Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 1st April 2025

Casey: an election battleground, says expert

PAGE 3

PAGES 18 - 19 The final week: Council’s CCTV stance revealed PAGE 16 MEHG commended in State history awards

Like coming home

Mount Evelyn watercolour artist Donna Legg has been welcomed into the team at Mont De Lancey as its first artist in residence.

Describing it as like a feeling of coming home, Donna said it has been such a positive experience so far, especially with the encouragement of friends, family and of coursetheteamatMontDeLancey.

Jill Sebire, president of the historic homestead, said it has breathed new life in the gallery space, making it a win-win for everyone.

To read more, turn to page 20

Watercolour artist Donna Legg feels at home in her new artist in residence role at Mont De Lancey. (Stewart Chambers: 468222)

‘Balanced budget’

By Mikayla van Loon

A “living within our means” budget, with the three per cent maximum rate increase applied, has been drafted by Yarra Ranges Council for the next financial year.

The newly released draft budget is open for community consultation until late April, but debate about the rate rise has already ensued within the council chamber.

Councillor Mitch Mazzarella said he “can’t justify to my communities and to the people of the Yarra Ranges” a further rate rise if “services are not efficient”.

Mayor Jim Child and corporate services director Vince Lombardi told Star Mail, however, that the rate increase was a means of continuing to deliver services and provide infrastructure upgrades

to the community.

“To still give quality in those services that we provide, we have to do it within the parameters of the three per cent,” Cr Child said.

The urban budget for 2025-26 was very much focused on road, footpath and drainage construction and rehabilitation, with some proposed funding for playspace and reserve renewal.

Some of the key funding features of this bud-

get across the shire include $17.9 million for 39 road resurfacing and sealing projects across the Yarra Ranges; $3.9 million for drainage works as part of the forecasted six year plan; $7.7 million on renewal and improvement works for recreational, leisure and community facilities and buildings; and $13.9 million for parks, open space and streetscapes.

To read more, turn to pages 4-5, 7 and 9

Cost of living budget focus

By Callum Ludwig

The final Federal Budget before the upcoming election set for May this year has been released.

Previously promised Medicare and health investments, Future Made in Australia funding and the expansion of the Help to Buy scheme have cropped up, but there are other more sur prising announcements made by the Labor Government on Tuesday 25 March.

From an economic standpoint, a deficit of $27.6 billion is forecast this financial year, net debt will rise to $556 billion and Common wealth gross debt is expected to rise to $940 billion (33.7 per cent of GDP). It is forecast to surpass $1 trillion in the 2025/26 financial year

It is mixed news for other key economic in dicators:

Economic growth is expected to rise to 1.5 per cent, still below the target rate of two to three per cent but consumer price index (CPI) inflation is expected to fall to 2.5 per cent.

The unemployment rate is expected to rise to 4.25 per cent but for those in work, wages are expected to grow by 3 per cent.

Our material living standards are expected to rise with real household disposable income ex pected to grow by 2 per cent, above an originally forecast 1.25 per cent.

Migration will take a hit, with the net number of migrants to fall to 225,000 by 2026/27, down from 435,000 as recently as 2023/24.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said this Budget is all about helping with the cost of living, strength ening Medicare and building Australia’s future in the face of some pretty substantial global eco nomic uncertainty.

“Global uncertainty casts a shadow over the world’s economy and also over the Budget and that’s what makes the progress that Australians have made so remarkable,” he said.

“Together as Australians, we’ve got inflation down, wages and incomes are up, unemploy ment is low, we’ve got the debt down, interest rates have started to be cut, and now growth is rebounding solidly as well, with a bigger and bigger role for the private sector, which is espe cially welcome,”

“This Budget is really a platform for prosper ity in a new world of uncertainty, it recognises that cost‑of‑living pressures are front of mind for many Australians, and that’s why it’s front and centre in the Budget.”

One of the standout cost‑of‑living measures announced in the budget was in new tax cuts, with the current 16 per cent tax rate, which ap plies to taxable income between $18,201 and $45,000, to reduce to 15 per cent from 1 July 2026 and then to 14 per cent exactly one year later.

For a worker on average earnings, this will equate to a new cut of $268 in 2026–27 and $536 per year from 2027–28 which combined with the revised stage three tax cuts introduced in 2024‑ 25 will result in a tax cut of $1922 in 2026–27 and $2190 per year from 2027–28.

Across all taxpayers, the average new annual tax cut is expected to amount to $2548, about

$50 per week.

Opposition Treasurer Angus Taylor said this is a Budget for an election, not one for our coun try’s future prosperity.

“Labor’s cruel hoax tax changes in 2026‑27 fail to restore the standard of living you have lost after three years of Labor,” he said.

“The Coalition will not support these tax changes that do nothing to address the collapse in living standards under Labor, seventy cents a day, in a year’s time, is not going to help address the financial stress Australian families are cur rently under, this is an election bribe by a weak Prime Minister,”

“The Coalition will show leadership and take the necessary decisions to get our economy and our country back on track.”

Other cost of living measures include:

Households and eligible small businesses will also be receiving a further $150 (two $75 payments) off their energy bills in the next six months.

The maximum costs of medicines listed in the Pharmeaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will

also be reduced from $31.60 to $25 per script.

The government will seek to pass legisla tion to cut outstanding Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) and other student debts by 20 per cent and raise the compulsory repay ment threshold to $67,000 in 2025–26, up from $54,435.

To help address wage suppression, which the government believes is occurring in industries like child care, hairdressing and construction, non‑compete clauses for anyone earning un der $175,000 will be banned to make it easier for workers to move to a competing business or start their own.

Rebates for women’s health are expanding, with the rebate for inserting an IUD to increase from $91 to $215, from $61 to $134 for removal and a new rebate for menopause health assess ments. There will also be new medications for menopause, contraceptives and endometriosis added to the PBS.

Three days of subsidised childcare will be made available to all families earning under $533,000, whereas previously, parents had to

study, work or be looking for work for 16 hours a week to access subsidies.

One popular policy not to return is the in creased instant asset write‑off, which will reduce back to $1000 from $20,000 as of July.

On the housing front, the government has matched a Coalition pledge to ban all overseas citizens from buying existing homes in Austra lia that don’t seek to add to the housing stock or boost availability for two years. The ban will cost $5.7 million to put in place and an $8.9 million audit will also be carried out on the land‑bank ing by foreign buyers.

There is a boost for another group of home‑buyers, however, with the expansion of the Help to Buy scheme, targeted at first‑time home buyers, with the scheme now accessible to single people earning up to $100,000 and cou ples earning up to $160,000. The government will cover up to 40 per cent of the cost (for new builds, up to 30 per cent for existing homes), which the buyers can buy out over time, and the price cap on eligible properties to be increased, up to $950,000 in Melbourne.

Cheaper power bills pledge as Dutton spurs gas supply

By Dominic Giannini, AAP

Peter Dutton promises to slash power bills, per manent migration and government spending in his pitch to become a “steady hand” prime minister.

Ruling out offering any further income tax breaks and promising to repeal Labor’s tax cuts, the Opposition Leader has set the stage for the federal election to be fought on which party can better address hip‑pocket pain.

In his response to the federal budget, Mr Dut‑ ton promised to bring down power bills by pump‑ ing more gas into the energy grid and set up a do‑ mestic reserve for the east coast to protect against international price spikes.

“The only way to drive down power prices quickly is to ramp up domestic gas production,” he told parliament on Thursday night.

“Across the economy, it’s costing more to grow food, produce goods, and deliver services and those costs are passed on to Australian consum‑ ers.”

Gas will be added to the capacity investment scheme, which underwrites funds in renewable energy projects such as wind, solar and batteries, and $1 billion will be earmarked for a gas infra‑

structure fund to pay for pipelines and storage.

The opposition will also forgo $6 billion to slash the fuel excise by 25 cents a litre, making it about $14 cheaper for a tank for the average mo‑ torist, Mr Dutton said.

Nationals leader David Littleproud flagged ex‑ tending the excise cut.

“We’ll review this at the end of 12 months and if there’s pain, we’ll take the necessary measures,” he said.

The coalition will set a target of 400,000 ap‑ prentices and provide small and medium busi‑ nesses with $12,000 for the first two years to help them bring on more trainees.

Mr Dutton further pledged $50 million across four years for food charities to expand their ser‑ vices, including school breakfast programs, and $400 million for mental health.

Responding to the opposition leader’s speech, Labor frontbencher Jason Clare said the govern‑ ment had already secured six times more gas than Mr Dutton flagged would be in the reserve.

“To be frank, this is just a distraction from his nuclear policy, which is now about as popular as a fart in an elevator,” Mr Clare said.

Mr Dutton put $46 billion of Labor’s measures on the chopping block to make up the cash and

cut spending to lower inflation, including a hous‑ ing investment fund, renewable energy fund and critical mineral tax credits.

More than 40,000 public servants would be axed to save a projected $7 billion, but frontline services would not be affected, he said.

Mr Clare chided Mr Dutton for failing to detail where hundreds of billions of dollars would come from to pay for his nuclear power plants.

“He’ll cut, and you’ll pay, and you deserve to‑

know before you vote what he’s going to cut,” he said.

“It was all aggro and no answers.”

Mr Dutton also made community safety a fo cal point of his speech, saying he would toughen bail laws for domestic violence offenders and work with states and territories to introduce uni form knife laws.

The coalition spent the final parliament sitting day before a federal election peppering the gov ernment with questions about cost of living and delayed tax cuts.

Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor pledged to re‑ peal legislated tax cuts that would save taxpayers up to $268 in 2026/27 and up to $536 every finan cial year after as Mr Dutton called it “a shameless election vote‑buying exercise”.

Labor’s “so‑called tax cut top‑up is simply a tax cut cop out”, Mr Dutton said, ruling out alter‑ native income tax cuts at this election as being too expensive for a budget in deficit.

“I would love to introduce tax reform and tax cuts but the Labor Party has racked up what we now see in the budget papers of about $1.2 trillion of debt,” he told ABC TV after his speech.

“We have to be realistic and understand the constraints that we have.”

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has handed down the 2025/26 Federal budget. (Lukas Coch/AAP)

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton delivers his 2025-26 Budget Reply Speech at Parliament House on Thursday 27 March. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Casey battleground

By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Mikayla van Loon

Australia could be set to elect a minority federal government, according to political expert Dr Zareh Ghazarian.

The head of politics at Monash University predicts a “very tight electoral race” for the 3 May election, with neither the Labor Government or Coalition opposition certain to govern in their own right.

“Labor can’t afford to lose seats as it won government with a very slim majority in 2022.

“Losing a couple of electorates may mean Anthony Albanese becomes a one-term prime minister.”

On the other hand, the Coalition – despite a “bit of bounce” in the polls – is coming from “too far back to claw back all of the seats”.

Cost-of-living will continue to be the main focus during the election campaign, along with energy, health care, education and infrastructure, Dr Ghazarian says.

“The key difference between the major parties is how they are going to address cost-of-living.”

In recent days, Labor has unveiled a round of tax cuts from next year and electricity subsidies. In contrast, the Coalition has pledged fuel excise cuts.

“Cost-of-living has been something people have been talking about.

“It has been dominating the headlines and hasn’t gone away with talk of inflation, interest rates and housing affordability.”

Dr Ghazarian predicts the marginal seat of Casey will be a battleground of sorts and is one the Liberals would be looking to hold as a sign of confidence for the party.

“One of the most interesting things about Casey electorally is the margin that’s on. I think it’s under two per cent, Anthony Green’s calculator suggests it’s 1.4 per cent so it makes Casey one of the most marginal seats that the Coalition holds, and one of the most marginal seats in Victoria,” he said.

“So Casey is going to be a real battleground electorate, where I would expect a lot of attention to be placed by the major party’s leaders and candidates of all sorts.”

At the 2022 election, the Liberal Party’s primary vote fell by around nine per cent, arguably making it one of its “lowest ebbs”.

“I’m not sure if the Liberal Party will perform as badly as they did in 2022 so any increase in their primary vote, initially towards the Liberal Party, would make this a much easier seat for the party to hold on to.”

The outer east of Melbourne as a whole will be a focal point for the Liberal Party in particular because Dr Ghazarian said much of its “core constituency” has turned away and its “losing ground”.

“The Liberal Party has a lot of work to do to reconnect with voters that, for whatever reason, turned away from it at the 2022 election.”

Since the creation of the Casey electorate in 1969, Labor has held the seat only twice for a single term each.

Dr Ghazarian views this election as “make or break” for the Liberal Party and overall confidence in its ability to govern.

“If the Liberal Party can’t hold on to Casey, it’s going to have a really difficult time to win government,” he said.

“If it loses seats like Casey, it’s a signal to the Liberal Party that there are some serious concerns that voters have about the direction of the party.

“But assuming that is the case that the Liberal Party loses, they can’t afford to lose the seat, because if they lose the seat, then they just drift further away from winning the number of seats they need to claw back and be competitive and have a chance to win in government.”

IN BRIEF

Teens ram police car

Police have arrested two teens after a police car was rammed in Mooroolbark early on Monday morning.

Uniform police members were patrolling the Manchester Road area when they entered a fastfood outlet car park shortly after midnight on 31 March.

