Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 11th February 2025 by Star News Group

Better care

A near-death experience for a Yarra Junction man has prompted him to share his story in the hopes of bringing emergency care services to the Outer East.

Larry Norman was walking down to his neighbour’s house on 25 October 2024 when he collapsed in pain, suffering from an abdominal aortic aneurysm, known as a ‘Triple A’, where the main blood vessel travelling through the body is close to rupturing in the abdomen.

Mr Norman said he was just saying ‘God help me’ to himself as a neighbour from the top of the hill drove down the road.

“He never looked up that driveway, but this time he did and saw me laying on the ground and rang Triple O,” he said.

Within two hours, Mr Norman was in surgery and four and a half hours later, the doctor rang his wife to inform her he was in a very serious condition and that Triple A’s only have a five per cent

Roos’ story

By Dongyun Kwon

A Dutch woman is inviting locals to her autobiographical performance Able.

Roos Rijnbeek is living with a disability named achondroplasia which is a genetic condition affecting a protein in the body called the fibroblast growth factor receptor.

Achondroplasia leads to shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature; adult height in people with achondroplasia is between 42 and 56 inches.

Rijnbeek studied theatre and education at Utrecht School of the Arts in the Netherlands.

Through what she loves, Rijnbeek found her own way to make a more inclusive and diverse society where difference is not something to be tolerated but something to be celebrated.

“Able is an autobiographical solo performance about living life in a society that’s not made for you because you are different because of your disability,” she said.

“I am short-statured but that’s just a little part of me, Roos is so much more than just that. By creating this performance, I’m opening up about that side of my life, about my disability, about my short staturedness.”

Upgrade milestone

By Mikayla van Loon

A recently completed Kilsyth telecommunications tower has marked the halfway milestone in a state-wide mobile upgrade program.

More than 725 mobile and internet projects are now completed across the state as part of the State Government’s Connecting Victoria program.

The TPG mobile tower in Kilsyth will provide more than eight kilometres squared of improved 4G and 5G coverage to over 4350 households.

“TPG Telecom is proud to support the continued improvement of essential mobile services in the Yarra Ranges and to have reached the important halfway mark on the Connecting Victoria project,” TPG Telecom General Manager Wireless Access Networks David Yeo said.

It was just one of dozens of projects announced for the Yarra Ranges initially in 2022, with two now completed in Kilsyth and a further seven still to be delivered.

At the time of announcement, the government intended to build 309 new mobile towers, upgrade 492 existing towers to 5G, adapt 170 towers to be used by multiple telco providers and make 137 towers more resilient during natural disasters by 2026.

Telecommunication companies Axicom, ENE.HUB, Optus, Telstra and TPG Telecom, alongside infrastructure company Indara, were engaged to deliver the projects.

“Through partnerships with government, mobile network operators, and local councils, we’re thrilled to accelerate a digitised future for Victorian communities by delivering the critical infrastructure across the state,” Indara interim chief executive officer Michael Ferguson said.

In 2022, Dr Peter Brennan, who has advocated for telecommunications resilience in the area and previously worked with Connecting Victoria to identify mobile black spots, told Star Mail the announced mobile towers would help alleviate issues plaguing the area.

“It’s a triad of approaches, there are three things that need to be done and thought about, they are in a sense connected necessities: our telecommunications, internet/NBN and the stability of the electricity supply,” he said.

“This is a big step forward for telecommunications coverage; it may not be 100 per cent coverage but let’s hope it will get a lot better.”

At the time, loss of power to mobile base stations and pre-existing mobile black spots were highlighted as two key vulnerabilities during the

2019-2020 bushfires in an independent review, while the June 2021 storm weather event created the largest power outage in Victorian history, with 3000 people in the Dandenong Ranges losing power for three weeks according to a report by Emergency Management Victoria.

Since then, the Yarra Ranges has experienced further storms and outages, the most severe being 13 February 2024.

At the peak of the power outage across the state, 530,000 homes and businesses were without power and over 250,000 of those were AusNet customers.

Two days after the brunt of the storm, telecommunications towers were still down, leaving people frustrated and without access to phone or internet.

Premier Jacinta Allan said at the time it was reasonable to question if telcos should have

more batteries and generators around towers as backup power sources for severe weather events.

“The reality is everyone relies on their mobile phone. Very few people have a landline,” the premier said.

“This has really emerged strongly out of this event this week as something that needs much greater focus and attention at both levels of government, but also the telecommunications companies have to come to the table with solutions.”

Following the February storm Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino started a petition calling on telcos to Power the Towers, as well on the Federal Government to mandate uninterrupted power supply through legislation.

“From a State Government perspective we are doing what we can, but telecommunications is ultimately a federally-regulated commercial industry,” Ms De Martino said in a column supplied to Star Mail.

“While government intervention is crucial, Victorian taxpayers can’t continue to plug the holes where others won’t step up.

“Ensuring telecommunications resilience is the responsibility of telecommunications companies.”

The over $500 million Connecting Victoria program was designed to reduce connectivity gaps across the state, with the remaining half of the projects to be delivered over the next two years.

“Communities across Victoria need reliable coverage to stay connected with family, work and study – that’s why we’ve completed over 725 mobile and internet projects across the state, with hundreds more on the way,” government services minister Natalie Hutchins said.

No sign of roadside slashing

By Dongyun Kwon

In the middle of the hot and dry season, the Yarra Valley community is worried about the safety of Healesville-Kinglake Road as the roadside slashing hasn’t been completed yet.

The traffic volume on the road is expected to increase as an alternative route due to the two landslip repair works scheduled on Melba Highway, Dixons Creek, over the next few weeks.

Healesville resident Geoff Boiggs said he found vegetation growing up tall on Healesville-Kinglake Road between Healesville to Melba Highway which has potential risks including a bushfire.

“The government hasn’t done the roadside slashing for three years in the northeast region and for 12 months in the southeast region,” he said.

“Healesville-Kinglake Road will become the alternative route to use for trucks and cars when Melba Highway closes for roadworks. Same as if there’s an accident in Dixons Creek and the roads close, they have to come up to use that road.

“When you got vegetation overhanging one of the lines, it’s dangerous. You can’t see around the corners and people go over the middle of the road and the car gets scratched.”

On Friday 7 February, Mr Boiggs contacted the Star Mail again to inform that roadside slashing work had commenced in the southeast region.

The Star Mail contacted the Department of Transport and Planning.

Penalty tax remitted

By Dongyun Kwon

The state tribunal ruled to remit the penalty tax from 20 per cent to five per cent for a trust, which owns the land where a Healesville service station is located, if the reassessments were not set aside.

The case was presided over by Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) senior member Reynah Tang AM.

In the decision, Mr Tang said the tribunal is not in a position to determine the quantum of tax payable in the event the registered proprietors are assessed.

“It is appropriate to set aside the reassessments and remit them to the commissioner for reconsideration,” the VCAT decision reads.

Effie Caloutas and John Caloutas and their two sons, Nick Caloutas and Peter Caloutas, are the trustees of a discretionary trust known as the Caloutas Family Trust (CFT) established in October 1995.

CFT has operated various businesses and owned various properties including 366-368 Maroondah Highway, Healesville where Ampol Foodary Healesville is located.

The trustees of CFT had paid land tax for three of their properties, including the Healesville property, at individual land tax rates for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 land tax years.

After they hired a new accountant, they discovered the underpayment of land tax, and started paying the land tax at trust surcharge rates, which is four times higher than the individual land tax rates.

In March 2018, the Commissioner of State Revenue noticed the underpayment of land tax for prior years as the CFT was reporting rental income for its three properties in the trust rather than in the names of the registered proprietors of those properties.

This was contrary to the way in which the trustees had previously been assessed for land tax purposes.

On 21 January 2019, the commissioner reassessed the trustees’ land tax liabilities for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 land tax years to include land tax, at the higher rates applicable to land held by trust, on the additional three properties.

The reassessments also included penalty tax, imposed at a rate of 20 per cent for each land tax year although there was a further reassessment in respect of the 2014 land tax year to remit the penalty tax for that year in full on 16 July 2021.

While Mr Nick Caloutas, who represented the trustees at the hearing, accepted that the trust had recorded rental income relating to all three properties in its tax returns, he claimed it was a result of an error made by a former accountant for the family.

He also pointed out the language barrier and lack of financial acumen his parents had as they were Greek immigrants to Australia and he contended that the penalty tax should be remitted because the trustees had done nothing wrong.

Mr Nick Caloutas submitted that the new accountant’s letter should be given weight as it had been acted on, in terms of rectification of the trust’s tax returns for the 2017 and 2018 financial years, suggesting that it was not possible to go back further.

The commissioner contended that the reassessments ought to be confirmed because the trustees have not discharged their onus of proof to establish that they did not own the properties in their capacity as trustees of the trust.

Further, the commissioner submitted there was no basis to remit the penalty tax because there was no evidence that the trustees took reasonable care or that the relevant defaults arose from circumstances beyond their control.

“In all the circumstances, if the reassessments were not set aside, I would have exercised the discretion in section 35 to remit the penalty tax from 20 per cent to five per cent,” the VCAT decision reads.

Tall vegetation on Healesville-Kinglake Road. (Dongyun Kwon: 458505)

(File)

Over 60 firefighters deployed to fires

By Callum Ludwig

Forest

(FFMVic) crews

worked diligently to battle a fire east of Reefton and north of Old Woods Point Road last week.

At 11.30am on Wednesday 5 February 2025, fire reconnaissance aircraft identified a fire, likely caused by lightning, deep within the Yarra Ranges National Park.

An FFMVic spokesperson said there is currently no threat to communities, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.

“Over 60 Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighters and contractors are working to suppress the fire with more expected to be on site tomorrow,” they said.

“Three waterbombing aircraft are working to reduce the spread and intensity of the fire from above while dozers, excavators and a grader are building mineral earth breaks on the ground,”

“Firefighters continue to contend with very steep and rugged terrain as they build hand trails with rakehoes through areas of high tree hazards and heavy fuel loads. Being located within one of Melbourne’s water catchments, the priority is to contain this blaze as quickly as possible.”

The fire follows another forest fire in the week at Poley Road near Warburton on Tuesday 4 February which FFMVic had contained to 0.3 hectares by 11pm the same day. Morning crews worked to consolidate the control line with dozer patrol and blacking out the following day. A fire in the forest near Healesville on Thursday 6 February was also quickly contained.

The Upper Yarra Recreational Reserve Campground was closed on Friday 7 February.

According to the VicEmergency app, firefighters finally managed to contain the blaze by Sunday 9 February at 5.29pm.

Residents are encouraged to stay up-to-date with the latest incidents and warnings across Victoria this summer via VicEmergency: emergency.

vic.gov.au/respond/. Upper Yarra residents can use multiple sources to stay informed for the remainder of the bushfire season:

• emergency.vic.gov.au

• VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226

• VicEmergency app

•

IN BRIEF

Help police find missing person Suzanne Lawrance

Police continue to appeal for information regarding missing teen Suzanne Lawrance on the 38th anniversary of her disappearance.

Suzanne left a 21st birthday party at the Healesville Memorial Hall on 7 February, 1987 and was last seen in the vicinity of Queens Park, believed to be walking home.

Over the past three decades a significant investigation into Suzanne’s disappearance has been conducted and police continue to treat the matter as suspicious.

Many people have been spoken to by police as part of this investigation, however no one has been charged and sadly Suzanne has not been located.

Any detail, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, may be just the piece of information that police need to solve this case.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.

Read more: police.vic.gov.au/missing-personsuzanne-lawrance

Grass fire in Coldstream

Four CFA units from Coldstream and Lilydale responded to a grass fire on Decontra Avenue in Coldstream at around 9.10pm on Friday 7 February.

Incident was deemed under control at 9.22pm and safe at 9.30pm.

Victoria Police were called to the scene.

Suspicious truck fire

Police are investigating a suspicious truck fire in Silvan last week on February 7.

Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a Parker Road business property about 12.30 am.

Officers discovered a truck had been significantly damaged by fire and the windows of a second truck had been smashed.

A spokesperson from police media said investigators believe that offenders also damaged a gate on the property.

“There were no reported injuries,” they said. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dash cam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Variety of toy trucks sold at Officeworks recalled

Construct It! Buildables Plus’ Cement Truck, Express Courier Truck and Fire Engine toys sold at Officeworks have been recalled.

The product does not comply with the mandatory standards for products containing button/ coin batteries as the button/coin batteries are not adequately secured and are accessible by young children.

The product does wnot include the required warning information.

There is a risk of choking, severe internal burn injuries or death to young children if they gain access to the button/coin batteries and swallow or place them inside their body. Severe or fatal injuries can happen in two hours or less.

A dozer working on the control line.

An aerial shot of the fire on Thursday 6 February. (Forest Fire Management Victoria)

The view of the fire from a spotter aircraft over the Upper Yarra Dam.

Dismay after debris at park

By Callum Ludwig

Dog owners in Wesburn were left dismayed after nearby works on Old Warburton Road saw their dog off-leash area at Wesburn Park worse for wear.

Large trucks parked in the space designated for dog owners at the recreation reserve between Tuesday 28 and Friday 31 January, leaving behind puddles of oil and ripping up the grass.

President of Yarra Ranges Dogs (YaRD), a social dog walking group associated with Wesburn Park, Nicole Murray said they were very concerned by what was left all over the grassed section and the pipeline, which forms part of the off-leash dog park.

“There have been several ‘Snap Send Solves’ sent to YRC (Yarra Ranges Council) and lots of local talk about the council obviously not caring,” she said.

“Some people want me to go to the local member, which as a committee, we may still do since the council just wants to cover it with sand and seed and pretend it’s not there,”

“I don’t think this is appropriate action in a dog

park, how is a bit of sawdust going to keep dogs and a menagerie of other animals off the polluted spaces without fencing the space off.”

The area has been topdressed by Yarra Ranges Council staff, which involves placing a layer of sand, organic compost, or similar material such as sawdust on top of a grassed area to help improve its health and appearance.

Ms Murray said re-erecting their dog off-leash sign and establishing fencing near the dog offleash area would absolutely help prevent misuse of the space.

“It would also let truck drivers, itinerant overnighters, members of the public who sit and eat lunch in the middle of the dog off-leash section, the ECOSS events team, council-run projects team and most importantly, new dog owners that this is a space is dedicated only for off-leashed dogs,” she said.

“For the past five years, YaRD has been working with council staff who treat us with indifference, fobbing us off as unimportant and because we don’t make tourist money for council, forgotten

unless we do not pay our yearly dog registrations which have not been spent on dog facilities at Wesburn Park,”

“The problem we are facing as a large local group is that we feel the council still really don’t want to allow us to keep using this space and are preparing to shunt us off to the nearest ‘out of the way’ space they can find so they can use this area as parking for the mountain bikes in the southern part of the park.”

YaRD consists of over 400 members which use the dog off-leash area at Wesburn Park, with other use groups such as the Upper Yarra Pony Club, Upper Yarra SES Unit and Wesburn Junior Football Club also taking up different areas within the park.

Fellow dog owner Suzanne Brendel said she found it all mind-boggling.

“I understand that works need to be conducted in the area for upkeep and maintenance, but I don’t believe that it’s necessary to have such heavy vehicles that carry toxic waste park on the off-leash area, because it poses a security risk for people walking dogs off-leash when there’s heavy vehicles

using that for parking and egress,” she said.

“Secondly, dumping toxic waste, I believe it was brought to the attention of the Council and cleaned up but there was residual waste left behind and for people with big dogs, it’s maybe not an issue, but there’s also little dogs running around there too,”

“I cannot see how they cannot understand that it’s a safety issue if vehicles have access to that offleash grass area… you can’t have your dog walking off an area where people are driving around and parking particularly large trucks that are now dumping toxic wastes, it’s actually comical.”

A Yarra Ranges Council spokesperson said the Council apologises for any inconvenience caused.

“Council can confirm that a contractor vehicle, while completing works on Old Warburton Road, Wesburn, caused minor damage to a grassed area which is due to be fixed with additional topsoil and grass seeds shortly,” they said.

