Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 21st January 2025

Croydon chiro sentenced for working unregistered

Parking furore

Lilydale’stradersandTownship Action Group are baffled by parking restrictions introduced by Yarra Ranges Council leaving a lack of long-term or untimed parking bays throughout the main thoroughfare.

Nearly all parking on Main Street, Castella Street and Clarke Street have a time limit, some as short as 15 minutes, others three hours.

But for business owners and staff without dedicated parking at their premises it has meant hundreds of dollars in fines to park in close proximity to where they work.

A petition, started by LTAG and signed by businesses across Lilydale, is calling on the council to retract the fines and change the restrictions in place.

To read more to turn page 4

Autism Strategy welcomed

Swimming risks

By Mikayla van Loon

Despite recording increases in swimming lesson uptake over a four year period in the Yarra Ranges, drownings in teenagers particularly at the beach and in rivers increased tenfold according to the most recent lifesaving figures.

With summer’s heat upon us, an awareness message of remaining vigilant around water was sparked by close to 150 rescues performed at

beaches across Victoria earlier this month.

But the message for inland water safety was also prevalent after the tragic death of an eightyear-old boy in the Mitchell River.

Proximity to the Yarra River makes for an easy day out by the water but even though it may look calm, conditions can change and items can be submerged underwater, putting inexperienced swimmers at risk.

“It’s about what’s under the surface that you can’t see. It might not have been there the day before but it might be there today. Logs and sticks float underwater,” School Sports Victoria Yarra DivisionOfficerandUpperYarraPrimarySchools

Sports Officer Andrew Devisser, who hosts a kayaking program for primary school students, said.

The idea that “drowning is preventable” through proper swimming lessons, as a young child, a teenager and even as an adult was some-

thing Belgravia Leisure, operator of the Yarra Ranges’ pools, said was important to acknowledge.

“Continued swimming lessons are crucial for reinforcing water safety skills, improving technique and building confidence, ensuring individuals of all ages remain prepared and capable in potentially hazardous water situations,” they said.

Read more on page 6

Lilydale’s traders and Township Action Group have been left frustrated with fines piling up after street parking restrictions were introduced. (Rob Carew: 453683)

ICU closure sparks fears

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Community members and hospital staff are staggering after the announcement that the Upper Ferntree Gully’s Angliss Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) will close later this year - the decision, driven by ongoing construction works at the hospital, has sparked serious concerns about the impact on patient care, hospital operations, and the local community.

Ann-Marie Caspanello, one of the first patients to use the ICU when it opened in 2018, shared her shock and disappointment over the closure.

In November 2018, Ms Caspanello was rushed to Angliss Hospital after a severe asthma attack, where she spent two weeks in the ICU, including seven days in an induced coma.

For Ms Caspanello and her family, the ICU’s proximity to their home in Rowville was a crucial factor in her recovery.

“Being so close to home was a real blessing for my family,” she said.

She said it allowed her husband and young daughter to visit easily and offer emotional support during her recovery.

Had she been transferred to a hospital farther away, she believes the strain on her family and her own recovery would have been far greater.

Her husband, Patrick Benko, expressed his concern about the growing population in the area and the increasing need for local healthcare services.

“The area is growing with more townhouses being built, and the need for an ICU will only increase,” he said.

He questioned why such a crucial facility would be closed, especially after only six years of service.

“It’s needed more than ever, especially with the added pressures from Covid-19,” Mr Benko said.

Inside the hospital, staff are also reeling from the announcement.

A nurse, who wished to remain anonymous, said the closure was communicated to staff in early January 2025.

The reason given was that ongoing construction would create dust and vibration, making it difficult for the ICU to remain operational.

Prior to the closure announcement, staff had been told that only one set of lifts on the floor would be closed to accommodate the new building, but the situation changed unexpectedly.

The nurse described the closure as devastating, especially for the ICU team, who have worked tirelessly to provide high-quality, critical care for patients over the past six years.

Staff are also worried about the impact on other hospital departments.

“The care we currently deliver cannot be replicated by the skeletal cover proposed,” the nurse said.

With ICU staff being redeployed to Box Hill ICU, the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) will bear the brunt of the additional pressure, fur-

ther exacerbating existing staffing shortages.

The nurse expressed concerns about the lack of support for obstetrics, general ward patients, and the theatre complex, all of which rely on the ICU for critical care.

The change could result in delays for patients needing intensive care, particularly as the state’s retrieval services are already stretched thin.

One of the biggest fears is patients will face life-threatening delays due to the closure.

“Patients will have to be transported to other hospitals for ICU care, which could take precious time,” the nurse said.

The added strain on transport services, already busy covering the whole of Victoria, will make timely access to critical care more difficult.

With the closure, the Liaison team, which provides critical support for deteriorating patients throughout the hospital, will also be withdrawn.

This will place even more stress on ward nurses, who will have to manage the sickest patients without the specialist support they currently receive.

The nurse said the community deserves better, particularly given the substantial public funding that went into the ICU’s construction just six years ago.

“Would you want to risk your life, or that of a family member, knowing that the ICU might not be available when you need it?” the nurse said.

The closure has left ICU staff facing an uncertain future.

Many nurses have completed postgraduate qualifications in critical care, and now they are left wondering whether they will have jobs in the future.

Senior staff members, in particular, are unsure where they will be redeployed or whether they will continue to work in an ICU setting at all.

The lack of transparency from Eastern Health, which governs the hospital, has added to the anxiety.

Eastern Health’s spokesperson said managing a project of this nature, the safety of staff, patients and community remains of upmost importance.

“The next stage of the Eastern Health Angliss development project is underway and we are looking forward to its completion in mid 2026,” the spokesperson said.

“During construction, access to the ICU is inhibited. The practical solution to treat critically unwell patients includes treating all those suitable at the Intensive Care facilities at our Box Hill and Maroondah campuses.”

“A new model of care has been developed to ensure patient care will not be compromised.”

Locals, including Ms Caspanello and her family, are frustrated by the lack of communication about the decision and the future of healthcare services in the region.

“If it wasn’t for the ICU being so close, I don’t think I would have recovered as well as I did,” Ms Caspanello said.

Mr Benko is equally concerned, he said, “the population in this area is growing, and the need for an ICU will only increase. It just doesn’t make sense to close it now.”

Staff at the hospital are also disappointed by the lack of support or acknowledgment from the executive team.

“We all love our unit, and we believe in delivering high-standard, researched-based care,” the nurse said.

“It’s hard to understand why they would close something that’s been so vital to the community.”

Aaron Violi MP, Federal Member for Casey said he’s deeply concerned about the imminent closure of the Intensive Care Unit at Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully.

“The added pressure on Maroondah Hospital and Box Hill Hospital will undoubtedly worsen the already critical situation for the health and wellbeing of our seriously ill or injured residents,” Mr Violi said.

“I’m calling on the Victorian Labor Government to guarantee the ICU will reopen with the new expansion of Angliss Hospital scheduled for mid-2026.”

“The Yarra Ranges has no ICU or emergency department. Closing the Angliss ICU now means a 45-minute to one-hour commute to Maroondah or Box Hill for life-saving care.”

“Our community deserves to know if this closure is only temporary. We need clarity and assurance.”

As the closure date looms, both staff and community members are urging Eastern Health to reconsider the decision, stressing that closing the ICU will have serious consequences for patient care and the region’s healthcare system.

For now, the community remains uncertain about what the future holds, but there’s a growing call for action to ensure that critical care remains available when it’s needed most.

Be campfire safe this upcoming long weekend

Fire authorities and public land managers are reminding campers to make sure they check the conditions and brush up on campfire safety ahead of the upcoming long weekend.

The Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria, and Forest Fire Management Victoria will be conducting patrols in Victoria’s parks and forests throughout the weekend to make sure campers are doing the right thing.

Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said even if a Total Fire Ban has not been declared, we encourage campers to consider the need for a campfire on hot or windy days.

“If you are building a campfire, make sure you know how to build a safe one, don’t leave it unattended while it is alight and that you put it out with water. If the ashes are cool to touch –it’s safe to leave. It only takes one stray ember to cause a destructive fire.”

A total of 257 unattended campfires and barbecues have been detected by the Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria and Forest Fire Operations field staff on public land so far this financial year.

Over the last few weeks where Total Fire Bans have been declared, fire authorities and land managers continue to detect illegal campfires across the state during extreme weather conditions. Heavy penalties apply for anyone lighting a campfire on a Total Fire Ban day.

Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens said their authorised officers will be visiting campsites throughout Victoria’s parks and forests making sure everyone is following the rules.

So we can all have a safe and enjoyable long

weekend,” she said.

Chris Mercier, Manager, Enforcement Capability, Parks Victoria said they want people to get out and enjoy Victoria’s great outdoors, but unsafe campfires can have devastating consequences.

“It only takes one camper ignoring the rules to endanger the community and our environment,” he said.

Many people try to put out campfires incorrectly with soil, or not enough water to extinguish them completely. Fires that haven’t been properly extinguished can smoulder under soil for days and reignite in the right conditions – if it is cool to touch it is safe to leave.

To ensure campfires are safe: Always check fire restrictions before you light a fire, including whether a Total Fire Ban is in place.

Download the VicEmergency app or go to emv.vic.gov.au

Plan ahead and consider alternatives for cooking such as a portable butane cooktop.

Use a purpose-built fireplace if available, otherwise dig a trench at least 30cm deep.

Always follow the designated rules of your campsite.

In national parks, fires can only be lit in purpose-built fireplaces unless marked otherwise.

The campfire must not exceed one square metre, and three metres above and around your fire must be clear of flammable material. Branches and logs on your campfire must be no longer than one metre.

Never leave a campfire unattended – an adult must always stay within a 50-metre line of sight. Campfires must be extinguished with at least 10 litres of water every time you leave the site. All rubbish must be taken home with you, not burned.

People who breach campfire regulations on public land face a maximum penalty of $19,759 if the matter is prosecuted in court.

The maximum penalty for lighting or maintaining a fire during a Total Fire Ban day is $47,421.60 and/or two years in jail. Report unattended campfires to DEECA at 136 186 or call 000 to report a bushfire.

For more on campfire rules go to: vic.gov.au/ campfires-stoves-and-bbqs

campfire safe this weekend. (On File)

The closure of the ICU raises concerns over delays in critical care and the future of local healthcare services. (264648)

Community work for unregistered chiro

By William Ton, AAP

A suspended Croydon-based chiropractor who continued to practise for 16 months has been sentenced to community work after his lawyer said he acted out of concern for patients rather than greed.

David Williams, 72, was handed a 12-month community corrections order and 120 hours of unpaid community work on Friday after pleading guilty to four charges of being an unregistered health practitioner and knowingly holding out as being registered.

The charges were brought by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), claiming he continued to operate between April 2022 and August 2023 after being suspended for developing a relationship with a patient.

Williams’ business, which he no longer operates, was also charged with two counts of failing to provide information and produce documents requested by inspectors.

At Ringwood Magistrates Court, Magistrate Jason Ong ordered the chiropractor to pay $15,000 in prosecution costs, and his business was fined $8000.

“Despite your registration being suspended, the very next day, you continued providing chiropractic options,” Mr Ong said.

“You simply ignored the suspension.”

The magistrate described Williams’ conduct as a “gross breach of trust” and that he had committed the offences for personal gain.

“Through your sustained, wilful, persistent, blatant disregard and defiance for the rules, you have put vulnerable members of the public ... at risk,” said.

Williams had a history of working unlicensed after he pleaded guilty in 2011 to knowingly claiming to be registered and performing a manipulation of a cervical spine after his licence had expired.

He re-registered as a chiropractor in January

2012 before his licence was suspended by the Chiropractic Board of Australia in April 2022 over his being a “serious risk” to patients’ health and safety due to his relationship with a patient.

But an investigation in March 2023 found Williams had continued to operate, with electronic health claims system claims to show he claimed and processed $60,119.90 in 544 claims during his suspension period involving 16 patients, prosecutors said.

The defence said Williams had been “prioritising” providing continuous treatment for his patients, denying it was motivated by greed.

“(He) had taken this blanket approach to business as usual and patients come first, and disregarded the requirement to stop work as a chiropractor,” his lawyer said.

But AHPRA’s lawyers argued that didn’t explain his entire offending, given there were new patients he was treating and he would have known he was suspended while he continued to practise.

IN BRIEF

Nine arrested

A Badger Creek man and a Mooroolbark woman were arrested alongside seven other counterparts after being located at a factory allegedly containing a bounty of stolen goods.

Police officers from Knox and Rowville were patrolling the area when reports of suspicious activity at a factory on Lewis Road in Wantirna South on 10 January were made.

An allegedly stolen Renault van was driven through a boundary fence before being located abandoned in Ringwood East.

Seven people inside the factory were swiftly arrested.

Police including detectives from Knox Crime Investigation Unit located over 150 allegedly stolen items and other items including a VF Commodore sedan, a Ford Falcon utility, multiple power tools, drugs including crystal methamphetamine, cannabis and GHB, a handgun and multiple laptops, tablets and mobile phones.

An eighth suspect was arrested after turning up to the factory while officers were onsite.

A 35-year-old Craigieburn man, a 31-year-old Wallan man, a 27-year-old Oakleigh South man, a 34-year-old man of no fixed address, a 23-yearold Deniliquin man, a 28-year-old Badger Creek man and a 23-year-old Mooroolbark woman and a 20-year-old Rowville woman were interviewed and released from custody pending further enquiries.

The driver of the allegedly stolen Renault van was arrested on 14 January by Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives.

A 23-year-old Clayton man was charged with reckless exposure of police officer to risk by driving, three counts of theft of motor vehicle, criminal damage and driving whilst disqualified.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 21 January. Include pets in plan

CFA and RSPCA Victoria are urging residents to include pets in their bushfire survival plans, amid the significant fire activity already impacting Victoria this summer.

Having bedding, food, and water ready to go for your furry friend could save valuable time in the event of a fire.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan emphasised the importance of being ready to leave early on high-risk bushfire days.

