Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 25th February 2025

Eagle gets a lift in Monbulk

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A distressed wedge-tailed eagle was rescued in Monbulk on Friday, 14 February, by volunteers from Vets for Compassion.

The bird, grounded and struggling to fly, was quickly attended to by Jacquie Withers and other team members, who safely captured it using nets and blankets.

The eagle was transported to the Australian Wildlife Health Centre at Healesville Sanctuary, where it was treated for anaemia and a fungal infection.

Veterinarian Sarah Panigas said the bird’s condition was improving, though it is not yet ready for release.

Vets for Compassion chief executive officer highlighted the importance of their work.

“We’re filling a critical gap that no one else seems able to address,” she said.

Vets for Compassion relies on public donations to continue their rescue efforts.

Ranges Trader Star Mail mounts six-week investigation into ...

The CCTV

From smashed shop windows to bin fires, robberies to assaults, incidents across the Yarra Ranges of this kind have concerned communities for years.

The promise of a working CCTV network aimed to relieve these concerns by deterring crime and protecting businesses, community groups and community infrastructure.

While eliminating this behaviour was never the aim, CCTV increases the capacity of police investigations and may prevent some people

from acting in an anti-social manner or committing an offence.

But since the funding of projects across the Yarra Ranges, maintenance and the operation of the CCTV network has been called into question numerous times after an incident occurs.

This Star Mail edition marks week one of a six-week campaign initiated by the editorial staff to explore and determine the value of CCTV, as well as the current state of the network across the municipality.

Over the coming weeks, we will speak to police who have been on the frontlines attempting to investigate and respond to incidents throughout the region.

We will look back at the incidents that have plagued townships in recent years, both in words and photos.

We will touch on the psychology of CCTV as a deterrent for crime by speaking to experts and where CCTV has been effective elsewhere.

We will speak with traders, township groups

and community advocates about their desire for a working CCTV network and the safety concerns they have for their businesses, customers and staff.

We will look at the reverse and understand the privacy concerns people have in being captured on camera at all times.

We will also document the challenges in upkeep and management of this system.

To begin, reporters Callum Ludwig and Mikayla van Loon explore what triggered this campaign and the history of funding on page 2.

The bird was grounded and struggling to fly, leading to a call for rescue. (Supplied)

CAPTURING THE YARRA RANGES

Penny’s petition for CCTV

By Callum Ludwig

Healesville resident Penny walked in through the Star Mail door with a petition in hand in December 2024, calling for the CCTV network in the Yarra Ranges installed between 2013 and 2019 to be reengaged.

Funded through the Safer Communities Fund and with many throughout the region now inoperational, Star Mail’s reporters got together to delve into the issue following a number of crimes committed in the shopping strips of local towns in recent years and a consistent rise in the community’s concerns.

Speaking to the Star Mail in February 2025, Penny said her drive to start the petition arose from her ongoing experience with a stalker.

“I don’t feel safe in the community, I’m a 53-year-old vulnerable single mother, I live alone and I’ve had a four-year-long stalker, the court system was supportive of me, but the court system is now broken and I’m no longer protected,” she said.

“There’s been a couple of times where I felt like I was safe with some of the things that were happening because those cameras were there and I’ve called the police station because these crimes could have been recorded.

“It was just so important that these cameras picked up this crime because it would have put this man in jail finally but I was told ‘Sorry, the cameras aren’t working’ so all of this behaviour continued.”

At the time of writing, Penny had received 180 signatures on her petition and anticipated between 20 to 60 more as she had been told a few more copies of the signature sheet were ready to be returned.

Penny said after speaking to police, she wanted to find out who was responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the cameras and started to ring around.

“Keep in mind, I’m not getting paid for any of it but I am having to put in hours and hours and hours of my time sitting on the phone waiting for people to get back to me, ringing, getting handballed from one person to the next and having meetings,” she said.

“The police said to me, ‘They’re not our responsibility, they’re the responsibility of VicRoads’, then I go to VicRoads and ‘They’re saying they’re not our responsibility’ so I go to Yarra Ranges Council and they say ‘They’re not our responsibility’ so I go to Tony Smith’s old office, which is Aaron Violi now, who tells me ‘It’s up to the traders in the community to take care of that now’ and I don’t know where my blood started boiling, but it was pretty warm by now.

“It’s tough for me to say that it was for votes but it’s pretty clear when someone gets these cameras

installed and everybody’s patting him on the back and saying ‘Thank You’ that nobody asked him about the upkeep, nobody asked him about the ongoing maintenance and nobody asked who was going to pay for it all.”

When Star Mail reported on pledges for cameras being made, the funding was entrusted to township groups to establish and maintain a network of cameras in towns to report back to Lilydale Police Station. However, given the number of cameras that have gone offline and the fluctuating nature of township and traders groups that have dissolved, rebranded, shuffled committees and members and could run into fundraising issues, it may be inappropriate for the responsibility to be left up to them.

Penny also previously worked for the Healesville Jewellers, which was targeted by thieves in 2019 and suffered criminal damage to the shop-

front in 2023 and said she has headed around to all the traders and they are all so deflated.

“It’s become their responsibility and we haven’t come back from Covid yet, this is a small community and this town and the businesses have not come back from Covid, no matter what anyone says.

“Tourism isn’t bringing it back, traders are struggling and they’ve got to pay for their own security as well so that’s where all this has come from and their response has been amazing.

“I’m a really tough woman, I am a very strong woman and I have been through some traumas that would make your head spin but let me tell you, when you come up against these kinds of things your body takes over and when you get a little bit older, the anxiety turns into heart conditions, your legs turn into jelly and as much as your brain says ‘I can take care of this’, your body can’t.”

Penny’s petition and her story of personal suffering have sparked the Star Mail to ask questions and seek a solution to the camera crisis in the Yarra Ranges, with more coverage of the issue to follow in the coming weeks.

Penny said for her, the re-establishing of the camera network would mean getting back on with her life.

“It would mean being able to work again, it would mean being able to have my routine again, it would mean I won’t have to take medication anymore for the anxiety that I’m having to deal with,” she said.

“It means I can see my friends again, it means I can leave my dogs at home alone again, it means I can go for a walk without looking over my shoulder.

“It means a lot to me, it means the world to me, because my life is on hold.”

Funding and promises for a Yarra Ranges’ network

By Mikayla van Loon

More than a decade ago, the first of a network of CCTV cameras were promised to keep the community safe and deter crime in the Yarra Ranges.

The funding, brought to the table as an election promise by former Casey MP Tony Smith across three election periods, helped townships install and connect cameras from Healesville to Belgrave.

Initially overseen by the Yarra Valley’s community safety group, Centre Safe Committee Incorporated, it shifted to the Yarra Ranges Safety Camera Network as the project expanded.

Yarra Ranges Crime Prevention Officer Leading Senior Constable Luke Egginton said the Network is a not-for-profit group, with a committee member appointed to represent each site.

“The committee comprises a representative from each of the project sites,” he said.

“The network committee is responsible for insurance and maintenance of each site. At each site buildings are identified for installation of cameras and associated equipment.”

Since the final funding was received in 2019, the Star Mail has heard stories from township groups, police and community advocates of what has now become a dilapidated, disconnected and in many cases, unusable system or not in the areas now being targeted by offenders.

As the Star Mail embarks on this campaign to understand the role of CCTV in the Yarra Ranges, the current state of these cameras and moving to get these back in action, the appropriate starting point seems to be where it all began.

MP Tony Smith with representaives of Victoria Police and members of the Monbulk community in 2016. (File: 155474)

In the lead up to a change over of government in 2013, Mr Smith pledged that a Tony AbbottCoalition government would fund the installation of security cameras in both Yarra Junction and Healesville.

A $50,000 grant ended up providing seven CCTV cameras for Yarra Junction, which were installed in September 2015 and set the tone for the next six years.

At the time, the high definition fixed cameras in Yarra Junction had a 24-hour live feed to the police station with a minimum of 30-day recorded storage.

The push for cameras in Yarra Junction came after one cafe was broken into five times in a row in a short period of time and Hair Impressions salon was also the target of a break-in.

Former Crime Prevention Officer Leading Senior Constable Linda Hancock told the Mail at the time that the cameras would improve the crime prevention capabilities of the local police force.

“These cameras will help us build a wider evidence base and streamline police processes,” she said.

The funding secured also allowed for a $100,000 network of cameras in Healesville, and $100,000 for upgrading and extending Lilydale’s existing camera network.

The Lilydale CCTV system was one of the first in the Yarra Ranges, and the outdated cameras were in desperate need of improvement.

“We saw a 70 per cent reduction in crime at Lilydale station after we first installed the cameras there,” LSC Hancock said.

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CCTV network expansion was front and centre.

On 13 June 2016, Mr Smith pledged $420,000 in funding for new security cameras in Yarra Glen, Woori Yallock, Mount Evelyn, Monbulk and Mooroolbark, to be delivered if the Coalition was re-elected in July.

Delivered through the Coalition’s Safer Communities Fund, maintenance was to be paid for by community groups, whether a township action group or traders group.

In places like Woori Yallock, the cameras were to be maintained by the dissolved Woori Yallock Township Action Group (WYTAG), who welcomed the investment in keeping the town safe.

“The fact that we have a relatively low crime rate isn’t something we should take for granted –it’s something we’ve got to keep working on and try to keep it at that,” WYTAG member Rick Shaw said in 2016.

Places like Woori Yallock, being a connector to Pakenham and the south east and to the northern parts of the state, were not included in the program for its high crime rates but instead to remain steady in low crime.

“These are major intersections, connecting other large townships that have cameras, and this forms part of that wider network we’re trying to achieve,” LSC Hancock said.

“It’s not a crime hotspot – yes, crime happens, but it’s a sense of community feeling of safety.

“We’ve actually got no investigative tools – it’s a long process at the moment with no cameras.”

Over in Yarra Glen, the pledge of $90,000 to install a network of cameras, which would feed

into both Lilydale and Yarra Glen’s police stations, was to be managed by the Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce.

Then chamber president Alex Lagerwey said the cameras would help police investigate crimes, like the theft of dozens of shrubs from the town centre upgrades in Bell Street.

“It’s a fantastic additional tool to aid crime deterrence and detection, not just for tourists, but all visitors and residents of the town, as well,” Mr Lagerwey said.

The town was also the scene of larger crimes, with an ATM stolen from the United Petroleum service station and, on another occasion, bakery staff robbed at gunpoint.

The remaining funding allocated Mooroolbark $135,000; Monbulk $75,000; and Mount Evelyn $75,000.

“It is about keeping our community strong and safe and ensuring business confidence,” Monbulk Business Network’s John Coleman said in 2016.

“We are always interested in attracting new businesses to our town and that means keeping our town really safe.”

Once re-elected, Mr Smith told the Mail the cameras already installed had brought great feedback from the community.

“I’ve had many conversations with local residents and the business community about the need for CCTVs to combat crime in their communities,” he said.

“Whether it is theft, graffiti, assault or other serious matters, this will help police to bring offenders to justice.

“The network in Lilydale, Yarra Junction and Healesville has proven to be effective in combating and deterring crime.”

The cameras in Monbulk and Belgrave were installed in September and October of 2018.

Come the 2019 election, Mr Smith committed more than $6.3 million to his electorate during the election campaign. Included in this was further funding for the CCTV network, with $92,174 for security cameras in Seville; $125,000 to finish the Warburton CCTV project; $74,721 for cameras in Millgrove; $113,532 for Montrose; and $125,000 to extend the Monbulk CCTV security camera network to provide greater coverage of the Monbulk Recreation Reserve.

Rick Shaw, Val Shaw, Linda Hancock, Tony Smith, Lisa Brooks, Leo Potter and Beverley Croke, with dog Bobby, in Woori Yallock in 2016.

Healesville Jewellers, Penny’s former place of employment, after being struck during a burglary spree in 2023. (File)

Still no swimming at Quarry Lake

By Tanya Steele

Ferntree Gully Quarry Reserve Lake has had ongoing water fluctuations since last year, with recent weekly testing showing water to still be unsafe for swimming or ingesting any fish caught at the popular recreation site.

Water safety levels last year in late November resulted in signs being erected at the reserve by Knox Council after routine testing detected E. coli bacteria.

“The last testing was done on 10 February 2025, which categorised the water quality within Quarry Lake as not suitable for swimming and not to be ingested.” the Knox Council website page read.

E. coli is a bacterium commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals and its presence indicates faecal contamination from sources such as stormwater runoff, sewage, dog poo, or wildlife waste.

Most types of E. coli are not considered harmful to humans and animals. However, the presence of these bacteria in the water may indicate other disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa which can make swimmers or people who eat fish from the water sick.

A representative from the Council said there are various sources of contamination that impact lakes such as the one at Quarry Reserve.

“Water sampling, testing within a nationallyaccredited laboratory and reporting are undertaken by a suitably qualified consultant on Council’s behalf,” they said.

“Being static, lakes are more prone to spikes in bacteria, nutrients, algae and pathogens as there’s no opportunity for things to be ‘flushed’ through the system.”

The council tests for bacteria, blue-green algae, dissolved oxygen and other water health indicators and a Victorian Fisheries Authority spokesperson said the VFA is aware of high bluegreen algae levels at Quarry Lake.

“While people can still go fishing, we recommend you avoid contact with the water where possible and don’t eat the fish you catch.”

“We don’t believe the algae levels pose a significant risk to the health of the fish.”

The VFA regularly stocks it with catchable rainbow trout as well as Australian bass and Murray cod fingerlings to create year-round fishing opportunities.

Before any fish are stocked, VFA staff from their organisation hatcheries test water quality with specialised equipment to ensure the fish are entering suitable conditions.

A TikTok influencer named Siri|Melbourne Hotspots recently mentioned the spot in early February as a hidden oasis in Melbourne’s east and the perfect spot for a picnic by the water in their things to do series online.

“Just a quick PSA, the water here usually isn’t great for swimming,” the post said.

“The views are so stunning,...Whether you’re

here for a family outing or for some quiet time, it’s a stunning little gem to explore.” Siri said.

The quarry area was given a facelift in early 2023 when upgrades were funded through $1.7 million from the government, $600,000 from Knox City Council and $50,000 from the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA).

Visitors can reduce the risk of contamination by cleaning up after their dogs and putting their rubbish in bins.

If you have experienced any symptoms in-

cluding diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cramps, fever, respiratory infections, ear infections, or skin rashes after swimming in or eating fish from the lake, please seek medical attention.

Knox Council continue to provide up-to-date information for the community monitoring the water quality from October to March to ensure the space is safe to visit. More information and updates may be found on this Knox council website page: https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/our-services/gardens-environment-and-sustainability/ quarry-lake-water-quality

IN BRIEF

Tree falls, multiple callouts for services across region

Windy gusts and overnight rainfall saw SES and CFA busy across the outer east region over Saturday night and Sunday morning.

SES Emerald stated via social media that by Sunday morning they had attended 27 jobs across the Dandenong Ranges with calls from Upwey, Mt Dandenong, Kallista, Monbulk, Cockatoo, Gembrook, Emerald, Ferny Creek and Belgrave South.

“It’s been a busy night and morning for Emerald SES crews,“ the post read.

“Please if you can limit travel on roads while these strong winds persist and try not to park under trees. If you come across a tree down, not life threatening call 132500 or 000 for urgent assistance.“

Victoria SES later confirmed that between midnight 22 February and and 11am on Monday morning, VICSES Emerald Unit volunteers were the busiest in the state and called to more than 30 requests for assistance during this period.

“All callouts related to trees down.“ the spokesperson said.

VICSES Knox Unit volunteers were also active, attending almost 20 call outs during this period, largely relating to trees down.

Crash in Belgrave

Sunday afternoon in Belgrave saw a two-car collision along Belgrave-Hallam Road, fortunately with no major injuries.