“A dog off-leash sign at Wesburn Park, which was previously damaged, is also due for replacement in coming weeks.”

Large marks and ripped-up grass were left in the park. (Supplied)

Multiple heavy vehicles parked in the off-leash area during the works on Old Warburton Road.

Oil was spilt and left on the grass.

NEWS Billions needed for species

By Callum Ludwig

A new study from Griffith University’s Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, with WWFAustralia and the University of Queensland, has estimated that preventing the extinction of 99 of Australia’s 110 priority species would cost $15.6 billion per year for 30 years.

The Australian Government has a commitment to reverse the decline of the 110 animals on the priority species list, including the Leadbeater’s Possum found in the Yarra Ranges, but researchers are calling for ‘increased funding to combat threats such as habitat destruction, invasive species and climate change.’

Lead author Dr Michelle Ward said while the annual $15.6 billion could prevent the imminent extinction of many threatened species, there were some species, including many frogs, which were found to be non-recoverable, largely due to climate change.

“Species such as Mountain-top Nursery Frog and Swan Galaxias were found to be of real concern and need active ex-situ conservation,” Dr Ward said.

“The cost to reverse the decline of priority species and undo damage done by habitat loss, disease and other threats was estimated at $103.7 billion annually, while getting them off the threatened list entirely would require $157.7 billion per year.”

Australia’s conservation record is poor with over 100 endemic (native and restricted to a certain place or ecosystem) species having gone extinct in the past three centuries.

Dr Romola Stewart, a co-author and WWFAustralia’s Head of Evaluation and Science, said the paper highlighted the true cost of ineffective nature laws and inadequate species funding.

“Australia’s ever-growing list of threatened species is a direct result of decades of underspending,” she said.

“Turning this tragedy around will take a dra-

matic increase in action and investment. This is achievable for a wealthy nation like Australia,”

“If we fail to put our wildlife and wild places on a path to recovery, our economy and environment will suffer, and we will see more species silently slide towards extinction.”

While the expenditure is large, the cost of saving these species could be further justified

through broader benefits of conservation investment, with the study suggesting that there would be ‘co-benefits to 43 per cent of all other threatened species and improved ecosystem services essential for human wellbeing.’

Dr Ward said the natural world is undergoing profound change.

“Biodiversity loss and ecosystems collapse is ranked by the World Economic Forum as the second most significant global risk over the next decade, with 50 per cent of the global economy dependent on nature,” she said.

“There is merit in the Australian Government’s commitment, but urgent action is needed.”

As well as the Leadbeater’s Possum, the Eltham Copper Butterfly and Growling Grass Frog which can be found in the Yarra Ranges are on the priority species list.

President of the Friends of the Leadbeater’s Possum group Steve Meacher said this paper, coming alongside the Prime Minister’s announcement that he is dropping the Nature Positive laws, highlights the bipartisan political neglect of the environment that we have suffered for far too long.

“The Commonwealth boasts a policy of Zero Extinctions but has currently committed less than one-thousandth (0.08 per cent) of the amount required to halt the extinction of priority species,” he said.

“$15.6 billion per year may sound like a lot of money but is actually close to the amount currently being given to subsidise fossil fuel industries that are only making the environmental crisis worse,”

“It should also be considered alongside such commitments as the AUKUS agreement and the Stage 3 Tax cuts. The paper states that the cost of halting extinction is one per cent of GDP, Australian households spend around 2.2 per cent on alcohol.”

The study ‘The estimated cost of preventing extinction and progressing recovery for Austra-

lia’s priority threatened species’ has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Mr Meacher said the paper reports that habitat restoration was the key action required by most priority species.

“One of the most cost-effective actions that could be taken in the immediate future would be to create a new national park covering the forests of the Central Highlands, this would restore and protect habitat for Leadbeater’s Possum and many other species that share the tall wet forests,” “It would also protect the source of Melbourne’s drinking water and provide sequestration of carbon, our forests being the most carbon-dense on the planet and it would ensure that the forests persist for the recreation and enjoyment of future generations.”

The Australian and Victorian Governments partnered up to announce a ‘National recovery plan for Leadbeater’s possum’ which came into effect in March 2024. A ‘National Recovery Plan for the Southern Bell Frog’ (Growling Grass Frog) was implemented in 2012 and there is no specific national recovery plan for the Eltham Copper Butterfly.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said Labor is investing more in the environment than any government in Australian history.

“This includes projects like restoring koala habitat, tackling invasive pests including yellow crazy ants and feral cats, and supporting local groups doing work on the ground to care for native plants and animals. But that’s not the only thing we are doing to protect nature,” she said.

“We’ve protected an extra 70 million hectares of Australia’s ocean and bush – an area bigger than Germany and Italy combined, we’ve doubled funding for national parks, we’ve rescued the Murray Darling Basin Plan, and we’ve approved enough renewable energy to power more than 8 million homes, just to name a few.”

Watch out for snakes: Suspected bite sees call-out

By Callum Ludwig

The Upper Yarra SES Unit assisted Ambulance Victoria with a suspected snake bite on Wednesday 5 February.

The patient was located on one of the mountain bike tracks set to be part of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, with SES crews paged to assist paramedics in retrieving the patient in the tough terrain.

Upper Yarra SES Unit Controller Hannah Brunton said the patient was in the care of Ambulance Victoria and they were requesting SES to extricate them back to the ambulance.

“Our crews utilised a device called the mule which is a singular wheel on a frame structure that helps us to carry patients over arduous terrain and they carried the patient approximately a kilometre out to meet the ambulance,” she said.

“We’re always happy to help out AV (Ambu-

lance Victoria) and their crews are always super grateful for the assistance that we can give.”

Construction of Stage One of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination project began in August 2024, with works being carried out my World Trail and the first trails expected to be open in the first half of 2025, subject to weather conditions.

Ms Brunton said not just in the Upper Yarra but all around the local area, we are seeing a lot of snake activity.

“You can see it in the reports that people are putting up on Facebook on the local noticeboards, there’s a lot of snakes out and about and I think people just need to be vigilant of where they’re walking and what they’re doing, it’s summer time so there’s going to be snakes and people just need to be mindful to give them their space,” she said.

“This area obviously still is under construction but even once it’s not, it’s such a big wide

space for us to cover that any information that the patients or the person making the phone call to emergency services can give to identify that location, the better it is and the faster we can get out there,”

“There is an app that people can download (Emergency +) that will provide you with your own current latitude and longitude and it will also give you a code called what3words, and if that information can be given to the call takers, that information can then be passed on to us and helps us find people a lot faster than if we’re having to roam around a general track to try and find someone.”

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson confirmed that paramedics were called to an incident in Wesburn at around 3.15pm on 5 February.

“A male in his 20’s was transported by road to Maroondah Public Hospital in a stable condition with lower body injuries,” they said.

SES crews assisted Ambulance Victoria paramedics to extricate a patient suffering a suspected snake bite. (Upper Yarra SES)

The Leadbeater’s Possum is one of the 110 priority species in Australia. (Zoos Victoria)

NEWS Healthcare barriers target

By Mikayla van Loon

Community health organisation EACH has been chosen to deliver the State Government’s newest initiative to provide better health outcomes for women.

Announcing a free virtual women’s health clinic on Wednesday 5 February, the telehealth and online clinic will offer more access to services like endometriosis and pelvic pain care, menstrual health, cervical screening, menopause care, breast health care and abortion.

EACH chief executive officer Natalie Sullivan said the organisation was thrilled to establish the first statewide service of this kind.

“We’ve seen many barriers that restrict women, girls and gender-diverse people from getting the health care they need: geography, cost, caring responsibilities, and cultural stigma or shame,” she said.

“This virtual clinic addresses this gender health gap by providing free, remote, culturallysafe care.”

Expected to launch by the middle of the year, specialists will be able to provide free, expert medical advice, treatment and care for a range of women’s health needs.

“Our clinical team is made up of specialist nurses, GPs, and allied health professionals — who all have extensive experience working in women’s health and sexual health, and providing care for people in our community who are more at risk of poorer health outcomes,” Ms Sullivan said.

The aim of the virtual clinic is to reduce barriers to care, especially for women in regional and remote Victoria where access to services like contraception and abortion is hard due to distance from major towns.

Ms Sullivan said dedicated women’s health services locally or virtually have an incredible impact on changing the trajectory of someone’s life.

“Our clinical team sees first-hand through our Endometriosis and Pain Clinic how life changing these services are for women and the impact it has on not only their health, but all aspects of their lives,” she said.

The clinic will be able to provide an initial health assessment and some treatment. Some patients may also be connected to a GP or be re-

ferred to a relevant health practitioner as close to home as possible.

Triaging of initial needs will also enable the clinic to make further referrals for mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, and family violence community support services.

“We’re excited to be leading this important initiative and look forward to helping more Vic-

torians through the virtual clinic,” Ms Sullivan said.

The initiative has been welcomed and commended by leading Monash University Professor Danielle Mazza AM, chief investigator and director of the SPHERE Centre and member of the national and Victorian Women’s Health Advisory Council.

“I applaud the government’s commitment to improving access for Victorian women to essential women’s health services,” she said.

“The addition of an online clinical service dedicated to women’s health, together with the mobile clinic already funded and underway, provides even more avenues for women to receive care, navigation advice and referral into existing and new services.”

This newest service announcement comes after the Labor Government’s landmark women’s pain inquiry which has been followed by a suite of measures aiming to close the gap in health access for women.

It includes the Mobile Women’s Health Clinic van operated by BreastScreen Victoria which has begun hitting the road making free healthcare more accessible for all women and girls in rural and regional parts of Victoria.

Both the mobile and virtual clinics are part of the $153 million women’s health package transforming the way women’s healthcare is delivered in Victoria.

“We know the gender health gap is real, especially for women living in regional or remote areas of Victoria – that is why we’re establishing this virtual women’s clinic to help breakdown the barriers to care,” health minister Mary-Anne Thomas said.

“Abortion care is healthcare, and while we have already made abortion more accessible, we know there is more to do – because Victorian women deserve to have a choice, no matter where they live.”

EACH chief executive officer Natalie Sullivan said the organisation was thrilled to be able to deliver better health outcomes for women. (Stewart Chambers: 295412)

Need for emergency care

By Callum Ludwig

A near-death experience for a Yarra Junction man has prompted him to share his story in the hopes of bringing emergency care services to the Outer East.

Larry Norman was walking down to his neighbour’s house on 25 October 2024 when he collapsed in pain, ending up on his hands and knees crawling to his neighbour’s verandah, though he wasn’t home to help.

Mr Norman was suffering from an abdominal aortic aneurysm, known as a ‘Triple A’, where the main blood vessel travelling through the body is close to rupturing in the abdomen.

Mr Norman said he tried to ring his son and his wife but couldn’t and was just saying ‘God help me’ to himself as a neighbour from the top of the hill drove down the road.

“He never looked up that driveway, but this time he did and saw me laying on the ground and rang Triple O, and in the meantime, my wife had rang my son and asked if he could play back the message, my son thought I was in Yarra Junction,” he said.

“They got there 10 minutes before the ambulance came, and I couldn’t remember this, but the paramedic pointed to my belly and said to tear in the aorta is behind his bowel, take him to Maroondah Hospital,”

“My wife, who was a nurse at Angliss, said ‘No, take him to Box Hill, there’s a vascular unit there’ and somehow I raised my head and told them to take me to Box Hill.”

Within two hours, Mr Norman was in surgery and four and a half hours later, the doctor rang his wife to inform her he was in a very serious condition and that Triple A’s only have a five per cent chance of survival.

“They put me in an induced coma and then on life support (a ventilator), on the seventh day, my wife was with me and I pointed up and she said ‘What are you seeing up there, angels or

something’ and I just nodded my head yes, because I couldn’t talk,” he said.

“On the eighth day, they took me off life support (the ventilator) and they sent me up the intensive care for ten days, then they sent me to

the vascular unit but I got pneumonia, and they had to send me back down to intensive care,”

“When they transferred me to Maroondah Hospital, I realised I’d been in hospital for 30 days.”

Melba Highway landslip repair works

After some time in the rehab unit, Mr Norman was released just in time for his 30th wedding anniversary which he spent happily at the Upper Yarra RSL.

Mr Norman said now he’s grateful to God and everybody who helped to save his life and wants to see more emergency centres in regional Victoria.

“I know the Warburn Hospital sold in 2002 for $3.7 million, they had two operating theatres, it’s two-story, they had 25 staff and nurses’ houses behind it and nurses’ quarters, they refurbished it in 2020 and it’s still empty, they didn’t even use it during Black Saturday,” he said.

“Yea Hospital has got a nurse and an acute care section, if you go in there, they call the local doctor and he does what he can do but if it’s too much for him, you get sent to a metropolitan hospital and you get the bill as a private patient, Yarra Junction Hospital closed in 1990 so there’s nothing around here and at Healesville Hospital, they don’t have an emergency ward and they close at 10 o’clock at night.”

A petition for an emergency department and maternity ward at Healesville Hospital garnered over 1500 signatures in 2021 but has seen no action, while the Warburton Hospital was the subject of bids from the private sector in 2020 but there is no current plan to reopen the site, which previously catered for over 50 beds and had 24-hour accident and emergency, a pathology lab, birthing suites, radiology and operating theatres. Eildon MP Cindy McLeish has also previously urged the State Government to attempt to purchase the Warburton Hospital site.

We’re completing critical landslip repairs on the Melba Highway in Dixons Creek, between Healesville-Kinglake Road and north of Hunts Lane.

Melba Highway will be closed to traffic and detours will be in place from 17 February to late March.

Labour Day long weekend

Melba Highway will open in both directions for the Labour Day long weekend from Friday 7 March until Tuesday 11 March with reduced speed limits.

Please support local businesses which remain open during works and are accessible by travelling via Yarra Glen.

Scan the QR code or find out more at transport.vic.gov.au/melbahighway

Larry Norman has recovered strongly from his abdominal aortic aneurysm. (Supplied)

School is seeing double

By Mikayla van Loon

Seeing double at Mount Lilydale Mercy College will be a common occurrence for the next six years with the largest cohort of twins to attend the school in its history beginning their secondary journey in 2025.

The 12 sets of twins started Year 7 on Thursday 30 January alongside 262 classmates, with four identical sets among them.

It makes nearly 10 per cent of this Year 7 cohort a twin.

They joined MLMC from eight different primary schools from across the Yarra Ranges,

including Wonga Park Primary, St Peter Julian Eymard Mooroolbark, St Brigid’s Healesville, St Richard’s Kilsyth, Healesville Primary, Kinglake Primary, St Mary’s Mount Evelyn and The Basin Primary.

Already enjoying and settling into secondary school life, the students said it was nice having a ‘built in friend’ in their twin while navigating the new environment.

“I think it’s better to have someone, because if you need someone, then you have someone.”

Being a twin, the students said, often comes with a lot of questions about what that

actually means.

“Who’s older?” and “can you read each other’s minds?” were the first two most common questions asked of them, followed by the boy, girl twins being asked if they are identical.

For identical twins Blair and Quinn, they said they will answer to each other’s names.

Some noted a competitive streak among themselves, others not so much but universal excitement for both food tech and PE classes could be seen among all 24.

To keep things easier for teachers but mostly for “their individual growth” each pair has been

separated among the 11 Year 7 homerooms. Year 7 Level Leader Rachel Berka said everyone so far has seemed really comfortable and well adjusted.

“We’re one week in today (6 February) and they’ve made a really good start. The year level seems to be settling in and it definitely helps when they’ve got a sibling to make that transition a bit smoother,” she said.

The graduating class of 2030 will spend their second week at the college getting to know each other better when they attend their first school camp in Alexandra.

12 sets of twins started their Year 7 journey at Mount Lilydale Mercy College in 2025. (Stewart Chambers: 457784)

There’ll be lots of seeing double in the halls of Mount Lilydale for the next six years with four sets of identical twins. (457784)

Grant boost

By Callum Ludwig

A range of kinders and preschools under the Yarra Ranges Kindergartens (YRK) umbrella are set for upgrades through the latest round of the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks Grants programs.