“While you should always prioritise your own safety ahead of your pets, your bushfire plan isn’t fully complete unless it accounts for them,” Mr Heffernan said.

“When creating a plan, consider what your pets will eat and drink, how you will transport them, and where you are taking them.

“Keep towels and woollen blankets on hand to protect pets during the journey and to keep them as cool as possible.

“Another valuable step is microchipping pets for easy identification and ensuring your phone number is visible on their collar.

For horses and livestock, a separate plan is required.

“If you’re unable to evacuate livestock, the safest place is a large, well-grazed, and fenced area away from roads where they can move freely with access to water,” Mr Heffernan said.

Croydon chiropractor David Williams, 72, was sentenced to community work for practising while suspended. (File: 357196)

Surprise! You are fined

By Mikayla van Loon

Timed parking restrictions in Lilydale have led to the “concern and anger” of traders, community members and the town’s action group after hefty fines were imposed with what they’ve said was no warning or notice.

The limits of 15 minute, one, two and three hour parking spaces have been in place for some time according to Yarra Ranges Council’s traffic team but the use of electronic monitoring, via cameras on cars, has triggered frustration with fines turning up weeks later.

This has been particularly prevalent for staff at Lilydale hair salon Linea of the Yarra Valley which doesn’t have a designated car park.

“We have no parking, there’s 11 of us who work here, and none of us have anywhere to park, including the owner, so she’s had quite a few fines as well, which obviously we’re not super impressed by, because we’re only coming to work,” Linea manager Shelbie White said.

“So we were parking out the front and then of course, they started coming around with a camera in the car, and we didn’t know. I got (a fine) every day for like three or four days in a row.”

Each fine was in the realm of $100 but Shelbie said she did pay them all and followed up with Yarra Ranges Council afterwards to attempt to find a solution for herself and her staff.

“I rang them, and I just said, ‘it’s not really good enough, we’re a small, local business, we should have somewhere to park. Is there something that we can do? Where do you suggest that we park?’ And she said, ‘Well, everywhere has got a limit’.”

Shelbie said she requested a handful of parking permits that she could keep in the hair salon for the staff to use interchangeably, given not all 11 are rostered to the same shifts but she was told that wasn’t an option.

Currently there’s around 20 parking spaces that are untimed but Shelbie said with many businesses requiring this kind of parking, it’s a first in best dressed scenario.

While the problem is impacting staff, Shelbie said there has been some feedback from clients who are “not booking their appointments because there’s no parking”.

“If you’re coming in for colour, or if you’re getting a whole head of foils, you’re here for four or five hours and they can’t run out because of the chemicals. If a wind comes, the bleach can come out of the foil. So we do suggest not to. We do offer to move their cars.

“We get people that don’t come at all anymore because they just have nowhere to go. We’re getting feedback saying, ‘I got a fine at my last appointment’, and we’re like, ‘we don’t have a solution’.”

In a financially challenging time, seeing people cut back on the non-essentials like hairdressing, Shelbie said the parking has been an added struggle in keeping clientele.

“We’re trying to come up with solutions as to how to grow the business and how to try and pick it back up, because obviously, financially, everyone at the moment, is a bit tight,” she said.

“With that added on top, I mean it’s not a massive problem. I’m not saying that it’s 90 per cent but it’s enough.”

In a letter to councillor Tim Heenan and newly elected ward councillor Mitch Mazzarella the Lilydale Township Action Group (LTAG) called the new camera system “sneaky and underhanded”.

“We believe the current approach was implemented by council without adequate consultation, if any, or any consideration of changes in our community or local needs,” the letter reads.

“The sudden and unexplained introduction of a new parking compliance system has resulted in a substantial number of parking fines for residents, businesses and visitors.”

In November 2024, the council sought feedback from the community about the town’s parking restrictions with a vision to increase the three and four hour spaces under the Lilydale Parking Precinct Plan.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said at the time that the council and community members had identified areas where parking could be improved.

“This consultation will help us better align parking to the changing needs of the community – losing restricted parking in some areas and changing the hours of restriction in others,” he said.

“This will enable better turnover in high-traffic areas, ensuring that there are places for customers to park and places where business operators can park too.”

It was this that triggered an outcry from LTAG and a petition calling for a rescission of fines and parking enforcement to be placed on hold, suggesting there was no prior consultation or discussion when the initial timed parking restrictions came into effect.

“The implementation and management system of the enforcement has been done without consultation or review. It needs to be done over again with consultation and review before any implementation,” an LTAG social media post read on 10 December.

After submitting an objection to the council, the traffic team acknowledged “enforcement efforts have increased since early this year (2024) to ensure fair use of parking spaces for everyone”.

“We recognise that past inconsistencies in enforcement have led to some people not adhering to the restrictions and we are committed to striking a balance moving forward,” a response said.

Parking was a key discussion for the council throughout 2024 with new initiatives and policies being drawn up.

In May 2024, Yarra Ranges Council launched a paid parking pilot in Warburton, with increased parking enforcement already in tourist areas including number plate recognition technology, physically chalking vehicles and new signage all being implemented.

The 12-month long paid parking pilot was then going to be reviewed and potentially rolled out across the Yarra Ranges in other hotspots to balance tourism with local need.

In August, a shire-wide Draft Parking Management Framework was approved for community feedback.

“The aim of the policy is to be consistent, to be equitable, logical for visitors, businesses and residents, to give people a fair go, to maximise utilisation of those spaces and provide efficient access to utilities and businesses,” then councillor Andrew Fullagar said.

In a meeting with LTAG on Thursday 16 Janu-

ary, members of the group told Star Mail it felt like there had been no consideration of the business type when choosing the restriction.

“I had breakfast down where Bean Seen is and the parking around there is one hour. People are saying, ‘well, we’re not coming here for lunch anymore in that area’. So those people are now losing customers because there’s nowhere to park,” Helen Darvell said.

LTAG secretary Sharyn Manning said “we’ve worked really hard to try and bring people here” as a stop before heading to the Yarra Valley, not just a drive by.

“LTAG has been working very hard to bring more people to Lilydale and in particular to have them stop and spend time and money in our town,” the letter reiterated.

“We actively encourage tourism by organising events and projects and giving thousands of volunteer hours to encourage visitors and residents to come to our town.

“The enforcement of parking restrictions just turns people away rather than face the risk of being fined.”

Since the November consultation period, changes to the parking in Lilydale include 33 spaces in the Main Street Service Road west of the station be increased from two hours to four hours, Clarke Street to be increased from one hour to two hours and the Main Street Service Road (Bunnings) to increase from one hour to three hours among other changes.

However, there were no adjustments considered for the shops between Castella Street and Clarke Street.

Yarra Ranges Council was contacted for comment.

Staff from Linea of the Yarra Valley and Noel Jones, alongside members of the Lilydale Township Action Group are frustrated by parking enforcements happening in Lilydale. (Rob Carew: 453683)

NEWS Ness stands for Deakin

By Mikayla van Loon

The independent movement has expanded further east with a Voices of candidate endorsement announced for Deakin ahead of the Federal election.

Jess Ness officially launched her campaign on Saturday 11 January citing that the “community deserves a representative who listens to them and can act on their behalf” and is not “bound by party politics”.

Deakin, which was held as a Liberal seat in 2022 by 375 votes, stretches across Croydon, Kilsyth, Ringwood, Park Orchards, Mitcham and Nunawading.

The Blackburn-based mum of three tried her hand at the most recent Maroondah Council elections and was put forward as a communitynominated candidate in the Voices of Deakin search.

Although she “never imagined standing for election” but was “increasingly compelled to stand up and act”, Ms Ness said she was prepared to be a listening ear and voice of the people of Deakin.

“My values are rooted in integrity, community engagement, and sustainability,” she said.

“I want to be a leader who listens first, engages with people directly, and prioritises transparency and evidence-based decision-making. I will always put the needs of my community first and be a voice for them in the halls of Parliament.”

Ms Ness’ campaign platform is based on the key pillars of climate action and resilience; integrity and trust; community health and safety; and equity and inclusion but said Deakin had a universal list of challenges as well.

“People in Deakin are facing similar challenges to many other Australians: affordable housing, rising costs of living, and inadequate mental health services, in particular services for young people,” she said.

“There is an urgent need for climate action, as

we’re already experiencing the impacts of climate change here in our community. I will advocate for policies that address these issues and get Deakin residents the support they deserve.”

With a background in geophysics and geothermal energy, as well as a board member for community services which focus on environmental sustainability, Ms Ness said she would bring her knowledge and experience from these entities to a representative role.

This, among work on both a professional and volunteer level in the migrant sector, Ms Ness said social cohesion was front of mind as well.

“In a society that is experiencing its lowest sense of social cohesion in 16 years, I will not prompt further division with aggressive or condemning rhetoric,” she said.

“We are facing multiple challenges, and if and when those challenges bring hardship to us in Deakin, it is each other we will be turning to.”

On the topic of cost-of-living, Ms Ness said

this issue would continue to be ongoing if not addressed with correct policy.

“We talk about the current cost-of-living crisis as though it is a temporary event, yet without intervention, we need to consider that this could become our new normal.”

The Voices of and for movement was grounded in hearing and reflecting the community’s wants and needs in Parliament.

“Listening to the community is core to this campaign, and I value their collective thoughts, ideas, and experiences. It is imperative we create safe and respected avenues for engagement, beyond social media and campaign rallies,” Ms Ness said.

Committed to attending events and hearing from the community in person, Ms Ness said the next few weeks and months would see her “being actively engaged within the community”.

“I want people to feel safe in speaking to me about their experiences and ideas, regardless of

whether they align with my views.

“To me, it’s just as important that I provide opportunities for community to speak with me, as it is to provide opportunities for community to listen to, and share ideas with each other.

“This is not just about me running for office; it’s about building a movement of change, grounded in collaboration and acknowledging that we are a strong and resilient community.”

Having lived in and around Deakin for 15 years, Ms Ness said she was a passionate Deakin local ready to do her part for the community she loves.

“I admire the strength and resilience of the Deakin community. Deakin is full of diverse, passionate individuals who genuinely care about each other and the environment.

“I also appreciate the area’s natural beauty, from its parks and waterways to its local gardens. The sense of community in Deakin is inspiring, and I was heartened by how we rallied in support of one another during the Covid pandemic.”

Voices of Deakin endorsed Jess Ness as its independent candidate for the 2025 Federal election. (Supplied)

Staying safe on all waters

By Mikayla van Loon

Victoria’s summer has been blessed with a string of warm weather days encouraging beach and river attendance but with that comes an increased risk of drownings and rescues.

And while Yarra Ranges pools have recorded an uptake in swimming lesson attendance, Royal Life Saving estimated in October that more than 40 per cent of children don’t meet the national benchmark for swimming and water safety.

Just days into the new year, Life Saving Victoria recorded its busiest day, with lifeguards completing 145 rescues in 24 hours, most occurring on Saturday 4 January after temperatures reached the high 30s.

“We don’t remember a day when we’ve been that busy and that many Victorians have needed our help,” Life Saving Victoria state agency commander Kane Treloar told Guardian Australia.

The tragic death of an eight-year-old boy in the Mitchell River near Cobbannah in East Gippsland was also a reminder of the dangers not only at the beach but in inland waters.

In the Yarra Ranges, with the proximity to the Yarra River from Warburton to Warrandyte, both areas which have recorded fatalities, inland water safety and awareness is critical for children and adults.

One school-based program aimed at introducing primary-aged students to rivers and lakes and their unique conditions through kayaking has been operating for 20 years.

School Sports Victoria Yarra Division Officer and Upper Yarra Primary Schools Sports Officer Andrew Devisser said while the program has an element of fun and competition, it’s mostly an introduction to inland water safety.

“It’s about what’s under the surface that you can’t see. It might not have been there the day before but it might be there today. Logs and sticks float underwater. So a lot of it we are just making sure they’re aware, especially before they jump into a river,” he said.

“There’s also different positions when they fall out of a pipe. What’s the safest position to be in if you’re carried down by a current, the sort of stuff you hear all the time but we just put it into practice.”

Because of the ease in accessing the Yarra River for recreational use, particularly in Warburton, Mr Devisser said it’s important to trigger questions in kids’ minds before they enter the water.

“Most kids, 95 per cent of kids, are going to take away some knowledge about ‘I’m here in the river, what do I think of first before I get in? And what do I check for first before I start floating down and diving in off the side’,” Mr Devisser said. In 2024, 11 per cent of drowning deaths occurred in the age group of 15 to 24, with the beach being the location of 36 per cent of these, followed closely by rivers and creeks on 31 per cent.

Concerningly the “drowning rates increase ten-fold from age 10 to age 20, likely due to increases in risk taking, and a lack of swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills across youth and young adult populations” the Royal Life Saving website reads.

There are three national benchmarks set for children to reach at the age of six, 12 and 17-years-old.

By 12-year-old, a child should be able to swim 50 metres continuously; float, scull or tread water

ISN’T JUST A FUN ACTIVITY—IT’S A CRITICAL SAFETY SKILL THAT CAN SAVE A LIFE.”

for two minutes; and perform a survival sequence wearing light clothing.

This increases to continuously swimming 400 metres; float, scull or tread water for five minutes; and perform a survival sequence wearing heavy clothing by 17-years-old.

“Many young adults are quite simply being left unprepared for the dangers they may encounter in and around the water as they grow older. Without immediate action to address this skills gap, more lives could certainly be at risk,” Royal Life Saving chief executive officer Justin Scarr said.

A spokesperson from Belgravia Leisure, the operator of all pools in the Yarra Ranges, said “parents should recognise and prioritise swimming lessons as an essential life skill for (their) children”.

“Continued swimming lessons are crucial for reinforcing water safety skills, improving technique and building confidence, ensuring individuals of all ages remain prepared and capable in potentially hazardous water situations, such as rivers, lakes, ocean and at home,” they said.

“The key lessons that students benefit from in a learn to swim class are certainly water safety skills and knowledge, technique for strokes both competitive and survival as well as self-preservation skills such as floating.

