Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 25th March 2025

Towering above all

Croydon mum Ruby Rhodes knows all too well the care and support that’s offered at the Royal Children’s Hospital having needed to take her daughter Tilly there twice.

Now, she’s readying herself to take on Australia’s first four-tower stair climb event raising funds for her chosen charity: the Good Friday Appeal.

Towers 4 Change will see Ruby climb over 280 floors on Sunday 30 March, in both a tough physical and mental challenge all for a good cause.

To read more, turn to page 9

Croydon mum Ruby Rhodes is preparing to take on the Towers 4 Change stair climb challenge on Sunday 30 March. (Stewart Chambers: 466965)

Aftermath

By Mikayla van Loon

shared.

In this edition of the Star Mail, these stories can be read across pages 4 to 6.

The fire was officially declared safe on Friday

21 March, seeing fire crews leave the site for the first time after a week of spot fires and smouldering and the fire ground being inaccessible to the public as firefighters worked to subdue the remnants of fire.

Despite the site now being safe, the recovery process will be ongoing, with wildlife rescuers and environmentalists ready to assess the damage and issue treatment to any injured animals.

The “high value biodiversity reserve” was home to wallabies and kangaroos, gliders and Powerful Owls, to name a few, causing great concern among rescuers like Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter’s Emma Cash.

“We have had a report of one deceased swamp wallaby, but the reality is there will be hundreds of animals that were not able to escape the inferno,” she said.

Mount Evelyn Environment Protection and Progress Association (MEEPPA) president Clare Worsnop said that monitoring of the reserve, its food sources and its regeneration would occur over the next 12 months.

If anything, residents and the CFA hope this bushfire was a reminder and learning experience of being prepared right through summer and even into autumn.

US roo sale ban welcomed

By Callum Ludwig

Donald Trump’s tariffs might be the most talkedabout topic in Australian exports at the moment, but another potential policy in the US could have a major impact on a controversial Australian animal product.

Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and Democrat Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky this month reintroduced the Kangaroo Protection Act, H.R. 1992, which would ban the sale of kangaroo body parts in the United States.

Founder of the Victorian Kangaroo Alliance Alyssa Wormald said they are delighted that American lawmakers are reintroducing the Kangaroo Protection Act to ban the import of kangaroo body parts into the USA.

“This move showcases exemplary leadership, ethics, and a commitment to divesting from Australia’s cruel, dirty and unsustainable wildlife trade, receiving decisive international support and validation is a tremendous boost for Australians like us who are passionate about wildlife conservation and animal welfare,” she said.

“A ban in the USA would be monumental, a game-changer, the loss of this major importer would decimate demand, crippling the kangaroo industry, and sending a resounding message that kangaroo exploitation is unacceptable,”

“International pressure is pivotal in kangaroo protection, as many Australians have been misled by government and kangaroo industry narratives that ‘justify’ the mass slaughter. An American import ban would shatter this illusion, sparking intensified scrutiny and critique both domestically and internationally.”

Kangaroo leather has been commonly used as a material in the production of football boots or ‘cleats’ as they call them in America, but in recent years major brands like Diadora, Nike and Puma have already opted out of using kangaroo products.

Ms Wormald said she believes that decades of work from activists around Australia and abroad is certainly having an impact.

“The kangaroo wildlife trade has always been secretive, but it is increasingly being exposed, and people are shocked and horrified by the grim reality, like many animal exploitation industries, it is falling victim to the Information Age,” she said.

“The kangaroo trade is widely condemned by international wildlife and animal welfare organisations, the inherent cruelty of this industry makes it impossible to justify, there is virtually no oversight at the point of kill, and kangaroos are inevitably subjected to appalling suffering, while joeys are callously bashed to death or left motherless,”

“This egregious treatment is unacceptable, and we are proud to be listed amongst so many eminent organisations that have stated this un-

equivocally.”

Ms Wormald also pointed to the success of the US ban on imports of koala pelts in the 1920s, eventually leading to the end of the industry, and she believes while ‘koalas have still not recovered’ and might never, ‘they would have been extinct much sooner if the Americans hadn’t intervened.’

According to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) List of Threatened Fauna, a total of 55 mammals, birds, fish, frogs and other animals have gone extinct in Australia.

In a press release by the US-based Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, president Wayne Pecelle said they are so grateful to Reps. Fitzpatrick and Schakowsky and other lawmakers from both parties for leading the fight.

“The Kangaroo Protection Act will cut off the U.S. market for Australian commercial shooters and global major athletic shoe companies whose supply-and-demand relationship has been driv-

ing the slaughter more as many as two million kangaroos a year, including hundreds of thousands of joeys orphaned after their mothers are shot,” he said.

“In America, we don’t allow this kind of mass commercial slaughter of our native wildlife, and neither should we import wildlife parts and outsource these killing sprees.”

Australian not-for-profit kangaroo welfare organisation Kangaroos Alive put out ‘A Global Declaration of the Kangaroo Welfare Crisis’ condemning instances of cruelty prevalent in the commercial industry for kangaroo parts and has been signed by international scientists, academics, philosophers, ethicists, animal welfare and protection organisations and wildlife experts, including the Victorian Kangaroo Alliance which first formed in the Yarra Ranges.

The congress members responsible for reintroducing the Kangaroo Protection Act in the US provided comments to Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy.

“As a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to lead the charge on policies that promote animal welfare and conserve our wildlife,” Congressman Fitzpatrick said.

“Our bipartisan Kangaroo Protection Act will prohibit the commercial sale of kangaroos, ensuring that those who exploit these animals in the United States are held accountable.”

“Over two million kangaroos are killed for commercial purposes each year. As a staunch animal rights advocate, I believe we owe it to these majestic creatures to protect their welfare,” Congresswoman Schakowsky said.

“I am proud to lead the bipartisan Kangaroo Protection Act, which will make it illegal to exploit kangaroos in the United States and impose penalties for violations.”

The Australian Wild Game Industry Council, which advocates for the commercial kangaroo harvesting industry, was contacted for comment.

Crime rises in the Yarra Ranges but still below average

By Oliver Winn

Despite crime in the Yarra Ranges increasing in the past year, it still falls well below the Victorian average.

According to the Crime Statistics Agency’s (CSA) report for 2023 to 2024, the total number of criminal incidents increased by 19 per cent in the Yarra Ranges from 2023 to 2024.

2024 saw 5,749 criminal incidents in the Yarra Ranges - up from 4,818 the year before.

But Yarra Ranges’ criminal incident rate of 3.6 per cent per 100,000 people is lower than the Victorian average of 6.5 per cent, meaning the Yarra Ranges remains a local government area (LGA) with relatively low rates of crime.

Some trends in the Yarra Ranges reflected broader trends seen across the state, with theft offences being the main drivers for the increase in crime.

CSA chief statistician Fiona Dowsley said “the rate of theft offences being recorded per 100,000 Victorians has exceeded historical peaks, driven by record-high numbers of steal from motor vehicle, steal from retail store and motor vehicle theft offences recorded by Victoria Police in 2024.”.

“These increasingly prevalent theft offences can be opportunistic in nature and may be linked to cost of living pressures, especially for increases in shoplifting where increases

are linked to adult offenders often in their 30s. Younger alleged offenders tend to be involved in theft offences involving motor vehicles.” Ms

Dowsley said.

Lilydale was the suburb with the highest amount of criminal incidents accounting for 20

per cent of crime across the LGA.

Youth offenders aged 10 to 17 also overtook those aged 45 and over with 655 offenders, making up for 22 per cent of all offenders.

Victorian Police deputy commissioner regional operations Bob Hill said “We completely understand the community concerns around young offenders breaking into homes, stealing cars, and putting other people at risk on our roads.”

“Highly difficult economic times are also having a significant impact on crime, with financial pressures a common cause for family violence, while more people are resorting to stealing from shops to feed and clothe themselves and their family,” Mr Hill said.

“Technology is also playing a part in rising crime, with vehicle thefts sharply increasing as offenders use electronic devices to exploit vehicle security systems and steal cars.”

In the Yarra Ranges theft from a motor vehicle in 2023 jumped from 357 to 623 in 2024.

One in five vehicles are being stolen with electronic devices capable of programming and mimicking keys, with police urging vehicle owners to look at a range of preventative measures to help deter thieves, including an on board diagnostic port lock which prevents an offender connecting a reprogramming device to your vehicle.

The Kangaroo Protection Act in the USA could ban the sale of body parts of the much-loved marsupials in America. (File)

Residents feeling unsafe in homes

By Mikayla van Loon

A Nimblefoot Way resident now lives in fear in her own home after her garage was broken into earlier this month, something that sadly is becoming more common.

Michelle moved to Lilydale eight years ago and said there had always been antisocial activity in the Gateway estate but it has only gotten worse over the last six months to a year.

Preparing to go to bed, Michelle went to take her two dogs outside but “neither of them wanted to go out, they were scared”.

“I heard a rustling noise, and then I heard a mobile phone, like a text message noise, and saw a guy in black gear running out the driveway down the street,” Michelle said.

“I thought, ‘OK, they’ve obviously been around our cars, they won’t come back again’ so I didn’t do any more.

“I woke up the next morning to my partner saying, ‘oh, did you have the garage door open last night?’ I said, ‘No’. And he said, ‘because your car door was open as well’. So they’ve broken into the car, they’ve got the garage remote and opened it up and helped themselves.”

Putting a post into the Gateway estate’s Facebook group, Michelle said there were at least 10 responses from other residents whose cars had also been broken into or checked out as seen on CCTV cameras.

While the total value stolen is not known, Michelle estimating a couple of thousands of dollars, she said the most concerning part was how close these people were to her bedroom.

“That’s the scariest bit, they just had to open that internal door, and they were in our bedroom, so they were basically on the other side of the internal door.

“And if somebody had got up, you don’t know what they’re gonna do. They carry knives and machetes and you’re too scared to defend yourself, even in your own home these days.

“We’ve got to get new remotes for the garage, because they’ve kept one of them. We have to change internal door locks because they had access to the house.”

Scared to go outside and nervous each time there’s a noise, Michelle said “I’ve got two dogs here and I still don’t feel safe”.

Michelle said the antisocial behaviour seen in and around the Gateway has been building since she moved to Lilydale but “even in the last three, four months, the extent is just getting bad”.

“There’s a gang of up to about 15 youths, probably aged 18, and they ride around on E bikes, revving them up to aggravate all the dogs in the estate. They’re doing wheelies. They’re popping monos down the roads,” she said.

“The other day, I actually saw them, they were six abreast across the road and doing about two kilometres an hour holding the cars up so they couldn’t get past.

“They sit in the middle of the roundabout, so

the cars actually have to stop and they can’t go anywhere. They do the wheelies on the paths in the parks digging grooves in the walkways probably 10 centimetres deep.

“So then any elderly people that walk along there are going to trip over and injure themselves. There’s also drug deals done day and night.”

Michelle said Nimblefoot Reserve, meant to be a family-friendly park, has become a hang out area for this group.

“There was a night where we had to call the fire brigade because the kids had set the picnic table under the gazebo on fire. Illegal fireworks were let off there, that would have been at the end of January. They damage all the play equipment,” she said.

“People use it all the time, they take their dogs there and everything, and then just have to put up with what’s going on.”

Understanding that regular police patrols may not be possible, Michelle said even the addition of lighting and CCTV cameras in Nimblefoot Reserve may deter 60 to 70 per cent of the behaviour.

“I’m trying to push for CCTV footage and lighting in the park to help try and deter some of it,” she said.

“There’s not one light (there at the moment) and they can do what they want, nobody can see them.”

Yarra Ranges Council and Victoria Police were contacted for comment.

Man dies in Montrose

A man has died in Montrose after reportedly falling into a silo at a worksite on Saturday afternoon.

The man in his 50s is believed to have fallen and subsequently gotten trapped, requiring an extensive emergency response around 4.30pm on Saturday 22 March.

Police, firefighters, paramedics and high angle rescue crews were all called to the Boral Quarry on Canterbury Road.

A WorkSafe spokeswoman confirmed WorkSafe is investigating.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner. Prevent car theft through quiz In response to growing concerns about vehicle theft and items being stolen from vehicles across Victoria, Neighbourhood Watch, supported by RACV, has launched How safe is my vehicle?, an online quiz designed to help Victorian’s protect their cars and belongings from theft.

The release of the new quiz is timely given new data released from the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency has revealed theft of motor vehicles has increased by almost 8432 in the last 12 months, up 41.5 per cent.

Theft from a motor vehicle also increased by almost 19,000 in the last 12 months, up 33.32 per cent - both figures represent a ten year high.

The free how safe is my vehicle quiz provides practical advice, security recommendations, and step-by-step guidance for vehicle owners to protect their vehicle, including caravans.

Neighbourhood Watch chief executive officer Bambi Gordon said every Victorian should feel confident about their vehicle’s security.

“The how safe is my vehicle quiz puts practical prevention tools directly into the hands of vehicle owners, empowering them to take proactive steps to protect their vehicle,” Ms Gordon said.

“This initiative comes at a crucial time as vehicle-related crime continues to impact Victorian communities.”

The report generated from the quiz, includes information about the latest anti-theft technologies, best practices for secure parking and practical tips to prevent theft from vehicles.

Complete the the quiz at howsafeismyplace. com.au/vehicle/

Planned burns ahead

In a letter from Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman he said it was important to take a moment to reflect on the challenges of this year’s bushfire season and prepare for what is still to come.

“We feel for the communities affected by these events, and I thank our crews, contractors, incident management personnel and partner agencies for the work they do to keep Victoria safer,” he said.

“The seasonal outlook shows a higher chance of warmer maximum temperatures into early autumn which may delay the start of planned burning in some parts of the state. It also raises opportunities for planned burning targeting areas that are not usually available under autumn conditions.

“As soon as favourable weather and forest conditions arrive, we’ll be making sure all available resources are delivering planned burning, with a strong focus on priority areas like Midlands, Yarra Ranges, Murrindindi, Ovens, Otways and Latrobe Valley.”

Register for the latest updates if you want to know more about where and when we burn at plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/.

The playspace has also been the target of vandalism. (466793)

Michelle said Nimblefoot Reserve has been garnering much unwanted antisocial behaviour from young people. (Stewart Chambers: 466793)

The picnic tables under the shelter were reportedly set alight. (466793)

’Raining embers’: Terror

By Mikayla Van Loon

It’s 10pm at night. The final checks of a fire burning at the end of your street show no signs of smoke or flames.

There’s no wind. Advice from VicEmergency says to watch and act but that the fire is controlled.

Feeling comfortable and safe, you decide to go to bed.

An hour later you’re awoken to car doors slamming and people yelling in your street.

This was the scenario that played out for one Crestview Close resident and their family on Saturday 15 March as a bushfire raged just metres away from their home.

“It was frightening waking up to those sounds. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the people screaming in the street and yelling, trying to wake up the neighbours,” they said.

“I panicked, got up and raced out the front and from our balcony, all I could see was embers. It was raining embers.

“I’m seeing embers flying through the air, they’re red. It’s not ash, it’s fire.

“I looked up the street and all I could see was a glow.”

These embers, sometimes the size of a screwdriver and five to 10 centimetres wide, were a sign for them to get out as soon as they could.

With two young children asleep inside, getting them to safety was the first priority.

“As soon as I said, ‘everyone get up now, let’s go’, there were no questions asked. They were amazing, they just got up, didn’t even put shoes on, raced outside, got into the car.”

Ensuring windows and doors were locked and the house was watered as much as possible, the family of four left their Montrose home for a family member’s.

Items already packed in the car ready to go, with just the cat and the dog needing to be bundled into the car too, they left by about 11.30pm.

“Pulling out of the driveway, I looked up at the end of the street where people were standing, and there was fire that had started coming down the walking track where we normally go up into the bush.

“It wasn’t that those flames were large, but there was still fire at the very end of the street and the trees behind the house were just glowing.”

The adrenaline and the need to get out, the resident said, truly kicked in and it wasn’t until they reached safety that the reality sank in.

“I don’t even remember smelling the smoke until I was safe at (my in-law’s) house, but I’ve seen photos and videos and I’m just like, ‘how did I not even remember the smoke’, I was so focused on getting out.”

With the height and ferocity of fire not getting to its worst until after midnight, it wasn’t uncommon for people to have stayed.

“A lot of people I know in the area weren’t leaving their house until about 12. I think it took people a while to realise how bad it was getting. I don’t know, we just left. As soon as we could hear what we could hear and see what we saw, we just left.”

Having had questions since the events of Sat-

urday night as to why they didn’t leave that afternoon, the resident said messaging led them to believe it was safe enough to stay, or in the case of Sheffield Road residents, to return home after evacuating earlier.

