of victory burning with a quick fire 30, but it wouldn’t be enough as the visitors would fall 31 runs short of victory with their innings wrapped up on 163.

The Professionals Outer East 2nd XI would post an impressive victory against the top of the ladder Heathwood at home. Batting first, the Mounters openers, Darren Westaway and Jamie Shaw would navigate their way through a testing opening spell from the Lions, and it seemed to set the course for the innings, despite neither batsmen going on to a significant score. Quick middle order wickets would put a dampener on proceedings, and with score on 4/70, the innings could spill either way. The game would be won by the Mounters with an excellent partnership between Mike Mawson and TJ Hancock. The pair would firstly right the ship and ensure that the innings would fall away, and then as it progressed and the bowlers tired under the sapping sun, they wouldn’t miss the opportunity to blow the innings open. When it was all said and done the pair would put on a 178 run partnership littered with brilliant strokeplay. Mawson would post his second century of the season, whilst Hancock would add 75 of his own runs to boost the score to an impenetrable 5/257 when the innings was closed.

With the massive total on the board, the Mt Evelyn bowling ensured there would be no wobbles in defending the total. Shaw would be the chief destroyer as his five wicket haul left the Lions with no answers in the chase. Kynan Yates would also chime in with his best bowling performance of the season, capturing 3/16 off his allotted overs. Eventually the visitors would be bowled out for 154, with Mt Evelyn snaring an impressive 103 run victory.

The Rhead Group 3rd XI would score an important victory for their finals chances against South Warrandyte. South Warrandyte would start the game on the front foot through an excellent century opening stand, but the Mounters bowlers would keep their cool and kept things in check through the middle overs. Spin twins Sam Vanhoogstraten (2/27) and Ian Hawkey (2/33) would keep things tight whilst capturing wickets to keep the total to 5/170. A total that would take some chasing, but by no means unattainable after the positive start from the Hawks.

Mt Evelyn would expertly navigate their way through the chase, courtesy of a well made 62 not out from opener Kadyn Newport. Newport’s strokeplay would ensure the scoreboard continued to tick over, whilst a string of useful partnerships would ensure the innings didn’t suffer any fatal gluts of wickets. Hawkey would complete an excellent game, as his innings of 31 not out, helped support Newport to the winning total with six wickets in hand and ten overs still in the bank.

The Hop Hen 4th XI would also score an important victory for their finals chances as they hosted Bayswater Park on ‘The Postage Stamp’ at Mt Evelyn. Mt Evelyn would bat first, and would swiftly bat their opposition out of the contest. The Mounters would blast their way to an unbeatable total of 8/307 off their allotted overs. Jarrod Hartman (56 not out), Dwayne Finch (51 not out), Cambell Finch (48) and Tom Merlino (41) would all fill their boots in the batting masterclass. Although they valiantly fought through their 36 overs, the Sharks couldn’t muster the same scoring flourish as the hosts as they could only muster a score of 5/179. The Mt Evelyn bowlers would be tidy in their approach to defending the total, but the damage had already been inflicted by the batsmen.

The Mt Evelyn 5th XI would travel to Hoddles Creek in a bid to keep themselves on top of the heap in their competition. Bowling first, the Mounters didn’t give the Wombats any chance of breaking through with some scrupulous bowling. Hoddles Creek wouldn’t give their wickets away cheaply, but tidy bowling from the visitors ensured they would have no opportunity to break free and assert any semblance of domination. The arm wrestle would eventually end with Mt Evelyn taking the final wicket, on the last ball of the innings, with the score on 75. Craig Steele (3/12) would be the pick of an all round effort by the Mt Evelyn bowlers. Mt Evelyn wouldn’t have the same scoring issues as their hosts as they quickly wiped out the runs in ten overs with Alastair Churchill contributing 26 not out, and Craig Kenins scoring 39 not out.