“Additionally, lessons include vital information such as safety signage and the role of the lifeguard.”

In the period from December 2020 to March 2024, the spokesperson said “parents embraced learn to swim lessons post-pandemic”, seeing

GoSwim enrolments rise 53 per cent at Monbulk Aquatic Centre and 38 per cent at Yarra Centre.

“Swimming isn’t just a fun activity—it’s a critical safety skill that can save a life. Drowning is preventable, and by ensuring that your child learns how to swim, you’re giving them the tools to stay safe around water,” the spokesperson said.

Concern over the lack of access to swimming lessons and pools in the urban parts of the Yarra Ranges since the closure of the Kilsyth Centenary Pool in March 2023 has been expressed deeply by petitioners and advocates of Rebuild Our Kilsyth Pool.

Janis Floyd, one of the lead petitioners to rebuild the pool, said at a Yarra Ranges Council meeting in May 2024 that “we lose many things” through the closure of the pool which benefit swim competency in all age groups.

“We lose the baby swim school, the primary school learn to swim and water safety, competition swimming, disability, autism and cultural swimming… school carnivals and fundraising events…work experience and teen jobs, aqua aerobics and finally aged care and dementia swim,” she said.

“The full spectrum of all these are significant to our health and wellbeing for the future.”

The Belgravia Leisure spokesperson said however, that after the closure staff were redeployed to ensure the Kilsyth Swim School students could continue lessons elsewhere.

“All students were offered the options of Jack Hort Pool, Yarra Centre, Monbulk Aquatic Centre and Knox Leisureworks,” they said.

“We also contacted every school utilising Kilsyth Centenary Pool to continue the schools swimming program at these alternate venues.

“Our GoSwim program is structured so that we always have room for more students, so there was never a waitlist for a place for any Kilsyth swim school students to continue at alternate venues.”

Ms Floyd said for many families though, travelling to some of these pools further away is not ideal and may be a barrier to getting their child lessons.

While most schools are subsidised by the State Government to conduct school swimming programs, Mr Devisser said it’s unusual for schools to run a kayaking program, especially for Grade 5 and 6 students.

“We’d be one of the few areas, few districts in the state, (maybe) the only district in the state that actually runs a kayaking program for primary kids, a lot of the secondaries will do their rafting and that down the Yarra especially now that we’ve got a couple of hire places in Warby,” he said.

“The Alpine School in Don Valley, they do a fair bit of kayaking and canoeing as well now. But we’re sort of unique in the primary space, there wouldn’t be too many primary schools that do what we do.”

Mr Devisser said schools engaged in the kayaking program stretch from Coldstream to Toolangi, Silvan to Warburton, as well as Lilydale and Montrose.

With the growing push for people to enjoy the region and get outdoors, Mr Devisser said the quality of the river compared to 15 years ago has improved immensely, making it a great summer destination for families but the message of safety is still key.

“There’s some great spots on the river they can access and they’re down there, paddling with their families and it’s good to see, we want them to use our local resources as well as just giving them general confidence in things that years ago, kids wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do.

“I reckon a lot of these kids will be going down there with their bikes, going for a ride and there’ll be hot days, they’ll jump in the water so the more we can make them aware, the better.”

The spokesperson from Belgravia said similarly, that swimming lessons encourage the safe use of natural bodies of water.

“Investing in swimming lessons now means giving your child the ability to protect themselves and others in and around water, while also ensuring they can safely enjoy the wonderful aquatic experiences our environment provides. It’s one of the most valuable gifts you can give them.”

The Yarra River rapids at Warburton are a popular destination for kayakers but they can be dangerous for people who may not know the river. (Rob Carew: 453900)

Former Yering Primary School student Jordan taking part in the river kayaking event hosted at Doon Reserve. (Supplied)

Despite looking calm, the River can be deep, have sticks or logs floating or submerged and can change conditions quickly from spot to spot. (453900)

Safety and warning signs line the Yarra River in the popular swimming and entry point areas behind the shops on the main Warburton strip. (453900)

NEWS National Autism Strategy

By Dongyun Kwon

The federal government has released the National Autism Strategy and an associated Action Plan for the first time at the commonwealth level.

The strategy and the action plan aim to improve inclusion, support and life outcomes for all autistic Australians, focusing on four key outcome areas; social inclusion, economic inclusion, diagnosis, services and supports, and health and mental health.

Different Journeys co-founder and chief executive officer Mel Spencer OAM said she welcomed the unified approach to the National Autism Strategy because each state currently has different processes and rules, which makes it confusing for the autistic community.

“A nationally consistent approach will help us all understand what supports are available, how to access and why the need is important,” she said.

“It will also help us bring to the forefront more of the same challenges many of us are experiencing in isolation. Nationally, this will make our voices stronger.”

Different Journeys provides peer support and social connection for the autistic and unpaid carer communities based in Outer East.

It’s been nine years since Different Journeys started its journey to support people with autism and their families.

“I am autistic and ADHD and am a parent and a carer for my three autistic children who also have complex mental health challenges,” the co-founder said.

“We started it because we were not receiving the services we needed for our own children, so we decided to create something.”

Ms Spencer said there are many challenges that are often not talked about such as finding support and navigating complicated service systems to access that.

“Autism is a whole life condition; we are across all life spans and access to community, but people are often putting us in the disability sector, and

there is much work to be done in the intersectionality and comorbidity space, particularly autism and mental health,” she said.

“We work with over 10,000 families in Victoria atagrassrootslevelbuthaverecentlyhadtocutour services because of funding cuts. Finding funding for our services continues to be a challenge.

“96 per cent of our staff are either autistic or carers of autistic individuals. Not only do we have lived experience but also knowledge and experience about how to access support and services.

“For many, even just getting through the education system can be so traumatic.”

The first action plan is backed by $42.3 million in funding and outlines the practical steps the federal government will take to achieve the vision and outcomes of the strategy over the next two years.

One of the key investments in the first action plan is going towards peer support as the government has promised to invest $19.9 million over four years for a peer support program to provide lived-experience knowledge, empathy and culturally tailored advice for autistic people in groups they resonate with.

Ms Spencer said having peer support is important in supporting autistic and unpaid

carer communities.

“The lived experience is so powerful as often if you are trying to navigate this space, someone that has walked the journey beforehand is essential. You can feel so alone and isolated but finding someone else who can share and understand your journey makes you feel that little bit less alone,” she said.

“We need to ensure with peer support that not only do we have lived experience, but we also know how to access and support others with the complicated service systems, because we also have lived it.

“There is a lot of talk about lived experience/ peer support but you need to be able to know how to access support and services. It’s not enough just to say ‘I’m autistic’. No one person is the same and we need to ensure that many voices are heard.”

Other than investing for a peer sport program, the first phase of the strategy also aims to enhance community understanding, awareness and acceptance of autism through $915,000 over two years for new awareness and education initiatives; to improve the diagnosis process through $445,000 in 2025-26 for resources to support autistic people and their families with pre- and post-diagnosis information; to boost pathways to meaningful employment through $915,000 over two years to improve employment opportunities and support for autistic people; to invest $12.2 million over five years for a dedicated knowledge translation body, which will ensure academic research into neurodiversity informs and improves the policies and services impacting autistic people’s lives day to day; to invest $3.7 million over two years to work with autistic people and the autism community to evaluate existing programs aiming to improve their lives, to identify what works, where there are gaps and opportunities for improvement; to identify ways to improve Australian Government services, supports, information and the safety and welfare of autistic people; and to invest $2.8 million over four years for a comprehensive epidemiological study to identify the true prevalence of autism in Australia, which will underpin

future policy development.

The Different Journeys co-founder said she would like to see investment in supporting families through the National Autism Strategy.

“I think education, employment, diagnosis and mental health are great topics, but we also need to bring families on the journey with us. Often the families are just as lost in trying to support the autistic individual,” Ms Spencer said.

“I would like to see investment in supporting families to support the autistic individual. This is what Different Journeys does.

“We support the family which in turn supports the autistic individual and allows every member to thrive. Together we have an opportunity to make important changes that can support everyone in the chain.”

The seven-year strategy was developed with the guidance of the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council and involved extensive consultation with autistic people, their families and carers, and the broader autism and disability sectors, researchers and experts.

Federal social services minister Amanda Rishworth said the new strategy reflects the government’s vision for a more inclusive Australia where all people with disability are supported to participate in all spheres of life.

“Our Labor Government is committed to improving the lives of the almost 300,000 autistic people living in Australia and it’s why we have delivered the first National Autism Strategy,” minister Rishworth said.

“Addressing the barriers autistic people face in areas like education, employment and diagnosis is long overdue and we are proud to deliver a strategy that will change lives for the better.

“This is not a strategy that has been done in isolation. It has been built in consultation and collaboration with autistic people living in Australia.

“Working with autistic people will remain key as we work to implement the goals of the strategy and the associated action plan – ensuring we meet the diverse needs of autistic people in Australia.”

Different Journeys provides peer support and social connection for the autistic and unpaid carer communities. (Mikayla Van Loon)

Changing Places in Kilsyth

Yarra Ranges Council has opened a new Changing Places accessible toilet and change room facility at Pink Reserve Sporting Stadium in Kilsyth.

This marks the sixth facility of its kind in the Yarra Ranges and a significant step forward in fostering an inclusive community.

Developed as part of the Resilient Yarra Ranges program, the project was funded through the Federal Government’s Preparing Australian Communities Program Local, with $224,000 contributed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The facility’s design was shaped by input from the Yarra Ranges Disability Advisory Committee (DAC), whose members provided valuable insights to ensure the project meets the needs of persons with disabilities.

Mayor of Yarra Ranges Council, Councillor Jim Child, highlighted the Council’s commitment to creating spaces that are welcoming and accessible for all.

“It is our priority to provide well-maintained public toilet facilities that are accessible, safe, and sustainable for the entire community,” Cr Child said.

“Kilsyth Sporting Stadium is a cherished destination for local families and visitors, and this new facility ensures that more people can enjoy quality time here, enhancing community health and connection.”

Walling Ward Councillor, Len Cox, highlighted how the Kilsyth Sporting Stadium, which serves as a Council Emergency Relief Centre, now ensures all residents, including those with disabilities, can access a safe and supportive space during emergencies and other times of need.

“Removing barriers that increase risk for people with disabilities is essential for fostering an inclusive and resilient community and with this facility all residents can remain together and access public spaces that adequately meets their needs.”

The facility includes an automated heightadjustable adult-sized change table, a constant charging ceiling track hoist system, and a peninsula toilet with space for carers on either side.

Senator Lisa Darmanin, who joined the opening ceremony, commented on the project’s impact on accessibility and inclusion, noting its alignment with the Resilient Yarra Ranges

“We know that persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by disasters, but have fewer choices when emergencies unfold. This is one of the reasons Kilsyth Stadium was chosen as a site for the Changing Places facility as when emergencies happen this stadium operates as a Council Emergency Relief Centre and now, with the addition of these new amenities, we are ensuring that our entire community can get support here,” he said.

program’s goals.

“An inclusive community is one where no one is left behind. By investing in accessible infrastructure like this, we’re creating spaces that welcome everyone, making sure people with disabilities can be part of every aspect of community life, from sport to social events.

“The Federal Government is proud to support projects like this through the Preparing Australian Communities Program - Local.

“Through partnerships with Yarra Ranges Council, we’re not just building infrastructure— we’re building a future where accessibility and inclusion are the standard, not the exception.”

To find other Changing Places locations, visit: yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Community/Disability Support/Accessible-toilets

Disability Advisory Committee Members with Councillors Jim Child, Len Cox, Peter McIlwain, Mitch Mazzarella, Senator Lisa Darmanin, MP Aaron Violi and Council Disability Inclusion Officer Amanda May. (Supplied)

Councillor Len Cox addressed attendees.

Mayor Jim Child speaks to the crowd about the necessity of such a facility.

Senator Lisa Darmanin (centre) received a tour of the new facility.

NEWS Making a summer splash

Belgrave Outdoor Pool was the place to be on Tuesday 14 January as people from all over the Yarra Ranges travelled to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine.

From trying the best jumps and tricks to get into the pool to play water fights, there was so much fun being had at the local pool.

Others, like Melanie and her children aged four, seven and 10, stayed to soak up the warm sun and water after taking part in the VicSwim program.

Being the first time her children had done the intensive, week-long program, Melanie said she “booked this to see what it was all about (and) to look at the benefits of an intensive program”.

Finishing up the program on Friday 17 January, Melanie said her kids “had a lot of fun”.

“On the Friday session (the last day), the kids did more games and activities than just straight swimming and they definitely enjoyed this the best,” she said.

“The other benefit was that we stayed on after our lessons so the kids got extra swimming practice each day, which is something not available at our usual swimming facility.”

Over the course of the week, Melanie said she could see the benefits of swimming each day for five days.

“Their stroke technique improved, as well as their swimming speed.

“My youngest one’s improved confidence would be the biggest gain for him.”

A spokesperson from Belgravia Leisure, the operator of pools in the Yarra Ranges, said VicSwim is a time-efficient way to help children develop essential skills and water safety.

“The program provides accessible, affordable and high-quality lessons designed to improve children’s water safety, swimming skills and confidence in the water,” they said.

“With its focus on water safety and building essential life skills, VICSWIM is a valuable resource for parents aiming to ensure their children are safer and more confident around water.”

Melanie said if given the chance next year she would definitely take up the option of getting her children into the program again.

Recreational users of the pool commented that Belgrave Outdoor Pool ticked all the boxes for them, the main one being the outdoor environment, hence some travelling the distance from Wesburn, Yarra Junction and Mount Evelyn.

Others said it was the length and size of the pool, the shaded spots and the accessibility that made it a great summers day out location.

Journalist Tanya Steele captured these moments poolside.