With the grants focused on improving inclusion in early education this year, grants were available to help fund projects in the buildings and playgrounds as well for equipment.

Interim CEO of YRK Juliette Hammond said they are thrilled to have received funding through the Building Block Inclusions Grants.

“They will make a huge impact, supporting exciting upgrades and the provision of specialist equipment, such as sensory toys at several of our Kindergartens,” she said.

“These grants will enable us to ensure every child, regardless of their abilities, background or learning style has equal access to learning opportunities and will create more enriching learning environments.”

“Two of our Kinders, Warburton and Woori Yallock, received major grant funding which will drive much-needed improvements to their outdoor play areas, the upgrades will enhance our beautiful natural environments helping to transform them into more engaging spaces where children can explore, learn, and connect with nature.”

With $174,630 for Warburton Kindergarten, the upgrades will include:

• A natural climbing fort with integrated slides

• A cubby house for imaginative play

• A bike track with safety crash matting

• A yarning circle, providing a dedicated space for outdoor learning and group discussions

$167,689 for the Woori Yallock Kindergarten will see upgrades to:

• The swing, fort, and slide areas, ensuring they remain safe, fun, and compliant with council regulations

• The indigenous gardens, promoting cultural awareness and sustainability

Ms Hammond said they will both be eco-conscious, all-inclusive, sun-smart outdoor spaces that encourage children of all abilities to engage in active, nature-based play.

“These upgrades aren’t just about new equipment—they’re about creating outdoor environments that support a healthy, active lifestyle, teach important environmental lessons, and provide spaces where all children can connect, learn, and grow,” she said.

“With kindergartens like Warburton holding a long and cherished history in the community, keeping up with modern needs while honouring the past is important. Unfortunately, maintaining and upgrading facilities is a costly challenge,”

“These grants provide the critical boost needed to fast-track improvements, without this funding, many of these projects wouldn’t be possible—or would take significantly longer to bring to life.”

Fore equipment:

• Fernhill Preschool in Mt Evelyn will receive $5866,

• Upwey South Preschool will receive $8909,

• Upwey Preschool will receive $9224

• Lancaster Preschool in Mooroolbark will receive $5986,

• Belgrave Preschool will receive $8293

• Sassafras Preschool will receive $3750

Ms Hammond said these improvements will benefit everyone in the YRK community.

“For the children, new outdoor spaces mean more opportunities to explore, play, and develop essential motor, social, and cognitive skills. Design elements will be included which inspire curiosity, creativity, and build confidence in their unique abilities,” she said.

“For the educators and staff, a more functional and engaging environment makes for a better workplace, allowing our dedicated teachers to deliver high-quality early childhood education in inspiring settings,”

“For families and the wider community. these upgrades reflect a shared commitment to investing in the early years, creating spaces that families feel connected to and proud of.”

More than 400 early childhood education services hared in $9 million worth of grants through the 2024-25 Building Blocks Inclusion Grants program.

Ms Hammond said the early years lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

“If we can create safe, stimulating spaces it encourages children to explore, take risks, build relationships, and develop confidence—skills that will serve them well into the future. Brand new, modern ‘fancy’ facilities don’t necessarily change learning outcomes for children, but environments that are inviting, warm, interesting and inclusive do,” she said.

“Physical environments which are inclusive, and trauma-informed create the sense of safety and belonging which children need to make connections with others, connections which really can change their lives, we want to ensure children have access to spaces and equipment that help them feel included and to engage in learning, build positive self-esteem and develop strong social connections,”

“We are incredibly grateful for this support, which allows us to continue enhancing our kindergartens. A huge thank you to our Parent Support Committees, staff, and advocates at all our Kinders but especially Warburton and Woori Yallock for their dedication in securing this funding. Your hard work ensures that our kinders continue to be places of joy, discovery, and growth.”

Grants of up to $200,000 were available for building and playground projects while grants of up to $10,000 were available for equipment which could include items like mobility tools, adjustable furniture and sensory equipment.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said every child deserves to actively participate at kindergarten, no matter their ability.

“These grants will make sure kinders have the inclusive facilities and equipment they need to support all children to grow, learn and play,” she said.

“We’re supporting the diverse needs of Victoria’s children by making hundreds of kindergartens safer, more engaging and inclusive, so all children can grow and thrive from the best start in life.”

The Queensland Fruit Fly lifecycle generally takes 28 days to complete (longer in cooler conditions and shorter when it is warmer).

QFF females prefer to lay eggs in newly ripening fruit, just when fruit starts to change from small, hard & green to large, soft & colourful.

THE QFF LIFECYCLE & management techniques

QFF is best managed using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach based on where weaknesses in the QFF lifecycle exist.

Pheromone traps can catch male QFF before they mate. Protein traps target female QFF before they are ready to lay eggs. Food based bait droplets on leaves are sought after by hungry QFF. Exclusion netting stops female QFF reaching fruit to lay eggs. Harvesting fruit stops QFF larvae reaching the soil or organic matter on the ground where they pupate (change from a larvae to a fly). Removing unmanaged fruit hosts prevents any QFF risk at all!

Yarra Ranges Kindergartens received multiple Building Blocks grants for their kinders across the region. (File)

Lights on for renewables

By Dongyun Kwon

The Steels Creek Community Centre has been upgraded with 7.36kW (Kilowatt) solar panels, a 22kWh (Kilowatt-hour) battery system and a generator plug-in point enabling it to serve as an emergency hub during times of need.

The effect of the solar panel and battery system on resilience has been proved by other cases including one in the Healesville Community Link which was installed in May 2023.

This project at the Steels Creek Community Centre is part of the Preparing Australian Communities initiative and the Resilient Buildings Project, which focuses on installing solar panels, batteries, LED lighting, and generator plug-ins at key locations across the region.

Steels Creek Community Centre Committee vice president Maree Rothwell said the upgrade holds significant value for local residents who have experienced power disruptions and bushfire events in the past.

“The initial benefit is reducing or eliminating electricity bills and thus improving the Community Centre’s financial position. In the longer term we are also hoping to make the centre a hub during emergencies and situations such as prolonged power outages,” she said.

“Our community relies on tank water and thus electricity to have running water for toilets and food preparation.

“Steels Creek Community Centre now has the ability to operate independently during power outages which means the community can act immediately in response to the local situation and can provide that timely support where other government assistance takes time to enable.”

With this upgrade, the centre is now equipped to provide essential services during power outages, such as access to toilets, a functional kitchen, and device charging.

Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) mayor Jim Child underscored the importance of such facilities in areas of higher risk.

“If the energy grid goes down, centres like these will remain operational for the community. They’re already serving the community in times of need, and this upgrade enhances their role and ability to provide support,” Cr Child said.

The goal of the Resilient Buildings Project is to establish resilience centres in regions vulnerable to weather related disasters and power outages, ensuring that local hubs are prepared and capable of supporting the community during times of crisis.

In May 2023, YRC installed 100kWp solar system and 108kWh battery at the Healesville Community Link as part of the Active Energy Precincts Project, in collaboration with Monash University and Birdwood Energy.

Over the last two years, the battery system has helped strengthen community resilience and reduce the impact of natural disasters.

YRC communities director Leanne Hurst said since its installation, the solar and battery system at Healesville Community Link has been a valuable asset that can be utilised to keep the community connected during power outages.

“The 100kWp solar system and 108kWh battery provide backup power to critical areas, including lighting, Council servers, the kitchen, the library’s kitchen and workstation area, as well as Community Link staff reception and workspaces,” she said.

“While Council has not formally activated an emergency hub at the site, the system has been available to support the community when needed, including during a power outage in February 2024. To ensure its reliability, Council conducted a managed power outage and walkthrough with Community Link staff, Healesville Library, and members of the Healesville Emergency Management Group, confirming that all critical loads remained operational.

“Council continues to work closely with the Healesville Community Emergency Group, who

Look out for the echidnas during hot weather

A reminder to put water out for wildlife during the extreme heat wave Victoria is currently experiencing.

Humans can retreat to the air con but spare a thought for our native animals trying to keep cool.

The echidnas at Healesville Sanctuary are on point, splashing and slurping up water in shallow pools during the hot weather.

The spikey anteaters use their long, rubbery beaks and 18-centimetre-long tongues for sipping chilled H2O with a built-in drinking straw for a mouth.

Healesville Sanctuary mammal keeper Craig McQueen said when the echidnas are not flatout drinking, they blow bubbles to keep cool.

“Most people aren’t aware, but they are also really great swimmers, and they use their beaks as a little snorkel,” Mr McQueen said.

“Echidnas are always curious, so whenever we introduce something new to their habitat even if it’s just water, it always spikes their interest.”

Nine Short-beaked echidnas live at Healesville Sanctuary.

They can be found on Main Track at the front

entrance and along the Koala Forest/Kangaroo Country Track.

Echidnas live right across Australia.

They have no teeth, and their back feet face backwards.

Short-beaked echidnas are one of only five species of monotreme (egg-laying mammals).

Platypuses are also monotremes.

The community can help wildlife that visits their backyards and balconies during the warmer months by providing safe access to water.

Simply place a shallow plastic or ceramic (non-metal) dish of water in a shady spot close to shrubs or trees, away from pets and roads.

Create a safe place to drink by putting a rock or stick in the water for animals to climb out if they fall in.

Keep the water clean by changing it every day and more regularly on really hot days.

Healesville Sanctuary is open 365 days a year including all public holidays.

Kids under 16 visit free on weekends, Victorian Public holidays and Victorian Government school holidays.

• For more information and to pre-book tickets visit zoo.org.au/healesville

The echidnas at Healesville Sanctuary splash and slurp up water in shallow pools during the hot weather. (Zoos Victoria)

can utilise the site as part of community relief mobilisation in disasters under the emergency Hub model, this has been exercised recently with

the group. This system plays a key role in ensuring a dependable backup power source is available when the community needs it most.”

The Steels Creek Community Centre has been upgraded with new solar panels, a battery system and a generator plug-in point enabling it to serve as an emergency hub during times of need. (Yarra Ranges Council)

The new 7.36kW (Kilowatt) solar panels at the Steels Creek Community Centre. (Yarra Ranges Council)

NEWS Closure of history group

By Dongyun Kwon

Yarra Glen and District History Group (YGDHG) has made a hard decision to close down the group.

YGDHG, formerly named Yarra Glen and District Historical Society Incorporated, was formed in 1973.

After over 50 years of operation, the group reached a point where the hard decision was inevitably made, as only three members remained.

“Once upon a time, people came and asked for information from us but now they use the Internet to search for information,” YGDHG president Kevin Heeley said.

“It’s difficult to get people to contribute to organisations these days.”

The group was central to local history, not only providing relevant historical data to people who had enquiries but also helping people to find their families in Yarra Glen and surrounding areas.

It also provided data and photographs to the Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) when the council hosted a history-related event or exhibition.

Longtime group member Helen Mann was instrumental in setting up a website called The Encyclopedia of Yarra Glen and District.

Its value is that it could be amended and added to over time, unlike print materials.

Another longtime group member Jill Sheffield said the group also helped YRC install storyboards around the town and along the Yarra River.

The Yarra Glen and District Historical Society also published books and papers, and mounted supportive exhibitions of photographs and information for the Yarra Glen RSL on Anzac Day and at special events for other organisations.

“Since 2007, we have been able to rent this room (in the Yarra Glen Memorial Hall) and that’s when we started to open this room on a Wednesday afternoon during school terms for anyone to come in who had a query,” Ms Sheffield said.

The group also printed calendars each year with different themes for a long time.

“For the 2017 edition, the theme was sports and it included photos of the racecourse and local sports clubs,’ Ms Sheffield said.

“The last edition was printed in 2019 with the theme of Yarra Glen Primary School with various historical photos of the school.”

Due to the drop in membership, the Yarra Glen Historical Society Incorporated was unable to meet the criteria keeping it as incorporated.

Right before the Covid pandemic, it became unincorporated and changed its name to Yarra Glen History Group and became part of the Yarra Glen and District Living and Learning Centre.

The president said the group suffered from the increasing financial constraints, which also affected their decision.

“When we lease this room (in the Yarra Glen Memorial Hall) from the shire, it only costs a few hundred dollars a year, but that lease requires us to pay the contents insurance, which has soared over the last few years,” Mr Heeley said.

“You have to have a membership big enough to create enough income to be able to pay for the room and for the insurance to cover.

“There are not many ways to raise funds for historical societies. You need to run exhibitions or talks and sell things but there are not many things you can sell.”

The group has been in touch with the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, discussing the best way to distribute their collection of artifacts, printed materials and other items they have.

Gladysdale water tank art comes to life

Upper Yarra Secondary College students have helped to bring an artist’s piece to life in Gladysdale, as part of Yarra Ranges Council’s Water Tank Art project.

Through December, Indigenous Upper Yarra Secondary College students painted on a Council-managed water tank in Gladysdale.

The Gladysdale tank is now emblazoned with the artwork, Blackfish and short finned eels, by First Nations artist, Graham Patterson.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said this artwork was a collaboration between Graham Patterson, the college, The Garage Signshop and Yarra Ranges Council.

“This Indigenous Tank Art Project has been running for many years, transforming water tanks on Council land into artistic landmarks, that people may uncover unknowingly or travel out to,” he said.

“To have Indigenous students from my Ward, from the fantastic Upper Yarra Secondary College, working on this project is a great display of community connection.

“For the students working on this project, they’ll have a taste of professional work under talented artists, a chance to see the industry up close and, hopefully, a spark that catches into careers in the arts.

“For Council, this is another step in our work towards Reconciliation, providing funding and art spaces to showcase First Nations art, stories, culture and history.

“Thank you to these students for taking part, and to Graham for this incredible work.”

In his artist brief, Graham said that painting helped to connect him to his culture.

“My great, great grandmother, Lydia Briggs, lived at Coranderrk Aboriginal Station. Her daughter, Lizzie Edmunds, was my great grandmother,” Graham wrote.

“I love painting to keep culture alive and paint the way I feel about being a Koorie person. If we didn’t paint, we’d lose our culture and stories.

“The tank artwork depicts the river blackfish and the short finned eel, both species significant to the cultural and ecological life of the Yarra Ranges.

“Native fish species are threatened by the introduction of exotic fish species, overfishing, land clearing and the disturbance of river sys-

“Caring

system.”

tems, including bushfires and snag removal.

for Country includes caring for waterways, and the individual species that make up

living

This water tank art project was coordinated by Yarra Ranges Council with assistance from Murrup Biik Public Art, Upper Yarra Secondary College and The Garage Signshop.

For more information about the project, and to view the location of other artworks in this series, visit Yarra Ranges Council’s Water Tank Art Page.

Indigenous Upper Yarra Secondary College students painted Graham Patterson’s ‘Blackfish and short-finned eels’ on a Gladysdale water tank. (Yarra Ranges Council)

Hard at work.

Attention to detail.

Three remaining members of the Yarra Glen and District History Group, (L-R): Jill Sheffield, Kevin Heeley and Helen Mann. (Dongyun Kwon: 458218)

Road trauma increasing

Police is issuing an urgent warning to motorists following a horror start to the year on the state’s roads, with a significant rise in road trauma in regional areas.

There have been 38 lives lost in the first 37 days of the year – a 35 per cent increase on 28 lives lost recorded at the same time last year.

It is also significantly higher than the five-year average of 27 for the same period.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir said police are appalled at the terrible loss of life in January – the increase in regional fatalities is of particular concern to them.

“Last year we saw a significant rise in road trauma involving motorcyclists, and worryingly that trend has continued into this year,” he said.

“Early indications suggest driver behaviour and driver error is largely contributing to these fatalities. Many people are quick to blame road conditions and other factors, but the simple fact is many of the deaths are occurring close to where people live on roads known to them, complacency is a real issue,”

“We know a visible police presence deters poor or careless driving, and while we will make every effort to be highly visible and enforcing across the state, we can’t just enforce our way out of this.”

January recorded 36 fatalities, which is the highest number of lives lost for the month since 2001 when there were 44 fatalities during January.

Provisional police analysis suggests almost two-thirds or 23 of the 37 fatal collisions occurred within 20km of the deceased’s residence.

