Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 11th March 2025

Riding for mental health

Riders from all over the east will set off from Lilydale to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention on Sunday 16 March for a One Dayer.

The Black Dog Ride event, hosted by Montrose local Joel Martin, is the first one to leave from the Yarra Valley’s gateway suburb with the final destination being Seymour.

With support from Bridge Builders, riders will be provided breakfast at The CriBB Cafe before embarking on the scenic route, all with the aim of raising funds for mental health support access.

To read more, turn to page 9.

Riders will set off from Lilydale on Sunday 16 March in support of the Black Dog Ride One Dayer. (Supplied)

80 per cent of Australians would live with 20 minutes of a clinic.

Casey MP Aaron Violi has previously advocated for such a clinic in his electorate, particularly within the Yarra Ranges, but was unsuccessful in the 2024-25 budget.

Despite this, he and the Coalition remain supportive a this kind of health care access.

“The Coalition supports Australians getting

improved access to bulk billed urgent healthcare through Urgent Care Clinics,” Mr Violi said.

But the new clinics did receive criticism from a leading GP body, calling for better evidence to prove the clinics fill the gap for people trying to access affordable healthcare.

“We are now seeing more than $1 billion will be spent on setting up these clinics, and we still

have no sign of an evaluation to show whether they are providing value for money, or helping people keep away from hospital,” RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said.

Healthcare has been a major ticket item in the lead up to the federal election, following the $8.5 billion funding announcement made last month.

To read the full story, turn to page 3.

Final housing targets set

By Callum Ludwig

The Victorian Government has refined and finalised its housing targets for the 79 Councils across the state.

A goal of 2.24 million new homes added to the housing stock by 2051 was set in June 2024 and the state government has been consulting with the 79 councils since to readjust targets where needed.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the status quo won’t cut it, there is only one way out of the housing crisis – build our way out.

“We want more homes for young people and workers close to jobs, transport, and services – so they can live where they want, near the things they need and the people they love,” she said.

“Fearmongering politicians claimed we wouldn’t consult or make changes that reflect the community’s wishes. Here is the evidence that we have – and we will.”

The Outer East councils of Yarra Ranges, Knox, Maroondah and Cardinia have all seen reductions to their targets:

• Yarra Ranges Council’s target has reduced from 28,000 to 25,000 new homes.

• Knox City Councils target has reduced from 47,000 to 43,000 new homes.

• Maroondah City Council has been given a target of 39,500 new homes, down from 43,000.

• Cardinia Shire Council’s target has reduced from 36,000 to 30,000 new homes, with 21,000 of those to be delivered in greenfield areas.

Director of Planning and Sustainable Futures at Yarra Ranges Council Kath McClusky said their staff have met with representatives from the Department of Transport and Planning to discuss the State Government’s housing targets as part of discussions on Plan for Victoria, and how their endorsed Housing Strategy can help to meet these goals.

“We are reviewing the strategy in light of the revised targets and other State government changes to housing planning scheme provisions, which were released after the strategy was finalised,” she said.

“Amendments have been issued by the State Government since then, including the latest on 6 March, which we are working through,”

“We will work further with the State Government, and our community, to achieve our mutual goals for the provision of housing in Yarra Ranges.”

Maroondah’s suburb of Ringwood has been designated as one of 10 Activity Centres around the state which have been partiuclaly targeted for housing close to jobs, transport and services. Activity centres have a ‘core’ close to the commercial precinct and a ‘catchment’ that is walkable and favours lower-rise development. According to the government, Ringwood’s maximum height for the fast-tracked ‘deemed to comply’ process is 20 storeys following consultation with Maroon-

dah City Council.

Mayor of Maroondah Kylie Spears said they welcome the revised masterplans for the Pilot Activity Centres, including Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre (RMAC).

“We are particularly pleased to see the core boundary of the RMAC has not changed, and our advocacy has seen the scope of the walkable catchment scaled back and the building heights reduced, providing a gradual decrease in height as you move further away from the RMAC,” she said.

“Having noted these improvements, we are still concerned that some of the identified walkable catchments are in areas that are not easily accessible by foot,”

“Also, some areas in and around our identified heritage buildings and precincts still have an allowance for four to six-storey buildings which will be at odds with these rare and historic areas.”

Reduced catchment boundaries closer to the core, rules to support tree planting on larger sites and stronger controls to protect sunlight and prevent overshadowing are also among the Government’s changes.

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Jack Kowarzik said they understand that the State Government has undertaken a thorough analysis to reach the final housing target of 30,000 for Cardinia Shire, which includes their total growth projection, and look forward to the State Government sharing further information regarding this analysis.

“In order to accommodate the housing targets,

we need funding and support to deliver essential infrastructure and services to meet the needs of our growing communities,” he said.

“We need investment in infrastructure to keep up with demand for new roads, parks, sporting facilities and other amenities, additional investment and support is needed to ensure new and existing residents have the same quality of life as people in more established local government areas,”

“Council will need to review the capacity of our existing strategic policies, services and infrastructure to determine how the proposed population growth can be accommodated, and we would welcome appropriate funding and planning regulations to ensure implementation of the proposed housing targets.”

Cardinia Shire Council is the only Council in the outer east with designated greenfield areas sectioned for housing, which are former rural areas now allocated for housing, typically detached housing.

Knox Mayor Lisa Cooper said the Plan for Victoria misses the opportunity for the government to increase social and affordable housing.

“The state government’s revised housing target of 43,000 more dwellings in Knox by 2051 (reduced by 8.5 per cent) is still 68 per cent more dwellings than we have now, nearly three times the projected demand under the government’s own population and dwelling projections,” she said.

“Any plans for substantial housing growth

must be matched with increased funding for infrastructure and services and an improved development contributions system for established areas to support growing populations, which unfortunately the government’s plan hasn’t resolved,”

“Housing growth should be planned with Council in a sustainable way that considers local constraints and impacts on current and future residents. Without this approach, Melbourne’s renowned liveability is at risk. Council will need to delay a review of our own housing strategy until the implications of the government’s plan, new housing targets and raft of planning reforms are fully understood.”

The State Government has also expressed a willingness to force councils to deliver housing stock within the targets by the deadline, with a declaration to be included in the upcoming Plan for Victoria that will require councils to change planning schemes to provide more housing capacity and for the state government to intervene if not.

“There are many councils who have done the right thing and made life better and more affordable for locals,” Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said.

“To the councils who used to block and who are now ready to build, I say to them: let’s talk.”

The Victorian Government will have the power to unlock space for housing, including through zoning while the Minister for Planning also still has powers to intervene or fast-track developments.

Warburton visitor paid parking in Warburton concerns

By Oliver Winn

The implementation of the Warburton Paid Parking Pilot has received criticism over its potential to discourage tourist spending in the area leaving residents concerned about its impact on the local economy.

But according to Yarra Ranges Tourism chief executive officer Simon O’Callaghan, the price of parking in Warburton is a “modest fee” and won’t impact tourist spending.

The Yarra Ranges Council’s Visitor Paid Parking Pilot would see visitors and tourists paying from up to $6 per hour for certain spots in Warburton in order to more fairly distribute the cost of maintaining infrastructure from ratepayers to tourists.

Warburton residents took to Facebook to raise concerns about the paid parking trial after the details were settled upon in a council meeting on 25 February.

“I feel this will impact local businesses that rely on tourists and day to day trades stopping for morning tea, coffee or lunch,” one user commented on a post in the Warburton/Millgrove noticeboard Facebook group.

Warburton Waterwheel coordinator Michele Osterhoudt said while the Warburton Water-

wheel is neutral on the matter, the introduction of paid parking will undoubtedly affect every facet of the business.

“We’re a part of all the businesses who are affected by that, we have volunteers who are affected by that and the visitors who come to the town are affected by that so literally every aspect of our business is affected by paid parking,” Ms Osterhoudt said.

“We understand the reasons why they’re implementing it, but we’ll see, the proof will be in the pudding down the road as to whether it actually achieves what they’re hoping.”

Mr O’Callaghan said there was little evidence to suggest paid parking will impact tourism spending, especially since a large number of visitors are from inner city regions and already have to pay for parking.

Just before the prices for the paid parking trial was decided in February, the Mornington Peninsula Shire ended its own visitor paid parking trial due to community pushback surrounding its implementation.

As reported in the Mornington Peninsula News, Cr Bruce Ranken said visitors to Mornington were avoiding carparks where they had to pay, inadvertently affecting foot traffic and

thus negatively impacting key businesses.

But in the Yarra Ranges council meeting it states that the council liaised with the Mornington Peninsula Shire to learn from the shire’s implementation, improving upon its downfalls by limiting paid parking to weekends and public holidays, simplifying permits and installing physical parking meters rather than solely relying on paying through an app.

Other residents are concerned about the transparency - or lack thereof - surrounding where the revenue of the paid parking pilot will go.

Warburton Valley CEDA president Anna Tehan said the group will continue to monitor feedback from its members during the pilot period.

“We would also be very interested in hearing from the council on the local projects that will benefit from the paid parking revenue,” Ms Tehan said.

As the number of tourists visiting the Yarra Ranges grows each year, the Yarra Ranges Tourism Destination Management Plan looks at the best ways to facilitate the impacts tourism has on the region.

Mr O’Callaghan said the plan accounts for a

broad range of areas where infrastructure needs to be improved to accommodate the inevitable growth of tourism - not just parking.

“We need to find ways with the government on how that infrastructure is paid for, and I think it’s a good thing if collected parking fees from visitors go back into supporting local infrastructure,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

Unlike the Short Stay Levy, a 7.5 per cent tax on those who receive bookings for short stay accommodation in Victoria, the paid parking pilot allows funding to go straight to the council.

“The state government has implemented a 7.5 per cent short stay tax that’s going to reap tens of millions of dollars from tourists and local operators who are having to administer that tax, but unfortunately in that instance, the money’s not going back to local infrastructure.”

Another concern residents have over the trial is the Yarra Ranges Council’s limit on three parking permits per household, which means households with more than three cars may not be able to avoid paying fees.

“I have seven vehicles, I guess I have to play favourites about who goes into town,” one Facebook user said on the Warburton/Millgrove Noticeboard

The final housing targets for councils across the state have been set. (File)

Urgent care hope

By Mikayla van Loon, with AAP

Lilydale has been flagged as a potential location for an urgent care clinic in a more than $600 million funding pledge from the Labor government if re-elected.

The expansion of the existing 87 clinics by a further 50, including 12 in Victoria, would aim to be delivered by the end of June 2026.

Labor has released a list of target areas, in which Lilydale is one, but the final sites would be decided independently.

Medicare urgent care clinics offer free care by GPs or nurses for non life-threatening conditions or injuries, and were initially set up to take pressure off public hospitals.

Treatment is offered for minor injuries - cuts, basic fractures, burns, suturing and bandaging and foreign objects in ears, nose or throat; or minor illnesses - bronchitis, rashes, gastro, first trimester pregnancy bleeding or ear, nose, throat and eye infections.

One in three patients are under 15.

“This announcement of 50 additional urgent care clinics, if we are re-elected, will provide the urgent care people need - and all you will need is your Medicare card, not your credit card,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday 2 March.

Should the new clinics be added, about 80 per cent - or four in five - Australians “will live” within a 20-minute drive of one of 137 facilities, according to the Department of Health and Aged Care.

Urgent care clinics were a major part of the Albanese Labor Government’s platform in its first term. The Liberal opposition also threw its support behind the walk-in, bulk-billed clinics.

Opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston said the coalition supported increasing bulk billing rates through urgent care clinics after Sunday’s announcement.

“We recognise the clear need for better access to urgent bulk billed services,” she said.

“A Dutton coalition government will deliver urgent care clinics as they were intended: focused on relieving pressure on local hospitals and providing real access to bulk billed

urgent healthcare.”

Casey MP Aaron Violi, in the lead up to the 2024-25 budget, advocated for a clinic in his electorate, specifically the Yarra Ranges.

“Local residents have little option when it comes to urgent healthcare. Travelling over an hour to a stretched emergency room or struggling to find a bulk-billed GP appointment isn’t good enough,” he told Star Mail in April 2024.

Labor announced that 29 new clinics would be funded in the 2024-25 budget but Mr Violi claimed the seven in Victoria were just rebranded from priority care to urgent care clinics, shifting the funding responsibility from State to Federal government.

“Disappointingly, Labor’s announcement of 29 clinics delivered nothing in terms of increased access to healthcare for our community,” he said.

Mr Violi confirmed his party still supported the roll out of bulk billed urgent healthcare for Australians and his community.

“There is not one emergency department in our community and bulk billing has fallen from 87.1 per cent under the Coalition to 73.3 per cent under Labor. It is clear our community needs better access to healthcare,” he said.

“The Coalition is committed to addressing Labor’s primary care crisis and ensuring all Australians, no matter where they live, have timely and affordable access to essential healthcare.”

Despite being critical of the Labor Government’s bulk billing figures, the Coalition’s record in freezing Medicare rebates from 2014 to 2020, with a phased lifting of the freeze from 2017, did hike up the costs for medical professionals to run a clinic, according to The Conversation in 2019.

“The freeze means those medical professionals who have not seen it lifted are reimbursed the same for delivering health services today as they were in 2014,” The Conversation’s article reads.

The lingering impact of the rebate freeze, and added inflation, filtered down to local GP clinics years later, with many choosing in 2022 to convert their services from bulk billed to mixed billing.

Lilydale Doctors and Mount Evelyn Doctors owner Dr Binay Kumar attempted to delay the

change from bulk billing to mixed private billing as long as possible but had to make the difficult decision that came into effect as of 1 August 2022 to charge $30 per visit.

“Everyone knows inflation has gone up tremendously, everything is more expensive but probably what no one knows is for us Medicare rebates, for GP’s, were frozen from 2014 to 2020,” Dr Kumar told Star Mail in 2022.

“So for six or seven years, we didn’t really have any increase at all in any rebate that we were getting.”

Mooroolbark Super Clinic and Lakeside Medical Centre in Lilydale followed suit, adjusting their billing model by 1 September 2022.

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP), however, questioned the suitability of rolling out more urgent care clinics without clear evidence of how they are benefiting patients.

“We are now seeing more than $1 billion will be spent on setting up these clinics, and we still have no sign of an evaluation to show whether they are providing value for money, or helping people keep away from hospital,” RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said.

Dr Wright argues the money would be better spent funding existing general practices, including to extend hours of care, rather than setting up new clinics.

“This will result in better health outcomes, as people will be able to access urgent care from their usual practice, which has their medical history, and supports their continuity of care,” he said.

“Spending millions setting up new clinics is not value for taxpayers’ money. There are reports that each visit to an urgent care clinic costs approximately $200 per head.

“This is cheaper than a visit to a hospital emergency department, but it’s far more expensive than if the patient is treated by a GP, which for a standard consult costs a little over $42.”

The urgent care pledge followed the bipartisan announcement, first made by Labor and matched by the Liberals, of $8.5 billion in Medicare funding over four years.

IN BRIEF

Long-weekend patrols nab drivers

A Mount Evelyn man has had his licence suspended and car impounded after returning high blood alcohol rating at a breath testing site.

The 28-year-old from returned an alleged reading of .184 at a random breath testing site in Doncaster East.

He was one of two men in separate vehicles to be waved in by officers at the site on Reynolds Road about 6.30pm on Friday 7 March.

The other man, a 28-year-old from the Yarra Junction area, returned an alleged reading of .130. Both men had their licences immediately suspended and both cars were impounded for 30 days at a cost of $983.

This intercept formed part of Operation Arid, a statewide road policing operation coinciding with the Labour Day long weekend in Victoria.

Friday morning also saw Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol officers intercept a driver speeding along Warburton Highway.

The 39-year-old Seville man was detected exceeding the speed limit doing 76km/hr in 60km/ hr zone, as he was leaving Seville.

He was spoken to by police and was found to be driving with more than twice the legal alcohol limit in his system of 0.115. The driver will lose his licence for 11 months and will have to have an interlock device fitted to any vehicle he drives.

On Saturday a 36-year-old Brunswick West man was detected speeding at 140km/hr along Maroondah Highway, Coldstream on his motorcycle. The speed limit for this length of road is 80km/hr.

He was also found to be riding with an illicit drug in his system.

His motorcycle was impounded for 30 days and he will have to explain his behaviour to a Magistrate at a later date, where he is likely to lose his licence for an extended period of time.

Battery disposal reminder

Lilydale CFA have sent out a reminder not to put items with batteries in the bin after being called to rubbish truck driver’s aid.

Early on Friday morning, 7 March, the brigade were called to help out the driver after they were left with no other option than to dump the trucks contents after it caught alight.

After extinguishing the fire, firefighters located many phones and laptops with their lithium battery packs exposed and damaged, which is likely to have caused the fire.

These items were incorrectly disposed of and should have been dropped off at a dedicated battery bin which are local and free.

To find your closest battery and e-waste collection point visit the EcoBatt website and enter your suburb: ecobatt.com.au/drop-off-locations/ Firewood collection

From 1 March, Victorians have been able to collect free firewood for personal use from designated state forest firewood collection areas in the Port Phillip Region.

The autumn firewood season ends on 30 June, but collectors are reminded individual collection areas may close earlier if there is no more firewood available.

People can collect up to two cubic metres per person per day with a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing funding for 50 urgent care clinics on Sunday 2 March. (AAP Image/Jeremy Ng)

Meet Labor’s candidate

By Oliver Winn

With an election day announcement imminent, Labor has revealed its candidate for Casey, Naomi Oakley.

She will battle current MP Aaron Violi over the tightly held Liberal electorate they’ve held for 40 years.

“My experience comes from working in the community, being a sole parent and having to deal with the struggles of living paycheck to paycheck over the years,” Ms Oakley said.

Her campaign focuses on community safety, climate emergency management and helping victims of family violence, aiming to address these issues through a grassroots approach with the community.

Ms Oakley also prioritised better access to hospitals and health care while improving educational resources and access to technology to save on power costs.

“I have decided to stand for the federal seat of Casey because I believe my experience in the community uniquely prepares me to understand and deal with the complex issues that impact Casey,” she said.

Last election Ms Oakley ran for the seat of Menzies, securing a third of the first preference votes and 49 per cent of the two-party preferred vote, but ultimately lost to Liberals MP Keith Wolahan.

Growing up in Dixons Creek where she experienced Ash Wednesday bushfires, she eventually was forced to relocate after the Black Saturday bushfires.

“I can resonate with a lot of community issues through lived experience.”

“I think people genuinely just want someone who can really represent them and understand what they want and not just show up for the token photo opportunities,” Ms Oakley said.