Sonny, Logan and Jude from Yarra Junction, Wesburn and Mt Evelyn splashing about at Belgrave Pool. (Tanya Steele: 453671)

Zoe jumps into the pool. (453671)

Hannah and Zoe doing the safety starfish float taught in swimming lessons. (453671)

Vicky with Elara and Leon from Mulgrave and Gembrook having a play water fight. (453671)

Macclesfield mum Siobhan and her two-year-old son Leo enjoy Belgrave Pool because it is one of the only outdoor ones. (453671) Belgrave Pool Manager Jorja-Shae. (453671)

Lilian, Matilda, Josie and Charlotte enjoying the deep end. (453671)

Hannah launches into the water. (453671)

‘Walk and Talk’ for roos

By Callum Ludwig

Woori Yallock resident and former president of the Australian Wildlife Protection Council Peter Preuss is passionate about protecting kangaroos in the Yarra Ranges and is inviting members of the community to join him in advocating for the much-loved marsupials.

Mr Preuss is holding regular ‘Walk and Talk’ events at the Yarra Valley Living Centre (55 Rayner Court, Yarra Junction) with the intention of showing and discussing the issues kangaroos face with both local councillors and residents.

Mr Preuss originally tried to hold a Walk and Talk with councillors in November 2024 before holding a public one the following month and is planning a third for Australia Day this month.

Mr Preuss said the response so far has been a mixed bag.

“At any time (at the Yarra Valley Living Centre), you can see a couple of hundred kangaroos and it’s a brilliant spot to bust the myths, for a start, how there aren’t two million of them, because 25 years ago there was almost the same number of kangaroos there,” he said.

“It just shows that they will not keep breeding exponentially, they have a limit and they seem to be able to work themselves out in a way, even though you go there and there’s joeys everywhere, they don’t all succeed and the numbers just don’t skyrocket,”

“The other reason why it’s a good spot to go to is that they are knee-deep in grass, there are so many of them and they have to mow it for fire reasons so they won’t eat themselves out of house and home, there’s a bunch of other myths the place itself just debunks.”

Mr Preuss first called on Yarra Ranges Council at a council meeting in July 2023 to request the Victorian Government exclude the municipality from the commercial harvesting of kangaroos and to develop a kangaroo management plan that will reflect that position, taking inspiration from the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and Mount Alexander Shire Councils at the time.

As of 2025, harvesting is banned in 31 of Victoria’s 79 local government areas (LGAs) with 10 more having been added to the exclusion zone this year. Four of the neighbouring LGAs to the Yarra Ranges; Knox, Maroondah, Cardinia and Nillumbik are within the exclusion zone. Mornington and Nillumbik both lobbied to be excluded, alongside Mount Alexander, although Mount Alexander remains included in the Kangaroo Harvesting Program.

The KHP quota for 2025 has also been set at 106,750 kangaroos throughout Victoria (combined eastern and western grey kangaroos), including 11,900 eastern grey kangaroos in the Gippsland harvest zone which includes the Yarra Ranges. In 2024, the kangaroo harvesting quota began at 155,650 before being revised to 142,350, including a final total of 43,900 kangaroos in the Central Harvest Zone the Yarra Ranges was previously in.

Mr Preuss said they won’t meet the quota be-

cause we just don’t have the kangaroos to meet it.

“Normally you would have a quota on something like fishing, you’d say you’re allowed to catch five of these fish and the chances are you could catch six of them or seven or more, but you have to stop at five but the kangaroo shooter doesn’t have to worry about that because he’s never gonna meet the quota, the numbers are just simply not there,” he said.

“It’s why the Mallee has a quota of zero, that’s where it all started because there were so many kangaroos there and then they shot them to the point of commercial extinction, though I’m not saying that the kangaroos are extinct in the Mallee, they’re still in national parks.”

When Mr Preuss was working with the Australian Conservation Foundation and the Australian Wildlife Protection Council in the 1980s, he was part of a group which helped end the commercial killing of kangaroos until it was reintroduced in 2019.

“Mr Preuss said we wouldn’t be losing anything by going back to what we had before.

“If the farmer thinks he’s got a problem, he can apply for and get a permit to shoot them without it being commercial, once it’s become commercial people think they have a problem when they actually don’t,” he said.

“Commercial shooters approach landowners saying ‘I can fix your problem’ and they more often than not are going ‘What problem? And say’ ‘Oh these kangaroos, they’ll be eating your grapes’ but I’m a grapevine grower myself, I make wine and they don’t eat grapes,”

“The amount that maybe the odd kangaroo will have a taste of is just minuscule, yet you’ve got vineyards that are allowing the commercial shooters to come in and take them out.”

Mr Preuss can be contacted at peter.preuss@ bigpond.com for anyone interested in joining a ‘Walk and Talk’ event and he is also happy to provide a free ebook copy of his book ‘The Red Sands of Hattah’ which details the campaign to stop the mass killing of kangaroos in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park in the 1980s.

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

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

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

The commercial harvesting of kangaroos continues, though the quota was reduced heavily in 2025. (File)

Peter Preuss with a copy of ‘The Red Sands of Hattah’. (Supplied)

Floral moves

By Callum Ludwig

A floristry apprentice from the Upper Yarra is set to showcase her skills against the other best apprentices in the country in 2025.

Elisabeth Boer, a Wandin resident and member of the team at Wandin Florist, is set to compete in the World Skills Nationals competition, representing Victoria in the Floristry category.

Ms Boer said floristry wasn’t something she was always interested him.

“I heard about the job going and thought I’d apply for it, got the job and found out and loved it and was good at it,” she said.

“Working with flowers in general is really nice, it’s a nice environment and a good outlet for my creativity.”

Set to be held in Brisbane this June, the World Skills competition aims to pit the best trainees and apprentices in different trades and skills against each other over three days and is held every two years, with competitors having been picked from regional competitions held prior.

Ms Boer said it was a lot of fun in the regional competition, especially as she had a bit of time to prepare so she worked out what she was doing beforehand.

“I was able to have a rough idea at least and it wasn’t very stressful, t was a good way to test my skills as well and push myself a bit more and I’m looking forward to that more in the Nationals as well, pushing myself and being more creative,” she said.

“At regional, we had four items to make and there’s a little guideline on what you have to make that the rest is left up to you, each competitor is given the same amount of flowers and you have to figure out how you’re going to divide each bunch for your different items,”

“On the day it went pretty smoothly though with the time limits I did start to run short on time but I think it was good for me to have to push myself, I haven’t started palling for the next one because I haven’t got the competition pack yet but I’m going to be researching past competitions to get an idea of what they’re looking for.”

The regional competitions are usually held at local schools or training organisations, with top performers picked to represent their state in the

Yarra Valley update

Hello Yarra Valley gardeners!

Welcome to the second January 2025 fruit fly update!

With detections of QFF locally now, everyone needs to take the extra step to plan for and prevent QFF. Two very important aspects of QFF prevention and control include using a fine mesh netting over vulnerable host fruit and practicing ’garden hygiene’ - picking on time, preventing fruit falling, and treating suspect fruit by boiling or freezing.

Netting

Exclusion netting or fine mesh nets stop the fruit fly from accessing the fruit to lay eggs.

Netting is installed over the fruit tree or shrub after flowering and pollination, but before fruit grows in size and starts to change colour.

Garden Hygiene

Keep the fruit in your garden picked on time, and if it does fall to the ground, clean it up as quick as possible to destroy larvae and reduce the attractive scent.

Process what you pick. Don’t share fruit if you suspect it is infested. Treat suspect fruit by freezing or boiling.

QFF Detections @ JAN 17th 2025 Yarra Valley and surrounds Coldstream, Yarra Glen, Lilydale have all reported QFF in traps. Action plans are in place, along with extra traps. QFF larvae have been detected in nectarines in Warrandyte, and in apricots and nectarines in Chirnside Park.

Nationals. Medalists in the Nationals may then be invited to train for the International Competition against the top talents from all over the world. The next international event will be held in Shanghai, China in September 2026.

Ms Boer said it’s a privilege to get to represent Victoria and be part of the team at the Wandin Florist.

“It’s going to be exciting working as a team representing Victoria… I’d be super keen to go (to Shanghai), that would be pretty amazing,” she said.

“I was born in Wandin, grew up in Wandin, live in Wandin still and work in London so I’m a Wandin girl and we have a good little team here, we work together really well and (Owner) Amy’s always supported me in every way and she’s really supporting me as I’m going through these competitions as well,”

“I didn’t know (love for floristry) so if you give it a go, try it and you might love it, it might be your thing and if you’re interested, go for it.”

Kilsyth and Bayswater have unverified but likely QFF detections of QFF larvae in fruit. Please report suspect QFF to qff@agribusiness-yarravalley.com with an image if possible. There will likely be more detections 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. Let us work together and prevent QFF.

Elisabeth Boer is a third-year apprentice at Wandin Florist. (453857)

Elisabeth Boer will travel to Brisbane in June to comepte in the Floristry category of the World Skills Nationals competition. (Callum Ludwig: 453857)

Discover Your Next Adventure at Geelong’s Travel and World Cruise Expo

Geelong Travel’s highly anticipated Travel and World Cruise Expo returns to Geelong on Sunday, February 2, at GMHBA Stadium.

The annual event promises to be packed with fantastic holiday ideas, exclusive travel deals and expert advice – all with free entry.

With more than 25 engaging travel presentations covering everything from luxury ocean and river cruises to outback Aussie adventures, this expo is your one-stop destination for travel planning.

It’s your chance to meet representatives from the world’s top travel companies, who are ready to help you design your dream itinerary and secure exclusive offers.

Among the expo guests will be celebrity chef Gabriel Gate who will serve up a French cooking demonstration and highlights of Scenic Tour’s luxury European river cruises.

Stuart Coffield, who heads up the family-owned and operated Geelong Travel company, says the popular event’s winning attraction is its lineup of expert travellers.

“We don’t have people reading from brochures or clicking on YouTube links. You get to talk to people who have been on the tours and have real experience – their presentations are amazing,” Mr Coffield said.

Geelong Travel’s 20 experienced team members will be on hand to help expo visitors with enquiries and bookings.

And there’s a travel experience to suit everyone. Among the exciting presentations will be:

• The Ghan & Indian Pacific – Australia’s Great Rail Journeys

• The wonders of Canada and Alaska with APT & Travelmarvel

• Explore the new world of Viking’s Ocean, Rivers & Expeditions

• Trafalgar’s Tour Differently – the experts, the icons, and hidden secrets of travelling with ease.

• Bucket list adventures including The Kimberley, Africa, South America & Asia with APT and Travelmarvel.

• Must-see places and Immersive cultural experiences throughout Asia and beyond with Wendy Wu.

• Travelling to Antarctica and the Arctic with Quark Expeditions

• New Zealand coach tours with Grand Pacific Tours.

• Small group 4WD expeditions throughout Australia with Outback Spirit. Don’t miss the chance to make your ultimate travel plans a reality!

Yarra Valley is on board

Starting 2025 with a playful roll of the dice, a Victorian hotspot is getting the chance to ‘Pass Go’ this year with the announcement of a custom Monopoly board for the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges’ storybook villages, breathtaking mountains, and rich wildlife. Historic towns like Mount Dandenong, Olinda, and Sassafras, famous for their charm, are home to quaint cafes, boutique stores, and exceptional local wineries – all will be inspiration for the new board.

Announced last week, locals can have their say on which regional gems they would like to see on the custom edition via the official Monopoly: Winning Moves Australia Facebook page: Winning Moves Australia

Would you want to see the iconic Puffing Billy Railway take the top Mayfair property? Or perhaps the picturesque Chelsea Australian Garden will make for a perfect brown square property?

“We are beyond thrilled to celebrate the iconic

Yarra Valley with its own custom Monopoy board. Renowned for its stunning vineyards, majestic rainforest and memories of winding through the mountains, we can’t wait to hear from the community about what they’d love to see featured,” Jaime-Lee de Niet, representative from Winning Moves, manufacturers of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges edition, under license from leading toy and game company Hasbro, said.

“Whether it’s the Tarrawarra Museum of Art, Healesville Sanctuary, or the region’s famous wineries, we’re excited to bring the Yarra Valley to life on the board!”

This year marks 90 years of Monopoly in the market, and Hasbro is celebrating its iconic legacy all year long. As the world’s favourite family game brand, with over one billion players in 114 countries, Monopoly is more than just a game –it’s a global phenomenon.

The new Monopoly: Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Edition will be available from leading toy retailers across the region in 2025.

Visit the Travel & Cruise World Expo on Sunday, February 2 at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong from 10am – 4pm.

Will the famous Puffing Billy be chosen for the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Monopoly version. (Gary Sissons: 424187)

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges will set the scene for a new edition of Monopoly in 2025. (Unsplash)

Teen talent in orchestra

By Callum Ludwig

A 15-year-old violinist from Yarra Junction is making waves in the music world, becoming one of the youngest, if not the youngest, violinist to feature as part of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual production of Handel’s Messiah.

Arielle has previously played in the Maroondah Symphony Orchestra, Percy Grainger Orchestra and Melbourne Youth Chamber Strings Orchestra before recently being accepted into the Flagship Melbourne Youth Orchestra, a goal of hers over the last three years.

Arielle said when she was little in her home, her family listened to diverse music styles from ABBA to metal to classical, though of course, ‘Let the Laundry Hit the Floor’ by Sock Puppet Theatre remains a firm favourite.

“But it was hearing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto for the first time that crystallised the concept of music for me, it is the earliest piece I can remember hearing and one of my earliest memories in general, listening to it playing on the radio when I was three years old, later at five years old, I was introduced to Abba, further cementing my interest in music,” she said.

“On impulse one day, I turned to my mother and asked if I could learn the violin. I was six years old when she arranged for lessons to be provided through my school. At the end-of-year concert, she watched in horror and loss for all the money and time we both had wasted and promptly found a suitably Russian-sounding private school for me to attend,”

“However, after several years we belatedly discovered that that also was not giving me the technique and opportunities and repertoire that young people need if they want to study or perform at higher levels.