The Flowtec 6th XI would battle manfully against the top of the table Warranwood, but found themselves a little short on class when it was all said and done. Warranwood would bat first, and despite the Mounters keeping things tight early, courtesy of some great bowling from Mason Jones, the Sharks would eventually break through against a tiring attack. The home side would eventually post a score of 3/193, by no means an unattainable target, but one that would take the Mounters absolute best. The visitors would give it a fair shake, and at times looked as though they could realistically trouble the target, however other than another excellent innings of 36 from opener Andrew Frid, none of the Mt Evelyn other batsmen could last long enough to extend the innings to really worry the home team. At 4/100 the door was open, but Warranwood would tighten the screws on the lower order to which they couldn’t respond, and the visitors would eventually be bowled out for 124.

Mt Evelyn 1st XI opener Jake Blackwell. (Supplied)

Unternahrer snares 6/23

By Les Hutchings

It was a weekend of mixed results for Kilsyth Cricket Club in the first round after the Christmas break, resulting in three wins, two losses and a draw for the Club’s senior teams. Best individual performances came from Mark Unternahrer, who captured 6/23 and scored 21 not out for the Thirds, Steve Galea 66 not out off 35 balls (3 fours and a massive 7 sixes) for the Fourths, and Andy Solomons who continues to star for the First XI, scoring 51 and taking 2/30.

Kilsyth First XI played Montrose at the scenic Montrose Recreation Reserve with Mount Dandenong as the backdrop. Montrose won the toss and elected to field in the one-day match. Kilsyth lost an early wicket (lbw from the bowling of Cheyne Van Coll) on the last ball of the first over to be 1/2. Then a 43-run partnership between Andy Solomons and Jack Childs came to an end when Childs was trapped lbw for 12 at the end of Cooper Grigg’s first over, the 13th of the innings. A third wicket partnership of 44 between Andy Solomons and Mackenzie Scott-Thomas then took the score to 87 when Solomons, who had batted superbly for 51 off 72 balls (5 fours and 2 sixes), was caught by Blake Podesta off medium pacer Ben Clilverd in the 24th over. Scott-Thomas and Captain Marcus Adams then added 30 before Scott-Thomas was caught by Blake Podesta for 25 off 47 balls (1 four), after opening bowler Cheyne Van Coll had been reintroduced into the attack. Kilsyth were now 4/117 but then lost two quick wickets. Firstly, Marcus Adams was bowled by spinner Jacob Crowe for 14 (2 fours), to see the score now 5/119 and then it was 6/119 in the 31st over after a direct hit runout by Cooper Grigg. Kilsyth fought hard to get the score to 9/175cc after their allotted 40 overs with Pasan Ganegoda showing some good form with the bat and finishing on 32 not out off 38 balls (2 fours). Multiple wicket takers for Montrose were Cheyne Van Coll 2/31 off 8 overs and Jacob Crowe 2/42 off 8 overs. The start after tea was delayed due to rain and lightning and after nine minutes of play, there was a further delay of 20 minutes due to another lightning strike. However, an 88-run opening partnership between Jacob Crowe and Blake Podesta set the run chase up for Montrose. Podesta was eventually out for 35 off 47 balls (4 fours) to a great catch by Will Beard at deep backward square leg on the boundary off left arm spinner Mackenzie Scott-Thomas. It was Macca’s 50th First XI wicket for Kilsyth Cricket Club. In the next over, Jacob Crowe was caught behind by Marcus Adams off the bowling of medium pacer Scott Nicholson for 43 off 48 balls (2 fours and 2 sixes). It was Nicholson’s 150th senior wicket for Kilsyth Cricket Club and Montrose were now 2/93 in the 17th over. Scott-Thomas took his second wicket in the next over and Montrose slumped to 3/103 in the 18th over. With the score on 3/121 after 20 overs, Andy Solomons came on to bowl for the first time and he had immediate success, capturing two wickets in his first two overs, the first wicket being that of Michael Edwards, well caught by Karmal Kuruppu on the square leg boundary for a rapid 25 off 17 balls (4 fours and 1 six). Thus, Montrose were now 5/137 in the 23rd over and after Kilsyth missed a few opportunities in the field, finished on 5/179 off 28.1 overs to win the match with 8 minutes to spare before the 7.00pm deadline. Ben Clilverd scored 26 not out off 27 balls (1 six), and Liam Storm 25 not out off 19 balls (2 fours). Chief wicket takers for Kilsyth were Mackenzie Scott-Thomas 2/28 off 5 overs and Andy Solomons 2/30 off 4 overs.