From 1989 she worked for VicPol for 13 years before starting her own teenage party security

and family violence assistance business, U-Nome Security, which she still runs today.

She said Labor’s rental cap and pledge to build 30,000 new social and affordable homes will assist in victims of family violence when leaving abusive relationships.

“I’ve been a frontline worker, and I’ve worked in hospitals, in mental health units and in aged care, so I see the challenges that some of the staff face.”

Ms Oakley said she aims to use her knowledge about youth mental health to provide a holistic approach to youth crime which aims at supporting healthy households.

“With Labor’s policies and assisting with cost of living, I actually think by providing families with more support, that then encourages mum and dad to not have to work those ridiculous hours and then be at home when their kids get home from school,” she said.

With climate change a dominant issue this election, Ms Oakley said she’ll address the impact of severe weather events if she’s elected.

“It’s not just about throwing money, I guess, into the roads and filling up potholes. We actually need to have some other different systems in place.”

Naomi Oakley will take on Aaron Violi this election as Labor’s chosen candidate. (Supplied)

Fairer funding call

By Mikayla van Loon

The funding of public pools and libraries has been established as a key Federal election priority in outer Melbourne’s growing and semi-regional areas.

Member councils of Melbourne’s outer ring, including the Yarra Ranges, have called on Federal MPs and candidates to back a fairer funding approach for the essential community infrastructure.

“Pools and libraries are some of the most beloved community facilities that we manage here at Council,” Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said.

“Unfortunately, the former are also some of our most expensive to establish and run.”

Outer Melbourne Councils (OMC), an alliance of 10 outer ring local government areas stretching from Wyndham to Mornington Peninsula, is calling for an immediate federal cash injection of $20 million and the adoption of a fair funding formula for public pools and libraries.

“We can’t have families living in the outer suburbs denied reasonable access to pools and libraries,” an OMC spokesperson said.

“Councils don’t have the money to fund these projects alone. We need funding certainty, and a fairer funding split.”

Given the closure of the Kilsyth Centenary Pool in 2023 and the vision for an aquatic centre in Lilydale to replace the key infrastructure loss, the Yarra Ranges understands the funding difficulties of maintaining and building pools.

“With extremely limited resources and income in local government, and ageing facilities and infrastructure that becomes increasingly costly to maintain, the simple fact of the matter is that every council needs help with this,” Cr Child said.

“We would like to see more investment from other levels of government, to help councils

maintain and improve our existing pools and libraries, and help us plan for replacements as facilities reach the end of their functional life.

“We have positive relationships with the State and Federal Governments, and will work with them to find the appropriate revenue streams, while advocating for more investment.”

OMC said growth areas and semi-regional councils were experiencing a chronic shortage of pools and libraries because of ad-hoc funding arrangements from the federal and state governments.

These multi-million-dollar community infrastructure projects have often forced local councils to scramble for funding alone.

The councils want the future cost of pool and library construction and refurbishment to be split equally, with the Commonwealth, state government and local councils each contributing a third.

“Pools and libraries bring huge social and health benefits. But right now, due to the funding gaps, our communities are missing out,” Nillumbik Mayor John Dumaresq said.

“With funding from all levels of government we can ensure infrastructure is future-proofed and can cater for our communities’ demands now and into the future,” Cardinia Mayor Jack Kowarzik said.

The advocacy comes after Infrastructure Victoria released its 30-year draft strategy on Tuesday 4 March, identifying six infrastructure goals and 43 recommendations for Victoria, of which building libraries and aquatic centres featured as recommendation number five.

“Libraries and aquatic centres provide services tailored to local needs. These places offer information in different languages and build identity and community,” the draft strategy reads.

“They provide refuge from the heat and reduce the higher drowning risk for Australians

born overseas. They also provide spaces for creative, cultural and physical activity. These services improve health and wellbeing which reduces government costs.”

The strategy attributes that for every $1 spent on an aquatic centre in a capital city, it provides $3.70 in benefits. Libraries deliver $2 to $4.30 in benefits for every $1 of investment

It also highlights that in established suburbs, there’s one library per 30,000 people and one aquatic centre for 58,000 people.

While Infrastructure Victoria’s recommendation suggests planning should be initiated for facilities in seven growth areas, like Melton, Casey and Wyndham, chief executive Dr Jonathan Spear said there was “lots the government can do to make better use of what it already has.”

“The government can prioritise getting better use from its existing assets, improve how it maintains infrastructure so it performs better and lasts longer, and publish long term plans so that other governments, industry and not-for-profit providers can make better informed choices on where and when to invest,” he said.

Funding for infrastructure maintenance and upgrades should be prioritised to make the most of the government’s nearly $400 billion worth of assets, noting the government can plan and sequence infrastructure delivery better so more people can reach facilities and services sooner, at less cost.

“Victorian Government agencies can do more to share their plans with each other, and with local governments and industry,” Dr Spear said.

“This helps identify opportunities to pool funding or streamline delivery. It also means infrastructure can cost less in the long term.”

The draft strategy is open for feedback until Monday 28 April. Provide feedback via engage. vic.gov.au/victorias30yearinfrastructurestrategy

Rescued from burning car

An unconscious driver had to be rescued from his burning vehicle and airlifted to hospital in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Crews from Lilydale SES, Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park Fire Brigades, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria were called to reports of a single vehicle collision on Manchester Road in Mooroolbark.

Responding at around 3.30am on 4 March, emergency personnel arrived to find the person trapped and the car on fire according to Lilydale SES.

“The fire in some grass under the car was out and paramedics requested assistance in removing the ‘B’ pillar (between the front and back doors) to remove the unconscious driver - the sole occupant,” Lilydale SES posted to social media.

Ambulance Victoria confirmed paramedics responded and the patient required airlifting to one of Melbourne’s trauma hospitals.

“A male in his 20s was airlifted to The Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious but stable condition,” a spokesperson said.

3.30am

Emergency services were called to a single vehicle collision on Manchester Road in Mooroolbark at around

on Tuesday 4 March. (Lilydale SES)

Outer Melbourne Councils is calling on Federal MPs and candidates to ‘come to the party’ and fund pool and library infrastructure. (Supplied)

Candidates speak at forum

Casey’s candidates were invited to join Mums of the Hills for an online forum on Sunday 2 March - an event that gave local families a chance to connect directly with candidates and discuss the is-

sues that mattered most to them.

The forum, attended by 62 participants, offered a platform for local parents and families to raise concerns about topics like the rising cost of living,

Blair - affordable healthcare

Casey’s Federal Greens candidate, Dr Merran Blair:

Dr Blair said she valued the opportunity and understood the significance of the forum hosted by Mums of the Hills, seeing it as an important way to engage with parents and listen to their concerns.

“The Greens can win the seat of Casey if just over five per cent of people change their vote, and as a potential representative for this area, it’s critical that I am accountable and transparent with this community,” she said.

“Participatory democracy is a core pillar of the Greens political movement.”

Dr Blair’s motivation to run for office is deeply rooted in her frustration with the lack of progress on climate change.

“I kept thinking that eventually our political leaders would do something, but they continued to drag the chain. So many of our political leaders were disconnected from the realities of real people - I will fight for this community,” she said.

As a health professional and university lecturer, Dr Blair is particularly passionate about addressing the healthcare and education issues facing her community.

She said everyone should have access to affordable healthcare, including dental and mental health services.

“The Greens will ensure we have a truly universal healthcare system. This includes putting dental and mental health into Medicare,” Dr Blair said.

She also pointed to the Greens’ recent announcement to include ADHD and autism assessments in Medicare, which she believes would help families in Casey access the services they need.

The housing crisis, cost of living, and climate change were also key issues for Dr Blair.

She said the Greens has a plan to tackle the housing crisis by ending unlimited rent increases, building public and affordable homes, and regulating banks to make mortgages fairer.

Dr Blair also stressed the Greens’ commitment to stopping the expansion of coal and gas and tran-

sitioning to clean energy to lower power bills.

She said last night’s online forum really gave her the opportunity to connect with the community and hear what they had to say.

“Our campaign is built on one-on-one conversations with voters,” she said.

“That’s why I, along with a team of volunteers, had been knocking on thousands of doors over the past year. Every conversation we had with a resident in Casey enriched our understanding of the issues we faced and, more importantly, how we could tackle them together.”

She thanked Mums of the Hills for providing a platform for direct community engagement.

“We’re focused on making public schools truly free, stopping supermarket price gouging, and delivering high-quality childcare and education,” she said.

“I’m committed to continuing a culture of listening and learning from the community and what matters to parents and families.”

“In a wealthy country like Australia, we should have world-class public health, education, and affordable housing. We have the resources to make it happen – but only if we choose to act,” she said.

“Change doesn’t happen overnight, but the first step is voting for it.”

Oakley - housing policies

Labor’s candidate for Casey, Naomi Oakley:

“It was my first forum, I felt I was able to understand the key issues being relayedlived in the Casey area(Yarra Valley) for about 40 years and have lived experience of the issues discussed - like cost of living, childcare, family violence, and climate change,” Ms Oakley said.

“I’ve worked multiple jobs just to make ends meet.”

Ms Oakley said that the Labor Party (ALP) is on the right track, with tangible results such as reduced inflation, wage increases, and a strong focus on housing.

During the forum, she highlighted the ALP’s housing policies, such as rental caps and plans to build 30,000 new homes, with 4000 dedicated to Victoria.

Ms Oakley said she also discussed the ALP’s $1 billion childcare fund, aimed at making childcare more affordable for families.

“I personally understand how challenging this can be, having struggled with finding affordable options for my own children,” she said.

Climate change, especially in disasterprone areas like Casey, was another key issue, Labor’s new candidate for Casey said she always advocated for better disaster preparedness and more renewable energy support to protect the community.

“I emphasised the importance of community engagement and listening to voters. I’m not your typical politician, I’m here to listen and make sure your voice is heard in Canberra,” Ms Oakley said.

childcare, reliable telecommunications, healthcare, and emergency resilience.

Speaking to each of the candidates after the event, they shared the value of such a forum and

their takeaways with Star Mail journalist Shamsiya Hussainpoor.

This is what they had to say:

Violi - rising cost of living

Liberal Federal Member for Casey, Aaron Violi:

Mr Violi thanked Belinda and the team at Mums of the Hills for organising the event, which aimed to provide a platform for locals to discuss their concerns and engage with political leaders.

The virtual forum, which invited all four candidates running for Casey in the upcoming election, focused on key issues affecting local families, including the rising cost of living, childcare, reliable telecommunications, healthcare, and emergency resilience.

“It was a great opportunity to speak on the issues that matter to local families,” Mr Violi said.

“From the cost of living to telecommunications, we had a chance to cover a wide range of topics that impact our community every day.”

During the forum, he also highlighted his work in improving local services, including a $10 million fund provided by the former Liberal Government.

This funding is now being used by the local council to boost emergency resilience in the area. He also discussed his ongoing advocacy for increased childcare supply within the community and improvements to local telecommunications infrastructure.

Mr Violi took the chance to remind attendees that his focus remains on being a strong local voice for the community, as well as working alongside the Liberal Party’s plans to guide Australia’s future.

“We’re committed to getting Australia back on track, and I will continue to work hard for the people of Casey,” he said.

The MoTHs forum gave residents an opportunity to engage directly with their federal

representative, with many taking part in the lively discussion around local issues. The event underscored the growing trend of online forums as a way for politicians to stay connected with their constituents, particularly as communities continue to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic.

Ferres Miles - free to speak

Independent candidate for Casey, Claire

Ms Ferres Miles highlighted her commitment to representing the community and spoke candidly about the issues facing local families.

Speaking about the forum, Ms Ferres Miles said it was an excellent opportunity for candidates to engage with the community.

“Every Candidate Forum is a fantastic opportunity for our community to meet and listen to all candidates for the Federal Election. I’d like to thank Mums of the Hills for hosting this event, which provided thoughtful and insightful questions,” she said.

According to Ms Ferres Miles, many attendees shared frustrations with the current political system.

“People in Casey care deeply about our community and want action on the issues they care about. Casey has been represented by the Liberal Party for the past 40 years, and I ask the question - what has been delivered over these 40 years?”

She highlighted the “growing discontent” with the major political parties, adding that many people felt the government was more focused on corporate interests than the community.

The Independent Candidate referenced comments made by Zoe Daniel MP at the National Press Club earlier that week, which stated, “The real risk isn’t change - the real risk is expecting the same people to fix the problems they created.”

Ms Ferres Miles sees forums like that hosted by MoTHs as vital for ensuring that voters feel informed and empowered.

She said, as an Independent, she was free to speak up for the community and wasn’t beholden to a party line.

“My goal is for every voter in Casey to feel informed, empowered, and hopeful when they

vote in this Federal Election,” she said.

“As a Community Independent, I am free to speak up for our community, not just toe the party line. My policies are the priority issues people want action on.”

Ms Ferres Miles said her policies reflect community concerns, and unlike party candidates, she’s free to vote based on what the community needs.

“The two-party system in Australia is broken. Casey is not a priority for either of the major parties, but we’re not immune to the problems facing the country,” she said.

“People want a representative who will listen to them, keep promises, and put their interests first - not the interests of corporations or donors.”

The issues discussed during the forum, including the cost-of-living crisis, housing affordability, and climate action, are areas Ms Ferres Miles said she was eager to tackle.

“In Casey, we have a cost-of-living crisis, a housing crisis, and a climate crisis. People are tired of one side saying yes and one side saying no. We need a government that works together for us,” she said.

Naomi Oakley is Labor’s new candidate running for Casey. (Supplied)

Ferres Miles:

Independent candidate Claire Ferres Miles attended the Mothers of the Hills online forum on Sunday 2 March. (Supplied)

Dr Merran Blair joined Mums of the Hills for an online candidate forum. (Supplied)

L-R: Aaron Violi at Mum’s of the Hills in Belgrave with Angie Bell and founder Belinda Young. (Supplied)

Notable history shortlisted

By Mikayla van Loon

Exploring the somewhat unknown history of three naturalists who set up camp in Mount Evelyn over a century ago has led three historians to a shortlisted nomination in the 2024 Victorian Community History Awards.

Mount Evelyn History Group’s Janice Newton, alongside Paula Herlihy and Karen Phillips, authored the book The Woodlanders of Walden Hut in 2023 and were announced as part of the shortlist on Tuesday 4 March.

The book tells the story of E Brooke Nicholls, Charles Barrett and Claude Kinane, founders of the Walden Hut located on the Olinda Creek, who went on to be some of the most notable naturalists and writers of the early 1900s.

But more than that the book documents the Victorian and Australian nature writers who shaped the understanding of the country’s flora and fauna.

“Paula, Karen and I are thrilled to be shortlisted and I was a bit surprised because I didn’t feel it was truly a local community history (text), because I had tried to link it into nature writers in Australia, but focusing mainly on the Victorian ones,” Ms Newton said.

“So it wasn’t, strictly speaking, a community history, but yet I’m so pleased.”

The recognition too, Ms Herlihy and Ms Phillips said, credited the work of volunteers who do what they do purely to inform and understand the past.

“We feel recognised and appreciated for the work we do as volunteers in researching and recording aspects of Australia’s history.”

From 1903 to 1907 Nicholls, Barrett and Kinane observed and recorded what they saw, writing a series of articles which would feature in The New Idea: An Australasian Journal for Women.

“They’re very beautiful descriptions of the Olinda Creek and the birds and what it looks like in the dawn and then the dusk,” Ms Newton told Star Mail before the launch of the book in September 2023.

“We give examples of their writings, it’s a very poetic but also scientific appreciation of nature. So they write romantically or sensually about nature and how it feels and looks and the colours and the scents.”

Ms Newton said she essentially wrote the book in such a way that it was “a rationale for the council, really, to remember them some-

how” which led to the installation of a detailed signpost at the location of Walden Hut along the Olinda Creek Trail.

“The sign’s great and it’s just lovely to imagine these fellows going down and observing all the nature they can,” she said.

The Woodlanders of Walden Hut, paired with further research which was circulated in the History Group’s newsletters, acknowledged the contribution of Nicholls, Barrett and Kinane in initiating the development of nature writing and this award nomination further recognises the importance of this field of work.

“There was an inter-connected network of writers, naturalists and artists. We found it fascinating to research and are pleased the award nomination raises their profiles,” Ms Herlihy and Ms Phillips said.

Despite this, Ms Newton said nature writing remains less celebrated in Australia than it does overseas.

“The US have courses at university, and they have segments in bookshops, and so, yes, environmental writing is very well accepted as a category, but it’s fairly new in Australia, but I think it’s grown a little bit,” she said.

The Woodlanders of Walden Hut was named as one of 39 history publications and projects shortlisted across 11 prize categories including the Victorian Premier’s History Award.

“Victoria has a strong history and these dedicated storytellers have worked tirelessly to help all Victorians better understand our past – I congratulate them on their nomination,” Government Services minister Natalie Hutchins said.

The Victorian Community History Awards are presented by the Public Record Office Victoria in partnership with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria and supported by the State Government.

“By sharing historical books, articles, oral histories, exhibitions and creative projects, these nominees help us all to better understand our past. I thank our nominees for their contribution to Victoria’s history,” a Public Record Office Victoria director and keeper of public records spokesperson said.

This shortlist nomination also comes as the first for Mount Evelyn History Group.

The awards ceremony will be held on Monday 24 March, something Ms Newton said she, Ms Herlihy and Ms Phillips were all looking forward to attending.

Janice Newton, Kim Campbell (great grand daughter of Woodlander Charles Barrett) and Professor Tom Griffiths at the launch of the Walden Hut signpost in September 2023. (Supplied)

Professor Tom Griffiths is credited with discovering the early history of Nicholls, Barrett and Kinane.

Chasing the black dog

By Mikayla van Loon

A major motorcycle ride heading off from Lilydale and travelling to Seymour, all in support of mental health awareness and suicide prevention, is just under a week away.

The 2025 Black Dog Ride One Dayer, organised by Montrose local Joel Martin and Melbourne ride coordinator Chris Seabrook, will take off from Lilydale on Sunday 16 March.

It’s the first time the event will leave from Lilydale, with thanks to The CriBB Cafe electing to host the riders for breakfast before they set off for the day.

Joel said between 50 to 100 riders have signed up, making for not only a great day out but adding to the thousands of riders across the country aiming to promote good mental health.

“The Black Dog Rides are a huge amount of fun. There’s nothing like cruising down the highway with 50 of your mates,” he said.

“For some reason people tend to smile when they see a big group of motorcycles ride through their town. I certainly smile while I’m riding one.”