Mid-afternoon on 23 February saw traffic rerouted through Belgrave after the accident.

A CFA spokesperson confirmed that CFA responded to a road accident about 2.41pm.

“CFA had three vehicles on scene,” they said,

“The incident was declared under control at 2.48pm and control was handed over to Victoria Police.”

A Police media spokesperson said two cars collided just before 3pm and there were no lifethreatening injuries reported.

Occupants safe after car accident in Monbulk

Late Tuesday afternoon, 18 February, KallistaThe-Patch CFA responded to a vehicle accident on Monbulk Road.

Conditions were made treacherous by light rain following a dry spell - which combined with spilled diesel on the road, created dangerously slippery conditions.

Fortunately, all occupants of the vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, were safe and uninjured.

The CFA is reminding everyone that such an experience is something no one would want to endure.

In a follow-up message, a member of the Kallista CFA responded to a query, confirming that no further details were available beyond the initial Facebook post.

CFA also took the opportunity to share some important road safety tips - urging drivers to slow down on winding roads and be especially cautious on wet roads after a dry spell.

The member emphasised the importance of safety features like seat belts, crumple zones, and airbags, which significantly improve occupant safety during accidents.

CFA advised drivers to report any vehicles leaking fuel, as it’s difficult to see spilled fuel on wet roads until it’s too late.

Kallista-The-Patch CFA reminded everyone to take care on the roads and drive safely, particularly when conditions are slippery.

Ferntree Gully Quarry Reserve Lake has had ongoing water fluctuations since last year, with weekly testing showing water to still be unsafe for swimming. (Stewart Chambers: 458145_02)

The beautiful spot remains popular, gaining traction online with a Melbourne TikTok influencer. (Stewart Chambers: 458145_01)

Rate-cut boost for market

By Chelsea Szabo with AAP

A Yarra Ranges real estate agent has predicted a more confident buyers market after the first drop in interest rates in four years.

Emerald Bell Real Estate Agent Samantha Scott said with interest rates going down, now is a good time to sell.

“The interest rate drop is bringing more confidence back into the market, because the interest rates are going in the right direction,” Ms Scott said.

“[Sellers] think it’ll take a while for house prices to go up, but as soon as we saw that interest rate drop, or even when the media were sprouting it, we got more buyers.”

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) dropped interest rates to 4.1 per cent, down from 4.35 per cent, the first cut since November 2023.

Following the drop, Australia’s four major banks: ANZ, Commbank, NAB and Westpac, all announced decisions to transfer the 0.25 per cent interest rate cut to home loans with variable interest rates.

RBA governor Michele Bullock said the board’s decision was based on decreasing inflation rates.

“Inflation has eased over the past three quarters and in the most recent quarter a bit more than our forecasts had anticipated,” Ms Bullock said.

“It’s clear that higher interest rates have been working as anticipated, restricting economic activity and putting downward pressure on inflation.”

Inflation is currently sitting at 2.4 per cent, down from 2.8 per cent last quarter. The rate has steadily decreased since its peak of 7.8 per cent in December 2022.

Ms Scott said even if agents see a 25 per cent growth in the number of buyers, prices will move quickly in an upward trend because of the confidence in borrowing and the potential for future rate decreases.

However, the RBA governor said this interest rate cut does not mean more are to follow.

“I want to be very clear that today’s decision does not imply that further rate cuts along the lines suggested by the market are coming,” Ms Bullock said.

HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham has also predicted the Reserve Bank is not going to lower rates going forward.

“This is a fairly strong indication that although the RBA was comfortable cutting today, they will need more evidence of disinflation before they

will be prepared to cut again,” he said.

The RBA cited several areas of concern which may affect inflation rates.

Namely, Australia’s high employment rates indicate a strong economy and with the economy performing well, demand for goods increases, leading to higher prices.

The board is also concerned about Australia’s economy slowing due to global “policy unpredictability”, likely referring to the threat of US tariffs.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the decision to

cut interest rates is the “soft landing” the Labor Government has been preparing for, but there is more that needs to be done.

“We can’t be complacent about the months and years ahead. We know that there is more work to do. We know that this is not the solution to every challenge that people are confronting in their household budgets, but it will help,” Mr Chalmers said.

He said despite the interest rate cut, cost of living will remain the “primary focus” of the government.

Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock announced interest rate cuts for the first time since November 2023. (AAP Image/Steven Saphore)

A ‘major party stitch-up’?

By Callum Ludwig

The Federal crossbench is crying out against new legislation passed in Parliament recently which altered the caps and disclosure requirements on electoral donations, with new amendments since it was introduced in November.

Crossbenchers are calling the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024 a ‘major party stitch-up’ while Labor and Liberal argue it improves transparency and reduces the influence of ‘big money’ on politics.

In an article for The Conversation, Professor at Melbourne Law School and Director of the Centre for Public Integrity Joo-Cheong Tham said the amendments fail to address numerous deficiencies in the original bill that was introduced last November.

“Transparency has been wound back and hollow contribution caps have been locked in,” he said. “In significant respects, however, the package is an improvement on the status quo, which has seen unrestricted donations and spending flourish. So, too, secrecy,”

“We need to penetrate the sound and fury of partisanship and assess the substance of these laws. This will yield a much more nuanced picture than conveyed by crossbench claims of a major party stitch-up.”

Prof Tham’s articles identify that the ‘improvement on the status quo’ can be seen in a few aspects of the bill: The disclosure threshold for donations has been reduced to $5000 down from $16,900 per annum this financial year, though it is up from the $1000 originally proposed in November 2024.

Donations in an election period must be disclosed with 24 hours of receipt in the week before and after polling day or with seven days otherwise $800,000 per electorate and $90 million per party national spending limit, intended to prevent the funnelling of money to marginal seats

Introduction of overall gift caps and closure of loopholes that allowed self-financing candidates, such as Clive Palmer with the United Australia Party or Malcolm Turnbull when he donated $1.75 million to the Liberal Party pre-2018 election, to pour money into parties.

Current exclusions, such as membership or affiliation fees to party-aligned entities, will also be brought under the caps.

A ‘warranted’ increase in public funding from $3.50 to $5 per vote.

Prof Tham said the new framework is unfair and ineffectual in significant ways and yet democracy-enhancing in others.

“In blatant disregard for democracy, the government refused to refer the bill to a parliamentary committee for proper scrutiny,” he said. “Bad processes tend to make bad laws. The government’s actions have cast a pall of illegitimacy over its political finance regime. We are all trustees of democracy, with an obligation to protect and deepen democratic practices. An urgent task in that continuing struggle is to protect the strengths of these laws while jettisoning the elements that are egregiously bad.”

Prof Tham’s article identified a number of shortcomings or instances of unfairness in the bill:

A loophole remains that a donor could make undisclosed donations to all state and federal branches of a political party if the donation is under the threshold meaning a donor could, in theory, donate $44,991 to the Australian Labor Party spread across its nine branches without being disclosed. The same loophole also applies to the annual gift cap, where the donations would have to be disclosed, but could total nearly $450,000

The annual gift cap, which doubled to $50,000, and the overall gift cap at $1.6 million will still allow for large donations while parties can continue to register ‘nominated entities’ which can generate income outside of the gift caps

The per electorate and national limits are set to high, leaving major parties still have significant leeway to shift funding to marginal seats, though the limits are still an improvement on the current ‘unfettered’ spending

A ‘structural bias’ remains which favours incumbents, regardless of political party or allegiance

Independent candidate for Casey Claire Ferres-Miles said Labor and Liberal have passed new electoral laws to pay themselves more public money, cooking the books for their own selfinterest.

“Supported by both the Labor and Liberal parties including our Federal MP for Casey, the new

rules further entrench the two-party duopoly, written specifically to exclude Community Independents,” she said. “Primary votes for the two major parties have been steadily declining over the past decade. They could have won back voters with good policy decisions, but no they have decided to rig the system. This 400-page bill has not followed usual Parliamentary processesrammed through by the duopoly with no scrutiny, no consultation, no community submissions, no review.”

The Greens, who as a party policy disclose any donations over $1000, were also disillusioned with the bill. Greens candidate for Casey Merran Blair said it is really disappointing to see this bill rushed through without due diligence or proper discussion and negotiation.

“Our goal is to see publicly funded elections at all levels of government to remove the influence that big money can have on our democracy,” she said. “Having the threshold at $5000 means less transparency, which is not a positive outcome, the two major parties have trained us well to accept the least worst option,”

“It would be nice if they would step up to the plate for once and actually do the right thing for Australians, instead of constantly tinkering around the edges.”

Current Casey MP Aaron Violi largely supported the premise and goal of the bill in improving transparency, while also expressing faith in the due diligence of Labor Special Minister of State Don Farrell despite the Labor Government’s decision to forego putting the bill to a parliamentary committee.

Mr Violi said he believes this strikes the right balance of reducing the amount of money in politics while also allowing the Australian people to rightly engage in politics through donations.

“In the federal system every political party will have state-based branches and also a federal branch, the Greens, the Nationals, UAP, One Nation, they all have the same structure it’s not just the Liberal Party and Labor Party and also the reality is that while we sit under the Liberal banner or the Labor banner or the Greens banner, a federal division is a separate organisation to the state division with different structures and different staffing,” he said. “It is clear on the public record that Don Farrell has been engaging and consulting for almost three years in regard to the legislation and has consulted and engaged widely with all political parties within the Federal Parliament and all members of Parliament and had many conversations,”

“But in terms of the process, this was a process of the Government and they would have to provide more detail on their thinking of why they’ve engaged the way they have.”

Mr Farrell himself held a doorstop interview to discuss the bill on 13 February.

Mr Farrell said from the day he took office, they started the process of consultation on the bill.

“What this legislation does is to level the playing field in terms of the Australian electoral system, it also increases the transparency of that system so that all participants in the electoral process are treated equally,” he said.

“You shouldn’t have to be an acolyte of Clive Palmer, for instance, in order to be involved in the Australian electoral process, ordinary Australians should be able to exercise their democratic right to get involved into the electoral process,”

“I’ve made myself available, my staff have made themselves available, the Department has made itself available to explain all of these provisions but nothing that was put through the Parliament last night came as a surprise to anybody in that room who was taking an interest in the electoral process.”

Special Minister of State Don Farrell led the three-year build-up to the passing of the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Business born from need

By Mikayla Van Loon

Travelling from one side of the Yarra Ranges to the other, or even short distances within, can require hours or extensive costs if one does not have the luxury of driving.

This is particularly prevalent for the elderly, people with a disability, people with a medical condition and young people.

Witnessing this very scenario for her elderly mother, Lilydale’s Lauren Brum sought to change this by starting her own private taxi service.

“My 83-year-old mum is legally blind and has mobility issues and obviously over time, that compound gets more difficult, and we were noticing a big issue with trying to get transport out for mum, particularly when the drives she was needing were short, to the doctors, to the supermarket, that sort of thing,” she said.

“She can’t take public transport due to her vision, and she has a couple of activities that she goes to each week, like her senior group, and it was just getting harder and harder to get her transportation.”

Having been able to use the former Yarra Ranges Council operated transport service, prior to changes in the government structure of these services, Ms Brum said at the end of that, her mum was not registered under an aged care package and could not easily gain access to the transport solutions put in place.

Eastern Volunteers and HICCI took over the service for My Aged Care Package recipients, something Ms Brum complimented them on saying “they are amazing, they are fabulous” but demand was greater than what they could offer.

HICCI chief executive officer Alison Gommers said while there isn’t a waiting list for their service, with 28 volunteers available, there are some restrictions.

“Some of the drivers choose to only drive locally, some like long distances to the Eye and Ear, Maroondah and Box Hill Hospital. Then it’s about their availability. Some may be only available on a Monday or a couple of days a week,” she said.

“The other thing is, in consideration, we have three vehicles and a bus, so quite a few of the volunteers choose to use a HICCI vehicle so they can only go out for one trip at a time which is a restriction for us.

“Ideally we like four working days’ notice, so they need to contact the office, and then we can locate a volunteer that could take them and get that organised.”

Providing both an over 65 transport service which requires a referral from a My Aged Care Package, and an under 65 service for people in particular circumstances, Ms Gommers said more drivers would always be welcome to support vulnerable people in the region.

Establishing officially as a registered taxi service in December, prior to that Ms Brum had driven for Uber where her decision to provide a taxi service was cemented.

“I had been talking about starting a transport business targeted mostly to our seniors, to replace what was available from the council previously and while I was in the process of deciding to start that up, I drove for Uber,” she said.

“And while I was driving Uber, I was getting more and more jobs out in our community where passengers were telling me across the Yarra Ranges that I would have been the tenth driver who got allocated the job because previous drivers would keep cancelling.

“The Yarra Ranges were too far out. They don’t want those jobs. It’s not worth their while. I’ve had a customer in Launching Place who needed to get to work. If she missed the bus, she couldn’t get there.”

Despite noticing the exorbitant costs of short trips in an Uber, Ms Brum said “I was having to work 11 and a half hour days just to make minimum wage”.

Initially setting up as a rideshare operator in August last year, Ms Brum said unfortunately that meant she could not accept the 50 per cent discount offered through the State Government’s Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) card and excluded her target clientele of seniors and people with a disability.

She made the transition to a taxi service but again stumbled on further issues plaguing the system.

“One of the big challenges being that there is Cabcharge that people get through their home care package but 13Cabs who also own Silver Service, own Cabcharge and unless you’re with 13Cabs it’s extremely difficult to become a Cab-

charge merchant,” Ms Brum said.

An investigation by 60 Minutes and The Age, aired on Sunday 16 February, into Cabcharge found severe exploitation of passengers, particularly those presenting with a vulnerability.

The Age’s reporting also highlighted the case of convicted taxi driver Jarnail Singh who scammed and abused passengers with a disability, overcharging them and in some instances assaulting them.

When asked on Monday 17 February about the mastheads’ reporting, Premier Jacinta Allan said she was disgusted.

“Can I make it absolutely clear – and I served as public transport minister some time ago – the behaviour as has been reported over the weekend is just absolutely vile. It is disgusting,” the Premier told The Age.

“The way some in the industry have preyed on the most vulnerable in our community makes me absolutely sick, particularly because, for some people with a disability, the only way they can get around our community – maybe to go to work, to

the important day programs they participate in, to see family and loved ones, to make medical appointments – the only way they can get around in our community is in a taxi or in a rideshare vehicle.

“That is something that should never be taken away from them, that should never be abused. That is why this behaviour absolutely disgusts me.”

She also announced a review into the accreditations for taxi drivers and of Cabcharge.

“The Department of Transport and Planning is undertaking a review looking at how we can strengthen the procurement practices, strengthen the accreditation practices, and also using technology as well,” she said.

While on a lesser scale, Ms Brum said the exploitation of passengers has been something she’s heard often.

This includes a quote of $50 dollars for a taxi to transport a teenager 3.8kms from her home in Silvan to her school bus stop because she would have to walk on a dangerous road without foot-

paths and a senior left stranded by a taxi service for 45 minutes in 40 degree heat despite the taxi being booked four hours earlier.

“One of my first clients as a rideshare driver, she lived in Warburton and was newly diagnosed with stage four cancer. She needed to go to Box Hill weekly to get treatments and a one-way taxi was $150.

“There is no alternative. You could do four hours on buses, trains and the rest to try to get to appointments. Uber doesn’t exist in Warburton. Another stumbling block is that older people don’t use Uber apps.”

Cases of people being kept in the car for longer than necessary to drive up the fare, the meter being started before the taxi arrives and young women being propositioned by drivers or taken into remote areas are all stories Ms Brum has heard.

Ms Brum is now calling on the State Government, having written to ministers, to regulate the now unregulated taxi industry and improve transport options in the Yarra Ranges.

Her letter requests that the government “investigate the lack of services available throughout the Yarra Ranges region, review and revise taxi legislation to ensure fairness for all services, and increase public transport options for our community”.