Of those 23 people, 11 lived in regional areas while the remaining 12 resided in metropolitan and suburban locations.

Police are concerned about a significant rise in motorcycle fatalities, with 10 rider deaths this year – seven of which occurred on regional roads.

Provisional analysis of this year’s fatalities suggests that driver behaviour and driving errors, including excessive or inappropriate speed, unsafe overtaking, illegal u-turns, failing to stop or give way, fatigue and distraction have been major contributing factors in these fatal collisions.

Police intelligence shows road conditions are not contributing to the significant rise in road trauma this year.

Victoria Police is determined to avoid a repeat of January and is urging motorists to take extra care in the weeks ahead to try and curb the rising road trauma trend.

Police will be highly visible and enforcing across the state, with a major focus on high-risk regional areas as well as motorcyclist safety.

Asst Commr Weir said all road users need to realise this is a problem that requires immediate attention, due care and commitment – it’s up to all of us to be more alert and prioritise safety when getting behind the wheel.

“Now is not the time to be complacent – if we can’t turnaround this rising road trauma trend, then we can expect to see this spike continue into the remainder of 2025,” he said.

A statewide road policing operation will be launched early in March to coincide with the Labour Day long weekend in Victoria.

For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.

Hello Yarra Valley gardeners!

Welcome to the February 2025 Queensland fruit fly update. QFF detections have slowly increased for the season to date. However, I am pleased to report that many gardeners and fruit growers are taking the clean up and management options seriously. If we continue to stop the spread, QFF will not take hold in the Yarra Valley, and less fruit will be impacted. I am also pleased to report that in some QFF cases from last season, no further QFF have been detected this season so far. Early detection and rapid response with dedicated people doing the work makes a difference for the whole community. There will always be a QFF risk, it is how we manage our production areas that counts. We need to work together.

Tips for concerned home gardeners

Keep the fruit in your garden picked regularly. Don’t let it fall. Check your fruit during the ripening phase.

Store your harvest in the fridge. Process what you pick. Treat scraps (freeze, boil or microwave) before composting or placing in FOGO bins.

Don’t carry risk fruit from a QFF area into the Yarra Valley or into your home. Don’t share fruit if you suspect it is infested.

Exclusion netting or fine mesh nets can be placed over good fruit and sealed up to stop the fruit fly from laying eggs.

Talk to neighbours about QFF risk and check host plants near your home.

QFF Detections @ FEB 6th 2025 Yarra Valley and surrounds

Coldstream, Lilydale, Silvan, Mt Evelyn, Gruyere, Wandin North, Yarra Glen, Kinglake, Kilsyth, Bayswater, Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park, Hoddles Creek.

Suspect QFF are also being reported in Croydon, Warrandyte, Donvale, Montmorency, Park Orchards, Templestowe, and other inner Melbourne locations. New cases are in Frankston.

If you think you’ve found QFF, take a clear photograph and send to qff@agribusiness-yarravalley.com, or text 0490381999.

Freeze, boil or microwave suspect fruit. Do not compost untreated fruit. If you can’t treat fruit, please seal it In a bag, double bag it, and place in the regularly collected rubbish.

Victoria

Road trauma is on the rise. (File)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Meet the Makers this month

By Callum Ludwig

A collective of crafters have convened for the exhibition in the Warburton Waterwheel Gallery this month.

Meet the Makers opened on Tuesday 4 February and will be on display until 4 March, featuring nine different artists who will spend time in the gallery throughout the month demonstrating their craft of choice.

Organiser and artist Jeff Wilmott said everybody involved is keen to help teach and show their works.

“We’ll be here Saturdays and Sundays and at any other time somebody, will be here during the week and can tell you to come back Sunday or Saturday, anyone can feel free to come and ask questions,” he said.

“I like busking, I get out on the street and play, one-on-one, one-on-twenty, whatever it may be and I love that, this (the exhibition) will create that meeting of people, it’s not just putting your work and don’t come back for a month, I want the people who do come into this space to talk with the people who make the things.”

The exhibition features the following artists and their mediums:

• Jeff Wilmott – pottery, painting, photography, musician

• Ela Henderson – paper craft

• Antonia Green – painting

• Ryan Tews – painting, photography

• Nikki Murray – felting

• Ravenna Keller – felting

• Erin Ellis – pottery, ceramics

• Senia Kazar – ceramics, pottery

• Recycled Art Craft by Brad Jonathon Trevillien, a student of Mr Wilmott is also offering an ‘Intro to the Whistling Vessel’ on Saturday 8 February at 11.30am, showcasing a vessel he made after learning the art of making ocarinas from Mr Wilmott. Water is poured into the whistling vessel and it is played similarly to an ocarina, but the sound is altered by tilting the vessel and shifting the water.

Mr Wilmott said an exhibition like this helps keep these traditions and crafts alive.

“I’ve got a few years in my life to go, but one day I’ll go and if I hadn’t passed it on, the tradition starts to be lost, how to make an ocarina is quite a tricky thing, but if I sit there it’s probably a day or two, I can show them most of it and then it’s passed on,” he said.

“A lot of people won’t even know what an ocarina is, but it’s a small clay flute, established probably in Italy in the 1850s, but was in many countries hundreds of years before that, but really made into a properly tuned instrument about 150 years ago,”

“Now, if somebody’s interested, I can show them not just the instrument, but how it’s made.”

Progressing around the gallery, starting from the front right corner, attendees of the exhibition will find:

• Erin Ellis’ collection of ceramics and pottery on display, including bowls, coils and slabs.

• Mr Wilmott’s ocarinas, bowls and pendants are next, as well as the whistling vessel.

• Nikki Murray’s fantastic felt hats can be found next.

• Next to Nikki is Ravenna Keller who is also starting out in felting and

has made some felt dolls which are on display.

• Photographer and painter Ryan Tews’ works can be seen adorning the walls behind the felt works.

• Antonia Green’s collection of paintings spans the back wall and over to the left side of the room.

• In front of those paintings are the works of Senia Kazar.

• Moving over to the left side of the room are the figurines and models made from recycled material by Brad.

• Last but not least is the paper craft works of Ela Henderson.

Jeff Wilmott with one of his ocarinas. (Callum Ludwig: 458077)

Paintings by Antonia Green. (458077) The works of Erin Ellis. (458077)

Senia Kazar’s ceramics. (458077) Ryan Tews’ works on the wall. (458077)

Paper crafts from Ela Henderson. (458077)

Nikki Murray’s felt hats. (458077)

Recycled art by Brad. (458077)

Felt dolls by Ravenna Keller. (458077)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Lose yourself in the fun

By Mikayla van Loon

Described by its director as a typical fun and fantastical farce, Moon Over Buffalo will open the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre’s 2025 season.

“It sits squarely in the category of comedy. You could even describe it somewhat as the classic theatre genre called farce, which has lots of doors opening and closing, so that brings in the fast pace and slightly mad capped elements to it,” director Ian Frost said.

Set backstage of a theatre in 1953, the story follows “a couple who have been stars of the stage”, George and Charlotte Hay, who are both making a dash for Hollywood.

“There’s elements of confusion within the show, as in the cast have some convoluted and intermingled relationships,” Frost said.

“There’s Ethel, a grandma who is hard of hearing, so it brings in mistaken identity, misunderstandings and those interpersonal confusions to mean that it’s just a fantastic and light hearted and enjoyable evening at the theatre.”

Performing for the second time at Lilydale, Brett Hyland who gets to play the “charmer” George said the play “is funny from go to woe” and “it’s high energy”.

“That’s the beauty of theatre. It’s so immersive, it kind of makes you forget about your life for a while,” he said.

“You don’t have to think too hard with this one. It’s not one of those ones where it’s a complicated plot. It’s high energy, high laughs, (and a) lot of costume changes.”

Describing his character as lovable but with some flaws, Hyland said it makes him all the more comical to watch.

“He’s a very bad actor, a bit of a ham, but he has some endearing quality. He very much loves his wife, but he does have a little bit of a wandering eye, and is a little bit, I suppose, full of himself,” he said.

“He does get himself into a bit of trouble at the start of the play, which he gets caught out for, but at the end of the day, he does love his wife.”

As for lead actress Audrey-Maeve Barker this will be just her second entry into the farce sphere, one she has enjoyed entirely.

“What attracted me to the role was the fact that it’s completely like nothing else I’ve ever done and the idea of working with Ian (Frost) and Lilydale again was fabulous,” she said.

“The play is just so much fun, and it’s really physical, which I’ve only just started that challenge now and I’m really enjoying. It’s a lot of fast paced humour, and it’s a farce, which I’ve never done, so that’s what attracted me to it.

“It’s a really great piece. It’s really funny, and

there’s a lot going on, and it’s a roller coaster ride. It’s really fun. Once you’re on, we’re off.”

Barker said she hopes, but is quite confident, the audience will love the silliness of the play and the ability to step away from life just to have a good laugh.

“You can’t think too much about it. From beginning to end, you’re on a ride, and you can’t take it too seriously,” she said.

“It’s a really great way to take a break from your life for a couple of hours and just have a great laugh, and be able to laugh at everybody up there who’s doing the most ridiculous thing, and having the most crazy reality.

“Take a step out of your own lives, take a break and get to have a good laugh.”

Creating a dynamic cast and “cohesive show”,

Frost said it “means the audience can suspend disbelief” for a few hours.

But more than that, he hopes it can pay homage to the theatre, to every ounce of time and dedication from directors, set designers, set builders, costume, wardrobe and cast.

“This show really is a love story to theatre, given that it is set backstage of that theatre in 1953 we see the characters put up with and at some point, make do with the shortcomings of each other because of their shared love of theatre,” he said.

“So I think that’s been a fun thing for myself, and for the cast as well, to be demonstrating their own love of the theatre, through the script of this show.”

With the 1950s backdrop, and a few dips into the 1920s, costume designer Maria Smedes has outdone herself in hand-making or altering costumes, while the set took “countless hours” to recreate “an authentic green room”.

Every detail and moment from the eight chosen cast members to the props add to the delightful atmosphere of 1950s theatre.

The season begins on Thursday 13 February and runs until Saturday 1 March. To book tickets for the show, visit lilydaleatc.com/season-2025 or call the Box Office on 9735 1777.

Autobiographical performance celebrates diversity

By Dongyun Kwon

Through autobiographical performance, Roos Rijnbeek wants to not only share her life story but also let the audience think about the true meaning of inclusion and diversity.

Rijnbeek is a Dutch citizen who moved to Australia in 2022 and currently lives in Lilydale. She is living with a disability named achondroplasia which is a genetic condition affecting a protein in the body called the fibroblast growth factor receptor.

Achondroplasia leads to shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature; adult height in people with achondroplasia is between 42 and 56 inches.

Although she is 128cm tall, The 25-year-old said she has a big character.

“I’ve always been this way, I’m not used to anything else, I’m still a happy person and I want to make my life as cool as I can,” she said.

“Nothing will stop me and I will always find a solution or different way to do it.

“I can do everything, and I can be anything that I want to be.”

Rijnbeek had to face obstacles and challenges throughout her life because of the disability she is living with.

She needs help from other people or a step to reach something above her height.

She has also got her car adjusted to reach out to the pedals.

Rijnbeek said the big obstacle is the way society perceives people with disabilities.

“All of those things like the adjustments that I have to do in life to go by in society are fine things for me,” she said.

“There is still a lot of discrimination going around.

“I always say ‘I’m fine with my disability but I feel like other people are not fine with it, and they need to constantly remind me of it.’”

The Dutchwoman studied theatre and education at Utrecht School of the Arts in the Netherlands.

Through what she loves, Rijnbeek found her own way to make a more inclusive and diverse society where difference is not something to be tolerated but something to be celebrated.

Through Able, Roos Rijnbeek

(Supplied)

The 25-year-old created an autobiographical performance to tell audience about her life.

Her show was already three times sold out in the Netherlands and is coming to The Memo, Healesville on 22 and 23 February.

Rijnbeek said there’ll be a Q and A session after the show as she wants to interact with the audience directly.

“Able is an autobiographical solo performance about living life in a society that’s not made for you because you are different because of your disability,” she said.

“I think we need to educate people more on it and we can raise a bit more awareness around it. I hope to not only talk about myself and my own experience that people can learn from but also open up the conversation about ‘how can we make the better world for us all to live in?’, ‘how can we take that shared responsibility to help one another out?’.”

After she moved to Australia in 2022, she noticed how different Australia is compared to the Netherlands. The 25-year-old said Australians are more welcoming and open.

“In the Netherlands, we’re constantly busy judging one another, and we’re so focused on what other people think of us and what we think of other people,” she said.

“Here in Australia, people are more focused

on themselves. If there’s interaction, they want to do it for a good purpose. I felt so much more accepted here.”

Rijnbeek said she could be herself and be free in Australia.

“In the Netherlands, when I was 23 just before I moved here, I was very struggling with, almost surviving day by day, all the reactions that I got from the outside world,” she said.

“I would notice people taking pictures of me eight times a day. I would get pointed at constantly. I would get yelled at on the street.

“As soon as I arrived in Australia, all that I was carrying came off my shoulders.”

For more information regarding Rijnbeek’s show Able, please visit the following website, yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/Events/ABLE

Brett Hyland and Audrey-Maeve Baker play married couple George and Charlotte Hay in Moon Over Buffalo. (Alexandra Carter, Wanderling Photography)

The typical farce is funny all the way through, bring many laughs and smiles.

Fair steps back in time

By Tanya Steele

The annual medieval fair at Camelot Castle saw travellers from near and far pay a single gold coin to enter a world of reenactment and fantasy for a day in Yellingbo.

Yellingbo CFA, in collaboration with Woori Community House, Woori Yallock Bendigo Bank, and Camelot Castle, invited the community along to the unique, family-friendly experience on Sunday 9 February February.

Historical reenactment groups along with fantastical live action role players (LARPers) set up tents for the day and entertained crowds as they stepped back in time at the castle grounds, supported by regular everyday heroes, CFA from Yellingbo and Hoddles Creek.

Yellingbo CFA host the fair every second year and the event serves as the main fundraiser for their brigade and Junior Leader Coordinator from Hoddles Creek CFA Kristen Couzens said funds go towards stocking important equipment for Yellingbo.

“Yellingbo kindly invited the Hoddles Creek Juniors to come and run some children’s actives and offered them the opportunity to raise funds for their own activities,” she said.

“Our juniors helped Yellingbo members at the community education tent while also running the fire house and dunk bucket challenge.”

Volunteers stepping up for the dunk bucket challenge included Captains of neighbouring brigades, group officers and junior leaders, making it a fun collaboration for CFA across the region.

The event featured a bustling medieval marketplace showcasing local crafts and goods from the Upper Yarra Valley and people enjoyed the medieval-themed activity areas, Punch ‘n Judy puppet shows, face painting and live demonstrations.

CFA kept a sausage sizzle going as LARP groups from Swordcraft, Leongatha medieval village, Jomsviking, Baron of Krae Glas and more entertained crowds.

The day was a wonderful opportunity for the community to enjoy a unique medieval experience and support local initiatives.

The medieval theme brought groups from all over Melbourne and beyond. (Tanya Steele: 458473)

Yarra Junction CFA 2nd Lt. Jeff Rowan joins in the fun. (Supplied). Medic John and his 14th century display. (Tanya Steele: 458458)

Katia with dragon Kaida and Ferrisen came from Gippsland and Noble Park to participate in the Swordcraft LARP display. (Tanya Steele: 458473)

Traditional Punch and Judy Shows by the fountain got the kids up and curious. (Tanya Steele: 458458)

The LARP group Swordcraft hosts events all over Australia fighting with authentic-looking foam weapons and real steel armour, chain maille, leather, and costumes. (Tanya Steele: 458473)

The Barony of Krae Glas from the Society of Creative Anachronism bring to life the culture and pageantry of tlife before 1600AD. (Tanya Steele: 458458)

Real and fantasy heroes practice firefighting at the fair. (Supplied).