Officers observed a white Infinity sedan parked in a waiting bay and began making checks to determine if the vehicle was stolen.

Becoming aware of police, the driver has taken off and rammed the police car before fleeing.

The Air Wing has followed the vehicle as it travelled at alleged speeds of up to 250km/h as it made its way into Melbourne’s CBD.

Four occupants have dumped the vehicle on Bourke Street and taken off on foot about 1.10am.

Critical Incident Response Team and Dog Squad members attended and arrested two teenage boys nearby.

A search was conducted of the vehicle, locating several machetes and knives which were seized. Patrols were conducted of the surrounding area however two offenders remain outstanding.

The 14-year-old, from the Bendigo area, will be interviewed by detectives this morning.

The 17-year-old, from the Maribyrnong area, was charged with possessing a drug of dependence and released pending further enquiries.

The vehicle was allegedly stolen from outside a Box Hill South gym about 6.30pm on Sunday.

Investigations into the incident remain ongoing. The police officers involved in the ramming were not injured and their vehicle sustained superficial damage.

Any witnesses, anyone with CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Croydon fatal collision investigation

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Croydon on Thursday morning.

It is understood a white utility and a motorcyclist collided at the intersection of Vinter Avenue and Bayswater Road about 11.40am on 27 March.

Sadly, the rider, a 28-year-old Bayswater woman died at the scene.

The driver of the utility, a 39-year-old Boronia woman, stopped at the scene and has been spoken to by detectives.

The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Detectives are interested in speaking with anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the area at the time of the collision.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Driver lucky thanks to airbags

Lilydale SES unit members responded alongside Mooroolbark Fire Brigade on Saturday 29 March to a crash outside 7/11 on Manchester Road in Mooroolbark

A driver mounted the kerb in 7/11 and ended up in the running lanes of Manchester Road leaving the car with nowhere to go.

The elderly driver was not injured, thanks in no small part to the side curtain airbags fitted to their car.

Visit howsafeismycar.com.au for information your vehicle’s safety rating.

Casey will be a battleground according to he head of politics at Monash University, Dr Zareh Ghazarian. (Unsplash)

Council budget is very tight

By Mikayla van Loon

The “tightening of purse strings” and the constraints of revenue raising for local governments was yet again an underlying theme of Yarra Ranges Council’s 2025-26 draft budget.

Total revenue budgeted for this financial year is $258 million and a total spend of $242.8 million, with $58.3 million of that set aside for the capital works program.

Although displaying a $15.2 million surplus, the council has allowed for a $2.5 million underlying operating deficit, with corporate services director Vince Lombardi saying this made the council’s finances “sustainable”.

“We’re not showing great surpluses. So it’s not like council’s swimming in cash. We’re still in deficit. We’ve still got a way to go in really keeping it in the black,” he said.

Some of the key funding features of this budget include $17.9 million for 39 road resurfacing and sealing projects across the Yarra Ranges; $3.9 million for drainage works as part of the forecasted six year plan; $7.7 million on renewal and improvement works for recreational, leisure and community facilities and buildings; and $13.9 million for parks, open space and streetscapes.

In total $26 million has been allocated to asset renewal projects across the shire.

But Mr Lombardi said this was only a portion of the overall need being attended to.

“Maintenance of assets and upkeep of the asset portfolio here is tipping $2 billion,” he said.

“This year, we’re sustainable. But when you look at projects, it gets harder and harder. So there is that harder conversation with those funding streams drying up, that we’re going to be doing less.

“We’re only going to be attending to the bare minimum renewal gap. We’ll only be doing small projects that we can do, that we can fund, as opposed to that partnership, whether it be state or federal, which we’ve seen in the recent

years, which has really helped us.”

Advocacy for improved government funding has been discussed both in the council chamber and on a broader scale at a parliamentary inquiry in September 2024.

“We’re continually seeing cost shifts from the state and federal government. Who picks it up, we ultimately do, and our ratepayers do and at some stage you’ve got to draw the line,” Cr Child said.

“We’re in this space of advocacy, to really talk to governments and say, ‘well, let’s look at a solid revenue stream to local government’, just one per cent so we can actually say, ‘well, we know we’ve got this coming in’.

“We can provide our 120 services, and then we’ve got some confidence to actually deliver our asset renewal programmes and capital expenditure.

“That’s the type of structure we’d love to be working in, whereas at the moment, what we’re dealing with is two election cycles, state and federal government, three and four years, we’ve got to watch for the low hanging fruit. What’s coming out? What’s the political scene look like?”

This was just one of many factors both Cr Child and Mr Lombardi said were contributing to an ever tightening budget.

“We’re such a big municipality 2500 square kilometres, and we’re a metropolitan municipality. It’s a huge distance, and when you look at that combined, in parallel with other municipalities, it’s that tiering of distance, and that’s a huge impact on our budget process as well,” Cr Child said.

MrLombardialsoaddedtheincreasinginsurance costs, as well as the “burden” of handling the emergency services volunteer fund levy as “a mechanism or a vehicle for state government”, which may require additional resources.

“We’re all going through bill stress at home and that is magnified for the council 10 times. We don’t have the luxury of going out and selecting an insurer. We’re in a captive market,” Mr

Lombardi said.

“Our insurance costs are going up well above the rate cap, so it’s really balancing that cost, which is going up, and maintaining that service level to the community.”

Cr Child said, aside from the funding constraints, he felt the lead up to this draft budget was the most engaged the council had been with the community.

“This has probably been the best engagement process with the community prior to us getting to this stage,” he said.

“We’ve learned over a number of years that we should do this, go out to the people, and we

did that with pop ups, the community panel, getting that feedback, to get into this position.”

Calling this budget one where “we’re living within our means”, Cr Child did say he believed it was a “balanced budget”.

“But each time we get to this budget process… it never gets easy because the purse strings are being tightened all the time.”

Community consultation will be open until 27 April, before submissions are heard in the council chamber in early May. Submissions and commentary on the draft budget can be made via shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/council-budget-2025-26

Yarra Ranges Council prepare draft 2025-26 budget in constrained financial circumstances. (Unsplash)

Rate cap rise causes angst

By Mikayla van Loon

While attention was drawn to the Federal Government’s budget this week, Yarra Ranges Council was also releasing its draft 2025-26 budget on the same night, ready for community consultation.

The biggest talking point for the councillors on Tuesday 25 March was the rate increase in line with the State Government’s imposed rate cap.

But applying the three per cent maximum rate increase caused debate among councillors and a submission opposing the draft budget because of it.

Wandin North resident and former Billanook ward candidate Wendy Wright said it “seems unconscionable” that the council would apply the rate increase when “we all need to tighten our belts”.

“Councils like the rest of the community, need to be tightening their belts, not putting more pressure on those already hurting,” she said.

“This means finding savings and going without things that are nice to have.”

Ms Wright said the budget should outline options for service reductions and a cost benefit analysis of not increasing the rates, so the community can decide in a more informed capacity.

“I really want those bike trails but if somebody said to me, you can have the bike trails, or you hold the rates as they are, I’d say, I’m sorry, we have to keep the rates as they are,” Ms Wright said.

Mayor Jim Child said, in a meeting with Star Mail, with external revenue sources becoming more constrained, the three per cent rate increase was a way for the council to live within its means and continue to deliver its 120 services, alongside its capital expenditure program.

“There’s those competing things that we have to deal with, cost of living, all those things, and we’re dealing with that as well, as a council and delivering those 120 services that we have to,” he said.

“We tried, we unpacked it as much as we

could, but to still give quality in those services that we provide, we have to do it within the parameters of the three per cent.

“To not do that, we’d have to look very seriously at what services are going to be affected by not being in the parameters of the three per cent so that was some real serious discussion that we had to have.”

The rate increase was met with challenge from Councillor Mitch Mazzarella at the Tuesday council meeting, where he stated he “opposed any rate increases”.

“The community can’t afford it. It just can’t.

And on our customer satisfaction survey last year, 59 per cent of residents said they would prefer service cuts to keep council rates the same or to lower them,” he said.

“Only 21 per cent of the people said that they wanted a rate increase.”

Cr Fiona McAllister also drew attention to the fact that five per cent rates goes towards community recovery after a natural disaster.

“The increasing emergencies that we face in Yarra Ranges… costs us millions of dollars every time and that is one aspect of a reduction of funding from other levels of government,” she said.

“We are just not getting the money in scenarios like fires and floods and storms that we used to, the frequency has increased, and we’re not getting the financial support, and we are one of the most disaster-prone councils in Australia.”

This was also a point of contention for Cr Mazzarella who said the council had actually “slashed” its spending on emergency management and funnelled it into community strengthening.

“From two years ago, we were spending $13 million in the budget to now just two so in the most as one of the second most disaster prone councils in Australia, a week or so off a massive bush fire in Montrose, we’re now spending more on what we’re calling community strengthening than emergency management.

“And I’m not discounting the importance by

any means of community strengthening programs, but I don’t think that they deserve more funding than emergency management.

“I can’t justify to my communities and to the people of the Yarra Ranges, the council asking for even more money, raising the rates again and again, if these services are not efficient or they’re spent in the wrong places.”

Overwhelmingly, however, the councillors each agreed that only the community’s involvement and feedback would provide the council with a clear picture of whether it had put money in the right places.

“I’d just like to encourage the members of the public to actually get hold of the budget. Have a look at it properly, ask the questions and see what it actually contains,” Cr Richard Higgins said.

“We’re never going to get this right in every aspect. That’s why it goes out to the community, to

let us know what’s right, whether we want a bike path or whether you don’t want a bike path.

“So it’s really important that people pay attention and get involved. And that’s the true way we’re going to get a proper representation.”

Waste service charges will also increase, as set by the State Government, by 7.3 per cent, a cost per household of around $50-65.

The emergency services volunteer fund levy will also be applied to ratepayers from 1 July. This will be collected by the council on behalf of the State Government but does not provide additional funds to the council.

Community consultation will be open until 27 April, before submissions are heard in the council chamber in early May. Submissions and commentary on the draft budget can be made via shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/council-budget-2025-26

Apply for your Warburton Parking Permit

Yarra Ranges Council

Yarra Ranges Council

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

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:

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

• Warburton Water World - $6 per hour

• Thomas Avenue - $3.50 per hour

• Thomas Avenue - $3.50 per hour

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

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

• Station Road - $3.50 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:

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

www.epermits-yarraranges.orikan.tech/ssp

• In person at our Community Links

• Phone 1300 456 050

• In person at our Community Links Phone

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

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

• Wednesday 26 March, 12pm-4pm at Warburton Art Centre - Warburton Art Tuesday at Warburton April, 6pm-8pm at Warburton at Warburton Centre

For more information

For more information www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/paidparking

Scan the

code for your permit

Scan the QR code to apply for your permit

The Yarra Ranges Council chamber was full of debate as councillors discussed the need for a rate increase. (Supplied)

EVERY CUP COUNTS

Coffee for Wildlife supports projects that empower people to live in harmony with forests and wildlife.

Speaking up on the budget

By Dongyun Kwon

Yarra Ranges Council proposed the 2025-26 draft budget at the latest council meeting and is calling for community members’ feedback.

Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister commented on the draft budget during the council meeting.

Cr McAllister said she is looking forward to hearing the community’s voice regarding it.

“I completely agree we have to spend the money in the best way we can for our community,” she said.

“Whilst I’m sure this budget is not perfect, I know there have been more intense and more conversations about this budget than probably any other budgets we’ve ever had, even during Covid, which was the trickiest time to think about impacts on communities … We’ve had a higher level of community engagement in the budget than we’ve ever had at my time on council, which is fairly long, and there has been a lot of community interest in terms of this document and getting it right.

“So let’s see what comes in. But again, there is a big, messy context that sits behind it in the fact that we are just not getting the money we used to in scenarios like fires, floods and storms that we used to, the frequency has increased, and we’re not getting the financial support, and we are one of the most disaster-prone councils in Australia.”

The following are the draft budget allocations for each town in the Yarra Valley.

In Yering:

$100,000 will go towards the renewal of the existing trail at Spadonis Reserve.

In Coldstream:

Over $2 million has been allocated for the rehabilitation of Victoria Road from Kingsburgh Lane to Flowerfield Drive while $554,000 has been put for rehabilitation of the same road between Switchback Road to Kingsburgh Lane.

Station Street will have a drainage with $469,000 of investment.

In Yarra Glen:

Rehabilitation of the existing footpath on Miriam Drive will cost $25,000.

Design and construction of a footpath on Yarra Street between Bell Street and Yarraview Road will cost $198,000.

In Healesville:

George Road and Lalors Road will get a new easement drainage through a $314,000 investment.

$400,000 will go towards the construction of drainage upgrades between 1 Hazford Street

and the creek.

$9000 will be invested for park signage upgrades in the town.

Don Road Community Pavilion will be redeveloped with a $300,000 budget allocation.

“We know that the Don (Road) Reserve, as a top priority, was sitting there for ages. All of a sudden we get the money from a government grant,” Yarra Ranges mayor Jim Child said.

“We know the prioritisation changes, so the next one sits there, but for how long. We can’t progress that project any further, but there’s an expectation out there in the community. ‘Well, you’ve done all the work, you’re ready to go,

let’s get started’.