It was for this reason they asked to remain anonymous because of fear of criticism.

“You can’t just pack up every time there’s fire, small shrub and grass fires happen all the time. We were told it was contained. We couldn’t see any smoke. There was no wind.

“So yes, we went to bed at 10 o’clock with the knowledge of going outside assessing it, feeling safe enough to be there, and we were quite ok with going to bed.

“It was so sudden, within that hour…It just goes to show how quick and instant it actually can be.”

Adding to the initial sense of safety on Saturday night was the precautions the family had taken after the fire had started around 2pm.

“(We were) hosing everything down, and got up on the roof and made sure our gutters were clean, which they were, all that sort of stuff that you do. You check everything around the house, make sure there’s nothing lying around.

“We also have a wood fire that we use for heating so we have a big pile of firewood up the back of our house. That was our main concern so we were hosing that down all afternoon, just trying to

get it as wet as possible in case anything changed.

“We packed the car. We’ve always had, ever since we moved in here, two boxes of important things to us, not even clothing. It’s just important things that aren’t replaceable. So we put them in the car just to get ready because you never know what’s going to happen.”

Returning home on Sunday, the family took some further action, moving the pile of wood to the far back corner of their property to ensure that no houses would be impacted if the situation worsened again.

Speaking to Star Mail on Thursday 20 March and having had a few days to come to terms with what had happened, the resident said even in hindsight there probably wasn’t much more they could have done.

“All it takes is for that little bit of wind, a few embers to jump the containment line, and everything’s just so dry. I don’t think we could have done anything different.”

Despite some criticism of the notifications being sent out to residents and the quick change in warnings on VicEmergency, the Crestview Close resident said hopefully the bushfire acts as a learning experience for everyone.

“From everything that’s happened, I really just hope it makes people think about it more literally and look at where we live. You can’t be complacent. You can’t ignore the fact that it might happen one day.

“It should always be, especially in the summer months, on your mind, keep the house tidy, keep your lawn short, keep your gutters clean. Make sure you don’t have rubbish laying around.

“Hopefully it’s just a reality check for people of where we live, and making sure you’ve got your plan of attack in place and making sure your kids understand.

“We can’t always rely on our phones. We don’t always have reception. Even with updates, you can’t always rely on your phones for that instant alert. And if you’re asleep, you might not hear your phone go off.”

Living in the same street as the residents who lost their home, it proved how easily an ember that catches in a backyard can spread - luckily it was contained to just two properties.

“I feel bad for those people that their house burned down. It got in the back, so it just went through the back of the house and so the front looks ok, but they’re not living in there, they can’t.”

Although living on an urban fringe and not in dense bush like the Dandenongs, the resident said there comes a time when everything needs to burn, it was just Montrose’s time.

“The area we live in, you’ve sort of got to expect it at some point. If you live near a bush area, it goes in cycles. It dries out. It could be every five years or 10 years that something will happen. It needs to be burned out.”

The glow emanating from the bush as trees burned in Montrose was a frightening sight. (Frank Tsai - Boronia CFA)

Residential streets, like Crestview Close, had embers raining down on them as the fire burned just metres away. (Supplied)

The bushland at the end of Crestview Close has been left blackened by the fire (Stewart Chambers: 466806)

Reminder of autumn risk

By Mikayla van Loon

The early autumn bushfire which burned 40 hectares after rapidly doubling in size in Montrose is a stark reminder of the continued risk of fire in the first quarter of the year.

This fire risk is not meant to reduce over coming weeks either, with the CFA remaining vigilant as temperatures stay warm and ground cover dry.

“While conditions remain dry with little rain forecast in certain parts of the state over coming weeks, the fire risk will continue but our crews are ready and will adapt to changes as they develop through autumn,” a CFA spokesperson said.

“Areas with dry or cured vegetation can result in fast running fires under hot, dry and windy weather conditions, as we saw over the weekend in Montrose.”

Messages of preparedness and having a fire plan to draw upon in times of increased risk were highlighted in the days after the event, not only for Montrose but for everyone in the Yarra Ranges.

The Montrose bushfire also triggered a wakeup call of sorts across the Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley.

Comparisons between the Dr Ken Leversha Reserve and Mount Evelyn’s Quinn Reserve, Owl Land Reserve and the Beryl Phillips Nature Reserve were noted by Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade.

“These reserves are dense, very high fuel loads after the storms of recent years, narrow roads, surrounded by residential properties, and poor mobile phone coverage on a good day,” a post on the brigade’s social media reads.

“We can’t rely on just one source of information, and one step further, we can’t rely on even getting this information. What if lines of communication completely drop like they did for days during the storms? Remember that? Our area had no mobile service once the back up power dropped for the phone towers immediately after the storms came through.

“You need to be able to make your own decisions without being reliant on getting any alerts, text messages or notifications from official sources.

“You need to make the call for your own family, because you will not get a knock on your door telling you that it’s time to leave.

“Use your senses. What can you see? What can you hear? What (can you) smell?

“If your fire plan is waiting until you receive an official notification to leave or to enact your fire plan, you need a new plan.”

This was reiterated by the CFA spokesperson, who said even in an urban setting, being prepared is the best way to stay safe.

“Fire preparation and safety is a shared responsibility. You cannot expect a fire truck at every property – you need to prepare your property for fire, even if you live in metropolitan Melbourne,” the CFA spokesperson said.

“Residents on the urban fringe are still located

in a high-risk fire area and should understand their local risks, prepare their properties and plan ahead for what they will do in the event of a fire this autumn.

“It is important that people in bushfire prone areas have a bushfire plan, which includes how they will access emergency information. You should never rely on one source of information.”

The Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade’s post did acknowl-

edge the sudden change in wind and conditions which came as a shock to everyone.

“We understand the events in Montrose were not anticipated but that shows the community the unpredictable nature of fire. All it takes is the slightest gust of wind to quickly change the dynamic of a fire. It went from being within a containment line, to doubling in size without a chance to prepare for it.

“We don’t have the luxury of a crystal ball to know when these changes will hit. This means no time for warnings, no time for door knocks, no time alerts and notifications.

“If you see something, you can’t wait for an official message to act, you must act for your safety and your family.”

The urban interface, while it didn’t change the CFA’s response and commitment to “protecting the lives and property of Victorians”, it did impact access to fire ground.

CFA District 13 Assistant Chief Fire Officer

Dave Renkin said strike teams faced very difficult conditions on Saturday 15 March.

“The area was inaccessible for vehicles, so we heavily relied on aircraft support,” he said.

“There’s no doubt that without the extraordinary efforts of strike teams, the losses would have been far greater.

“I want to thank all emergency responders for their efforts.

“Their swift and coordinated actions were pivotal in limiting the extent of losses.”

Engaging residents both from Montrose and further afield in a Fire Safety Essentials meeting on Monday 24 March, the CFA spokesperson said it focused on fire preparedness and planning as a refresher for everyone on best practices in fireprone areas.

The one-hour session run by the CFA was designed “to help community members better understand how they can best prepare and respond in the event of a fire”.

“Community members (learned) about local fire risk in the area, what to expect during a fire, understand what the Fire Danger Ratings are and how to act accordingly, where to access the best source of information to stay informed during emergencies and how to prepare before the fire season,” the spokesperson said.

The meeting was live streamed on the Montrose Fire Brigade Facebook page.

For more information on how to best prepare, head to cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare and download the VicEmergency app.

Don’t ‘ignite’ panic: lessons from Montrose bushfire

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

In the aftermath of the bushfire in Montrose last weekend, emergency volunteers shared valuable insights into the key lessons from the fire and emphasised the importance of preparedness, local knowledge, and community education.

Kalorama CFA’s community safety coordinator, Virginia Porter reflected on the critical concerns that arose during the Montrose fire on Saturday night, 15 March, particularly about the public’s reliance on social media and apps for emergency alerts.

She said while these tools are helpful, it should not be the sole source of information during a crisis.

“The main concern was that people were expecting to be told exactly what to do,” Ms Porter said.

“In a bushfire-prone area, it’s crucial that people have their own plans in place. They need to understand what to do when the fire threat is near - waiting for someone to knock on the door to tell you to evacuate isn’t realistic.”

As fires spread rapidly throughout the night, those with local knowledge took proactive steps early.

Ms Porter said that many residents on the mountain, including herself, packed up and evacuated early in the day, and there were some who waited to be told what to do.

“The people who’ve been around here for a while knew that if the wind shifted, the fire could be here in less than 20 minutes,” she said.

“So, they packed up and left early. Unfortu-

nately, others down in Montrose waited until the last minute, relying on someone else to tell them when to go.”

For those living in bushfire-prone areas, Ms Porter’s advice is clear: take responsibility for your own safety by developing a bushfire plan well before fire season begins.

“It’s important to plan for different fire danger days and make decisions ahead of time. Don’t wait until the fire is on your doorstep,” she said.

“Everyone’s situation is different—whether you have children, elderly family members, or pets to consider. Your plan should reflect that.”

Ms Porter also highlighted the difference in mindset between those living in bushfire-prone

areas and those who are less familiar with fire risks.

Many residents in the Dandenongs, for example, have experienced multiple bushfire threats and have learned to act early, while others still expect emergency services to guide them every step of the way.

“People need to stop relying on the idea that someone will come and tell them what to do. That simply won’t happen,” Ms Porter said.

“You need to have a plan, know your surroundings, and be ready to act.”

In response to the increasing reliance on social media for information, the CFA’s community safety coordinator encourages residents to gather information from multiple reliable

sources, such as local fire brigades and emergency services.

This will help ensure that people are prepared for whatever the fire season may bring.

The history of fires in the Dandenongs is a significant factor in understanding the risks in the region.

Ms Porter recommended reaching out to operational members for more in-depth historical context, mentioning John Schauble, from the Sassafras Fire Brigade as someone with extensive knowledge of local fires and their impact on the community.

Despite the challenges, Ms Porter remains optimistic that the community can learn from the Montrose fire and build a more resilient approach to future bushfire threats.

She strongly advocates for ongoing community education through fire brigade meetings, where residents can learn how to create and execute a fire plan tailored to their specific needs.

“We need to encourage people to attend these community meetings, understand the risks in their area, and most importantly, have a plan in place,” she said.

“Fires are unpredictable, but if you’re prepared, you can react quickly and safely.”

Ms Porter’s message is clear: preparedness and local knowledge are the best defences against the ever-present threat of bushfires.

For more information about fire safety and to access resources for creating a personal fire plan, residents are encouraged to visit their local CFA station or attend community safety meetings in their area.

The view from Burke’s Lookout Mount Dandenong over Montrose shows the dense bush and the extent of the burned patches. (Stewart Chambers: 466806)

The bush at the end of Kirkwood Court in Montrose. (466806)

Despite being on the urban fringe, bushfire risk remains high as proved by the fire in Dr Ken Leversha Reserve on Saturday 15 March. (466806)

Boronia CFA firefighters were called in for asset protection. (Boronia CFA)

NEWS Environmental impact fear

By Mikayla van Loon

In the wake of the Montrose bushfire wildlife rescuers and environmentalists are awaiting the all clear to assess the damage and assist animals in need of treatment.

Mount Evelyn Environment Protection and Progress Association (MEEPPA) president Clare Worsnop said a major concern was loss of hollowbearing trees and the continued heat penetrating the ground as the fire continues to burn.

With a known mated pair of Powerful Owls, a threatened species, calling the Dr Ken Leversha Reserve home and who welcomed twins this breeding season, Ms Worsnop said the hope is the young had already flown the hollow.

“We still don’t know whether Mr and Mrs Owl have been impacted, or whether they suffered mortal wounds or not, hopefully they’ve flown away,” she said.

Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter rescuer Emma Cash said in the 24 hours until Thursday evening, “the Powerful Owls have been heard hooting”.

The area, “a high value biodiversity reserve”, is home to macropod species like Swamp Wallabies and Eastern Grey Kangaroos, possums and gliders, reptiles, birds and invertebrates, not to mention the diverse flora.

The broader impact on this key habitat reserve could be quite severe but rescuers won’t know until the fire is fully extinguished.

“The wildlife carers will be going in there when they can, but it’s got to be safe and apparently the fires are still burning on the ground and a lot of trees are falling down,” Ms Worsnop said.

“They will definitely be trying to get in to rescue any animals they can and care for them, because they can have severe burns and if they left, it’s just very painful for them, and they can die from it, through getting infections.

“But if they could be caught and assessed and treated, sometimes they’ll recover quite well.

“That’s where the role of our carers comes in, and it’s important for them to be able to get access quite quickly, to protect whatever creatures they can and give them that chance, because watching them horribly burn their little hands and feet means they can’t hop around, they can’t get food.”

Ms Worsnop said aside from the burns themselves, a lack of food and dehydration would be a secondary cause of death to the animals stuck in the reserve.

“It sounds like it was pretty ferocious and pretty hot…it will seriously affect the wildlife initially,” she said.

“A lot of animals will go underground, like wombats, wallabies will even go into wombat boroughs to escape it but a lot of things can’t get away.

“All the little native bush rats and snakes and lizards and things like that have no way of escaping. The birds may fly and there is greenery further afield, whether they can stay there or not, because it’s someone else’s territory, but they can fly to other spots if it’s not too far.”

Access to the reserve is still limited to firefighters only but Ms Cash said she had passed the shelter details over to them in case they come across any injured wildlife.

“Resident reports give us hope that the local kangaroo mob and several wallabies have managed to escape the fire,” Ms Cash said.

“We have had a report of one deceased swamp wallaby, but the reality is there will be hundreds of animals that were not able to escape the inferno.”

Because of the loss of habitat and food sources, Ms Worsnop and Ms Cash said there’ll likely be movement of birds and animals into different local bush areas.

“As soon as the area is deemed ‘safe’ we have a very experienced fire ground team ready to go in,” Ms Cash said.

“We are asking residents surrounding the fire zone to please keep an eye out for wildlife seeking refuge in unburnt areas. If the wildlife look unwell or injured please let our shelter know.

“Wildlife will be seeking safe places to forage and shelter, we urge the public to please give these animals space and keep pets away.”

But given how territorial animals can be, finding a new home may not be a long term solution.

“In the case of the owls, if they have to move, they will probably find somewhere to be, but they wouldn’t be able to make it a core area. It will be

Four boys questioned by police following reserve fire

By Mikayla van Loon

Four Yarra Ranges boys have been questioned by detectives as part of investigations into the bushfire in Montrose, with no charges laid.

Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at Dr Ken Leversha Reserve about 2pm on Saturday 15 March.

The fire quickly spread and caused damage to nearby properties.

Reports of four teen boys seen leaving the reserve just before sirens were heard was raised at a community meeting on Sunday 16 March.

Municipal emergency response coordinator

Senior Sergeant Mark Knight confirmed that police were exploring the line of enquiry.

He also requested that nearby residents with private CCTV cameras provide footage to the Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit to support the investigation.

Four boys were interviewed by Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detectives last week. They were released pending further investigation.

Detectives are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.

just somewhere where they could roost and feed until their area is back, but it’ll take several years for them to come back.

“Everything’s got its territory, and everywhere is taken. That’s how nature keeps it in check and balance. So the creatures that own the area and the ones that have lost their homes, they’re going to fight to keep them out because there’s only so much food, and that’s where the issue happens for the wildlife.

“They don’t have anywhere else to go. They can’t just jump in a car and drive off to the next suburb and rent a motel.”

With trees continuing to fall because of the unstable ground, Ms Worsnop said that “might ultimately become habitat for something else” it will take years for the site to replenish.

“It may take several years before the regrowth comes back, and there’s enough food and shelter for those critters that have lost their homes,” she said.

“The loss of habitat, for what was living in it, especially if the big, old trees with hollows, those ones won’t exist anymore, and that will also have

an impact on the future of the wildlife there, and it will take many years for it to totally regenerate.

“You’ll probably see new growth in it coming up, but to replace a tree that’s big enough that hollows for birds and possums takes, 100 years, 150 years, those trees aren’t going to be replaced in our lifetime.”

Ms Worsnop said groups like MEEPA will be monitoring the reserve over the next 12 months to understand how food is regenerating and which animals return.

“As long as there’s enough water and enough food, a lot of the animals will survive, but a lot of them will need care.”

Having lived through a similar bushfire situation in Sydney, Ms Worsnop said she knows the fear that comes with being evacuated and she extends her gratitude to all the firefighters.

“I’d just like to say thank you to the firies, who did all that incredible work, because they risk their lives as well when they go out and fight these fires…and wish a speedy recovery for everybody who’s been directly impacted.”

Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detectives have interviewed four boys in relation to the Montrose bushfire. (File: 433774)

The Dr Ken Leversha Reserve has been left blackened by fire, with much of the habitat and food sources burned. (Frank Tsai - Boronia CFA)

Gruesome ‘bone buddies’

By Melissa Meehan and Rachael Ward, AAP

A Lilydale woman who took human toes from dog vomit to sell them on an online black market has avoided jail “by the barest of possible margins” for her macabre crime.

A Melbourne court was told Joanna Kathlyn Kinman collected bizarre items and previously sold stillborn pets through the “Bone Buddies Australia” Facebook group.

She was employed at a Victorian animal shelter as a ranger when two dogs regurgitated the toes and other remains in February 2024.

They had been surrendered after the death of their owner, whose name is suppressed. He died of natural causes before the pets ate parts of his body.

Kinman faced Ringwood Magistrates Court on Monday, where she pleaded guilty to offensive conduct involving human remains.

Magistrate Andrew Sim sentenced her to an 18-month community corrections order, including 150 hours of community work.

“By the barest of possible margins you will not be going to jail today,” Mr Sim told her.

“Your conduct would, in my view, arouse significant anger, resentment, outrage, disgust or repulsion in the minds of any reasonable person in the community.”

The 48-year-old was not required to speak during her appearance.

Prosecutor Melissa Sambrooks said Kinman was not present when the dogs regurgitated the remains, but searched a wheelie bin looking for the toes.

“She located two human toes and took them home and placed them in a jar containing formaldehyde,” Leading Senior Constable Sambrooks said.

Later, during a phone call with her daughter, Kinman discussed how she planned to sell them online and research suggested she could get as

Joanna Kinman leaves Ringwood Magistrates’ Court after being sentenced to an 18-month community corrections order. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

much as $400.

Police soon arrived at her Lilydale home after a tip-off from an unknown source.

Kinman made full admissions to possessing the remains and intending to sell them online.

She showed police where the jar with the toes

for your

was located, beside other oddities including an alligator claw, a bird skull, guinea pig trotter and her childrens’ teeth.

Police found the mother-of-five was a member of the “Bone Buddies Australia” Facebook group, commonly used to buy, swap and sell

Yarra Ranges Council

specimens online.

Snr Const Sambrooks said Kinman was an avid contributor to the site and had previously sold “wet specimens” of a stillborn kitten and puppy.

She did not say where those remains were sourced.

During her police interview, Kinman told officers she was curious about the toes and took them because “I know someone who collects weird things... I thought ‘cool’ it’s a toe”.

Many of the dead man’s relatives are unaware of the crime, with his son choosing to shield them from the investigation, saying his family had suffered enough.

Kinman’s lawyer Rainer Martini told Mr Sim his client had also been impacted by her “spontaneous” crime, including losing her job and having her name spread online.

“She has regretted fulsomely ... not just for herself but for the impact on the family of the deceased,” Mr Martini said.

Mr Sim said it was “hardly surprising” Kinman, who had studied psychology as well as animal science, lost her job over the “entirely odd behaviour”.

“I find it remarkable that someone of the accused’s experience and education would not know it was an offence,” he told the court.

“It’s astounding that she didn’t understand taking two toes that had been vomited up by one or two dogs from a deceased person and sell them on the internet was the wrong thing to do.”

He accepted Kinman had expressed remorse but said it wasn’t a “momentary lapse of judgment”.

She had been facing up to two years in prison, but the prosecutor and Kinman’s lawyer agreed she should be assessed for a corrections order.

Kinman did not comment to media outside court.

Paid Parking in Warburton Pilot Project from 3 May 2025 - July 2026

Yarra Ranges Council is introducing paid parking for visitors in Warburton on weekends and public holidays from 9am – 5pm at:

• Warburton Water World - $6 per hour

• Thomas Avenue - $3.50 per hour

• Warburton Highway by the shops - first hour free then $6 per hour

• Station Road - $3.50 per hour

Yarra Ranges residents: Apply for a free parking permit to park without charge. Register up to 3 vehicles per property. Required documents include proof of residency and vehicle ownership.

How to Apply:

• Online at www.epermits-yarraranges.orikan.tech/ssp

• In person at our Community Links

• Phone 1300 456 050

Visit us at our information and permit application sessions being held at:

• Wednesday 26 March, 12pm-4pm at Warburton Art Centre

• Friday 28 March, 1pm - 5pm at Warburton Art Centre

• Tuesday 1 April, 3pm-7pm at Redwoods Centre, Warburton

• Thursday 3 April, 6pm-8pm at Koha Cafe, Warburton

• Sunday 6 April, 12pm-4pm at Warburton Art Centre

Special story time shared

By Mikayla van Loon

was

The Harmony Day event on 18 March brought families together of all languages, cultures and heritage to share in a universal joy: stories.

Mooroolbark Library’s children services manager Emma Wallis said for this year’s harmony day, the library wanted to focus on languages, to show “that your home language is just as important as the main language of Australia, which is English”.

“The theme of Harmony Day is always, everyone belongs. So we try really hard with our story time to represent all different cultures, all different people belonging together in harmony and showing respect and kindness to others,” she said.

“Our country’s made up of lots of different languages and it’s really important that our children, our future are growing up understanding that being multilingual or bilingual is really important as well.”

Children’s librarian Hanna Condon led the children in rhymes, songs and stories, in both English and with the help of a Hindi translator.

Chin dialect translators from LanguageLoop also sat with children and parents to translate the stories and songs as they were told and sung allowing everyone to join in.

All the promotional materials for the event were also translated into various languages to ensure community members could see the information in their own tongue.

Engaging with a number of services for the event as well, like Yarra Ranges Kinders, Cire Services, EACH, The Parents Hub, Yarra Ranges Council, Inspiro, Services Australia and the Toy Libraries, Emma said it was also a great opportunity for parents to see what other services are available in the community.

“(We’re) just making it really clear what’s available to our families, that most of it is free, and that we’re here to help as well because a lot of these services, we do find people still don’t realise are there.

“There’s so much information overload out

there. So today’s also been a really good opportunity to come together and go, ‘this is what we offer, how we can help’ and I guess just making sure they feel like this is a safe space as well.”

Hanna said the planning for this event began months ago as a “joint effort” between the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) network, the council and the library.

“I feel like we’ve all put our strength into the programme,” she said.

While stories and songs are a great way to connect and educate, Hanna said story time also provides an environment for every age from tiny tots, to toddlers and preschoolers, to begin being

around other children in a sometimes noisy setting.

“Part of coming to story time is being comfortable, but also it really sets the children up well for later on at daycare, kinder, school, because story time is a loud environment, it can be quite overwhelming, and often they start as babies,” she said.

With other games set up, painting tables, playdough and a visit from a CFA fire truck, Emma and Hanna were so impressed with the turnout, the engagement in the activities and the conversations being had after the story time.

“People have really enjoyed it and we asked a

lot of them today. We started at around 10.30 and we didn’t finish till nearly 11, we kept them sitting and listening for a good 25 minutes, and for them to be out here with all this distraction going on is a good measure for us,” Hanna said.

“It seems like people are really engaged. They’re not leaving. They all came here, and they’re staying around, and they’re actually moving around and chatting to everyone, which to me, is a really good sign that they’ve enjoyed it,” Emma said.

To find out more about regular story times visit, yourlibrary.com.au/storytimes or call Mooroolbark Library on 9800 6480.

A special Mooroolbark story time session

hosted in Hookey Park on Tuesday to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week.

Children’s librarian Hanna Condon led the group in song and story. (Mikayla van Loon: 466785)

Everyone sat listening, engaged in the stories being told. (466785)

New friendships were formed over the playdough table. (466785)

The drawing table was fitted with Australian animals like the koala to be stencilled or drawn on. (466785)

Moulding the playdough was a favourite. (466785)

The kids had fun running under the parachute. (466785)

Services were set up of parents to engage with and learn what was available in the community. (466785)

The kids enjoyed the drawing station. (466785)

Ruby ready for the towers

By Mikayla van Loon

For Croydon mum Ruby Rhodes, her two interactions with the Royal Children’s Hospital for daughter Tilly were nothing but positive, receiving incredible care and support both times.

It’s for that reason Ruby decided to combine her passion for stairclimbing and fundraising by taking part in Towers 4 Change, Australia’s first four-tower vertical stair climb challenge debuting on Sunday 30 March.

Able to choose from four different charities, one per tower, to fundraise for, it was a no-brainer when the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) was an option.

“The first time we needed to take Tilly to the Royal Children’s, she was two and a half years old, and she was sitting at home playing with her pa at the little children’s table,” Ruby said.

“Pa made a cup of tea, sat down with her, jumped up to grab his mobile phone and the tea spilled on her, and she ended up receiving burns from that.”

First taking her to a local hospital, about a week later it was advised that Tilly should go to the RCH, where she required surgery to remove the burned skin from her leg.

“The doctors and nurses were so wonderful. A two and a half year old being in an environment that she didn’t know, having to be sedated, and having to undergo that type of procedure, was pretty horrific for us as parents as well,” Ruby said.

“After they repaired the burn and bandaged it, we were sent to clinical specialists for about six months afterwards, where we would go in, they had so many distractions for her, with meerkats that we could wave at and talk to and colouring books. They’re just so children oriented.

“Whilst the focus is on the children and getting them through the procedures they need to get through, they are also so mindful they have to support the family, because it’s tough seeing your children go through this type of thing, and when it’s all said and done, we need to be in a good mental state to be able to support our babies.”

Ruby said this didn’t just extend to the doctors and nurses but also to every staff member in the building, from cleaners to shopkeepers, who were “just so beautiful and so kind”.

Nine years later, Tilly has completely recovered, something Ruby puts down to the expertise of the doctors.

“Because of their active care and continued care, they’ve prevented her from having to have skin grafts. So she did have areas in the burn that were third degree, but because of the way they treated it, they avoided having to have surgery for skin grafting as well.

“Just the level of knowledge, the experience, the understanding, kindness, they’re a complete package there.”

Despite recovering well from her burns, at four-years-old Tilly was also struck down with a bout of pneumonia even though the only symptoms showing up were a stomach ache.

“We took her into (the RCH) emergency, and they whipped her in, and doctors had a consultation together. They took her in for some lung X rays, and came back and said she’s actually got pneumonia.

“We were thinking she had pains in her tummy, and it was something to do with her digestive system. It was actually that she had pneumonia and she was really sick.”

Two nights spent in hospital on antibiotics and getting her hydrated, Ruby said Tilly came out “like a new little girl”.

Fast-forward to today, Ruby is readying herself to climb her biggest stair challenge yet in Towers 4 Change but as a seasoned professional having done many stair climb challenges, including the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb, she’s looking forward to taking on the 1400 stairs.

“That’s my big fundraiser for mental health, for our emergency services and I really got into that. We carry 20 kilos upstairs for that one, so it’s a big training effort. I entered into a couple of other tower climbs, just because I started to get a little bit hooked,” she said.

Ruby will start at tower three, completing 69 floors before moving onto tower four, 71 floors, tower one, 82 floors and finishing in tower two with 64 floors at the West Side Place precinct in Melbourne.

Preparing herself by using the stairclimbers at the gym and climbing stairs with a weighted backpack at places like the Ferntree Gully Quarry Reserve, Ruby said physically she feels ready but there’s always the mental challenge too.

“My experience with dealing with mental health and being in the emergency services, it’s good to challenge myself mentally, to show myself that I do have resilience and the capacity to get through anything.

“And I think that’s why I chose the Royal Children’s Hospital, because the link to the mental health part there, I just remember how mentally strong I needed to be in that moment with my daughter.”

The event, hosted by West Side Place developer Far East Consortium, aims to raise $200,000 - split equally among the four charities - to help now and into the future.

“This four-tower climb exemplifies our commitment to fostering a vibrant community. By bringing people together for this unique event, we aim to benefit everyone involved, from residents to participants and beyond,” marketing and sales director Lauren Sheldon said.

As the Good Friday Appeal approaches too, executive director Rebecca Cowan said every donation helps support patient care at RCH.

“We are thrilled to be selected as a charity partner for the West Side Place Towers 4 Change, a unique and challenging event,” she said.

“These funds will have a profound impact funding state of the art equipment, research, training and patient and family centred care programs to continue the world class care provided by The Royal Children’s Hospital.”

To support Ruby’s fundraiser, visit goodfridayappealtowers4change25.grassrootz.com/ royal-childrens-hospital-good-friday-appeal/ ruby-rhodes

Join this pilates-tic cause and support Parkinson’s

By Dongyun Kwon

A pilates instructor and her client are pulling together to host a special pilates session for a good cause.

Yarra Valley-based pilates instructor Vicky Kamakaris and her client Penny Napoleone both have lost a parent to Parkinson’s disease.

As Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month (April) is just around the corner, the pair came up with an idea to support Shake It Up, a notfor-profit foundation dedicated to funding groundbreaking Parkinson’s research to slow, stop and cure the condition.

Ms Napoleone said pilates is ideal for the disease sufferers if they could manage it.

“Exercise is the only known activity to assist in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease,” she said.

“Medications only provide symptomatic relief.”

Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time.

The first symptom may be a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand, sometimes a foot or the jaw.

But the disorder also may cause stiffness, slowing of movement and trouble with balance that raises the risk of falls.

In Australia, it affects 200,000 people with 38 people diagnosed every day.

Ms Kamakaris’ dad passed away from Parkinson’s in 2022 after battling with it for 15 years.

The pilates instructor said she and her family couldn’t visit her dad, who was staying in a nursing home, for the last two years of his life because of the Covid lockdown.

“Even on his birthday, we (celebrated) it through the glass. We went to the windows, and they wheeled him up to the windows, and we sang happy birthday through the windows,” Ms Kamakaris said.

“Dad was a really intelligent person, and cognitively he was still okay at the end.

“First he couldn’t walk, then he couldn’t eat, he couldn’t swallow. So in the end, he couldn’t even smile, like all those muscles just atrophy so much that he couldn’t use any of them.

“But inside, he was still the same, like his brain was still working, which was the worst part of it for us.”

Ms Napoleone lost her mum to Parkinson’s in 2023.

Her mum suffered from the disease for 14 years.

She said it’s such a horrific, debilitating disease to watch someone go through.

“My father became my mother’s carer, and we kept her home as long as we could. Thankfully, I just lived close by and supported them as much as I could,” Ms Napoleone said.

“But to watch their physical ability just waste away… my mum ended up nonverbal. She couldn’t speak, she couldn’t walk, she couldn’t feed herself.

“She did end up in aged care, but the actual pain and suffering emotionally for not only her but for loved ones is beyond it, you can’t explain it, it’s very hard.”

The special fundraiser Pilates 4 Parkinsons will take place from 10am to 12pm on Saturday 26 April at Punt Road Wines, Coldstream.

The pilates session will start at 10.30am followed by a glass of bubbles and nibbles.

“100 per cent of all donations go straight to Shake It Up, and they will use it for research,” Ms Napoleone said.

For more information about the fundraiser in Coldstream, please visit parkinsons-awareness-month-2025.raiselysite.com/pilates4parkinsons

The pair are encouraging the community to host their own P-themed fundraiser (pancakes, prosecco, puppies for Parkinson’s) and raise vital funds for Parkinson’s research.

To host an event, please visit shakeitup.org. au

Croydon mum Ruby Rhodes knows all too well the care and support of the Royal Children’s Hospital, that’s why she’ll be climbing 1400 stairs to raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal. (Stewart Chambers: 466965)

Preparing herself for the first four tower challenge, Ruby has been both in the gym and outdoors climbing stairs. (466965)

Yarra Valley-based pilates instructor Vicky Kamakaris (left) and her client Penny Napoleone. (Supplied)

Vicky Kamakaris (left) and Penny Napoleone are pulling together to host a special pilates session to support Shake It Up, a not-forprofit foundation dedicated to funding groundbreaking Parkinson’s research.

Both Vicky Kamakaris (left) and Penny Napoleone have lost a parent to Parkinson’s disease.

Gather ye Highland clans!

By Tanya Steele

On the lands of the Wurundjeri, Clan MacLennan hosted the Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival for 2025, with a day filled with heavy games, pipe bands, dancing, folk music and more.

Known in the outer east as a day to celebrate Scottish and Celtic heritage, the event saw thousands flock to Croydon on Sunday 12 March with people clad in Clan tartans, kilts, sashes and Celtic finery.

In amongst the tartan, the calm presence of Uncle Perry Wandin performed a traditional Welcome to Country smoking ceremony alongside the festival in full throe. The Wurundjeri Elder welcomed attendees and officials forward as he performed the traditional ceremony.

Expanding into international competition, the annual festival in Croydon saw athletes from all over the globe, from the USA, Europe to Scotland, compete in the heavy games this year for the first time coordinated by the International Highland Games Federation (IHGF) alongside the regular Australian contingent of athletes.