Despite many companies operating private transport services, Ms Brum said they very much cater to tourism, like winery tours and airport transfers, but people needing to get to medical appointments or social outings are being left behind and “no one’s feeling safe anymore, at least not financially safe, if not physically safe as well”.

“We have a massive issue across the Ranges from a public transport and from a private transport perspective, we’re too far out. It is ridiculous, we’re classed metro and yet metropolitan really ends at Lilydale and Belgrave, where the trainline ends.

“Beyond that, the services are appalling. If you don’t have family who can help you, you are pretty much left on your own.

“There’s got to be a better option for the area. Ideally, I’d love to be put out of work. I’d love our transport system to be so fantastic that nobody actually needs me but that’s a pie in the sky kind of thing.”

The Department of Transport and Planning was contacted for comment.

Independent taxi driver Lauren Brum began her service after witnessing her mum’s struggles with getting transport to medical appointments and social outings. (Stewart Chambers: 460710)

Since registering in December Ms Brum has focused her service on providing safe, friendly and reliable transport for the elderly, people with a disability and young people. (460710)

Food safety crucial during power outages

By Oliver Winn

The Food Safety Information Council (FSIC) has released advice on how to safely store food during power outages and other emergencies after receiving an increase in consumer enquiries on the matter.

FSIC chair Dr Scott Crerar urged Australians to be prepared as natural disaster events become more frequent, leading to more power outages, a common occurrence across the Yarra Ranges.

Residents are encouraged to check the time when there’s a power outage so they can track how long food is safe for.

“If you are unsure about the time that has passed or the temperature your food has been stored at then throwing the food out is the safest option,” Dr Crerar said.

Food left in a fridge should be immediately eaten after two hours and should be discarded after four.

Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Services (DRERS) chief executive officer Tania Bevan said many residents have requested financial assistance for generator fuel and ice for eskies.

“Our service does not have the facility to store residents’ food during a power outage, but we do have the ability to financially assist people to purchase fuel, ice and contribute to the cost of a generator, and replace any perished food,” Ms Bevan said.

Residents should only open their fridge door when necessary to maximise the time the food will stay fresh for.

Ms Bevan said residents should cook food and use it up before it perishes so it doesn’t go to waste.

But residents should throw out food that was being cooked and didn’t finish when the power went out instead of re-cooking it.

“Re-cooking food will not eliminate the risk of foodborne illness as some bacteria produce a toxin, which is not destroyed at the temperature used to cook or reheat food,” Dr Crerar said.

Due to the increased distance between towns in the Yarra Ranges, Ms Bevan said the inability to access fresh food means residents have to travel further to buy fresh food, worsening the financial strain.

Ms Bevan said “This impacts their fuel or public transport budget, and their time.”

Cricket club pays it forward

By Tanya Steele

A catered lunch has been paid forward to a local food charity in Ferntree Gully this week after a last minute cancellation, displaying kindness and connection in the foothills of the Dandenongs.

The annual luncheon for a sporting club was cancelled after Knox Council building auditors raised health and safety concerns after asbestos was found in their clubrooms in Ferntree Gully.

The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club had to cancel their annual President’s lunch planned for Saturday 15 February and President of Ferntree Gully Cricket Club Lee Thompson said the club had to vacate the Wally Tew social rooms due to a health and safety issue.

“Something good came out of something bad and we were able to donate the food to Foothills Community Care,” he said.

Foothills Community Care was donated a large amount of luncheon food that was pre-purchased by the cricket club and it has since been providing tasty additions to their meals.

CEO of Foothills Stephen Barrington said the donation has been a gift that keeps on giving and a great story out of a terrible situation for the cricket club.

“We’re incredibly grateful,” he said.

“We feel sad for them and their situation and grateful at the same time that they think of us.”

Mr Thompson said the clubroom closure came up because building auditing being undertaken by Knox Council for renovation works set to start in March or April this year.

The cricket club were informed last that week they would have to vacate the building - after a little back and forth between the club and the council they realised that they would have to last minute cancel their event.

“We had already locked in a lot of things like catering,” said Mr Thompson.

A Knox Council media spokespersons said Wally Tew Pavilion has been closed for asbestosremoval works following a routine inspection, with works expected to be completed by 28 February.

“It is common for buildings constructed in the 1970s to contain asbestos and council has a proactive program to monitor the condition of its buildings,” they said,

“The pavilion will be closed again from midnext month as it undergoes a major upgrade to deliver better facilities for local sporting clubs.”

“Council received $2 million in state government funding towards the upgrade, while our Annual Budget 2024-25 includes $11.4 million for sporting pavilions upgrades, including at Wally Tew Reserve.”

Mr Barrington said the cricket club have been great supporters Foothills for a long, long time and the charity group were able to pick up the food on Saturday morning.

“The cricket club, for years has had an annual Christmas appeal for us and they do other things as well – this is just another example of great community collaboration,” he said.

It has already been used in a variety of ways with the group freezing some of the more perishable items straight away.

“We got salads that were able to use on our Monday night meal and jacket potatoes that we’re able to use this week,” Mr Barrington said.

“The big pieces, the beautifully roasted meat –that we’ll use next week in one of our community meals as well,” he said.

The cricket club like many sporting groups holds an annual President’s lunch and this year Mr Thompson said due to the work at Wally-Tew they are unlikely to be able to reschedule the event.

“You invite life members, and sponsors and celebrate, it’s something most clubs do,” he said.

Mr Barrington said it was an unfortunate situation as the group had already booked and paid

for the function.

“We love our local community and we support each other well,” he said.

The Wally Tew grounds are busy currently undergoing refurbishments as well and the recent clubroom change after the audit means that the club will operate out of the Dobson Park Pavilion for the time being.

On social media, the club has expressed its sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused by the changes and has thanked its members for their ongoing support during the difficult period.

“We appreciate everyone’s understanding and continued support as we navigate this unexpected challenge,” a club spokesperson said.

“We look forward to seeing everyone at Dobson as we continue with our activities.”

Power outages have plagued Yarra Ranges for years (File: 390942)

The cricket club will relocate activities for the time being. (On File)

The grounds at Wally Tew remained closed while upgrades are completed. (Tanya Steele: 461022)

NEWS Eagle rescued in Monbulk

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A wedge-tailed eagle in distress was rescued in Monbulk on Friday 14 February, by a dedicated team of volunteers from Vets for Compassion.

The bird had been grounded and was struggling to fly, prompting a call to the organisation’s rescuers.

Vet for Compassion’s photographer and rescuer Jacquie Withers was one of the first to respond to the scene.

Upon arrival, she carefully kept an eye on the eagle, ensuring it stayed put while awaiting help - Carol Seeger from the Emerald Wildlife Shelter, along with Narida, Anita, and Tash from Vets for Compassion, joined her soon after.

A vet from Vets for Compassion joined the rescue to assess and provide on-site treatment if needed, arriving alongside Narida.

Together, they worked swiftly and safely to capture the eagle using nets and blankets, minimising stress for the animal.

The eagle was then transported to the Australian Wildlife Health Centre at Healesville Sanctuary, where expert vets and nurses began providing crucial care.

The founder and chief executive officer of Vets for Compassion Elaine Ong explained the importance of the organisation’s role in situations like this.

“We’re filling a critical gap that no one else seems able to address. Many other organisations, including the police or councils, aren’t equipped for this kind of wildlife rescue, and that’s where we come in,” Ms Ong said.

“We have the training, experience, and resources to humanely capture animals in distress, provide the immediate care they need, and get

them to places where they can recover. It’s vital work, and without us, a lot of these animals would just be left to suffer.”

“It’s incredibly hard, emotionally and physically, to see so many animals in pain, but knowing we can make a difference, even if it’s just for one animal, makes it all worthwhile.”

Healesville Sanctuary Veterinarian Sarah Panigas said the eagle arrived in a very poor state.

“It was extremely weak and emaciated, but no physical injuries were found. However, the bird did have oral candidiasis, a fungal infection in the mouth, and was anaemic, with an elevated white blood cell count,” she said.

“Fortunately, with proper care, the fungal infection was treated, and the bird’s bloodwork began to improve.”

Ms Panigas said the eagle’s recovery has been steady, with the bird becoming brighter, eating on its own, and gradually regaining weight. While there’s still a long way to go before the bird can be safely released back into the wild, she is optimistic about its progress.

“The eagle has shown good improvement over the past week, but we still have some time ahead before it’s ready for release,” she said.

“Once it regains strength and weight, we will begin flight training in the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre, which will be a crucial step before it can return to the wild.”

Despite the emotional challenges of wildlife rescue, the volunteers at Vets for Compassion remain committed to their mission.

“The work we do is tough, and it’s not always

successful - unfortunately, not every animal can be saved. But when we do manage to help, when we get a bird like this eagle back on its feet, it makes all the hard work feel worth it,” Ms Withers said.

“It’s also incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that is so passionate and dedicated. Everyone, from the vets to the rescuers to the photographers, is there because they want to make a positive impact.”

“It’s not easy, especially as we’re all volunteers and juggling full-time jobs and personal lives, but when you see the change you’re making, it really motivates you to keep going.”

Vets for Compassion relies entirely on donations from the public to fund their vital work. From rescuers to photographers like Jacquie, every volunteer plays a crucial role in saving wildlife across Melbourne.

“If people could just remember that we are a completely volunteer-run organisation, it would mean the world to us,” Ms Withers said.

“We don’t get paid for what we do, and many of us work full-time jobs in other areas. But it’s the passion for helping animals that keeps us going. We couldn’t do this without the generosity of the public, and every donation, no matter how small, helps us keep saving lives.”

If you see injured wildlife in Monbulk or anywhere else, don’t hesitate to report it - it could make all the difference.

For more information about Vets for Compassion or to make a donation, visit their Facebook page at Vets for Compassion or website. Your support is what makes these rescues possible.

Sensor stops wine profits from going up in smoke

By Dongyun Kwon

A smoke sensor, which has the potential to save hundreds of millions of dollars in lost wine production, developed by La Trobe University researchers after a close work with the wine industry in the Yarra Valley.

Wine Industry Smoke Detectors (WISDs) track smoke events like bushfires and burnoffs around vineyards and advise winegrowers whether it is likely to taint their grapes, and if they need to discard their season’s harvest, or use winemaking techniques to remove the taint.

Latrobe University research professor Ian Porter has led a great team researching ways to help the wine industry produce tools to understand and avoid crop loss to smoke taint in wine.

“We developed the idea (of the WISDs) because growers had no way of knowing if grapes were affected by taint during the growing season, and bushfires had no accurate and rapid way of determining whether their crops were tainted,” Prof Porter said.

“Diagnostic tests of grapes were often too late to make decisions and many crops were dropped due to uncertainty.

“The WISDs has really helped growers make decisions early and given more certainty about

picking a crop.”

After trials of the sensor in vineyards across south-eastern Australia, the research team found smoke did not taint wine grapes as much as viticulturalists believed.

“Growers think that all smoke causes smoke taint, but data collected by our team has for the first time globally linked the amount of fresh smoke needed in vineyards to smoke taint in the bottle. This has been the Holy Grail of research that’s now being solved,” Prof Porter said.

“This sensor has the potential to save a heap of grapes they would usually throw away, which can be financially and emotionally devastating for winegrowers. It’s one of the reasons we developed the WISDs.”

The prototype smoke loggers have been developed by La Trobe University researchers and supported with funding from Wine Australia, La Trobe University and other partners, including the Victorian and Australian governments and regional wine associations.

A network of 100 prototype loggers was deployed in vineyards in north-east Victoria after the catastrophic bushfires in 2020, with the technology refined in the years that followed.

Prof Porter said the WISDs include a multifunctional low-cost logger which measures

smoke particulate matter and converts the information into a traffic light risk prediction system for smoke taint in wine through sophisticated algorithms.

“A central server receives information about smoke from a vineyard and in real time sends the risk information back to a phone app and a website for the industry to make decisions about potential impacts of smoke on their grapes and wine,” he said.

“This is the first time globally that such a system exists.”

Australian agtech provider Goanna Ag has now signed on to commercialise the WISDs over the next two years, during which time the hardware and algorithm will be further validated in real-world fire events and the network of WISDs expanded to other wine regions across Australia.

Prof Porter said his team had worked closely with industry in the Yarra Valley for over a decade to help develop the information used to make the WISDs successful.

“They will benefit greatly from the use of the WISDs to be able to be certain about any smoke effects in the valley,” he said.

“The first commercial batch has been sold but future supplies will be available through Goanna Ag.”

An innovative sensor is helping detect the impact of smoke on wine grapes. (Supplied)

Rescued Wedge-tailed Eagle at Australian Wildlife Health Centre at Healesville Sanctuary. (Supplied)

Imagining Monbulk’s future

By Mikayla van Loon

Imagining what the future may look like is exactly what students at Monbulk Primary School have been exploring in their STEM classes.

From drone delivery to solar panels on every rooftop, Grade 5 and 6 students have been designing and building to-scale models of the Main Street’s businesses.

The project, which began last year, has seen groups of students draw on their knowledge of sustainability, technology, engineering, art and design to create structures that are sturdy and each with an element of electricity.

Once complete the model will go on display as part of the Repower Festival heading to Monbulk on 23 March.

Principal Estelle Alder said the real world application of their skills and learnings has been a wonderful way for the students to understand their town.

“This is such a great opportunity for them to apply what they learn in STEM to a real world situation, which is what we want to do, and ties in our schools commitment to sustainability as well,” she said.

“It also helps them understand the community, because they will be designing our towns of the future, and we want them to be able to think sustainably in design.”

Using mostly recycled materials, every aspect of the project was designed to encourage students to think about the environment and the best practices to keep it safe.

lar panels, lots of plants. And then we’ve added coat hangers, and we’ve done lots of bushes. We’ve added the piano that moves around occasionally, and then the bookshelf, the little library thing.

“We’ve learned to put in these lights, how to work them, the circuits and how to build them.”

Jack and his group decided to design COG Bike Shop and employed the use of the 3D printer to cut out the logo to put atop the shopfront. It took about two sessions to get it right because of the intricacies of the cog used in the logo.

The group also had to bring in some extra structural supports to ensure the building would remain upright but they were able to overcome each of these hurdles by thinking critically about what would work.

Designing Chemist Warehouse, Angus and his group decided that in the future, the use of drones would be instrumental to getting goods to people.

“Our STEM teacher told us a heap of different things we could do to make it more sustainable, and drones were one of them, for a drone delivery service, so me and my group decided to put that on there,” Angus said.

Working with his group to design the building and electrical circuit, Angus said they also faced some trial and error in the construction.

“We thought it would be fun to do it because it’s one of my favourite cafes and we thought it

For students Mackenzie, Eliza, Myla and Alannah, who chose to recreate Friends on The Hill cafe it was all about sustainability, greenery and colour.

would be nice to add more plants and add a lot of creativity to it and stuff to do with the environment,” Mackenzie said.

“We did a mural on the roof, and added so-

“I spent two sessions doing a circuit design, and then I noticed it had a fault, so I had to restart a different design,” Angus said.

The students are excited to see the final product on display at Repower Festival in a few weeks time.

AFLW draftee Georgia helps mentor local students

By Mikayla van Loon

Newly drafted AFLW player Georgia Knight made a special visit to Birmingham Primary School last week to present a signed jumper from her side.

The Collingwood selectee spent the final term of 2024 and the lead up to the December draft working alongside students as a mentor and leader to guide them in both the professional training and wellness aspects of sport.

The school program, led by Holistic Athlete Development (HAD) founder Brad Jenkinson, who is also a parent at the school, was founded on the idea “that sport can be a really great way to break down barriers and commence conversations”.

Having worked with Brad for two years developing as an elite athlete and preparing for the draft, Georgia was an easy pick to inspire and work with students but in turn she said she gained lots too.