“But we can’t do that with our income stream that we’ve got.”

$369,000 has been allocated for the rehabilitation of existing footpaths on Badger Creek Road and $18,000 for Cornish Road.

$87,000 will go towards the design and construction of a missing footpath link on Newgrove Road and Crowley Road between Harker Street and Lalors Lane.

Green Street’s open space will be improved through $250,000 of investment.

$453,000 has been allocated for the improvements to the dog off-leash area at Coro-

nation Park.

Yarra Ranges Council will keep supporting to improve Aboriginal health and wellbeing by providing a range of support to Oonah Health and Community Services Aboriginal Corporation to establish the Healesville Belonging Place, an integrated Aboriginal health facility. The council will also keep working on Yarra Valley Trail in the following years.

Over$2.7millionhasbeenallocatedforStage 1 and $3.9 million for Stage 2A of over 40km of trail to link Lilydale, Yarra Glen, Healesville and join into the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail throughout the two financial years.

Drains and roads included in forecast spend for the Hills

By Tanya Steele

Drains, roads, infrastructure and more are proposed in the budget draft for the Yarra Ranges that was recently released, with a number of plans proposed for the Hills area.

Submissions from the public are open to residents until 27 April, with a hearing of submissions to councillors scheduled for a special meeting on 6 May and the final budget will be considered in June.

In the tourism sector Yarra Ranges Council corporate services director Vince Lombardi said Yarra Ranges is a tourist Mecca, both state and nationally.

“So we’re building Ngurrak barring, we’ve got the Walk on Country and we’re doing the Warburton Mountain Bike Trail,’ he said.

ngurrak barring Ridgewalk has a budget set for $2.1 million, continuing its planned 39km trail through the Dandenong Ranges that will establish new spaces for education, cultural expression and social gathering.

Locals may have noticed the recent addition of artworks in both Birdsland and Grants Picnic Ground which are part of the project.

With a total forecast spend of $46.2 million on infrastructure the draft budget will include a road sealing program priced at $3.2 million with a $1.3 million slice included for Belgrave Heights.

The Belgrave Rail Trail is set to have audit findings implemented to ensure compliance with shared path guidelines – the $230,400 in funds budgeted includes a TAC Grant.

The Safer Local Roads program meant that the council has received $2,340,000 from the State Government for the delivery of traffic safety improvements on local roads, but the projects

are subject to the Department of Transport and Planning approval and proposed projects will include traffic safety improvements on Main Street in Upwey.

The Upwey township also has $50,000 bookmarked for upgrading the main street car parking, footpaths, street furniture, roadside and street tree planting. The extent of work is mainly a section of Main Street between Morris Road and Mahony Street which includes both roundabouts.

Footpaths are on the agenda with renewals planned across the Shire, Best Street and the Belgrave Rail Trail in Belgrave, Sophia Grove in Tecoma, along with Emberson Street, Monbulk Road in Kallista and Kallista-Emerald Road.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said they’ve heard the community as far as the drainage issues are concerned.

“We’ve got a very large component of assets out there, which we have to maintain and there’s also asset renewal as well,” he said.

“The community has told us that, yes, they want us to keep that body of work going.”

In total across the Yarra Ranges, $3.9 million will be expended on drainage projects with several works planned across the Dandenongs.

Arbor Avenue in Belgrave has work proposed to address flooding and erosion issues with a price tag of $330,000 listed, works on Dalkeith Crescent, and the construction of drainage upgrades to mitigate flooding is also planned in Main Street, Upwey. Ridge Road in Mount Dandenong has works listed for drainage at 105 and 107 Ridge Road and drainage improvement works for outlet discharge are listed for William Ricketts Sanctuary - Observatory Road. There are also plans for the design and construction of drainage along an existing

table drain located at 19-21 Hunter Street, Monbulk.

In sports, the Belgrave Oval is pencilled in for some lighting work, while the Upwey Recreation Reserve main oval has a total of $725,000 in funds allocated for rehab and synthetic surface renewal.

For buildings in the Ranges, a public toilet renewal in Sassafras is planned, along with improvements to the Kallista Community House and Cedar Court Road Group in Monbulk

In the environmental sector, the council plans

to continue the Ribbons of Green and Gardens for Wildlife programs, which help residents transform their properties to support biodiversity. There are also plans to expand the grant-funded program to protect the platypus in the Monbulk Creek catchment and develop a progressive Green Wedge management plan to support appropriate outcomes in the Green Wedge areas. Residents can find out more draft budget details and have their say at: shaping.yarraranges. vic.gov.au/council-budget-2025-26

Yarra Ranges Council is calling for community members’ feedback for its 2025-26 draft budget. (File: 406135)

Yarra Ranges Council has opened it’s draft budget for submissions. (On File).

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Urban infrastructure focus

By Mikayla van Loon

Drainage, road rehabilitation and footpath construction are the highlights for the urban area in the Yarra Ranges Council’s proposed budget for 2025-26.

This matched much of the feedback provided to the council in a pre-budget drafting engagement process, where it was determined that roads and traffic, parks and open space, and community facilities were the top priorities in infrastructure.

New drainage works and improvement projects will total $3.6 million this year, with Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Montrose and Mount Evelyn all cited for funding.

These include Chapel Street Lilydale ($386,000), Morrison Reserve Mount Evelyn ($300,000), Stuart Reserve Lilydale to reduce flooding at Wilson Lane ($300,000), design of Lilydale Tennis Court Upgrade ($80,000), three stage design of Edinburgh Road Lilydale ($50,000), 65 Kerr Crescent Montrose ($140,000), Cobden Crescent Lilydale ($400,000) and 26A Wandana Crescent Mooroolbark ($40,000).

A forecasted value of $50,000 has been budgeted for drainage renewal works on Summit Road Lilydale in the 2026-27 year.

Kingswood Drive Chirnside Park ($50,000), Summit Road Lilydale ($236,000) and Windsor Park Rise Mooroolbark ($215,000) will all see new footpaths, while rehabilitation works have been proposed for Edward Road Chirnside Park, Glen Innes Close Wonga Park, and MacGregor Court, Everton Road, Ellen Road and Irvine Street in Mount Evelyn.

Liverpool Road Kilsyth and Richards Road Montrose have been flagged for new footpath construction in the 2026-27 year.

Budgeting for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Edward Road and Paynes Road, Chirnside Park has seen $737,000 put towards the project this year.

This is in addition to $975,000 for a road renewal project along Edward Road, between Switchback Road and Paynes Road. A further $2.2 million has been forecasted for renewal works between Paynes Road and 415 Edward Road in 2026-27.

$1.2 million has also been cited for road renewal along Cambridge Road Mooroolbark.

Playspaces and reserves also received attention in this year’s capital expenditure program.

Bimbadeen Reserve, Kemp Reserve and Mount Evelyn Recreation Reserve have each been budgeted $258,000 for playspace improvements.

Replacement of the existing fence at Mount Evelyn Recreation Reserve’s sports facilities was funded $75,000.

The commencement of masterplan works at McDermott Avenue Reserve has seen $350,000 allocated this year, with a further $300,000 for

next financial year, for open space improvements.

Site improvement works will also continue at 150 Cambridge Road with $300,000 allocated for 2025-26.

The Lillydale Lake masterplan will also get underway, supported by a State Government grant, and funds from the council’s public open space fund, with an equal value of $1,076,400 proposed for the next two financial years.

The pre-draft budget community consultation process did see the most engagement from the urban area, with 91 responses received.

Within this, there was heightened commentary, as summarised by the council, around pools and aquatic centres.

“Pools and Aquatic Centres received 53 comments from a total of 364. 25 people specifically mentioned Kilsyth pool. 13 people referred to other aquatic centres including Monbulk and Lilydale pools,” the engagement report states.

“38 people, out of the total 172 individual contributors mentioned pools and/or aquatic facilities.”

The only funds put towards pools and aquatic centres this year, however, was $1.2 million

for minor works and a forecasted amount of $595,000 for electrification works at Monbulk Aquatic Centre. Councillors now put the draft budget to the community for consultation and feedback.

“Now it’s open for the public. Really when it’s all said and done, it’s the public’s budget. The public has to pay for it, and the public has a right to give a comment to us on whether it’s good or whether it’s not so good,” Cr Len Cox said.

“So it’s going to be out to the public to look at it, anybody and everybody has the right to then communicate with the council.”

Many footpaths to be built, improved in the Upper Yarra

By Oliver Winn

The Yarra Ranges Council has released its draft budget for 2025-2026 and is now open to community consultation until 27 April before finalising the budget in time for the start of the financial year.

The Upper Yarra region had plenty of major projects outlined in the draft budget this year, which are listed below.

In Warburton:

$2.5 million will go towards the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination (WMBD) trail, the funding of which is split between borrowings and Federal and State government grants.

72 per cent of the WMBD funds are sourced from borrowings and the remaining 28 per cent from Federal and State government grants.

Whereas the $2.1 million slotted for the Ngurrak barring/RidgeWalk is solely funded by grants.

Yarra Ranges Council corporate services director Vince Lombardi said the council is advocating to State and Federal governments for the funding they need to maintain these large projects.

“We want our community to enjoy it. But how do we then make that awareness that we need to maintain these assets to the State and Federal Government,” he said.

“We’re contributing nationally. How do we raise that awareness and that advocacy through our budget? Because it’s not fair always charging that back to our community. So that’s probably the underlying message that you probably don’t

see in the document.”

Yarra Ranges Council chief financial officer Liam Routledge said the revenue generated by the Warburton Visitor Paid Parking Pilot was predicted to be around $1.5 million.

“There’s a cost to serve that as well. If you look at the net we’re actually getting from that, it does serve more the behavioural than a massive revenue drive, whereas it’s really cost recovery,” Mr Routledge said.

Mr Lombardi said council needed to make sure the drive in tourism was sustainable for Warburton.

“One responsibility that council has is activating the area, you look at the Warburton Mountain Bikes, it’s a great activation, but we need to also make that it’s self-sustaining for all the visitations that are coming through.”

The Yarra Valley Trail Stage 1 will cost $2 million, with council sourcing 41 per cent through grants and 59 per cent through borrowings.

The Yarra Valley Trail Stage 2A will cost $1.95 million but will be fully funded through grants, putting the total cost for the Yarra Valley Trail at $3.95 million.

Renewal for an existing section of the Warburton Rail Trail will cost $150,000.

$36,300 will go towards rehabilitating two existing footpaths on Riverside Drive and Upper Blackwood Avenue.

There’ll be new footpath missing links constructed on Riverside Drive/Horners Road, which will cost $109,500.

In Wandin North:

$175,235 for five existing footpaths will be rehabilitated, which includes Keith Court, Galera Court, Sirocco Court, Farrar Way and Mayo Court.

In Seville:

The installation of easement draining on Lanning Crescent will cost $100,000, which will prevent flooding in heavy rainfall events.

$3.8 million will go towards redeveloping the Seville Recreation Reserve Community pavilion.

Existing footpaths will be rehabilitated on Ashley Court, Belair Close and Ducol Court at a cost of $96,559. In Yarra Junction: $2 million will go towards the Yarra Valley Trail, Stage 1 - this includes over 40km of trail linking Lilydale, Yarra Glen, Healesville and joins into the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail.

Peppercorn Place’s existing footpath will be rehabilitated at a cost of $32,190.

McDermott Avenue Reserve was among proposed funded projects for 2025-26 with the commencement of masterplan works. (Chelsea Szabo: 462406)

The Warburton Mountain Bike Destination trail will cost $2.5 million. (File)

NEWS AEC dismisses complaint

By Mikayla Van Loon

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has dismissed claims made by the Coalition that a local news outlet was just a Teal-funded publication designed to “propagate and promote”.

Liberal Senator Jane Hume formally submitted a complaint against Gazette News to the AEC on Tuesday 11 March after suggesting the news publication was funded by Climate 200.

In a statement on Thursday 27 March, the AEC said it had considered Gazette News’ content and published material, finding that it did not fall into “electoral matter, therefore there are no authorisation requirements”.

“It should also be noted that electoral matter is defined by the Electoral Act to exclude the reporting of news, presenting of current affairs, or any genuine editorial content in news media,” the statement said.

“Additionally, there is no evidence at this stage that this organisation has incurred electoral expenditure that would require it to register as a financial disclosure entity with the AEC.”

Gazette founder and chief executive officer Anna Saulwick welcomed the AEC’s decision and said Gazette’s journalists could return to focusing on what they do best.

“This was always a nasty, false political stunt, and the AEC’s decision confirms it,” she said.

“Some politicians are willing to try to intimidate independent media into silence, but we won’t be backing down from asking tough questions or serving our local communities.”

The AEC complaint and investigation was sparked after it came to light that three major backers of the news publication included Matt Doran, James Taylor and Mark Rawson, who have been known to make financial contributions to Climate 200, according to AEC disclosures.

When posed a question about the relationship between Climate 200 and Gazette News at the National Press Club, Climate 200 founder Simon Holmes à Court denied any links.