Demonstrating the strength of old world weaponry. (Tanya Steele: 458458)

A fight to the death! Live action role players (LARPers) from Swordcraft groups all over Melbourne display their talent. (Tanya Steele: 458458)

Live Action Role Play (LARP) often has complex costuming and backstories attached to a person character.(Tanya Steele: 458458)

From Left: Marnie, Amy and Riva enjoy the day with treasure hunts and lucky dips from the Woori Community House. (Tanya Steele: 458458)

Hoddles Creek CFA Junior Leader Coordinator Kristen Couzens cops a dunk from the kids. (Supplied).

The Barony of Krae Glass putting on live demonstrations and enjoying the day. (Tanya Steele: 458458)

Fathma from Jomsvikings Australia displays her costume. (Tanya Steele: 458458)

Valentine’s Day reflections

WOORILLA WORDS

This Friday is Valentine’s Day, traditionally a celebration of romantic love with its origins in paganism with Christian associations.

But like other festivals it has now been relegated to filling a consumer vacuum between Christmas and Easter.

Undoubtedly, even in these times of hardship for some, there will still be the usual overspending on gifts and flowers, albeit be a last minute bunch grabbed from the servo or supermarket.

Traditionally associated with romance, roses today have become a cliched and superficial Valentine’s Day gift symbolizing the commercialization of love, stripped of genuine emotion.

Approximately 40 per cent to 50 per cent of fresh-cut flowers sold in Australia are imported, with a significant portion arriving around Valentine’s Day.

For instance, up to 10 million roses are flown into the country during this period.

And while there is nothing wrong with celebrating romantic love, be it often so fleeting, today as we face a world riven with problems should we perhaps divert our thoughts to a different kind of love: a compassionate love or Agape as the Greeks called it.

Agape is different from romantic love (eros) and familial love (storge); it focuses on love that transcends personal desires or emotions and seeks the well-being of others.

A love that goes beyond personal gain or emotional attachments, given freely without expecting anything in return and can include strangers and even enemies.

Agape can involve empathy which focuses on understanding another person’s feelings or at least acknowledges the validity of those feelings.

But this kind of approach is missing from our individualistic way of thinking.

Perhaps that is why we are now enacting laws against what is called ‘hate speech.’

While the most recent cases have targeted Jewish people we must not forget that others like Middle Eastern and African migrants and of course our own Indigenous have also been the focus of many attacks.

There is a love that gives with open hands,

Not counting what it loses, but what it gives.

It doesn’t seek to take, but simply stands—

A beacon where the soul, unchained, can live.

Agape’s Embrace author unknown It’s of course harder to feel empathy when you are struggling with family, mortgage payments as well as high grocery, medical and utility bills.

COMMUNITY DIARY

COMMUNITY

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

100th birthday party for

Badger Creek Hall

Badger Creek Hall is inviting community members to its 100th birthday party on Saturday 15 February.

The centenary event will be held at the Badger Creek Hall located at 358 Badger Creek Road. The event is going to be divided into two parts;

As well the media, particularly social media, constantly highlighting crimes while politicians vie with each other to capitalise on public fears.

With an election just around the corner there are many issues we should be discussing.

Regrettably, we are not a culture that engages in weighty conversations over coffee or a pint.

Sport is allowable but anything else is viewed with suspicion.

And yet, many have found it distressing to view day in day out images from countries in turmoil and particularly seeing the suffering of children, yet feel constrained in expressing their feelings.

We see heart-wrenching pictures of the plight faced by millions of displaced individuals around the world, the loss of home, security, and a sense of belonging.

Similarly, we are troubled by laws hastily enacted in response to community fears with possible unintended consequences seemingly left unexplored or addressed.

So while we pride ourselves in living in a vibrant democracy, we forget that this requires before anything else an informed electorate and one that hopefully can look beyond narrow personal gains, engage in difficult discussions and be prepared to question our representatives.

Poetry has always been a medium for capturing the spirit of the times, and today is no different.

Poems can offer a glimpse into the complexities and realities of our world and help bridge gaps between different groups and generations.

It invites readers to step into others’ shoes, fostering empathy and understanding in an increasingly divided world.

daytime activities between 10am and 4.30pm, and bush dance from 6.30pm.

The daytime event is free of charge while the bush dance event costs $20 for adults but is free for children.

The event co-ordinating group already requested cooperation to get extra parking spaces for visitors at Badger Creek Primary School and Badger Creek Preschool but is encouraging people who live close by to walk to the venue.

For any enquiries, please contact Adam Cole through phone on 0480 412 202.

Badger Creek and District

Men’s Shed open day

Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed will open for inspection on Saturday 15 February while the Badger Creek Hall centenary event is held.

The men’s shed will run the sausage sizzle at the centenary event as well.

Everyone is welcome to come to 360 Badger Creek Road, behind the Badger Creek CFA Fire Station, to get to know more about what Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed is about.

Through poetry, we can find solace, understanding, and inspiration as we navigate the everchanging landscape of our world today.

Among the many Australian poets there has been a growing number of indigenous poets:

Ellen van Neerven, Ali Corgy Eckermann, Allison Whittaker, Charmaine Papertalk Green, Evelyn Aaluen to name a few, all prepared to speak about injustices as they see or live them.

Though not an Australian poem, lya Kaminsky’s ‘We Lived Happily during the War’ is a complex and conflicted exploration of life in America during a period in which the country was waging wars overseas.

The sentiments expressed are just as relevant to the Australian experience.

Kaminsky uses the contrast between domestic comfort and foreign suffering to reflect on feelings of guilt in living in relative peace while others suffer, suggesting that people in affluent countries can afford to ignore horrors elsewhere.

But perhaps at a cost.

We Lived Happily During the War

And when they bombed other people’s houses, we protested but not enough, we opposed them but not enough. I was in my bed, around my bed America was falling: invisible house by invisible house by invisible house.

I took a chair outside and watched the sun.

In the sixth month of a disastrous reign in the house of money in the street of money in the city of money in the country of money,

Six-week playgroup in Warburton

Mums of the Warburton region – you and your children are invited to a social group/playgroup hosted by Women’s Health East and the ADRA Redwood Community Care Centre. Held on Thursday mornings out of the ADRA Community Care Centre in Warburton, this is a great opportunity for mums of babies, toddlers and preschool-aged children to get together over morning tea, make some local friends and have some fun.

There will be lots of toys and games in the playroom to keep the little ones entertained while you have a chat and organisers also have some exciting sessions planned, including a Bunnings workshop, messy play and storytime. Morning tea is provided.

Don’t worry if you don’t know anyone else –this is an informal and friendly group where everyone is welcome.

our great country of money, we (forgive us) lived happily during the war.

All of what I’ve written should not blunt your romantic impulse towards a loved one.

It is just reminder that the wonderful feelings felt towards a loved one should not be orchestrated by commercial imperatives but be freely expressed at any time whether with flowers or a well chosen gift.

And nor should we forget to acknowledge the other kinds of love that enrich our lives and our society.

British poet Carole Ann Duffy, you may remember, cheekily suggested that an onion with its layers of skin and lingering scent was a far better representation of a lasting relationship than a rose.

But while for many roses will still be the symbolic gift of romantic love and undoubtedly received with great pleasure the last word goes to the inimitable Dorothy Parker

One Perfect Rose

A single flow’r he sent me, since we met. All tenderly his messenger he chose; Deep-hearted, pure, with scented dew still wet-One perfect rose.

I knew the language of the floweret; “My fragile leaves,” it said, “his heart enclose.” Love long has taken for his amulet

One perfect rose.

Why is it no one ever sent me yet

One perfect limousine, do you suppose? Ah no, it’s always just my luck to get One perfect rose.

Anyone interested is asked to please register via events.humanitix.com/warburton-redwoodplaygroup.

The playgroup will be held from 10.30am to 12pm every Thursday for six weeks from 13 February.

Parking is available at the back of the ADRA Community Care Centre at 3505 Warburton Highway, Warburton. Entry is from the front or rear of the building and the play space is on the lower level.

Any questions, please email Vanessa from Women’s Health East at vczerniawski@whe.org. au or call Kate Barratt at ADRA Redwood Community Care Centre on 5966 2320.

Afterschool STEAM Club in Yarra Junction

An after-school STEAM Club is starting up at Yarra Junction Library.

Held on Tuesdays from 4pm, attendees will take part in activities including tech, Lego, science and art.

Bookings are essential and can be made at yourlibrary.com.au/whats-on/.

Traditionally associated with romance, roses today have become a clichéd and superficial Valentine’s Day gift symbolizing the commercialization of love, stripped of genuine emotion. (File)

60 years of historical body

By Ray Peace

Knox Historical Society is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025.

Current president, Ray Peace, who has been a member for twenty of those years, said the society started because local residents realised how much of their local history was being lost.

“Howard McComb, member of a long-standing local family, first came up with the idea,” Ray said.

“He started collecting as much of the area’s history as could.”

Howard gave a speech to the Bayswater Progress Association on 16 April 1964 at the old Bayswater Progress Hall, on Station Street, on the subject of early public maps of the district.

The upshot was a public meeting on 14 May 1965 at the same venue to form a Shire of Knox Historical Society.

CARTOON

The Society collected material related to the heritage of the municipality of Knox, including the former Shire of Ferntree Gully, the Shire of Berwick, and local Indigenous history.

Early meetings were held in members’ houses for years.

A public campaign was mounted in 1966 to save Millers homestead, which was acquired by the City of Knox in 1971.

The society started its own newsletter in 1969.

Early KHS members included Tony Scollary, Graham Hansen, and Chris Boddy.

“Graham has since retired, but Chris is still an active member,” Ray said.

“They did an incredible job. Without them, much of the early history of Knox would have been lost.”

The society moved to ‘Ambleside’ homestead, gifted to the City of Knox in 1975 following the

Local entertainment news

The Round Theatre

Todd McKenney – New Show Announced

After the first show sold out in record time, The Round is excited to announce a second show for Todd McKenney at The Round.

Peter and Me is a high-energy tribute to Todd’s idol Peter Allen.

This fun-filled musical journey features Allen’s greatest hits, from I Go To Rio to Tenterfield Saddler.

Button up your Hawaiian shirt for some fabulously fun nostalgia.

Season: Saturday 3 May at 7.30pm.

Underground Cabaret

The Round 2025 Underground Cabaret Season is set to dazzle when The Round Studio transforms into a decadent speakeasy.

Drew Downing and Band will get the party stared with rock and roll hits, jazz standards and 90s bangers.

Season: Friday 14 March at 8pm.

The Music Man – Nova Theatre

The hit revival of The Music Man was a Broadway smash.

Now hit is coming to The Round.

With eight shows to choose from; there’s a time to suit every musical lover.

Season opens Friday 21 March at 7.30pm.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre

Moon Over Buffalo

Fast paced with an abundance of mishaps Moon Over Buffalo will prove to be as delightfully funny as Suite Surrender.

With gorgeous 1950s gowns, this screwball comedy is in the old tradition of farces… set in 1953 Buffalo NY – definitely OFF OFF BROAD-

death of Oliver David, in 1977.

Still at the same location almost fifty years later, the homestead and museum now receives over one thousand visitors a year, including tour groups, hundreds of school children, and residents of local retirement homes.

KHS members will be attending a formal sixtieth anniversary function later in the year.

‘Ambleside’ homestead and museum, at 3 Olivebank Road, Ferntree Gully, is open to the public between 10am and 1pm on Thursday and Friday, and between 1pm and 4pm on Sunday.

For details, phone: 9758 6722 or email: khs@ relics.com

Wally Tew, mayor of the City of Knox, at the opening of ‘Ambleside’ museum in 1977. (Supplied)

Fast-paced, action-packed

Book review of Traitor’s Gate by Jeffrey Archer Traitor’s Gate is the sixth book in the William Warwick series by renowned English novelist Jeffrey Archer.

Initially, this reviewer found it difficult to delve into the story due to a lack of knowledge of the heroes and villains in the previous titles.

It felt like sitting down to watch a movie when it is already halfway through.

Yet, the story quickly proves its worth as a meticulously researched and skilfully executed showpiece.

The complex and formidable procedures in which the Crown Jewels are transferred between the Tower of London and Parliament are well explained.

It helps to explain the great lengths that master criminal Miles Faulkner goes to in his determination to revenge against Chief Superintendent Warwick and his team.

Faulkner is as intimidating a character as his lawyer Booth Watson is slithery and slimy.

It makes Faulkner’s ex-wife Christina a bit stereotypically shallow in comparison.

Indeed, assuming all the relevant characters are already well developed in the previous titles, there is very little illustration of their personalities and characteristics in the book.

In contrast, Warwick’s children Peter and Artemisia stand out with their little school project, which fits in the grand scheme of things in the story flawlessly.

Jojo, daughter of Warwick’s best mate Inspector Ross Hogan, also helps to explain Hogan’s personal circumstances.

Particularly outstanding is the depiction of the numerous happenings throughout the Golden

Kemp’s curtain call

WAY- where two mature -aged actors, who are married to each other have one last chance to make it big big in Hollywood if only their play goes off well in front of Hollywood Mega Director, Frank Capra…

Get a good belly laugh with slamming doors, aplenty, backstage shenanigans and larger than life personalities that inhabit the world of theatre.

Season opens on 13 March.

Bookings: lilydaleatc.com or 88736 1777 on Mondays, Tuesdays or Fridays.

Eltham Little Theatre

Diary of Anne Frank

January 27th marked the 80th anniversary of the Auschwitz liberation.

The over-riding sentiment was simply never, ever again.

Sadly, such horrors have reoccurred.

We can change this.

Let us heed the words of those who suffered for simply being different and ensure these atrocities never happen again.

“I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are really good at heart.” Anne Frank.

Season: 21 February – 8 March.

Hour, the “immediate period post-offence when arrest and forensic opportunities are at their maximum” according to the We Are London website.

The author effortlessly presents everything that happens at once, leaping from one character to the next with just enough probing to reveal their perspectives while maintaining the breathless pacing. Especially near the end of the book, it feels more like watching a thrilling movie than reading a book.

It all makes this reviewer want to read the whole William Warwick series from the start and even to explore the author’s other books.

This is perhaps the best result any story can achieve.

With that said, it is interesting that Traitor’s Gate, published in September 2023, is set in 1997 when Tony Blair was elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Does this mean there will be many more books forthcoming to chronicle Warwick’s brilliant career, even after An Eye for an Eye, the latest in the series?

This reviewer certainly hopes so.

Joker 2 is a better musical

Emilia Perez

Starring Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez

Rated MA15+ 2.75/5

Emilia Perez is a dull, flat musical that has garnered inexplicable awards acclaim.

In Mexico, cartel boss Emilia Perez (Karla Sofía Gascón) enlists the help of a lawyer named Rita (Zoe Saldaña) to help her undergo gender-affirming surgery and gain a new life.

The pacing is slow and slack, drifting along until an abrupt and implausibly tragic conclusion, and Rita is just a middleman despite being the primary focus.

Scenes of Emilia with her wife Jessi (Selena Gomez) are too fleeting for their tense reconnection later on to carry much impact, Epifania (Adriana Paz) is introduced in the third act and contributes almost nothing to the plot, and the cartel crimes Emilia committed pre-transition, which confirm her as an unrelatable monster, are established halfway through the two-hourplus film.

Emilia Perez isn’t that bad on the surface –Saldaña and Gascón deliver compelling performances, and there are some poignant, touching moments – but Mexican and trans viewers found the film simplistic and insulting.

French writer-director Jacques Audiard

even admitted to doing almost no research, and described Spanish as the language ‘of underdeveloped nations, the poor and migrants.’ Emilia Perez somehow won Best Picture, Musical/Comedy at the Golden Globes, but I’d say it’s not even the best musical of 2024: that would be the bright, fun and well-staged Wicked, and even the rough, sordid Joker: Folie a Deux has better music. Emilia Perez’s musical numbers often feature breathy half-singing, indistinct melody and static staging (and that “from penis to vagina” song has been deservedly mocked to hell and back).

Available to stream on Netflix, Emilia Perez is unsatisfying and poorly-structured as a musical and drama, and at the risk of jinxing it, I will be so disappointed if this wins Best Picture at the Oscars.