“Starting with this program, it’s been a pleasure to work with you all, not only have I been able to help you guys, but you guys helped me as well,” she said at the jumper presentation on Friday 21 February.

“When the draft was coming up, it was pretty stressful, but you kids made me laugh, you made me happy. Who knew the happiest people on earth were you little kids.

“So you were a little bit of an outlet for me,

and that was so awesome, and you made me forget about all the stress and the worry that was coming up, but being able to help you kids

Georgia said not only has it been a great experience to pass on her knowledge,

students have taught her things as well.

makes me happy, and that’s why I do it really.”

HAD in Schools aims to tackle social, emotional and performance challenges through sport and being active by bringing in people who have been through it.

“So these people know the disappointments, the ups, the downs, the work ethic required to become an elite athlete, and they can bring some of those learnings to students for whom sport is also a bit of a thing,” assistant principal Steve Harvey said.

Growing up “soccer mad” and wanting to represent Australia as a Matilda, six years in, Georgia switched codes to AFL, playing as a Monbulk junior and a Vic Metro player.

Not ever really thinking that getting drafted was a possibility, Georgia reached out to Brad

two years out from the draft.

“Brad is the type of person to give you that bit of extra edge to your game but also your mental performance. I would not be playing for Collingwood without Brad,” she said.

Now she awaits the official start of the season in May but said it can’t come quick enough.

“I just want to get stuck in. I’m there all the time now, and I just love every bit of the club and the girls,” she said.

“It’s so much more than what I expected. I had no idea about the facilities, the people, the coaches, the girls, they’re just unreal.”

The HAD in Schools program will continue this year at Birmingham Primary School, with a view to include some leadership sessions for the school captains.

Birmingham Primary School assistant principal Steve Harvey, Collingwood draftee Georgia Knight and principal Trish Enzinger. (Mikayla van Loon: 461301)

School captains Ella and Jacdan with Georgia Knight and assistant principal Steve Harvey.

the

Grade 6 students Jack, Angus, Alannah, Myla, Eliza and Mackenzie. (Mikayla van Loon: 461482)

Alannah, Eliza, Myla and Mackenzie are excited to see the project finished and on display. (461482)

Angus and Jack’s groups both had to overcome some challenges to get their projects near completion. (461482)

Alannah, Myla, Eliza and Mackenzie incorporated figurines and lots of greenery into their design. (461482)

Emerald woman’s ‘good vibes’ score $100,000 win

An Emerald woman is convinced that her ‘good vibes’ have flowed back to her, leading her to a glorious Instant Scratch-Its top prize worth $100,000.

The Yarra Ranges resident’s Block-O Bingo ticket was purchased for five dollars at the Emerald Newsagency.

“I’m very well!” the gleeful winner said while speaking to an official from The Lott. “It still hasn’t sunk in.”

“I don’t think I’ll believe it until I see the money hit my bank account.”

The lucky winner said she has already changed my bank account name from ‘Rent Account’ to ‘No Stress Account’ ready for the money.

“I’ve been putting out good vibes recently and it’s nice to see them flow back,” she said.

“For a while now, I’ve been feeling like I was going to win a big prize. I’ve already treated myself to two new necklaces. I plan to be smart with the rest of the money.”

Emerald Newsagency owner Carl Mardinian said he was over the moon to hear one of his customers had won a top prize worth $100,000.

“We’re so happy to hear one of our customers won an incredible prize!” he said.

“This marks our ninth major prize since owning the outlet over the past 18 years.

‘‘We’re really proud to have sold so many winning tickets.

“Best wishes to our latest winner!”

In FY24, there were 143 Instant Scratch-Its top prize winners across The Lott’s jurisdictions who collectively took home more than $12.12 million in top prizes.

During this same time, Instant Scratch-Its players enjoyed more than 26.4 million wins across all prize tiers worth more than $249.65 million.

This equates to more than half a million winners and more than $4.8 million won on Instant Scratch-Its each week.

Every month, Instant Scratch-Its’ 2nd Chance Draw gives you another chance to turn your eligible non-winning Instant Scratch-Its into a winner. Visit thelott.com to enter this month’s 2nd Chance Draw.

The official home of Australia’s lotteries, The Lott operates and markets Australia’s leading lottery games customers know and love creating everyday winners, winning every day. In FY24, more than 132.8 million winners took home more than $4.4 billion in prize money from their favourite games at The Lott, including TattsLotto, Weekday Windfall, Powerball, Oz Lotto, Set for Life, Lucky Lotteries, Keno (SA), Super 66, Lotto Strike and Instant ScratchIts.

Last financial year, Australia’s official lotteries contributed more than $1.8 billion via state lottery taxes and donations to help community initiatives, such as hospitals, health research, disaster relief and education.

Knowing each other since they were only a few years old, the friendship of Gembrook’s Norm Smith and Harold Ramage is a time capsule of the town’s history that dates back to when Puffing Billy carried not just tourists but timber, spuds and even the dead. Speaking with Star News journalist COREY EVERITT, Norm and Harold talk about their almost 90 years as friends.

The best of friends forever

At the age of 91 and 92 respectively, Norm and Harold have done just about everything together.

They both went to Gembrook Primary where they first met as children in 1938.

They went to Upwey High School and then did their national service together.

They both got married in Gembrook and raised their children there.

Today, you can stand along Main Street and point in any direction and they could both tell you a story about whatever your finger landed on.

How J.A.C Russell Park used to be the old timber yard, how the policeman used to come up from Emerald on a white horse or when residents gathered at the old hall to hear the announcement of King George VI’s death.

Harold’s grandfather was the President of the Berwick Shire over a century ago. His father would work on the roads for the shire where he would help carve out the network used widely today.

His uncle too would work for the old shire.

He would become a builder. He points across the street from Puffing Billy Station when asked about his work.

“That was the butcher shop that was built after it was all burnt down,” Harold said.

“I was about 17 years old and I was put with the carpenter and then I got into building after that.”

A period of that work was with the council where he would help fix up the old office building in Pakenham.

Every time it rained he would get called down the next day to fix the inevitable leaks.

His son would work for the council and now he has a grandson currently working for the council.

Harold sits right in the middle of five generations that have served the council in its many forms over the last 100 years.

He was first raised in Pakenham Upper where his family would move to Gembrook when he was three years old.

“So to me, he’s not a local,” Norm jokes.

“88 years we started, we never had a fight because he couldn’t run fast enough to catch me.”

Harold’s longtime friend beats him in this regard as Norm has been hear all his life.

He was in his mother’s arms at only a few days old when he was brought home to Gembrook onboard Puffing Billy.

Back then, the iconic train was far from the tourist attraction many know today but was the artery that connected the small town to the beating heart of the city.

Gembrook is known for potato farming during the mid to late 20th century but Harold and Norm are older enough to remember when it was a timber town before then. Without it, there would not have been the clearing to cultivate spuds in the dense forest of the Dandenong Ranges.

They both remember the men that would venture into the bush to fell the mighty gum trees of the mountain. They would drag it to the mill for the timber to be loaded by hand onto Puff-

88 years we started, we never had a fight because he couldn’t run fast enough to catch me.”

ing Billy where it would be unloaded and loaded once again at Ferntree Gully to enter the metro network.

The main industry would shift to potatoes. Harold helped on farms when he left school, back then each spud was picked out of the ground with a fork.

Puffing Billy was one of the main transports across town. When they were kids they used to give the guard the slip for a free ride.

Heading to Emerald to catch a picture, the move would be to sneak on at Gembrook and then jump off as Puffing Billy crossed Beaconsfield-Emerald Road so the guard couldn’t catch them as they got off at the station.

The security of the old train is much tighter today but it’s one of many aspects of the old train that are still remembered by Norm and Harold.

The iconic image of the Puffing Billy is one of

young children hanging their feet out the windows, but if old Billy could talk he might tell you how he used to carry the dearly departed in the guard’s trolley.

Norm and Harold are also life-long members of the Gembrook RSL, a small sub-branch they helped keep alive for many years.

They both did their national service together. They stayed in the same hut and trained loading 100-pound shells together at Puckapunyal.

Norm’s father was member of the RSL, he died in the Second World War as a POW.

With returned soldiers taking him under his wing after the war, he would dedicate himself to the sub-branch for over 50 years.

In 1954, Norm and Harold were a part of the Guard of Honour for Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Warragul.

They were born in the midst of the Great De-

pression and it was the reason why Harold would grow up in Gembrook.

Before “cenno” there was the “susso”, short for the era’s welfare program called sustenance. Harold family worked for the program in Gembrook.

“They had to work pretty hard, they had to work for their money,” Harold said.

He remembered how he first drove a truck as just a boy when he would follow along his father as he filled holes in the road.

Driving would be Norm’s life as he would work as a local bus driver for over 42 years.

There may be no other person who knows the roads of the Dandenong Ranges like Norm does. He would serve many committee roles for the Gembrook RSL, until recently he was President for six years.

In 2023, he was the oldest RSL president in the State at 90 years old and was recognised for half a century of service to the sub-branch.

Since then, Norm and Harold have both been relieved from some of the work as a new influx of members has taken the reigns of the committee.

However, they still gather on Friday evenings at the RSL for a couple of drinks and reminiscing.

L-R Harold Ramage (Standing) and Norm Smith (Sitting) at Gembrook Railway Station. (Puffing Billy). (Gary Sissons: 459007)

Harold (left) and Norm (right) at Puckapunyal. (Supplied)

PLANT COLLECTORS’ EXPO

Blooming expo for everyone

By Tanya Steele

The highly anticipated Plant Collectors’ Expo is returning on 8 and 9 March and promises to be one of the biggest horticultural events of the year.

The Ferny Creek Horticultural Society (FCHS) is hosting their 20th Expo for 2025 and it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Secretary and Member from the FCHS Emma Moysey said the expo is for everyone, from beginner gardeners through to rare plant hunters, as well as those wanting to relax in a stunning garden.

“We have some new vendors this year, that have never sold at Ferny Creek before, and some that never sell at any other fairs, we’re really excited to see what each of our vendors will bring to our 20th FCHS PCE” she said.

This year’s expo will feature over 40 vendors and exhibitors, many of whom don’t participate in other events, including several from interstate.

“For the first time, we have a dahlia grower selling fresh cut dahlias, arranged into stunning bouquets by an incredibly talented florist - their stand will look absolutely beautiful,” said Ms Moysey.

“This expo will be our biggest ever, with over forty vendors, we will have alpine plants and seeds, perennials, rare bulbs, botanical art, garden tools and equipment, indoor plants, roses, rare and sought-after shrubs and trees, native plants, as well as plants propagated from our gardens and so much more,” she said.

“We have a number of clubs and societies coming along, including the Australian Rhododendron Society, the Salvia Study Group, and the Alpine Garden Society.”

Ms Moysey said a highlight of the annual show is the chance to wander the manicured garden where the fair will take place or take a guided tour of the society’s grounds.

“I’m looking forward to seeing people enjoying the setting,” she said.

Some plants in the garden are up to 100 years old and members have carefully curated the property.

Guided garden walks will be available on both days, led by Don Teese and Keith Ross.

These walks are a must-do for anyone wanting to get up close and personal with the beauty of local gardens in the hills.

The Ferny Creek Horticulture Society has been active since 1932 and the community group use all funds from the expo to go towards keeping the ten-acre garden estate maintained and running their other events.

Member for over ten years now, Ms Moysey

said as a gardener she enjoys alpine bulbs and rhododendrons.

“The society itself is growing too - we now have over 350 members,” she said.

“We are a very active group, with working groups twice a week, specialist talks, Garden visits and our Flower shows that we run in our very own Exhibition hall,” she said.

“During the week we have up to 40 people working together in the garden overlooking some wonderful parts of the Dandenong Ranges. We are always looking for new members. All are welcome. ”

The weekend expo will feature a speaker tent, which is a show first and the lineup includes several rare plant experts, including Colin Hunt from

Andy’s Rare Plants, Jane Tonkin from Tonkin’s Bulbs, Ben Brooker from Treasured Perennials, Reuben Niewesteeg from Wild Rose Nursery and Fermi de Sousa from AGS VIC Group.

The 3CR Gardening Show is also getting involved with radio host Virginia Heywood acting as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

The full schedule of talks will be announced soon, giving attendees the chance to hear from experts on a wide range of topics.

For those looking to explore even more, food lovers can enjoy a variety of delicious options at the expo, including a sausage sizzle hosted by Sassafras-Ferny Creek CFA, fresh sandwiches, a coffee van, and Devonshire teas.

There will also be plenty of opportunities to shop for rare plants and gardening treasures both inside and outside on the property.

Free parking is available at Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve, located on Hilton Road, Sassafras.

FCHS would like to also give special thanks to the Sassafras Ferny Creek CFA for assisting with parking and ensuring the safety of all visitors.

“We are very grateful to the Sassafras Ferny Creek CFA who will be running parking and the BBQ this year, they are a wonderful support to our Society,” said Ms Moysey.

Buses are welcome by prior arrangement.

For those worried about their plant purchases, a plant creche will be available to store your new treasures while you explore.

The event at 100 Hilton Road in Sassafras is open to all for just $10 per person, with free entry for FCHS members and children under 14.

For more information, visit www.plantcollectors.com.au for a complete list of vendors and other event details.

For any inquiries, email Emma at secretary@ fchs.org.au or call 0455 531 911.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful event!

The highly anticipated Plant Collectors’ Expo is returning on 8 and 9 March and promises to be one of the biggest horticultural events of the year. (Supplied)

Grim memories revisited

By Afraa Kori

Communities welcomed Robyn Howarth, survivor of the infamous Faraday kidnapping, for her author talk about Life in Faraday at the Pakenham and Emerald libraries on 7 and 8 February.

Faraday is a beautiful part of the world, a small hamlet in rural Victoria, nestled under the serene gaze of Mount Alexander. Once, families of many generations proudly farmed their land, knew, and helped their neighbours, and, in the 19th century this community built a granite school building that would be known as the Faraday State School 797. It was a source of pride to the community and educated their children well. This school building provided the social hub for the community to gather, mingle, share stories, and celebrate events.

In 1972, the unthinkable happened, a heinous event occurred and was coined as the crime of the century, known as the Faraday kidnapping. Two masked men burst into the school room on Friday 6 October 1972 and kidnapped a young female teacher along with six female students, including the author Robyn and her sister Jill Reece.

This wicked act brought the Faraday community to its knees and thrust into the national spotlight in an insidious way. Their actions led to the closure of the school, and a loss of innocence was felt by the wider community. In the years that followed Faraday was forever known as that place where those kids were taken, and people would shudder when hearing the name Faraday.

It has taken Robyn 62 years to acknowledge with pride that she came from Faraday and was educated at Faraday State School 797.

52 years later Robyn has put pen to paper and written an account of not only the events of that fateful afternoon but the aftermath of the ordeal. Robyn, who was 10 years old at that time, tells her story of life on the farm, that heinous event and the aftermath in the long road for justice.

Life in Faraday, Victoria before and after the infamous kidnapping is told through the lens of childhood trauma, and the effect it had on herself and her family.

“The story’s changed since I first started trying to write it,” she said.

“I realised that I wanted to capture the rural view of losing your community, where the school was the only public building in Faraday, so everybody went to the school for all those public meetings and events. When the school was closed, the community lost their sense of identity.”

Faraday A Community Rediscovered, was launched last September at the Catalina Flying Boat Museum in Lake Boga.

The book launch had an enormous attendance with over 100 people attentively listening

to Robyn’s story of her life in Faraday before the kidnapping, the impact the kidnapping had on her family and community, and life afterwards.

The author’s recent tour in Emerald and Pakenham attracted a diverse audience. Some attendees are true crime enthusiasts, while others are colleagues showing their support. Many also come to share their own experiences with trauma, creating a space for connection and reflection.