Coalition members were quick to comment, however, in the days following Senator Hume’s complaint, with Nationals leader David Littleproud and Liberal Senator James Paterson calling Gazette News “the Teals’ ‘fake online news site’” and “pro-Teal fake newspapers” respectively.

Senator Paterson also questioned the coincidence of the Liberal, National and Labor MPs coverage being “more critical”, while Teal candidate coverage seemed “uniformly positive”.

But at the time Ms Saulwick retorted stating that “there will always be politicians who don’t like scrutiny and are willing to make false claims

to damage those who scrutinise them”.

The Gazette’s outlets covering eastern Melbourne, Gippsland and the Western region of Victoria, as well as New South Wales’ mid north

coast and Sydney’s north shore, have not shied away from providing coverage of these regions’ independent candidates nor providing critical commentary of the Coalition’s nuclear policy.

‘Koality arrest’ as Yarra Junction intruder branches out

By Oliver Winn

Police made a “koality arrest” when responding to a burglary in progress in Yarra Junction last night.

The resident’s barking dog notified her of someone trying to break into her Peppercorn Place address, so she called Triple Zero and members from the Mooroolbark Police responded to the job, ready to catch the fugitive.

Arriving on the scene, the police searched the perimeter for any signs of a break-in and were lead to the backdoor.

But instead of a balaclava-wearing burglar, police found a furry koala on the dog’s bed, who the police suspect to be named Blinky Bill.

Mooroolbark Senior Sergeant Melanie Woods said the resident was very relieved that the koala was cooperating and moving on, albeit quite slowly as it climbed over the fence.

“They [police] asked the owner if they owned a pet koala and they said they didn’t and then they have been able to essentially identify the koala as being the offender.”

“But hopefully it doesn’t re-offend.”

The marsupial was released without charge, though it’s unknown if Coco the dog wishes to issue a formal complaint.

A Yarra Junction resident dialled Triple Zero after she suspected someone was trying to break in. (Supplied)

The furry fugitive made a slow escape.

But the pre-election coverage was also dotted with articles on other candidates from various political backgrounds.

Senator Hume was contacted for comment.

Liberal Senator Jane Hume lodged a complaint with the AEC against Gazette News, which has now been dismissed. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Petition for flexible houses

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A couple from Belgrave South presented their petition to the Yarra Ranges Council on Tuesday, 25 March, urging the introduction of a policy for Tiny Houses on Wheels (THOWs) and caravans.

Evrim’s petition has gained considerable support, with many local residents rallying behind it in hopes of tackling housing affordability and security challenges in the area.

Evrim Sen and her partner Benny, both community workers in Belgrave South, have been living in a caravan on private property for the past two and a half years.

Their decision to move to the area and set up their home in a roadworthy caravan was driven by financial constraints, as they struggled with the cost of traditional housing, especially in the face of unstable work and chronic health issues.

“We knew a mortgage would be out of reach for us, our caravan allows us to find some safety and security, but it’s not a permanent solution if local laws don’t accommodate our situation,” Evrim said.

The couple’s petition, which has gathered over 650 signatures since it was launched in February 2025, asks the Yarra Ranges Council to create a dedicated Tiny House on Wheels policy that would provide clarity and support for residents in similar circumstances.

The petition also requests that the council put a temporary halt on current building orders that require people living in THOWs to vacate.

During last week’s council meeting, Evrim presented the petition, sharing her story and stressing the importance of creating flexible housing solutions for the growing number of people in the Yarra Ranges facing housing instability.

She said that many councils around Victoria have already begun to explore similar policies to address the housing crisis.

“Other councils have moved forward on

this issue because they recognise the urgency,” Evrim said.

“It’s a chance for Yarra Ranges to develop a

Candidates roll up to chat

By Tanya Steele

Ahead of the upcoming election, Tecoma Uniting Church is hosting a Meet the Candidates event on Saturday 5 April from 3pm to 4.30pm.

Voters in the Casey electorate are invited to a unique opportunity to engage directly with the candidates in line for their vote at a Q&Astyle event.

All four candidates will be present - Labor candidate Naomi Oakley, current Member for Casey Liberal Aaron Violi, Greens candidate Merran Blair and Independent candidate Claire Ferres Miles.

The afternoon session will provide a platform for local residents to get to know the individuals who could be representing them.

Event organiser Minister Matt said that while some people say faith and politics don’t fix, for the Tecoma Uniting Church, they believe they are inseparable.

“If politics is how we organise ourselves, than as a church we want to be encouraging conversation and participation by our local community around that,” he said.

Fellow organiser and Casey resident Shakti said the church has hosted panel events before and it’s something they want to offer the community.

“It’s a place to hear what candidates are offering and learn a little bit about them in a facilitated and safe space,” she said.

The planned interactive session will allow attendees to ask questions and gain insight into the candidates’ positions on key issues.

The Q&A will feature a mix of pre-submitted questions from the community, alongside live questions from those in attendance.

It’s a chance to hear directly from the candidates, what they stand for and how they plan to advocate for the Casey electorate.

The church will host the event and Steve Barrington from Foothills Community Care will be acting as the facilitator on the day.

“It will give the people attending an opportunity to hear what the candidates platforms are, they get allocated time with a bell,” said Shatki.

The church also plans to have the Q & A available over zoom. (File: 468834)

“We are also collecting questions on the Facebook event page, we already have quite a few,” she said.

So far the Facebook event page has had comments surrounding majority votes, climate, penalty rate, insurance affordability and more.

Minister Matt said that for them as a church, encouraging their local community at this time to be engaged in the political process is vital.

“We need to understand our candidates and allow them to understand us - particularly because my belief, is that they work for us,” he said.

“As our representatives they need to hear what’s important to us - this forum is a great chance to do that.”

“There won’t be any democracy sausages, but it is sure to be saucy”

The Tecoma Uniting Church are also planning for a zoom link on the event page and if people would like to add questions they can do that by emailing the church, or by adding questions to the discussion feed on the Facebook event page.

“We are serving our community in the hills,” said Shatki.

The session is on Saturday 5 April, from 3pm to 4,30pm at Tecoma Uniting Church -1566 Burwood Hwy , Tecoma.

Council members acknowledged the complexity of the issue and expressed their openness to further discussions.

Councillor Fiona McAllister, who voiced support for the petition, said that the council is already addressing housing concerns through the Yarra Ranges Housing Strategy.

“This is definitely a key issue for us, especially within our housing strategy. While we haven’t resolved it yet, I’m interested in learning more,” she said.

Councillor Peter Mcilwain also voiced support, praising Evrim’s thoughtful presentation and welcoming the additional research that could help inform the council’s decision.

Councillor Jeff Marriott also echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of reducing homelessness and the role local councils can play in finding innovative housing solutions.

The council’s response indicates a willingness to engage with the community on the matter, with plans to refer the petition to the appropriate officers for further consideration.

While no immediate decision was made at the meeting, council members expressed interest in reviewing successful models from other regions, such as the Surf Coast Shire’s trial, which allows for greater flexibility in the use of caravans and tiny homes on private land.

Evrim hopes that this ongoing dialogue will lead to a policy that not only benefits her family but also provides long-term solutions for others in the community who are struggling to secure affordable housing.

“This is about protecting vulnerable residents and ensuring they have a place to call home,” Evrim said.

modern approach that accommodates both the needs of the community and the challenges of housing affordability.”

“It’s about being part of this community and contributing to its growth. We want to work with the council to make sure the Yarra Ranges remains a place where everyone can thrive.”

A Belgrave South couple is advocating for a tiny house on wheels solution. (Supplied)

Where to pick up your FREE Star Mail

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar3 Meadowgate Drive

CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Caltex Safeway239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK EG Fuelco Service StationChirnside Park Shopping Cr Little

Chipping Drive, 241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Chirnside Park Country Club 68 Kingswood Drive

CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar158 Nangathan Way

CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar11 The Mall

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketChuringa SC, Russo Place

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketCanterbury Road Kilsyth

KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette Unit 7/87 Colchester Road

LILYDALE Aaron Violi MP Office 110 Main Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC51-59 Anderson Street

LILYDALE Woolworths SupermarketMarketplace, 33 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale VillageCastella Street & Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre7 Hardy Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre1 Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station473 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale346 Main Street

LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths31 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE BP Service Station87 Warburton Highway

LILYDALE Shell Service Station469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE 7 - Eleven LilydaleCnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Coles Express469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe251 Main Street

LILYDALE Round Bird Can't Fly170 Main Street

LILYDALE The Lilydale General110 Beresford Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery96 Main Street

LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe178 Main Street

LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe222 Main Street

LILYDALE Gracious GraceCastella Street

LILYDALE Melba Coffee House33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies7/75 Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Point of View CafeLilydale Lakeside - Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE Freda's Cafe2 Clarke Street

LILYDALE Barry Plant Real Estate88 Main Street

LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate164 Main Street

LILYDALE Hello Harry245 Main Street

LILYDALE Noel Jones Real Estate 281 Main Street

LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate111-113 Main Street

LILYDALE Grubs Up1 Industrial Park Drive

LILYDALE Mc Donalds RestaurantMaroondah Highway

LILYDALE Olinda Creek HotelMaroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street

MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road

MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street

MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent

MOUNT EVELYN Red Robyn Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent

MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road

MOUNT EVELYN Bendigo Bank 2/35-39 Wray Cres

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket916 Mt Dandenong Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket15 Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Bendigo BankUnit 19/66 - 74 Brice Ave

MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar38 Bellara Dive

MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart108 Hayrick Lane

MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark103 Cardigan Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Express2 Cambridge Road

MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real EstateBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK L J HookerBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK Mc Donalds RestaurantManchester Road

MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale138 York Road

WANDIN NORTH Wandin Newsagency Shop 2 /18 Union Road

Early years grants

Lilydale Community Child Care was named as one of 11 childcare centres across the state to receive an funding under the Innovation Grants Program.

Children’s Minister Lizzie Blandthorn announced the recipients on Thursday 27 March, all who will share in $580,000 to run programs aimed at building a more experienced early education workforce and improving retention.

“By supporting our teachers, we’re giving every child the best start in life – and enabling Victorian families to access high-quality early childhood education,” she said.

“Helping the educators that work with our children during some of their most pivotal years will mean better outcomes for kids, keeping our workforce strong as demand across Vic-

toria grows.”

Projects range from mentorship of early-career educators to short courses for career development.

Other projects include opportunities for early childhood teachers to contribute to improving operations in their service, and training to equip educators with evidence-based strategies to support children with additional needs.

The Innovation Grants Program is part of a suite of free professional learning and career supports available to early childhood professionals.

3D tech boosts MICA skills

Innovative 3D printing technology is enhancing how Ambulance Victoria (AV) Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics practise a lifesaving procedure before hitting the road.

A partnership with Yarra Ranges Tech School (Box Hill Institute) in Lilydale has seen AV’s Operational Capability Post Graduate and Specialist Education Team receive 3D printed plastic larynx trainers known as ‘cric trainers’, which help MICA paramedics learn and practise how to perform cricothyroidotomy.

Cricothyroidotomy is a critical procedure which involves making an incision in the patient’s neck to insert a breathing tube directly into the airway bypassing the mouth and upper airways.

It’s done when there are difficulties inserting a breathing tube into the patient’s airway after they’ve been placed in an induced coma and have stopped breathing by themselves.

During training, the cric trainer, bubble wrap, tape and a bandage imitate the patient’s neck, creating a realistic training resource.

AV post graduate and pecialist Education (MICA) Lead Sam Caldow said the advanced training was helping better prepare students for real world scenarios.

“These cric trainers have changed the way we review and practise our skills,” he said.

“Staff who have performed this procedure on a patient after completing the training with the 3D printed airway have commented about the similarities and fidelity of being able to do so.

“This technology ensures both MICA and MICA flight paramedics are well prepared and confident to deliver the best level of care in real-life real-time situations.”

Since the partnership started in 2021, more than 170 cric trainers have been provided, being used in more than 110 training sessions.

“All participants of the most recent MICA Bridging Program received their own cric trainer to support their training both during the program

and at a branch level,” Mr Caldow said.

“Since the introduction of the 3D training, we have seen an almost 95 per cent success rate in performing cricothyroidotomy.

“This highlights the value of innovative training materials that help prepare our people for all situations.”

The cric trainers are printed at Yarra Ranges Tech School using a downloadable 3D file.

Yarra Ranges Tech School Director Travis Burroughs said the partnership with Ambulance Victoria has created wonderful learning opportunities for students.

“Producing the cric trainers helps students learn how 3D printing can be used to solve real-world problems. Students feel a great sense of purpose, knowing their work helps AV’s paramedics to save lives,” Mr Burroughs said.

The 3D printed customised training aids enable AV to have more choice and control over the design of specialised parts while significantly reducing costs.

AV is committed to continuous improvement and seeking more effective ways of training its highly skilled workforce, which includes the potential to employ more 3D training aides.

Lilydale Community Child Care was one of 11 kindergartens to receive funding. (File)

Yarra Ranges Tech School in Lilydale has been supporting MICA paramedics in their training since 2021. (Stewart Chambers: 435507)

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

female dental clinic

Rupali

from dental school in 1999. She has worked in private and public community clinics both in, and around Melbourne. She has also lived out of the city, spending a period of time in Benalla in rural Victoria.