Funds raised from the 2025 One Dayer will go towards vital community-based mental health projects in regional Australia, so riders and nonriders alike are being encouraged to join the cause by attending the event or donating what they can.

“We all know someone who has been touched by mental health challenges, whether directly or through a loved one. This is our chance to stand together, start conversations, and show our community that support is always available,” Chris said.

“Whether you’re riding, cheering us on, or donating, your contribution matters. Let’s make this a day to remember and continue to take a step toward much needed change.”

Getting behind the cause was a strike of fate, with Joel connecting with The CriBB’s manager Kelly over social media.

As a Bridge Builder’s social enterprise, founder and chief executive officer Phil Stenhouse was all too pleased to jump on board, as both a mental health support and motorcycle enthusiast.

“The Black Dog ride, it’s all about awareness, and it’s all about having the conversation. It’s a really dark topic, especially for men, and so to have a chat about it and talk about it, rather than taking matters into their own hands,” he said.

“Depression and mental health is irrespective of age or gender, mental health doesn’t go after a particular person, it can go after anybody at any time in their lifespan.”

Phil said while Bridge Builder’s target is young people and redirecting them “into a healthier mindset or a healthier mental health space, and put support around them that helps them in their adult life”, the Black Dog Ride encompasses all people.

“The great part about supporting something like the Black Dog Ride is it’s not done by one

group. It’s done by a whole lot of people, helping people in their mental health journey become healthier people,” he said.

“We’ve just got to get involved with things so that we can get around, see, meet other people, and laughter is a fantastic medicine for feeling sad and feeling alone and feeling dark. So getting around, having a bit of fun together and for common cause is a good thing.”

Putting it out to his network of Postie Bike Riders and the Yarra Valley Hog Chapter, Phil said they have been incredibly supportive of the cause. He expects a spontaneous show and shine to be out the front of The CriBB as riders pull up.

This section of the street will be closed on Sunday morning.

Choosing this ride for the eastern suburbs because of its scenic beauty and its route through the many country towns in the Yarra Valley, Joel said will make for a wonderful day.

“It’s amazing how events like these can promote good mental health. A group of bikes parked in a country town tends to attract people and that often leads to informal chats about how people are going,” he said.

“It will be a great day out and it gives us all an excuse to pull our motorbikes out from the shed and give them a run.”

The One Dayer will start at The CriBB Cafe at 222 Main Street Lilydale at 8am for breakfast. The ride will then get underway at 9.30am.

To register or find out more, go to blackdogride.org.au/view/ride-information/1-dayer-2025

16 March.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, or with someone who is, call Lifeline Crisis Support on 13 11 14. Rider will

Join Jayde walking for a world without type 1 diabetes

By Mikayla van Loon

Lilydale will host its first One Walk, a JDRF Australia fundraiser for type 1 diabetes, seeing people descend on the Lake on Sunday for the cause.

The nationally held fundraising event, which aims to raise $1.2 million to support type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and for the over 130,000 Australians living with the autoimmune condition, is coming to Lillydale Lake on 16 March.

It’s for people like Tex, who when he was 13-months-old two years ago, was diagnosed with T1D after a lengthy illness.

“Tex was incredibly unwell for days, we had taken him to the GP and a paediatrician three times, with no answers,” Tex’s mum Jayde Manning said.

“It was not until he was in Severe Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) that our small local hospital thankfully noticed all of his symptoms and made the diagnosis. Tex’s diagnosis came as a very big shock as there was no previous family history.”

From there, Jayde and her family were left to navigate a diagnosis commonly compared to its counterpart, type 2 diabetes, but vastly different.

“Unfortunately there is not enough awareness of T1D. We want the community to know, T1D does not discriminate, it can come at any age and stage in one’s life, and unlike the more widely known Type 2 Diabetes, T1D cannot be managed through lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise,” she said.

“At this point in time there is no cure for T1D, only daily management through daily insulin injections or insulin delivered via an insulin pump.”

This is One Walk’s 31st year, having been started by a group of mums in Melbourne.

There are now more than 39 events planned around Australia throughout March, from city centres to regional hubs, encouraging community connection and conversation.

“Our community events are a great opportunity to bring those living with T1D and their families together, and provide an opportunity for connection by meeting others living with the same challenges daily,” Jayde said.

JDRF last year alone helped fund 55 research projects across Australia with $9.4 million raised.

“Type 1 diabetes doesn’t stop for anything or anyone, it is 24/7. JDRF Australia wants to change that,” National Manager Community

Fundraising Tamara Aitchison said.

“We are committed to creating a world without this condition through funding the best and brightest researchers working to accelerate life changing breakthroughs to improve lives and ultimately cure T1D.

“One Walk has been helping make these breakthroughs possible for many years now, raising funds for the most promising research thanks only to the continued dedication of our amazing community.”

With eight people diagnosed every day, Jayde said it’s important to look out for the signs and symptoms of the four T’s: Tired, Thirst, Thinner and Toilet!

JDRF hopes to get to a point where T1D doesn’t exist and improve the outcome for people like Tex.

“Tex’s diagnosis was absolutely heartbreaking. While knowing we would never hold him back in life from chasing his every dream, the reality of the extra hurdles we would all be facing was a harsh reality,” Jayde said.

The Lilydale walk starts at 11.30am with an arrival of 10.30am, a sausage sizzle and other treats will also be available. To find out more, go to walk.jdrf.org.au/event/walk-lilydale-25/ home

Jayde Manning and her son Tex, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 13-months-old. (Supplied)

travel through the beautiful Yarra Valley heading for their destination of Seymour on Sunday

The Black Dog Ride One Dayer will set off from Lilydale for the first time. (Supplied)

Elevating women on IWD

Yarra Ranges Council, along with Inspiro, hosted a special International Women’s Day event featuring a screening of the Trailblazers documentary, alongside the launch of the Sport for All Gender Inclusive Toolkit.

The free community event took place on Thursday 6 March, at the Aunty Dot Peters Auditorium at Box Hill Institute Lilydale and was attended by Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Cr Jim Child, and CEO, Tammi Rose.

Highlights of the day included guest speaker Sarah Styles Director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Victoria, discussing levelling the playing field for women and girls in sport and active recreation in Victoria.

Film Producer Lucy Maclaren shared a special screening of the Stan Original Documentary Trailblazers, showcasing the rise of the Matildas and their fight for equality in Australian football.

The Yarra Ranges Council Recreation Team also introduced the Sport for All Gender Inclusive Toolkit which was developed by Inspiro, Yarra Ranges Council, Maroondah Council, Manningham Council, and Knox Council.

The toolkit helps sporting clubs and active recreation settings take positive action towards gender equity and fair access for all genders.

Ellie Ingwersen, Recreation Development and Liaison Officer at Yarra Ranges Council said that, among the seven council areas in the eastern region, the Yarra Ranges boasts the highest participation in AFL football for women and girls but said that challenges remain.

“In many communities, girls participate in sports at significantly lower rates than boys, with 50 percent of girls dropping out of sport by age 17,” she said.

“While at the elite level, female athletes receive less pay, support, and media attention. Women are also underrepresented in leadership positions at all levels.”

Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Jim Child said in his address by stating that achieving gender equality is not just a women’s issue.

“It’s a community issue that benefits us all. Let’s break down barriers and create a community where everyone has the opportunity to lead, succeed, and thrive,” he said.

included a special screening of Trailblazers and guest speakers.

Celebrating CFA volunteers like Chirnside Park’s Natalie

CFA celebrated its thousands of women members on International Women’s Day who dedicate their lives to protecting others every day.

This year’s theme Accelerate Action was about creating a gender equal world, which CFA acknowledges through its women who make up 24 per cent of the volunteer base, 14 per cent of those in brigade leadership roles.

Chirnside Park Fire Brigade volunteer Natalie Thresher, who recently marked 10 years of volunteering with CFA, said the past decade has taught her resilience and strength that she didn’t know was possible.

“I’ve been part of CFA longer than I was a teenager, longer than I was at any school and longer that I’ve worked at any job,” Natalie said.

“It’s been challenging, it’s been confronting and rewarding, it has shaped me and brought me great pride.

“It has solidified the broad definition of family, there is nothing within CFA that can be done alone and there have been so many people along the way that have built me up and contributed to my success.”

CFA has many strong women educators across the state, with Natalie coordinating state run driving courses in her full-time role as a CFA staff member. Natalie said she has always felt well supported and valued in both her roles as a volunteer and staff member.

“I’ve never had issues because of my gender, I’ve never had any walls put up, I’ve always been accepted as an individual,” Natalie said.

“There are so many different elements of being a CFA member that we need everyone to be a part of. Everyone has a strength which can be utilised at CFA.

“I feel lucky to be part of the CFA community and I feel very included. I’m proud of the team.”

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a chance to recognise the steps taken, acknowledge the work we have to do and celebrate the contributions that women make to society globally.

CFA volunteer and General Manager of Infrastructure Services Paul Santamaria was named the joint winner of the Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award at the Emergency Services Foundation IWD event. Paul received this award for his leadership in all his roles at CFA, including the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee where he champions what it means

to recognise individuality, inclusivity and deliver programs across CFA that are free of bias and equitable for all.

CFA’s Young Leaders Mentoring Program also received an encouragement award in the Gender Inclusivity Initiative section for equipping young volunteers with essential leadership and management skills, preparing them for future leadership roles within CFA.

CFA chief executive officer Greg Leach said Paul’s award and the encouragement award were incredible achievements which showcase CFA’s ongoing dedication and commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.

“CFA has implemented a number of programs over the past few years to ensure CFA women are given the opportunity to thrive,” Greg said.

“The first female-only Driver Education Course was held last year, with six women successfully completing the course. These women are now qualified to deliver driver training to brigades in their area and across the state, further boosting CFA’s high-class training for our members.

“Women’s challenge camps are now rolling out across the state, encouraging women to step outside their comfort zone, learn new skills and build relationships with others across their region.

“During the recent fires in the west of the state, it was pleasing to see and hear countless stories of women leading the charge on Strike Teams and at Incident Control Centres, coming from across the state to help protect those communities during a challenging time.

“Our women often say they don’t see themselves as different to their male peers. They’re not ‘a women firefighter’, they’re just ‘a firefighter’. And that’s exactly how we hope every woman in CFA feels about their role in this organisation.

“Our members are highly skilled and trained individuals with the same goal – to protect life and property.

“We will always have work to do to build a better world for women and gender diverse people but CFA has so much to be proud of and I look forward to guiding and supporting this great organisation in continuing this valuable work.”

Yarra Ranges Council, in partnership with Inspiro, hosted a special International Women’s Day event featuring a screening of the Trailblazers documentary, alongside the launch of the Sport for All Gender Inclusive Toolkit. (Supplied).

The event

Natalie Thresher has been a CFA volunteer for 10 years helping protect her Chirnside Park community. (Supplied)

SKINCARE IN LILYDALE

Your skin deserves experts

In a country where two in three Australians will face skin cancer by age 70, regular professional skin examinations aren’t just recommended— they’re essential.

For over a decade, Main Street Medical and Main Street Cosmetic & Skin have championed skin cancer prevention in the Yarra Valley, performing full skin examinations an impressive 15,000 patients and 4800 skin cancer procedures.

“Skin cancer is preventable, and early detection can make all the difference,” Dr Sima Torabian said, emphasising that many skin cancers begin as subtle, easily overlooked changes.

Dr Eeshara said that skin cancer typically develops silently, often without symptoms until reaching advanced stages.

“We regularly see patients who were unaware of changes in their skin until a routine check revealed something concerning.”

Why Choose Main Street Medical for Your Skin Health?

Main Street Medical combines years of specialised experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional skin cancer care:

Advanced Diagnostic Technology: Full-body skin checks utilising high-precision dermoscopy for accurate assessment.

Comprehensive Treatment Options: Expert removal of cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions

Innovative Solutions: Cutera Excel V+ Laser Technology for treating vascular lesions, pigmentation, and scars.

Holistic Approach: Aesthetic medicine by qualified doctors supporting overall skin and immune health.

Be Your Own First Line of Defence

While professional examinations are crucial, self-monitoring between visits can save lives.

changing in shape, size, colour, or beginning to bleed.

ner in your skin health journey.

Asymmetry: One half differs from the other

Border: Irregular, blurred, or jagged edges

Colour: Multiple or uneven coloration

Diameter: Rapid changes in size

Most importantly, schedule an immediate appointment if you notice any mole or lesion

Your Partner in Long-Term Skin Health

At Main Street Medical & Cosmetic, every patient receives a thorough skin assessment, personalised treatment plan, and expert guidance for maintaining healthy skin. Their patient-focused approach ensures you’re not just receiving treatment—you’re gaining a dedicated part-

With Australia’s high skin cancer rates, don’t leave your health to chance. Join the thousands who’ve trusted Main Street Medical with their skin examinations—with over 15,000 patients with full skin examinations and 4,800 skin cancer procedures performed, their experience speaks for itself. Experience the peace of mind that comes with expert care.

Remember the ABCD rule when examining your skin:

See the Main Street Medical & Cosmetic team for you skin care needs. (Supplied)

CAPTURING THE YARRA RANGES

Vital infrastructure fragile

By Mikayla van Loon

As the first of the townships to gain a CCTV network in the Yarra Ranges, fundraised through a community effort, the desire and need for this system in Lilydale remains.

But being the oldest means over time the critical infrastructure has become dilapidated beyond repair with no funds available to fix it.

It’s something that has been on the agenda for the Lilydale Township Action Group (LTAG) since its inception but like most groups, finding the right avenue to fund the replacement has been met with challenges.

“We’ve advocated pretty strongly that these cameras need to come back for a safety point of view and for a community response. It’s hard because no one seems to be able to say definitively what we need to do. Most of the cameras are obsolete and no longer in use,” LTAG president Neal Taylor said.

“There’s been a lot of hand wringing and tossing the ball to and from different organisations.”

Mr Taylor estimates that 90 per cent of the cameras in Lilydale need replacing but “there’s no money around at the moment for them to be repaired or replaced”.

Lilydale CFA captain Warren Davis has been on the other side of the response over the years, responding to fires around town but also noticing vandals targeting places like the White Dog Hotel, donation bins and playgrounds.

“The crime in Lilydale is getting out of control. We’ve responded to rubbish bins that have been set fire to, play equipment being vandalised,” he said.

“Kids, they’re treating (the White Dog) now like it’s a haunted house, breaking into it constantly and our concern is that someone’s going to set fire to it.

“Shops are vulnerable now because we don’t have CCTV. People feel vulnerable walking down the street at night time.”

Seeing the benefit of the cameras when the existing ones were in good condition, Mr Taylor said it did help.

“It keeps down anti-social behaviour. It helps

Upper Yarra community groups speak on cameras

By Callum Ludwig

Township groups were often entrusted as the recipients of the grants for CCTV cameras in the Yarra Ranges but also left with the cost of their upkeep and upgrades.

Despite often supporting the camera network, the changing nature of township group membership and committees, combined with the financial burden for only a group of volunteers, meant these groups could not be responsible for keeping the cameras running alone.

Millgrove Residents’ Action Group (MRAG) Project Coordinator Jan Burney said in 2024 she attended a township meeting hosted by Yarra Ranges Council on behalf of MRAG which provided a presentation by two local police officers in relation to the CCTV.

“At the time Millgrove was one of a few townships where the CCTV cameras were still active and although these cameras were not continuously monitored, as some of the bigger townships were, footage could be drawn from the devices when required,” she said.

“There was some conversation about the poor maintenance due to the exclusivity of parts, and the high expense charged by the original installers, there was no way to go to the ‘free market’ for cheaper prices due to lack of competency in this sphere of work, however, it seemed there may be one individual that was willing to repair the devices,”

“The police made clear there were assault incidents in Mooroolbark where investigations would have been greatly assisted had the camera been working and many other places, where cameras would be very helpful.”

The Warburton Advancement League (WAL) would welcome the return of CCTV cameras in the township.

Vice President of WAL David Pratt said he believes there’s not only an opportunity for law enforcement but to support sustainable tourism in the township.

“We absolutely, 100 per cent support them, as we know, most of the antisocial behaviours that occur are occurring late at night when we see loads of people that are on their way up to Mount Donna Buang and up to the Ten Mile Car Park, which is an activity the police constantly have to try and curtail and the camera network hopefully will support,” he said.

“I think the impact of having them would be quite considerable because those cameras in town have the ability to pick up number plate rec-

Township Group.

(File: 393973)

ognition which is an important element and we do know that there is a desperate need for cameras on Mount Donna Buang where they could also function as snow cams,”

“Snow in winter in Warburton does occur, but it doesn’t hang around for the longest period of time so right now we’re relying on local knowledge…as our mayor has mentioned many times, tourism is only expected to double over the next decade so we can then use that camera network to be able to put some messaging about delays ahead or to please drive safely.”

The Seville Township Group has been putting in $250 a year for cameras and advocating for them, especially since the vandalism of the Seville War Memorial.

Vice President of the Seville Township Group Sue McMurdie said they have been waiting so long and it’s been gut-wrenching.

“All the work we put into obtaining and building the wall memorial was enormous and then to have it vandalised and not be able to have any indication as to who did it was heartbreaking,” she said.

“The War Memorial subcommittee of the township group has been trying so hard to find out what is actually going on with the funding that was originally given to have a camera go in for us and we’re still struggling to know why we can’t get any answers and why it’s taken so long,”

“Cameras would incredibly welcomed, unbelievably welcomed, we just would be so delighted and so relieved to know that this promised item was being delivered.”

The WHYLD (Woori Yallock, Hoddles Creek, Yellingbo, Launching Place and Don Valley) Community Group and the Yarra Junction Community Group were contacted for comment.

with crime prevention and also keeping track of crime. I think it would deter things like drug and alcohol abuse, particularly drug transactions that are happening,” he said.

“I think it’s going to be beneficial for the community. It’s just trying to work out how. Who would maintain them, and who would look after them, and who’s going to fund them. So there’s a lot of questions around this that need to be answered.”

Mr Davis said from what he understands the cameras originally installed only lined one side of

Main Street but he would like to see this extended to both sides and throughout the main parts of the township. He too said active CCTV would benefit the township greatly, even just to deter one person.

“Just to try and curb vandalism and make the streets safer. If people know that there are cameras operating in the area, it may deter them from venturing into the area and causing vandalism,” Mr Davis said.

“Graffiti at the moment around Lilydale is totally out of control. So if (police) had footage, they could see who’s doing it and make an arrest.