MAGNIFICENT

ACRE “MURRINDINDI “ WITH VIEWS

MAGNIFICENT 3 ACRE “MURRINDINDI” WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS

MAGNIFICENT 3-acre “Murrindindi” is the trifecta of investments. An exquisite ecofriendly family residence, postcard-worthy views of the Yarra Valley, and an esteemed Ridge Road location, this is an offering of unparalleled calibre.

This showcase residence with meticulously landscaped gardens and double-glazed windows, solar power, 15,000L rain storage, and heat pump hot water system blends substance and style to perfection. On the entry level, the beautiful bedrooms, including the main bedroom with deck access, luxurious dual sink ensuite, and dressing room, are generously proportioned. One of the rooms would make the ideal work from home space and the family bathroom features a deep soaking tub. For versatility, the lower level bedroom with ensuite enjoys separate access via a spectacular paved patio, making it an ideal short-term rental or teenage retreat.

The heart of this stellar home comprises a formal lounge and dining area with quality carpet and a custom bar with granite benchtops. The neighbouring meals area features a gas fire and the gourmet kitchen boasts granite benchtops and high-end appliances including Neff wall ovens and Miele induction cooktop and dishwasher. The rich timber floors and island with inviting seating anchor this space while the walk-in pantry affords plenty of storage. From here, step out to the sprawling extra-height covered deck that soaks up the uninterrupted vista views.

Added features including a double garage with in-house access, security shutters and camera, gas ducted heating, split system heating/cooling units, semi-circular sealed drive, attic and under-house storage, and more. Outside, access to an additional drive with carport, garage, and recreational vehicle access is an immense value-add inclusion.

This one-of-a-kind property offers an incredible Dandenong Ranges lifestyle, so don’t delay, join us for a tour today.

12,392sqm (approx.) property with vista views to Mount Donna Buang

• Magnificent family residence with attached double garage, landscaped gardens, cellar, double-glazed windows, cost-saving solar, heat pump hot water system, 15,000L rain storage, grey water system, and worm farm septic

• Gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances and granite benchtops

Main bedroom with ensuite, powder room, dressing room, and deck access

Secondary drive with carport, garage, and recreational vehicle parking.

HOME FOCUS

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

NESTLED on an expansive acre approx. of lush greenery, this beautifully renovated home is a true gem that seamlessly blends modern elegance with serene natural surroundings.

Elevated to take full advantage of its picturesque setting, the property is a haven for those seeking a tranquil retreat that doesn’t compromise on style or functionality.

A standout feature of this home is the fabulous full-length wraparound deck, covered for year-round enjoyment, this space is a true entertainer’s dream. Imagine hosting family gatherings, celebrating milestones, or simply unwinding with a glass of wine while taking in the stunning treed vistas.

Inside, the beautiful renovations shine through, from the open-plan lounge with fireplace and split system to the separate dining and kitchen area all flooded with natural light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Modern finishes and a neutral colour palette enhance the sense of space, while the large windows have gorgeous sheers which frame the outdoor beauty, ensuring the connection to nature is never lost.

The kitchen is a chef’s delight, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, Fisher and Paykell induction cooking, stone bench tops on the generous island bench with waterfall ends, soft close drawers, so whether you’re preparing a quick meal or experimenting with a new recipe, this space makes every culinary endeavor a pleasure.

The 3 bedrooms offer comfort, and each designed with relaxation in mind, master with ensuite, plus additional fabulous walk-in shower and toilet.

Beyond the home itself, the acre block provides endless opportunities, especially with the sealed driveway, 6m x 10m garage and workshop, great for a tradesman or just for multiple storage options, and with the rear street access off Eveline Road the possibilities are endless.

The location of this property provides easy access to Selby Primary school, doctors, the Minak reserve, tennis courts and is a 5-minute drive into Belgrave Central. For those who dream of a home that offers both sophistication and serenity, this elevated acre property with its stunning renovations and breathtaking vistas is an opportunity not to be missed.

Your dream lifestyle awaits.

HOME ESSENTIALS

CHARACTER HOME AND BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED

NESTLED in a convenient location, this charming home is ideal for those who appreciate easy access to the iconic Rail Trail, Wesburn Oval, public transport, and schools. Offering a step back in time, the property exudes character with high ceilings, feature windows, and a wealth of delightful touches throughout.

Boasting 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, including a beautifully updated main bathroom, the home has been meticulously maintained both inside and out. Whether you’re relaxing in the separate lounge by the cozy wood fire or enjoying the large sunroom with ample living options, this home offers plenty of space for all the family.

The kitchen and dining areas provide additional room for family gatherings, while outside, you’ll find outdoor entertaining, a workshop/toolshed, and a versatile project studio space that could also serve as a teenage retreat.

Set on a generous block, this gorgeous character home offers something for everyone.

Wander up the road for your pub meal, or some morning delights at the local Patisserie – don’t miss your chance to make it yours and enjoy everything this area has to offer.

HOME FOCUS

MURDOCH REALTY - THE NEW BENCHMARK IN REAL ESTATE

A new family owned and operated real estate agency has opened in Healesville servicing Melbourne’s Yarra Valley and outer east. The licensee of this new agency, Tasma Murdoch, is a highly experienced real estate agent with an extensive background in property law, property development and construction.

Whilst Tasma has lived in the Yarra Valley for over 10 years, most of her business operations have been in Sydney where she has flown in and out of. Her most recent project was in Sydney where she was the exclusive selling agent for an institutional real estate fund manager and Aware Super. This project was a finalist in the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s Awards for Excellence and Tasma achieved $51 million in sales, selling the project out by completion.

Prior to becoming a real estate agent, Tasma had a long and highly successful career as a conveyancing paralegal acting on behalf of developers delivering large scale projects throughout Queensland and Sydney as well as acting for clients buying and selling prestigious real estate in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

This unique background sets Tasma apart from other agents. She has a deep understanding of the entire process of planning, construction and sales and marketing for properties and is trained to deliver the service standards that corporate and institutional clients demand. For buyers, this translates into a smoother transaction with an agent they inevitably trust.

Tasma’s husband, Nick Murdoch, is also in the property industry developing and building residential housing. Tasma has worked with Nick over the years to establish this business and acted as a real estate agent on various transactions with him.

Most recently this has included buying two small sites for residential housing in Healesville which Murdoch Realty will bring to the market in 2026.

However, whilst working interstate, navigating border closures and being absent from family during the Covid pandemic led Tasma and her husband to decide to move their respective businesses from Sydney and open them in their local area. In January of this year Tasma opened an office for her agency in Healesville and is joined by her daughters, Talisha Murdoch and Roshai Murdoch.

Talisha has grown up in the Yarra Valley, having attended primary and high school in the area. She has continued her education attending university to obtain a science degree whilst concurrently obtaining her Certificate IV in Real Estate. Talisha has several years’ experience in sales having worked in the cellar door of Rochford Winery following completion

of a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.

Roshai’s enormous talent for writing ultimately led to a Bachelor of Journalism and a successful, decade long career in radio and television. Roshai has vast experience working in high pressure environments and her communication, marketing and interpersonal skills are exceptional. Her career culminated in being appointed the first female Melbourne Bureau Chief for Sky News at the age of 29.

Tasma and her daughters believe professionalism, honesty, trust and exceptional personal service are key for Murdoch Realty’s success. The agency specialises in residential sales with a focus on houses, apartments and land.

Murdoch Realty’s new office is located behind Healesville’s Main Street at 6 Taber Lane.

Murdoch Realty team - Talisha Murdoch, Tasma Murdoch and Roshai Murdoch.

Murdoch Realty’s new office is located behind Healesville’s Main Street at 6 Taber Lane.

DUAL LIVING IN THIS IMMACULATE HOME

IMMACULATE and homely are the first 2 words that come to mind when you view this home. Here is your chance to find your new property.

The Owners Top Five ‘We Love’ about this Home.

1. Walks to the lake

2. The trees and the gardens

3. Views and entertaining on the deck

4. Kids running, playing, hiding outside

5. 23 years of wonderful memories

Only leaving to downsize, this residence has been well loved and maintained and offers a comfortable, welcoming, family home on a useable ½ acre with the added bonus of a self-contained unit for extended family, it would also make the perfect work from home space, with separate access – keeping the main house private.

Featuring:

• Formal tiled entry and front porch, an ideal spot for a wine, catching the last of the sun at the end of the day.

4 bedrooms, the main with BIR’s and

modern ensuite

• 2 separate living spaces, one with open fire, deck access and views of the nearby rolling hills

The country chic kitchen is central, stylish and well appointed

• If soaking in a tub is a necessity, you are going to appreciate this deep tub in the bathroom, contemporary with a terrazzo style tiles and white cabinetry

Ducted heating, wood fire and open fireplace

Unit:

• 1 bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, laundry and living space, deck access and pretty garden outlook.

Outdoors:

On just over ½ an acre of well-established gardens, lush lawns, established European trees, double remote garage, workshop, garden shedding, fencing, tiered areas, plenty of room for the children and furkids.

THE location is great, not far from Emerald Township, (or Monbulk for that matter) with its bus connections, walks and rides, schools, shops and cafes and restaurants.

BEAUTIFULLYRENOVATEDHOME

Nestledonanexpansiveacreoflushgreenery,thisbeautifullyrenovatedhome seamlesslyblendsmodernelegancewithserenenaturalsurroundings.Elevatedtotake fulladvantageofitspicturesquesetting,thepropertyis ahavenforthoseseekinga tranquilretreatthatdoesn’tcompromiseonstyleorfunctionality.Thestandoutfeatures arethefull-lengthcoveredwraparounddeck,open-planloungewithfireplace,chef’s kitchenwithtop-of-the-lineappliances,sealeddriveway,largegarageandworkshop

JanBrewster 0409558805

DUALLIVINGINTHISIMMACULATEHOME

VIEWSANDAMPLEPARKINGON1/2ACRE

Thiscomfortable,welcominghomehasbeenwelllovedandmaintainedbythecurrent ownersfor23yearsandoffers auseable ½acrewitha bonusofa self-contained 1 bedroomunitwithseparateaccess-makingitidealforextendedfamilyorwork-fromhomespace.Otherfeaturesinclude 2livingspacesonewithanOFP, acountrychic kitchen,GDH,modernensuite,well-establishedgardens,lushlawnsforplay,old-growth trees,remotedoublegarage,workshop,gardenshedding,fencingandtieredareas.

MickDolphin 0429684522

“WELCOMETOTHENEIGHBOURHOOD”

“Congratulationsandwewelcomethislovelycoupletotheneighbourhood!”

Salesarereallypickingupandwehave alotofBuyersthathaveeithermissedouton a propertyorareseriouslylookingtopurchaseintheseareas,butweneedmoreproperties tosell!SocontactusnowtoarrangeyourFREEno-obligationappraisalandtogetan insightintothecurrentmarket

MickDolphin 0429684522

AlisonBarkley 0494175410

AUCTIONat7pmThur.13/02/25onsite.

Idealforthosewhoprioritizeprivacy,thisexceptionalacreageof5.16Haisnestledat theendof aquiet,no-throughroad.Blendingclassicarchitecturewithsensitiveland managementtogetherasone.Thisone-of-a-kindpropertycreatesa harmoniousliving experience.Withitstimelessdesign,thischerishedhomeissettoprovidelastingcomfort foryearstocomeandstandsasthehighlightofthisserenenaturalretreat.Don’tmissout onyourchanceat asliceofparadise.

AnthonyIorlano 0494142438

DaveStewart 0411655611

BRICK HOME IN A PRIME LOCATION

THIS original and well kept home is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Priced to sell, this practical property is located just on the outskirts of the vibrant Warburton township. Offering convenience and a relaxed lifestyle, positioned directly across from the caravan park, Water World, and the serene Yarra River, everything you need is right at your doorstep – including a bus stop for easy travel.

The home features three comfortable bedrooms and one bathroom, making it an ideal choice for downsizers, first home buyers,

or those looking to invest in this thriving area.

The open plan lounge and kitchen provide a cozy space to relax and entertain, while the lounge itself boasts stunning mountain views and a crackling wood fire, perfect for those chilly evenings. Low maintenance yard and lock up garage make this a all round neat package.

This home offers a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to live in or invest in the beautiful Warburton area. Be quick this property won’t last long!

FamilySpaceina FantasticLocation

Offeringspaceandcomfortinsideandoutthisneatfamilyhomeistheidealspotforthegrowing familytoliveandenjoy.Offering 3bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobes,plus aspaciousfamily/lounge areawithamplespaceforeveryone.Theopenplankitcheniswellappointedandhasplentyof benchandcupboardspace.Thewholefamilywilllovetheoutsidewithover1650sqmofland toenjoy- thereisplentyofspaceforthekidsandpetstospreadout.Establishedgardensand numerousfruittreesanda largelockupgaragecompletethissuperbproperty.A wellmaintained andwelllookedafterpropertyin agreatlocation,justa shortwalktothebusstopandtheYarra River.

DavidCarroll M 0419539320 Inspection: Sat9:00 -9:30am

RareOpportunity– PrimeRiverfrontLand

NestledjustacrossfromthepicturesqueYarraRiver,thisvacantlandoffersanexceptional opportunitytocreateyourdreamhome(STCA)in asereneandsought-afterlocation.Spanning over800sqm,thisspaciousblockisideallysituatedattheendofRiverRoad,ensuringprivacyand tranquility.Enjoyeasyaccesstobeautifulswimmingspots,scenicwalkingtracks,andthecalming soundsofnature,rightatyourdoorstep.Whetheryou’reanoutdoorenthusiastorseekinga peaceful retreat,thislocationhasitall.Convenientlypositionedwithina shortwalktolocaltransport,shops, andschools,thisprimepieceoflandblendsthebestofpeacefullivingwithaccessibilitytoeveryday amenities.Don’tmissyourchancetosecurethisraregem!

RebeccaDoolan

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

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

3RiverRoad,Millgrove $270,000 -$290,000

PREMIUM FAMILY LIVING IN A QUIET LOCATION

NESTLED in a sought-after, serene location, this beautifully renovated family home offers expansive living across two levels, with space for everyone.

Featuring 5 spacious bedrooms and 2 modern bathrooms, this property is perfect for large families or those seeking extra room to grow.

The heart of the home boasts generous living spaces, while the well-appointed kitchen is perfect for entertaining.

The double garage provides ample parking, with an additional huge workshop area for hobbyists or those needing extra storage.

There’s plenty of space for off-street parking, making this home incredibly convenient.

This home offers the ultimate blend of comfort, space, and peace. Call now for more details.

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 Liquid part of blood (6)

4 Roma is its capital (6)

10 Part of flower’s calyx (5)

11 Banishment (9)

12 Fine ceramic material (9)

13 Designer, Calvin – (5)

14 Give up (6)

15 Immediate (4)

19 Mode of travel (4)

20 Reduce to very low temperature (6)

24 Handling (5)

25 Books of memoranda (9)

27 Area of England, historically the ‘Middle Saxons’ (9)

28 Perch (5)

29 Teutonic (6)

30 Essay on a theme (6)

DOWN

1 Document for travel (8)

2 Seeming (8)

3 People of Malta (7)

5 Detective (7)

6 Wait around idly (6)

7 Intending (6)

8 Scottish island (4)

9 Filmmaker, – Kubrick (7)

16 Testimony (7)

17 Poisonous (8)

18 Internet pages (7)

19 Insignia of royalty (7)

21 Comeback (7)

22 A spice (6)

23 Auction participant (6)

26 Written words (4)

SPORT

On the line

By David Waters

Round two of the Eastern Suburbs +55 Senior Pennant was held at the Box Hill Golf Club on Friday 7 February. The players and managers expected another very warm day. Similar if not quite as hot as the week before. Mild conditions greeted the players, overcast and almost misty. Did the heavier atmosphere affect the golf? No. The joking and banter in the groups lightened the day as it always does. The new pennant competitors were welcomed in filling the void of those no longer capable of the early starts or long days.

As the veteran players passed along it was interesting to see a variety of knee braces and other bandages, just a sign of wearing out. New parts aren’t easily obtained, and so we persevere. The use of carts, painkillers before playing and a few drinks afterwards help us enjoy our play time.