Despite the sun, crowds moved amongst the games and Scottish dance competitors seemed undisturbed by the busy day as they competed in highland fling and sword dances, while pipe bands marched in formation at the other end of Eastfield oval.

The Games themselves have evolved greatly from their origins in 1967, originally known as The Ringwood Highland Games and started by the Mayor of Ringwood City Council, Elizabeth Penny. Later in 2021, the event was renamed to the Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival as they were the only remaining Highland games in metropolitan Melbourne.

The heavy game athletes competed in everything from caber toss, hammer throw, the Dinnie stone and more. Pipe bands marched in formation, competing across the day with bagpipes filling the air and Scottish, Morris, Welsh and Celtic dancers put on several dance displays.

There was plenty to do and see with Highland Cows to pet, and real-life reenactors from Roman soldiers to the Viking Age were part of the fun. Attendees could also research their lineage and speak to official members of the various Scottish clans at the Clan Tents, taste a wee dram of whiskey or be part of the games in the Wee games, Welly Boot Toss and Kilted Dash.

Highland dancers take a break in between their competition bouts. (Tanya Steele: 467312)

Morris dancers on the day. (467312)

Festival goers Mary and Tony take a look at some bagpipes made in 1913 with Shane Hume. (467312)

Wurundjeri Elder Perry Wandin begins the Welcome to Country. (467312)

Darren keeps 10 month old Rose the Highland ‘coo’ nice and cool while she got pets and photos. (467312) John and Sheila enjoy the games on Sunday 23 March. (467312)

Rt Hon Simon Abney-Hastings, the 15th Earl of Loudoun and Clan Chief of the Loudoun Campbells goes forward for the smoking ceremony. (467312)

The Hammer Throw can be watched safety behind a barricade. (467312) March on! The Pipe bands compete. (467312)

The heavy game events saw athletes from all over the globe compete. (467312)

NEWS Make movement a choice

By Mikayla van Loon

It’s that time of year again where the weather starts cooling down, days get shorter and the feeling of hibernation can settle in.

That’s why for the second year, Yarra Ranges’ health services and facilities will be hosting Active April, with events right across the shire encouraging both indoor and outdoor movement.

“We’re just encouraging people to move more for the month. So we know that a lot of the Yarra Ranges community are not active, they’re sedentary,” Inspiro senior health promotion officer Megan McInerney said.

“42 per cent of our women are not active, and 36 per cent of men. So we really want to encourage people to just engage in an activity that would suit them and move your body in a way that suits you the best.”

Organising a number of free or low cost events throughout the whole month, activating a number of trails and paths, parks, libraries, community centres and sporting facilities there’ll be something for everyone.

From walking and running clubs, pickleball, Tai Chi, to scavenger hunts, volleyball and boxing, the aim is for people of all ages to test and try different activities, meet new people and take part in movement that feels the most comfortable for them.

“Throughout Active April, we’ve targeted lots of different age groups for different activities, being conscious of the fact that it is also school holidays, so we’re trying to make them accessible to as many people as possible,” Belgravia Leisure community engagement coordinator Kelly Parker said.

Dance classes linked with library story times will cater to young children and parents, while teen workshops hope to encourage young people to feel safe and supported using places like Monbulk Aquatic Centre and the Yarra Centre gyms.

“They’ll do it like a boys boot camp or girls

boot camp and they’re boxing sessions to try and bring the teen audience into the gym space, so they feel more comfortable,” Kelly said.

“Because a lot of them play teen sports, or they don’t participate at all, we’re trying to bridge that gap a little bit.”

The extremely popular soccer clinics will also be available for all ages and abilities, while adult dance classes, as requested by the community, have been added to this year’s program at the Monbulk Living and Learning Centre.

Heart Foundation walks will activate walking paths in Yarra Junction and at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden.

“The Heart Foundation walks brings out the older demographic. They just want that social connection. They’re not really in it for the physical aspect but more for the mental health aspect,” Kelly said.

Officially launching Active April on Sunday 30 March at Melba Park, Kindred Warrior owner Estelle Coombe-Health will begin the morning with breath work and yoga, before Mother Run-

ner organiser Lani Monks and Running Company Lilydale owner Bec Rosel will lead a running and walking group along the Yarra Valley Rail Trail.

“This is our second year running the campaign. So Active April and This Girl Can are our big community activation programmes, but this is the first time we’ve done a community launch event, reaching out to community partners to tap into their groups as well to just bring visibility of what’s available ongoing for people in the community,” Megan said.

Megan said unfortunately “one of the barriers for people to participate in activity (is) they just don’t know what’s available”, so by bringing together already formed groups, as well as Yarra Ranges wide services, hopefully people will connect with a class or group after April.

“When we have our running club on a Wednesday, users of the paths and the trails will see these groups, and they’ll be like, ‘Oh, who are you guys? What’s happening here?,” Bec said.

“And when they realise it’s a weekly thing and it’s free, then they’re more likely to come along.”

Lani agreed, saying it’s not uncommon for a mum to stop and chat to the Mother Runner’s to find out more or just join in.

“We’re a very friendly group and we often engage with other mums and women that we see on the (Warburton) trail and in the cafe too. Quite a few mums joined us because they said, ‘we saw you, or we chatted with you’. Sometimes mums just kind of get absorbed in,” she said.

“It’s been really nice meeting local mums who may not have otherwise known we existed just through that exposure of being out here on a Wednesday morning.”

For women especially heading into the winter months, the element of safety makes a huge difference to still being active.

“We’re an evening (run club) and we started coaching many, many years ago, simply because I didn’t want, particularly women, running on their own especially through those darker months,” Bec said.

“It gave people a safe space to come and join others but still get their training in.”

While Mother Runner is a mid-morning run club, Lani said, from that friendships have formed, encouraging women from the group to meet up outside the club and run or walk together.

Aside from the physical benefits, movement of any kind, whether formalised sport, walking or gardening, has so many mental health benefits.

“The bigger bonus of an active type group is the social belonging and connection. I think that for mental health and wellbeing, it really ticks all the boxes,” Bec said.

Active April is the collaborative effort of Inspiro, Yarra Ranges Council, Belgravia Leisure and Eastern Health. To find out more about the activities and download a calendar, visit inspiro. org.au/news/get-active-in-the-yarra-rangesduring-april/

To register for the free launch event, go to trybooking.com/events/landing/1361670

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2025.

Free Kinder is available for three- and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services. Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,563 each year, per child.

At kindergarten, your child will:

• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance

• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment

• build skills and confidence before primary school.

Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2025. Visit vic.gov.au/kinder

Active April is about getting people moving through classes and groups like Mother Runner thanks to Inspiro, Yarra Ranges Council, Belgravia Leisure and Eastern Health. (Mikayla van Loon: 467239)

Creative writing call out

By Dongyun Kwon

Healesville-based authors are calling people with autism to participate in a series of writing workshops they are hosting.

Auti-magination successfully taught creative writing skills to participants last year.

By the end of the series of workshops, participants were able to finish writing their own stories which were officially published in a book.

Auti-magination organiser Sandra ThomJones said the creative writing workshops are returning thanks to support from Yarra Ranges Council.

“Last year’s workshops were a great success, so we received funding from the Yarra Ranges Council to do the project again,” she said.

“This year, we’re running four workshops at the Lilydale Community House on Saturdays between March and June.

“At each workshop, we will focus on a different aspect of creative writing. We’ll talk about things like developing characters and settings, and how to plan a story, but as we go along, the participants will also be working on stories together, writing drafts, sharing what they’re working on with each other, working on these stories at home.

“By the end of the four workshops, they will have some completed stories, so that we can publish a book of short stories, same as we did last year.”

Sandra Thom-Jones and her son Lincoln Jones, both are authors diagnosed with autism, will lead the workshops.

The venue will be changed from Healesville Living and Learning Centre to Lilydale Community House.

Thom-Jones said the reason for the location change is to include more people who are based in different parts of the shire.

“Yarra Ranges is such a big council, and we’re aware that travel can be difficult for a lot of people, so we just decided to move to somewhere

else,” she said.

Auti-magination is open to autistic people of all ages with different levels of writing skills.

“Last year, our youngest was eight and our oldest was in their 80s,” the event organiser said.

“We’d be happy to have people who are experienced writers and people who would like to try writing but have been put off by their school experience.”

The workshops will be held from 1pm to 4pm on Saturdays (29 March, 3 May, 31 May and 28 June).

For more information or to sign up for Autimagination, please visit the following website, autisticprofessor.com/autimagination

The book launch event for last year’s workshops was held on Tuesday 19 November at the Memo, Healesville. (File: 445345)

REV IT UP

Smash repairs done right

Say goodbye to the stress of smash repairs and hello to a team that makes the whole experience smooth, simple, and stress-free.

At Mt Evelyn Smash Repairs, we do things differently. We combine quality workmanship with friendly, down-to-earth service — because we know it’s not just about fixing your car, it’s about giving you peace of mind.

Whether you’ve had a bingle, need insurance work, or want to restore your pride and joy, we’ve got you covered. Our approach has always been about treating your vehicle with the same care we’d give our own.

We understand that accidents happen at inconvenient times. That’s why our team goes the extra mile to make the repair process painless. From arranging courtesy vehicles to handling paperwork, we take care of the details so you don't have to.

From panel and paint to full restorations, detailing, and ceramic coating — our team puts care into every job.

Each vehicle receives a thorough assessment and a tailored solution addressing not just obvious damage, but any underlying issues.

We’re locals who care about doing right by our community.

No hidden costs. No upselling. Just honest advice and high-quality results. Our reputation has been built on transparency and integrity. With us, you’ll get straight talk about what needs to be done, how long it will take, and exactly what it will cost.

We’ve invested in the latest tools and tech to deliver a top-tier finish, and we work with all major insurance companies to make the process hassle-free.

Our team combines decades of experience with continuous training to stay ahead of ad-

vances in vehicle design and repair techniques.

From classic cars to the latest models, we handle them all with expertise.

Come and see what real service feels like. Mt Evelyn Smash Repairs — where quality meets care.

Contact us today to schedule an assessment or drop by for a chat about how we can help restore your vehicle’s appearance and value.

Above and beyond care is the key to customer service at Mt Evelyn Smash Repairs. (Supplied)

CAPTURING THE YARRA RANGES It’s the privacy paradox

By Mikayla van Loon

Australians typically have a complicated relationship with surveillance technologies and privacy as evidenced by researchers from across the country.

One of those researchers, Griffith University lecturer in criminology and criminal justice, Dr Ausma Bernot, has documented the intersection of technology and crime, specifically surveillance and technology governance both in Australia and overseas.

“Australians, compared to China, are less positive towards systems of surveillance. However, if we were to compare those views with the States, we would see that Australians are actually more receptive towards surveillance than folks in the States,” she said.

A doctoral thesis by Aleatha Shanley, a researcher at Edith Cowan University, exploring attitudes towards privacy and surveillance in Australia, also found that Australians are more receptive to surveillance but not when it comes to intrusive forms of surveillance, like drones or facial recognition.

“People are reasonably receptive, however, more intrusive forms of surveillance do not enjoy the same level of passivity,” the research paper reads.

“The impact on civil liberties concerned almost 60 per cent. In contrast, agreement that surveillance devices are effective for crime detection (83 per cent) suggests that people want to be safe from crime but are not willing to sacrifice civil liberties.”

Ms Shanley’s research identified that 73 per cent of respondents to her survey were concerned a facial recognition database may be used for other purposes, while 89 per cent said the technology has potential for misuse.

Dr Bernot called this the “privacy paradox”, a disconnect between what communities want, like that of the Yarra Ranges, and the use and need for effective law enforcement.

“The community wants the imaginary of the security that these technologies are going to give them but research says that it’s not always the case that they really do help,” she said.

“At the same time, they don’t want increased capabilities. So what the community seems to be saying is they want the footage to be there and accessible, but they don’t want the police to have AI facilitated capabilities of analysing that footage.

“Which for law enforcement, if they do have the capability to run facial recognition queries, it would probably be one of the first things they would do with that footage.”

In a Monash University study on facial recognition, which surveyed 2291 Australian respondents over the age of 18, nearly half said “facial recognition used in public spaces is an invasion of privacy”.

When speaking to Star Mail at the beginning of this campaign, Sergeant Cal Cunningham wanted to reassure residents in townships bearing CCTV cameras that facial recognition was not a priority for police.

“We want good quality cameras and it would

be beneficial for police work if we get good quality images of offenders. We know who our offenders are in our area. We don’t need facial recognition software. That’s not our agenda,” he said.

When it comes to image capture and facial recognition, attitudes point to an opt-out tendency based on consent but also as a way of having control over what data is collected.

But the issue of data privacy and the need for data sovereignty, Ms Shanley’s research found, were concerns expressed by the majority of respondents who took part in her survey.

Perceived risks to privacy have also vastly changed over a period of 10 years according to Ms Shanley’s research.

In 2013 an Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) survey identified the three biggest risks perceived by participants were the use of online services and social media sites (48 per cent), ID theft or fraud (23 per cent), and data breaches (16 per cent).

By 2020, the rankings changed, with 76 per cent citing identity theft as the top privacy risk, and data breaches ranking second with 61 per cent. Social media sites dropped to third position, but the percentage increased to 58 per cent.

In 2023, 74 per cent reported that data breaches are one of the biggest risks faced today, an increase of 13 per cent compared to 2020.

In the case of the Yarra Ranges, where some CCTV cameras were installed at least 10 years ago without funds to update or maintain, Dr Bernot said that would be causing unintended consequences, some potentially in the space of

data privacy.

“When you’re talking about cameras that were installed 10 years ago, if there’s no budget to maintain them, we can guess that the cyber security aspect of these cameras has also not been maintained,” she said.

“You’re installing something for security, but then the cameras are not maintained so it doesn’t necessarily have that capacity and it creates a different problem of data privacy and data security.

“If a camera is really old, it might, over time, become hackable, depending on the model and make of the camera, and perhaps what may happen is the footage from that camera is able to be live streamed somewhere online.”

Because the majority of CCTV cameras connect to networks and not only record on-device, Dr Bernot said this classifies them as Internet of Things devices (IoT devices).

“As IoT devices, new ways to hack into the cameras are found and invented. It is therefore important that there are budgets to patch vulnerabilities that affect these surveillance systems,” she said.

“Without them, the devices become increasingly vulnerable every month, not even year. A compromised device can compromise the whole network.”

When planning for a revitalised system in the Yarra Ranges, Dr Bernot said it was imperative to not only have the funds to maintain the system in its entirety but to ensure transparency was a top priority.

“A good place to start is with transparency.

So, for instance, how many cameras are we installing? Law enforcement might not want to say where those cameras are for investigatory purposes, but it’s good to say how many cameras are maintained.

“It’s generally good to say whether or not those cameras were used for actual investigations.

“So perhaps that would be the good starting point to get law enforcement to share a little bit of broad level detail of whether these cameras were useful, maybe they were just not useful at all in investigating crimes.”

Dr Bernot said in research literature there is a mixed view on the use and benefit of CCTV as a crime deterrent.

“We know there is a short term deterrence effect. We also know that there’s some displacement effect. We know that after a short term deterrence effect, there’s also sometimes a spike back to crime rates that were there before, so evidence is mixed and not conclusive on that.”

But if that crime deterrent capability is not being reached, Dr Bernot said it should at least act as a way of providing good footage to police to enable the investigatory purpose.

“If you have cameras and the deterrent effect of those were down, then you should at least be able to use that footage for investigations.

“If the cameras are not maintained or they’re out of date, the footage coming through is pixelated or it doesn’t perform well at night, that’s when the majority of crime occurs, the actual investigatory advantages of that footage is negated and it’s defying its purpose.”

Dr Bernot said while police may not want to reveal the exact locations of cameras, transparency was key to reducing privacy concerns in the community. (465325)

Surveillance technology in Australia brings about mixed views, with privacy breaches a large concern according to researchers. (Stewart Chambers: 465325)

CAPTURING THE YARRA RANGES

Could CCTV have helped?

By Callum Ludwig

The damage done to the Seville War Memorial could have been caught on CCTV if a promised camera had been installed.

Cameras were pledged for Seville in 2019 which were specifically requested to survey the new memorial, which had the panel for George Ingram unveiled on Anzac Day that year.

Chair of the Seville War Memorial Committee

Anthony McAleer OAM said this made sense as it is an important community asset and the Federal Government contributed a large amount of funding towards the War Memorial.

“Currently the Seville War Memorial Committee remain extremely frustrated, after all our hard work and fundraising efforts we need to protect this war memorial for the benefit of the community with CCTV cameras,” he said.