The book has provided a sense of closure, as the event was deeply distressing for many in the community.

“I’m really proud that I was able to capture our stories and reclaim the narrative of Faraday, that it’s our home, it was our community, and it is so much more than a kidnapping,” Robyn said.

“What has given me immense joy and pride is the number of people who have come to me privately after a talk like this and shared some of their stories or trauma that they’ve had in their life. They’ve said things like, ’I’ve read your book, I’ve suffered from a post-traumatic stress disorder for years, now I’m going to go and get help’. So for me, that’s a really great outcome.”

The people that own the school now are starting up a Faraday Progress Association, trying to get the community together.

On a personal level, the book has strengthened the bond between Robyn and her sister, sparking conversations about their school days that they never had before. Although their parents are deceased, the book has reunited extended family, with cousins attending her talks and reminiscing about shared memories.

Former police officer, David Mark (Robyn’s husband) believes the Faraday kidnapping case had a positive impact on the legal system, leading to lasting changes.

“When I did my prosecutor’s course, they highlighted this crime and they taught us it changed the competence and propellability of the system,” he said.

“Reginald Baker, Assistant Commissioner of Crime, started the mandatory reporting of children being injured. So before Reg got involved, children were being taken to hospital with injuries the police were never told.

“He was Detective Sergeant when he first

started her case and ended up being an Assistant Commissioner. He puts that down as one of his greatest achievements that he had mandatory reporting.”

Meanwhile, Robyn continues to advocate for stronger protections for women and children. At the time, she wasn’t fully aware of the prevalence of men in the judiciary, the police, and in many other areas, because women simply didn’t have the opportunity to experience it.

“It was very traumatising to have to repeatedly give evidence to men. Since my career as a maternal and child health nurse has really crystallised, I do not believe the court system has improved enough. I think vulnerable women and children today are still not treated well in the court system and that is a disgrace,” she said.

“From the press, we need more respect so stop sensationalising stories. Back then, they did it with my case! As a mature woman in my 60s, everyone has been just delightful and respectful.”

Get your copy today: robynhowarth.com.au/ shop

CWA Night Ladyhawks welcome community in Monbulk

By Tanya Steele

Monday 3 March will see the Lady Nighthawks open their doors to the community to show people what they are all about, kicking off at 7pm at the Wellington Cottage in Monbulk.

An upcoming information evening invites the community to learn more about their local night-flying Lady Nighthawks CWA in Monbulk.

Newly elected President of the Monbulk Lady Night Hawks CWA branch Alison Laurie said it’s a night to engage with the local community.

“I’m excited and hope that people come along,” she said.

The free event will see the group have some guest speakers yet to be announced and will be putting on a delicious home-baked supper made by their members.

“We will be talking about women’s issues, what the CWA does as a larger organisation and what the Monbulk Ladynight Hawks do as a CWA in the local community,” she said.

Ms Laurie is a fourth-generation CWA member and said she enjoys the tradition from the baking and the preserving and the craftwork, along with meeting women in the area.

“I’ve got a strong family heritage in CWA,” she said.

“The CWA across the board is a lovely and supportive organisation.”

The CWA of Victoria began in 1928 and is a

non-sectarian, non-party-political, non-profit lobby group working mainly in the interests of women and children in rural areas.

The Monbulk Ladynight Hawks are one of two branches of CWA active in Monbulk and the only evening branch in the area.

“The Monbulk Lady Night Hawks CWA is a little different to many other CWAs in that we meet in the evenings, making us a great option for ladies who find daytime meetings difficult to get to,” said Ms Laurie.

“There are a few really big CWA’s that focus on multiple areas like preserving or craft, I know one that has a performing arts group,” she said.

the public can pop along for the presentation, a chat and a light supper afterwards at the cottage.

“We’d like to encourage new members to join,” said Ms Laurie.

The current assembly of Lady Nighthawks can often be found selling their baked and preserved goods at a local produce market Ms Laurie said they use the funds to support local community groups.

The group meet monthly on the first Monday of every month and is looking forward to meeting some locals at their upcoming evening of conversation and connection.

People can find more information online at the Monbulk CWA Lady Nighthawks Facebook page.

The evening will have guest speakers and goods baked by members. (Facebook)

Robyn Howarth retells her experience of being kidnapped in Faraday in her book. (Afraa Kori: 458495)

10-year-old Robyn after having escaped and just returned to home. Her eyes tell the story. (Supplied)

Many purchased a copy.

Author talk at Emerald Library. (Afraa Kori)Locals had an opportunity to ask questions.

Owners

“We

cars that can be reserved free of charge when booking a service.

Founded in the ‘90s, Shane has been with New Belgrave since 1998 and enjoys working on older vehicles.

Sharing his passion Cindy said many mechanics shy away from older cars.

“We love them!” she said.

Cindy started with New Belgrave in 2007, doing the books on the weekends and the pair

bought the business in 2010, relocating from Belgrave to Ferntree Gully in 2018.

“Nearly all of our amazing customers still travel down the hill to see us for their servicing and repairs, and we are so very grateful for this support,” Cindy said.

Thoughtful touches like iconic lolly bags for the ride home and key rings with bottle openers highlight the team’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

The team will keep you updated via phone

calls and texts and there’s a comfy couch, coffee machine and free wifi.

Waiting customers can also get to know the shop budgie Mr Pickles (you read that correctly!) and puppy Lillee.

Trading hours are 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday, with an RDO every third Monday.

Pop in today and meet the crew at 19 Kevin Avenue Ferntree Gully.

Book now and get a free quote on 03 9125 6362.

New Belgrave Motors’ Max, Louis, Cindy and Shane provide customers with care and passion when servicing vehicles. (Stewart Chambers: 432497) New Belgrave Motors’ Cindy with Lillee and Mr Pickles, the resident pets. (432497)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Additions made to 2025 Women’s Day portrait series

Warburton photographer Suzanne Phoenix’s annual additions to her International Women’s Day (IWD) photographic portrait series have arrived, with an array of new names and faces featured.

This year’s new arrivals include a variety of Melbourne personalities including activists, actors, artists, authors, DJs, fashionistas, journalists, models, musicians, performers and producers.

Ms Phoenix said she is excited to bring together another 23 people into her IWD portrait series in 2025.

“I continue to collaborate with cis and trans women and gender diverse people, predominantly in Melbourne’s music and queer performance scenes, as a place to document and provide an uncensored voice,” she said.

“We continue to live in a society where gender-based violence and oppression is ever present so I continue to build on this annual series and I hope this work contributes in some way to changing perceptions and challenges everyone to reach beyond the staid IWD breakfast events.”

The new portraits added to the collection this year consist of:

• Writer, journalist and publisher of Archer Magazine Amy Middleton

• Singer and lyricist of Frenzee Apollonia Singer

• Singer and visual artist of Gut health Athina Uh oh

• Events producer, podcast producer and radio broadcaster Be? Zewdie

• Performer and maker of Cong Josie Camilla McKewen

• Singer, actor, author, speaker and entertainer Casey Donovan

• Musician Delfi Sorondo of The Maggie Pills

• Musician Emilee South

• Actor and activist Frankie Mazzone

• Artist Georgia Knight

• Artist Ginger Light

• Artist Grace Cummings

• Musician and record label co-founder Isobel Buckley (Blonde Revolver, Rack off Records, Gutter Girls 69)

• Writer and carer Karen Pickering

• Musician Kerri Simpson of Opelousas

• Musician, visual artist and filmmaker Lauren Hester (Private Function, Daddy Issues)

• Veteran Vamp fashionista Michelle Trebilco

• DJ, event curator and sound artist MzRizk

• Singer of RVG Romy Vager

• Musician Sarah Blaby (Plaster of Paris, The Maggie Pills, Double Vanity)

• Femicide researcher and social justice journalist Sherele Moody

• Artist Ursula Dutkiewicz

• Vocalist Zec Zechner (Plaster of Paris, Double Vanity)

Ms Phoenix is set to release a self-published book which will include both the portraits and each person’s uncensored written response to the question – ‘What Does International Women’s Day Mean to me?’

Casey Donovan said IWD is a time to reflect on the remarkable achievements of women throughout history.

“It’s a day and time to celebrate the strides made towards gender equality and acknowledge the ongoing fight for women’s rights worldwide,” she said.

“This day serves as an important reminder of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, it’s a time to honour the strength and resilience of women who have paved the way for future generations,”

“Let us continue to support and empower women every day to create a safe place to live, work and encourage our future generations.”

The series is in its 14th year and has featured hundreds of Melbourne’s cis and trans women in Ms Phoenix’s ‘signature black and white style.’

Sherele Moody said IWD is a powerful moment when women come together to save other women’s lives.

“It’s an opportunity to highlight the ongoing toll and impact of gendered violence on Australia while commemorating killed women and children,”

“We cannot move forward without change: The stories of killed women and children are the most powerful way to turn the page on violence in Australia.”

The portraits will be in-residence at Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (QVWC) during March sponsored by Australian Femicide Watch and SMLXL Fine Art Print Studio and supported by QVWC.

MzRizk said as someone who has navigated some of these challenges firsthand, International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the collective power they have to drive meaningful change.

“It motivates me to keep curating spaces and events that promote diversity and connection,” she said.

“Through music and the arts, I believe we can build bridges, challenge norms, and create a world where everyone’s voice is valued and celebrated.”

Ms Phoenix’s entire IWD project can be viewed at: suzannephoenix.com/iwd.

“I like to remind myself of all the incredible women in my life that have made spaces for me to shine and be free as Frankie,” Frankie Mazzone said.

International Women’s Day will be celebrated on Saturday 8 March 2025.

An eggxciting challenge

By Tanya Steele

Local artists of all kinds have been invited to step forward to paint emu eggs for an exhibition in April this year.

The aptly named Meggnificent Emu Eggxhibition approaches for the Sherbrooke Gallery in Sherbrooke and offers the chance for artists to try something a little different.

Volunteer Gallery Manager Glenda Ven Trojen said the gallery now was given the eggs as a donation at the end of 2023.

“I was offered a few of the eggs and I took them into the gallery and it went from there,” she said.

The volunteers proceeded from there to come up with an idea of decorating them as a fundraiser for the gallery.

The eggs came from the stockpile of an emu farm that has since shut down and has provided a challenge for local artists in the hills.

Decorating emu eggs is not a new concept, and has great cultural and historical context for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Indigenous artists today still decorate the eggs with carvings, depicting important animals, people, traditions and scenes from the past or present.

The exhibition, now in its second year is open to all ages and mediums so the hope is that people get creative and enter.

The emu eggs provide a challenge for the artist to see what they can come up with, as the eggs provide a dark surface and rounded.

“They vary a little in size and colour, I made faces out of mine,” Ms van Tojen said.

The local volunteer and artist participated last year and for her entry used recycled materials like feathers and gum nuts along with clay to fashion faces onto the emu eggs.

Entrants also have to provide a stand for their eggs and Ms van Trojen said they will have to get their thinking caps on.

“I like recycling, mine were balanced on candlestick stands – quirky they were,” she said.

“I tend to do things a bit differently, I didn’t paint mine.”

Last year other creatives painted a range of things like penguins and floral designs and Ms van Trojen said some were worried the eggs would be too hard to use.

““The eggshells themselves are very strong,”

she said.

Sherele Moody of Australian Femicide Watch. (Suzanne Phoenix)

Ms van Trojen said the gallery is always appreciative of donated art materials and the eggs are one of the more novel donations, providing a unique challenge for the artists of the hills.

“It’s great that we can use the eggs,” she said. Entries close on Saturday 22 March and delivery of the eggs is by 4 April .

The exhibit will open at the gallery on Saturday 12 April at 2pm.

The egg-cellent entries will then remain on display until May 4. For more information, please contact the Sherbrooke Gallery, Sherbrooke Art Society at 62 Monbulk Road, Belgrave on (03) 9754 4264.

The exhibit last year saw emu eggs transformed in a myriad of ways. (Supplied)Second place entrant Carol painted a duo of penguins.

Touch of Greece for hills

By Tanya Steele

The Hills are set to come alive with the sound of bouzaki as a local band brings Greek music and culture to Belgrave in mid March.

A musical history transition through the ages will see Estudiantina of Melbourne play their first ever Hills Hellenica Festival (Volume One) on 16 March at the Sooki Lounge.

Selby local Con Kalamaras is part of the seven piece ensemble bringing Greek music to Belgrave in a few weeks and said the music keeps him connected to his culture.

“The event serves to celebrate Hellenic culture and having lived in Selby for a while, It’s really quite a creative community, but I felt like there was kind of lacking a bit of world music diversity,” he said.

“I haven’t really seen any European kind of music there and my aim is to do more of that.”

Kalamaras said he will be playing both a bouzouki and an oud on the evening with his group which will feature multiple singers, a guitarist, a violinist and other instruments like the baglama and accordion.

“The ensemble are a collection of different people from different backgrounds – they’re not all Greek, but they all do love and play Greek music,” he said.

The ability to bring Greek music to the hills has emerged from weekly jam sessions run by Kalamaras and a friend in Clifton Hill for over five years.

“We identified that there was a gap between established musicians and people who were just starting out in Greek music,” he said.

“There wasn’t really a platform for people to learn and play – so we started a weekly jam in Clifton Hill.”

The weekly sessions have born fruit and Kalamaras said over time they’ve noticed younger people come in to join, and then skill up.

“Three of the members that are in the ensem-

ble have come through that,” he said.

“It’s generated a lot of interest with younger people, second and third-generation Greeks, and also non-Greek people.”

Kalamaras said playing Greek music for him provides a sense of identity and connection to his culture.

“Connection to your language and also your history as well,” he said.

“Any music, regardless if it’s Greek or any other music, is a cultural snapshot of music at a specific time.”

The group largely play Greek music that’s reflective of the music from the 1920s to the 1950s and is known as Greek urban music.

“It’s commonly known as abethika, which is loosely, the equivalent of the Greek blues,” said Kalamaras

“I think that snapshot of history is preserved through this music, as with other genres as well,”

Theatre group spreads wings

By Dongyun Kwon

A new theatre company wants to provide a production opportunity to people in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

Hills Act Theatre Company was formed in September last year by Healesville resident Phil Stephenson.

Mr Stephenson has been in the theatre industry for about 45 years and now hopes to use his talents and experience to foster future theatre stars.

The founder said the main focus of the company is to get younger people on board to teach all different aspects of theatre.

“Last year, I thought it would be a great idea if I could use anything that I’ve learnt from the theatre to teach younger people who were trying to get into the theatre but couldn’t,” he said. “I will look at plays that support younger people not only as actors but as directors, stage managers, set designers and everything.”

Mr Stephenson went to the Victorian College of the Arts. He also spent a year at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) before leaving to experience film.

“I did a few films and I dropped out because I wasn’t interested in the industry,” Stephenson said. “I came back to (theatre) and did a lot of amateur theatre in different places in Queensland, in Noosa, down here, in Lilydale and Glen Waverley.”

Ten people have joined the company and are now preparing for their first production Breathless which will be put on at The Memo, Healesville in April and May.

“The cast we’ve got are very varied. There are some who have had an experience and some who have never actually been on the stage,” the founder said. “We’ve got a mix of people there who want to learn and they’re all at different levels, and it’s exciting to see them all come together.”

Ettie McCarthy and Harrison Garratt both recently graduated from Healesville High School. Since high school, they have been interested in theatre production and have done some theatre productions together.

461087)

The two friends have joined the Hills Act Theatre Company to continue developing their skills.

Ms McCarthy is now taking the role of assistant director to support Stephenson but is also practising acting skills.

“When you leave high school, you feel very untethered to any community, and one of the biggest lack of connection that I was going to miss was theatre,” McCarthy said. “Because that was something you could always go to in high school.”

Mr Garratt said he wanted to have more theatre experience.