Apart from the repartee and story telling we have other highlights. Leigh Simons of Churchill/ Waverley was putting on the 18th green. His battery driven buggy engaged auto and drove into a bunker. On the same green another player saw his push buggy run away to the road 40 metres away. Both groups had a chuckle at the owner’s expense. Luckily no damage.

Gardiners Creek runs through the Box Hill course. It causes hearts to beat faster and increase blood pressure at the thought of crossing to the green or tree lined fairway. A few players succumbed and plopped the ball in the creek for a drink. One Joe Sykes, the Box Hill team manager, bounced over the creek. He called loudly “oh no” on the first tee only for his ball to land hard and jump the water. With another shot he dropped into the creek but bounced out, much to the dismay of his opponent. Joe went on to win 4 up with 3 to play.

A lot of lucky shots were played and some that were very good too. Duffers aren’t commented on but the thousands ‘do we exaggerate?’ of putts touch the cup and slide past are talked about for ages. In every case the complaint is I can’t

read the greens for speed or borrow. That’s what makes our golf so entertaining. It was topsy-turvy not only with our week-toweek conditions. The results and therefore, the ladders are unpredictable. Teams that were demolished in the first round came back to dismantle the opposition this week. The competition is fairly even currently, with a few matches finishing early at 6 up 5 to play. Many of the matches went the full distance and entered into the last hole one up or square. Here are the results:

Gold group

• Heritage 6 def Yering Meadows 2, Box Hill 4 ½ def Churchill/Waverley 3 ½, Eastwood 7 def Gardiners Run 1

Green group

• Eastwood 7 ½ def Gardiners Run ½, Heritage 4 ½ def Yering Meadows 3 ½, Box Hill 5 ½ def Churchill/Waverley 2 ½.

Impressive scores in calmer conditions

By Ron Hottes

The V.V.Vs:

Although only a smallish field played, the competition was keen. It was really pleasing to see one of the newbies collecting the top prize. Sally-Anne Clarke posted, easily her best 9-hole result, by accruing 18 very pleasing points. It was a really popular result, so well done, Sally-Anne. That old stager, Patricia Eldridge grabbed the runner-up place with a solid 16 points (Bragging rights indeed, Father Michael, not for you). No NTPs today. Wednesday 5 February, Stroke and M. McGrann Bag-day:

With cooler weather ensuing, and a large amount of run available on most fairways, impressive scores were always on the cards. And, oh boy, wasn’t Deborah Hamment impressive indeed, with a Nett 64 being recorded. With not enough in the field for two Grades, Deb will automatically qualify for the M. McGrann bag playoff in December. The runnerup, again surprisingly, was Your Loyal Scribe. Third prize went to Junior Garside (Nett 67), who appears to be back to his best form. Well done, Ian. The balls reached down to only 69. NTP winners were: Ian Cranston (3rd), Dale Sund (5th), Ron Wilson (9th), Angus Hall (12th) and to Junior Garside (15th).

Twilight:

On a pleasantly hot, but calm afternoon/evening, another large field tackled the course, which is fairly forgiving in its current condition. It was most forgiving to young tyro Angus Hall who amassed a most impressive 21 points. But young Angus had to sweat, after surviving a four-way countback. Cam Westwood grabbed the runner-up prize with his 21 points, plus Clinton Toohey and Vicki Hottes

also posted a 21-point result. The rundown reached 18 points only. NTP winners were as follows: only one winner because Jason Kennedy snared both the 12th and 17th (second shot) prizes. The 15th NTP beat the whole field as usual. Good work ‘Kenno’.

Saturday 8 February, Two-Person Aggregate Stableford:

After holding the 2025 AGM, the Match Committee conducted a Two-Person Ambrose for 26 pairs. This comp is most challenging because the winning pair usually turns out to be the pair where both players have an excellent round on the same day. And the pair who fitted that description perfectly were none other than father/son combo, Lee and Brendon Creedy. They came in with a combined points score of 78, a very impressive total. Ash Hall and Andrew McMath took home the runnerup vouchers with a combined 76 points. Just behind them were Geoff Sharp and Josh Hin on 75 points. The NTP winners on the day were Peter Bell (3rd), President Nursey (for a near hole-in-one on the 5th), Kenno (9th) and Simon Van Dam (15th). Interestingly, someone claimed an NTP on the 12th, but didn’t write down their name on the card.

Warburton Golf Club results. (File)

Phil Lumsden from Eastwood came from the bunker, nearly in the water needing three more putts to win the hole. (Supplied)

A wind in their sails

By Ian Milgate

Tuesday’s 1st. side played at home against Croydon who were a couple of places below Healesville on the ladder, but Healesville needed to win to keep their finals chances alive.

The team got the jump on Croydon from the start thanks to the new skip Robyn and her rink. Effie’s rink were going well and Steve’s rink were holding on and by the break we were up by 25 shots 44/19.

As the temperature rose, so did Healesville and although they stopped the game with one end to go, due to the heat being above 36 degrees, Healesville comfortably won the match by 31 shots 74/43, Great game by everyone.

Ian Milgate, Hilda Gurney, Robert Ayres, Effie Laban 33/16

Gerda Otto, Bob Brown, Col Jarvis, Robyn Turville 29/11

Barry Parker, Mick Featherstone, Rita Featherstone, Steve Bulled 12/16

Tuesday’s side 2 played away at Heathmont. It should be a good game as Healesville are fourth and Heathmont fifth on the ladder.

The heat was knocking a few of Healesville’s players around making it difficult to make any headway throughout the game.

After the half time break, with one player down and another struggling, Healesville called the game after the 15th end due to the extreme heat, and Heathmont came away with a convincing win by 27 shots 37/58.

Russell Smith, Anne Knibbs, Bernard Godde, Len Cosson 11/24

Jim Viggers, Judy Wallace, Jodie Ward, Judy Veermann 9/23

John Allen, John McMillan, Glenda Graham, Damian Key 11/11

Saturday’s side one played Chirnside Park at home and it was a must game win to hold our position coming into finals.

Healesville was down on players so the team

promoted Anne Knibbs up, Judy Veermann and got Steve Graham out of retirement.

They not only played well but contributed to the Healesville’s massive win.

Going into the break, Healesville was 55/38 but then after the break, the team continued to put the foot down and came home with a strong win over Chirnside Park by 41 shots 105/64.

Gerda Otto, Ian Milgate, Robert Ayres, Mark Ward 31/8

Barry Parker Anne Knibbs, Bob Brown, John Fitzpatrick 14/25

John Howard, Colin Jarvis, Rita Featherstone, Robyn Turville 31/13

Judy Veermann, Steve Graham, Mick Featherstone, Adrian Beales 29/18

Saturday’s 2nd. side played away against Diamond Creek, who was below Healesville on the ladder but Healesville was going into the game with two people short, so this was going to be a miracle.

That is 84 bowls less than the opposition have.

At the break, Healesville was down by 35 shots.

Glenda Graham, who only had three players in her rink, said “Come on let’s make a game of this.” and to their credit, they fought hard to go down by only 41 shots 38/79 when they had 84 less bowls than their opposition.

Well done to all the players for a gallant effort.

Jill Cookney, Ken Gallacher, Glenda Graham 12/26

Judy Wallace, JimViggers Mark Cookney, Bernard Godde 11/27

John Allen, Sarah Gallacher, Russell Smith 15/26

Finals just around the corner

By Rodney Bates

All three Weekend Pennant teams are in a position to play finals with only one more week of home and away games to go.

A Friday Night game at Bundoora saw third vs fourth place in a battle.

Bundoora skipped away early but a good fightback saw score level half way through the evening.

Alas, Bundoora pulled away in the last 20 ends for an overall loss to Yarra Glen 64-92 (two points).

C. Carswell 9/30; S. Manifold 16/24; Beau Simmons 17/21; Ben Simmons 22/17.

The Yarra Glen team need to win the last home and away game against Mooroolbark next week to ensure a finals place.

Division 4 Side 2 hosted Bayswater, who were close on the ladder behind Yarra Glen in second.

Bayswater adapted well to the Yarra Glen’s slower synthetic green, and after Yarra Glen gained a solid lead, it was slowly chipped back.

A couple of crucial ends went our way in the last quarter of the game to come away with the win 80/71 (14 points).

S. Smith 13/18; M. Ramage 14/27; R. Thurkle 34/12; A. Thurkle 19/14.

The win guarantees the side a top 2 finish, but a win next week would lock in a home final.

Side 3 were also home to Mitcham, with the chance to consolidate a top 4 position with a win.

Mitcham have had the best of recent battles, but Yarra Glen performed well across all rinks, coming away with a three rink win 92-59 (16 Points).

L. Baker 21/13; G. Baker 32/8; D. McMenaman 18/16; T. Dickson 21/22.

On Tuesday, Yarra Glen’s midweek Division

2 team played Ringwood at home.

The section is so close between third and seventh that either team could play finals or be relegated, so a lot to play for.

Both sides had strong representation from their senior weekend pennant players, so a good battle was on the cards.

Yarra Glen got away to a solid start across three of four rinks, and held a narrow lead at the break.

All three rinks then lifted again to eventually coming away with a three rink 16 point win 79-38.

P. Leonard 26/13; P. Tirant 28/14; M. Creighton 26/11.

Yarra Glen’s second side has had a tough year, but it was buoyed somewhat with a win away against Eastwood Golf 60/52 (12 Points).

L. Baker 24/13; T. Dickson 20/21; D. McMenaman 16/18.

Yarra Junction Bowling Club in it to win it

By Elly Byrne

It’s all going according to plan this season with both of the Yarra Junctions teams, Midweek and Weekend, set to qualify for the finals. The consistent performance of the weekend team has ensured them the top spot on the ladder despite still having one game left in the round.

Saturday’s game was forfeited by Lilydale due their inability to field a team, so with no competition the team took advantage of the time and played a round-robin amongst themselves on the different rinks in preparation for the home game final on 22 February which has been secured.

The Midweek team headed to Ringwood, who were lower on the ladder, with the hope of securing a win to boost points before the scheduled bye next week. With hot weather predicted being able to complete the game before temperatures hit 36 degrees was always going to be an issue. It happened. We were forced to abandon play for the health and safety of all players prior to the required 42 of 63 ends being completed to decide a winner. Consequently, points were shared between the sides. This was indeed fortuitous for Junction as Ringwood was ahead on shots when the game was abandoned. A bye this week will force the Eagles to sit and wait to see what eventuates with the top sides to determine the Eagles’ potential final spot. They are hoping for third with a home game advantage.

Barefoot Bowls has again been a great opportunity to introduce bowls to the community and change the longstanding belief that bowls is only for old people. The very well-supported Barefoot Bowls nights have proved that anyone can bowl and have fun, adults and kids alike. Yarra Junction Bowling Club has successfully welcomed new members to the club this season as a result of this

Improved results for Warby

By Garry Lewis

An improved performance from the Warburton Bowls Club, resulted in two of the three Pennant Sides recording victories and the other side battling hard before going down against the top side in their section.

Warburton 1 held onto sixth place on the ladder by defeating the fourth-placed Heathmont 2 at home in a tight contest, 82 shots to 75. After trailing at the break, the Burras displayed great determination to record a well-deserved victory. They play Mitcham 2 away this weekend in their final game of the home and away season. Rink scores were as follows: S. Lord 18/ 23, C. Neale 25/ 16, P. McConachy 16/ 19 and T. Appleton 23/ 17.

Warburton 2 played the top side Croydon 3 away in good conditions for bowling on their grass green. All rinks never gave up against quality opposition before going down overall, 60 shots to 84. Well done to Graham Wynd’s team for fighting back in the second half to hold on for a draw against their opposition. Rink scores were as follows: M. Stoessiger 17/ 21, G. Wynd 18/ 18, G. Lewis 15/ 21 and M. Van Meurs 10/ 24. They now play Mooroolbark 5 at home this weekend in their final game of the season.

Warburton’s Midweek team shook off last week’s disappointing loss with a convincing win at home against bottomplaced Chirnside Park 1, 78 shots to 45. Beginning early in the day because of the expected heat, the Burras cruised to a solid early lead and never let up to remain in second place on the ladder in their section. They play Croydon 2 at home this week in the last game before the finals. Rink scores were as follows: R. McKail 25/ 10, G. Walsh 22/ 20 and C. Boland 31/ 15.

The Wednesday Night Barefoot Bowls Jack Attack Competition continued with all games played with great spirit and enthusiasm. Ryan Harford from the ‘1 Wright & 2 Wrongs’ Team won the prize for the first bowler to touch the jack. This week will see a Double Header played of eight ends each game.

The Pink Ribbon Triples Tournament Day will now be played this Sunday 16 February from 12pm. All positions are filled with 16 teams of three players entered. $30 per team. Food, Raffle Prizes and drinks available from the bar. All funds raised going towards Breast Cancer Research. Contact Michelle 0437 566 238 for further details.

The Club’s Greenlow Vote Counting Night will be held following the final Saturday Pennant Game on 15 February at the Clubrooms. The Most Valuable Player Awards for both Saturday Pennant Teams will be decided as well as the overall ‘Pennant Player of the Season’.

exposure to the sport.

The sixth and final Barefoot Bowls night is scheduled for Friday 14 February at 6.30pm8.30pm. Come enjoy thefinal fun night of bowls, music, BBQ, bar, raffle, the ever-popular spider and great company. Bookings for larger groups are suggested via 0406 497 141 or 0411 263 72.

Intra Club Competitions have continued resulting in several close contests. Finals are continuing. Good luck to all participants.

Social Bowls continues to be played on Mondays from 12 midday with everyone including new and beginning players encouraged to attend. Come along and give Bowls a try.

A packed green for the Yarra Junction Bowling Club’s Barefoot Bowls. (Supplied)

The Wednesday Night Jack Attack tournament in action. (Garry Lewis)

Men’s Pairs Championship Final was won by Effie Laban and Ian Milgate. (Supplied)

SPORT First day clash heats up

Day 1 for the Lusatia Park 1st XI against Lilydale at home as the visitors won the toss and elected to bat first. With seemingly no urgency to score runs at tea with 49 overs bowled, Lilydale were 2/95. After the break and with wickets in hand they started to push the score along and at the end of their 80 overs finished at 8/229 with their main contributors being B.Anthony-Digby with 79, R.Erulkar 39 and B.Pearce 39. The best of Lusatia Park’s bowlers was Terry Bennett with great figures of 5/53 from 23 overs.

The 2nd XI played Wantirna South away, won

the toss and batted first. With a run blitz from the get-go with only 56 overs bowled by the home side, Lusatia Park declared at a phenomenal 5/345 with fantastic efforts from Mick Dwyer scoring a brilliant 102 not out and putting on a 6th wicket partnership of 101 with Keiran Cantwell who made 50 not out. Other contributors were Tyson Gaskett 51, Corey Winter-Annette 34 and Sumant Gupta 30. With 24 overs to bowl, Lusatia Park topped off a great day to have the home side in trouble at 3/27 at the end of the day.

A weekend of high-stakes battles and critical results

By David Marshall

With finals rapidly approaching, every game carries weight, and this weekend featured some season-defining clashes. The 1st and Women’s XI faced crucial second vs third battles, while the 2nd XI entered a precarious split-innings matchup, and the 3rd XI faced a must-win game to keep their finals hopes alive. Here’s how the action unfolded:

1st XI: Late-Order Fightback Keeps Wandin in the Game

In a highly anticipated 2nd vs 3rd clash against Wonga Park, Wandin lost the toss and was sent in to bowl. With a challenging away fixture ahead, the 1st XI needed to dig deep.

Batting Struggles and a Late Fightback

The innings started on shaky ground as early wickets left Wandin struggling when Bryce Edwards (27) was dismissed with the score at 2/37. With Wandin losing wickets at regular intervals, their backs were right up against the wall when they found themselves in deep trouble with the score on 8/96. Just as the innings seemed doomed, Dave Marshall led a late-order fightback, crafting a patient 81 to push Wandin to a respectable 183. He was well supported by Dan Trembath (12) and Rory Vallence, who helped push the score along in the final overs. While the total may have fallen short of expectations, it gave Wandin something to defend heading into next week.