“I don’t know whether it’s the state government or local government, but somebody needs to make a commitment. They really have the duty of care to make sure that everybody has a safe passage whilst being in the main street.”

The major hurdle of funding the project, however, is keeping township groups like LTAG in limbo.

“There’s no real definitive funding choice. I know that in the past, it’s had federal funding but it’s unfortunate that that funding is not available at the moment,” Mr Taylor said.

“As a community group, we brought it up at a shire-wide meeting and a lot of the township groups that have cameras in their areas are still also struggling for the same reason. There was some movement about maybe banding together to try and find some funding.”

Despite this, Mr Taylor said while LTAG would be happy to advocate for the upgrading, he does not think the responsibility should fall on the township and traders groups to manage the maintenance and funding.

Traders see hope in CCTV

By Mikayla van Loon

The term “fallen on deaf ears” was how Mooroolbark Traders and Community Group president Geoff Earney described the process of gaining new funding or any commitment to upgrading the CCTV network in town.

Funded during the rounds of Federal grants from former MP Tony Smith, Mr Earney said Mooroolbark had 20 cameras installed throughout the main centre.

Not fully aware of the current working condition of all 20, Mr Earney said he believed at least eight or nine cameras were not functioning.

“There’s been requests made to the Police Minister for some money. It’s gone to council, and everything has fallen on deaf ears from everybody,” he said.

“It’s got all the infrastructure. It’s got everything there, but the cameras on top of the poles and the sides of the buildings need work. Nothing works forever.”

Mr Earney said he sees “great value” in having a working CCTV network in Mooroolbark but that traders and township groups cannot be responsible for the upkeep.

“It has great value to deter people if they’re able to see them up there, but at the same time, you don’t go and put all this infrastructure in there for nothing to work. It just seems like such a waste,” he said.

“But then who’s the one who picks it up? The trader groups haven’t got the money. We’re struggling to survive as it is. No trader group’s got any spare money at all.”

Despite an independent contractor offering their services to assess the cameras in Mooroolbark for “a fairly reasonable cost”, that option would not be feasible ongoing.

Given the number of towns in the Yarra Ranges with a community camera system installed, Mr Earney said he would see the council as being the best responsible authority for maintaining the systems shire-wide.

“There must be eight or nine or 10 towns that have them and if they’ve all got 10 cameras each, I know that we’ve got 20 here, there’s at least 80 or 100 cameras out there that need constant maintenance on them, or at least maintenance every year or two years, which a contractor should be able to be employed to do that,” he said.

“As far as the council is concerned, it’s another cost they’re having to wear, and obviously, at the end of the day, the ratepayers, but I guess I’d be going to be further in saying the ratepayers benefit.”

Understanding that it would cost a significant amount to repair and “get them up and going” again, Mr Earney said from there it would just be regular maintenance required each year.

CCTV cameras could have played an important part in protecting the Seville War Memorial, which came at great cost to the Seville

The Lilydale Township Action Group has been advocating for an upgraded CCTV network but has hit numerous road blocks. (File: 234335)

CAPTURING THE YARRA RANGES

Traders want CCTV network

By Callum Ludwig

Traders and shopowners in town centres have been targeted by criminals and vandals and despite often having cameras in their own stores, would welcome CCTV in the main streets.

Here’s what a few local business owners in the Upper Yarra had to say about the incidents affecting them.

The Charlie Horse Vintage Clothing store in Warburton was egged and defaced overnight between 10pm 31 October and 8am 1 November 2024 and owner Charlie Gaultier said street cameras would have been extremely helpful.

“The vandals have been identified, but for some bizarre reason, police are reluctant to do anything until they get further evidence, they caused $3500 worth of damage,” he said.

“Local council gives us lip service but doesn’t come through, also very disappointing,”

“Businesses such as mine do have cameras, but thieves cover up, a town CCTV system would most certainly deter criminal activity.”

Images of the damage shared by police show the shopfront had been heavily ‘egged’ and the perpetrators had also written ‘STINKY’ with some form of white paint on a window.

In June 2022, the old Warburton IGA building was left burnt out, with a male and female caught on private CCTV cameras around the time of the incident of interest to police.

Owner of the Warburton IGA Shane Wyles said while his understanding is two juveniles were caught, a stronger CCTV presence could have prevented it altogether.

“Because it was an empty building, it didn’t

stop our trade and our intention was to knock it down when we started the new one, but it did cost us about $30,000 for the cleanup,” he said.

“However, what I’d say is a building of that size had been still in use, it’s more than half a million or $600,000 worth of damage that would have had to have been replaced,”

“It certainly proves the efficiency of CCTV and if it wasn’t for the private CCTV. I don’t believe the incident would have been resolved but it also becomes a deterrent, not just for arson but tagging and the whole works.”

Mr Wyles said the Warburton IGA are strongly in favour of having a CCTV network in town and the new building under construction now will have extensive internal and external CCTV cameras and will provide footage to police when need.

The Star Mail tried to contact the owner of the TerryWhite Chemmart in Wandin North Nabih Barsoum, who expressed support for CCTV in the township following a break in at the pharmacy in June 2024.

At the time, Mr Barsoum said he thought some upgrades to security on the strip of shops could help.

“If we had more cameras in that strip, we could capture them from all different directions, which would help identify them more, we need fixed cameras, not just by the shop owners, because you cannot force them to do it,” he said.

“More light as well, I’ve got my own light out the front of the pharmacy but everywhere else is so dark as well,”

“We need to come up with a plan for the whole strip because it’s attractive for criminals and they will keep coming back.”

The burnt-out old Warburton IGA. (File)

‘STINKY’ painted on the window of the Charlie Horse Vintage Clothing store in Warburton. (File)

The break-in at TerryWhite Chemmart in Wandin North. (File)

CAPTURING THE YARRA RANGES MADCOW upholds safety

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

The Monbulk and District Community Working Group (MADCOW) has been a pillar of support in ensuring the safety and sustainability of Monbulk.

The not-for-profit organisation, has been dedicated in promoting community development through events, projects, and practical activities - among the many initiatives they’ve championed is the town’s CCTV camera system, which plays a crucial role in keeping Monbulk safe.

As part of Star Mail’s ‘Capturing the Yarra Ranges’ investigation, reporters have discovered that Monbulk is one of the towns leading the way with a functional CCTV system.

The CCTV cameras in Monbulk were initially set up by the now-defunct Monbulk Business Network (MBN), which successfully lobbied for federal funding and secured contributions from local traders.

These funds were used not only to install the cameras but also to maintain and repair them for the first five years. However, when the business network folded, the responsibility of managing the CCTV maintenance fell to MADCOW, which continues to oversee the upkeep of the system.

MADCOW Co-President, Aimee te Boekhorst said since the traders folded, the funds are now managed by MADCOW to support the CCTV maintenance in Monbulk.

“These funds are used for the maintenance and fixing of any damaged cameras. The Monbulk township funds all management and upkeep of the cameras, and our traders have been an incredible support in funding to ensure that we have cameras for the safety of our community,” she said.

According to Ms te Boekhorst, all cameras in Monbulk’s Main Street are currently functional and have proven to be a valuable asset, both for the community and the local police.

She said that privacy is a top priority, with cameras only capturing footage of public spaces and feeding back to the Monbulk Police Station for safety purposes.

According to Star Mail’s investigation, Monbulk’s Main Road is the only area where the CCTV system is currently operational. (Stewart

Mooroolbark Police, Sergeant Cal Cunningham praised Monbulk for its efforts in maintaining the CCTV system but acknowledged the challenges faced by other communities in keeping up with maintenance costs.

“While township and trader groups have done their best to keep the systems up-to-date on behalf of the community, it has been a big ask of them,” Sgt Cunningham said.

He pointed out that while communities like Monbulk have managed to contribute to the fund, others, such as Mooroolbark, struggle with funding.

“Some of these other township groups, like the Mooroolbark traders group, just don’t have the money and aren’t able to generate enough to afford maintenance on the level that’s required,” he said.

The burden of maintaining the CCTV system has been a challenge for smaller groups with limited resources, but Monbulk’s collective effort to ensure the cameras remain in good working condition continues to be an example of community resilience.

Despite the financial struggles, the importance of the CCTV system in enhancing public safety remains undeniable.

Calls for upgrades and accountability via CCTV

By Tanya Steele

CCTV networks once seen as a vital part of crime prevention in Belgrave and Upwey are now facing significant challenges due to outdated equipment and the escalating costs of maintenance.

As Star Mail’s CCTV campaign continues, journalists spoke with traders and township group members in the towns about the ongoing issues with the network and hopes for it in the future.

Shared concerns for costs and who should be accountable, the township group members and the traders spoke about the pros and cons of handling the network and some of its history.

President of the Belgrave Traders Josh said at the moment the CCTV is really a bit of a hot potato about whose responsibility it is to maintain the cameras.

“Police have told us that they don’t have any responsibility to maintain the network of cameras, but they do have the ability to view the footage in real time on monitors,” he said.

“It would be beneficial, because we have a lot of nightlife in Belgrave.”

Jacqui, current President of the Upwey Township group, said it had once been a fantastic program.

“The current issue, though, is that we really need to be able to upgrade the equipment and the connectivity of the live feed so that it can actually be utilized in real time by the police,” she said.

Jacqui said that in Upwey they are seeing more people with antisocial behaviour coming into the area and in the last few years the group have tried things like installing extra lighting to deter behaviour.

“CCTV would really help with identifying particular perpetrators,” she said.

Belgrave has similar issues and Josh said that some areas of the town have very low lighting.

“Blacksmith’s Laneway is quite dark at night time – it is a bit of a risky sort of area,” said Josh.

“I think most Traders would feel more comfortable on the street to know that there is CCTV footage that covers potentially the back and front sides of the street, for their own businesses sake,” he said.

Former president of the Upwey township group Andrew Fullagar said he started on the journey for CCTV along with former Crime Prevention Officer Leading Senior Constable Linda Hancock around 2013.

“We were removing graffiti in Upwey from about 2009 or 2010 on and she was in the Kilsyth Action Group at that stage herself,” he said.

The duo met through the Yarra Ranges township group network, and Mr Fullagar said they were of a like mind and wanted to reduce the amount of graffiti in their areas.

“I was always pushing really hard because of the amount of graffiti in Upwey and antisocial behavior generally - so that was the thrust of what we were trying to do,” he said.

“I think CCTV is a really good, really good thing - although some people don’t like it because of having the cameras around,” he said.

Mr Fullagar said a positive note was that originally the Yarra Ranges Safety Camera network was an incorporated organisation independent of the township group network, and indepen-

dent of every single township group.

“Having that was beneficial, in one sense, that it was independent, it did its own thing,” he said.

However, the network also suffered from some foundational issues, and Mr Fullagar said that as time moved forward, some people didn’t even know it existed, or what the structure of it was, with the community raising the question of why they should be contributing towards it.

Township and Traders groups tend to change over the years, and keeping track of the ins and outs of the systems was challenging for both towns.

Mr Fullagar said that originally the grants were for the installation of the cameras, and the township groups generally, or the traders group, depending on what was around, were to pay the insurance.

“There was a little bit of money left over for maintenance, but not really enough,” he said.

“There certainly wasn’t any money for upgrades or technology advances.”

The former president said in hindsight, the network seemed a little bit doomed to fail.

“Township groups, as you probably know, have very few sources of income,” he said.

“To expect the township group to fund for the insurance… it was a bit of a big ask, a bit of a leap of faith.”

Although some townships got on board and managed to fund that money, Mr Fullagar said that it’s a difficult space and when they ran out of funding, effectively, the systems gradually fell over.

Both town main areas have had ongoing issues with graffiti and crime over the years, and Josh said that when there’s been property damage in the streets of Belgrave recently, the police have reached out to businesses for help to get footage of the crimes.

Jacqui said that personal business CCTV has been helpful to track crime in Upwey.

“Some individual businesses in their shops in

the main street have helped,” she said.

Josh said he would also like to see the police more out and about in the local community.

“Community policing is pretty important,” he said.

Looking forward, the township members and traders agree that it would require a lot of work to overhaul the current system and ensure that the CCTV will work the way it was supposed to originally.

Josh said he thinks the logical solution would be to pay a CCTV contractor to basically assess the network, figure out what’s broken and re-implement the whole system again.

“That takes money and the Belgrave Traders are not funded by Council at all - it’s completely self-generated,” he said.

Jacqui said that it would be great to see these systems actually be at a higher functioning level, so they can be utilized.

“It’s one of those situations where it was best of intentions with funding, then, of course, that funding ends,” she said.

“There’s a lot of shared responsibility, but with no funding to be able to update, upgrade and maintain the equipment.”

Mr Fullagar said he thinks they will have to revisit the whole structure again.

“We need to upgrade all the cameras, because most of them are now older, so that’s going to cost a lot of money,” he said.

“Get the systems in place so that VicPol are intentionally involved, and we need to know where the information is and ensure we’ve got direct access.”

Everything that the CCTV covers is public property and Josh said that if it’s all covering Council things, public and community concern should be a factor,

“It should also be coming from local council or police, but I don’t understand why it would ever have been in the hands of the traders,” he said.

In Belgrave and Upwey, some of the CCTV has fallen into varying states of disrepair. (Stewart Chambers: 64065)

Chambers: 464063)

CAPTURING THE YARRA RANGES

CCTV would help with ID

By Dongyun Kwon

Star Mail’s six-week CCTV campaign was welcomed by the local traders and shopkeepers.

Getting into the campaign’s midpoint, Star Mail interviewed local traders groups and shopowners to find out if a well-managed CCTV network is needed for local businesses.

Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce managed the CCTV network system in the town until the group was closed a couple of years ago.

Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce former president Ashleigh Skillern said the CCTV system brought many benefits to Yarra Glen at the time.

“It gave some good feedback and good access to the police to track down some criminals,” he said.

“I don’t have any knowledge of (if the CCTV cameras are still) up and working.

“Yarra Glen will be good to have a CCTV system back in order to strengthen the safety and security around the main street of town. I think it should be totally funded by the council or the government because the benefits go towards the general public.”

In Healesville, the CCTV network system was looked after by the Healesville Chamber of Commerce which was also closed.

After the absence of a group for the businesses for some years, Healesville Traders Incorporated was established to form an official business and traders group for the town in 2023.

Nina Sturgess, president of the group, who runs the Verso Books on the main street, said the reinstatement of the CCTV network would benefit the town.

“The Healesville Traders have been working with a number of individuals that have been campaigning for this,” she said.

“Yesterday (on Thursday 6 March), there was an arrest right outside Aldi which was filmed by residents.

“There are a number of incidents that happen in Healesville that would be probably avoided if we did have CCTV.”

Healesville Jewellers owner Sally Piper, who experienced several break-ins, shared her anxiety regarding the increased crimes in the town.

She said having cameras in the town is always going to be helpful.

“I absolutely live with anxiety. It’s not just during the day, it’s 24 hours a day,” the shopowner said.

Hello Yarra Valley gardeners!

Welcome to the March 2025 Queensland fruit fly update, and my last update to the Yarra Valley from the State Government funded era of the QFF YV prevention and awareness project. I hope these columns have been helpful to you in understanding the emerging QFF problem in the Yarra Valley, and I hope you are all now better prepared for the QFF fight ahead. We need to manage QFF together.

My favourite ‘moment’

I really loved the community spirit and the help from some young Healesville Venturers with an impromptu Quince harvest. The CWA helped by teaching this crew Quince jam making skills and MLMC provided kitchens. The good fruit was sold with help from a fruit grower, and jam was later sold at markets. Some fruit helped feed the locals at HICCI and all funds raised supported local charity. Thank you to all.

Thank you

A huge ‘thank you’ to the fruit industry people and businesses who have given their time, guidance, service and knowledge to the project. I’m sure we can all continue the connectivity and support for fruit fly alerts into the future. The region still needs our teamwork!

“(With the well-operating CCTV cameras,) we might have a chance to identify those who choose to abuse our businesses.

“It can assist the police who do the most extraordinary job to try and protect us in our community and the visitors who come here, so those cameras play an important role in assisting with the police workload as well.”

Ms Sturgess confirmed Ms Piper was not the only person who felt the safety concerns among the business owners.

As a female business owner who hired female staff members, Ms Sturgess said she felt a strong sense of responsibility towards the female staff that she employed, but she also emphasised it’s not just women who were targeted by offenders.

“It’s definitely something that we have discussed amongst female-owned businesses. Employing female staff comes with a set of responsibilities. As a business owner, you have to acknowledge and take care of them,” she said.

“We have looked at various systems. We had some neighbours which was a male-owned business who always used to look out for us and were always willing to help us.

“Having said that, a male business owner was assaulted in broad daylight the other day at 6pm.”

Despite feeling the demand for well-functioning CCTV cameras, some questions remained about getting the system back on the right track.

Ms Sturgess said the main issues at the moment are identifying the key stakeholders and working out relevant funding to maintain the system.

“We have a major highway running through the town of Healesville, so does it become a (VicRoads) issue? Is it a council issue? Is it a police issue? At the moment, the responsibility has been put on the traders,” she said.

“(According to) the conversations we’ve had with the police, the local police in Healesville have always maintained that they would happily monitor any CCTV system that was installed.

“The monitoring as far as I’m aware is not an issue, it’s the installation and maintenance of the cameras. The cameras that are currently in place are obsolete and not functioning.

“I believe they were installed with a grant and we probably are going to need to get a grant. At the moment, there are so many people involved and so many individuals involved. We’re trying to navigate how to best approach it.”

For the whole community please continue to connect. Keep reporting QFF via the new reporting feature on the website. Agribusiness Yarra Valley will continue to support the QFF website and some communications until we can perhaps source more funding.

QFF Detections @ MAR 7th 2025 Yarra Valley and surrounds

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

Thank you to those who have voluntarily reported suspect QFF to our team. It helps us all try to be ahead of the pest, minimise fruit losses, and minimise the use of chemicals used in QFF control.

Areas of concern this month are Silvan, Lilydale and Mt. Evelyn

These hotspots of QFF detections are likely related to QFF breeding in areas with uncontrolled weed blackberries. There is also evidence of some unmanaged tree fruit. All fruit, wild or domesticated, needs to be managed to be able to manage Queensland Fruit Fly well. Remove the weed/tree if you don’t intend to manage it suitably, which includes protecting the fruit from QFF and a timely harvest!

If you think you’ve found QFF, take a clear photograph and use the “report QFF” tool on the website www.fruitflyfreeyv.com.au Freeze, boil or microwave suspect fruit. Do not compost.