“I was looking around, trying to find some theatre companies I might be able to join,” he said. “I just finished a two-year course in screen acting at the Australian College of Dramatic Arts last year.”

he said.

“Regardless of what any genre, good music never ages, and that’s why I’m drawn to it because it keeps me connected to our culture.”

Kalamaras said people in Australia because there are so many different cultures living here.

“The amount of younger people that are engaging in Greek music, it’s really quite exciting,” he said.

The largest concentration of Greek Australians live here in Victoria and Estudiantina of Melbourne in turn will pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of Greece.

The band plans to play to play a mixture of Greek music from Asia Minor and also Greek music from mainland Greece.

Asia Minor Greeks, also known as Asiatic Greeks or Anatolian Greeks, were the ethnic Greek populations who resided in Asia Minor, a peninsula in Western Asia that constitutes most

of modern-day Turkey.

They settled there starting in the 13th century BC due to Greek colonization and remained until the forceful population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923 , some Greek communities in Asia Minor continue to exist today.

“Greek music from the 1920s does have that Eastern feel about it, and we’re going to be delving into that,” said Kalamaras.

“What we tend to play is a chronological repertoire of Greek music from the 20s and 30s and then the 40s and 50s,” he said.

Kalamaras said he will be playing a few of his favourite composers but can’t pin it down to a particular song.

“There’s quite a few different composers who I like playing their repertoire because it’s a certain style,” he said.

Kalamaras said he is excited to bring Greek music to the hills after a making a career in inner Melbourne playing music all over the city.

“Every band that I bring over from Greece, I bring them up to the hills, and we have jams at our house,” he said.

“I firmly believe that there are people out there who would be interested in it.”

In the future the local musician said he would like to get more world music happening in the Hills.

“I would like to run a regular world music jam night in the hills,” he said.

“Just invite anybody to come along with their instrument and cut loose.”

“That’s where magic happens – when people who don’t normally play together, get together.”

The festival is on the afternoon of 16 March at the Sooki Lounge and Kalamaras said he encourages people to embrace this music.

“If we get a really good response from this event, I want to make it a regular thing,” he said.

“I really want to ramp it up.”

Not only theatre experience, the Hills Act Theatre Company also provides a space for social connection. Ms McCarthy said they’ve created a little group outside the theatre.

“We’ve all become very close, very quickly,” she said.

For more information, please contact Hills Act Theatre Company via email at hillsacttheatre@gmail.com, a phone call at 0480191058, or search up Hills Act Theatre Company on Facebook and Instagram.

L-R: Harrison Garratt, Phil Stephenson, and Ettie McCarthy. (Dongyun Kwon:

Local act Estudiantina of Melbourne plan to take Belgrave on a musical journey. (Supplied)

Athenaeum’s history

By Joy Gothe

The building known today as the Athenaeum Theatre has served the community for many major events, some of those being, roller skating, balls, movies, meetings, and concerts including those given by Dame Nellie Melba.

Starting Life as a Mechanics Institute and Free Lending Library in 1888, it was the centre of cultural life for the Lilydale community.

By the 1890s, performers and travelling companies offered a variety of musical and dramatic entertainment never seen before, which included – dramatic plays, comedies, pantomimes, and vibrant music hall revues, along with Horticultural Shows, talks and lectures on every topic

imaginable.

Entertainment promoters brought to the people of Lilydale many unusual acts and artists, such as bellringers, illusionists, ventriloquists, elocutionists and even Wax Models from Madame Tussauds.

This was also a time to present to the public astonishing new science inventions such as the gramophone, cinematograph, x-ray images, the bioscope limelight and many other photographic wonders.

This of course led to the hall becoming a movie theatre, from the silent movies through to the talkies of the 1930s.

This period of time also saw the popularity rise

Clap hands for The Monkey

The Monkey Starring Theo James, Tatiana Maslany and Colin O’Brien MA15+

4.25/5

Based on a short story by Stephen King, The Monkey is a frightening, frequently funny and finely-crafted horror-comedy.

Twin brothers Hal and Bill Shelburn (both played by Theo James) contend with a cursed monkey toy that causes death and disaster around them.

James plays Hal as a kind, reserved man doing his best both as an estranged father and against a paranormal threat, but is also dementedly fun as Hal’s fanatical jerk brother Bill.

The Monkey is much sillier by design than writer-director Osgood Perkins’ prior film Longlegs, but the first act manages plenty of pathos even through the wacky heightened reality, exemplified by Tatiana Maslany as the twins’ morbid but warm mother Lois.

The grisly deaths are laughably absurd in a good way (though a couple are a little too over-the-top), and Perkins remains a master of steady, white-knuckle build-up.

Through the brothers’ fraught relationship and Bill’s bitterness, the monkey toy serves as

an effective metaphor for generational trauma and how we should come to terms with it and not hide from it or let it fester.

The one weak link is Colin O’Brien as Hal’s son Petey; while O’Brien gives a solid performance and their connection is purposefully written as distant, it just doesn’t give much for the viewer to latch onto.

I also can’t help but feel a sense of Chekhov’s Gun disappointment from Elijah Wood’s cameo as Ted; the film introduces a smarmy guru character who you’d want the monkey to kill, but Ted survives by the end.

As long as you like a strong dose of silly in your horror, The Monkey is a tense, well-acted watch full of dread and laughs, and is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

A classic coming-of-age

Book review of Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the release of the iconic Australian film Looking for Alibrandi.

But this article is about the YA novel of the same name by Melina Marchetta, from which the film was adapted.

Published in 1992 as Marchetta’s debut novel, Looking for Alibrandi won the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) ‘Children’s Book of the Year Award: Older Readers’ in 1993. It remains a widely celebrated coming-of-age story today.

Set in 1990s Sydney, the story features Josephine Alibrandi, a 17-year-old Italian-Australian girl in her final year of high school.

Josie is ambitious and outspoken, and despises those Anglo-Australian students from elite socio-economic backgrounds who constantly discriminate against her Italian, working-class and single-parent family.

As if completing her HSC is not hard enough, Josie’s life is complicated by the sudden appearance of her estranged father Michael, as well as her relationships with two boys, high achiever John and rebellious Jacob. Worse, she is confronted with the secrets behind her grandmother Katia’s and her mother Christina’s lives as single women.

The book makes an interesting read today because there is no Internet and social media, no anxiety about climate change, and no emotional and psychological distress about gender and sexuality. Instead, life is all about family and relationships, and the formation of one’s identity is very much based on one’s interaction with and response to the demands of daily existence.

That is not to say the book is an easy read.

Quite the opposite: Josie’s reflections reveal the constant and complex struggles of growing up – how to map and maintain interpersonal

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

boundaries, how to navigate the murky waters of love, loyalty and trust, and how to decipher the ambiguous senses of words such as ‘self’, ‘belonging’ and ‘loss’.

One of the highlights in the book is Josie’s relationship with John, who very much reminds this reviewer of the character Neil Perry in the 1989 film Dead Poets Society.

The author delves into the many ways in which Josie and John feel connected with each other, slowly deepening their friendship even when Josie is developing a romantic interest in Jacob.

This makes what happens to John near the end of the story particularly devastating, both to Josie and to us as readers.

Meanwhile, in the book, the outcome of Josie’s relationship with Jacob is delicately handled and becomes another milestone in her journey of selfdiscovery.

In comparison, Josie’s relationship with Michael is richly explored, and her love for Christina is fierce and heart-warming.

In turn, Katia’s backstory is beautifully explained and offers a rare glimpse into Australia’s Italian migrant communities in the 1950s.

If you love Looking for Alibrandi as a film, please read the book as well.

Through the eyes of teenager Josie, you will find insights into a multicultural Australia that deserves understanding and respect.

of the Fancy Dress, Bachelor and Spinster Balls.

After World War II, dances became really popular with jazz bringing yet another style of music and entertainment to the region.

In 1946, the town held its own Victory Ball at the end of the war, which was followed by many Debutante and Hunt Club Balls.

To celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the town held a Coronation Ball in June 1953.

From the 1960s onwards, teenage dances became popular, with the new youth culture, Rock and Roll had arrived.

The Athenaeum saw many exciting performers of the era, such as Diana Trask, Ernie Sigley

CARTOON

and his Amateur Hour, Colin Cook, Grantley Dee, The Twilights, with Glen Shorrock, The Valentines with Bon Scott, and The Masters Apprentices with Jim Keays and Glenn Wheatley. By the 1970s, dances were so popular Lilydale won the right to host Battle of the Bands in 1972. I have only given you a small taste of all the weird and wonderful events that have occurred in this fabulous building, so the next time you visit or walk past just think about what wonderful stories and secrets are hidden within.

If you are interested in discovering more about the history of Lilydale’s buildings and past visit our website at lilydalehistorical.com.au or email: info@lilydalehistorical.com.au

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Moon Over Buffalo

The lights dimmed; the audience prepared but the curtains did not rise.

Two productions coming Kemp’s curtain call

A scuffle was heard at the entrance, then a group of actors were seen running sown the aisles in period costume and sword fighting all the way to the stage where they had a swordfight on the stairs leading to the stage.

It was the actors playing Cyrano de Bergerac.

The setting was Buffalo New York in a small theatre. The curtains opened to a scene off stage where there were two levels.

It was furnished as a living room and as the show is a delightful farce it had five doors which were used to full advantage.

The leading man was George Hay, played by Brett Hyland giving an outstanding performance particularly when he was drunk.

A terrific performer and loved by the audience.

His wife, Charlotte Hay, was played by Audrey-Maeve Barker, who was good balance to Brett and also gave a stirring performance as the wronged wife but in view of the fact a leading director from Hollywood was coming to see the show and perhaps cast George and Charlotte in his current film.

Ethel was the deaf grandma and played by Julie Arnold. A wonderful performance particularly when she did not have her hearing aid in.

Rosalind, Ethel’s granddaughter and daughter of George and Charlotte was played by Francesca Carl.

A young lady not interested in the stage nor the boyfriend her parents chose but her current boyfriend, a complete nerd.

Another wonderful performance and her scenes were a sheer delight.

The boyfriend Howard was played by Mark Cluning. Mark really captured the role as en-

visaged and giving a great performance.

Paul, the stage manager and Rosalind’s ex was played by Josh Mitchell who certainly added to the high standard set and was enjoyed by the audience.

Richard, the wealthy lawyer who was wooing Charlotte was played by Mark Crowe. Mark captured the role with professionalism giving a good interpretation of such a character.

Then there was Eileen, who George not only had an affair but Eileen was played by Madeline Connolly who gave a terrific performance as the wronged young lady of the tale. All in all a wonderful evening of comedy and at the cost of repeating oneself the use of doors was amazing, the timing was spot on and as one door closed another opened immediately. The other comedy bits were spot on and a very successful evening of comedy was produced by Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre. The Round Theatre Life in Plastic

A Christie Whelan Browne Production Christine Whelan Browne takes us from girlhood to womanhood and motherhood trough pop songs, anecdotes and a few surprising costume changes.

This brand new, deeply personal, bubble gum pop cabaret is a dazzling array of disco hits and a sparkling celebration of sisterhood, because girls just want to have fundamental tights.

• Season: Friday 28 February at 7.30pm.

Living in the plastic age

By Maria Millers

How often are you overwhelmed by the amount of waste your household generates on a weekly basis?

With three dedicated bins you would think there would be no problem.

But there is a problem of what to do with the ever growing plastic waste and how to dispose of it.

Australians are the biggest consumers of single-use plastic waste globally, producing an average of 59kg of plastic waste per person a year.

The more plastic that we use, the more fossil fuels we need, and in turn, we exacerbate climate change.

And while plastics disposal is not the only waste issue with E-waste, food waste, textile and fast fashion waste, plastic pollution remains of major concern because of its longevity.

It can take hundreds if not thousands of years to break down and tiny particles now contaminate air, water and food with unknown long term health effects.

Plastics have been around for a long time but it was during the post war boom that they became a staple in everyday life replacing glass, metal and wood in packaging, household goods and construction.

And lately there has been an explosion in the use of single use of cheap, disposable plastics. You call it a gift, this plastic that surrounds you.

You wrap it around everything, and throw it, carelessly, into the spaces that could have been free.

But now, it’s us.

We are the plastic, we breathe it in.

Excerpt: We Are The Plastic by Shivanee Ramlochan

In this age of online shopping we constantly

WOORILLA WORDS

face the problem of how to dispose of not just cardboard but a variety of plastics of various grades, some like the bubble wrap and polystyrene beads used for cushioning fragile items.

But it’s not just online shopping that contributes to the growing worldwide problem.

There is an over packaging of most supermarket items.

Even fresh produce is now more likely to be encased in a plastic container.

Similarly non-food items are packaged purely for ease of display.

And then there’s the convenience factor.

It’s so much easier to grab pre -packaged fruit than to select from a container of loose ones.

A roll of cling film is found in most kitchen drawers and it’s the easy go to item to store food, cover leftovers and many other uses.

Thin and contaminated with food residue and, unlike hard plastics, it has a low market value, so there is little incentive to recycle.

And then there’s the out of sight out of mind attitude, and why so much ends up in landfill.

I wonder what it would be like

To live in a world where plastic does not reign—

Where we could breathe without choking

On the weight of the things we’ve made.

Excerpt: Plastic by David Berman

There are now five plastic accumulation

zones in the world’s oceans, the largest The Great Pacific Patch is located halfway between Hawaii and California and is three times the size of France.

It’s estimated that 1.15 to 2.41 million tonnes of plastic are entering the ocean each year from rivers, eventually breaking down into microplastics which end up in the food chain and in our bodies.

We call it the patch, but it’s not fabric,

it’s not something you sew or mend, it’s plastic, breaking down in the ocean, tangled in the currents.

The sea holds it in her mouth

Excerpt: Abigail Chabitnoy, Great Pacific Garbage Patch

It is estimated that about 148 kilograms of plastic is discarded per person annually, it seems obvious that reducing plastic use is needed, as well as improving recycling and developing biodegradable alternatives.

Several countries have already successfully taken steps to ban, tax, or reduce plastic waste.

It may surprise you to see that leading the way are countries like Rwanda. Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is one of the cleanest cities in the world.

But plastics are a billion dollar business tied to the fossil fuel industry which carries a lot of political influence and lobbying power.

Waste has always been a human challenge, but our present economy is based on overproduction and a disposable culture and this is most visible in the plastic waste we are surrounded by.

The following poem draws our attention to the wasteful consumerism that leads to the invasive nature of plastic waste in our surroundings. It is the wrapping of the world, invisible but there, clinging to everything,

a second skin we don’t see but are shaped by.

Plastic by Julia Copus

There are grass root groups aware of the problems that plastics cause and some are making conscious decisions to curb discretional spending and avoid having to dispose of plastic packaging.

At first this may be seen as not good news for small businesses.

The key is to rethink how businesses can make money—focusing on longevity, services, efficiency, and sustainability rather than sheer volume of sales. It’s possible to reduce consumption while keeping businesses profitable and people employed.

It’s already happening with companies like Patagonia encouraging and providing customers with the means of mending and repairing.

However, despite the environmental concerns, plastic play a crucial role in many areas where its properties—like durability, flexibility, and lightweight nature—offer benefits that alternatives can’t easily match: healthcare and medicine, renewable energy, space exploration, electronic innovation.

In the end waste is a critical global issue requiring coordinated efforts from individuals, businesses, and governments. Just addressing one aspect of the plastics problem in our daily habits is a step in the right direction.

Plastic has infiltrated both the environment and our consciousness, becoming a symbol of consumerism and waste.

The dreams of our ancestors were never wrapped in plastic.

But we’ve become used to it— to the flicker of synthetic promises, to the rustle of bags in the wind. Our future is moulded, shaped in the plastic that never fades.