Tight Opening Spell Puts Pressure on Wonga Park

With 11 overs to bowl before stumps, Wandin’s bowlers executed exceptional control. With Taylan Hall 3 overs for just 1 run and Dan Trembath 3 overs for 3 runs opened the bowling with exceptional control. Debutant Cal Gordon made a perfect start for his first game straight in the 1s bowling 3 overs for 2 runs

The bowling attack will look to make early inroads and defend their total on day 2.

Women’s 1st XI: Clutch Victory Sends Wandin to the Top of the Ladder

Facing 3rd-placed Blackburn at home, the Women’s 1st XI knew a win could secure top spot on the ladder—and they delivered with a strong all-round performance.

Tight Bowling Restricts Blackburn to a Low Total

Wandin bowled first and immediately put the opposition under pressure. Olivia Edwards picked up a wicket in the 1st over, and then returned to bowl an outstanding 2nd spell picking up 3 quick wickets to finish with 4/9 off 6 overs). Tilly Pearce (1/13 off 6 overs) bowled superbly, taking an early wicket and keeping the scoring rate low. Kate Johnstone (1/13) and Allanah Peet (1/12) ensured there were no big partnerships, with Allanah picking up a crucial wicket of one of Blackburn’s bets bats, and in the end, Wandin restricted Blackburn to 111 all out.

Wandin’s Batters Hold Firm Despite MidInnings Collapse

Chasing 112, Wandin got off to a quick start, thanks to Kate Johnstone’s 12 off 10 balls before her dismissal at 23/1. From there, Charlotte Edwards (32) and Kirwan Peluso (20) formed a crucial 72-run partnership, taking the game within reach.

Plenty of important clashes for Wandin as finals approaches. (File)

However, a mini-collapse saw both Charlotte and Kirwan fall in quick succession, followed by three more wickets, leaving Wandin nervously placed before Allanah Peet and Jacquie Lowrie steadied the chase, sealing victory with 12 overs to spare.

This crucial win lifts Wandin to the top of the ladder, but another huge 1st vs 2nd battle looms next week against Kilsyth, who are breathing down their necks.

2nd XI: A Tough Day Sets Up a Tense Finish Facing Boronia Hawks at home, Wandin won the toss and bowled in the split-innings format.

Early Breakthrough Before Boronia Builds a Strong Platform. Jackson Kneebone (1/40 off 8 overs) struck in the very first over, but Boronia responded with a 111-run partnership.

A run-out from Jamie Atkinson and Jack Dowthwaite finally broke the stand, followed by Mitch Kogelman (2/20) removing their century-maker.

Boronia closed their first innings at 4/148, leaving the game evenly poised.

A Struggle with the Bat Leaves Wandin

Precariously Placed Wandin’s chase got off to a rocky start, losing wickets at regular intervals. Ben Galante (28)

and Jamie Atkinson (23) gave some resistance, but dismissals at 48 and 62 left the team under pressure. Mat Owens (20) and Jules Polido (7) pushed the score to 110, but the middle order failed to capitalize. Tyler Seeger (19) and Mitch Kogelman (13) steadied the ship, closing play at 7/149, holding a slim 1-run lead over Boronia’s 4/148.

With Wandin still batting next week, the lower order will need to add quick runs to set a defendable total before trying to bowl Boronia out in what promises to be a tense finish.

3rd XI: Finals Hopes Take a Hit in a Tough Loss

With a must-win game against Powelltown, Wandin fell short in both batting and bowling, leaving their finals chances hanging by a thread.

Batting Struggles Limit Wandin’s Total

After a promising 30-run opening stand, a steady collapse followed. A mid-order collapse left the team at 5/81. Pete Vaughan (14) and Miles Rayner (13) added some late resistance, but the innings folded for just 129, well below expectations.

Powelltown Chase the Total with Ease

Facing a strong batting lineup, Wandin’s bowl-

ers needed early breakthroughs, but Powelltown made light work of the chase. Trent Richards (1/40) got the first breakthrough at 62, but the game was slipping away fast. A runout from Archie Brown at 133 came too late, as Powelltown chased the total in just 15 overs.

This loss puts Wandin’s finals chances in jeopardy, meaning they will need a strong finish to the season and other results to go their way.

Looking Ahead: A Season-Defining Weekend Awaits

1st XI has set up a fascinating second day against Wonga Park, with tight bowling putting them in a strong position to defend their total.

Women’s 1st XI has climbed to top spot on the ladder but must back it up next week against second-placed Kilsyth.

2nd XI enters a tightly balanced second innings, needing lower-order runs and disciplined bowling to get over the line.

3rd XI’s finals hopes have taken a hit, but pride and momentum are still on the line as they push for a strong finish.

With so much on the line across all grades, next weekend is shaping up to be one of the biggest of the season.

Lusatia Park Cricket Club results. (File)

Yarra Glen to defend lead

By Travis Gloury

Under 14

• Yarra Glen/Kilsyth 8/105

• Tait Harper 21

• Lucas Burke 16

• Isaac Coppins 16

• Daniel Shaw 13

• Mt.Evelyn 6/106

• Lawson Appleton 1 for 2 off 2 overs

• Ronak Mehra 1 for 4 off 2 overs

• Gabriel Donley 1 for 14

Under 16

This week Yarra Glen’s U16 boys travelled to Mt Evelyn for the first week of a two day game.

Skipper Sam Gloury won the toss and elected to bowl in the cool conditions.

Mt Evelyn batted cautiously reaching 3/103 off their allotted 25 overs. All bowlers bowled well with the wicket takers being Sam Gloury (1/3), Sam Holland (1/7), and Sam O’Callaghan (1/25).

Facing the competitions best bowler, openers Sam Donnelly and Sam Holland got through the first few overs before Sam Donnelly was dismissed with the score on eight.

Sam Holland was next to go with the score on 22, unfortunately run out attempting a second run.

Yarra Glen then lost Dylan Shambrook and Sam Gloury in quick succession and suddenly we were 4/33.

A hat trick to one of the Mt Evelyn bowlers then saw Yarra Glen reduced to 7/56 and in big trouble.

Charlie Watts counter attacked for us beautifully reaching 57 n.o before retiring after facing his allotted 50 balls.

The highlight of Charlie’s inning were two successive sixes to bring up his 50.

Charlie was really well supported by Sam O’Callaghan the two of them putting together a fighting partnership of 55 before Sam was unlucky to be given out caught behind for seven.

Yarra Glen’s two U14 boys Riley Galea and Toby Pauli batted well to see Yarra Glen through to the close of play and Yarra Glen will resume their innings next week at 8/117 aiming to put together a lead that they can defend.

Seniors

• 1st XI – two day game, 80 overs per day, Compulsory Closure

• Yarra Glen vs East Ringwood

• East Ringwood all out 168

• Yarra Glen 0/16

Electing to bowl first against ladder leader East Ringwood, Liam Senti set the tone early with some tight bowling in a seven over opening spell conceding only eight runs.

First change bowler Jordan Bain picked up Yarra Glen’s first wicket in the 11th over getting through the defences of their opening batsman at 1/26.

Some further tight bowling from Tim Lilley, Tony Biddiscombe and Matt Donnelly rolling out some left arm orthodox, created some risky quick singles from the opposition in an effort to keep the score ticking over. Opposition Captain and opening batsman called for a runner due to a groin strain attempting one of these runs and soon after Ash Waters direct hit run out from backward point had their captain on his way at 2/73 in the 34th over.

Ahead of schedule with our overs, we went into the tea break with the score 2/100 off 47 overs.

A catch at cover from Tony Biddiscombe in the 54th over gave Liam Senti a well deserved wicket and Tim Lilley rattled the stumps of their key number three batsman in the 58th over at 4/126 and with two new batsman at the crease gave us the upper hand with 22 overs left in the day.

An excellent diving keepers catch from club legend Tom Davey gave Tim Lilley his second wicket at 5/134, followed by a caught and bowled soon after from Matt Donnelly and an excellent out field catch at deep mid wicket from Liam Senti to remove the last of their recognised batsman in a quest for runs had the score at 7/151 in the 66th over.

Tim Lilley cleaned up the tail with a catch in the gully from Travis Gloury and two catches from

Liam Senti at mid wicket to have East Ringwood all out for 168 in the 75th over to finish with the outstanding figures of 6/41 off 16.5 overs.

Matt Donnelly also returned excellent figures of 1/41 off 20 overs. Liam Senti was excellent with the ball with figures of 1/31 off 15 overs, Jordan Bain bowled a consistent line and length again with 1/20 off 10 overs and Tony Biddiscombe was hard to score off with 0/9 off 6 overs. Ash Waters and Tim Lilley lead from the front and knocked off 16 runs off the total required in the 5 overs remaining in the day with out the loss of a wicket leaving 153 runs required next week to defeat top team East Ringwood.

2nd XI

• St. Andrews vs Yarra Glen

• Two day game – split innings 72 overs per day CC

• Yarra Glen 8/158 (after 36 overs, split innings)

• Blake Davey 34

• Oscar Grenfell 33 ( inc 5 sixes)

• Will Duff 16

• St.Andrews 0/119 (after 36 overs) 3rd XI

• Croydon North vs Yarra Glen

• One day game – 36 overs CC

• Yarra Glen 4/180

• Lucas Walsh 51 retired n.o

• Lucas Burke 44

• Tim O`Callaghan 27

• Croydon North 3/190

• Spencer Boers 2/49

• Sam Donnelly 1/14

Edwards leads way with 4/22 for Healesville

By Josh Handasyde, Michael Davern, Matt Wilkinson and Chris Handasyde

U12-3 Healesville 2/132 defeated Bayswater Park 5/112

Taking ladder leaders Bayswater Park and with Healesville hanging onto fourth place this was an important game in determining if Healesville could make finals.

Bayswater Park batted first and accumulated 5/112 with Angus Morcombe 2/11, Ryder Hudson 1/9, Joshua Braden 1/5 and Asher Lehman 1/8 getting wickets.

The run chase went well with many players retiring on our way to 2/132. (Kael Senti 20*, Ryder Hudson 19*, Alex Simmons 16*, Jackson Lehman 16*, Reggie Morcombe 14*)

U12-7 Healesville 8/87 defeated by Mt Evelyn 7/90

Otis Rowland 18 and 1/5, Fletcher Brook 18*, Angus Holmes 1/5, Felix McMahon 1/15, Rory Jackson-Ward 1/3, Milo Jackson-Ward 1/8. U14-3 Healesville 179 vs Montrose - day 1 of 2 day game

Raff Morcombe 35, Aeden Senti 32, Max Ferris 22, Endo Gotch 18, Harry Thomas 12. U14-7 Healesville 4/167 defeated Ainslie Park 2/131

Taylor Caldicott 32*, Tully Ellis 20, Samuel

Hyndman 41*, Manny Winrow 24*, Angus Morcombe 1/14, Joseph Clark 1/7.

U16-4 Healesville 2/90 vs Hoddles Creek 5/122 - day 1 of 2 day split innings game

Tylor Braden 34* & 2/22, Sam Keath 27* & 1/7, Sam Drummond 12* & 1/10, Cooper Bell 2/14, Wyatt Coleman 1/18.

1st XI Healesville vs Templeton 171 - day 1 of 2 day game

Big game on in shaping the finals positions with Healesville (second) taking on Templeton (third).

Templeton were sent into bat and early wickets to Darren Edwards has Templeton 2/4.

Tight bowling on a slow outfeild and constant wickets had Templeton on the backfoot at 5/66.

Some small partneships but were built but at 9/139 it looked like Healesville would have to bat.

A 32 run last wicket partnership saw Templeton on a respectable 171.

With plenty on the line, Healesville batters will require some early partnerships to chase down the runs.

Darren Edwards 4/22 and Darcy English 2/24 2nd XI Healesville 0/75 vs Lilydale 171 - day 1

of 2 day game

With a finals position on the line, the 2XI took on Lilydale this week who are only a game clear of Healesville on the ladder in a must win game to keep Healesville’s finals hopes alive.

Losing the toss and being sent out to bowl, Healesville turned to Tyler Braden (1/27 off 5) and Mitch Tampaline (4/30 off 17) to get wickets early with Mitch taking two in the seventh over and Tyler taking one in the eighth.

The pace attack did a great job also with Sam Keath (0/9 off 6) also keeping the score down we found ourselves in a very strong position of 5/54 at the 15 over mark.

Next in the bowling change was Michael Davern (2/26 off 8) continued the fall of wickets putting the side into a more commanding position at 7/84 in the 28th over.

Lilydale put on a bit of a stand now and creating a partnership but Healesville kept positive and kept mounting the pressure with good fielding and attacking bowling until Riley Cameron (1/30 off 8) was able to get the breakthrough Healesville needed.

Hudson semple (2/6 off 1.1) was able to finish off Lilydale’s innings with a very interesting mix of seven balls to say the least to leave us with a total of 171 runs to case for the win with an extra 27 overs to face in the day.

With those extra overs to face our aim was to get to stumps without losing a wicket, opening the batting for us was Denzel Parsons (28*) and Mark Powell (42*), who both batted confidently and risk free seeing out the 27 overs getting us to stumps with the score 0/75 setting up a great starting platform with 97 runs left to get next week.

3rd XI Healesville 2/112 v North Ringwood 2/188 - day 1 of 2 day split innings game Healesville 3rds travelled to North Ringwood this week, North Ringwood won the toss and sent the bloods into bat.

A fantastic opening partnership of 98 from Ben Mackey (48) and Harry Baxter (36) left Healesville at two for 112 at the innings break. North Ringwood were able to capitalise on their good luck and take a healthy 76 run lead into day two, finishing at 2 for 188. Prem Singh got two vital wickets (2 for 35 off 8).

Early wickets will be the key to next week. 4th XI Healesville 6/153 defeated by North Ringwood 6/157

Moss Fawdry 50* and 3/21, Scott Fawdry 38*, Brad Reid 31, Mika Kerst 2/17.

5th XI Healesville won by Forfeit to Yarra Junction

Tips to help manage horses during a bushfire

By Dr Kim Johnson

Continued from the 4 December edition of the Upper Yarra and Mountain Views Star Mail Managing horses in a bushfire by Dr Kim Johnson BVSc (Hons) MANZCVSC (Equine) of the Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital in Lilydale and Yarra Glen

Having a fire plan that you know by heart is important for yourself and all livestock on your property. If you plan to evacuate, leaving early on an extreme or catastrophic fire danger day is always the safest option. If an alert or watch and act message is issued, please follow it immediately as waiting can mean that it is too late to safely evacuate and you will only put your animals and yourself at more risk.

You must have a plan for all animals on your property. If you can not take them all, decide who will be evacuated in advance. Have a clear plan of an evacuation route and a back up option, a plan for where you will take the animals to stay and supplies such as feed, water, headcollars, lead ropes, rugs and any required medications. It is important to already have the float and tow vehicle in good working condition, hitched up in advance as this can save valuable time and that the horses are well trained in float loading. It is important that your horses are microchipped and up to date with vaccinations, your PIC details and any insurance is also up to date with documents in your evacuation kit.

If you are not able to evacuate your horses or it is too late to leave, ensure that there is a large sup-

ply of water and feed, enough to last a few days at least. Remove all items such as headcollars, fly masks, boots and rugs as these will melt or burn onto their skin. Do not wet the coat as this may increase the risk of burns and overheating. Do not allow horses access off the property as they can create a road hazard however open all gates and cut boundaries within a property. Do not shut them in stables or yards. Horses are less likely to sustain major burns and to survive if they can move around flames or move to a burnt out area to avoid the fire front. Ensure fuel reduction has been carried out on your property before the fire danger season starts. Once the danger has passed and it is safe to return, seek veterinary advice for any injured or burnt animals and ensure a supply of water and feed is restored.

Managing horses in a bushfire. (File)

Tim Lilley leaving the field at the end of the day’s play after taking 6/41 and surviving five overs with the bat. (Supplied)