Rupali is passionate about providing high quality dental care and takes pleasure in sharing a story and a laugh with her patients. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and always strives to provide dental treatment in a relaxing and comfortable environment.

Rupali believes her practice and approach to dentistry creates an experience that will change your notion of what a trip to the dentist is. Outside of work she loves to spend time with family and her young children, sharing her passion for reading and traveling with them at every opportunity.

Sonali graduated from dental school in 2003. She has worked as a dentist in both community and private practices. She has also worked various roles within the dental industry. Sonali believes that your mouth is the gateway to better wellbeing, and that a great healthy smile will leave a great lasting impression on people.

Sonali loves interacting with patients and ensuring they are comfortable and at-ease. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry. She particularly loves working with older clients. In her spare time, she loves cooking delicious Indian dishes and enjoying time with her family and friends.

The third dentist, , joined the Valley Dental team 2 years ago and has been an integral part of the team ever since. With over 10 years of experience, Merhaz believes that world class dentistry should be delivered to each and every patient. Mehraz has a keen interest in aesthetic dentistry and is studying a certificate of Cosmetic Dentistry to introduce lip and cheek fillers to the clinic for our Valley Dental patients.

Rupali said being an all female team patients were treated with care and compassion.

“Staff are very approachable and compassionate making everyone feel at ease coming to the dentist,“ she said.

The clinic offers a wide range of dental services including general dentistry, fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers.

Take advantage of current specials including a check-up, clean and 2 x-rays for $195, and inchair whitening $450.

For an appointment phone : 9737 6453

Dr Rupali Prabhu, Starry, Rachael, Abbey, Mehraz and Dr Sonali Prabhu look forward to seeing you in the clinic. (Supplied)

Repowering for the future

The first annual Repower Festival and its counterpart Switched On Family Day was a huge success, seeing the Yarra Ranges community both learn and have fun while doing so.

Boasting an incredible line up of speakers, displays and market stalls, the festival was a onestop-shop for all things sustainability and electrification.

“What a fantastic day making sustainability fun! Great to see families in our community turn out in their hundreds to learn about how to get off fossil fuels, save money on power bills, and become more resilient for climate change,” Repower the Dandenongs posted.

“This is the first of hopefully many more events.”

Adding to the warm autumn day atmosphere was the roaming entertainment of the Illuminati Street Performers and live entertainment dotted around the village.

Thanks to photographers Cathy Ronalds and Paul Bianco for capturing the day and the energy. The

electric go-karts were a fan favourite among the kids. (Cathy Ronalds)

Everyone wanted to try their hand at blending their own smoothie.

Rewiring Australia managing director Kate Minter.People had to work for their smoothie, using bikes to power the blender.

The e-bike display.

Live performers were dotted around the festival, keeping people entertained.

Stalls were set up showing exactly what the region and beyond has to offer.

Roaming performers kept the energy alive.

Yarra Ranges Council Energy Resilient Communities Officer Caitlin O’Shea.

Informed conversations were being had right throughout the day.

The colouring corner.

Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino, energy, resources and climate action MP Lily D’Ambrosio and Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child.

Arthur testing the bike and blend station. (Paul Bianco)

HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS FOR LILYDALE

Amcal has the answers

Nestled in the heart of our community, Lilydale Amcal Pharmacy is revolutionising healthcare with its innovative compounding services. More than just a traditional pharmacy, this local healthcare hub is transforming how residents receive personalised medical treatments.

Compounding is an art and science that allows pharmacists to create custom medications precisely tailored to individual patient requirements. At Lilydale Amcal Pharmacy, this service goes beyond standard prescription filling, offering solutions for patients with diverse and complex health needs.

The pharmacy’s compounding services provide remarkable benefits for our local residents. Patients with sensitivities to commercial medication ingredients can now receive safe, personalised alternatives that eliminate problematic dyes, preservatives, and fillers. The skilled pharmacists can adjust dosages for children, elderly patients, or those with specific medical conditions, ensuring precise and effective treatment.

When commercial medications are discontinued or unavailable, Lilydale Amcal’s pharmacists can recreate essential formulations, ensuring continuous treatment. This commitment extends to all members of the community - including pets - with specialised veterinary medication compounding.

Beyond these specialised compounding services, Lilydale Amcal Pharmacy stands as a comprehensive hub of health and wellness. The pharmacy boasts a team of friendly, caring, and knowledgeable staff who are always ready to provide expert health advice and a wide range of professional pharmacy services. From medication management to health consultations, the team goes above and beyond to support the community’s well-being.

In an era of mass-produced pharmaceuticals, Lilydale Amcal Pharmacy brings back the personal touch. Their compounding services represent a return to individualised medical care,

where treatments are as unique as the patients themselves.

Whether you’re struggling with medication allergies, need a specific dosage, or require an

alternative medication form,

to help. Visit Lilydale Amcal Pharmacy – Your local pharmacy

Lilydale Amcal Pharmacy stands ready

Amcal staff Chloe, Kasey, Frank, Theresa and Kareen. (Stewart Chambers: 463881)

Community history on show at awards

By Mikayla van

Community history was on full display at the Victorian Community History Awards on Monday 24 March, seeing four finalists from the Yarra Ranges be commended for their contributions.

This included Janice Newton with Karen Phillips and Paula Herlihy OAM from the Mount Evelyn History Group for their publication The Woodlanders of Walden Hut.

Attending the prestigious event at the Langham Hotel in Melbourne, the commendations were handed out as recognition for the effort in telling the untold local stories of the past.

“Whilst we didn’t win, we were in distinguished company and enjoyed a fascinating keynote speaker in Poppy Stockell, the filmmaker who directed the recent highly successful documentary on John Farnham, ‘Finding the Voice’,” the history group posted to social media following the award ceremony.

Phillip Deery was presented with the History Article Award for his Victorian History Journal article A Community in Crisis: Dr Deery and the Healesville Hospital Dispute, 1961-62. Selby Community House and commissioned creators Tadji Ulrich, Lia Hills and Riley Jordan were commended for The People’s Movement: The Birth of Selby Community House, while Nick Anchen received commendation for his book Whistles through the tall timber, Warburton, Powelltown, Noojee.

“Congratulations to all the authors and creators who dedicated their time, passion and expertise to share the unique histories of Yarra Ranges and its people,” Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Megan Sheehy said.

This congratulations was also extended by Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child, who said the awards recognised the vast history of the region.

“Yarra Ranges is full of unique and fascinating histories, from tall trees and viticulture, to Wurundjeri cultural practices and the work of trailblazing women,” Cr Child said.

“Many of these stories come from the collections and research undertaken by volunteer community history and heritage organisations across the region. It is wonderful to see

their work recognised through these awards.”

Government Services minister Natalie Hutchins also congratulated the winners and those who were commended.

“The dedication of local historians not only preserves Victoria’s history but tells us more about who we are and will inspire future generations,” she said.

The Victorian Community History Awards highlights 11 categories of recorded histories of which there were over 100 entries.

“From more than 140 entries, our judges have selected another incredible batch of works, from publications to oral histories, exhibitions and video series. Well done to every-

Driving back in time to raise awareness of prostate cancer

Australia’s most unique motorsport event, the Rob Roy Revival, combining a competition hill climb and vintage festival, drove home a lifesaving message to Australian men: get checked for prostate cancer.

Organised by the MG Car Club Victoria, the Rob Roy Revival Festival, held at Christmas Hills on 29 and 30 March, encouraged revivalists to “drive back in time” and experience the glitz and glamour of the 1950s and 1960s.

This year, a portion of the proceeds from the Rob Roy Revival have been donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), the country’s leading organisation for prostate cancer support, research and advocacy.

PCFA, the event’s official charity, had an information booth at the event on Sunday.

MG Car Club secretary Tony Lupton said the festival was a huge success.

“Around 850 spectators attended the 2025 Revival, over 320 of them in classic cars, to watch the 80 competitors compete in the 11 classes,” Mr Lupton said.

“The Rob Roy Revival also raised $3,000 for our partner charity the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

“Our event patron, champion driver John Bowe AM, is also a Prostate Cancer Foundation champion, and we were delighted to help the foundation raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research.”

Darren Visser, driving his Bates Cycles Cyclo 500, was the outright winner of the Rob Roy Revival for the second year running with an aggregate time of 48.99 seconds.

Added attractions included jazz and rock music, displays of an Observed Section Trial by the Austin 7 Club and many people taking the opportunity to dress up in their best period clothing.

This year, Mr Lupton and other members of the MG Car Club Victoria want to drive home a lifesaving message to Australian men: get checked for prostate cancer.

“Prostate cancer impacts a lot of blokes in our community, and we know that early detection saves lives,” he said.

“Through this event, we hope to raise vital awareness about prostate cancer, risk factors and the importance of getting tested.”

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.

The estimated risk of a man being diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime is one in five.

Event patron John Bowe AM, an Australian motorsport legend and Hall of Fame inductee, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020. This year, he’s going full throttle to make sure Australian men get checked for prostate cancer and said he owes his life to a simple PSA test.

“A PSA test is just a tiny prick of a needle, and you’re on your way. It’s dead simple. It’s very easy, so go and do it,” Mr Bowe shared.

“I’m proud to support Roy Rob Revival and, in turn, help raise awareness about prostate cancer.”

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia chief executive officer Anne Savage thanked all involved for their support.

“Awareness levels of prostate cancer in Victoria, and Australia more broadly, are still low, and many men fear getting tested for prostate cancer, unaware that the primary screening test is just a simple blood test,” Ms Savage said.

one awarded today,” Royal Historical Society of Victoria President Richard Broome AM said.

While only a select few could be awarded, Public Record Office Victoria director and keeper of public records Justine Heazlewood said the talent and the expertise woven in every submission was once again outstanding.

“This outstanding group of award-winning historians, community groups and museums have shared stories from across the State including art histories, local histories, school histories, and women’s histories,” she said.

“We’re continually impressed by the calibre of entrants for these Awards and this year was no exception.”

To get involved in Rob Roy Revival, visit: robroyrevival.mgcc.com.au

Janice Newton and Paula Herlihy receive their commendation from Richard Broome. (Claryssa Humennyj-Jameson - Iska Photography)

Paula Herlihy and Janice Newton were joined by Yarra Ranges Regional Museum director Megan Sheehy at the ceremony. (Claryssa Humennyj-Jameson - Iska Photography)

Loon

Rob Roy Revival Festival was held at Christmas Hills on 29 and 30 March. (Supplied)

SENIORS LIVING Vibrant retirement living

In the heart of Lilydale, where the lush Yarra Valley meets the Dandenong Ranges, stands Lilydale Valley Views – not just a retirement village, but a thriving community where residents relish every moment of their golden years. For the past 15 years, we have meticulously crafted an environment that goes beyond providing accommodation; it’s a place where the essence of retirement living is fully embraced.

Our village boasts an array of accommodation options, from stunning homes with valley views to cosy terrace living. With 139 homes, including semi-attached 2/3 bedroom units, each designed to ensure a family-like atmosphere, we prioritise creating a space that fits the unique preferences of every resident.

What sets Lilydale Valley Views apart is the commitment to offering a comprehensive retirement experience. Picture a heated indoor swimming pool and spa, providing residents with an oasis for relaxation and exercise. Imagine weekly Tai Chi and dancersize sessions, tailored to keep both the body and mind active and engaged. Our village bus takes the hassle out of shopping, offering a convenient door-to-door service, freeing residents from the need to drive and park.

One of the key pillars of our community is the vibrant social committee. This dedicated group organises a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring residents always have opportunities for connection and enjoyment. From outings to social events, our calendar is brimming with activities that cater to diverse interests, creating an enriching experience for everyone.

Yet, the true magic lies in the residents themselves. A wonderful group of people with a wide range of interests, they form the beating heart of our community. The warmth and genuine sense of camaraderie that have flourished over the years are truly heartwarming. Newcomers quickly find themselves embraced by the community,

invited to various activities and social occasions, allowing them to tailor their level of engagement.

At Lilydale Valley Views, we recognise the importance of social connections for overall health and wellbeing as we age. Our environment is curated to facilitate an active and connected lifestyle, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the physical boundaries of the village.

Centrally located near essential amenities, including medical practitioners, supermarkets, and the train station – all within walking distance – Lilydale Valley Views provides a seamless blend

of convenience and tranquillity. The nearby Warburton Trail offers residents the opportunity for scenic walks or bike rides, while a thriving veggie/flower garden on-site adds to the communal spirit.

As a testament to our commitment to excellence, we are proud to have built a retirement village that has evolved into a close-knit community. Lilydale Valley Views is not merely a place to live; it’s a place where people flourish, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and cherished moments.

In celebration of our journey and the joy of vibrant retirement living, we invite you to explore Lilydale Valley Views. Come and witness firsthand the beauty of terrace living, stunning views, and the warm embrace of a community that defines the essence of retirement living.

For more information, contact Lilydale Valley Views at 471 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale, email manager@lilydalevalleyviews.com.au, or call 03 9735 5944 to speak with Rosemary Seymour our manager. Our doors are open from 9am to 4.30pm, welcoming you to a new chapter of vibrant retirement living.