Excerpt: Melissa R. Sipin Plastic Dreams

PUZZLES

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 Fugitive (7)

5 Fierce wind (7)

9 Creator’s protection (9)

10 Shoals (5)

11 Verse (6)

12 Advantageously (8)

14 Instrumental work (6)

15 Area on the body consisting of pelvis and upper thigh bones (4)

19 Merit (4)

20 Surpass (6)

24 Pseudonyms (3-5)

25 Very small pool of rainwater (6)

27 Woody plants (5)

28 Everlasting (9)

29 Stableman (7)

30 Show (7)

DOWN

1 Formula (6)

2 City and port in Italy (6)

3 Studio (8)

4 Physical and mental discipline (4)

5 Online metropolitan guide (10)

6 Bottle for the table (6)

7 Superimposed (8)

8 Writer of essays (8)

13 Warden of wildlife on an estate (10)

16 Discharge (6)

17 Royal family member (8)

18 Leave by will to another (8)

21 Hanging tuft of threads (6)

22 Meaning modifier (6)

23 Michael Jackson song (4,2)

26 Impel (4)

YOUR OWN RESORT WITH VIEWS TO DIE FOR

YOUR OWN RESORT WITH VIEWS TO DIE FOR AND GREAT HORSE FACILITIES

PRIVATELY located at the end of a quiet street, this property affords you a lifestyle that many can only dream of.

Unparalleled for location and with amazing views, the infrastructure for this property is almost and endless list. A magnificent offering for both family and those with equine pursuits.

Built and maintained to an exacting standard the property is an entertainers’ paradise and great for family living.

The Residence: 4 bedrooms, 1 study, 2 bathrooms.

A quality finished home that includes a luxurious master suite with fitted walk in robe and ensuite. All rooms are positioned perfectly to take advantage of the stunning surrounds and picturesque views. Finished to a high standard you will be impressed CBUS system throughout and the automated everyday items, floor heating to the marble bathrooms, the jarrah cabinetry in the kitchen showcasing the Glem double ovens, Miele induction cook tops, new microwave and Caesar Stone benches. The library is, in the agents opinion, the best room in the house (and there are so many choices!), featuring leather inlaid jarrah desk and a secret passageway. Multiple living zones offer choices with one offering a local stone wall and new wood heater.

Entertain in Style: Indoors and Out.

The lower level of the home is all about entertaining and enjoyment with an inbuilt bar, dishwasher, games room and a home cinema that will put gold class to shame. Outside features a huge undercover decking featuring automated blinds, from where you can access the inground pool, change room, toilet and outdoor shower, and a separate sauna. You can have fabulous BBQs all year round from the large decking - ideal for parties and another opportunity to take in the incredible view!

Equine Infastructure:

Full sized arena 60 x 20 with viewing platform. 4 stables. Hot and cold water. Designated shed with washing machine, tack store and food store. Washing line. Tractor and Hay shed. 10 paddocks, many with post and rail fencing, all watered from spring fed dam.

Notable Features:

20 glorious acres with beautiful established gardens and trees offering 3 sealed driveways offering not only ample parking but the opportunity to turn your truck or float around without having to back up, automated gates (one gate does not work), 3 car garage with interior access, huge workshop, shed, solar, generator, wood store, 2 dams and a Billabong and neighbouring creek along a boundary,

basketball area, CCTV, aluminium windows, steel and concrete stumps, attic ladder roof accessibility, refrigerated cooling, ducted

heating, a split system, and a wood fire. Come and see this magnificent property for yourself, you will be impressed. If you think

11 Brodrick Road, Macclesfield ticks all your boxes on paper, wait until you view it in person. We are proud to show you.

BUYER CONFIDENCE GROWS IN THE OUTER EAST

THE luxury of browsing the housing market is predicted to change as buyer confidence grows in the outer east, influenced by the first interest rate cut in four years.

Bell Real Estate agent Samantha Scott said a “flurry of buyers” have returned to the Dandenong Ranges and eastern suburbs area, with a viewing to selling turnaround of seven days.

“Up here in the hills, days on market were around 40, but we’ve just sold two properties, in that under a million mark, in seven days,” she said.

Even prior to the Reserve Bank of Australia announcement on Tuesday 18 February, Ms Scott said the media speculation garnered a shift in property offers and inspection rates.

Ms Scott said the increase in buyer numbers has meant some properties have seen three, four or five offers, as well as over 100 inspections in two weeks which is “huge for up here”.

Properties reaching 60 to 90 days on the market have also been gaining traction, seeing a rush of interest.

“There’s a lot of stock on the market, with all the agencies up here. A lot of it has been on since before Christmas, and a lot of it is now just moving.

“We’ve got offers on probably 20 per cent of our stock lists that have been around for a while, but now all of a sudden the confidence of people with the interest rates heading the right direction, and thinking, now’s the time to make a move and it is, if you’re buying and selling in the same market, it’s quite relative.

“The thing you’ve got to remember about the hills, and the further out in the suburbs we cover, is the inner suburbs are starting to move quite quickly, and it filters out to us. So now is still a really good time to buy and sell in the area.”

Although buying and selling has been steady over the last year, Ms Scott said it has

been a welcome shift in the market.

“It’s been really frustrating with the unknown. There were a couple of months last year and then the start of this year of being in the unknown because we haven’t had an interest rate go backwards for over four years.

“There was still a lot of trepidation and people trying to hold out and put their lives on hold. It’s really exciting for the people out there looking for properties, and then also for the people out there who want to make a move or change their lifestyle and sell their properties.”

But with the movement and interest in properties, Ms Scott said the luxury of house hunting and taking time to purchase will fade.

“If you like something, buy it, they’re moving really quickly. Now you have to be a bit more conscious of preparation, and they won’t have

WELCOME TO SIMON COHEN

VIEW.COM.AU, Australia’s premier property research and free listings platform, is excited to welcome Simon Cohen - one of Australia’s most respected real estate professionals - as its Property Expert and ambassador.

With 20 years of industry experience, Cohen is the founder and director of Cohen Handler, Australia’s largest residential buyer’s agency, and a trusted advisor to his clients. Known for securing record-breaking deals, he has built a reputation as one of the country’s most influential figures in real estate. Cohen is also widely recognised as a star of Amazon Prime’s Luxe Listings Sydney and a judge on Channel 7’s Dream Home.

In his new role as view.com.au’s Property Expert and ambassador, Cohen will be providing a key voice across property media, offering expert insights and market analysis to help Australians navigate real estate with confidence. He will feature as a property expert on Seven West Media’s news and entertainment platforms, produce exclusive content across view. com.au, ACM publications, and Seven West Media assets including Seven News and 7News.com.au and all of this amplified via social media assets. These assets combined have the potential to reach a 17 million* strong monthly national audience.

“As someone who lives and breathes

real estate, I’m excited to partner with view. com.au to help Australians make smarter property decisions,“ said Cohen.

“View.com.au is not just changing the way people research and find property, it’s disrupting the way agents find vendors, and I’m thrilled to share my knowledge, experience, and passion to help guide buyers, sellers, and agents alike.“

Antony Catalano, Chairman of View Media Group, praised Cohen’s appointment for view.com.au, saying,

“Simon Cohen is one of the most trusted and knowledgeable voices in Australian real estate. His expertise, credibility, and deep industry connections align perfectly with our mission to empower Australians with the best property insights and provide a complete view of the property market. We’re thrilled to have him on board as we expand our reach to Australian audiences through our media partnerships with Seven West Media and ACM.”

As part of the view.com.au family, Cohen will also be sharing his personal journey in real estate, offering insights into building a thriving career, and providing valuable advice on branding, negotiation, and client success - helping agents elevate their business in a competitive market.

Stay tuned for exclusive industry insights from one of the real estate industry’s best.

the luxury of spending weeks shopping around because houses are going to start selling,” she said.

Her advice to buyers: have pre-approval or financing ready and if selling their own house, ensure it is prepared to go on the market.

For sellers, in the Hills especially, April is the best month, with autumn providing a beautiful backdrop for potential buyers.

“Our April sales are traditionally our best month, and anything that is really well presented, immaculate and priced right in the market (will sell),” Ms Scott said.

Buying an established property, Ms Scott said “you’re really winning in this market”, with some “people still a bit intimidated by renovation, unless it’s priced really well”.

“It will do the flip, if you can get your hands

on a block of land, especially a block of land with a permit, that will become more desirable as time goes on as well,” she said.

Bell Real Estate, being one of the largest networks in the Yarra Ranges, covering from Montrose to Yarra Glen to Gembrook, Ms Scott said “booming” suburbs like Montrose, Kilsyth, Upwey and Belgrave and affordable market areas like Cockatoo, are selling really well.

“If you’re selling, the presentation, have everything, what you’ve got, looking as best as it possibly can will ensure a quick and successful sale, and when you’re buying, be pre-approved and have your ducks in a row because the market’s going to start moving a lot faster.”

HOME FOCUS

WELCOME TO ‘FERNBROOK’

IMAGINE a place not far away, but a million miles from all the stresses of city living. A fully renovated, modern home among the gum trees with space for all the family, and only a couple of minutes from Cockatoo, a picturesque country town that is big enough for a supermarket, but small enough that the locals have time to stop and chat.

Less than 50km from central Melbourne, in the Dandenong Ranges, is Fernbrook. A stylish 4 bedroom home with a full kitchen, laundry and two and a half bathrooms.

You will love living at Fernbrook. Whether it is having a barbecue on the tree-top deck overlooking the garden, kicking a football on one of the lawns or perhaps you prefer the firepit and conversation circle in the front garden. There is also a wood fireplace and, nestled at the bottom of a beautifully landscaped native garden, a burbling stream surrounded by giant tree ferns. You can wander down to the stream for a picnic under the pergola or even dangle your toes in the water and look for fish from the bridge. There is something to discover around every corner at Fernbrook.

Kids and nature lovers will love the bird life with kookaburras, rosellas, king parrots (hand feed) , cockatoos and honeyeaters are always around. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot Charlie, our resident wombat, or Spike, our local echidna.

Inside the house your every need is catered for, with 4 bedrooms, the master bedroom with full en suite, giant wardrobe with a clever builtin makeup vanity. The three further bedrooms are comfortable in size, built-in robes and the fourth would make the ideal office for those that can work from home.

The open plan includes a kitchen with an integrated breakfast bar that is fully equipped including Ceasar stone bench tops, a pantry, an electric induction stovetop and under bench oven.

You may wish to snuggle up in front of the slow combustion wood fire that even doubles as a pizza or bakery oven plus you have the comfort of ducted central heating.

The private garden wonderland of 2,213 sqm ( half an acre) has a wood shed, ample under-house walk-in storage and a double carport.

The entire area abounds in beautiful forests and forest walks, including the acclaimed Wright Forest Bushland Reserve.

Cockatoo Country Market is the first Saturday of every month, and Mt Burnett

Observatory is just down the road. And right through the middle of town runs Puffing Billy. If you listen at the right times, you can hear his cheery whistle from Fernbrook as he steams along between Gembrook and Emerald. Gembrook is just 6km from Cockatoo and boasts ‘The Independent’ Argentinian restaurant (highly recommended), interesting shops and Bunyip State Park. Just 6km in the other direction lies Emerald, with its cafes, restaurants, award-winning bakery, Emerald Lake Park and ‘Pick-Your-Own’ berry farms. And beyond that, of course, the entire Dandenong Ranges is there for you, with the famous townships of Belgrave, Sassafras and Olinda, celebrated gardens, quirky shops, stunning forests and beautiful drives. SO come and get away from it all at Fernbrook! You can book your inspection or see you at the open day.

13 Lisheen

Contact: Grant Skipsey 0418 528 102, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111

CHARMINGHOMEON1289SQM

Thischarminghomeofferstheperfectblendofcomfort,spaceandconvenience.Ideal foranyoneseekinga peacefulretreatwithmodernlivingamenities.Featuresinclude 2 livingareas,a Potbelly fireplace,GDH,S/System,secondlivingzonedownstairswitha 4thbedroom/teenager’sretreat/dedicatedhomeofficeoption.Outdoorsincludean entertainingdeck,a fullyfencedyard,a largeunder-houseworkshop/storageareaanda storageunitgreatforwoodorbikes.SituatedwithinwalkingdistancetovibrantBelgrave

JanBrewster 0409558805

AUCTIONat7pmWed.19/03/25onsite

Morethanjustanopportunityfor aquieterlifestyleor afashionabletree-change,thisisan incrediblyrarechancetoplaceyourselfona ‘highpoint’ofthemuchsoughtafterKallista ridge.Standingproudon3 ACrESwithsweepingviewsofSilvanDam& Warburton ranges.Featuringanentertainingareaadjacenttotheswimmingpoolwithspa,wallsof glass,bluestonefeaturedfireside,familyroom,rumpusroom,stunningnearnewkitchen, internalspa,longsweepingdriveway&aMASSIVEopengarage &workshop/storage.

GrantSkipsey 0418528102 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

AMAZINGVIEWSON1435SQM

AlisonBarkley 0494175410

‘Birtledean’ -anamazingopportunityforlifestylechangers,setin aquietlocationwithan amazinggarden,studioandplentyofcaraccommodation.Otherfeaturesincludehighqualityfixtures &fittings,wood fire,centralkitchenwitha Neffstove.Bespokevanity& leadlight,timberfloors,double-glazeddoors& windows, retractablefly screens,concrete stumps,new roof,GDH,split system,fans,circulardriveway,man/lady cavewithpotbelly &bar,a chookhaven,woodshed,water tanksx 4, greenhouseandallfencedtoo. 2 A 1 B 3 C

MickDolphin 0429684522

AnthonyIorlano 0494142438

HOME FOCUS

EXQUISITE COUNTRY RETREAT

NESTLED at the serene end of a no-through road in picturesque Gembrook, with a walking track that leads to Main Street Gembrook and direct access to Gembrook Park, this exceptional property offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and comfort. Set on an expansive 1/2 acre, the residence is enveloped by meticulously landscaped gardens, providing a private sanctuary for its occupants.

As you approach via the circular driveway, the charm of the undercover front deck, crafted from premium Jarrah timber, becomes immediately apparent. This inviting space offers a perfect vantage point to admire the lush surroundings.

Upon entering, the tiled foyer seamlessly transitions into the lounge and dining area, where the rich hues of West Australian Karri timber flooring exude warmth and sophistication. Expansive windows flood the space with natural light and doors offer direct access to the front deck, creating a harmonious indoor-outdoor flow. The central gas log fire serves as a focal point, complemented by gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling throughout ensuring yearround comfort.

The gourmet kitchen is a culinary enthusiast’s dream, featuring a generous island bench with exquisite stone countertops, a 900mm gas stovetop, dishwasher, and a spacious walk-in pantry. The adjacent rear deck, accessible through glass doors, provides an ideal setting for alfresco dining and entertaining.

The master suite, situated at the front

of the home, offers a serene retreat. Plush carpeting, a ceiling fan, and a charming box bay window create a perfect nook for relaxation. The walk-in robe and fabulous ensuite enhance the suite’s appeal.

Three additional well-appointed bedrooms, each with built-in robes, are located down the hallway. They share a centrally positioned family bathroom with a separate toilet. The large laundry, with an abundance of storage, providing convenient outdoor access.

The outdoor spaces are designed for both leisure and functionality. The expansive undercover back deck, complete with a built-in BBQ area, is perfect for hosting gatherings.

A dedicated fire pit area offers a spot for evening relaxation. Additional features include a garden shed, potting shed, and a wellestablished vegetable garden nourished by three water tanks. Practical amenities such as a generator plug and a substantial 10m x 9m garage with an extra long double carport, designed to accommodate caravan storage, further enhance the property’s versatility.

This residence epitomizes refined country living, seamlessly blending elegance with modern conveniences in a tranquil Gembrook setting.

This property has it all so don’t miss outcall to arrange a private inspection today.

Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office.