Healesville Traders Incorporated was established in 2023. (Tanya Steele: 333454)

NEWS Lyrebirds’ secret revealed

A beloved Australian bird that calls areas of the Yarra Ranges home that is best known for its stunning tail and powers of mimicry may have a cunning hidden talent.

New research published on 4 March has revealed that the superb lyrebird is a resourceful farmer, creating micro-habitats to host and fatten its prey before returning later to feast.

Lead researcher Alex Maisey, who grew up in the Dandenong Ranges, said this type of animal farming was rarely seen in nature.

“Lyrebirds set up the perfect home for their prey, creating conditions with more food resources and effectively fattening them up before eating them,” he said.

Scientists from La Trobe University observed the ground-dwelling birds working to create habitats suitable for their diet of worms, centipedes and spiders.

In a new paper published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, the researchers found that lyrebirds arranged litter and soil on the forest floor in ways that promote more prey.

They fenced lyrebirds out from small areas throughout the forest to create lyrebird-free environments. In some of these areas, the researchers raked the leaf litter and soil to simulate lyrebird foraging. Where raking had been undertaken, there were more types and larger invertebrates than the areas without simulated lyrebird foraging.

The superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) is mainly found in the moist eucalypt forests in south-eastern Australia.

Dr Maisey said lyrebirds, through foraging, heavily influenced the plants and animals that lived in Australia’s south-eastern forests.

In this project, lyrebirds were measured moving an average of 155 tonnes of litter and soil per hectare while farming invertebrates.

“They also lower the intensity of bushfires by burying leaves and branches that fuel fires,

The new research dubbed the lyrebird an ‘Eco engineer.’(File: 438339)

thereby shaping whole ecosystems,” Dr Maisey said.

“Lyrebirds are widespread and active across millions of hectares of forest. Their farming actions play an important role in maintaining forest

biodiversity,” he said.

Going forward Dr Maisey said understanding the broader impacts of lyrebirds and other eco engineers under the influence of climatedriven, more frequent fires is important research

to undertake.

“We need to know how management can be tailored to work with natural systems rather than against, to sustainably manage our precious forests,” he said.

Tuesday 18th March 2025 - 11am to 3pm

Daniel steps up to MICA

A former Lilydale-based paramedic is set to take on his next challenge joining Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) largest cohort of new Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics.

Daniel Allwood will be heading to Ringwood as one of 30 paramedics who recently completed the MICA Bridging Program and now start on-road training alongside qualified MICA paramedics.

He worked at the London Ambulance Service for three years as a qualified paramedic and single response paramedic before returning to Australia and working as a registered nurse.

Since joining AV, he has worked at the Lilydale branch as an Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic and clinical instructor and on an ambulance response unit.

Daniel said the MICA Bridging Program was a “fantastic professional challenge”.

“I consider myself lucky to be part of such a motivated and talented cohort of MICA interns that have supported each other through the initial stages of our intensive care career,” he said.

“I am proud and excited to join the incredible team in Ringwood and provide care to the wider community I grew up in.”

AV Director Operational Capability Trevor Weston said the MICA interns were a significant boost for critical care across the state.

“This group continues to help us meet the needs of the growing Victorian community,” he said.

“They demonstrate the exceptional skill of AV’s workforce and will make an enormous contribution to our delivery of best care to all patients.”

MICA paramedics have an expanded clinical skill set and can perform high-level medical procedures including advanced airway management, administer intraosseous (into bone) medication and provide greater management of cardiac and traumatic conditions.

From Monday 3 March, 25 of the interns will

be based in metropolitan Melbourne and five in regional Victoria, including branches in Campbellfield, Rosebud, Frankston, Hampton Park, Tarneit, Ravenhall, Ringwood East, Bundoora, Ballarat, Geelong and Morwell.

Paramedic Meg Place also joined Daniel in the new cohort.

Meg originally joined AV in 2012 as an Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) in Timboon. She has since worked as an ALS paramedic at various branches in Barwon South West, including Belmont, Portland, Lara and Norlane, and as a clinical instructor and on an ambulance response unit.

Meg said she’s looking forward to applying her intensive care skills in the Geelong area.

“While it has been a steep learning curve, I’ve found the bridging program rewarding and feel excited and prepared to go in-field,” she said.

“I always aspired to become a MICA paramedic and after being around my Geelong MICA mentors, I knew it’s what I wanted. Their leadership, the way they conduct themselves and their advanced clinical knowledge was inspirational.”

The MICA Bridging Program covers a range of clinical areas including respiratory, cardiac, trauma, medical, paediatric and obstetrics.

“Our MICA paramedics have a reputation as being among the best in the world and, therefore, our MICA Interns have access to the best training facilities and expertise,” Trevor said.

“We congratulate this cohort on their achievements to date and wish them all the best for this next stage in their AV career.”

Another 24 ALS paramedics will commence the MICA Bridging Program this year, totalling 54 new MICA paramedics on-road in 2025.

Enrolment into the AV MICA Bridging Program occurs after successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Specialist Paramedic Practice at Monash University or an equivalent qualification.

Yarra Valley swimmers compete against other kids

By Dongyun Kwon

Young Yarra Valley swimmers represented their schools in a swimming competition.

On Monday 3 March, 11 Healesville Swimming Club (HSC) members, from Healesville, St Brigid’s and Mt Evelyn Primary Schools, and Billanook and Edinburgh Colleges, competed with other talented swimmers in the Yarra Primary Division Carnival to be entitled to enter the regional competition.

HSC president Glenn Riley said it was a great experience for young swimmers where they could race against kids from advanced clubs.

“It gets them to see what the talent is like outside of the local area,” he said.

“However, it doesn’t intimidate them. They’re all excited to be there, and when they get the result, it pays off.

“The individual events are great but when they compete in a relay, they can learn teamwork. They want to perform for their club mates. They seem to put in extra effort for their team.”

To make it through to the division round, students had to take first or second place in their school swimming carnival, and then district competition.

Yarra Primary Division Carnival invited first or second place winners in each district competition.

Yarra Primary Division consists of seven districts; Healesville, Lilydale, Montrose, Mooroolbark, Silvan, Wandin, and Warburton.

10 of the Healesville club’s swimmers succeeded in getting a ticket to the regional round, which is the largest number of club members

going to that stage in recent years.

The president said the club was happy with the result.

“We had an entrance in all of the races; 50m freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly and two relays, a freestyle relay and a medley relay,”

Mr Riley said.

“It’s an indication of the quality of the training that we’re delivering.

“At our squads and club nights, we’re seeing an improvement every time. We award the kids for personal bests and keep a tally of those.”

HSC has been trying to develop its services by strengthening the coaching staff along with upgrading its website.

The club received $1000 through the 2023-24 Sporting Club Grants Program.

With the funds, the HSC developed a new website to engage new members and make it easier for members to book competitions and see their results.

The website was launched a few weeks ago, healesvilleswimmingclub.com.au

Two assistant coaches gained their coach accreditation to help the head coach in offering more sessions and supporting the growth of the swimmers.

“We train at Jack Hort Memorial Community Pool, the 25m heated pool, all year round,” Mr Riley said.

“We run squads for days a week with three qualified coaches.

“We have three levels of squads from junior to intermediate and advanced.”

Friendship shines for locals at the Melbourne Pavilion

By Dongyun Kwon

Two Yarra Valley-based boxers were invited to a ring in front of 2000 spectators on Friday 28 February.

Hayden ‘H-Bomb’ Wright, who runs a free boxing club for children in Coldstream, was going to face Bowie Tupou fighting for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight Silver Championship title.

However, the scheduled fight was cancelled due to Wright’s injury.

Instead of not having a fight, Wright proposed an idea to have a special match with his mate Zac Thompson at the Melbourne Pavilion.

Thompson is his NDIS client and has been training with Wright.

“(Big Time Boxing) agreed to make it a special disability fight night for me and Zac to give Zac an opportunity to perform his skills, that he’s been learning under me, on the big stage,” Wright said.

“This was an honour for myself. Giving someone that I really like as a friend and a NDIS client an opportunity to achieve his dream is a big occasion.

“I’m thankful for Brian and Mick (from Big Time Boxing) who held the event and gave us the opportunity.”

Despite being nervous about the first experience on the big stage, Zac was able to land a few big shots on the professional boxer.

Zac thanked the event organiser.

“I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said.

“It was an amazing experience. I did really well and got a draw.

“I will be back to the gym, dropping more weight and getting fit.”

Wright is locked in for the Victorian Heavyweight Championships title match in June.

The opponent is to be announced.

Two Yarra Valley based boxers Zac Thompson (left) and Hayden Wright (right) had a special match at the Melbourne Pavilion. (Marty Camilleri/Marty’s Knockout Photography)

Students looking forward to competing in the next stage of the competition. (Supplied)

Daniel Allwood and Meg Place are among the largest cohort of MICA paramedics to complete the high level training and hit the road. (Supplied)

FEDERALELECTIONSURVEY

What issues matter most this Federal Election in suburban Australia?

As one of the largest publishers of independent community news in Victoria, Star News Group is conducting this simple survey to gauge community sentiment around the forthcoming federal election.

Please take 5 minutes to have your say and be part of this important conversation. The results of the survey will help us gauge the appetite of readers toward the forthcoming Federal Election and we will share results with our readers.

1. What do you see as the single most important issue in the upcoming federal election?

2. Please select the top 5 of the following issues that are "Extremely Important" to you:

Electricity Prices

Climate Change Policies

Inflation (Cost of Living)

Health Services

Immigration and border control

National roads and rail infrastructure

Water infrastructure

Broadband interenet access

Please specify:

3. Please select the top 5 of the following issues that are "Least Important" to you:

Electricity Prices Climate Change Policies

Inflation (Cost of Living)

Health Services

Immigration and border control

National roads and rail infrastructure

Water infrastructure

Broadband interenet access

Please specify:

4. Which is more important to you? Cheapest electricity possible Reducing carbon emissions

5. Do you support nuclear energy in Australia?

Yes No

6. Would you support a nuclear plant in your local area? Yes No

7. Where would you most like to see a local increase in federal funding, and why?

Local hospitals Local national highways

Local infrastructure project Defence

Other

You can either fill in the survey below and email in or complete the survey online (Simply scan the QR code below) First Name: Last Name: Daytime Contact Phone No:

Once completed, please scan or photograph your completed survey and email to:

8. Regarding immigration policy, do you believe the next government should:

Increase immigration

Reduce Immigration

Keep it about the same

9. At this point are you more likely to vote for:

A major party (Labor or Coalition)

A minor party

An independent

10. On a scale of 1 to 5, (5 the highest), how significant do you think the influence of social media is on public discourse and political decisionmaking in Australia?

1 2 3 4 5 Why?

11. On a scale of 1 to 5, (5 the highest), how concerned are you about global security currently? 1 2 3 4 5 Why?

12. On a scale of 1 to 5, (5 the highest), how concerned are you about housing affordability in your region?

1 2 3 4 5

13. In your opinion, how important is improved national road and transport infrastructure in your region?

1 2 3 4 5

14. What specific infrastructure projects do you believe should be prioritised in your region?

15. Are there any other local or regional issues that you feel are not getting enough attention in the federal election campaign? Please share your thoughts.

16. What age group do you fall into?

Options to heal heel pain

If you’ve ever woken up and felt a sharp pain in your heel when you take your first few steps, you might be dealing with plantar fasciitis.

This common condition can make everyday activities like walking and standing very painful.

Those who suffer from persistent plantar fasciitis will understand how frustrating and restrictive it can be.

“Plantar Fasciitis” is when the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that lives underneath your foot, becomes irritated and inflamed.

The plantar fascia’s job is to support the arch in your foot and work as a shock absorber during weightbearing activities.

Overloading or overstretching the plantar fascia, especially with repetition over time, can

Two for one Edward Ashby show

Mickey 7

Starring Robert Pattinson, Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette

M 4.25/5

Based on the novel Mickey 7 by Edward Ashby, Mickey 17 is a compelling and insightful sci-fi dark comedy from Parasite writer-director Bong Joon-ho. Complications ensue on the icy colony planet of Niflheim when Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), an Expendable worker who is cloned back to life whenever he dies, meets a forbidden extra copy.

Robert Pattinson is one of the most skilled and eclectic character actors of his generation, and excels playing markedly different versions of the same character: the endearingly pathetic 17 and the seemingly-psychopathic 18, who turns his aggression toward a noble end.

Mickey 17 has a slow, easygoing pace full of flashbacks that flesh out Mickey’s life and the colony, but still weaves the two Mickeys’ literally clashing personalities, the megalomaniacal leader Marshall (Mark Ruffalo) and the planet’s gravely misunderstood native creatures into an exciting journey.

Mickey 17 features fantastic art direction, combining grungy spaceship interiors with kitschy wealth, and the blatant but engaging satire takes aim at worker exploitation, the inhumane treatment of natives and clownish political showmanship.

As a big-concept sci-fi nerd, I wish Mickey 17 had a clearer sense of how Mickey retains his memories between clones.

The film fumbles a subplot about the Earth debt Mickey fled from, and while you quickly immerse yourself in Niflheim’s absurd atmosphere, Marshall’s devious wife Ylfa (Toni Collette) has inconsistently evil characterisation and her obsession with sauce stretches credibility a little too far.

While not as good as Joon-ho’s Parasite, Snowpiercer or The Host, Mickey 17 is still a deeply witty sci-fi comedy anchored by a brilliant double-act, and is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

Healthy living

Ben Croxford

Physiotherapist, Leads the team at Form & Practice Mount Evelyn and Olinda

cause stress and tiny tears that lead to the symptoms developing.

There can be lots of contributing factors, such as poor footwear, the profile of your arch,

CARTOON

too much walking/standing and other injuries to the area.

There is no singular treatment that exists as a “fix-all” for plantar fasciitis, but the good news is that there are lots of strategies and treatments that can make a big difference.

These can include:

• Exercises to strengthen then muscles around the foot and ankle, which protect and support the plantar fascia

• The use or orthotic devices and appropriate footwear that aid the function of your arch

• Resting from the specific activities that are contributing to the problem

An alternative history

Book review of This Kingdom of Dust by David Dyer

History tells us that, mere days before Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969, a document titled “In Event of Moon Disaster” was delivered to the White House.

According to the document, if the two astronauts ended up being hopelessly stranded on the Moon, President Richard Nixon would first telephone “each of the widows-to-be”.

He would then deliver a doomsday speech to America and the world:

“[These two men] are laying down their lives in mankind’s most noble goal: the search for truth and understanding... They will be mourned by a Mother Earth that dared send two of her sons into the unknown.”

“For every human being who looks up at the moon in the nights to come will know that there is some corner of another world that is forever mankind.”

This is the harrowing scenario expertly illustrated in Australian author David Dyer’s brilliant novel This Kingdom of Dust, where the Eagle has landed but is now dead.

Unless Neil and Buzz can fix it, they will suffer a slow, agonising death in the Moon’s “magnificent desolation”.

In exquisite prose, the story is told from the perspectives of Buzz on the Moon, his wife Joan on earth, and Aquarius, a writer and journalist who is determined to write her story.

Their observations of the unfolding drama form the story’s backbone.

Further, individual reflections upon this tragedy are set against the backdrop of the political and social turmoils of the 1960s America.

Particularly noteworthy is the character Madalyn, whose attack against NASA serves to highlight Buzz’s profound faith.

Another prominent character is Neil, an extraordinary gentleman who shines true and bright in Buzz’s eyes. Their friendship is inspiring yet heart-wrenching.

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH

It is an intellectual connection only to be rivalled by the solid sisterhood among the “astrowives”, those women who stand “proud, thrilled, happy” beside their astronaut husbands in public but suffer endless heartache and emotional drain in private.

Perhaps the most impressive character in the story is Joan, and the nuanced presentation of her multifaceted life is astonishing. Here is a woman with courage and dignity, whom the later generations only get to know via her obituary.

She is given not just a voice but an AGENCY in the story, for which we are grateful.

Meanwhile, in This Kingdom of Dust, Aquarius is not just a character, but one who writes himself and the others into his own book of the same name.

Such contest between the writer and the written appears to be a theme that Dyer enjoys exploring.

As with the case of his previous book The Midnight Watch, meticulous research helps imagining the multidimensional and multidirectional reality.

Indeed, in his “Author’s Notes”, Dyer recounts how he learned from Michael Collins’ 1974 book Carrying the Fire that scorpions like to hide in people’s clothing. “Perhaps that’s what I’ve been doing in this novel,” he confesses before signing off as “Scorpio”, an invitation for readers to merge facts with fiction.

Highly recommended.

• Massage, stretching and other pain-relieving supports

A professional, like a physiotherapist, can create a tailored plan using a variety of these treatment techniques.

It can be slow to improve, so it is important to persist with the right management strategies. However, it absolutely can improve and you certainly shouldn’t just put up with it! Ben Croxford is a physiotherapist and leads the team at Form and Practice Mt Evelyn, Olinda and Chirnside Park.

His writings explore his favourite health topics, challenge common myths and aim to empower you to take control of your own health. Find out more at formandpractice.com.au

Music and comedy

Kemp’s curtain call

Burrinja Theatre

Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks

Ross Wilson is hitting the road with his allstar band The Peaceniks to celebrate “50 Year of Hits” including all the Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock favourites you’d expect along with the latest offering from an almost 6-decade career, tracks from his latest EP on Bloodline Record She’s Stuck on Facebook All the Time and everything in between.

From Daddy Cool to Mondo Rock and as a solo artist with no less than 26 ARIA Top 40 hits to his credit as a songwriter and producer, Ross Wilson is one of Australia’s most awarded, respected, and well-known artists.

From the legendary Band Daddy Cool whose number one anthem Eagle Rock and debut album Daddy Who? Smashed all previous sales records in Australia, ran an outstanding 50 years ago in 1971 to the 1977 formation of Mondo Rock.

• Season: Sunday 6 April at 4pm – 6pm.

• Venue: Burrinja Theatre. Pandemonium - Jimeoin

Direct from a sell-out at the Edinburgh Festival, don’t miss Jimeoin’s new show Pandemonium.

A night spent with this comedy legend is not only funny but full of handy tips.

Jimeoin will teach you how to make your bed with very little effort, how to prank your partner and get away with it, and how to talk dirty in a nice way... you’ll come out the other side having laughed yourself stupid and maybe with a life hack or two.

• Season: Friday 11 April 11 at 7.30pm.

• Venue: Burrinja theatre.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre

Haunted

A comedy by Eric Chapell

Nigel Burke, aspiring playwright, is neurotic and agoraphobic and hasn’t written a word in three months.