Breathtaking views await residents at Lilydale Valley Views. (Pictures: Supplied)Enjoy some quite time with a book from the extensive library collection.

Meet and mingle with friends in the community centre.

CAPTURING THE YARRA RANGES

55 Vic councils have CCTV

By Callum Ludwig

Regularly maintained CCTV networks are not a rarity, with councils around the state operating both extensive and small-scale networks of cameras to service their community.

55 of Victoria’s 79 councils have policies outlining their use of CCTV in public spaces and the Star Mail reached out to councils near and far to find out more about their CCTV setups and see what might work for the Yarra Ranges.

Close to home, all of the Knox, Maroondah and Cardinia LGAs operate some form of camera surveillance.

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Jack Kowarzik said the presence of CCTV across their Shire supports their community to feel safer and enjoy community spaces with greater peace of mind.

“The safety of our community is very important to Council, that is why we take a collaborative approach with Victoria Police and other agencies towards addressing safety in the Shire and supporting local crime prevention through various methods including the use of CCTV cameras,” he said.

Cardinia Shire Council continuously funds the operation of their cameras has entered a Memorandum of Understanding with Victoria Police regarding them. They have also worked with police to install two Mobile CCTV Trailers (MCTs) in areas of the Shire identified as experiencing an increase in criminal activity or public disorder, which are entirely managed by Victoria Police.

Knox City Council confirmed they have a public safety CCTV system in Boronia that is monitored and managed by Victoria Police.

“This aims to create a safer environment for our community and reduce crime through deterrence and detection,” a Knox City Council spokesperson said.

“This is maintained through our capital works program.”

Maroondah City Council were contacted for comment.

Mornington Peninsula Shire, which Yarra Ranges Council has drawn their own ‘peri-urban’ comparisons to in recent years, has 44 CCTV systems in their LGA.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh said they receive no funding from the state or federal government or any other third party for this.

“We are committed to the ongoing maintenance of the existing CCTV systems but have had to cap our annual expenditure on them, it is worth noting Council does not access or use any of the data produced by the CCTV systems, it is solely for the use by Victoria Police,” he said.

“We continue to regularly receive requests for installation of CCTV systems but we cannot support further installation of CCTV systems unless requested by Victoria Police and where the installation and lifecycle maintenance costs are met by external parties,”

“This is yet another example of cost-shifting from the State Government to local councils. While the public rightly expects safety infrastructure like CCTV, the financial responsibility

continues to fall on councils without appropriate funding support.”

As expected, the City of Melbourne has extensive CCTV capabilities through its Safe City Camera Program with 238 cameras and a mobile CCTV van, operated by trained security contractors and monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In 2024-25 alone, over $13 million was spent in the city on public safety, including funding for street lighting, security, daily patrol programs, an additional eight cameras on Lygon Street and an 12-month trial expansion of the Safe City Camera Program on Albert Street, East Melbourne.

For more information, including Safe City Camera locations in the City of Melbourne for interested visitors from the Yarra Ranges, visit: melbourne.vic.gov.au/safe-city-cameras.

The City of Melbourne, Whitehorse City Council, Hume City Council, East Gippsland Shire Council and Horsham Rural City Council were all included in a 2018 audit by the Victori-

an Auditor General’s Office which looked at bth corporate and public safety CCTV systems used by these councils and found, at the time, that there were no ‘instances of inappropriate use of surveillance systems or footage’ but all of them could have improved their security measures to protect the cameras themselves.

Whitehorse City Council Mayor Andrew Davenport said CCTV can help to improve public safety and protect community buildings and facilities and that they work collaboratively with Victoria Police to ensure CCTV footage is available to them.“The three public locations in Whitehorse with CCTV systems are Mitcham’s Britannia Mall, Box Hill Mall and Box Hill Gardens. These cameras were funded by grants from the State Government. Council now has the ongoing ownership and maintenance responsibilities for this equipment. This footage is only accessible by Victoria Police,” he said.

“Several of Council’s facilities have internally focussed CCTV systems: our Aqualink sites, Box

Hill Town Hall, other sports and arts facilities, customer service centres and our recycling and waste centre. This footage is kept and accessed in accordance with legislative requirements and then deleted.”

The City of Yarra is one of the only councils in the state to openly state that it does not operate surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras, in public spaces.

On their website, the City of Yarra said the evidence on the effectiveness of CCTV for crime prevention is inconclusive.

“We view CCTV as a standard police operational tool and that the installation and management of such systems should be the responsibility of the Victorian Government,” it reads.

“Instead, we apply Crime Prevention through Environmental Design principles, which aim to deter criminal behaviour through optimising physical environments in order to lessen the opportunity for crime. Examples include lighting and clear sightlines to ensure visibility.”

Expert weighs in on CCTV’s ability to help solve crimes

By Oliver Winn

Though the role CCTV plays in deterring criminals has been well documented, there’s little research into CCTV’s effectiveness in helping police solve crime in Australia.

But, the literature available shows CCTV does help in solving property damage, theft and burglary incidents in quieter areas, such as the towns across the Yarra Ranges.

Research manager at the Australian Institute of Criminology Anthony Morgan co-authored the research article ‘Does CCTV Help Police Solve Crime’ and said police were more likely to request footage for incidents from locations where other forms of surveillance were less likely to be available.

“There’s an argument to be made that police will be more likely to draw upon CCTV footage because there’s a lack of other potential witnesses,” he said.

But whether it helps police actually solve crime is harder to determine, due to a lack of research and the many factors influencing police investigations.

Despite this, Mr Morgan said a compan-

ion piece published alongside his other article showed police highly valued CCTV footage.

“We know that nine in 10 investigators reported using the footage when it was available… and two-thirds said they were able to use it for the reason that they’d actually requested the footage.”

“So from that point of view, absolutely we can say police definitely benefit or perceive a benefit in having access to CCTV footage,” Mr Morgan said.

Townships across the Yarra Ranges are quieter than those closer to the city, especially at night, resulting in less passive witnesses around to assist in investigations.

But, the state of CCTV networks among these towns have gone downhill due to township community groups bearing the onus to maintain these cameras, some of which have disbanded.

As crime in the Yarra Ranges increases alongside the rest of the state, calls for a properly maintained CCTV network grows.

Mr Morgan’s article highlights how CCTV helps solve property damage incidents, with an eight per cent increase in clearance rates when police had access to footage.

For assault offences, CCTV wasn’t observed to

There’s little research into CCTV’s role in aiding investigation. (Unsplash)

increase clearance rates for incidents which took place during the day and until 12 am.

This is due to many factors, such as assault victims usually knowing their offender and in-

vestigators mostly relying on witness and victim reports.

But, CCTV greatly benefited police when investigating assault incidents occurring between midnight and 6 am, with a 28 percentage point increase in clearance rates.

Mr Morgan’s article also highlighted the importance of a well maintained CCTV network, as it’s crucial police can quickly access the footage they need.

“If the reason for installing the cameras is to monitor and collect evidence for the potential investigations that might occur as a consequence of the crime, then you need to have the resourcing and the capability to be able to provide that footage to police in a timely way,” Mr Morgan said. But if a camera network isn’t well maintained, then cooperation between the police and the CCTV operator isn’t as efficient and can result in longer wait times to access footage.

The article also states the most frequently reported problem with CCTV footage was due to poor image quality, showing how older models of CCTV cameras with lower resolution recordings can impede on investigator’s efforts to solve crime.

CCTV networks run by Victorian councils in public spaces are not uncommon. (Unsplash)

CAPTURING THE YARRA RANGES

Council non-committal

By Mikayla van Loon

This week, Star Mail brings you the sixth and final week of the Capturing the Yarra Ranges campaign which sought to better understand the current CCTV network and what solutions were possible to reinstate this community infrastructure.

From discussions with police, community groups, experts, State politicians and Federal candidates, the identified path forward was for the council to take on the responsibility.

Star Mail posed this to Yarra Ranges Council with a list of 12 questions to be answered regarding its initial involvement when funding was Federally allocated, whether it had undertaken a cost analysis, engaged with the community and whether a CCTV network was a priority for the municipality.

A public statement was issued in reply.

Yarra Ranges Council chief executive officer Tammi Rose was attributed to the response and said it was not possible for the council to fund the CCTV network.

“In a financially constrained environment and during a cost of living crisis, the high cost of maintaining and replacing public CCTV cameras

would mean either a reduction of services elsewhere, or ratepayers would find the increased cost reflected in their rates,” she said.

“We see either option as unacceptable.”

Despite being asked, Ms Rose did not comment on how the community had been engaged in the discussion and whether or not council managed CCTV had been put to residents as an option.

Star Mail is, however, aware of community discussions held between local Victoria Police members and the Yarra Ranges Township Group Network, and Casey Liberal candidate Aaron Violi.

The council’s community engagement policy does state it will seek “local experience, information and evidence…to make an informed decision”.

In conducting pre-draft budget engagement sessions and questionnaires with the community, people were asked to rank council services by priority.

Under connected and healthy communities, the top two priorities were firstly, community services and secondly, community safety.

Yarra Ranges Council’s community safety services include animal management, school crossings, emergency management and local laws and regulatory compliance.

Within the health and safety responsibilities of Victorian councils, community safety can include CCTV security cameras.

“Council does not manage public CCTV cameras and does not have the resources to do so,” Ms Rose said.

Yarra Ranges Council is one of few which does not operate a CCTV network, as Star Mail has investigated and presented in this edition.

Ms Rose said it was the financial burden of maintaining and operating the camera network, and the lack of funding for this purpose, which has seen the cameras become unusable.

“Under the arrangement at the time, township groups were to be responsible for maintaining these cameras, and Victoria Police would have access to footage for investigative purposes,” she said.

“Unfortunately, the reality is that maintaining many CCTV cameras is extremely expensive, more than township groups – comprised of vol-

unteers, locals and business owners - should be expected to shoulder.

“We understand that the impact of this is that cameras fall into disrepair and no longer serve their purpose as a crime deterrent or investigation tool for police.”

Star Mail did ask whether the council had undertaken a cost study of the associated costs of operation and infrastructure. An answer was not given.

Instead Ms Rose said the council hoped for a Federal Government solution.

“It is unfortunate that the Federal Government of the time did not allocate ongoing funding to maintain or replace cameras as needed,” she said.

“We are hopeful that the Federal Government may find funding streams available to maintain and improve these cameras, to remove this cost burden from township groups, or find an arrangement with Victoria Police to allocate funding for these pieces of policing infrastructure.”

There was no mention of the council advocating for this on behalf of the community, however.

‘It’d be a shame to lose it’: Commit to funding CCTV call

By Mikayla van Loon

When Star Mail set out on this six week campaign, the premise was to provide a solution, instead all we can offer is a proposal, one that begins with funding from the Federal Government and ends with Yarra Ranges Council managing the system.

But with no one financially committed to upgrading the CCTV network, nor a clear path forward, this vital infrastructure will essentially cease to exist, most likely sooner rather than later.

Mooroolbark Police Sergeant Cal Cunningham told Star Mail at the beginning of this campaign that come the end of this financial year, both the Yarra Ranges Safety Camera Network group and its little remaining funding would conclude.

“The way these camera systems are, they’re all owned technically, by the local groups. So when they were originally installed there were some cost savings in the installs, and for a period of time, the group that set up the cameras, the Yarra Ranges Camera Network, had some leftover funding they could put towards maintenance,” he said.

“So as of this financial year, the funds will have been used up for what maintenance money is left.”

The way Sgt Cunningham presented it, there were three possible paths forward.

“We’re reliant on either these systems being replaced with new Federal Government funding, or the council looking at investing and taking over

the systems and then providing maintenance and funding for that, or relying on these groups to fundraise themselves,” he said.

“It’d be a shame to lose it. There’s already been money spent on it, so then to let it fall and go to waste would be a shame.”

As a State Government entity, Victoria Police would be unable to manage any funds or grants to operate the CCTV system despite being the primary beneficiary of the cameras.

“The community doesn’t necessarily always see the benefits of the cameras and what they’re doing, and makes it hard for the police because we probably see the most benefit,” he said.

“The difficulty for police is we can’t get involved in the money or funding side of things, we have to stay away from that.”

Sgt Cunningham did, however, point to the fact that under a council’s responsibilities, CCTV cameras was something it could provide.

“We would like the council to get more involved because it makes sense. The council covers all the areas where these cameras are, and Yarra Ranges is not the only area that has these community cameras, other council areas have similar systems and the ones that have been the most successful and work properly are the ones that are council run,” he said.

“Part of the council’s responsibility is safety and this would be a massive tool.”

Other council areas which operate and manage CCTV networks also instate their own privacy policies, which follow the Australian Privacy Act,

Without a funding commitment, the Yarra Ranges CCTV network will cease to exist. (Unsplash)

to ensure access to footage is limited to police and the council.

Sgt Cunningham said, as it stands, police are the only ones able to access footage.

“Access to the footage, even though they’re community based cameras, it’s restricted to police who currently have access to it. If the council were to take over, then it’d be police and council.”

While “funding is a big thing” and the key driver at the moment, Sgt Cunningham said there were other options police would like to investigate to add to community safety and crime prevention in the Yarra Ranges.