After some Zoom classes during and after Covid that she was not fond of, Arielle prepared for her Grade Seven violin exam mostly alone, the first official exam she’d been able to do since she was at Grade Four level, in a ‘tearing hurry’ with a view to applying for orchestras as soon as she could.

Arielle auditioned and was accepted by the Melbourne Youth Chamber Strings (MYO) and was invited to play with the Maroondah Symphony Orchestra (MaSO) by age 13 and said it was finally the start of the world she wanted to be part of.

“Age is of no consequence in orchestra and orchestras tend to be very nurturing and friendly environments, certainly the MYO and MaSO are extreme examples of that,” she said.

“Orchestra creates entire worlds out of a room containing only some people and some instruments, its vibrations make your blood literally sing, and tell stories that resonate with your soul, it allows the expression of the rawest emotions untethered by the restraints of a spoken language,”

“The pure overwhelming sound is the first

Community Bank, Mt Evelyn | Happy New Year!

thing that strikes you, it’s beyond words to describe being in the very centre of all that glorious music, all those instruments, all those notes.”

A great friend and mentor of Areille’s is a member of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra and presented her CV to the Conductor, Andrew Wailes.

Arielle said to her great fortune, he was short a violinist and she received the phone call at 7pm the night before the first rehearsal the next morning.

“I’d never seen the music and I had a quartet concert scheduled for that very afternoon so it was incredibly stressful trying to work everything out, it was a mixture of disbelief, joy, pure excitement and stress,” she said.

“Orchestra gives the opportunities to enter hallowed, special places where magic happens, just a week prior I had performed at Hamer Hall with MYO, orchestra is such a wonderful life and I hope to be a part of many more productions in future,”

“Music is a magic unlike anything else in this world. It unifies and draws people together. It evokes feelings and atmospheres and creates entire worlds from nothing to tell a story in a way that resonates with the soul.”

The production of Handel’s Messiah was held on 8 December 2024 in Melbourne Town Hall and was the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra’s world record 245th time performing it since 1853.

Arielle said being a part of Handel’s Messiah was a unique gift, unlike anything she could’ve ever imagined.

“It opened a portal into an entirely different realm of purity and majesty, being in the midst of that music was being in the midst of a vortex of vibrations, emotions and pure energy, like entering into a temple of the gods, it was an ephemeral spell that put me in a trance of comfort and wonder,” he said.

“Being in a professional orchestra for the first time was a lot of pressure and starting out I definitely felt that, however, the great thing about orchestra is that it’s such a supportive environment; at the end of the day we were all there for the same purpose, to do what we love and tell a story, to inspire others,”

“During the concert, I felt nothing but what the music wanted me to feel, a complete sense of comfort and joy, this was our Messiah, and I am so honoured to have been a part of it.”

Arielle will begin rehearsals with the Flagship Melbourne Youth Orchestra in February and is particularly excited to be playing music such as Rachmaninoff’s 5th Symphony, Saint-Saens ‘organ’ second symphony and Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony which are in the pipeline, as well as a couple of Soloist performances she has planned, including the beautiful Beethoven’s Violin Concerto.

A new year often brings with it a chance for a ‘fresh start’ –a new way of doing things, or at the very least, a new way of thinking about the things that you do. And when it comes to your banking, a new year is a great time to take a look at how you might do things differently!

If you’re looking for something new when it comes to your banking needs, why not give our team at the Bendigo Community Bank in Mt Evelyn a call.

“Whether you’re an existing customer looking to review your banking set up, or a new customer looking for better banking that has a big impact, our team are ready to chat with you. Drop in, send an email or make a call – it’s really that simple to begin to give your banking a fresh start in 2025,” said Ann Peters, Branch Manager.

When it comes to banking that has a big impact, our bank in Mt Evelyn is proud to say that over the past twenty-three years we have given over $4million back to the Mt Evelyn, Montrose and surrounding communities including Coldstream, Lilydale and the Hills. Through grants, donations and sponsorships we’ve been making good things happen for people of all ages across our area.

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

Let’s see how we can help you.

15-year old Arielle from Yarra Junction is taking her talent and hard work with a violin to the biggest stages. (Supplied)

Tuesday 28th January 2025 - 11am to 3pm

AUSTRALIA DAY

Citizens will be celebrated

With Australia’s national day fast approaching, Yarra Ranges Council is preparing to name and award excelling community members for their achievements and contributions, while also welcoming new citizens to the municipality.

For more than 20 years the council has presented community-nominated and driven awards to people and groups who have shown leadership, commitment and been a role model.

“Each year on Australia Day, we present awards to community members who are outstanding in serving their communities through volunteering, leadership and environmental action, following our Citizenship Ceremony,” council’s corporate services acting director Kim O’Connor said.

Mr O’Connor said the quality of nominations eachyearmakesforadifficultprocessindeciding who receives a Community Award.

“We regularly receive brilliant nominations, for community members doing tremendous work. Unfortunately, we can only select a few each year for an award,” he said.

“But we thank all community members who nominated someone who gives back to their communities.”

The awards distributed fall under seven categories,commendingindividualsandgroupsfrom

“This year, we received 43 nominations across all award categories. These nominations are reviewed by a panel including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and a delegate from the CEO. Council has a selection criteria document and all nominations are checked against this for eligibility.”

These are Citizen of Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Environmental Achiever of the Year, Young Environmental Achiever, Community Group of the Year, Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Ian De La Rue Award for Community Leadership.

On the same day, a group of people are officially acknowledged and welcomed as citizens of Australia, a special and emotional moment for many.

“This year, we expect 45 community members to receive their citizenship,” Mr O’Connor said.

“This day is celebrated by people who are proud to receive their citizenship, and we’re proud to bestow it upon them.”

While this is just one of the citizenship cere-

monies held throughout the year, Australia Day is a proud day for new citizens.

“Our Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, like our other Citizenship Ceremonies through the year, follows a legislated guideline from the Department of Home Affairs.

“Following the ceremony, conferees - who have just taken their pledge and received their citizenship formally - will have a morning tea with our Mayor, Councillors and Local MPs.” Due to limitations on numbers, the awards and citizenship ceremony is invite only but news of awardees will be shared via Yarra Ranges Council and the Star Mail soon after.

“We look forward to sharing the award winners with the community on Australia Day, and welcoming our new citizens.”

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY

across the shire.

Yarra Ranges Council is preparing to award its exemplary citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the shire. These were last year’s winners. (Dongyun Kwon: 385465)

Individual leaders, environmentalists and community groups are among those recognised in the awards. (File: 317036)

One more rodeo success

By Dongyun Kwon

Yarra Valley Racing in Yarra Glen was once again crowded with people who came to enjoy the 2025 Yarra Valley Rodeo.

The gate was open from 3pm but the rodeo competition started at 5pm on Saturday 18 January.

The event was held successfully, having all different rodeo actions, from barrel racing, team roping, and steer wrestling to breakaway roping and bronc and bull riding.

There were also entertainments for kids, such as water drop sliding and animal farms.

Yarra Valley Rodeo once again aimed at raising awareness for ovarian cancer and SADS (Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome).

Claire (middle) with her kids Matt (left) and Ella (pink clothes) and her nephew Marlon (right) enjoying the event. (Dongyun Kwon: 454321)

A junior competitor doing her best. (454321)

Team roping. (454321)

Competitors warming up backstage. (454321)

Thousands of people turned up. (454321)

Do you want some bubbles? (454321)

Yarra Valley Rodeo is a family fun event as it has lots of kids’ activities too. (454321)

Barrel racing. (454321)

Bronc riding. (454321)

Yarra Valley Rodeo is an annual event aiming at raising awareness for ovarian cancer and SADS (Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome). (454321)

Eddison falling in love with rodeo. (454321)

Records for gift of life

Eastern suburbs residents have a lot to be proud of after smashing a local record twice in two days following Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s recent urgent appeal for blood and plasma donations.

On 7 January, a record 180 people donated at Lifeblood’s Ringwood Donor Centre and 188 donated the very next day.

The record donations came at an important time to boost low blood stocks as 20,000 appointments were cancelled, rescheduled, or unattended at the end of December 2024.

Lifeblood spokesperson Ashleigh Hales said the team was blown away by the response and are so thankful to all the donors who gave blood and plasma.

“Each donation can save up to three lives, so as many as 1100 lives were saved by local donations in just two days,” Ashleigh said.

“While this is a terrific way to start the New Year, the need for blood never stops.

“We can’t stockpile blood, so we’d love to see people rebook for their next appointment, especially with the 26 January long weekend coming up.”

There is an increased demand for blood and plasma in Australia largely due to a growing and aging population.

Every day, 9500 blood products and plasmaderived medications are issued nationwide to help cancer patients, women giving birth, people with blood disorders, people in surgery and more.

One in three people will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, but only one in 30 currently donates.

A blood donation appointment takes one hour, with the donation itself only lasting up to 10 minutes and can be made every three months. A plasma donation takes an hour and a half, with 40 minutes in the donor chair, and can be made every fortnight.

“Most plasma donors in Australia donate between two-three times per year and we want to set a challenge for them to give five times in 2025,” Ashleigh added.

“I also urge people in Ringwood and surrounding suburbs, who have not donated before, to roll up their sleeve if they can and make a life changing difference.”

Lifeblood’s Ringwood Donor Centre is open Monday- Friday 7am-8pm; Saturday 7am-5pm; Sunday 7am-4pm, and is located at 4/38 Charter St, Ringwood VIC 3134. To book a donation, call 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.

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

Ringwood Lifeblood Team after breaking centre donation record. (Supplied)

Ringwood’s Lifeblood donation centre achieved a record number of donations in two days. (Lifeblood)

Coalition’s plan for Casey

It’s a new year, and 2025 is an important one for our nation.

The summer break provided many in our community with a much needed opportunity to reset after a difficult year.

For myself, the beginning of the new year was a chance for reflect on all we have achieved for our region, and the many things we can continue to achieve in 2025 and beyond.

This year, Australians will have a say in determining the future of our great country with a federal election to be held on or before 17 May.

It’s been an honour to be your MP for the past two and a half years.

I am excited to be part of a Coalition with a strong plan to get our country Back on Track.

The cost of living has been the biggest challenge raised with me by local families and small businesses.

We believe it is the government’s role to manage the budget responsibly, ensuring inflation is low and wages are growing faster than household costs.

Our responsible budget management will take pressure off the Reserve Bank, creating an environment for much needed interest rate relief for

Australians.

The Coalition believes in the core principle that you should keep more of what you earn and

that hard-working Australians should be rewarded.

We have plans to provide lower, simpler, fairer taxes, including increasing the instant asset write-off to $30,000 to allow small businesses to invest in themselves, and new tax deductions of up to $20,000 for work related entertainment and dining.

This is a win-win, rewarding employees while encouraging spending at local hospitality venues to help them thrive after a difficult few years.

Locals have told me how important access to healthcare is in our community.

The Coalition is committed to doubling Medicare-funded mental health sessions to 20 to ensure all Australians can access the support they need.

We will build our GP workforce by incentivising junior doctors to become GP’s, particularly in regional and rural communities like ours.

This will increase access to healthcare in our community.

We will address the housing crisis by unlocking up to 500,000 new homes through funding essential infrastructure like drainage, water and access roads.

I will be announcing more about my local plan over the coming months.

In 2025, Australians have an opportunity to elect a new and strong Coalition Government that will get our country Back on Track.

The story of Dragonkeeper animated fantasy adventure

Dragonkeeper, the 2024 animated fantasy adventure film based on Australian author Carole Wilkinson’s award-winning 2003 novel of the same name, is now showing at Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave.

The voice cast includes Bill Nighy and Bill Bailey.

Not to be confused with American author Robin Hobb’s 2009 fantasy novel Dragon Keeper, Wilkinson’s book is set in ancient China where a nameless slave girl escapes from her brutal master and saves the life of an ageing dragon.

Together, they must deliver a mysterious stone to the ocean in order to protect the dragon’s legacy.

Dragonkeeper is the first in a series of seven books, including two trilogies and a prequel.

The book has sold more than 250,000 copies and is the winner of multiple awards, including the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

the Year (Younger Readers) and the Queensland Premier’s Literary Best Children’s Book Award.

In March 2019, Wilkinson spoke on ‘Researching China’ at the Chinese Reading and Writing Festival in Box Hill.

The author said her personal experience of living and traveling across China/Asia helped inspire the writing. But it was diligent research combined with much hard work that contrib-

uted to her success.

Wilkinson cited Dutch author Marinus Willem de Visser’s The Dragon in China and Japan (1913) as an important source. She also mentioned Zuo Zhuan, a Chinese narrative history that is more than 2,000 years old. In the author’s words:

“In [Zuo Zhuan] was a very short story about an emperor who had two pairs of dragons. The man who was supposed to look after them didn’t know how to care for dragons and one died. To get rid of the evidence, the man chopped up the dead dragon and made pickle out of it. I thought that was the most amazing little story I’d ever heard. So I used that as the beginning of my story.”

In shaping Long Danzi or ‘Courageous Dragon’, Wilkinson re-conceptualised the many dragon images found in folk religious texts, drawings and paintings across China.

As in any work of fiction set against a certain

historical era and/or cultural background, the author highlighted the importance of respectful world-building.

Specifically, because the dragon as a mythical creature is portrayed and idealised in considerably different ways worldwide, crosscultural fantasy novels like Dragonkeeper rely on universal values to keep readers interested. Equally important is to breathe new life into traditional tales while challenging some of the long-lasting assumptions and prejudices.

Finally, those interested in dragons may want to check out ‘Carole’s dragon tour of Melbourne’ on Wilkinson’s website.

“There is a surprising number of handsome dragons to be seen within Melbourne’s central business district... Some binoculars or a telephoto lens will help to see the detail of some of the loftier dragons,” she concluded.

Wilkinson’s website: carolewilkinson.com. au/faqs/#faq-4

The second horror remake

Wolf Man

Starring Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner and Matilda Firth M 4/5

A werewolf character piece may not be for everyone, but Wolf Man, the fourth film from Australian writer-director Leigh Whannell, is a claustrophobic, deeply eerie horror film with a tragic lead performance from Christopher Abbott, clear creative cues from David Cronenberg’s The Fly and rich, visceral sound design.