The Second XI played at home against Yarra Junction’s First XI. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bowl. However, the Junction amassed the huge score of 2/273cc off their 40 overs. The highlight of the innings was a 198-run second wicket partnership between centurions David Lever, who scored 106 not out off 101 balls (13 fours), and Captain Travis Nightingale, 108 not out off 110 balls (10 fours and 1 six). Kilsyth’s wicket takers were Daniel Caton 1/39 off 8 overs (1 maiden), and Matthew Smith 1/31 off 6 overs. Kilsyth lost regular wickets in the run chase and were bundled out for 137 in 32.4 overs. Top scorers for the Redbacks were Sanjeeva Rana with 37 off 38 balls (4 fours), Dan Beard 23 off 47 balls (3 fours), and Anthony Cook 20 off 15 balls (4 fours). The main wicket takers for Yarra Junction were Daniel Lever, who bowled brilliantly to take 6/17 off 6.4 overs (2 maidens), and Rhys Matthews 2/42 off 8 overs.

The Third XI played Wantirna South at Chandler Park, Boronia and needed to win to keep their finals hopes alive. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bowl. It proved to be the right decision

as Wantirna South were dismissed for 84 after 37 overs. Opener Yuvaraj Jothi top scored with 19 off 45 balls (3 fours). Kilsyth used seven bowlers, the best being Mark Unternahrer, who captured 6/23 off 8 excellent overs, including 3 maidens. “Unters” took a wicket with his first ball and in his second over was on a hat-trick. Other bowlers to stand out were spinner Justin Smith, who took 2/20 off 8 overs (1 maiden), Mark Wells 1/9 off 6 overs, Kasun Ekanayake 1/3 off 2 overs, and Dylan Smith, 0/3 off 6 economical overs (4 maidens). Kilsyth were untroubled to chase down the target and finished on 2/85 off 10.5 overs to win by 8 wickets. Opener Joel Harris scored 19 off 19 balls (3 fours), whilst Justin Smith was 28 not out off 16 balls (6 fours), and Mark Unternahrer 21 not out off 22 balls (4 fours), the latter two sharing

a 60-run unbroken partnership for the third wicket. The wicket takers for Wantirna South were Pratik Patel 1/16 off 4 overs, and Marcus Ballard 1/15 off 2 overs.

The Fourth XI played at home on Roy Baldwin Oval against Healesville’s Third XI who won the toss and elected to bat. The Bloods were all out for 147 in 34 overs, Adam Keath top scoring with 26 off 15 balls (5 fours and 1 six). Next best with the willow were Tyler Braden 19 off 44 balls (1 four), and Amandeep Singh 18 off 11 balls (3 fours and 1 six). Kilsyth leg spinner Andrew Smith captured 3/28 off 7 overs, Ravin Mehra 2/15 off 5 overs, Michael Sturt 2/21 off 7 overs (2 maidens), and Travis Tyszkiewicz 1/23 off 7 overs. Wicket keeper Russell Hutchings was lively behind the stumps with 3 catches. In the run chase, Kilsyth lost two

wickets at 41 and 62 respectively, before an unbroken third wicket partnership of 87 between Steve Galea, 66 not out off 35 balls (3 fours and 7 sixes), and Captain Anthony Sequeira 20 not out off 23 balls (2 fours and 1 six), steered the team to victory. Opener Andrew Smith also did well with the bat scoring 34 off 49 balls (3 fours and 1 six). It was a good win for the Fourth XI who are second on the ladder after 10 rounds.

The Fifth XI won on forfeit against Seville and are also second on the ladder.

On Sunday, the Women’s First XI’s home game against Bayswater Park was abandoned due to the wet weather without a ball being bowled. The Women’s team are fourth on the ladder. There were no junior matches played on the weekend.

Mark Unternahrer had a great all-round game capturing 6/23 and scoring 21 not out for Kilsyth’s Third XI.

Andy Solomons continues to star for Kilsyth’s First XI, scoring 51 and taking 2/30 against Montrose in Trollope Shield. (Supplied)

Tuesday 28th January 2025 - 11am to 3pm