“If we’re going to move forward and get new funding we’ve come with new ideas to make the cameras work better for everyone,” he said.

“So one of the concepts is a mobile trailer that has a camera setup like a portable light tower and they can be used for all types of things. There

might be community events where there’s a lot of setup involved and keeping that safe and again, that could feed back to the police station as a security but also at events you’ve got kids who may go missing, to have those cameras is invaluable.

“So an example of that, there was an event in Mooroolbark a while back at Hookey Park, and a person with a disability went missing and with the working cameras we were able to track where that person went and find them and reunite them.

“Another idea of these trailer concepts, if we get new funding, would be we could target hot spots. If we’ve got an area where crimes are happening a lot but police can’t be everywhere at once we could set up the mobile cameras which will hopefully then prevent that area from being targeted by offenders.

“Even if there’s no crime going on, there’s nothing wrong in that area, we can still set up a trailer and move it around to keep criminals guessing.”

Neighbouring council area, Cardinia Shire, acts as an example of this, deploying a mobile CCTV camera to hot spots where required.

“Victoria Police and Council work together to deploy the mobile CCTV units in different locations within the Cardinia Shire to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. These units aim to reduce crime and improve public perceptions of safety,” Cardinia Shire Council’s website reads. That aside, the ask from both township and traders groups, as well as police, is first and foremost, a funding commitment.

Yarra Ranges Council has said it is financially unable to manage and operate a community CCTV network. (Stewart Chambers: 379657)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Legg lands artist position

By Mikayla van Loon

Mont De Lancey has embarked on a new and exciting venture with a local watercolour artist to activate and enliven its gallery space.

Mount Evelyn’s Donna Legg has joined the historic homestead as the first artist in residence, welcomed officially into the fold in early March.

The idea sprang from Donna’s involvement and help in coordinating an exhibition for the Mount Evelyn Art Collective in October last year.

“People came from everywhere. We had tour groups too that came in. People were happy just popping in and staying a bit longer than they probably thought they would,” Mont De Lancey president Jill Sebire said.

“It’s good for the community and for Mont De Lancey. Then we realised this was probably a good idea to have an artist in residence and now that is what Donna is. She’s our artist in residence, she’s excited, we’re doubly excited.”

Slightly apprehensive about undertaking the role and the commitment, it took Donna a while to agree but has been so pleased with the amount of encouragement since she took the leap.

“I was not sure I could handle anything else, because I was obviously so busy at home and with everything else I juggle but I thought about it, and the girls of Mont De Lancey and my family, my friends, everyone have been very encouraging and said I can do it,” Donna said.

“I like to put my whole heart into whatever I do. So I wanted to make sure I could do it before I said yes.

“Everything’s just been falling into place. It just feels like it’s meant to be. The group here at Mont De Lancy, everyone’s fantastic from Jill and the team to the blacksmiths and the woodturners. They’re just so welcoming. It’s just such a great community. It’s so good to be a part of and it actually feels like I’ve been here forever.”

In just the few weeks that Donna has been showcasing her art and taking up residence in

the Ray Oliver Gallery space, she said the engagement has been wonderful.

“The amount of people that walk past, and they just come in, and they just love looking around. The conversations that it creates. It’s just been fun. It’s been enjoyable,” she said.

An added bonus for Donna is the forced time to create and paint in her in-house studio.

“I’ve got this little studio set up here, which I can come at any time and paint from there. So that’s been good for me, because it makes me paint and that’s something I don’t always do.

“Coming on a regular basis and sitting and painting has been great for me, means that I can try and paint more than I would usually do at home.”

For a space that often had the doors closed, Jill said it has been like a breath of fresh air having a permanent exhibition, especially because “art is such a nice, happy thing that makes you feel good”.

Mont De Lancey is located at 71 Wellington Road, Wandin North and is open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm.

Outside of Me mother-son exhibition launches at Burrinja

By Tanya Steele

Outside of Me has launched at Burrinja this week, with mother and son Leticia Hodson and Wade Keighley presenting their art to the world in a captivating display which opened Saturday 29 March.

The unique exhibition has captured a feeling many parents may be familiar with - the moment you see your child standing in their universe, still with you but now an amazing human doing wonderful things on their own.

Leticia’s son Wade at 13 has captured an array of beautiful shapes and colours in patterned and large canvas works.

His passionate but cultivated art sits alongside his mother’s highly detailed and stunning portraits of her son, capturing him in his moments of creation.

“I do wallpaper painting, which means it’s really big, I like big canvases,” Wade said.

Together the two artists have created a fun and thoughtful exhibition for all to enjoy, with contrast, colour and mixed feelings of joy to heartache radiating from the walls of the Aerie.

Leticia said the main reason the exhibit is called Outside of me stems from the that idea that as a parent, you have to teach skills and there’s a lot of work that goes into learning skills when kids are young.

“Wade’s got a big personality. Schools hard skills can be hard and frustrating, whereas here in this space he can be whatever he wants to be and create whatever he wants to create,” she said.

Parent Leticia said Wade has been working alongside artist Macarena Ocea for the last two years, which is where Wade began to create his own style, separate and different to her own.

“He’s extremely expressive and uses a lot of colour, I work very detailed and very tight,” she said.

Letitica said that the process of Wade’s art is completely different to hers and her being separate to the process creates more freedom for him to express himself.

“He can make mess, and he can make chaos, and he can create,” she said.

Leticia said she had been looking for an outlet for Wade to be social and hone some of his fine motor skills and when he met Macarena

through the Aerie the duo became friends.

“Macarena is a very good friend,” said Wade.

“We also paint,” he said.

“I began to teach him a little bit here and there,” Macarena said.

Macarena is an artist who does punch needs work and who has loved developing a friendship and working artist relationship with Wade, the two speak a little Spanish to each other and listen to some of Wade’s favourite pop songs while they both work on their separate projects.

“He allows me to be playful as well,” she said.

Macarena said Wade’s style is inspired by his music and the process starts quite loose but becomes quite intentional, creating large canvas works in a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes.

“Patterning is like the way he kind of evolved into the painting,” she said.

“He will go into repetition and create different patterns that way, where they come to life.”

“It’s a combination of freedom, joy and sort of movement around it, but it’s very followed by pattern, where I do see a kind of perfectionism.”

Wade was born with Down syndrome and while this is important, it’s not what has driven the art he has created or been the reason for it.

“Down syndrome is not the centre of the story – however yes, it’s relevant,” said Leticia.

“It’s helped his talent, but he lives very much in the moment, and he doesn’t see the world the same way we do.

“He’s not he has no self-doubt, he does it

purely for him.”

“When I see Wade doing something amazing, I feel like I’m in the presence of something quite magical, he is capable of anything,” said Macarena.

As a parent Leticia has seen the friendship and Wade’s style as an artist flourish and has been able to enjoy it from the sidelines.

“This whole side of him has nothing to do with me,” said Leticia.

Representing around a year’s worth of work for both artists the joint exhibit will be open until 11 May.

The free exhibition will be on display at Burrinja in Upwey, Wednesday to Sunday from 10am - 4pm.

Donna Legg has joined Mont De Lancey as its first artist in residence, something Jill Sebire said has been a win-win for everyone. (Stewart Chambers: 468222)

Wade has a joyful personality that emerges into his work. (Tanya Steele: 468886).

Keeping it polite in debates

WOORILLA WORDS

When was the last time you had a meaningful conversation with a friend or relative over coffee or over a drink with a mate while watching football?

In previous generations, political discussions were seen as a normal (even expected) part of social life.

Today, there’s a stronger emphasis on avoiding topics that might cause discomfort, especially in casual settings.

And you may even have been brought up to believe that certain subjects were not to be raised socially.

As the saying went: Never discuss politics, sex, or religion in polite company.

To do so was considered a social faux pas, a red line not to be crossed.

Better to stick to the comfort of banal everyday topics.

While sex has long left this trio of socially unacceptable topics and religion is no longer a dominant force in a predominantly secular society, politics still remain the last major socially taboo subject.

In Australia, there’s a reluctance to engage in political or philosophical debates in social settings.

The rise of cancel culture, political correctness, and extreme polarization makes people wary of saying the “wrong” thing.

Instead of engaging in healthy argument, many choose silence or stick to their own ideological circles.

And that is a sad and worrying situation.

Reasons for this could be that people are more divided than ever.

Many fear that expressing a political opinion can strain fragile friendships and ruin family relationships.

Some even worry about professional consequences. And most no longer have the skills to argue constructively.

So they remain trapped in echo chambers created by the social media of their choice.

While the reluctance to talk about politics is understandable, avoiding these discussions entirely weakens our democracy.

In less than five weeks we will be asked to exercise our democratic right and cast a vote to elect our next government.

Looking back to Ancient Greece, the birthplace of democracy philosopher Plato believed that engaging in argument helps individuals grow intellectually and morally.

By questioning their own beliefs and considering different points of view people become more rational and just.

Without argument, Plato feared that people would be easily misled by emotional appeals or

propaganda.

A society that values debate is less likely to fall under the rule of demagogues who manipulate the masses.

Today, we are constantly bombarded with information, emotional outrage, identity driven narratives and carefully crafted slogans rather than deep discussion of issues.

Platforms like X, TikTok, and Facebook encourage short, viral, emotionally charged content over thoughtful, nuanced arguments.

Complex discussions get oversimplified, and those who engage in real debate are often drowned out by sensationalism.

Time poor people often react quickly without reflecting or engaging in real argument or identifying misinformation.

Wrong information always shown by the media

Negative images is the main criteria

Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria.

Where Is the Love?” – Black Eyed Peas

With 24/7 news cycles filled with crises, many people feel overwhelmed by politics and prefer to disengage during social get-togethers to avoid stress or burnout.

Although writing shortly after WW1 in 1919 and long before the influence of social media WB Yeats in The Second Coming captures the chaos when reasoned discussions and meaningful conversations break down.

He is suggesting when rational voices remain silent extreme voices dominate and society suffers.

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,

The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere

The ceremony of innocence is drowned;

The best lack all conviction, while the worst

Are full of passionate intensity.

Plato also taught that by engaging in debate, people could move beyond opinion and get closer to true knowledge.

The challenge is to create spaces where political conversations can be respectful, open-minded, and constructive rather than divisive or confrontational as often is the case on social media.

While argument often involves disagreement, Plato saw it as a path to greater understanding.

In a well-functioning society, people must reason together to find the best solutions rather than simply follow authority, tradition or self interest.

We pride ourselves on being a democracy where each voice should count.

Avoiding discussing issues maybe keeps things comfortable but it also prevents from refining ideas and learning from others and electing the best representatives.

A healthy democracy depends on informed, engaged citizens who are willing to discuss, debate, and listen.

Plato saw education as the key to fostering critical thinking but the modern curriculum in schools and universities mostly ignores logic, debate and philosophy leaving many without skills that are more than ever needed today to take part in civil discourse.

In fact, the word argument itself is now mostly understood as an exchange of opposite or diverging views, typically a heated or angry one rather than as a reason or set of reasons given in support of an idea, action or theory.

Political issues are often complicated, and misinformation is widespread.

Many feel they don’t have enough knowledge to engage in a meaningful discussion.

For many platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) are the sole source of their information and as we all know there is little objective analysis here, more often certain amplified views where people interact mostly with those who share their beliefs.

And there is oversimplification of complex issues and as Alexander Pope reminds:

A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.

He is warning against superficial understanding in debate, suggesting that true wisdom comes from deep study and reflection.

Many with busy lives would perhaps find this a hard ask.

When time is so limited they turn to easy grabs from social media instead of in depth articles or podcasts.

There is also increased polarization making conversations feel more like battlegrounds than discussion.

When people perceive political disagreements as personal attacks, they avoid these topics altogether to maintain relationships.

To preserve harmony, they steer clear of controversial topics.

In The Republic, Plato argued that the ideal society is one ruled by philosopher-kings—wise leaders trained in reasoning and debate. He saw argument as a tool for identifying the most capable rulers and ensuring that decisions were made based on wisdom rather than power or persuasion.

Politicians of all persuasions are masters at avoiding answering a question and will either lead the interviewer away or give a totally different answer that has nothing to do with the initial question posed.

It is up to us to make sure we get the truth.

A Poison Tree can be read as a cautionary metaphor for what happens when difficult or contentious topics—like politics—are avoided rather than discussed openly.

In the poem, the speaker resolves anger with a friend through direct conversation, but with a foe, they suppress their emotions which ultimately leads to something destructive.

A Poison Tree By William Blake (1794)

I was angry with my friend: I told my wrath, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe: I told it not, my wrath did grow. And I watered it in fears, Night and morning with my tears; And I sunned it with smiles, And with soft deceitful wiles. And it grew both day and night, Till it bore an apple bright. And my foe beheld it shine, And he knew that it was mine, And into my garden stole, When the night had veiled the pole: In the morning glad I see My foe outstretched beneath the tree.

Picnic time for teddy bears at Japara Bridge in Kilsyth

By Mikayla van Loon

Kilsyth’s teddy bear picnic is returning for another year encouraging family time and social connection in one of the suburb’s beautiful parks.