“We were denied a camera, despite being allocated funding for it, because the YRSCN (Yarra Ranges Safety Camera Network), without any community consultation, believed the retail area deserved it more than the community’s War Memorial,”

“Since being denied allocated funds we have already experienced a horrific attack on the memorial that destroyed two panels, cameras positioned there may have deterred the vandals and it may have even assisted police in their investigations.”

The Seville War Memorial Committee have put forward a solution, proposing to Yarra Ranges Council that committee member Grant Tucker, who owns Advance Security in Lilydale, could install, donate and monitor a camera system set up on the toilet block facing the memorial.

MrTuckersaidtheproposalwastoputlong-range cameras facing the war memorial only, which could be cabled into an electrical box behind the nearby gazebo, which only himself or his technician could access to cut footage for the police.

“It won’t be costing the shire, I’m the one donating it to the community, I’m not getting anything out of it, I just want to protect our investment,

“Our members have done a lot of community work to get that war memorial up to where it is now and then to have some little bugger shoot it,

it’s very disappointing and we are still no closer to finding out who did it, at least with my donation to the community, we’ll have eyes on it and know what’s going on down there,”

“The thing that annoys me too is, I actually scoped the job to put cameras in there and they said ‘it can’t be done’ but I do cameras around the Yarra Valley, in cherry orchards, in wineries or whatnot, they only need four cameras and that whole village green area would be covered by a locally stored recorder that only the police have access to.”

Yarra Ranges Council was contacted for comment.

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence has advocated for harsher penalties for offenders since the Seville incidet and said she has long called for tougher

penalties for people who vandalise and damage our sacred war memorials

“CCTV surveillance would not only disincentivise such antisocial behaviour but help identify anyone who disgracefully vandalises a war memorial or cenotaph.”

“Recent experience has shown that attacks on war memorials are becoming more frequent and vicious, especially in the lead up to days of national significance and remembrance such as ANZAC Day,”

“War memorials hold a special and unique place in our history and our community and deserve protection, these war memorials pay tribute to the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country and freedoms.”

On top of the damage to the Seville War Memorial, attacks on war memorials in the Evelyn electorate have largely included ‘tagging’ and theft; The Mafeking Tree had a 124-year-old plaque stolen.

The Lilydale War Memorial was tagged with texta, which also happened to the Lillydale Lake Militia Camp Storyboard (also scratched), Mt Evelyn War Memorial (also had flag pole pulled down) and the Montrose War Memorial (also scratched and graffitied with political slogans on the eve of Remembrance Day).

The Mooroolbark War Memorial had a tile plaque stolen off the plinth which was later recovered in a park in Croydon.

Support for Yarra Ranges’ CCTV network grows

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor and Dongyun Kwon

State and local politicians have expressed their support for the CCTV network in Yarra Ranges, with many calling for increased collaboration to improve community safety.

The CCTV cameras, which were first introduced on main streets across the region as an election promise by former Casey MP Tony Smith, have been praised by local MPs and law enforcement officials alike.

Last week, Star Mail reached out to the four federal election candidates for Casey, who unanimously backed the idea of re-establishing the CCTV network in some form.

Despite the initial funding for the cameras coming from the former federal government, local state politicians are calling for stronger partnerships between federal, state, and local governments in managing the system effectively.

The Eildon MP and Shadow Minister for Crime Prevention, Cindy McLeish, emphasised the importance of these partnerships in ensuring the CCTV network’s success.

“CCTV not only helps catch criminals, but it also deters crime from happening in the first place. A fully functioning CCTV network is an asset to communities and the police,” Ms McLeish said.

“Some CCTVs are funded privately, through trader’s associations, some through councils and others through government grants. The police are already under enormous pressure with over 1000 vacancies and being asked to find $2 billion in savings over the coming four-year budget cycle. This makes their efforts in community safety even tougher.”

Minister for Police, Community Safety and Victims, Anthony Carbines, also weighed in on the issue, expressing his support for initiatives aimed at boosting community safety in the region.

“Under this Government we are introducing the toughest bail laws in the country to ensure

there are serious consequences for repeat offenders. We have also passed the Australia-first machete ban and expanded stop-and-search powers for Victoria Police to get more weapons off our streets,” Mr Carbines said. He went on to highlight additional police resources for the Yarra Ranges region.

“Local police are out 24/7 holding offenders to account - backed by an additional 97 police officers by this Government for the Knox Division which services the Yarra Ranges. We thank them for keeping the community safe and we will continue to back them with the powers they need,” Mr Carbines said.

The government has also provided over $833,000 for several crime prevention projects in the Yarra Ranges, with any further funding proposals being assessed on their merit.

However, the Yarra Ranges Council has not yet applied to the Department of Justice and Community Safety for additional CCTV funding, despite the ongoing calls for an expanded network.

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence, with community safety and protection of local war memorials in mind, said she’d welcome any measure to increase security and protection of our important and sacred war memorials, including the council operating CCTV surveillance to help make the community safer.

“Victoria is currently in the middle of a crime crisis with crime in Victoria soaring by 16 per cent in the last 12 months (according to Crime Statistics Agency data released on 20 March 2025),” she said.

“Now, more than ever, we need to be taking proactive steps to assist police in apprehending these criminals.

“Yarra Ranges Council has a key role to play in strengthening the protections of our local war memorials given they are mostly situated on council-managed land.”

The debate over CCTV in Yarra Ranges comes at a time when the region, like much of Victoria, is facing increased pressure on law enforcement resources.

The introduction of new bail laws by the state government is expected to add further weight to the push for enhanced crime prevention measures, including the expansion of CCTV infrastructure.

State Member for Monbulk, Daniela De Martino, was contacted for comment.

The ongoing discussions around the CCTV network reflect a shared commitment across various levels of government to work together for the safety and security of the Yarra Ranges community.

Yarra Ranges’ CCTV network receives support across all levels of government. (Unsplash)

The newly-restored Seville War Memorial. (Stewart Chambers: 466153)

A camera installed on the side of the toilet block facing the war memorial has been proposed as a solution. (Stewart Chambers: 466153)

The Seville War Memorial after it was vandalised. (File: 393973)

How teeth shape our lives

WOORILLA WORDS

By Maria Millers

Teeth:

In September 1924 James Joyce wrote in a letter to his patron Harriet Shaw Weaver: ‘My mouth is full of decayed teeth and my soul of decayed ambitions.’ At the time, Joyce was living in Paris and struggling with his writing and we can feel his misery and sense of physical and mental exhaustion coming through.

James is known to have had a life long battle with dental issues.

Problems with teeth affect not only the great but most of us at some time in our lives, impacting on work or leisure.

From the telltale red cheek of a teething, crying baby to the grimacing pain of an impacted wisdom tooth to an elderly person with an abscessed tooth reminds us all how often teeth are a source of pain.

Each tooth from the incisors to the molars has a specific function in preparing the food we eat for digestion.

They play a direct role in maintaining health.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions.

But teeth are of course more than just for chewing food.

They also contribute significantly to facial structure and aesthetics.

The health of ones teeth has been explored in literature quite extensively, with examples even in poetry. (Unsplash)

They provide support to the cheeks and lips, helping maintain facial symmetry.

When someone loses teeth, it can result in sagging skin or an altered appearance because of changes in bone structure.

Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda’s work often blends the personal with the universal, and in this poem, the tooth becomes a symbol of vulnerability and resilience.

Here I have lived!

Here I have eaten the bread of the world, I have spoken words and I have lived!

Here I have been!

Here, my teeth, my mouth, my life

Teeth also act as signifiers of social status in various ways both historically and in modern contexts.

The desirability of perfect teeth has become more pronounced in contemporary society, especially as beauty standards are more tightly associated with success and wealth.

Today in the age of social media and celebrity influencers the perfect smile is a must for young people and predominantly young women, anxious to be socially accepted and valued.

People with well-maintained teeth may be perceived as more successful or disciplined, which can influence how they are treated in social and professional settings.

To this end cosmetic dentistry is now pursued by many.

It is not surprising then that there have sprung up across all suburbs dental clinics offering the perfect smile.

As Marilyn Monroe once said: ‘A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear.’

However, there’s an ongoing conversation about whether the widespread pursuit of a perfect smile, driven by cosmetic dentistry trends and social media has led to a loss of individuality.

We may lose some of the natural diversity in our smiles that once signalled unique character overshadowing the quirky or imperfect features that contribute to personal individuality.

Poet, William Carlos Williams, celebrates the significance of a smile in his poem aptly titled The Smile.

taged and the elderly, teeth can be not just a source of pain but also the cause of other serious medical problems.

There is an undeniable link between the state of your teeth and your general health: from cardio vascular problems to diabetes can be impacted. And it is the cost of dental treatment why so many are foregoing regular visits to a dentist.

In 2022-23 almost 16000 Australians over 65 were hospitalised for preventable dental issues, the primary reason being the cost of a visit to the dentist.

When Medicare was introduced in 1984, it was designed to provide universal access to hospital and medical services but did not include dental care.

Instead, public dental services are left to state governments, which operate on limited budgets. Dentistry was historically seen as a private responsibility rather than an essential public service.

While dental care services—like cleanings, fillings, and extractions—are considered individual responsibilities water fluoridation is regarded as a public health measure aimed at preventing dental decay across an entire community.

Providing universal dental care would be extremely expensive.

Some political parties and health advocates support Medicare for Teeth, arguing that oral health is critical to overall health and should not be treated separately.

The Dental Association is calling on the government to fund a Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme.

He explores the power of a genuine smile and its ability to connect people across barriers.

In one stanza, he writes:

A smile is quite different from a grimace.

Smiles are free but grimaces cost more.

Those who smile may lose all but win much more.

Those who grimace lose all and win nothing.

Parents are obviously conscious of doing the right thing by their children and so now you rarely see someone with a gap between their front teeth or protruding buck/bunny teeth.

This may indeed require correction for more than just cosmetic reasons but there is still disquiet among some that children are sometimes subjected to excessive or unnecessary orthodontic treatment.

And this could set them on a path of braces, teeth whitening to veneers and more.

Care of teeth is often relegated to secondary in importance and whether it’s poor diet, excessive sugary food or lack of oral hygiene, many ignore the role dental health plays in nourishing our bodies and minds.

Humorous poet Pam Ayres laments:

Oh, I wish I’d looked after me teeth

And spotted the dangers beneath

All the toffees I chewed

And the sweet, sticky food

Oh, I wish I’d looked after me teeth.

But for many, particularly those disadvan-

It would provide free dental treatment every two years for concession card holders, up to a cap of $1,132.

The policy proposal would also include an oral health aspect to GP check- ups for people over 75.

The Parliamentary Budget Office estimates the Senior Dental Benefits Scheme would cost $1.14 billion in 2025-26 and $1.26 billion the following year, but it would take some of the pressure off hospitals.

While there isn’t a vast canon of poems written exclusively about teeth by famous poets, dental imagery appears frequently in literature, folklore, aphorisms and popular sayings which invite us to reflect on both the literal and figurative importance of our teeth.

Teeth in myth and folklore are fascinating because they symbolise so many things: power, transformation, and even fate.

Different cultures have treated them in unique ways: from the tooth fairy and baby teeth as talismans against bad luck and illness, to vampires and werewolves with their sharp teeth as omens of death and curses. Buddha’s relics supposedly include teeth, symbolising spiritual continuity and reverence.

Could modern dental aesthetics have their own kind of mythos now.

It’s time we accepted teeth as much in need of attention and maintenance as our liver, heart, blood pressure etc and as something requiring the same treatment.

Apply for parking permits

We know that parking is a significant issue in the region.

Every long weekend, public holiday or just sunny Saturday, many of us experience the rush of tourists to the region – while also exploring our own backyard, or hopping across to the Dandenongs or through the Yarra Valley.

We’ve been working to trial paid parking – specifically for non-locals – on weekends and public holidays from 9am to 5pm in parts of Warburton:

• Warburton Water World

• Thomas Avenue, by the river

• Warburton Highway, in front of the shops

• Station Road

CARTOON

From my From my desk

Jim Child

As part of this trial, which will begin in May, anyone living in the Yarra Ranges – including ratepayers who live out of the region – can apply for a permit, which will provide free parking.

Earlier this year, the multi-award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen was played at Art Centre Melbourne, featuring an all-new production design and direction delivered by Sydney Theatre Company and Michael Cassel Group.

Young adult novel reviewed PASSION FOR PROSE

The musical opened on Broadway in December 2016 and went on to collect six Tony Awards, three Laurence Olivier Awards and one Grammy Award, among others.

It was adapted into a film in 2021.

But this review is for Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel, written by American singer-songwriter and actor Val Emmich, in collaboration with the musical’s creators Benji Pasek, Justin Paul and Steven Levenson.

Published in October 2018, the YA novel tells a powerful story about grief, authenticity and the struggle to belong.

The first-person narrator, 17-year-old Evan Hansen, suffers from severe social anxiety and feels terribly alone.

He writes letters to himself as therapy, and when one of them is found in the pocket of fellow student and suicide victim Connor Murphy, Evan is drawn into a family’s agony over the loss of their son.

Desperate for answers, the Murphys assume the letter was written by Connor to Evan and the two teenagers were friends.

Instead of telling the truth, Evan tries to ease the family’s confusion and sorrow by painting a picture of Connor striving for selfimprovement but ultimately succumbing to mental illness.

As the lie snowballs, Evan is tormented by guilt and shame.

Yet, having suffered from anxiety and depression all his life, he is determined to keep Connor’s memory alive.

One thing leads to another, and suddenly Evan is no longer a loser whose existence seems insignificant and irrelevant.

Instead, he feels loved and belonged – even when he knows this amazing feeling will soon

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

dissipate and the inevitable exposure of his well intentioned fabrication will only lead to pain, anger and regret.

Evan is a flawed yet complex character.

His emotions are raw and entangled, constantly on edge and difficult to manage, and his feeling of profound and overwhelming isolation is truly heart-wrenching.

His desperate loneliness enables him to recognise Connor’s distress and depression, a fellow loner feeling worthless and hopeless.

Hence Evan’s imagination of their friendship is a lifeline not just to himself and the struggling Murphys, but also to the “community of alienated souls” who have ever felt unnoticed and forgotten.

“That’s the gift [Connor] gave me. To show me that I wasn’t alone. To show me that I matter. That everybody does... I just wish we could have given that to him.”

Evan’s lies are unforgivable but understandable, and have unexpected consequences for himself and those around him.

Meanwhile, the story gives Connor a voice, allowing readers a glimpse of his heart and mind, as well as the inner workings of the Murphy family whose story is not Evan’s to tell.

Particularly worth noting is the real reason why Evan broke his arm, which is sufficiently explained in the story.

There is much heartbreak, but the overall message is hope, understanding and support.

Highly recommended.

For those who don’t live locally, the small fee charged for parking (which differs from placeto-place, to suit demand) will be reinvested into local projects to support the Upper Yarra community.

This project will run until July 2026, when we’ll review it.

Every household in the region can apply for up to three permits, which are linked to their car registration.

There is no physical permit, no stickers or signs you’ll need to display.

Our system will note vehicles with a permit and exempt them from fines in these areas.

It only takes a few minutes to apply, which you can do online at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/parkingpermit, call the dedicated hotline on 1300 456 050 and our team will help you out, or visit one of our Community Links to chat to our friendly staff.

This project will help us to manage traffic flow, increase parking spot turnover and generate money for local projects, while helping everyone to find a park a little easier.

Projects like this are a must as our tourist visitation increases year-on-year, while ensuring locals aren’t penalised for wanting to drive through their own region and visit the beautiful township of Warburton.

Mining the Uncanny Valley

PG 3.75/5

Mining the Uncanny Valley

The latest – and one of the better – Disney liveaction remakes, Snow White is a sweet, uplifting yet visually uneven watch.

Snow White (Rachel Zegler), the gentle princess of a fantasy kingdom, has her lands usurped by an Evil Queen (Gal Gadot).

Zegler is a delight as Snow White: noble, irrepressibly kind and with an angelic voice in the musical numbers.

Gadot exudes a deadly elegance as the Evil Queen, though she has precious little screentime and her singing is somewhat poor in her big villain song.

The plot does an admirable job of empowering Snow White as a plucky leader and not just a girl to be rescued, and the songs – old and new – are fun and lively.

Snow White’s plot proceeds with little urgency and feels slightly padded, largely due to a barely-characterised bandit group who contribute almost nothing to the plot.

While the film’s art direction is vibrant and often stunning, many of the environments have an artificial aura (as do the helpful

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre

Haunted:

Aspiring playwright Nigel Burke is neurotic, agoraphobic and hasn’t written a word for three months, to the chagrin of his if his wife, who is at the end of her tether.