At his lost father’s remote farmhouse, Blake (Abbott) and his family find themselves hunted by a werewolf, and a scratched Blake begins turning into one himself.

With almost no dialogue beyond the first act, Abbott plays Blake with a prowling physicality and feral alertness, and Blake’s fear, confusion and lingering humanity shine through the unsettling facial prosthetics. Some critics disapprove of Wolf Man focusing too much on Blake’s transformation, but this is precisely the point, as the film’s emotional core is his touching bond with his daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth).

The werewolf outside is the secondary threat, and much of the tension comes from a trusted figure turned frightening, as Blake’s infection advances and the beast emerges.

Besides, Blake’s foreboding sickness builds to a bloody, harrowing climax.

Blake’s wife Charlotte (Julia Garner) is engaging but less defined than Blake or Ginger.

The dialogue can be heavyhanded, and the lurid effects shots of Blake’s family from his perspective, as his animal senses take over and his family becomes incomprehensible, look a little tacky.

While I like the film’s werewolf design as a subtler portrayal of a mutated human with animal traits, other viewers may find it not lupine enough.

A gripping, poignant psychological drama turned into werewolf body horror by moonlight, Wolf Man is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

Federal Casey MP Aaron Violi (middle) and federal shadow finance minister senator Jane Hume (white cloth) visited Healesville to have a chat with small business owners in the town in September 2024. (Dongyun Kwon: 428765)

Federal Member for Casey

LUXURY AND STYLE MEETS COUNTRY LIFESTYLE

LUXURY AND STYLE MEETS COUNTRY LIFESTYLE ON A CAPTIVATING 5 ACRES

POSITIONED in one of Emerald’s most highly sought-after locations; this outstanding architecturally designed home has been constructed with the utmost attention to detail.

Appealing to those who appreciate quality and style, every detail has been carefully considered; striking timber features, hardwood floors, huge windows, square set ceilings, and quality fixtures and fittings throughout all add to the grandeur of the home.

Entertainers will relish in the impressive living zones; the first spacious lounge boasts a central suspended fire place that creates a cozy ambiance to sit back and relax around on cooler evenings whilst you take in the breathtaking garden landscape. In the heart of the home, discover the open plan living space that is ideal for entertaining and will impress your guests.

The impressive kitchen has been carefully designed to suit the chef of the family; the island bench with waterfall stone benchtop has an extendable stainless steel countertop ideal for food preparation, as well as a bounty of additional storage space.

Other noteworthy features include floor to ceiling cabinetry and quality appliances including an Ilve oven, Miele microwave and steam oven, integrated Miele Dishwasher and an integrated Liebherr fridge. The dining area opens completely to the decked entertaining area to create a seamless indoor/outdoor living set up. An adjoining sunken lounge offers a more relaxed living space with direct access to the decked patio.

The master suite is something to behold, featuring a fully fitted walk in wardrobe and modern ensuite bathroom complete with floating vanity, floor to ceiling tiling and rain shower head, this is a true parents retreat.

The secondary bedrooms both with fully fitted built in wardrobes are separately zoned.

The huge family bathroom offers a tranquil place to relax in the freestanding bath whilst you enjoy the leafy outlook; floor to ceiling tiling, rain shower head and floating vanity add to the feel.

If you require a work from home set up, the fully fitted home office with built in desk and cabinetry will surely tick all the boxes or could easily be reconfigured as bedroom four if required.

The laundry offers an abundance of storage, waterfall stone benchtop, built in laundry baskets and walk in broom cupboard. For year-round comfort there is zoned ducted heating and cooling.

There is a double garage with remote access and workshop with internal access also under roofline.

Outside the embellishments continue, a contemporary Japanese inspired bath house with restful garden views offers versatility to suit your needs, whether you continue the vision and create a soothing bath house or create an art studio or yoga studio, the possibilities are endless.

For the green thumb there is a variety of fruit trees scattered on the property along with raised vegetable gardens and a handy garden shed. The balance of the property has been completely landscaped to create a private oasis, with beautiful established plantings, magnificent shade trees and vibrant florals.

Striking granite features throughout add to the opulence.

Located just a stones throw from the thriving Emerald township; schools, cafes, sporting grounds, public transport, walking trails and parkland are all at your fingertips.

All this and we have only just scratched the surface, this is a property that needs to be seen to be believed. Inspect with absolute confidence.

FABULOUS FIRST HOME RIPE FOR RENOVATIONS

THE possibilities are endless at this charming weatherboard home in prime position between lush parkland and lively Tecoma township. Ideal as a comfortable first home with scope to update to your own style in future, this is a splendid investment in a superb lifestyle location.

The 1,281sqm (approx.) landscape that frames this home features a sealed drive with single carport, terraced garden areas, and recreational vehicle parking. For entertaining, dine outdoors under the alfresco with cafe blinds overlooking the leafy surrounds. Inside, the split-level layout is enriched with floor to ceiling windows, timber floors, vaulted ceilings, and a warm wood fire in the bright lounge and dining area. With works needed to the flooring and kitchen this property is ripe for renovation. The original kitchen boasts slate floors and modern appliances including a gas cooktop and stainless steel wall oven and dishwasher.

Three spacious bedrooms, including the main bedroom with huge walk-in robe which could later be converted into an ensuite (STCA), provide ample accommodation and the classic bathroom is enhanced with a sunny skylight.

With a bounty of appealing features, a lovely landscape, and a convenient position near transport, schools, shopping, and parks, this is the perfect place to start or supplement your property portfolio. Plan your viewing today.

HOME FOCUS

ESCAPE TO YOUR OWN 11-ACRES

READY to trade the hustle and bustle for wide-open spaces, fresh air, and a whole lot of fun? This incredible 11-acre property in beautiful Gembrook is your ticket to peaceful, adventurous living with all the comforts of modern life - and a few surprises thrown in for good measure.

As you pull up , you’ll be greeted by an immaculate and freshly painted 3 bedroom home that’s as charming as it is inviting. The undercover verandah practically begs you to grab a coffee and soak in the serenity before stepping inside. Once through the front door, it’s all about the wow factor: high, pitched ceilings, massive windows that bring the outside in, and a woodfire heater that’s perfect for snuggling up on chilly nights. Don’t worry; there’s a split system too, so you’re comfortable no matter the season.

The open-plan kitchen and dining area is where the magic happens. With its gleaming timber floors, heaps of storage and bench space, and an integrated oven with a gas stove, this space is built for everything from pancake Sundays to dinner parties that impress. Plus, the large pantry and garden views will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a cooking show.

The master bedroom is your personal retreat, complete with a walk-in robe. A second bedroom makes a perfect guest room, home office, or secret nap spot. Down the hall, you’ll find a third bedroom, a family bathroom with a separate toilet, and a spacious, newly updated

laundry with plenty of storage.

Outside, you’ve got an 8m x 15m x 3.5m workshop/shed that’s ready for all your projects, hobbies, or maybe just a giant stash of fun stuff. There’s even a shed/studio with 2 spacious rooms, storage, woodfire, and access to its own bathroom—perfect for guests, teens, or your own little getaway space. Add in a 3kW solar system, a whopping 120,000 litres of water storage across six tanks, a chicken palace (aka the chook shed), a wood shed, and a secure storage container, and you’re set for self-sufficient living with style.

The best part? The grounds are a nature lover’s paradise. Think stunning views, endless birdlife, and curious wildlife popping by to say hello. Whether you’re gardening, exploring, or just soaking up the peace and quiet, this is a place where life feels a little lighter and a lot more fun.

So pack your sense of adventure, your love for the great outdoors and all your machine, floats, boats and vans —this is the Gembrook retreat you’ve been dreaming of. Endless possibilities, endless fun, and a lifestyle you’ll never want to leave!

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.

“ROSEDALE”

Setamidstalmost2 acresofsprawlinggardens.This5BRresidence,isa homeofoutstandingquality. Traditionalloungewherea grandfireplaceisthecentrepiece,adjoinsthediningroom.Expansive kitchencraftedinsolidMyrtledoors,Stonebenchtops &Europeanappliances,witha generousWI cornerpantry.Themainbedroomfeaturingdoublemirroredwalk-throughrobethatleadstoan ensuite,inadditionto ahugeWIrobe.Thecentralbathroom,withitsclawfootbath.Informalfamily diningopensontothelivingroomwarmedby aslowcombustionheatersetin alimestonefireplace. TasmanianOakflooring,doubleglazedwindows& reversecycleairconditioner.Thepaved courtyardfeaturesa remote-controlawning.Expansivelawns,outdoorentertainingareas,cascading stream &stonefeaturewalls.GDH,doublegarage& shedarejusta fewofthenumerousfeatures.

AaronDay M 0407365994

BethanySullivan M 0438844968

11-13FirstAvenueCockatoo$1,050,000

BeautifullyRenovated5 BedroomFamilyHome +BungalowonanAcre! Situatedonjustover 1acreofflatland,thisstunninghomewithwraparoundverandahhasallthe creaturecomforts.Featuringa long,centralhallway &9ftceilingsthroughout.Fromthespacious laundry,tothelargeopenloungewithanelectricfireplace.Meanderingdownthehallyouwillfind 5stylishbedrooms,theMasterwithFrenchdoorsopeningontotherearverandah, alargewalkthroughrobe& ensuite.Thefamilybathroomisgenerousinsize,& offers abath, &shower.Addto this aseparatediningroomwithFrenchdoorstotheverandah.Thekitcheniswell-appointedwitha hugeislandbenchwithstonetop,newfreestanding900mmgas/electricstove,D/W,& WIP. Outside,hasa 2BRbungalowwithlounge& kitchenette,thepropertyisfullyfenced.Addtothisa workshopwithconcretefloor &power.

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

SpaciousFamilyRetreatwithScenicViews! Seton4070sqminGembrook,Justa shortdistancefromtheheartoftown,thepropertyenjoysa serenesetting.A horseshoedrivewayguidesyoutothetiledentrywaythatwelcomesyouintothe home.Themastersuitefeaturesa walk-throughwardrobe& ensuite.Theloungeroomflowsintothe largerumpusroom,withbuiltinbar& accesstotheoutdoorareawith abrickfireplace.Thekitchen istheheartofthehome,withextensivebenchspace,integratedoven,gascooktop& splitsystem, thoughthehomedoeshaveGDHthroughout.Theformaldiningroom/studyprovidesversatility& opensontothefrontdeck. 3additionalbedroomseachwithBIR,a centralbathroom &separate toilet.Outside, adoublegarage, a10m x6mshedwitha concretefloor &power,a 4.5mx8mshed with aconcretefloor &7kVAgenerator.

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451 4

6StanleyStreetOlinda

DoubleStorey 3BedHome,EntertainersDream!

$950,000 -$1,040,000

ThisCharmingdoublestoreyhomeinOlinda,seton aspacious1124sqmblock,combinescomfort withelegance.Thepropertyfeaturesaninvitingundercoververandahthatleadstotheentryway. Inside,thereare3 carpetedbedroomswithBIR,themasterwithensuite.Themainleveloffersan expansiveopen-planlounge,dining,kitchenarea.Solidtimberflooring,largewindows&awood heater,complementedbyGDHthroughoutaswellasductedS/Stothebedrooms.Theentertainer’s kitchenincludesbeautifultimberbenchtops,abundanceofstorage &qualitystainlesssteeloven& dishwasher.Stepdirectlyfromthekitchenontothedeck.A staircaseleadsdownto alargerumpus/ theatreroomwithstylishfloatingtimberflooring,gaslogfire.Largebi-foldglassdoorsopenouttoan additionaloutdoorarea.Thehomealsoofferspracticalunder-housestorage.

7 A 2 B

PERFECTLY PRESENTED HOME THAT TICKS ALL THE BOXES

THIS beautifully presented home really does tick all your wishlist items! Located in a sought after street with sealed road access on a flat ¼ acre approx. this fantastic opportunity to purchase this much loved home ensures the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and convenience. You will love the high ceilings and spacious living area, with separate dining and meals areas that creates a spacious and inviting atmosphere throughout. There is split system heating and cooling, gas ducted heating and a cosy wood fire to ensure year round comfort. Outdoors offers something for everyone with a beautiful garden that offers privacy and colour all year, a large double garage with separate workshop, plus double carport, firepit area and outdoor alfresco area with plumbed gas barbecue. Inspect this home with confidence.

HOME FOCUS

HEIRLOOM POSITION AND PERFECTLY PRIVATE

ORIGINALLY built in the 1980’s by one of the Local Councillors - Jack Hort. The project began with a MEGA move where by the existing home was moved to face Stephens Rd and continues to stand proudly the to the present

Positioned high on the Blannin Street Hill, encapsulating the stunning mountain views, sits this immaculately, well presented home.  Architecturally designed to draw the hills into the home, it also offers internal views with a wonderful secret courtyard, only discovered once inside the home.  Positioned in the heart of Healesville on a spacious yet very private and importantly entirely flat lot of approximately 2164m2

Like unwrapping a gift, the strength of the design of this charming home reveals itself slowly but assertively.  The spacious entry hall leads the eye into the courtyard garden.  To the right, the large loungeroom enjoys views from north facing, picture windows.  Adjacent sits the study which also offers an open Northern vista, which could also become a fourth internal bedroom if required.

Down the hall are two large bedrooms, with excellent storage.  A large bathroom serves these two bedrooms, and the oversized laundry offers more storage space and access into the courtyard.

Perfect for zoning, this whole half of the house can be closed off with a sliding door if required.

Capitalizing on the panoramic views, the left side of the house is really the heart of the home, with a relaxed family, dining and kitchen area.  The kitchen is elegant in its neutral tones, clever storage and ample bench space with quality appliances and everything within

easy reach.