His wife, Mary, is nearing the end of her tether, his agent, Turner, is desperate for him to start writing again, and novelist-turnedplaywright Julia Phillips is pestering him for an opinion on her play (as well as showing more than a professional interest in him).

As it all this is not bad enough, Nigel is visited by the mysterious Potter, who knows Nigel’s interest in Byron and gives him a goblet used by the poet.

Drinking from the goblet brings about subtle changes in Nigel’s confidence and manner and then, out of nowhere, Byron himself appears!

Part ghost, part battle-of-the-sexes comedy.

Haunted is flippant and exciting play from the author of Natural Causes.

• Season: 24 April – 4 May.

CHRISTINE SUN

NEWS Religious special days

By Maria Millers

Come and find the quiet centre in the crowded life we lead, find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed: clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes, that we can see all the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.

Come and Find the Quiet Centre Lyrics by Shirley Erena Murray

With a sunny long weekend just behind us many may be already looking to their next break.

That of course will be Easter which this year will be on 20 April.

This year, in a multi -cultural society like Australia, the convergence of Ramadan, Easter, and Passover creates a unique moment for interfaith reflection and the fostering of mutual respect for the traditions and observances of Muslims, Christians and Jews.

Passover begins on Saturday evening, 12 April, with the first Seder, and continues through Sunday 20 April.

While not a fasting period, it still involves dietary restrictions.

It recalls the Israelites escaping from slavery in Egypt and is commemorated by eating Matzah, an unleavened bread, in memory of how they had to flee without having time to wait for their bread to rise.

Jesus’ Last Supper was a Passover meal (Seder), making Easter historically tied to Jewish tradition.

Last Wednesday 5 March was Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, the Christian season of reflection, repentance for wrongdoings, self-acceptance and preparation for Easter, commemorating the time Jesus spent in the wilderness.

Traditionally this is a period of fasting, giving up certain things like luxuries and doing charitable acts or almsgiving as it was called.

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves

Excerpt from Wild Geese by Mary Oliver Lent is observed for 40 days but fewer and fewer adhere to it. Some denominations are stricter than others with Eastern Orthodox traditions still observing long fasts, avoiding meat, dairy and sometimes oil and wine, Many Protestants more often will choose to give up specific foods, habits or luxuries rather than give up meals totally.

Ramadan began on the evening of Saturday 1 March, and is expected to end on Sunday 30 March, with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

This uncertainty is because the Islamic calendar is lunar, causing Ramadan to shift approximately 10 to 12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.

The exact start and end dates of Ramadan can vary by location, depending on the sighting of the new moon.

While there are key differences in specific practices and theological beliefs, both Lent and Ramadan serve as periods of devotion, self-restraint, and spiritual renewal for believers. Though they differ in their intensity and requirements they still share powerful common themes and practices such as prayers, fasting, personal renewal and caring for the less fortunate.

Ramadan requires exceptional discipline and commitment to follow its rules of fasting: from dawn to sunset for a whole lunar month of 2930 days.

No food, drink, smoking or intimate relations during daylight hours, With the hot weather we are having at present, think of not being able to drink water and still carry on with normal activities.

WOORILLA WORDS

There are exemptions for children, the elderly, pregnant/nursing women, travellers and those who are ill.

But it remains a physically demanding commitment.

Add to this the spiritual focus of increased prayers, reading the Qur’an and the obligation of doing acts of charity and communal service.

The fast is broken at sunset with a meal called Iftar and started at dawn with a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor.

Laylat al-Qadr, which falls during the last ten nights of Ramadan, is considered the holiest night of the year.

It is believed that on this night, the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad For Christians Good Friday is the holiest of days, marking Jesus’ crucifixion, suffering and death.

Of course in an increasingly secular society dominated by mass consumerism Easter has been transformed into yet another retail driven holiday rather than a religious observance.

Walk into any supermarket and you will be confronted by huge displays of chocolate eggs, and bunnies, hot cross buns and other assorted Easter themed merchandise.

Many people now celebrate Easter culturally but without its Christian meaning, treating it as a family holiday rather than a religious one.

But some people of faith find the scheduling of a football match on Good Friday upsetting.

On Good Friday 18 April 18, the AFL will host the annual Good Friday Super Clash between North Melbourne and Carlton at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

The event raises funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital through the Good Friday Appeal and with this in consideration it can be seen as part of the Lenten tradition of supporting a charity.

Ramadan concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of the fast.

It’s a joyous occasion with communal prayers, feasts, and giving gifts, as well as an obligatory charity known as Zakat al-Fitr, which is given to help those in need before the Eid prayer.

The midnight masses in Catholic and Orthodox churches are similarly joyous and uplifting with families returning home for a fast breaking feast.

Many churches, mosques, and synagogues host interfaith dialogues during Ramadan and Passover.

It is hoped that people will take the opportunity to go and see how though these observances are coming from different traditions how many of them overlap with those we see in Christian churches.

Fasting in Ramadan

By Rumi

There’s hidden sweetness in the stomach’s emptiness.

We are lutes, no more, no less.

If the soundbox is stuffed full of anything, no music.

When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about. Ideas, language—even the phrase each other— doesn’t make any sense.

Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.

(This poem reflects on the spiritual power of fasting.)

Where to pick up your FREE Star Mail

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar3 Meadowgate Drive

CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Caltex Safeway239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK EG Fuelco Service StationChirnside Park Shopping Cr Little

Chipping Drive, 241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Chirnside Park Country Club 68 Kingswood Drive

CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar158 Nangathan Way

CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar11 The Mall

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketChuringa SC, Russo Place

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketCanterbury Road Kilsyth

KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette Unit 7/87 Colchester Road

LILYDALE Aaron Violi MP Office 110 Main Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC51-59 Anderson Street

LILYDALE Woolworths SupermarketMarketplace, 33 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale VillageCastella Street & Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre7 Hardy Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre1 Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station473 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale346 Main Street

LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths31 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE BP Service Station87 Warburton Highway

LILYDALE Shell Service Station469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE 7 - Eleven LilydaleCnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Coles Express469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe251 Main Street

LILYDALE Round Bird Can't Fly170 Main Street

LILYDALE The Lilydale General110 Beresford Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery96 Main Street

LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe178 Main Street

LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe222 Main Street

LILYDALE Gracious GraceCastella Street

LILYDALE Melba Coffee House33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies7/75 Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Point of View CafeLilydale Lakeside - Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE Freda's Cafe2 Clarke Street

LILYDALE Barry Plant Real Estate88 Main Street

LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate164 Main Street

LILYDALE Hello Harry245 Main Street

LILYDALE Noel Jones Real Estate 281 Main Street

LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate111-113 Main Street

LILYDALE Grubs Up1 Industrial Park Drive

LILYDALE Mc Donalds RestaurantMaroondah Highway

LILYDALE Olinda Creek HotelMaroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street

MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road

MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street

MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent

MOUNT EVELYN Red Robyn Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent

MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road

MOUNT EVELYN Bendigo Bank 2/35-39 Wray Cres

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket916 Mt Dandenong Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket15 Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Bendigo BankUnit 19/66 - 74 Brice Ave

MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar38 Bellara Dive

MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart108 Hayrick Lane

MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark103 Cardigan Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Express2 Cambridge Road

MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real EstateBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK L J HookerBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK Mc Donalds RestaurantManchester Road

MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale138 York Road

WANDIN NORTH Wandin Newsagency Shop 2 /18 Union Road

LUXURY REDEFINED: A MASTERPIECE IN ARCHITECTURAL ELEGANCE WITH VIEWS

NESTLED amidst picturesque vineyards, this breathtaking residence offers the pinnacle of refined living. This architectural gem has been thoughtfully enhanced to deliver both sophistication and seamless functionality.

Step into the grand master suite, a true sanctuary, complete with an opulent wardrobe room featuring wall-to-wall cabinetry and a central storage island. The ensuite is a spa-like escape, boasting underfloor heating, floor-to-ceiling tiling, a walk-in shower, and a freestanding bath beneath a glazed ceiling panel—inviting natural light to enhance your relaxation.

On the opposite wing, the second and third bedrooms offer a private retreat, sharing a dedicated lounge space. The main bathroom continues the theme of indulgence, with a spa bath, walk-in shower, and underfloor heating (and heated toilet seat!) for year-round comfort.

Designed for effortless entertaining, the gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream, outfitted with premium appliances, including a Smeg wall oven with warming drawer, induction cooktop, a walk-in pantry, and a statement granite island bench with matching splashback. Flowing seamlessly into the open-plan dining and lounge area, soaring raked ceilings and a wood-fired heater create an inviting ambiance perfect for cozy winter evenings.

Expansive full-length sliding doors blur the line between indoor and outdoor living, revealing an entertainer’s paradise. The outdoor area is a true showstopper, featuring pavilion-style polished concrete embedded with glow stones that shimmer as dusk falls. A fully lined pergola frames the blacklined infinity pool, offering a striking visual centerpiece with sweeping vineyard views. For the ultimate in wellness and relaxation, immerse yourself in the Alpine steam sauna and ice bath, or unwind by the timber-seated fire pit with a glass of wine in hand.

Even the laundry has been designed with elegance in mind, featuring granite countertops, a marble herringbone splashback, and seamless access to the double garage.

Set on nearly 7 acres, this property provides ample space and privacy, complete with a versatile 20m x 8m workshop/studio that offers extra accommodation/potential Air B&B with 2 beds, living and bathroom, three fully fenced paddocks, 125,000 litres of water storage, and a 400-foot underground bore with six taps. Modern conveniences abound, including ducted multi-zone heating and cooling, solar heating for the pool, a solar panel system, and a remote-controlled entrance gate—ensuring this home is as practical as it is exquisite.

A harmonious blend of luxury, tranquility, and breathtaking scenery, this exceptional property is a rare opportunity to embrace a truly elevated lifestyle.

Call Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522 or Alison Barkley 0494 175 410, to arrange an inspection.

FAMILY LIVING IN A PRIME LOCATION

NESTLED on an expansive 1,289 sqm block, this charming 3/4 bedroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and convenience. Ideal for families or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat with modern living amenities, this property is a rare gem in a sought-after location.

As you step inside, you will love the thoughtfully designed floorplan with 2 living areas, lounge upstairs with Potbelly fireplace, gas ducted heating, and a split system for year-round comfort. Downstairs is the second living zone, with impressive blue stone feature walls so whether you’re looking for a fourth bedroom, a teenager’s retreat, a dedicated home office, or a home gym, this versatile space can adapt to suit your lifestyle needs. The flexibility offered by this additional area truly sets this home apart.

The seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces is a true highlight of this home, with the inviting entertaining deck, perfectly positioned to overlook the sprawling backyard. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet morning coffee, the deck offers a tranquil space to unwind while keeping an eye on the kids or pets enjoying the fully fenced yard.

There is a large under-house workshop/ storage area, plus a separate storage unit great for wood or kids’ bikes. With plenty of space for play and privacy, the yard is a safe haven for the whole family.

Location is everything, and this home does not disappoint. Situated within walking distance to vibrant Belgrave, train and buses, you’ll have easy access to boutique shops, cafes, and community amenities. For nature enthusiasts, the area boasts fabulous bike and walking tracks, perfect for weekend adventures or daily exercise.

This charming property combines functional spaces, unique features, and a desirable location to create the ultimate family retreat. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this home your own — inspect today.

HOME FOCUS

WELCOME TO “BRAMBLEWICKE”

IF serenity, privacy and spectacular, elevated views are your heart’s desire, this elegant Character Hills residence poised at the crest of the prestigious Kallista ridgeline is for you. Situated on more than three acres of beautiful gardens and luscious natural bush, Bramblewicke captures stunning views of the Patch Valley and Warburton Ranges beyond –all across the road from the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with magnificent forest walks at your doorstep.

A private, circular driveway leads you to the front of the main home, where you are greeted by an ancient wisteria cascading from an arbour framing the main entrance with its impressive bloom - the first taste of the exquisite, manicured gardens inspired by Edna Walling.

This classic weatherboard home dates back to the early 1940’s and displays a typically rambling floor plan extending from a central foyer. To one side is the bedroom wing, comprising master bedroom with ensuite, two further bedrooms, stunning family bathroom and a sun-drenched study overlooking the gardens. To the other, a generous living room with a cosy log fireplace, inviting you to sit, relax and enjoy the majestic panorama through an over-size picture window. Double doors open to the formal dining room.

The spacious kitchen comprises free standing cooker, dishwasher, s/s appliances, with parquetry flooring leading into the breakfast area and formal dining room. There is also a large snug with wood burner for the family plus a separate laundry & pantry.

Features include polished hardwood floors, heritage detailing defined by high ceilings, picture rails and sash windows.

Outside you will find a generous veranda, ample flat lawn areas for the kids and pets to run and play, protected entertaining areas with in-ground bluestone fire pit, rock walls and terraced gardens with meandering pathways to explore, garden shedding, water tank, and the privacy that only hills homes can provide. Often sought, rarely offered to the market, this beautiful home will capture your heart. Inspection is essential.

VIEWSANDAMPLEPARKINGON1/2ACRE

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

MickDolphin 0429684522

AlisonBarkley 0494175410 AUCTION- 7pmonThur.27/03/25(unlesssoldprior)

Charminghillscottagewithhugeshed,combiningspace,functionality& charm.Offering highceilings,polishedtimberfloors,expansivewindows,a stunningkitchenwithleadlight window,spaciousislandbench &anopenlayout, astatementbrickfireplace, &stacker doorsleadtoa coveredoutdoorentertainingspace.Outsideoffersanimpressiveshed withoffice &hoist,a triplecarportwithremote-operateddoors &concreteflooring Separateon-sitevanwithannex& deck

MickDolphin 0429684522

JanetHawkins 0409117432

HOME FOCUS

FAMILY LIVING WITH SPACE AND VIEWS

A superb family home with a flexible floorplan and convenient layout that will suit the growing or extended family.

Offering 5 bedrooms all with built in robes and spread over 2 levels, a great size family room and a separate living room gives the whole family plenty of space to relax and move around.

The kitchen is well appointed and has ample bench and cupboard space plus a separate meals area. Sit back, relax and enjoy the fantastic valley views all year round from the covered verandah, whilst overlooking the picturesque block of approx 1687sqm.

A great corner block location offering easy and convenient access ideal for trailers and large vehicles plus a lock up garage and plenty of extra parking space.

Ideally situated just a short stroll to local, schools, shops and transport.

A great family home in a great location, situated in a quiet and peaceful street.

RuralParadiseona GrandScale

Getlostandimmerseyourselfinruralparadisewiththissensationallargeacreageproperty!Situated onjustunder43acresapprox,andofferingtheultimateescapeinprivateruralliving.Forthehorse enthusiastyouarespoiltforfacilitieswithmultiplepaddocks,roundyardand averyimpressive, coveredstadiumsize,arena.A hugeproBMXtrackperfectforthemotocrossstarormountainbiker inthefamily.Thehomeisjust afewyearsoldandhasplentyofspaceforthegrowingfamilyoffering 4bedrooms,plus amainlivingandfamilyroom.Makethemovenow!

DavidCarroll M 0419539320

Spacious1920’sCharacterHomeonExpansive3300sqmBlock

Setonover3300sqmofprimeland,thischarming1920’scharacterhomepresentsanincredible opportunityforlargefamilylivingina highlysought-afterlocation.Stepthroughtheinvitingentryand ontotheexpansiveentertainingdeck,whereyoucansoakinstunningvalleyviews.A cosylounge withlargepicturesquewindowsprovidesa peacefulspottoenjoythelushgardens.With 5spacious bedroomsand 2bathrooms,thehome’soriginalfeatures—suchasornateceilings,cornices,and hardwoodfloors—addtimelesselegance.Thisisanexceptionalopportunity! 53OldWarburtonHighway,SevilleEast $780,000 -$840,000

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

GreatValueBlockina FantasticLocation Aprimemainstreetlocationin afantasticpositionthisvacantblockcouldbejustwhatyouare lookingfor.Nearlevelanda greatsizeofapprox.730sqmandjustmetresfrompublictransportand theeverpopularWesburneateriesincludingthehistoricWesburnHotelandtheiconicPatisserie, ArtisanBakeryandtheFillgoodbulkfoodsroom.A shortstrolltotheWesburnprimaryschoolandjust downtheroadistheWarburtontrailandwiththeWesburnparkdevelopmentwellunderwayit’sa greatspotforthesportslovingandoutdoorsfamily.

DavidCarroll M 0419539320 Inspection: ByAppointment

MagicalRetreatonOver 1Acre,AdjoiningtheYarraRiver

Nestledamidstmajesticredwoodsandgumtrees,thisbreathtaking3 bedroomhomeoffersa uniqueblendofrusticcharm,modernstyle,andtranquilliving.Threegenerouslysizedbedrooms oneincludingbuilt-inrobesanda studynookinthethirdbedroom,offeringaflexiblespaceforwork orleisure.Theneat,originalbathroomboasts aclassicclawfootbath.Outside,theimpressive¾ verandahoverlookstheestablishedgardens,providingtheperfectspotforrelaxationorentertaining. Thishomeis atruehaven.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

FamilySpaceina GreatLocation

offering 3bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobes.Spaciouslivingandloungeareashaveamplespacefor thebigfamilytoenjoy.Thekitchenisopenandhasplentyofbenchandcupboardspaceplusa separatemeals/diningarea.Outsidethereisloadsofroomforthekidsandpetstoexploreandenjoy andwithjustover3300sqm. Alargelockupgarageandworkshopareawithplentyofextraroomfor trailers,boatsandcaravans. Agreatpropertyon asuperbblock!

DavidCarroll

STUNNING 3 BEDROOM FAMILY HOME

NESTLED in the heart of Upwey, this beautifully presented 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers the perfect blend of modern living and relaxed outdoor entertaining. Whether you’re looking for a family home or a place to entertain in style, 11 Belbrook Road has everything you need.

Step inside to discover spacious, light-filled interiors featuring a well-appointed kitchen that flows seamlessly into the dining and living areas. With contemporary finishes and ample storage, the kitchen is ideal for both cooking and hosting guests.

The real highlight of this property is the huge decking area, perfect for alfresco dining, enjoying your morning coffee or hosting friends and family year-round. The expansive outdoor entertaining space is designed for those who love to entertain, offering plenty of room for a BBQ, a lounge setting or even space for kids to play.

The home features three spacious bedrooms with an abundance of natural light. The two bathrooms provide convenience and comfort, ensuring that the family has all they need.