The iconic dwarves’ expressive but imperfect CGI stands out compared to the living, breathing humans alongside them (and the 2012 film Snow White and The Huntsman took the more convincing — if controversial — approach of digitally splicing the real faces of actors such as Bob Hoskins onto dwarf actors’ bodies).

Hi-ho, hi-ho, it’s off to the Uncanny Valley, and while Snow White’s charm and emotional weight got me past the distracting CGI for the most part, this may be a bigger obstacle for some viewers.

Playing in most Victorian cinemas, the Snow White remake will enchant young kids and satisfy their parents, but I also heartily recommend the Snow White-inspired 2012 Spanish silent film Blancanieves.

Catch talent on local stage Kemp’s curtain call

His agent is desperate for him to start writing again. A mysterious man who knows of Nigel’s in Lord Byron, gives him a goblet used by the poet.

Nigel drinks from it and there is a change in his confidence and manner. Then Byron himself appears.

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

• Season: 24 April – 4 May.

Gemco theatre

Open Stage:

Welcome one and all to Gemco’s ongoing Open Stage Night.

Hosted by Carol and Dalys, Gemco’s popular open stage has been running for many decades.

Held in the cosy hall, you are welcome to perform anything you like or just come for the lovely entertainment. Enjoy music, poetry, singing, monologues or anything you wish to see.

Running the first Saturday every month from 8pm, if you’d like to perform just turn up and register your interest when you arrive with Carol McCoy. Licence bar available. No BYP bring a plate to share. This session is at 5 April 8pm – 11pm.

Karralyka Theatre

Melbourne Celtic Festival on Tour:

Join Karralyka for an unforgettable production featuring the best of Celtic music with recently crowned Folk Band of the year winners Austral, international sensation, special guest artist Chloe and Matharu direct from Scotland and traditional Irish trio Bhan Tre.

Season Sunday 30 March 4pm and 7pm.

An amazing production by NOVA. Although technically an amateur company its standard was really professional.

A story about a conman who sells the town of River City a boy’s brass band. The stage production opened with a scene in a train carriage where commercial travellers are bewiling the fact that a Professor Hill is giving them all a bad name. Then the train came to a stop in River City and a quiet commercial traveller got off and on hiss suitcase were the words Professor Hill.

The Professor was played by Brenton Van Vliet, a wonderful performer and what a conman. His nemesis.

The local librarian Marian Paroo was given an excellent performance by Lauren McCormack.

A good opposite to Brenton and they performed well together. Her voice was very good, and her performance was superb.

The Mayor, George Shinn was played by John Leahy. Another outstanding performer who as Mayor was in great doubt about Professor Harold Hill’s experiences as a musician.

The sets were amazing, and the cast numbered 553 and they were all superb.

A must see show which closes 30 March.

• Bookings: 9262 6555.

The Round – Nova. The Music Manaa

Snow White

Starring Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot and Andrew Burnap

forest critters).

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Alarm (7)

5 Instructs (7)

9 Aloofness (11)

10 Formerly (3)

11 Oration (6)

12 Activators (7)

14 Wading bird (4)

15 Hostile (10)

17 Law-maker (10)

19 Book ID (1,1,1,1)

20 Reticence (7)

22 A seat for riding an elephant or a camel (6)

25 Hearing organ (3)

26 Containing an abstract meaning (11)

28 Depressants (7)

29 Those who derive pleasure from inflicting pain (7)

DOWN

1 StarWars:EpisodeIII –Revengeofthe – (4)

2 Complying (9)

3 Honorific (5)

4 Pottery (11)

5 Digitally generated imagery (1,1,1)

6 Whenever (7)

7 Follower of the main Indian religion (5)

8 Identifying (9)

12 Ancient coffin (11)

13 Partner (10)

16 Lengths (9)

18 Family name (7)

21 Virago (5)

23 Hyper (5)

24 In addition (4)

27 Guitarist, – Paul (3)

Using the nine letters in the grid,

ONE OF A KIND

LIFESTYLE

ONE OF A KIND LIFESTYLE

PERFECTLY located, and what feels like a world away from everything, yet only meters from the start of Wellington Road and within an easy 2 km walk from the beautiful Emerald township, this 2-acre (approx.) property is a one of a kind and could easily be the lifestyle property of your dreams!

Set amidst a backdrop of rolling green hills, trickling creek and with Puffing Billy running past your door, this idyllic setting is easily one of the most sought-after pockets throughout the Dandenong Ranges. It also provides a very easy stroll to the Paradise Valley Pub where many lazy Sunday afternoons can be had in their popular garden setting.

Inspired by the owners travels throughout England and Italy, the country farmhouse design has been crafted with much consideration and care. Whilst both size and space have been well catered for in its four bedroom, two bathrooms and open plan living footprint, the quality and resourcefulness throughout are a must see. Reclaimed 120-year-old Ironbark timbers from Melbourne Wharf have been expertly crafted into exposed trusses and old pressed red bricks were painstakingly hand chosen to finish this stunning build. With a mezzanine design, the second level living area is a unique space that could be used as a rumpus, music room, lounge or bedroom: the choice is yours.

Rustic yet luxurious, the main, 2-way bathroom is like enjoying your own private day spa and allows you to soak in the claw foot tub and look out over your picturesque property knowing that you have found your own piece of heaven. Built to allow for entertaining, the kitchen has space, style and sophistication with its 900mm oven, sleek black cabinetry and farmhouse double sink and along with its oversized island bench, making it the ideal central hub for relaxed dinners with family and friends.

Along with a charming wood heater that creates both ambience and atmosphere, hydronic slab heating and split system heating/cooling have been installed for quick and convenient temperature control.

Full off grid solar, a double garage under roof line with internal access, large storage room plus an oversized laundry all combines at one end of the home to help run a functional, easy day to day lifestyle.

Outside, the 2 acres (approx.) contains 3 fenced paddocks as well as the gardens and parking surrounding the home, and you will be delighted with the 20-or-so varieties of fruit and nut trees that have been lovingly planted to coincide with the mostly self-sufficient lifestyle that has been created here.

An intoxicating blend of country meets urban living, there is no doubt this property is a one of a kind. feels like a world away from everything, yet only meters from the start of Wellington Road and within an easy 2 km walk from the beautiful Emerald township, this 2-acre (approx.) property is a one of a kind and could easily be the lifestyle property of your dreams!

Set amidst a backdrop of rolling green hills, trickling creek and with Puffing Billy running past your door, this idyllic setting is easily one of the most sought-after pockets throughout the Dandenong Ranges. It also provides a very easy stroll to the Paradise Valley Pub where many lazy Sunday afternoons can be had in their popular garden setting.

Inspired by the owners travels throughout England and Italy, the country farmhouse design has been crafted with much consideration and care. Whilst both size and space have been well catered for in its four bedroom, two bathrooms and open plan living footprint, the quality and resourcefulness throughout are a must see. Reclaimed 120-year-old Ironbark timbers from Melbourne Wharf have been expertly crafted into exposed trusses and old pressed red bricks were painstakingly hand chosen to finish this stunning build. With a mezzanine design, the second level living area is a unique space that could be used as a

rumpus, music room, lounge or bedroom: the choice is yours.

Rustic yet luxurious, the main, 2-way bathroom is like enjoying your own private day spa and allows you to soak in the claw foot tub and look out over your picturesque property knowing that you have found your own piece of heaven. Built to allow for entertaining, the kitchen has space, style and sophistication with its 900mm oven, sleek black cabinetry and farmhouse double sink and along with its oversized island bench, making it the ideal central hub for relaxed dinners with family and

friends.

Along with a charming wood heater that creates both ambience and atmosphere, hydronic slab heating and split system heating/cooling have been installed for quick and convenient temperature control.

Full off grid solar, a double garage under roof line with internal access, large storage room plus an oversized laundry all combines at one end of the home to help run a functional, easy day to day lifestyle.

Outside, the 2 acres (approx.) contains 3 fenced paddocks as well as the gardens and

parking surrounding the home, and you will be delighted with the 20-or-so varieties of fruit and nut trees that have been lovingly planted to coincide with the mostly self-sufficient lifestyle that has been created here.

An intoxicating blend of country meets urban living, there is no doubt this property is a one of a kind.

For OFI’S - Limited parking at property. You may choose to park at Puffing Billy crossing on Belgrave-Gembrook Road and walk to property.

HOME FOCUS

CHARMING HILLS COTTAGE

OFFERED for sale by Auction or to be sold prior, with genuine vendors looking to sell!

Tucked away on a generous half-acre lot, this welcoming hills home offers plenty of character and lots of comfort. High ceilings, polished timber floors, and expansive windows invite natural light to flow effortlessly through the living spaces, framing picturesque views at every turn.

At the heart of the home, a stunning kitchen blends modern convenience with timeless charm, featuring a striking leadlight window, a spacious island bench, and an open layout perfect for gathering with family and friends. A statement brick fireplace adds cozy appeal, while stacker doors extend the living area to a covered outdoor entertaining space— ideal for hosting in any season.

Step outside to explore a thoughtfully designed boardwalk leading to an impressive shed with an office and hoist plus a triple carport, complete with remote-operated doors and concrete flooring—perfect for hobbies, work, or storage. For creatives or those needing extra space, a separate on-site van with an annex, deck, and water connection offers a private retreat for teenagers, remote work, or an inspiring art studio.

Fully fenced for privacy, peace and quiet, this property embodies the sought-after hills lifestyle, combining space, functionality, and charm. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a home designed for ease of living, this unique offering is sure to impress.

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 16 Maurice Street, COCKATOO Description: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 6 garage Inspect: By appointment Auction: 7pm, 27 March (unless sold prior). $650,000 - $715,000. Terms 60/90/120 days Contact: Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522 and Janet Hawkins 0409 117 432, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111

12WYNNLEAPLACE,LILYDALE

4 Bed, 2 Bath, 2 Car

$1,200,000-$1,250,000

HIGHSIDEOFLIFE

Tucked away in this quiet cul-de-sac, with valley & northern aspect, this spacious brand new home with double garage offers formal entry, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, study, media/theatre room, open plan living with impressive kitchen/pantry opening to an al fresco entertaining area, central heating & cooling, quality floor coverings, blinds & downlights, landscaped & fenced -all ready to move in now!

Inspect by appointment or at open on Saturday.

RichardGoldsmith0407348172

BenHudson0424288954

LJHooker–Mooroolbark 97267711

HOME FOCUS

COUNTRY FAMILY HOME ON 7.6 ACRES

NESTLED within minutes of Gembrook and 20 minutes from Pakenham, this expansive 7.6-acre property offers a serene and spacious lifestyle perfect for families. The property features a large four-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a circular driveway that leads to the main residence, providing both privacy and convenience.

As you step inside, you’re greeted by a welcoming undercover verandah that leads into the light-filled lounge area, complete with a woodfire heater, creating a warm atmosphere. The master bedroom is a peaceful retreat, featuring built-in mirrored robes, a ceiling fan, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The master suite is complemented by an ensuite for added privacy and comfort. A second carpeted bedroom with a charming bay window provides a perfect space for relaxation.

The kitchen is a standout feature of the home, offering timber flooring, new appliances, and an abundance of storage. The large island bench doubles as a dining area, offering plenty of space for casual meals. There is also an abundance of stonetop bench space and direct access to the outdoors. Adjacent to the kitchen is a second living area that includes another woodfire heater and a ceiling fan, creating a comfortable environment for family gatherings.

Two additional bedrooms, each with built-in robes, share a large central family bathroom. A convenient European laundry adds to the functionality of the home. Additionally, the property includes a self-contained studio or teenage retreat, offering a kitchenette, lounge with pot belly heating, bathroom, and bedroom—ideal for independent living or guests.

Outside, the property is well-equipped for a variety of activities. Six paddocks, three with automatic water systems, provide ample space for livestock or horticultural pursuits. A 9m x 11m three-bay barn, 12m x 11m shed/ workshop with concrete flooring, power, 4.2m high walls, large roller doors, and a powered gantry. A full-size 60m x 20m arena offers plenty of room for outdoor pursuits, while the 6kW solar system helps reduce energy costs.

Located just minutes from Gembrook, this property offers the perfect balance of peaceful rural living with the convenience of being close to local amenities, making it an ideal place to call home.

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

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

CharmingFamilyHomeintheHeartofEmerald. Nestledina sought-afterlocationinEmerald,thisfamilyhomeofferscomfort& privacy.Just ashort walkfromlocalamenities,withdualaccess &a horseshoedriveway.Thefrontverandahwelcomes you,overlookinga tranquilpond.Thehomeopensintoa spacioussunkenlounge,withanopen fireplaceina stonesurround. Asplitsystem &GDHthroughout.Adjacenttotheloungeis aseparate bararea.Thekitchenoffersamplebenchspace,integratedwalloven &gasstovetop.A skylight floodsthespacewithlight,whilethenearbylargeundercoverdeck& entertainingareamakeit easytoenjoytheoutdoorsyear-round.Themasterbedroomfeatures aBIR &ensuite.2 additional bedrooms,bothwithBIR,arecomplementedbya centralbathroom.Outside,theestablished gardensleadtoa privatebackyard,gardenshed,4-carworkshopwithhighbays& mezzaninelevel. 67KilvingtonDriveEmerald $850,000 -$935,000

BethanySullivan M 0438844968 AaronDay M 0407365994

GrandFamilyorDualOccupancyHomeonStunning3135sqmBlock! Discoverthepotentialofthisdouble-storeyhome,withpotentialtoberezonedforvarioususes (STCA)Dining/loungeroomwith awetbar& externalaccesstotheupstairscoveredentertaining deck,Fullyequippedkitchen,meals/familyroom.4 bedrooms, 3withensuite’s,plusa largemain familybathroom &a totalof5 toilets. Abalconyleadingfromthelounge/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.

TheEpitomeofComfortableHillsLiving! On2,567sqmsinEmerald,this4BR,2-bathroomhomeoffers apeacefullifestyle.Theloungeroom offersanopenfireplace& thereisnewhydronicheatingthroughout.Thediningspaceisbathedin naturallight &opensonto aspaciousdeck.Thekitchenfeaturestimberbenchtops& gascooktop, allundertheglowofa skylight &overlookingthefamilyroom/2ndlivingareawithbackyard access.FeaturesincludeTassieoakflooring &stunningrakedtimberceilings.Thereare2 bedrooms downstairsadjacenttothefamilybathroom.A uniquespiralstaircaseleadstotheupperlevel,tothe masterretreatfeaturing aprivatebalcony& ensuite&a4thbedroom,home/office.Outside alarge singlegarageprovidessecureparking& storagespace,twoshedsforwoodstorage& workshop options.

SamanthaScott M 0438680032 4 A

9BeenakEastRoadGembrook

$920,000 -$1,010,000

Impressive4-BedroomFamilyHomewithSpectacularViewsinGembrook. Thisstunning4-bedroom,2-bathroomhomeinGembrookissetona 4939sqmblock,offeringprivacy andconveniencejust ashortwalkfromthetownship.Thehomefeatures aspaciousmastersuite with aluxuriousensuite,freestandingbath,andwalk-inwardrobe,plusthreeadditionalbedrooms. Theopen-planlivingareawithpolishedtimberfloors,baywindowswithscenicviews,anda woodfire,complementedbyhydronicandsplitsystemheating.Thegourmetkitchenincludesstone benchtops, alargepantry,and a900mmgasstove.Outside,enjoya fullyfencedpropertywith twosinglegarages,a workshop,and a6kWsolarsystem.Thepropertyalsoofferstwohothouses, anestablishedvegetablepatch,anda chickenarea.Ampleoff-streetparkingaddstoitsappeal, makingitanidealfamilyhomewithmoderncomfortsina peacefulsetting.

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

4 A 2 B 2 C

HIDDEN GEM - PLENTY OF SPACE

THIS Character home is set on a private 1-acre block in a quiet, sealed road - the perfect combination of space, practicality, and modern comfort—tailor-made for tradies, car enthusiasts, those needing serious storage or just those looking for a peaceful place to live. Relax & Entertain

This property is made for entertaining

• Brand-new oversized rear deck – French doors open on to a brand new oversized rear deck perfect for entertaining or just unwinding after a long day Red brick paved patio – French doors open to a second entertaining space

• Relatively flat, mostly cleared 1-acre block –easy to maintain Plenty of space!