2621sqmblockincockatooistheperfectblendofrustic charmwithmoderncomfort,witha gated,sealeddrivewayofferingplentyofspacefor acaravan orboat,& walkingdistancetotown.Enterthroughtheundercoververandah,wheretimberflooring &tallceilingscreate awarm,invitingambiance.Thegenerousloungeroom,witha woodfire &s/s foryear-roundcomfort.Thekitchen/diningareabathedinnaturallightfrom alargeskylightisboth functional &elegant.Withexposedbrickwalls,softclosecabinetry& stonebenchtops.Themaster bedroomfeaturingstunningleadlightwindows,WIR& ensuite.Stepouttotheundercoverarea withviewsofthebackgarden.Threeadditionalbedroomsfeatureclerestorywindows.Fullyfenced garden,witha courtyard,veggiepatchwithwateraccess,gardenshed,& fencedrearpaddock.

apeacefullifestyle.Theloungeroom offersanopenfireplace& thereisnewhydronicheatingthroughout.Thediningspaceisbathedin naturallight &opensonto aspaciousdeck.Thekitchenfeaturestimberbenchtops& gascooktop, allundertheglowofa skylight &overlookingthefamilyroom/2ndlivingareawithbackyard access.FeaturesincludeTassieoakflooring& stunningrakedtimberceilings.Thereare2 bedrooms downstairsadjacenttothefamilybathroom.A uniquespiralstaircaseleadstotheupperlevel,tothe masterretreatfeaturing aprivatebalcony& ensuite&a4thbedroom,home/office.Outside alarge singlegarageprovidessecureparking& storagespace,twoshedsforwoodstorage &workshop options.

Solid &SpaciousFamilyHomeon aPrivateAcre! Nestledona privateacre,this3-bedroom,2-bathroomhomeofferstheperfectblendofspace &tranquillity.Thoughtfullypositionedatthecentreoftheblock &surroundedbynaturalbeauty, thishomeisdesignedforbothrelaxation& convenience.JustminutesfromCockatoomain street,CockatooPrimarySchool &easyfreewayaccess.Inside,2 expansivelivingareasprovide plentyofspace. Astunningbrickfeaturewallwith alargewoodheatercreatesa warm &inviting atmosphere.Thecentralkitchen,witha breakfastbar,flowsseamlesslyintotheliving/diningspaces. Largewindowsthroughoutframebreath-takingviewsofthelushsurroundings,fillingtheinteriorswith naturallight.Thehomefeatures asturdysteelframe,electricrollershutters &qualitycraftsmanship throughout.

LowMaintenanceHomeintheHeartofCockatoo!

Positionedon a325sqmblock,just ashortwalktoCockatoo’stowncentre& localprimaryschool. Thepropertyisaccessedvia asealed,shareddrivewaywith adedicatedparkingspace.Steponto theundercoverfrontverandah &intothecarpetedlounge,completewitha splitsystemforyear roundcomfort.Theopen-plankitchen &diningareafeaturesdurabletiledflooring,anintegrated oven,dishwasher,amplestorage &directaccesstooutside.Thehomecomprisesof 3carpeted bedrooms,allfittedwithbuiltinrobes. Acentralbathroomwith aseparatetoiletaddstothehome’s functionality.Recentlypainted& newcarpetsthroughout,thishomeismoveinready.Thefully fencedbackgardenoffers aprivateoutdoorarea,perfectforkids& petstoplay. Idealforfirsthomebuyers,downsizersorinvestors. 1/5BoroniaCrescentCockatoo $600,000

A RARE GEM IN A GREAT LOCATION

SET on a beautifully landscaped 983m² (approx.) low-maintenance block, this charming character home offers the perfect balance of serenity, style, and convenience. Nestled in the highly sought-after location of Sassafras, this property features a stunning rear veranda, perfect for relaxing or entertaining while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

The property boasts meticulously designed gardens and a cozy fire pit area, ideal for gathering with loved ones or unwinding in nature. Inside, the home shines with polished floorboards and a bright, open feel throughout.

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stylish fixtures.

Designed for comfort year-round, this home features split-system heating and cooling, ducted heating, and a gas log fire, ensuring you stay cozy no matter the season.

Enjoy the quiet, private atmosphere of this premium location, all within easy reach of local amenities, shopping, and dining options. Whether you’re looking for the perfect downsizer or an ideal Airbnb investment, this property is perfect for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle without compromising on convenience.

Don’t miss this opportunity to secure a property that embodies both comfort and elegance in one of Sassafras’s most coveted spots.

SharynChandler

Fire ban delays Monbulk bowlers’ Lilydale semi-final

Monbulk’s top Saturday bowling team was set for a semifinal match against Lilydale, but Total Fire Ban days over the weekend prevented play.

They will now compete next Saturday.

The Tuesday sides have finished their home and away rounds with no finals appearances but enjoyed great matchups throughout the season.

After the last round, they gathered at the club for a group photo with the major sponsor of their new uniform shirts, Kane Chapman from Monbulk Smash Repairs.

Sporting grants available

The State Government has announced a new round of Sporting Club Grants to help grassroots sporting clubs encourage community participation and acquire new equipment.

Grants of up to $5000 are available for clubs to improve the skills and knowledge of volunteers, coaches and officials and clubs can also apply for grants of up to $4000 to plan and deliver a new sport or active recreation program.

Grants of up to $1000 are also available to help clubs to purchase uniforms and equipment, and $750 travel grants are also available to participate in competitions away from home.

“We’re backing our grassroots sporting clubs

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on and off the field – by helping them to upskill their staff and volunteers so more people in their local community can get involved and play a role,” Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence.

Recent recipients of the Sporting Club Grants Program include the Edinburgh Cricket Club, which used the $4000 boost to help local women get more involved in cricket at all levels – from playing, to coaching and umpiring.

A grant of over $3000 helped the Woolamai Beach Surf Lifesaving Club better respond to mental health issues in their community by upskilling volunteers, coaches and lifeguards in youth mental health first-aid.

“This grant will support the roll out of our Youth Mental Health First Aid initiative that’s aimed at helping to educate our members on how to support one another and themselves, ensuring that mental health is a priority in our lifesaving efforts,” Head of Member Wellbeing at the Woolamai Beach Surf Lifesaving Club Erin Close said.

Since 2014, the Sporting Club Grants Program has injected almost $18.4 million into the community and supported thousands of clubs across the state – improving the experience of local community sport for everyone involved.

Applications for this round close 27 March

The Monbulk Bowling Club’s 2025 team photo. (Supplied)

Latest round of the Sporting Clubs Grant Program is open. (Unsplash)

Pincott’s state titles gold

By Jamie Strudley

Emily Pincott was the stand out performance from Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes at the Victorian Track and Field Championships held over the last weekend at Lakeside Stadium.

Emily won gold in the U14 women High Jump, equalling her club record with a height of 1.55m.

This is an excellent return to form for Emily after a few weeks off with foot issues.

Carolyn Rosenbrock took gold in the Women 60-64 3000m walk in the very ordinary weather on the opening weekend with a solid 17.24 walk.

Kimi Tove was superb winning bronze in the U14 Men’s Javelin with his throw of 26.98m.

An excellent reward for some consistent training with coach Graeme Woolridge.

Women Open 3000m Steeple: Olivia Twining 11:02.85 (5th); Discus: Meg Sparkes 27.84m (13th); Hammer: Sarah Ebbels 34.06m (14th).

Women Under 20 3000m: Brigitte Rice 11:10.73 (9th).

Women Under 17 800m: Zoe Clarke 2:28.99 (8th), 1500m: Zoe Clarke 5:04.50 (10th).

Women Under 16 100m: Emily Fiedler 13.58 (0.1) (P), 400m: Emily Fiedler 60.51 (7th); 60.30 (P).

Women Under 15 1500m: Brienna Coffey 4:58.33 (10th), 3000m Walk: Brienna Coffey 18:15.39 (4th).

Women Under 14 High Jump: Emily Pincott 1.55m (1st).

Women 60-64 3000m Walk: Carolyn Rosenbrock 17:24.17 (1st).

Men Under 14 Javelin: Ilikimi Tove 26.98m (3rd).

Men AMB 100m: Joseph Johnston 13.74 (-1.6) (7th), 200m: Joseph Johnston 27.61 (0.9) (5th), 400m: Joseph Johnston 64.89 (6th).

Normal Saturday morning competition returned on Saturday with a fantastic group of athletes all chasing personal bests after last weekends region championships. It’s happening all

again this Saturday from 8am. Training for our little athletes 5-12yo takes place on Tuesdays from 4-5pm with event specific training (where possible) for those competing at State championships. All registered and trial members are welcome.

Jostling for top position heats up in round-four golf

By David Waters

Round four was under way at Yering Meadows.

Already halfway through the season.

The jostling for top position is hotting up.

The green division is very even with all teams having wins, the gold division has a standout with Heritage leading the pack, even with a rest day courtesy of their bye.

The Yering management have opted to remove many of their bunkers by filling them in.

The work is ongoing and there are still many protecting the greens.

These remaining bunkers have a good depth of sand and those already filled have been reseeded.

The new areas are yet to produce grass and are ground under repair (GUR).

Several players were lucky to land their balls in the GUR which would have been sand, then availed themselves of a free drop.

The fairways were dry and provided plenty of run, even for mishit worm burners.

At times the extra metres were of benefit.

At other times the faster movement forward or sideways landed the player in a tougher position than expected.

Only the occasional recovery shot eventuated.

Once on the greens putting became more predictable as the day wore on.

The borrow and slopes were true if the speed was gauged correctly.

Ball rolling speed increased as the day heated up.

True putts continued to hit the bottom of the cup.

True to form the home team scored victories in both divisions.

That’s something all clubs want, and visitors try to upset.

It was especially important as Yering were

on the bottom of both divisions.

Yering on the rise!!

After a hard morning golfers finished by 12.30.

Most were glowing all due to the rising temperatures, no more than 30 degrees.

I think we’re getting weak.

The glow subsided in the cool of the clubroom and the liquid refreshments helped speed the process.

The feast supplied by the catering department was greatly appreciated and acknowledged with a very loud round of applause.

No one could claim to be hungry when they left the venue, nor could they be unhappy with the day and organisation.

As usual a high standard of sportsmanship was displayed with plenty of banter.

There was even some heckle during presentations livening an otherwise boring reading of scores.

The results are set out below.

Yering Meadows gold 6 def Eastern gold 2, Eastwood gold 6 def Box Hill gold 2, Churchill/ Waverley gold 5 def Gardiners Run gold 3.

Yering Meadows green 5 ½ def Eastern green 2 ½, Churchill/Waverley green 6 ½ def Gardiners Run green2 ½, Eastwood green 4 tied with Box Hill green 4.

The Eastwood green And Box Hill green tie was the first tied match for the season.

Congratulations to the winning players and teams.

More enjoyment at Heritage next Friday.

Until then keep swinging and smiling.

(Supplied)

Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability. New members and anyone interested in trialling are always welcome.

Go to www.lavic.com.au or www.athsvic.org. au or email info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au for

information about membership, events and registration.

For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org.au or check us out on Facebook.

James Glenn takes a drop outside GUR and prepares to pitch up and win the hole and match.

Emily Pincott wins gold in U14 women’s High Jump. (Supplied)

Junior stars shine brightly

By Christopher Anderson

With high fire danger ratings forecast for the weekend, cricketers across the Ringwood and District Cricket Association were left to cool their heels as competitions ground to a halt in the name of player safety. For the junior cricketers, it was a somewhat hollow end to the home and away season. However, it’s not the end of the road for many of Mt Evelyn Cricket Club’s youngest cricketers as they now prepare for finals.

For the Mt Evelyn U16-4 team, it was the end of a season of near misses. Playing undermanned for the majority of the season there were plenty of positives, but when push came to shove, the lack of numbers would cost them the opportunity to chalk up a few more wins. One pleasing aspect for coach Joseph Chamberlin would be the spread of contributors across the season. Billie Laird (306 runs) and Chase Missen (221 runs) were stars with the bat with many others posting personal bests across the season. With the ball, Laird (13 wickets) and Jake Rigg (10 wickets) would lead a balanced bowling attack with wickets shared most weeks. With many of these players playing, and succeeding, in the senior ranks this season, the future looks bright.

The Mt Evelyn/Lilydale U16-2 combined team have clinched a finals berth squeaking into the top four. They have combined well to post some wins against strong opposition and will enter the finals chock full of confidence that they can give the finals a big shake. The Lilydale boys have been the stars with the bat led by Angus Smith (304 runs) and Darcy English (291 runs), whilst it has been the Mt Evelyn lads who have shone with the ball as Austin Leonard and Caleb Doyle have both snagged 16 wickets for the season. The highlight for the season would have to be Doyle’s 6/22 vs Heatherdale. The team will have a stern test in the Semi-Finals as they look set to oppose a formidable Mooroolbark outfit.

The Mt Evelyn U14-5 team have slowly built across the season as they have discovered their best balance with bat and ball. The young team have progressively felt more comfortable stepping up against their older opponents. Ezra Joyce has been a run machine this season and has amassed 226 runs for the U14-5 team, with Harry Dunstone a handy contributor with 159 runs of his own. Dunstone has been a standout with the ball as he has taken a team high 16 wickets, whilst Toby Kenins has chipped in with 12 crucial wickets. With an 8-6 record, they have clinched

a top-two position, and with that, the advantage of a double chance. The Mounters will take on a strong Yarra Junction outfit in the Qualifying Final with the winner booking their place in the Grand Final. This game promises to be a cracker as both teams have had some tense battles over recent years.

Once again, Mt Evelyn was proud to fill two U12 teams, and they have both built amazing teams as the season has progressed. In an even more impressive feat, both teams will feature in finals.

The Mt Evelyn U12-2 team are a talent-laden bunch with some serious cricketing skills. Ezra ‘Run Machine’ Joyce has notched up 280 runs at a Bradmanesque average of 93.33 whilst Harry Dunstone has captured an amazing 20 wickets at the unbelievable average of 3.75, including a hatrick on the way to 7/5 in the first game of the season vs South Croydon. Pocket rocket Hudson Hall has been a huge addition to the club with 169 runs, and the improvement of both Jacdan Mikaelian and Amos Flavel with the ball has been remarkable. The team have to finish up their final game against Heatherdale next week, but a semifinal date against Warrandyte looks on the cards.

In a remarkable turn of form, the Mt Evelyn U12-7 side went from winless until the final game before the Christmas break, to secure a finals berth on the back of four wins over their final five games of the season. When all looked lost, captain Toby Kenins inspired the team with his positive leadership, and the matter of 175 runs and 11 wickets to his name helped the cause. With a momentus swing in form, the team have a renewed confidence to take on a dominant Wandin outfit and will be keen to crash the Bulldogs party.

Rounding out the junior action for the Mounters has been the Mini Bash and Cricket Blast programs led by Paul Flavel and Luke Shepherd respectively. These gentleman have created a supportive, fun and safe environment for our youngest cricketers to fall in love with the great game of cricket. The improvement in skills from the participants in these programs have been amazing.

If you have some keen cricketers who have missed the boat this season, but are keen to have a hit when summer rolls around next season, then be sure to reach out to Junior Co-ordinator, Daniel Meades at mtevelyncricketclub@gmail. com, to keep abreast of all the off-season developments.

Despite a tough season, the U16-4s still enjoyed their cricket.

L-R: Finn Blanksby and Mitch Jenes have both debuted in Senior Cricket this season and both have contributed greatly to the club’s new 6th XI.

Run machine Ezra Joyce has amassed

Welcome to Clovelly Cottage. Nestled in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges but still within close proximity to the Boronia Junction shopping precinct and amenities, it is a place our residents are proud to call home. Featuring abundant indoor and outdoor spaces with a choice of private sanctuaries and communal living, we are dedicated to delivering excellence in care and services that enable residents to live well and celebrate the autumn years of their life.