Situated in a tranquil location, this home is ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle while being just a short drive from Upwey’s vibrant town centre, local schools and public transport.

HOME FOCUS

STUNNING 4-BEDROOM HOME

NESTLED in a serene location next to Wrights Forest and with direct access to local walking tracks, this recently updated 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a lifestyle that perfectly combines modern comforts and natural tranquility. Situated on a spacious 2925sqm block, this property offers an expansive, private outdoor space while still being just moments from local amenities.

The front of the home features an inviting undercover verandah with a generous deck – an idyllic spot to enjoy your morning coffee while surrounded by nature. Inside, you are greeted by an open-plan living area that is bathed in natural light, with soaring pitched ceilings, floating floors, and a large skylight that creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The split system ensures year-round comfort, while the newly installed gas ducted heating throughout provides extra warmth during the cooler months.

The kitchen is truly the heart of the home, having undergone a recent, stunning transformation. It has been renovated with luxury and functionality in mind, offering an abundance of bench space, including a striking large island/breakfast bar with beautiful stone benchtops. The design showcases an impressive layout, perfect for both entertaining and family meals.

The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances, including a 900mm gas stovetop, integrated wall oven, a dishwasher and a double sink overlooks the lush garden – a perfect setting for preparing meals while enjoying the view. The expansive walk-in pantry offers ample storage space. Whether you’re cooking a casual family dinner or hosting guests, this kitchen is a true entertainer’s dream.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a spacious lounge and dining area, designed with both comfort and style in mind. A second lounge area, with a woodfire heater, opens out to the rear verandah, providing a seamless connection to outdoor living.

The carpeted master bedroom, located at one end of the home, offers privacy and tranquility, Sliding doors open directly to the verandah, providing easy access to the outdoor space, also featuring a walk-in robe, a separate walk-through robe, and a luxurious ensuite.

For those who work from home or need additional space, a separate office with external access offers a quiet, dedicated environment. Plus, a private study area can be accessed directly from the rear verandah, making it an ideal retreat for work or creative pursuits. At the opposite end of the home, three more generously sized carpeted bedrooms, each with built-in robes and beautiful garden views, provide ample space for family members or guests. A centrally located family bathroom, separate toilet, and a well-equipped laundry complete the home’s layout. Outside, the property continues to impress

HOME ESSENTIALS

with a large shed, perfect for additional storage or a workshop. There’s ample space for parking boats, trailers, caravans, or other recreational vehicles, offering the ultimate in convenience for those with an active lifestyle. The expansive yard offers plenty of room for children and pets to play, as well as the

potential to create your own outdoor oasis. With its thoughtfully updated interiors, expansive living spaces, and unbeatable location next to Wrights Forest and walking tracks, this home offers the ultimate in modern living, privacy, and outdoor enjoyment. This property has it all so don’t miss out -

call to arrange a private inspection today.

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

335CleggRoadWandinNorth

GrandFamilyorDualOccupancyHomeonStunning3135sqmBlock!

Discoverthepotentialofthisdouble-storeyhome,withpotentialtoberezonedforvarioususes (STCA)Dining/loungeroomwith awetbar& externalaccesstotheupstairscoveredentertaining deck,Fullyequippedkitchen,meals/familyroom.4 bedrooms, 3withensuite’s,plusa largemain familybathroom &a totalof5 toilets.A balconyleadingfromthelounge/diningroom.Fully equippedkitchenwithstonebenchtops,A rumpusroomwith abar &gaslogfireplace.Stunning 3135sqmblock.Zonedductedheating &refrigeratedairconditioning,Alarmsystem &security shutters.Pavedoutdoorentertainingarea &fullyenclosedalfrescofeaturinga built-inBBQ &outdoor powderroom,Mancave/functionroomwithanopenfireplace,BBQ, &wood-firedgrill,Covered pergola,4-cargaragewithinternalaccess.

KarenPeele M 0419430950

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Setona 1895sqmblockinMenziesCreek,isthis4BR,3-bathroomhome.A wraparound,verandah welcomesyou,Inside,stepintotheloungewithanopenfire.Thereisalso afurthersunlitfamilyroom with awoodheater,whilstthehomeiscomplementedbyGDH &electricreversecycleheating& refrigerativecooling.Thekitchen/diningareafeaturinganILVE1000mmfreestandingoven,ample benchspace &a picturesquebaywindow.TheMasterSuiteoffersdoubleBIR& ensuite,while2 additionalbedroomsalsoincludeBIR, afamilybathroomwithspabath, &separatetoilet. Agames/ loungeroomwith akitchenette.A 3rdbathroom &upa fewstairsa 4thbedroom/5thlivingspace. Thisflowsontoanencloseddeckwhere aswimspaawaits.Outside,theprivate,fullyfencedgrounds withafirepitarea,gardenshed,a pizzaoven,& doublelockupgarage. 6AshGroveMenziesCreek

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

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.

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reasons for the objection, and • state how the objector would be affected. The responsible authority must make a copy of every objection available for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

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Stakes high in golf

By David Waters

The stakes were high for round six at Eastwood with challenges for the top spots in green and gold groups.

An unfortunate start for Alan Robinson and Geoff Chamings from Churchill/Waverley. A vehicle malfunction had them stranded halfway to Eastwood. Teammates came to the rescue, and they arrived in time for hit-off. Alan’s day didn’t start well, five down in the first five holes. After a small recovery, Alan lost 2 down. Geoff his co-pilot managed to square the day.

Last year’s finalists Box Hill and Heritage faced off for the first time. The Green Heritage team prevailed, as expected from an undefeated team. Box

Hill Gold found form at last to reverse its fortunes and defeat third-placed Heritage Gold.

As with most rounds, the home team advantage is hard to overcome. No exception in this round.

Eastwood Gold winning 7 to Yering 1, and Eastwood Green winning 5 to Yering 3. Both groups included two tied matches.

The quick greens created long second putts if the first missed the hole, sometimes (many times) a third putt was needed if no one conceded. A close approach with the second or third shot avoided that prospect. The fairways though grassed, were dry, despite the efforts of ground staff. Consequently, a topped ball ran nearly as far as a wellstruck high ball. The slopes and slight hills also

played havoc with balls running off into leaf litter. No matter which colour ball, when in the litter they were hard to spot.

There were many good drives on the day, the best of course was the drive home. There were also some diabolical second shots. Most of those were followed by adjectives and self-descriptions of the player, and what he should do.

The results were as follows:

• Green group - Eastwood 5 def Yering 3, Heritage 5 def Box Hill 3, Churchill/Waverley 6 def Eastern 2.

• Gold group - Eastwood 7 def Yering 1, Box Hill 5 def Heritage 3, Churchill/Waverley 6 ½ def Eastern 1 ½

Another gold and new record for Pincott at State Champs

By Jamie Strudley

A really hot Casey Fields hosted the Little Athletics Victoria State Track & Field Championships over the weekend.

Yarra Ranges Athletics Club’s medal count was 5 Gold, 5 Silver and 4 Bronze in total for the State Champs plus plenty of top 8’s and PBs on the track and in the field. Standout results were the Boys U17 800 / 1500 double for James Crome-Smith and a new Open Club High Jump record to Emily Pincott while winning the Girls U13 event.

Other medallists were:

• Brienna Coffey (1500m Walk 2nd, 1500m 3rd )

• Lanni Aborowa (High Jump 3rd)

• Xander Sommers (1500m Walk 2nd )

• Matilda Bugden (800m 3rd )

• Henry Rademaker (100m 2nd, Long Jump 2nd , Shot Put 3rd )

• Micah Friend (400 1st, 800 1st, Javelin 2nd )

Results are:

Female 17

• Discus: Keira Taylor 18.21m (13th);

• Long Jump: Keira Taylor 3.78m (11th);

Female 15

• 400m: Emily Fiedler 61.44 (7th);

• 800m: Brookley Horsburgh 2:36.72 (10th);

• 1500m: Tori Kincaid 5:40.09 (11th);

• 90m Hurdles: Brookley Horsburgh 16.81 (14th);

• Discus: Tori Kincaid 18.63m (11th);

Female 14

• 800m: Mackenzie Graham 2:42.27 (13th); Lily

Clarke 2:43.21 (14th);

• 1500m: Brienna Coffey 4:58.43 (3rd); Lily Clarke 5:28.46 (11th);

• 1500m Walk: Brienna Coffey 8:13.32 (2nd);

• High Jump: Mackenzie Graham 1.50m (4th);

• Javelin: Shania Tove 27.61m (5th);

• Long Jump: Mackenzie Graham 4.01m (19th);

• Triple Jump: Mackenzie Graham 8.87m (19th);

Female 13

• 1500m: Holly Yorke 5:53.58 (24th);

• 1500m Walk: Holly Yorke 9:28.67 (15th);

• High Jump: Emily Pincott 1.58m (1st); Lanni Aborowa 1.52m (3rd); Arizona Peel 1.45m (4th);

Female 12

• 100m: Maisie Coffey 14.28 (20th);

• 200m: Maisie Coffey 29.99 (15th);

Female 11

• High Jump: Ava Alderson 1.20m (14th);

Female 10

• 400m: Delia Coffey 75.87 (13th);

• 1100m Walk: Tillie Sommers 6:46.56 (11th);

• High Jump: Harper Neal 1.10m (12th);

• Long Jump: Willow Neal 3.78m (11th); Zahra Lehmann 3.56m (18th);

Female 09

• 100m: Ivy Ingle 15.80 (7th);

• 400m: Ivy Ingle 78.33 (11th);

• 800m: Ivy Ingle 3:03.76 (12th);

• 700m Walk: Maia Andrews 4:53.77 (10th);

• High Jump: Ivy Ingle 1.05m (5th);

• Long Jump: Charlotte Thomson 3.14m (20th);

Male 17

• 800m: James Crome-Smith 2:06.60 (1st);

• 1500m: James Crome-Smith 4:29.77 (1st);

• Discus: Wilbur Davidson-Tuck 26.93m (7th);

• Javelin: Wilbur Davidson-Tuck 27.84m (9th);

• Shot Put: Wilbur Davidson-Tuck 8.42m (7th);

Male 13

• 1500m: Samuel Ansaldi 4:51.30 (10th);

• High Jump: Samuel Ansaldi 1.45m (9th);

• Javelin: Ilikimi Tove 30.03m (4th);

Male 12

• 100m: Kristian Sultana 13.94 (18th);

• 400m: Koby Stephens 66.41 (18th);

• 80m Hurdles: Kristian Sultana 14.54 (15th);

• 1500m Walk: Xander Sommers 8:11.39 (2nd);

• Long Jump: Koby Stephens 4.36m (11th); Kristian Sultana 4.12m (17th);

• Shot Put: Reeve Pardon 8.07m (21st);

Male 10

• 400m: Riley Yorke 72.32 (13th);

• High Jump: Brock Peel 1.20m (7th); Male 09

• 700m Walk: Harry Clausen 4:54.70 (15th); Female P1317

• 100m: Matilda Bugden 21.60 (5th);

• 200m: Matilda Bugden 48.92 (5th);

• 400m: Matilda Bugden 2:13.76 (4th);

• 800m: Matilda Bugden 5:22.99 (3rd);

• Long Jump: Matilda Bugden 1.75m (4th); Male P1112

• 100m: Henry Rademaker 19.24 (2nd);

• 400m: Micah Friend 1:45.36 (1st);

• 800m: Micah Friend 4:41.77 (1st);

• Javelin: Micah Friend 9.15m (2nd);

• Long Jump: Henry Rademaker 2.51m (2nd); Micah Friend 1.88m (4th);

• Shot Put: Henry Rademaker 4.61m (3rd); Micah Friend 4.69m (4th);

Big thanks to the volunteers with a couple of roles needed to fill, parent cheer squad and taxi service, and Ali Coffey and Cam Yorke for team managing.

This week is the Royal Children’s Hospital fundraiser, dress up and donate to a fantastic cause on the weekend. This competition will be the final round before the celebration round.

On Saturday evening Morrison Reserve will host the Bendigo Bank Australian Laser Run Championships. With competitors from around Australia and New Zealand competing it will be worth coming down to check it out from 6pm on Saturday.

Purple patch sees wins for Lilydale Croquet Club teams

By John Thomson

On Monday 3 March, the Lilydale Division 1 team played host to the Sandringham side. Playing for Lilydale this week were Craig McCracken and Murray Howlett. Murray is Lilydale’s lowest handicapped player so it is good to have him back in the side with his knowledge and expertise. The first game was the doubles. Sandringham got off to a good start winning the first four hoops, partly, due to some poor hoop running efforts from Lilydale. Lilydale then started to get their act together and eventually evened the score at 6 all, Sandringham set up well on the13h hoop and eventually won in a close game. Murray Howlett played in the first singles game. Murray played a near-flawless game with some precision placement of the balls and some excellent hoop running. Murray went on to win 7 hoops to Sandringham 1 hoop. In the next singles, Craig McCracken played. Craig also played very well in this game and went on to have a comfortable win 7 hoops to Sandringham 3 hoops. With two singles games to play either side could still win the day. Craig McCracken played in the first singles after the break. Unlike Craig’s first singles game, in this game, Craig struggled to run his hoops when he had the opportunity, which let his opponent in who took full advantage of this and went on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops. Murray Howlett played in the final game and he just seemed to continue on from where he left off in his first singles game and went on to have a comfortable win, 7 hoops to Sandringham 2 hoops. The final scores were Lilydale 3 games 31 hoops to Sandringham 2 games 20 hoops.

Lilydale Croquet Club picked up three wins this week ahead of a break. (Supplied)

Lilydale’s Division 2 team travelled to Kew for their first game after their bye. Lilydale’s team was Alan Jones, Kerri McCracken and Mick Crawley. Alan Jones and Mick Crawley paired up in the doubles. Alan and Mick got off to a good start and were able to get a break of a couple of hoops and then hold onto their lead and win 7 hoops to Kew 5 hoops. Kerri McCracken played in the first singles game. This was a hard-fought affair with Kerri in the end managing to get a break of a couple of hoops and win 7 hoops to Kew 5 hoops. Mick Crawley played in the next singles game. This game went hoop for hoop with neither player able to get a break and after the twelfth hoop, the score was 6 a piece so the thirteenth hoop had to be played to decide a winner. Unfortunately, Mick made an unforced error and played the wrong ball which let the Kew player in to win the hoop. The scores were Kew 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops. Kerri

McCracken played in the first game after lunch. This game was also a very tight game with neither player giving an inch. After twelve hoops had been played the scores were tied at 6 hoops each, with the thirteenth hoop to be played to decide the winner. Kerri played to the hoop first and set up well and from there she was able to go on and win the game 7 hoops to Kew 6 hoops. In the last game, Alan Jones played. Alan played what you might call a perfect game, he positioned well, ran hoops and jumped his opposition’s ball with precision, going on to win 7 hoops to Kew 0 hoops. A true captain’s game. Final scores Lilydale 4 games 34 hoops to Kew 1 game 23 hoops.

The Handicap season got underway on Thursday 6 March. Lilydale hosted the handicap team from Monash Club. The Lilydale team this week was comprised of Murray Howlett, Mick Crawley, Drew Pawley and Murray McLean. The first game was a singles game and Murray McLean was playing. Both players were on the same handicap so no player had an advantage. The game started out fairly cautiously by both players, then Murray started to gain some confidence in his play and took the lead and went on to win 7 games to Monash 4 games. The next game was a doubles and Mick Crawley and Drew Pawley were playing. Lilydale was starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage. The Monash pair started well and gained a small lead before Lilydale made up their disadvantage, Monashwasabletoholdtheirleadandgoontowin 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops. Drew Pawley played in the next singles. and starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage. Again, Monash started well, while Drew

was struggling with his game and could not create any momentum. Monash won 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops. In the next doubles, Mick Crawley and Murray McLean teamed up. Lilydale were starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage in this game. Lilydale made up their disadvantage early but the Monash pair were playing very well and were able to get a lead and hold it to the end winning 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops. Mick Crawley played in the last singles game. Mick was starting with a 2 hoop disadvantage. Mick started brilliantly and had made up his disadvantage in the first 2 hoops, from then on it was just like a level play game. Mick had certainly saved his best form for his last game and went on to have a comfortable win 7 hoops to Monash 2 hoops which gave Lilydale a sniff of being able to win the day. In the last doubles the two Murray’s teamed up in Howlett and McLean. This was Murray Howlett’s first and only game for the day and it needed to be a good one. Lilydale was starting with a 2-hoop disadvantage while Monash had a 1-hoop advantage. Lilydale started brilliantly and had made up their disadvantage plus Monash’s advantage in the first 3 hoops. The two Murrays combined well and were able to build a good lead and go on to win 7 hoops to Monash 2 hoops. The final scores for the day were Lilydale 3 games 32 hoops to Monash 3 games 29 hoops. Lilydale showed a great fighting spirit over the day, especially in those last two games. This week there were no Level-play games in either Division 1 and 2 due to the Monday public holiday and in the Handicap competition Lilydale has a bye.

Maisey C running in the 200m event. (Supplied)

Graeme Temperly lining up his putt on the 18th to win the hole, which stopped 5cm short. (Supplied)

Four senior sides in finals

By Christopher Anderson

After five months of hard work, tough competitive competition and long days in the sweltering heat, finals have finally arrived for the cricketers at Mt Evelyn Cricket Club. With four senior teams featuring in the business end of the season, the energy and enthusiasm around the club has lifted with anticipation.