Massive shedding and secure parking

Great spaces to suit all sorts of requirements 15m x 12m shed with two roller doors, concrete flooring, and rear lane access – ideal for a workshop or vehicle storage

• Attached 3-car garage with rear roller door for extra accessibility

Plenty of room for trailers, boats, caravans or vehicles Style, comfort and convenience

• Delightful Cape Cod Style home with 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

• Generous master suite with large ensuite including a spa bath and shower, and walk-in robe Wood heating and split system cooling for year-round comfort

• Kitchen features double drawer dishwasher, gas hotplates, electric oven, walk-in pantry, and provision for a plumbed-in fridge

• Main bathroom with a charming claw-foot bath Located in the heart of Gembrook, just minutes from cafes, shops, and nature reserves, this is the ideal property for those who need space to entertain, store, and play — all while enjoying a peaceful lifestyle.

NOTE: CLOSING DATE FOR OFFERS 27th March 3pm**

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& concrete flooring. Separateon-sitevanwithannex& deck

MickDolphin 0429684522

JanetHawkins 0409117432

AHIDDENGEMIN APRIVATELOCATION

Thisremarkablepropertypresentsa rareopportunitytosecurea spaciousfamilyhome withendlesspotential.PerfectlypositionedwithinwalkingdistancetoBelgraveCentral yettuckedawayina serenenaturallandscapewiththeMonbulkCreekmeandering atthebottomoftheproperty.Thehome &bungalowbothrequirerenovations,but thepossibilitiesarelimitless.Forthosewhorequirestorageorworkshopspace,thelarge doublegarageprovidesplentyofroomforvehicles,toolsandhobbies!

JanBrewster 0409558805

DUALACCESSWITH10M X13MBARN

Thishomeimmediatelymakes astatementofclass,itsEdwardianfaçade,framedby a charmingfrontveranda &a waterfountaininmanicuredcottagegardens.Stepinsideto discoverhighceilings,polishedtimberfloors,light-filledspaces,openplanliving,luxurious bathroomandFrenchdoorsopeningonto acoveredalfrescodeckcompletewithan outdoorkitchen.Outsideoffersanextraordinaryprivateoasis,lushtropicalgardensand sandstoneframedpool,chookshed,cubbyhouse, firepitandsomuchmore!

MickDolphin 0429684522

OVER55’SUNITIN

AlisonBarkley 049475410

CONVENIENTEASYSTROLLTOSHOPPINGVILLAGE

PerfectlylocatedwithinaneasystrolltoTecoma’sshoppingvillage &publictransport,this spaciousfullyrenovatedunitcomescompletewithnortherlyviewsofthenearbyRanges andiswithoutdoubt,certainlyoneofthebestinthearea.Nestledin aunitcomplex ofonlyfourlovely,well-keptunits,thismuch-lovedhomehasanopenplandesignwith aspaciouskitchen/mealsarea,good-sizedlaundry/utilityroom,freshneutralcolour scheme,new floorcoveringsandsolarpanelstokeepelectricitycoststo aminimum!

GrantSkipsey 0418528114

A WARBURTON MASTERPIECE WITH VIEWS

THIS newly built exceptional home has been designed with style and sophistication that will appeal to all. Sleek, modern, and meticulously furnished, its simplicity allows the home to be the highlight, with majestic mountain views as a backdrop. Perched high with privacy as a priority, you won’t want to leave.

This home features premium efficiency throughout, boasting a 6.5 star energy rating, double glazed windows and doors, low energy LED lighting, and natural gas hydronic heating. Every inch of the home feels warm, with an additional level of comfort provided by three split systems. The versatile layout includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus study.

Upstairs, the master bedroom features quality carpets, a large walk in robe, and a sumptuous ensuite. The kitchen serves as the centerpiece of the home with ample space, stone benchtops, seamless and extensive cupboards, quality appliances, and a butler’s pantry, a delight for the chef in the family.

The home features hybrid flooring throughout and an open plan living and dining area with high architectural ceilings that add to the bright modern vibe. The expansive, zero maintenance composite decking offers the best seat in the house, overlooking the golf course and spectacular views of Mount Little Joe. Two additional bedrooms and a large family bathroom complete this level.

Downstairs offers a fabulous setup with a double garage spanning around 56m², a storeroom, and a studio/bathroom with its own patio and access to the gardens. This turnkey property presents an opportunity for an executive buyer looking for a grand weekender, an Airbnb for the up and coming bike tracks, or a home with nothing left to do except enjoy. A superb location with easy access to walking tracks, the pristine Yarra river, shops and cafes - not to mention a wander across the road for the morning round of golf!

FamilyComfortWithConvenienceandViews Agreatfamilyhomein aconvenientandpicturesquelocationwithfantasticeverchangingviews toadmireallyearround!Thehomeisspacious,neatandverywellpresentedoffering 3goodsize bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesplusanensuiteandwalkinrobeinthemainbedroom.Thekitchenis spaciousandwellappointed,withamplebenchandcupboardspaceplus aseparatemeals/dining area.Sitback,admireandenjoythepicturesqueviewsfromthemainliving/familyroom.Venture outsideandentertainallyearroundwitha covereddeckarea- it’stheidealspottorelaxandenjoy thecolourfulvistaandestablishedgardenswithanarrayofshrubsandtrees.A greatfamilyhomein aconvenientlocation,situatedjust ashortstrolltolocalschools,shopsandtransport.

extendedfamily.Offering 5bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesandspreadover 2levels, agreatsize familyroomanda separatelivingroomgivesthewholefamilyplentyofspacetorelaxandmove around.Thekitcheniswellappointedandhasamplebenchandcupboardspaceplus aseparate mealsarea.Sitback,relaxandenjoythefantasticvalleyviewsallyearroundfromthecovered verandah,whilstoverlookingthepicturesqueblockofapprox1687sqm. Agreatcornerblock locationofferingeasyandconvenientaccessidealfortrailersandlargevehiclesplus alockup garageandplentyofextraparkingspace.Ideallysituatedjust ashortstrolltolocal,schools,shops andtransport.A greatfamilyhomein agreatlocation,situatedina quietandpeacefulstreet.

FamilyLifestyleLivingona GrandScale

Abeautifulpropertywithanimpressivestreetappealboastingplentyofspaceinsideandout, setonjustover3/4ofandacre.Theclassichomesteadstylehomeoffers 4bigbedroomsplusan ensuiteandwalkinrobeinthemainbedroom.Theopenplankitchenareahasloadsofbench andcupboardspaceplus aseparatemeals/diningarea.Expansivelounge/livingandfamilyrooms ideallyzonedtogivethewholefamilyplentyofspacetospreadout.Headoutsideandenjoyand exploretheoutdoorswithbigwideopenspacesallround.Coveredveranda’sfrontandrearplus aseparatecoveredentertainingareaofferyearroundoutdoorentertaining.A largegarageand workshopprovideplentyofcaraccommodationandwithestablishedgardensallround,thisisan impressivepropertyfromeveryaspect.

ofthebeautifulWarburtonTownship.Idealtooccupyyourownbusinessortohaveasaninvestment opportunity.Thesubstantialtwostoreybrickbuildingallowsflexibilityina numberoftenancies,extra storageunderneath,separatetoiletsandexcellentrearparkingspacewithaccessfromThomas avenue.Previouslyletasmainfloorofficeandtwotenanciesupstairswitha currentleaseinplace. Withhistoryofbeingprimeofficespacedatingbacktothe1980’sthispropertyhasbeeninthesame familyforaround40yearsandnowisavailableforthenextventure.WiththepicturesqueYarrariver attherearandwithcafesandrestaurantsclosebyandthetourisminformationcentreovertheroad it’s agreatpositionforyourbusinessventure.

IMPRESSIVE HOME WITH VERSATILITY

THIS impressive quarter-acre property is a celebration of indoor-outdoor living in idyllic surrounds. Designed for those who love to entertain, crave versatility, and expect immense comfort, this is the winning combination.

Within the family-friendly landscape featuring a large lawn area and plenty of off-street parking, there are several bonus spaces that can be set to suit your lifestyle. With an oversize double carport, oversize single garage, and 2 further under-house garages that may be suited to home office or artists’ studio spaces, the options here are limitless.

The log home style residence itself is magnificently presented to ensure it is move-in ready. The generous lounge, dining area, and kitchen with stone look benchtops and high-end appliances boasts vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and floor to ceiling windows. When gathering with family and friends, open the extra-wide doors that connect this space to the superb deck with custom BBQ, ceiling fan, and sunset views. When it’s time to retreat, there are 3 lovely bedrooms with new floorboards, large windows, ceiling fans, and split system heating/cooling. The modern bathroom features a soaking tub and rainfall shower and the laundry has also been updated to perfection.

Situated on a peaceful no-through road near Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave Heights Christian School, and key amenities including Belgrave Station, this property is calling new owners to revel in a fabulous lifestyle here. Inspection will impress, so plan your viewing today.

• 922sqm (approx.) property with landscaped gardens

• Versatile covered parking and garages with home office options

• Magnificent open plan living with vaulted ceilings

Stylish kitchen and dining with extra-wide doors to the large deck with BBQ 3 comfortable bedrooms paired with a recently renovated bathroom.

SharynChandler

SharynChandler 0439882442

GlennChandler 0418410689

It’s three wins from three

By John Thomson

On Monday 17 March, the Lilydale Division 1 team comprising of Craig McCracken and Murray Howlett made the journey down the Peninsular to play Mornington Croquet Club.

Mornington started strongly in the doubles winning the first four hoops, Lilydale then started to get their game going and evened the game at four all, then it was five all, Lilydale made the most of their opportunities with the last two hoops and won the game 7 hoops to Mornington 5 hoops. Murray Howlett played in the first singles game. This was a close game as well with both players not able to get a break early on. Late in the game, Murray was able to run a couple of consecutive hoops to give him a small break and be able to win the game 7 hoops to Mornington 5 hoops.

Craig McCracken played in the next game. This game was a carbon copy of the previous two games with neither player able to get a break until late in the game and Craig was able to get away and win 7 hoops to Mornington 5 hoops.

At the lunch break, Lilydale had the day won with 3 games 21 hoops to Mornington 0 games 15 hoops.

Over lunch, Mornington had obviously reassessed their game plan and came out in the first singles after lunch and played a very attacking game putting Lilydale on the back foot. Mornington went on to win 7 hoops Lilydale 3 hoops.

In the last game, Murray Howlett was determined not to let the Mornington player dictate this game, Murray started strongly winning the

first three hoops and from there was able to control the game winning 7 hoops to Mornington 4 hoops.

This week the Lilydale Division 2 team were at home to the Kew Croquet Club with a team consisting of Alan Jones, Kerri McCracken and Mick Crawley.

Alan Jones and Kerri McCracken played in the doubles. Kew started well then Lilydale hit back, both teams then went hoop for hoop and after the twelfth hoop, the score was six hoops a piece with the thirteenth hoop to be played to decide the winner. Lilydale had the first shot at the hoop and set up well and from there was able to win the game 7 hoops to Kew 6 hoops.

In the first singles, Mick Crawley played. Mick got a couple of hoops in front early only to see the Kew player hit back and even the game. Mick was determined not to let the game slip away and was able to get a break and go on to win 7 hoops to Kew 5 hoops.

Alan Jones played in the next singles. Alan was able to get a small lead early, but the Kew player was not going away, Alan was able to stay focused and win 7 hoops to Kew 5 hoops.

Lilydale had the day won at the lunch break 3 games 21 hoops to Kew 0 games 16 hoops.

Kerri McCracken played in the first game after lunch. This was another close game, neither player was able to set up a lead and after the twelfth hoop, the score was 6 hoops a piece. Both players set up reasonably well at the thirteenth hoop, then after a bit of negative play the Kew player was able to take his opportunity and run the hoop

Battle of the Titans bowlers

By Roland Smith

The four best Lilydale Falcons bowlers turned up on a balmy night to fight it out to see who would be crowned the top player in their respective Men’s and Ladies’ Singles competition. No matter how much time it might take or how many ends needed to be played the bowler to reach the target of 25 first would be crowned the Club Singles Champion for 2024/5.

Daniel Woodrow and Luke Lamont (affectionately known as ‘Boof’) were the Men’s finalists, while Ellie Johnston and Olivia Slade were the Women’s.

Daniel had won over five Singles championship trophies at other clubs, but not at the Lilydale Bowls Club, while Boof had won the Lilydale’s Men’s Singles cup just last year so he was trying to go ‘back to back’.

Olivia was victorious in the Ladies’ singles at Heathmont before going on to win the ‘Champion of Champions’ competition in the Eastern Ranges back in 2022-23, while Ellie had won the Lilydale Ladies’ Singles in 2021. An incredible feat.

The Men’s game began at 5.35 pm. With a watchful and maybe slightly nervous start Boof

and Daniel were 2 shots a piece after 4 ends. Then Daniel took off to a 10-shot lead after twelve ends. The score was 13 – 3 his way. Not to be outdone Boof clawed his way back by winning the next seven ends to level the score at 13 –13. Although many felt that Daniel could regain the momentum, it never happened. Come 8pm, Boof had won 26 – 16 after thirty ends. Later, in his acceptance speech, Boof acknowledged that he had been given a ‘scare’ by Daniel’s excellent bowling when he raced away to a 10-shot lead.

In the Women’s rink, Olivia started at a blistering pace by being 7 shots to zip after just two ends. This momentum for Olivia continued up to when the score was 16 – 3. At this point Ellie started to turn the game around little by little, end by end. After 19 ends the score card had gone from 16 – 3 to 17 – 12. When the score was 24 – 20 Olivia was holding 3 shots even though she needed just one to win the game, Ellie came in with an amazing last bowl to take shot. The final score was Olivia 25 to Ellie 21. Well done ladies.

The Lilydale Bowls Club invites everyone to come to 5 Hardy Street, Lilydale to try bowls and make new friends.

winning the game 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

Mick Crawley played in the last game. These two teams are obviously very evenly matched as this game was very close like all the others. It was Mick in the end though who was able to get a break and win 7 hoops to Kew 5 hoops. The final score was Lilydale 4 games 34 hoops to Kew 1 game 28 hoops. Even though Kew only won one game this was a very close hard-fought match.

The Thursday handicap team were at home this week to Kew. This week’s team comprised of Murray Howlett, Kerri McCracken, Murray McLean and Mark Edgell.

Murray McLean played in the first singles game. Both players were on the same handicap so neither player had an advantage. The game was fairly even in normal field play, but unfortunately, the Kew player was finding it difficult to run her hoops early and Murray was able to set up a slender lead and go on to win 7 hoops to Kew 5 hoops.

Kerri McCracken and Mark Edgell played in the first doubles game. Both teams were on the same handicap so again neither team had an advantage. The Kew team started well and it wasn’t long before they had built up a lead over Lilydale who were struggling with their positional play. Kew 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops.

Kerri McCracken played in the next singles game. Kerri was starting with a one-hoop disadvantage. Kerri started well and had made up that disadvantage on the first hoop so from there on it was as if it was a level play game. Kerri’s experience was the telling factor in this game as she

went on to win 7 hoops to Kew 4 hoops. Murray McLean and Mark Edgell paired up in the next doubles. Both sides were on the same handicap so neither team had an advantage. This was the first time Murray and Mark have played as a team so it was interesting to see how they combined together. The game was close all the way it wasn’t until late in the game that Lilydale was able to get a break and go onto win 7 hoops to Kew 5 hoops.

At the break, it was Lilydale 3 games 25 hoops to Kew 1 game 21 hoops. With two games still to play and only four hoops separating the sides, Kew could still get up and win the day. Kerri McCracken played in the first singles after lunch. Kerri was starting with a 1 hoop disadvantage. The Kew Player started well and had the first three hoops before Kerri was able to win her first hoop to cover her disadvantage. The Kew player continued to play well and took his opportunities when they came and went on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 2 hoops. This win to Kew put them one game behind but one hoop in front of Lilydale, so the last doubles game will decide the day. The two Murray’s, Howlett and McLean paired up for the decider. Lilydale were starting with a one-hoop disadvantage while Kew had a won hoop advantage. With Murray Howlett’s steadying influence and experience, Lilydale was quickly able to make up the differences and get the game on a level play basis and control the game to go on and win 7 hoops to Kew 3 hoops. The final score in a very close match was Lilydale 4 games 34 hoops to Kew 2 games 31 hoops.

Murray McLean clearing an opponent’s ball. (Supplied)

Mark Edgell taking position at the next hoop.

L-R: Lilydale Bowls Club’s Women’s Champion Olivia Slade and Men’s Champion Luke ‘Boof’ Lamont. (Supplied)

Mounters’ triple flag glory

By Christopher Anderson

A lot can be said about a weekend of Grand Final cricket, but the bottom line is winners are grinners and Mt Evelyn Cricket Club are celebrating three premierships from the 2024-25 season after the Community Bank – Mt Evelyn 1st XI and the Lilydale Tyres 5th XI joined the club’s Under 14 team in tasting the ultimate glory.

The Community Bank – Mt Evelyn 1st XI is the toast of the town after outlasting South Warrandyte in a classic Grand Final that went late into day two.