Behind here is the Master suite, the large bedroom enjoying views to the courtyard, a beautiful contemporary  bathroom and a large walk in robe, a luxurious place to wake up in!

With a custom-made steel framed fly screen roof, the internal courtyard allows for light and air to circulate around the home, as well as providing a wonderful alfresco area free from bugs!  Such a clever idea, every home should have one!

This home offers flexibility for entertaining large groups or a more intimate family gathering.

A triple garage, with one bay made into a workshop, sits at the rear of the home  and adds separation to the back garden, which is full of surprises...

A self contained studio with a hotel feel bathroom and kitchenette opens up the possibility of  multi generational living, a teenage retreat, work from home space or an income stream with short term accommodation, tapping into the tourists who visit the Yarra Valley daily...

The lush, private backyard has a secret garden atmosphere, with mature trees, a lovely restored glasshouse and large garden shed sitting next to the sweet veggie garden.

Walking distance to both primary and secondary schools, access to the vibrant Healesville Main Street and beautiful Queens park via the new pedestrian steps, or enjoy an old fashioned amble, this home is positioned to take advantage of the wonderful life Healesville and the greater Yarra Valley has to offer at any stage of life.The perfect location, with the perfect view- is this your perfect home...?

HOME FOCUS

LIFESTYLE, LOCATION AND DUAL OCCUPANCY ON OVER 10 ACRES

PRIVATELY positioned on over 10 glorious acres in a unique and picturesque location, this lifestyle property offers outstanding views across The Patch valley and mountain tops of the nearby Yarra Ranges.

The property is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, self-sustaining lifestyle whilst remaining close enough to nearby townships of Emerald, Belgrave and Monbulk for ease and convenience. Also boasting self-contained bungalow and studio areas with separate entrances providing dual occupancy living and potential for extra rental income from Air BnB. Gently sloping, the land is fully useable and perfect for gardening, raising animals, or simply enjoying the serenity of the beautiful Dandenong Ranges.

THE PROPERTY:

• 10.7 acres (approx.)

• Four fenced paddocks, large garden area

• Spring fed dam with 5meg pumping rights

• Horse arena (currently used as parking bay)

Sealed driveway

Solar system approx. 8kw plus 10kw battery back up

• Tank water (multiple tanks)

• Excellent parking along with a single carport

• Extra shedding

• Greenhouse as well as mature fruit trees inc: 4 avocado, fig, nashi, multiple citrus and a covered orchard with berries, kiwi, plums, apples, peaches, MAIN HOUSE:

• Circa 1930 original with character updates throughout

• Three bedrooms, two bathrooms plus office/ sitting area

Large, open plan living area and galley style kitchen with Falcon upright stove

• Gas ducted heating split system heating/ cooling and a Nectre wood fire

• Wide verandah taking in mesmerising views

STUDIO 1: Open plan design - ideal for artists studio, work from home options and more

• split system heating/cooling

• Wide patio area

STUDIO 2:

• Original cottage containing one bedroom Lounge room, kitchen/meals, laundry and bathroom

Lovely verandah, split system heating cooling plus wood heater

STUDIO 3:

• Single bedroom with kitchenette

• Split system heating and cooling

This is an absolute must see property for those who are looking for a lifestyle change or for those just searching for more space to raise their family in this wonderful Hills community. Within walking distance to The Patch Primary School and the much loved The Patch General Store, this location is as incredible as its views.

SharynChandler

ENCHANTING HOME ON ½ ACRE

THIS two storey character home boasts three bedrooms and two bathrooms, offering a delightful retreat amidst stunning mountain vistas. Nestled on a generous half acre block, it’s ideally situated just a stroll away from the beautiful Yarra river, bustling shops, charming cafes, and scenic walking tracks.

Exuding charm and vibrancy, the residence features light filled rooms adorned with polished boards, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Cozy up by the wood fire in the lounge room or enjoy the convenience of the split system for cooling during warmer months.

The ground level hosts two bedrooms alongside a main bathroom, graced with high ceilings and decorative cornices, adding to the home’s character. The updated kitchen is a culinary haven, boasting a stylish breakfast bar, ample bench space, and a delightful window overlooking the lush garden.

Step outside onto the gorgeous deck area, perfect for alfresco dining while soaking in the picturesque surroundings. Downstairs, a spacious rumpus area awaits, and main bedroom complete with an ensuite and built in robe, providing a tranquil retreat.

Additional features include solar panels, a double garage, and a striking feature stone chimney, enhancing the home’s appeal. Outside, the meticulously landscaped gardens burst with colour, adorned with charming shade trees scattered throughout the property, creating a serene oasis to call home.

PicturesqueAcreagewithGloriousViews

EnjoytheglorioussurroundsandfantasticYarraValleyviewsatthisbeautifulproperty,situatedon justover10picturesqueacreswith amixtureofundulatingpastureandscatteredbush.Thehome issuperbandjusta fewyearsoldoffersthegrowingfamily afantasticsemirurallifestylewithself sustainableoffgridlivingwithalternativesolarpower.Beautifullypresentedandoffering 3bedrooms with aluxuriousmainbathroomandensuiteinthemainbedroom.Thekitchenisstunning,lightand brightwithqualityappliancesandfixturesthroughoutwithamplebenchandcupboardspace. Immerseyourselfintheoutdoorswithestablishedgardensandloadsofspaceforthekidsandpetsto exploreandenjoy, afantasticsmallacreagepropertyin abeautifullocationwithacresofspaceto createyourownhobbyfarm.

FamilyLivingwithSpaceandConvenience

Setina quietendofstreetlocationthisneatfamilyhomeoffers acomfortable &convenientlifestyle. Boasting 3goodsizebedroomsplusa bonusbungalow,idealfortheextendedfamily,relativesora workfromhomeofficeorgamesroom,thefamily/livingroomisspaciousandoffersgreatspacefor thewholefamily.Thekitchenisfresh,modernanduptodatewithqualityappliancesandfixtures withamplebenchandcupboardspace.Ventureoutsideandexploreandenjoytheestablished gardensandthegreatsizebackyard,a gardenshedandlockupgarageoffergreatspaceforall thetoys,thebackyardissecurelyfencedforthepetsandkidstorunaroundandenjoy. Acovered entertainingareatositbackrelaxandunwind, asuperblocationandsituatedjust ashortstrollto localschools,shops& publictransport. 31DeanCrescent,LaunchingPlace$690,000

DavidCarroll

M 0419539320

Positionedtopleasethisbeautifulsmallacreagehobbyfarmistheidealplacetostarttherelaxed countrylifestyle,situatedonapprox.4.5acresofrollingpastures,thereisloadsofspaceforthe growingfamilytospreadoutandenjoy.Currentlysetuptosuitthehorseenthusiastwithmultiple paddocksandsheltersplus 3stablesandholdingyardsplusa largebarnwithmezzaninefloor.The countrystylehomeiswarm,homelyandinvitingoffering 2goodsizedbedroomsplus afamily/ loungeareawithgasheatingandmultiplesplitsystemsthroughoutthehome.Thekitcheniswell appointedandhasplentyofbenchandcupboardspaceincludinga separatemeals/diningarea.A sensationalpropertyinanexceptionallocationbackingontotheWarburtontrailandjust ashortwalk tolocalschools,shopsandtransportit’sa greatplaceforthefamilytocallhome. 2939WarburtonHighway,Millgrove$1,100,000-$1,200,000

Enchanting 5BedroomHomewithTimelessCharmonOverHalfanAcre! Stepintothischarming5 bedroom,2 bathroomhomewithcharacterstraightfromthe1890s,that seamlesslyblendsrusticambiencewithmoderncomforts.Setonover2,000sqmsofgorgeous landscapedgardens,thisserenecountryhomeinvitesyoutoexperiencea lifestyleofrelaxation.The heartofthehomeistheinvitingopenplankitchen.Theloungeexudeswarmthandcharm,witha woodburningfireplace.Themainbathroomshowcasesa luxuriousclawfootbath,a quirkyretrostyle toilet,anda spaciouslaundrywithabundantstorage.Outside,theexpansivegardensarea true haven,filledwithfruittreesandendlesspossibilitiesforentertaining,gardeningorsomeartworkinthe additionalstudiospace. Auniquecombinationofhistoricbeauty,modernamenities,andserene surroundings,thisisthequintessentialcountryretreat.

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 Postal receipt (5)

4 Female cleaner (9)

9 US writer (1817–62), Henry David – (7)

10 Distribute (food) (5,2)

11 Rear (9)

12 ‘70s dance genre (5)

13 Twenty-first letter of the Greek alphabet (3)

14 Melodramatic (11)

16 Able to be maintained consistently (11)

19 Male sheep (3)

20 Baghdad native (5)

22 Lasting (9)

25 First (7)

26 Mournful (7)

27 US state (9)

28 Persuasion (5)

DOWN

1 Scheme (3-2)

2 Qualities of a room that determine audibility (9)

3 Bit (5)

4 Wariness (7)

5 European country (7)

6 Universal (9)

7 Satisfies (5)

8 'Not to worry' (2,7)

13 Assumes the worst (9)

14 Keep steady (9)

15 Beatles song, – Wood (9)

17 Attacks with thickened petrol bombs (7)

18 Language of Myanmar (7)

21 Foreign (5)

23 Vigilant; observant (5)

24 Unspoken (5)

Kilsyth women win well

By Les Hutchings

Kilsyth’s senior teams won three and lost three matches on the weekend with some close finishes.

On Saturday in Trollope Shield, Kilsyth Cricket Club’s First XI played North Ringwood and the Bulls won the toss and elected to bat. The first wicket fell on 29 in the 6th over when a good throw from Kilsyth’s Pasan Ganegoda to ’keeper Marcus Adams saw Nathaniel l’Anson run out for 17. Ryan Peter-Budge then joined opener Aaron Leis and at drinks they had taken the score to 1/92 after 20 overs. Their 118-run second wicket partnership came to an end with the score on 147 in the 30th over when Leis was well caught at cover by Kamal Kuruppu off the bowling of Uvindu Wimaladharma. Leis had batted solidly for 50 to help set the game up for North Ringwood with Peter-Budge, who at that stage was on 66 not out. In the 35th over with the score on 182, Mitch Skinner was the next wicket to fall, caught at deep square leg by Pasan Ganegoda off the bowling of Mackenzie Scott-Thomas. In the meantime, Peter-Budge had progressed to 84 not out. On the last ball of the innings, Andy Solomons clean bowled Charlie Moore for 17 to see North Ringwood post an imposing 4/238. Ryan Peter-Budge played a brilliant innings, and finished on 121 not out. He only gave one chance when he was on 58, a difficult catch on the deep mid-wicket boundary with the ball eventually going for six. For Kilsyth, Uvindu Wimaladharma, Andy Solomons and Mackenzie Scott-Thomas each took one wicket.

After the tea break, Kilsyth lost a wicket in the first over to be 1/7. However, after 5 overs the score had progressed to 1/43 in a bright start. Then Jay Stoikos, who had gone for 24 runs off his first two overs, bowled a double wicket maiden to have Kilsyth 3/43. This included the prize wicket of Andy Solomons, who was caught on the boundary after a quick-fire 20. It soon became 4/44 when opener Jack Childs was caught behind by Aaron Leis off Jay Stoikos for 13. Then wickets fell regularly: 5/52, 6/75, 7/98, 8/112, 9/114 and all out 114. Pasan Ganegoda played some nice shots in his 26 whilst Mackenzie Scott-Thomas scored 18. Multiple wicket takers for North Ringwood were Jay Stoikos 4/35, Luke Ridgwell 2/20 and Mitch Skinner 2/25. Wicketkeeper Aaron Leis took three catches.

The Second XI had a tight match against North Ringwood, Kilsyth won the toss and batted first. Openers Sudhir Prabhu and Rhys McKean got the Redbacks off to a great start with an opening partnership of 97. On the first ball after the 20-over drinks break, Prabhu was caught by Errol Lumani off the bowling of Benjamin Gill. It was soon 2/108 in the 24th over when McKean was

out for 43. Kilsyth then slumped to 6/130 before Dylan Smith and Daniel Stapelfeldt (13) put on 47 for the 7th wicket when Smith was run out for 28.

In the end, Kilsyth compiled a competitive 8/188c after 40 overs. The standout bowler for North Ringwood was Benjamin Gill, who captured 5/26. In the run chase, North Ringwood were 6/75 at the drinks break after 20 overs with Benjamin Gill on 30 not out. When David Maddox was stumped for 22, North Ringwood had progressed to 7/118 in the 29th over with Gill on 47 not out. The 8th wicket fell at 170 in the 37th over and with 3 overs remaining, North Ringwood needed 19 to win. However, with 18 runs coming off the next 2 overs, scores were tied on 188 with one over remaining. Sanjeev Rana was introduced into the attack to bowl his first over for the match. No run came from the first ball and the second ball resulted in a wicket. So North Ringwood was now 9/188 with 4 balls remaining. The third ball was a dot but on the third last ball, North got the run to achieve a victory in a very close finish. Benjamin Gill fin-

ished on 92 not out in a match-winning all-round performance. Wicket takers for Kilsyth were Captain Daniel Staplelfeldt 2/29, Kyan Haper 2/36, Matthew Young 2/43, Sanjeeve Rana 1/1, Dylan Smith 1/32 and Daniel Caton 1/46.