The Community Bank – Mt Evelyn 1st XI travelled to Seville for another instalment in their intense rivalry, this time under the do-or-die spotlight of an Elimination Final. The visitors won the toss and took the opportunity to set the scene, and the score, and batted first. The early exchanges between the opening batsmen and bowlers were tight, with neither looking to give their opponents the vital early advantage. Mt Evelyn openers Adam Smith and Jesse Fraser gave the Mounters the solid start they were after, added 47 runs to the scoreboard and saw off the opening bowlers, but as the bowling changed, so did their fortunes. In the space of three balls, the opening pair were dismissed and the game swung back to level pegging. Jake Blackwell and Daniel Giblin would then combine for a steadying partnership and regain control of their innings. Blackwell would be the mainstay of what would turn out to be a match-winning innings. A series of handy partnerships would continue to keep the scoreboard ticking over, keeping wickets intact and tiring a disciplined Burras bowling attack in the process. Whilst his partners couldn’t quite capitalise on some promising starts, Blackwell would go on to score a memorable century. Blackwell would construct the perfect innings, cautious early before building momentum as his innings progressed. Blackwell would finally fall for 110 looking to ramp up the scoring rate, but his efforts had opened the door for a blistering finish for his teammates. Daniel Fraser (50 not out) and Mike Mawson (44 off 23 balls, featuring 3 fours and 4 sixes) would oblige and the pair would blast the visitors beyond 300. 7/311 was a terrific total, a great time for the Mounters to find form with the bat. From the outset, the total would prove to be a tough task for the Burras, especially as the Mt Evelyn bowlers would hit the mark taking early wickets and keeping the scoring in check. Seville would have a string of useful, fighting innings through the middle overs to give the hosts a sniff of victory should they be good enough after the tea interval. However, when the time came to crack to whip, and ramp up the scoring rate, the Burras found the task too great, and the Mounters would capitalise. The hosts would see out their allotted overs, but the scoring dried up and when stumps were drawn, Seville would fall 103 runs short of victory finishing on 8/208. Blackwell would cap off a memorable weekend by taking 3/50 off an extended stint at the bowling crease, whilst tearaway Bohdie Jones would prove too quick for the batsmen taking 3/18. The Mounters now have a Preliminary Final date with Warrandyte, a team that has been dominant for the entire season, except for failing in their first final. The Bloods will be a formidable foe and it will take the Mounters’ best to surpass them, however, the 1st XI have been building over the final rounds of the season to be hitting their straps at the right time of the season.

The Professionals Outer East 2nd XI have had an up-and-down season recording some memo-

rable wins and some tough losses. Consistency has proven to be a challenge with an ever-changing lineup. The team would travel to Heathwood for their semi-final against a team that they had had some success against during the season. The hosts would win the toss, and elect to bat in glorious conditions. The innings would be would be a classic two-day arm wrestle. Scoring would prove tough for the Lions, however, they would not give away their wickets lightly and the bowlers would have to toil hard for any success. A final score of 9/224 would be testament to the fortitude of the batsmen, whilst no batsmen scoring a half-century would show that the bowlers wouldn’t give an inch in their efforts to contain their opponents. Kynan Yates (4/66) and Luke Shepherd (3/54) would be the key wicket-takers, whilst Will Macklin would prove miserly in his return from injury taking 1/38 off 20 tight overs. After day one, both teams would be pleased with their position in the contest. ‘Runs on the board’ has been the catch cry of cricketers for decades, and this proved to be the case in this contest as the Mounters failed to muster any resistance or partnerships of significance. A combination of tight bowling and poor decision-making from the batsmen consigned the visitors to a disappointing loss being bowled out for 98. A performance that belied their improvement, desire and fight throughout the season will leave a bitter taste for the 2nd XI across the winter months. A missed opportunity.

The Hop Hen Brewing 4th XI had the task ahead of them up against a formidable foe in Ainslie Park in their Semi-Final. Taking the opportunity to bat first, the Mounters would be immediately put under pressure through early

wickets. Cambell Finch would do his best to keep the Mounters afloat early, but regular wickets would prove difficult to overcome. Captain Chris Doyle (44 not out) would do his best to keep his team in the contest, and some key partnerships with Caleb Doyle, then Mason Jones would give the visitors a chance as they would bat out their overs to score 8/148. Ainslie Park have built their success around an experienced lineup, and despite giving their all with the ball, the Mounters couldn’t break down the cool and calm approach of the Parkers batsmen. The home team would have little to worry about in the chase and would cruise to victory and a place in the Grand Final. Although disappointed with the final result, the 4th XI have uncovered some genuinely talented youngsters, and with another preseason, and a winter of growth, these juniors will find themselves in the higher grades striving for higher honours.

The Lilydale Tyres 5th XI would have the heart-stopper of the weekend as they took on Templeton at Gary Martin Oval. The 5th XI have quietly gone about their business this season, occupying a spot in the top two on the ladder for the entire season. They have faltered in recent weeks with losses against Kilsyth, and a final-round loss against their opponents in the final round. This would give the Taipans an air of confidence going into the game. As would be the case for most finals over the weekend, the winner of the toss, Templeton in this case, would be quick to bat first. Despite some strong resistance from Andrew Hathaway, the Mounters would assert their dominance with the ball as the visitors would fall to 5/69 to have the contest well within their grasp.

Arjun Arun Nair would join Hathaway at the wicket and the pair would turn the contest with an initially cautious approach that would flourish as the innings progressed. Hathaway would retire for a well-made half-century, whilst Nair would add some scoring oomph with a run-aball innings of 42. Eventually, the innings would be closed on 9/164, a more than competitive total. Ben Dunstone would continue his wickettaking ways with 4/28, whilst Mark Kuhne’s two early strikes would get the Mounters off to an ideal start. The chase would be a classic one. Like the visitors, Mt Evelyn would find themselves in a desperate position early as they fell to 6/70 to be on the precipice of a devastating end to a promising season. Like their opponents, the Mounters would find a face-saving innings courtesy of the experienced pairing of Mark Kuhne and Craig Steele. With the game slipping from their grasp, Kuhne found the accelerator to his innings and after a painfully slow start, he would blast a series of match-defining boundaries, whilst Steele would show all his skill to compliment Kuhne’s strokeplay. Both would fall within sight of victory to give this contest one last twist that would take the game to a final gripping overs. Needing 17 off the last two overs, it was anyone’s game, if anything you would’ve given the Taipans a slight advantage. Jonah Langenbacher and Paul Flavel would hold their nerves to lead their team to a heart-stopping victory. Well deserved considering their standing throughout the season. The 5th XI will now face Montrose in next week’s Grand Final after the Wolves upset a rampant Kilsyth lineup. As with all finals contests, this promises to be a classic as both teams have the firepower to take their team to victory.

Darcy Fraser captures the first wicket against Seville to the delight of his teammates.

Great fielding, this time by Campbell Mole, would back up a brilliant bowling display by the Mounters.

Jake Blackwell was the star of the show in his team’s victory against Seville. (Supplied)

Flurry of finals for Kilsyth

By Les Hutchings

It was a good weekend for Kilsyth Cricket Club with five teams participating in the finals.

On Sunday, the Women’s First XI played Wandin First XI in the Grand Final for the second consecutive season. Wandin won the toss and elected to bowl at Seville Recreation Reserve, South Oval. After the first 8 overs, Kilsyth were 2/14 with sisters Olivia Edwards and Charlotte Edwards both taking a wicket. At the first drinks break after 10 overs Kilsyth had progressed to 2/21, with Wandin bowling tightly and runs difficult to come by. However, a third-wicket partnership of 83 between Ashleigh Katoa and Avanthi Jayawickrema lifted the score to 97 after 19.2 overs. It was then that Avanthi was out for 19 off 33 balls, after a brilliant diving catch by Olivia Edwards at square leg off the bowling of Natalie Lowe. Ashleigh Katoa and Lecia Baldry then took the score to 135 in the 27th over when Ashleigh was well caught at deep mid-on by Charlotte Edwards off Tilly Pearce’s bowling for a commanding 73. Eventually, the Redbacks finished on 7/149cc off their allotted 30 overs with good contributions from Lecia Baldry, 12 off 25 balls, and Stephanie Gibbs 10 off 10 balls. The wicket takers for Wandin were Olivia Edwards with 3/9 off 6 overs, Natalie Lowe 1/18 off 2 overs, Tilly Pearce 1/20 off 6 overs, and Charlotte Edwards 1/21 off 6 overs. In reply, Wandin were 2/21 off 10 overs. The second wicket to fall was that of the dangerous Charlotte Edwards, run out for 10, following a good throw by Sarah Gibbs to Georgia Smith at the bowler’s end. Belinda Cuddon was the third wicket to fall, bowled by Sarah Gibbs for 12 off 49 balls and Wandin was now 3/43 off 16.1 overs. It was soon 4/49 in the 19th over when Lecia Baldry claimed her second wicket. Wandin put up a good fight but in the end, the target proved too great. Olivia Edwards top scored with a bright 32 off 41 balls before being bowled by Courtney Anderson. Kate Johnstone made 10 off 20 balls but was run out by Ashleigh Katoa with a throw to ’keeper Sharon Sheals, and Tilly Pearce was not out 10 off 23 balls. The wicket takers for Kilsyth were Lecia Baldry, who captured 3/10 off 6 overs, Sarah Gibbs 1/8 off 4 overs, and Courtney Anderson 1/27 off 6 overs. It was an incredible win considering that the team lost seven players from last season’s winning team. The Third XI played their semi-final against Lusatia Park at Woori Yallock Recreation Reserve as Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat. The Redbacks got off to a bright start but lost their first wicket when Anthony Cook was brilliantly caught from a diving catch by Andrew Van Der Vlugt at backward square leg for 27 off 23 balls, off the bowling of Lucas Parker. At that stage, Kilsyth were 1/33 off 7.2 overs. Parker then picked up two more wickets and Jai Gupta one to see the Redbacks slump to 4/55 after 15 overs. Dylan Smith then joined Mark Unternahrer and they steadied the situation to see Kilsyth reach 4/110 after 41 overs when afternoon tea was taken. Following the resumption, Unternahrer and Smith continued to build the score and eventually shared a fifth wicket partnership of 101 before Smith was caught behind by Sumant Gupta off the bowling of Jackson Wright for a well-made 43 off 128 balls. Unternahrer was out soon after for 49 off 133 balls, caught at deep square leg by Corey WinterAnnette, bowled Viren Kuma. Kilsyth were now 6/158 after 56 overs. From there wickets tumbled and the Redbacks were all out for a disappointing 178 off 65.1 overs, losing their last 6 wickets for 22 runs. The wicket takers for Lusatia Park were Lucas Parker, 4/31 off 21.1 overs, Jackson Wright 4/35 off 14 overs, Viren Kumar 1/31 off 10 overs, and Jai Gupta 1/40 off 12 overs. At stumps, Lusatia Park were 1/26 off 14 overs with Justin Smith capturing 1/0 off 3 overs. Lusatia Park resumed their innings on Day 2 but lost an early wicket in the 18th over to be 2/32. Then a third-wicket partnership of 44 ended when Stephen Morgan was bowled by Mark Unternahrer for 26 off 64 balls. In the same over, the 35th of the innings, Unternahrer claimed another wicket and Lusatia Park were now 4/78. After that, they continued to lose wickets, 5/89, 6/95, 7/105, 8/105, 9/117 and all out for 117 in 50.4 overs with Mark Wells claiming the last 3 wickets to finish with 3/6 off 4.4 overs to take out the bowing honours. The other wickettakers were Justin Smith 3/23 off 14 overs, Mark Unternahrer 3/39 off 12 overs, and Matthew Burgess 1/16 off 6 overs. Kilsyth now plays Yarra Junction’s Second XI in the Grand Final next weekend at Yarra Junction.

The Fourth XI played North Ringwood at Barngeong Reserve in their split innings SemiFinal. After winning the toss, North Ringwood elected to bowl, and Kilsyth lost early wickets to

be 1/8, 2/16, 3/20, 4/31 and 5/40 off 21.2 overs. However, at the end of the first split of 36 overs, the Redbacks had consolidated to be 5/85. Matthew Harper was on 30 not out off 44 balls, and Captain Anthony Sequeira 13 not out off 51 balls. North Ringwood’s multiple wicket takers were Amos Horneman 2/18 off 8 overs, and Ben Bellizia 2/13 off 3 overs. In reply, North Ringwood had an opening partnership of 68 between Colin Rule, 41 off 44 balls, and Nam Ngo 22 off 66 balls. Then two quick wickets fell to see them 3/77, but they steadied to be 3/121 off 36 overs at stumps on Day 1, a lead of 36 runs. The not-out batsmen were Stephen Parsons (20*) and Adam Rigg (19*). The wicket-takers for Kilsyth were Matt Harper 2/25 off 10 overs, and Anthony Sequeira 1/22 off 10 overs. On Sunday, North Ringwood resumed their innings and continued to build their score, reaching 3/170 in the 52nd over. It was then that leg spinner Andrew Smith had Adam Rigg caught for 38 off 73 balls (3 fours) after a fourth-wicket partnership of 93. In the next over Matthew Harper claimed a wicket (bowled) to see North now 5/171. However, Stephen Parsons, 91 not out off 180 balls, and Brian l’Anson 63 not out off 66 balls, took North Ringwood to an imposing 5/289cc off 72 overs. For Kilsyth, Matthew Harper bowled superbly, capturing 3/45 off 20 overs. The other wicket takers were Andrew Smith, 1/55 off 16 overs, and Anthony Sequeira 1/79 off 18 overs. Thus, Kilsyth were set 205 to win in 36 overs with only five wickets in hand. However, Matthew Harper and Anthony Sequeira resumed their partnership on Sunday and eventually put on 148 for the sixth wicket, a Club record for the Fourth XI. Harper was out for an impressive 92 off 108 balls. At that point, Anthony Sequeira was on 42 not out and Kilsyth was 6/188 off 57.1 overs, still needing 102 off the remaining 14.5 overs. Mark Sfiligoj joined Sequeira and they took the score to 211 when Sequeira was out for a well-made 53 off 130 balls. Another quick wicket saw Sfiligoj out for 12 off 17 balls, and Kilsyth were now 8/212 off 62.2 overs, needing 78 off 9.4 overs to win. However, Steve Galea, 49 not out off 30 balls, and Micael Sturt 28 not out off 23 balls, got the job done with 5 balls to spare in an incredible effort. The multiple wicket takers for North Ringwood were Amos Horneman, 3/48 off 18 overs, Ben Bellizia 2/13 off 3 overs, and Adam Rigg 2/43 off 9.1 overs. The Fourth XI now play Chirnside Park in the Grand Final next weekend at Chirnside Park.

The Fifth XI, who finished on top of the home and away ladder, played fourth-placed Montrose at Roy Baldwin Oval, Pinks Reserve. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bowl. Mark Rollings picked up an early wicket and Montrose were 1/11 after 3.3 overs. A second wicket partnership of 49 was broken in the 14th over when Kilsyth Captain Tyron Paspa caught and bowled Kane Rattray Robert for 24 off 26 balls. In the 19th over, Rhys

Kearney bowled Gary Mangnall for 42 off 58 balls. Then, in the same over, Kearney snared another wicket to have Montrose 4/91. It was soon 5/95 after 21 overs and Kilsyth were fighting back. However, Montrose continued to accumulate runs and had reached 135 in the 28th over when the sixth wicket fell. Tait Harper caught and bowled Anthony Hart for a brisk 37 off 30 balls. From there Montrose were eventually all out for 176 in 35.4 overs with Nathan Geurts scoring 23 off 43 balls. For Kilsyth, Rhys Kearney captured 3/27 off 6 overs, Jordan Relf 3/29 off 6.4 overs, Mark Rollings 1/12 off 4 overs, Tait Harper 1/14 off 2 overs, Tyron Paspa 1/17 off 3 overs, and Stewart Gibb 1/30 off 6 overs.

In the run chase, Kilsyth’s opening partnership of 50 in 11.5 overs ended when Geoff Kennedy was out for 15 off 27 balls. With the score on 91 in the 22nd over, Tyron Paspa was caught for 17 off 69 balls. From there, Kilsyth lost regular wickets, 3/93, 4/102, and 5/103 after 23.4 overs with Harvey Hutchings capturing 4 wickets and Greg Gommers scoring 21 off 33 balls. So, Kilsyth needed 74 off 12.2 overs but the task proved beyond them, and in the end, the Redbacks were all out for 155 in 33.1 overs, losing the match by 21 runs. Pat Moilanen remained 22 not out off 24 balls, whilst Jordan Relf scored 16 off 13 balls. For Montrose, ex-Kilsyth player Anthony Hart took 4/13 off 3.1 overs, Harvey Hutchings 4/21 off 3 overs, and Acacia Pearce 1/26 off 6 overs.

The combined Yarra Glen/Kilsyth Under 14-5 team played Mount Evelyn in the Preliminary Final at Mount Evelyn’s main oval. Yarra Glen/ Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat, losing their first wicket with the score on 7 after 3.4 overs. Ronak Mehra was the second wicket to fall, on the first ball of the 9th over for 11 off 12 balls. The score was now 2/30. It became 3/49 off 10.2 overs when Hayden Monds was bowled by Ben Dunstone for 15 off 10 balls. The fourth wicket did not fall until the score had reached 106 after 17.2 overs. It was then that Tait Harper was bowled by Jacdan Mikaelian for 17 off 23 balls. Batsmen who had retired not out after 25 balls were Daniel Shaw and Lawson Appleton. It was soon 5/107 and 6/108 after 19.2 overs. Further wickets fell as follows: 7/131, 8/133 and 9/143 before Yarra Glen /Kilsyth reached 9/144cc after 25 overs. Lawson Appleton had scored 24 off 27 balls, whilst Daniel Shaw finished on 14 not out off 27 balls, and William Asbury 22 not out off 26 balls. The multiple wicket taker for Mount Evelyn was Jacdan Mikaelian with 2/ 21 off 4 overs. Mount Evelyn lost an early wicket to be 1/7 after 4.2 overs. The second wicket fell with the score on 68 on the last ball of the 16th over. By that stage three Mount Evelyn batsmen had retired not out after 25 balls: Ezra Joyce 8*, Ranen Gereg 14*and Harry Dunstone 21*. Next to retire not out was Benjamin Dun-

stone 35*. Mount Evelyn was increasing their run rate and when the third wicket fell on 118, 21.3 overs had been bowled. So, Mount Evelyn needed 27 off the last 3.3 overs to win. When Tyler Smith was out for 22 off 23 balls, Mount Evelyn was 4/138 after 23.3 overs with 9 balls remaining. After two runouts in the 25th over Mount Evelyn were 6/141 off 24.5 overs with one ball remaining in the match. Mount Evelyn needed 3 to tie and because they finished higher on the ladder on percentage, would go through to the Grand Final in the event of a tie. The last ball was played down towards fine leg and the batsmen came back for a second run whilst the ball was thrown to the ’keeper who removed the bails and there was an appeal for a runout which was given not out. Whilst the players were appealing to the square leg umpire the runner at the bowler’s end came back for a third run so the keeper removed the stump and held the ball to the stump for another run-out appeal but it was ruled that the runner had made his ground, then the striker ran to the other end to complete the third run and the scores were tied. It was an incredible and dramatic finish to the match which meant that Yarra Glen/Kilsyth had missed out on playing in the Grand Final in a disappointing end to a very good season.

Kilsyth Cricket Club’s Women’s First XI are the C Grade 2024/25 Premiers. (Supplied)

Kilsyth Captain Ashleigh Katoa scored 73 in the Women’s Grand Final against Wandin and was awarded Player of the Match. (Supplied)

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