The Mounters found their form at the right time of the season after struggling with consistency throughout the season. At times it looked as if they were in danger of missing the finals altogether. After creeping into fourth place, the team put together a brilliant month of cricket where they had to show their best to surpass Seville, Warrandyte and South Warrandyte on their way to premiership glory.

Mt Evelyn captain, Troy Hancock, won the toss and duly elected to bat first in a game that promised to be a high-scoring affair. After the early wicket of Jesse Fraser, Adam Smith and Jake Blackwell, who have shown great composure across the final series, dug in to occupy the crease against some disciplined bowling.

The pair would be patient on a slow Colman Park surface where swift run-making proved difficult. Knowing they had the firepower in the shed for a late flurry, the pair looked to occupy the crease and keep the wickets in the bank. Although on the surface, a score of 1/78 at tea off 38 overs looked a little light on, the Mounters knew that the acceleration was yet to come.

The partnership would finally be broken with the score on 99 when Smith was run out for another useful contribution of 46. The celebrations would be short-lived for the Hawks as Daniel Giblin would join Blackwell at the crease and the run rate would slowly build.

After a torrid season, Giblin would find his

feet in the biggest contest of the year, and the pair would go on to score vital half-centuries for the Mounters.

Blackwell would finally be dismissed for 58, another masterful contribution to the Mounters’ final run. Hancock would come and go quickly, and when Giblin holed out for 55, the innings looked to be petering out.

Former captain Daniel Fraser would have none of it, and he would ramp up the pressure on the tiring Hawks’ bowlers and would plunder an unbeaten, run-a-ball, 57 which would see the score closed on 9/268.

A more than competitive total in a Grand Final, but if the Hawks could find the same application, it wasn’t insurmountable.

The Mounters would make the ideal start on day two when Darcy Fraser would remove opener Troy Donis early, but the Hawks would go on unperturbed.

Thomas Peter-Budge would anchor the innings, whilst the competition’s premier bat, Morgan Persson-Clark would start pushing back against the Mounters with a free-flowing innings. The pair’s 98-run partnership would take the Hawks to within reach of the afternoon tea break and was on the brink of breaking a Mt Evelyn team devoid of answers to the partnership. Persson-Clark would eventually bite off more than he could chew, holing out off the bowling of Bohdie Jones on the eve of the break.

Sean McMahon would follow after the break and suddenly there was a pep in the step of the Mounters. Peter Budge would continue his stout resistance and would find some valuable support from Fraser Day.

Like Giblin, Day has endured a wretched season, but class finds a way, and he hit his straps in the Grand Final. His stroke play threatened to take the game away from the visitors as he willed his team to the brink of victory. With eight overs to go, the equation was 42 with four wickets in hand. The time had come to own the moment.

Grand final winners at Lilydale Tennis Club

By Joanna Campe

With one team representing Lilydale Tennis Club in the grand final this season, the boys were eager to play and bring home the win.

Junior Open Singles Doubles 3 v Upwey South

At the end of the standard season, Lilydale finished on top of the ladder with Upwey South finishing in second place. It was a fitting grand final with the two stand-out teams from the season competing to see who the Premiers would be.

With the finals, all registered players get to participate so for Lilydale it was Adam Paladino, Ari Marappan, Alex Paladino, Ryan Taylor and Joshua Jamieson. Upwey South was represented by Connor McLean, Josh McLean, Abbey McLean and Maya Rock.

It was a very competitive day with Lilydale winning the opening singles 6-4 and Upwey South taking the opening doubles 6-7 in a tiebreak. In the second singles, it was an impressive show by Adam from Lilydale winning 6-1. In the next doubles the McLean brothers Josh and Connor from Upwey proved too strong for Lilydale’s Ari and Josh with great net and doubles play winning 3-6. With two sets each, it was down to the last sets to decide the winner. The last doubles saw Josh and Abbey go up against Ryan and Alex from Lilydale. Excellent shots and rallies were a highlight, and Lilydale won their first doubles of the day 6-3. In the deciding set Ari and Connor both displayed great shots and long rallies but eventually, Ari from Lilydale took the set 7-5 to give Lilydale overall victory on the day.

Result: 6-4, 6-7 (7-4), 6-1, 3-6, 7-5, 6-2

Day would be run out courtesy of some quick work from Hancock and the game swung in the Mounters’ favour.

Darcy Harris would give the visitors some nervous moments with some lusty hitting, but the Mounters would hold their nerve. In the shadows of stumps, Hancock would take the final two wickets to lead the Mounters into raptures as they would secure a memorable 17-run victory.

Hancock would be the pick of the bowlers with 3/64 whilst Darcy Fraser’s uncanny knack of taking wickets collecting 3/66. Caleb Hrabe would follow his marathon effort in the Preliminary Final bowling 17 overs up front for a miserly 31 runs to keep the visitors in the contest early on day two.

Blackwell capped off an amazing finals series, where he would score 178 runs and take 8 wickets, by taking away the Grand Final Man of the Match medal. The win sees the club rise to Wilkins Cup for the 2025-26 season, a challenge the club will relish.

The third premiership for the club was won by the Lilydale Tyres 5th XI who capped off a season that was destined for glory the further the season went on.

The team had sat in the top two on the ladder for the entire season with only three blemishes to their record, twice against Kilsyth and once against Templeton.

After knocking Templeton out in the SemiFinal and Kilsyth falling victim against Montrose in the other Semi, the Mounters were left to take on the Wolves in the final game of the season.

Montrose would bat first and would make a fair fist of their 36 overs. The Wolves would take the fight up to favourites and would bat gamely on the back of a well-made 41 from Gary Mangnall and an unbeaten 39 from Nathan Close.

The Mounters would keep their cool throughout the innings and it was the season’s leading bowler Ben Dunstone who would again star

for his team taking 3/26. In the end, the Wolves would compile a more than competitive total of 8/159.

For much of the chase, the Mounters looked in control, primarily courtesy of patient knocks from Alastair Churchill and Leighton Joyce. Churchill played a brilliant innings, a true Grand Final innings. Cautious at the beginning of his innings, mindful of not heaping pressure on the batsmen to come, when the time was needed to amp up the run rate his innings flourished with a flurry of boundaries, including a six to put an exclamation mark on his innings as he retired for an entertaining half-century.

Craig Steele would come and go quickly, and when Joyce was dismissed for 30, there was still plenty to do for the Mounters to secure victory. Craig Kenins looked as if he had the experience and skill set to nurse the home team to victory, but he too would fall after making a promising start to his innings. His wicket would leave the contest on a knife’s edge.

With 25 runs to score off the last five overs, the game would turn on an epic finish as some reckless running between wickets and tight bowling would produce tense moments for players and fans alike.

Eventually, Paul Flavel and Ben Dunstone would hold their nerve to guide the Mounters to a six-wicket victory with just eight balls to spare. Great reward for an all-round team performance in not only the Grand Final, but for the entire season. The beauty of this victory would be the coming together of families and friends with this team built on a father/son culture that made the victory all the more special and memorable.

Ben Dunstone would cap off a memorable month of cricket with premierships in the Under 14’s and 5th XI, with him collecting ‘double danglers’ in both games for best on-ground performances. An incredible achievement for someone so young.

L-R: Lilydale premiers Ryan, Josh, Ari, Adam and Alex. (Supplied)

The Mt Evelyn 1st XI Premiers. (Supplied)

The Mt Evelyn 5th XI Premiers.

Kilsyth’s double flag glory

By Les Hutchings

It was a great weekend for Kilsyth Cricket Club with the Third and Fourth XI’s both winning premierships after hard-fought Grand Finals against Yarra Junction and Chirnside Park respectively.

Coupled with the Women’s First XI premiership two weeks ago, it has been a successful season for the Club.

Kilsyth’s Third XI Grand Final continued for a third day on Saturday with Yarra Junction’s Second XI resuming on 6/61 off 45.2 overs, chasing Kilsyth’s score of 122. With a further 55.4 overs available to score the required 62 runs, Yarra Junction inched the score along to 6/71 off 56 overs. However, on the fourth ball of the 57th over, Kilsyth achieved the breakthrough when Mark Unternahrer had Tyler Reed caught by Dylan Smith at first slip for a patient 7 off 61 balls. The Junction were now 7/61 with Blayden Steedman on 6 not out and also batting with great patience. After 60 overs, Yarra Junction reached 7/80 and with 41 overs remaining and three wickets in hand, they were well in the game. But it was then that left-arm medium pacer Mark Unternahrer claimed a second wicket in the 61st over, and soon a third in the 63rd over, to see Yarra Junction now 9/80. Dylan Smith picked up the last wicket when Blayden Steedman was clean bowled for 12 off 94 balls to give Smith his fifth wicket for the match, the first time he had ever achieved five wickets in an innings. Thus, Kilsyth won the premiership by 35 runs after a hard-fought match from both sides. For Kilsyth, opening bowler Dylan Smith was outstanding capturing 5/28 from 29.4 overs. Veteran Mark Unternahrer completed a great allround game, taking 3/32 off 16 overs after topscoring for the match with 45. Mark Wells took 1/5 off 10 overs, Max Wills 1/4 off 5 overs, Justin Smith 0/2 off 3 overs and Matthew Burgess 0/2 off 2 overs. Wicket-keeper Anthony Cook, and Dylan Smith, took two catches each and the fielding for Kilsyth was very good. It was a great end to the season for the Third XI who had to win 8 out of the last 9 matches to make the Grand Final and thus finished with 9 wins out of the last 10 games. After no play the previous weekend, Kilsyth’s Fourth XI played Chirnside Park’s Fourth XI at Kimberley Reserve in the C Grade (DJ Strachan Shield) Grand Final. In the split innings format, each team bats for two splits of 36 overs each. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat. The Redbacks lost an early wicket in the third over to be 1/5. They then batted quite slowly to be 1/11 off the first 11 overs. The tempo then picked up and after 16 overs Kilsyth had reached 1/30. However, in the 17th over, the second wicket fell when Andrew Smith was caught by Jackson Lehmann off the bowling of Gus Schilling for 24 off 56 balls, and Kilsyth were now 2/31. With the score on 48 in the 23rd over, Shaun Goodwin was the third wicket to fall, caught by Deepan Santhosh Kumar, bowled by Donovan Shortt for 15 off 59 balls. Jake Powell, 12 not out off 56 balls, and Greg Gommers 13 not out off 42 balls, saw the Redbacks to 3/69 at the end of the first split off 36 overs. The wicket takers for Chirnside Park were Ryan Gromadovski 1/19 off 10 overs, Donovan Shortt 1/4 off 4 overs, and Gus Schilling 1/15 off 5 overs. After the tea break, Chirnside Park also lost an

early wicket to be 1/1 in the third over. However, a 51-run second-wicket partnership between Darren Cameron and Cameron Anderson steadied the situation before Anderson was stumped by ’keeper Jake Powell off a ball from off-spin bowler Matthew Harper for 19 from 53 balls. Chirnside Park were now 2/52 after 17 overs with Cameron on 19 not out. The score then progressed to 2/86 after 29 overs with Chirnside well on top and Kilsyth in need of a wicket. That wicket came in the 30th over when leg spinner Andrew Smith had the left-handed Darren Cameron caught by Captain Anthony Sequeira for a well-made 31 off 86 balls. In his second spell, pace bowler Joel Gibb then picked up his second wicket, in the 36th and last over of the split to see Chirnside Park 4/96 at stumps, with a lead of 27 runs. Barry Collins was on 28 not out off 46 balls. For Kilsyth, Joel Gibb had 2/19 off 8 overs, Matthew Harper 1/14 off 9 overs, and Andrew Smith 1/14 off 5 overs. Chirnside Park resumed their innings on Sunday for their second split of 36 overs. Kilsyth opened the bowling with leg spinner Andrew Smith and pace bowler Joel Gibb, and they kept the pressure on with some very tight bowling. In the 41st over with the score on 100, Chirnside lost their fifth wicket to Andrew Smith. Then Joel Gibb claimed the sixth wicket with the score now 6/104 after 46 overs. So, Chirnside had lost 2/8 off 10 overs at the start of the second day, and at drinks after the first 18 overs, the score had reached 6/114 off a total of 54 overs. Kilsyth had certainly gained the ascendancy but a 64-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Barry Collins and Jackson Lehmann gave the Panthers a chance. It was then that medium-pacer Greg Gommers, claimed three wickets in five balls in his second over. His first victim was Barry Collins, who had batted solidly for 48 off 140 balls, before being caught and bowled by Gommers. Thus, Chirnside suddenly

slumped to 9/168 off 68 overs and were eventually all out for 177 when Joel Gibb took the last wicket, clean bowled, after 70.3 overs. At the close of the innings, Jackson Lehmann remained 50 not out off 81 balls to top score for the Panthers. For Kilsyth, Joel Gibb bowled superbly, capturing 4/32 off 17.3 overs as did Greg Gommers with 3/11 off 3 overs, Andrew Smith 2/25 off 15 overs and Matthew Harper 1/33 off 13 overs. In the field, Hayden Monds took a superb catch on the boundary at deep backward square leg off the bowling of Greg Gommers, whilst wicketkeeper Jake Powell snared a nice catch and secured a brilliant stumping. So, the equation was Kilsyth needed to score 109 runs off 37 overs with 7 wickets in hand to win the premiership. The Redbacks resumed on 3/69 with Jake Powell on 12 not out and Greg Gommers on 13 not out. They started brightly but with the score on 80 on the second ball of the split’s fourth over, Jake Powell accidentally collided with the wicketkeeper after running two and had to retire hurt for 21 off 67

balls. This brought Matthew Harper to the crease and he and Greg Gommers batted really well, running brilliantly between wickets to rotate the strike between their left and right-hand combination. Their partnership took Kilsyth’s score to 133 when Gommers was stumped for 32 off 91 balls on the last ball of the 51st over, bowled by Seth McDonnell. Two more wickets fell quickly to Gus Schilling, and Kilsyth were now 6/140 off 54 overs with a further 38 runs required. At that stage, Matthew Harper was on 29 not out. However, Harper with 50 not out off 75 balls, and Michael Sturt, 19 not out off 19 balls, got the job done for Kilsyth with Sturt hitting the winning boundary in the 64th over. Kilsyth finished on 6/180 to win by four wickets with 9.4 overs remaining. The wicket takers for Chirnside Park were Gus Schilling, 3/32 off 9 overs, Donovan Shortt 1/24 off 8 overs, Seth McDonnell 1/27 off 9.2 overs and Ryan Gromadovski 1/45 off 19 overs. Matthew Harper was awarded Man of the Match for his match-winning innings of 50 not out in the run chase as well as taking 1/33 off 13 overs.

Personal bests achieved at athletic season’s end

By Jamie Strudley

It was stunning weather for the Little Athletics Season Celebration round on Saturday 22 March.

The track at Mt Evelyn was a hive of activity with both athletes and parents having a run, jump and throw.

Hopefully there was no pulled hamstrings from the big kids.

It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces enjoying the last day of the 2024/25 track and field season.

We finished the morning with a colour run and introduction to Cross Country.

Thank you to the volunteers for making the day such a success.

Next week is Little Athletics Presentation Day for all qualified athletes.

Presentations start from 8am at Morrison Reserve, check social media for details.

Reminder that all the fun of cross country starts in a few weeks.

Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability.

New members and anyone interested in trialling are always welcome.

Training open to all on Tuesday evenings from 5.30pm.

Go to lavic.com.au or athsvic.org.au or email info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au for information about membership, events and registration.

For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org.au or check us out on Facebook.

Both kids and parents joined in on the Little Athletics Season Celebration round. (Supplied)

The Kilsyth 3rd XI Premiers. (Supplied)

The Kilsyth 4th XI Premiers.

They are successful in local business... but what do our Tip-Stars know about Footy? Follow them every week and give them the feedback they deserve...

FOOTY TIPSTERS

Q&A

Aaron Violi

1. What made you barrack for the AFL team you follow today?

It’s a family tradition. My family came to Australia from Italy in 1953 and the Pies won the Premiership that year

2. What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?

Spending time out in the Community attending local events and enjoying our beautiful local trails with my family

3. Do you enjoy what you do for a living?

Yes. There is no greater honour than representing my home and our community in Federal Parliament

4. What’s your favourite type of cuisine?

Italian

5. What are 3 words that describe you best

Hardworking, community minded, experienced

6. When you were little, what did you think you were going to be?

A Palaeontologist

7. Who would you like to have dinner with and why (could be anyone, dead or alive)?

Abraham Lincoln, because he was such a consequential figure in political history and I would love to know more about his story

8. What advice would you offer to your younger self?

Do the work and make every day count

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