The Third XI journeyed down to Woori Yallock Reserve to play Lusatia Park. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat. An opening partnership of 43 between Anthony Cook and Captain Robert Hutchings came to an end in the 7th over when Cook was stumped for 32. It soon became 2/50 and then 3/64 in the 14th over when Hutchings was out for 20. At the halfway drinks break, Kilsyth were 3/88 off 20 overs. A 56-run fourth wicket partnership between Justin Smith and Andrew Woolhouse took the score to 120 when Smith was caught for 37. Kilsyth then lost a clump of wickets, 5/122 when Woolhouse was out for 30, 6/123 and 7/136 in the 33rd over. In the 40th and last over, Kilsyth lost two wickets and scored 8 runs, including an important 6 struck by Mark Wells off the second last ball, to be all out for 169. Chief wicket

takers for Lusatia Park were Paul Broussard 4/30, Jackson Wright 3/24 and Stephen Morgan 2/20. In reply, Lusatia Park reached 2/52 at the 20 over drinks break. They then slumped to 3/70 and 4/70 when the first over from Mark Wells was a double-wicket maiden. Spinner Justin Smith picked up a wicket in his next over and Lusatia Park was now 5/72 after 29 overs. Stephen Morgan and Viren Kumar then took the score to 5/151 after 38 overs. So now the equation was that Lusatia Park needed 19 runs off the last 2 overs to win. However, Trent Potter bowled a brilliant second last over, only yielding 4 singles and so the score was now 5/155 off 39 overs with one over remaining. Mark Wells, bowling the last over, restricted the batsmen to only 6 runs off his first 4 balls, so Lusatia Park needed 9 off the last two balls. However, it wasn’t to be and with a runout off the last ball, they finished on 6/161 with Kilsyth running out winners by 8 runs. Viren Kumar was run out for 54 and Stephen Morgan remained 28 not out. All six Kilsyth bowlers did a good job with Justin Smith completing a great all-round game taking 3/19. Trent Potter took 1/26, Mark Wells 1/47, whilst Robert Hutchings kept it tight yielding only 10 runs. The win puts the Thirds only 2 points out of the four with 3 rounds remaining.

On Sunday, the Women’s First XI lost the toss and fielded on Alan Smith Oval, against top side Blackburn. The first wicket fell on 17, bowled by Lecia Baldry. Then Blackburn lost further wickets, being 2/38, then 3/43 and 4/46 in the 15th over. Sarah Gibbs, who captured the latter two wickets, had figures of 2/3 off 3 overs at that stage. Kilsyth Captain Ashleigh Katoa caught the fourth wicket after a brilliant overhead catch at full stretch. Opener Bella Fox and Elodie Willis then consolidated the situation for Blackburn adding 51 for the fifth wicket, before Willis was out for 12 to another good catch by Ashleigh Katoa off the bowling of Lecia Baldry. The last ball of the innings resulted in a runout, following an accurate throw from Avanthi Jayawickrema to Lecia Baldry at the bowler’s end. Thus, Blackburn posted 6/106cc off their allotted 30 overs, Bella Fox top scoring with a classy 46 not out. Wicket takers for Kilsyth were Sarah Gibbs 2/9, Lecia Baldry 2/12 and Avanthi Jayawickrema 1/13.

After the tea break, a solid opening partnership of 78 between Belinda Hutchings and Ashleigh Katoa came to an end when Hutchings was bowled by Amanda Geason for 31 on the fourth ball of the 20th over. Ashleigh Katoa, who was on 31 not out at that stage, then went on to score a brilliant 49 not out, after adding 21 for the second wicket with Hoang Huynh. So, Kilsyth won by 8 wickets after scoring 2/109 in 22.4 overs. Blackburn’s wicket takers were Mia Holland 1/21, and Amanda Geason 1/26. The win consolidated

Melbourne heavyweight champ chasing another belt

By Dongyun Kwon

The Melbourne heavyweight champion is tying to collect one more silver belt in March.

Coldstream Boxing Club coach Hayden ‘HBomb’ Wright, the heavyweight champion of Melbourne, is now training for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight Silver Championship.

He is facing Bowie Tupou at the international competition in New South Wales.

“The WBC title is a world organisation championship and the Silver Championship is one of the four major ones,” Wright said.

“So winning this belt is a step up on the world stage.”

Not only boxing, the Melbourne heavyweight champion is also passionate about helping kids and people with disabilities.

Wright runs a boxing club in Coldstream, providing free boxing classes for local children and also works as a disability support worker.

He first started doing disability support work about 17 years ago when he studied nursing in university.

“A lot of the clients’ or participants’ goals are the same as my personal goals; achieving little things in the community,” Wright said.

“I find it rewarding to help people achieve their goals.”

Thompson said training with Wright and coaching local kids with him help him mentally and physically, and make him a better person.

“(Wright) has helped me a lot through the good times and the bad times,” Thompson said.

“He pushes me to my limit and I push him to his limit.”

They are more than just training mates; Thompson is on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and Wright is his disability support worker.

The Coldstream Boxing Club coach said it’s like a team effort.

“We train as part of Zac’s NDIS goals; health, fitness, boxing, sports and community participation, and his goals are in line with my personal goals,” Wright said.

“So we train each other, and on weekends, Zac comes and helps coach the kids for free as part of a community program.

“Zac is a really good motivator who pushes me when I’m slacking off.”

The WBC Heavyweight Silver Championship will take place at the Grand Vaudeville in Condell Park, New South Wales on Saturday 29 March.

Wright thanked Paul Nasari, the promoter of the fight.

‘He gave me the opportunity even though I’m not the highest-ranked fighter,” he said.

Kilsyth Women’s captain Ashleigh Katoa scored 49 not out off 60 balls (including 8 fours) and took two good catches against Blackburn. (Supplied)

Wright has a special mate who helps him stay motivated, Zac Thompson. Thompson has had a lung disease and im-

mune disease since he was a kid. Wright and Thompson train together three times a week.

Wright (left) with Thompson. (Dongyun Kwon: 453995)

Mt Evelyn push for finals

The Mt Evelyn 1st XI has reached a point in their season where it is now or never. The team have struggled to find consistency this season, but have squeaked themselves into the top four. With a run of games against teams in and around the top four, the Mounters have a great opportunity to take their game to the required level to make an impression in the finals.

This week they travelled to Warrandyte to take on the top-of-the-table Bloods. Captain Troy Hancock would elect to bat first upon winning the toss in perfect conditions, and his batting lineup would put together a well-constructed innings. Openers Jake Blackwell and Adam Smith would ensure there would be no customary early wobble as they navigated through some probing bowling from the home team. The pair would guide the team through the first twenty overs without the loss of a wicket to be well poised for a late onslaught at 0/84. The visitors would gradually amp up the run rate after the break without too many concerns. Blackwell would eventually fall for his second halfcentury on the trot as the openers would combine for a 119-run partnership. Unfortunately for Smith, his innings wouldn’t extend much further as he succumbed to injury at the end of the 30th over after he also contributed a solid half-century. With the score on 1/135, wickets in hand, and just ten overs in the bank, the time was now to push the run rate into overdrive and push the

score to a considerable one. Daniel Giblin (30 off 19 balls), Campbell Mole (30 not out off 22 balls) and debutant Mike Mawson (26 not out off 11 balls) would ensure the Mounters would miss the opportunity to pile on the runs. 96 runs would be scored over the closing ten overs with boundaries aplenty littering the scoresheet. When the innings was closed, a more than competitive total of 4/229 would be posted.

The home team have held the top spot on the table for the entirety of the season, and they would relish the challenge set by the Mounters. The Bloods would approach the start of the innings in a contrasting style with opener Brady Poole putting the pedal to the medal with a blistering early onslaught. His innings would be brief in the scheme of things, but his strokeplay would give the Bloods a flyer as they raced to 1/56 off the first seven overs. The home team would then settle into some more conventional cricket on the back of talented youngster Isaac Rukuscek. He would guide the team to the drinks break without the fall of another wicket, as like the Mounters, their innings was well set for a late push at 1/100. Bohdie Jones and Will Macklin would ensure the middle overs would be tight, but the Warrandyte batsmen would ensure there would be no disastrous collapse. With the host sitting at 3/159 with ten overs remaining, the game was set for an exciting finish. The Mounters would breakthrough with wickets to

Jones and Macklin, but the scoreboard would continue to tick over, and the Bloods would eventually break the back of the contest courtesy of some late order hitting from Ben Davies to escape with victory with an over to play out. Bohdie Jones (3/37) and Will Macklin (2/33) would be the pick of the bowlers as they battled manfully to keep their team in the contest.

The 2nd XI are enjoying a stretch of good form as they challenge the top end of the table in a close-run competition in Beatty Shield. This week they hosted Croydon Ranges in a game in which they just needed to tuck away a win against their struggling opponents. The visitors would take the opportunity to bat first and they would aquit themselves well against a disciplined Mt Evelyn attack. The batters would put together a string of useful partnerships, whilst the bowlers would ensure the run rate would stay intact. Eventually, the Ranges would be bowled out for a useful total of 192, but as it would prove, the total would be short of the mark on a ground which has yielded big totals this season. In a good all-round performance, Brad Jones (3/34) and Luke Shepherd (2/44) would be the pick of the bowlers.

After an early wobble seeing the home team slip to 3/26, the experience of the Mounters would shine through, and where the Ranges failed, the Mounters would excel, with a 92-run partnership between TJ Hancock (63) and Brad Jones (70

not out) not only protecting the innings from any further damage in the wickets column, but their expansive strokeplay ensured there would be no problems with the required run rate. Eventually ,the home team would cruise to the total in the 29th over with the loss of just five wickets.

The 3rd XI have had to work hard for their victories this season as they continue to stay in the mix for finals action. This week they would travel to Mooroolbark for the toughest test in their competition, as the Barkers have been dominant this season on the back of an experienced, and talented, lineup. The hosts would ask the Mounters to bat first, and despite losing early wickets, the visitors would put in a good performance with the bat. The mainstay of the innings would be in form opener Kadyn Newport who would post his third consecutive half-century, and he would be well supported by an explosive half-century from Alex Whiting. When the innings was closed, the visitors would be pleased with a score of 8/194.

This Mooroolbark batting lineup is littered with past champions who have lost nothing, and despite an excellent bowling performance from the Mounters, they would keep wickets in hand which would prove vital in the chase. The Barkers would have to use the majority of their allotted overs to get to the total, but the chase was relatively stressfree as they passed the total with eight wickets in hand.

Donna’s ‘wildest dreams’ reached with 400th game

By Mikayla van Loon

As a young boy choosing cricket despite growing up in an Irish household, Shane ‘Donna’ Donovan was all in from the moment he stepped foot on the pitch.

The Mooroolbark Cricket Club player has now gone from instrumental team mate and beloved coach to club legend after reaching a milestone of 400 games.

As only the fourth player in Mooroolbark’s club history to do so, Donna said he felt privileged to be among some of the greats, achieving something he never thought possible.

“It wasn’t in my wildest dreams, not as a young fella. It was hard just getting a bowl to start with, you had to earn your stripes,” he said.

“The day (of the 400th) was lovely, which is not something I’d normally say. It’s pretty humbling.

“There were a lot of emotions in joining three club legends. Bob Gatherham, he was my junior administrator and Ian Stewart, who really helped me in the seniors. He’s the first captain who really gave me a go and I learned a lot from him off the field too and Ken (Trollope), goes without saying. He’s an icon.

“So it was pretty humbling, which people here probably don’t expect that word from me.”

Playing in the Fifth XI side on Saturday 11 January, Donna marked the milestone with a guard of honour made up of friends and players, which he walked through alongside his father Jerry who “in the last five years has finally got the grasp of the game”, he said jokingly.

Joining the 400 game club adds to Donna’s other achievement of being the “only man in

138 years to captain three flags”. On the field, Donna said “I’ll never call myself a batter” but rather “a run scorer or a dirty

slogger” and a “slow swing” bowler.

But back in the day he said he became known for his regular commentary on the field.

“He’s very well known for commentating when he bats. Not so much anymore because he doesn’t score as many runs as when he was younger, but people still know him for that,” good friend and fellow player Bryn Griffiths said.

Donna would often tell the other team’s fielders where they should stand to catch him out or give them pointers on bowling while playing, something he said was of course, all in good fun.

In describing Donna as a player, all Bryn could say was he was “very unique”.

“When he was, probably 20s and 30s and dominating threes and fours, very unique. Not a batsman but a run scorer. He played every ball on its merits, like every ball was a bad ball, so he’d try and belt it over the top of mid wicket and was pretty successful,” he said.

“He was the same as a bowler, pretty confident, swung the ball of heap and the commentary was unique.

“So everyone knew the commentary when he was bowling. If it was a good ball and even if they played a good shot, it’d be ‘ah he’s played a good ball well’. In the batting, every ball was just commentated, where he got, he’d tell them where to bowl the next one or tell them where to put the fielder.”

Seeing the ups and downs of the club when team numbers were limited and the strength of club stalwarts to turn it around, Donna said has made for an incredible environment.

While still enjoying his playing days, Donna has mostly turned his attention to coaching the

juniors for 11 years and running the blasters program for 17 seasons.

“Some of these kids are cricket mad, and for that hour (in blasters), you want to make it the best experience for them,” Donna said.

“And then what happens when they come along and play under 10s or under 12s, we’re the first meeting point in the club for the parents and you want them to go, ‘oh, wow, this is great’.”

For Bryn, that’s where Donna has made the biggest impression on the club - supporting the youngest players through the club, especially as they make their debut in seniors.

“He won’t say it but that’d be one of the biggest things we praise him on. So blokes ranging from 16,17, now up to 44, 45 have come through under 16s with him as a mentor.

“There’s a bit of a big step coming from being protected in juniors to playing with men against men away from mum and dad and all that sort of thing.

“And he’s been really brilliant over about 30 years of bringing all those kids through, so a scattering of people, from a from my age down to 15, 16, we’ve all gone through that same journey of coming out of under 16s playing in the threes or fours with Donna, getting introduced to senior cricket and senior teams.”

But more than teaching the next generation of cricketers, Donna said it’s the people, the friendships and camaraderie that keeps him hooked and involved.

“Everyone should feel blessed. So every morning you wake up, it’s a good morning, even if it seemed bad at the time, but we’re pretty blessed to be able to do this.”

Donna and his father Jerry walk through a guard of honour.

Shane Donovan (centre) celebrated 400 games supported by his blasters assistant coaches, u15 and women’s players Darcy Nicholas and Mackenzie Nicholls. (Supplied)

Daniel Giblin in action. (Supplied)

Campbell Mole helped accelerate Mt Evelyn’s innings. (Supplied)