The initiative of Kilsyth Community Action Group, Japara Community Hub, with support of Yarra Ranges Council and Bendigo Bank, aims to bring families together for a free picnic on Saturday 5 April at Japara Bridge within Elizabeth Bridge Reserve.

Organiser Mieke Alexander said it’s about offering a no cost event where parents and children can meet new people, play games and have fun, with their favourite teddy in tow of course.

“It’s about offering a bit of respite from the pressures of life and just enjoying our wonderful local parks, The Bridge and the gardens are down there, giving people an opportunity to play and relax for an hour and a half, two hours,” she said before the inaugural event in 2024.

Having games setup for the children, as well

as colouring and other activities, Mieke said they will again be “keeping it simple” with people encouraged to bring a picnic and share in conversation with those who have sat next to them.

A coffee van has been arranged for the day to keep the adults happy and thriving as well.

“It’s predominantly about family time, that’s my aim,” Mieke said.

But it is also about activating Kilsyth, the place commonly known as having no central meeting point.

“This is about really making people aware of the green space we have here. They can develop awareness of the community house, the park, the community group KCAG and also just say hello to someone there.”

Join local families and community members at Japara Bridge from 11.30am to 2pm to be a part of the fun.

Japara Bridge is located at 49 Durham Road, Kilsyth.

Join at Japara Bridge for the annual teddy bear picnic for games, conversation and fun. (Supplied)

When was the last time you had a healthy debate with your friends over coffee? (Unsplash)

Sharing is showing caring

The need for donations has spiked during the cost-of-living crisis as more and more families doing it tough turn to community charity.

While the need for charity grows, the number of donations to volunteer organisations drops.

At Easter time, we see people make the conscious effort to put their hand in their pocket and give back.

The Royal Children’s Hospital rely heavily on donations, many generously taking part during their Good Friday Appeal.

Similarly, local charities rely on community kindness, funds and time dedicate to volunteering.

I know this can be a real challenge at the best of times.

People are finding it hard to give as we are all feeling the financial pinch.

The state of

affairs

Cindy McLeish MP Member for Eildon

Despite the struggles, we know the smallest donation can make a positive difference.

Each year I donate Easter hampers to all the kindergartens in my electorate to raffle.

A lucky family wins the hamper, with all proceeds going to the kindergarten to put towards new equipment, maintenance or projects.

Delivering the hampers is one of my favourite

The third and last instalment in Australian author Ellie Marney’s “None Shall Sleep Sequence” was recently published.

It is time to review these awesome crime thrillers.

Excellent thriller series PASSION FOR PROSE

Published in September 2020, None Shall Sleep is set in 1982 in Virginia, where Emma and Travis, both in their late teens, are recruited by the FBI Behavioural Science unit to conduct interviews with convicted juvenile killers for information on cold cases.

This arrangement makes sense due to their unique experiences – Emma is the sole survivor of a brutal serial killer three years earlier, while Travis’ father was a US Marshal murdered by the country’s most infamous juvenile serial killer.

An additional rationale is that juvenile killers tend to clam up against adult detectives and psychiatrists but are more likely to communicate to other teens.

However, when Emma and Travis are called to provide insight and advice on an active case, they must turn to Simon, the incarcerated teenage sociopath and killer of Travis’ father. Highly intelligent and manipulative, Simon agrees to help, but quickly develops a fascination with Emma.

He also has a long game to play, while the killer out there continues to wreak havoc.

It is easy for adult readers and fans of psychological crime thrillers to enlist works such as Silence of the Lambs and Mindhunter in their criticism of the book.

Indeed, in the story, Emma and Travis often struggle against the prevalent adult stereotype that teenagers are naval-gazers incapable of working as independent, effective and efficient professionals.

This constant tension is highlighted in the book as a flaw in the FBI system. More importantly, it alerts Emma and Travis to their own

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

mindset and work while helping to strengthen their friendship and mutual support.

As a novel targeting readers in their late teens – something else that adult readers tend to forget – the story is intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking as it explains the complex and challenging investigation process and the intricate nature of forensic science and psychoanalysis.

Meanwhile, instead of detailing and/or sensationalising the gory details of past and present crimes, the author trusts us to utilise our own imagination.

Our attention is then drawn to the emotional and psychological transformations that the criminals and their investigators are experiencing.

This helps to build reader empathy for the characters and their struggles, especially in the case of the teenage protagonists.

Both Emma and Travis are realistic and relatable characters, whose dynamic relationship serves as the story’s backbone while easily escaping those romance tropes that can so effortlessly bog down any ordinary story.

Another outstanding character is Simon, whose sophistication and efficacy reminds us of Dr Hannibal Lecter but seems even more terrifying as a 19-year-old.

This reviewer looks forward to reading more interaction between him and Emma.

times of year and is a fun, effective way to give back to the community.

We are lucky enough to have some incredible, hardworking volunteer organisations in the Yarra Ranges supporting those in the Yarra Valley and Upper Yarra.

These organisations are in need of non-perishable foods, material aids and financial support donations.

LinC National, based in the Upper Yarra Valley, provide much needed support to vulnerable people.

They have found cost-of-living has significantly impacted the number of people walking through their door. In the past 18 months, there has been an increase from 60 people per week, to a whopping 350 people utilising the Yarra Junction Fresh Start Program.

This is at only one of their five sites.

Healesville Inter-Church Community Care Inc. (HICCI) also continues to do a terrific job across Healesville and Yarra Glen, providing services for community meals, emergency relief and transport, outreach services, and interest-free loans for those in need.

HICCI have reported general donations have dropped by a third to $37,380 compared to last year’s total of $57,772.

This is indicative of how hard people are doing it in the community.

This Easter, I encourage everyone to take the time to volunteer at an organisation or give to those doing it tough via LinC or HICCI.

A small amount goes a long way.

Working together and supporting each other, we can continue to make the Yarra Ranges a great place to live.

Happy Easter!

Karralyka Theatre

Fleetwood Mac

Bloom pays band tribute Kemp’s curtain call

This world-class performance, led by the incredible Bloom, known as the voice of a generation, brings together a star-studded band and the exquisite strings of the Melbourne Pops Orchestra to create an unparalleled tribute to Fleetwood Mac’s music.

In a performance endorsed by former Fleetwood Mac co-manage Dennis Dunstan, the evening will showcase the entire Rumours album, performed note-for-note alongside the band’s greatest hits.

This masterful production promises to captivatefansofallagesandcelebratethelegacyofone of the most beloved bands in music history.

Season: Saturday 4 April at 8pm to 19pm.

Burrinja Theatre

Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks

Ross Wilson is hitting the road with his all-star band The Peaceniks to celebrate over 50 years of hits including all the Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock favourites you’d expect along with the latest offering from an almost six-decade tracks from his latest EP on Bloodlines Records. She’s Struck on Facebook, All The Time, and everything between.

Season: Sunday 6 April at 4pm.

Jimeoin – Pandemonium

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

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

Season: Friday 11 April at 7.30pm.

Gemco Theatre

Take Ten

Ten by Ten minute plays.

Every year hundreds of amazing authors submit their ten minute plays and only the top ten are performed and published. Were are the top ten plays for 2025.

• Pauline Hosking: Men -OP-Pause

• Pauline Hosking: Suzie’s Birthday

• Jennifer Beasley: Nightmare to Build

• Karl Lee: The Actor

• Parker Stroud: The Butterfly

• Lanka Schirmer: Home

• Gerard Lewis: Fitzgerald

• Yvette Stubbs: The Audition

• Kate Reynolds: Disconnect

• Charles LaBorde 50/50

• Tim Lehnert: The Pub Optimizer

• Season: 2 May from 8pm to 11pm.

• 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald.

Production Schedule

• Auditions: Monday 5 May and Saturday 19 May.

• Rehearsals begin Monday 12 May.

• Regular Rehearsals: Mondays 7pm – 9pm and Saturdays 1pm – 5pm.

• Performance Dates: 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 July.

• One Act Play Festival: to be decided in consultation with the Committee and Cast.

Beekeeper is Better film

A Working Man Starring Jason Statham, David Harbour and Arianna Rivas MA15+ 3.5/5

The latest collaboration between director David Ayer and action star Jason Statham, A Working Man follows Levon Cade (Statham), a commando turned construction worker, who resolves to rescue his boss’s daughter Jenny (Arianna Rivas) from human traffickers.

Statham is a gruff action dynamo as always, but shows more warmth than usual as a loving father and loyal protector of his boss’s family.

Co-written by Ayer and Sylvester Stallone and based on the novel Levon’s Trade by Chuck Dixon, the screenplay features engaging dialogue and dashes of wry humour, and the set-pieces are full of variety, culminating in a haunted house Gatsby party vibe for the thrilling climax.

A Working Man’s action is less stylised and more grounded than in The Beekeeper, Ayer and Statham’s previous film together, but still viscerally satisfying.

A Working Man has too many ineffectual minor antagonists, the main villains are broadlysketched Russian gangsters, and Jenny, the whole

focus of Levon’s crusade, fades into the background.

The film also drags in the middle, with Levon initiating a drug trade to get close to a suspect.

A Working Man would make a fun double-feature with The Beekeeper.

Both films complement one another, and not just in their shared star, director and burly vibe: The Beekeeper has the wilder action, and A Working Man has a much better script.

A punchy, well-written and modestly successful second lightning-strike for Ayer and Statham,

A Working Man is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

BRIMMING WITH CHARACTER AND DUAL ACCESS

BRIMMING WITH CHARACTER, DUAL ACCESS WITH 10M X 13M HIGH CLEARANCE BARN

THE home immediately makes a statement of class, its Edwardian façade, framed by a charming front veranda and a water fountain in manicured cottage gardens. Step inside to discover high ceilings, polished timber floors, and light-filled spaces that exude timeless elegance. The heart of the home is an open plan living and dining area, effortlessly connected to a contemporary kitchen adorned with stone benchtops and premium European stainless steel appliances. French doors extend this space onto a covered alfresco deck, complete with an outdoor kitchen—perfect for entertaining or simply unwinding while overlooking the resort-inspired backyard.

The accommodation includes three spacious bedrooms, each with fitted robes, while a beautifully appointed travertine bathroom offers a deep soaking bath, a walk-in shower, and bespoke cabinetry. A dedicated home office provides an ideal work-from-home setup, and a second light-filled living space, also with French doors, enhances the home’s sense of openness and connection to nature. Additional conveniences such as a well-equipped laundry, a second toilet, and ducted heating ensure year-round comfort.

Beyond the home, the property unfolds into an extraordinary private oasis. Lush, tropical gardens embrace a stunning sandstoneframed saltwater pool, evoking the ambiance of a secluded retreat. A magnificent chestnut tree provides the perfect setting for a cubby house and fire pit, while a charming chook shed completes the idyllic backyard. Practicality meets lifestyle with dual access to a huge 10m x 13m barn featuring high-clearance access and a wood heater — a dream space for tradies or those in need of exceptional storage. A double carport, secure fencing, and ample offstreet parking add to the home’s appeal. Set within a peaceful and welcoming community, with Emerald and Monbulk Townships nearby, this is a home designed to be lived in and loved. A place of privacy, beauty, and effortless comfort, where every moment feels like an escape. The Avonsleigh Store, Bam Bam restaurant and the public bus stop all within walking distance.

** Offers Closing Tuesday 8 April, 4pm (unless sold prior)

HOMES OFFERING NORTHERLY

ASPECT AND VALLEY VIEWS

THE developer, Westrock, and their building partner, Parkridge Homes, are building a boutique turnkey development at Wynnlea in Lilydale – with all houses completed and fully landscaped before they go on the market.

Westrock’s sales partner, LJ Hooker Mooroolbark, launched Stage 1 in late 2023, and all 16 houses in that stage were constructed and sold by the end of 2024. All are now fully occupied, with a good mix of young families and older downsizers already forming a friendly community.

Stage 2, a rolling development of 20 house packages was made available toward the end of 2024, and we have already sold 6 of the first 10 properties to come to the market. As the builders continue working through the development, we expect one or two new houses to become available every month.

Purchasers have noted how spacious the development is, with open land to one side and the Warburton Trail to the other, and views of the hills and out the valley, coupled with

good set-backs on each property, to ensure that everything feels open and welcoming. Every house is individually designed, with all featuring 4 bedrooms, plus at least 2 bathrooms & 2 living areas, and a double garage. Prices currently range between $1,175,000 and $1,350,000.

LJ Hooker Mooroolbark have noted that, “Westrock are raising the standard for boutique developments - by combining a peaceful location, the security of a fully financed builder, and oversight of every design and build, they are creating more than a housing development – it’s a carefully crafted community where every home feels natural, spacious, and seamlessly connected.”

The sales team from LJ Hooker Mooroolbark are on-site every Saturday afternoon from 1.00-1.30, and private inspections are available by appointment. Call LJ Hooker Mooroolbark 9726 7711; Richard Goldsmith: 0407 348 172 and Ben Hudson: 0424 288 954.

12WYNNLEAPLACE,LILYDALE

4 Bed, 2 Bath, 2 Car

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

HIGH

SIDEOFLIFE

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

FAMILY COMFORT WITH CONVENIENCE AND VIEWS

A great family home in a convenient and picturesque location with fantastic everchanging views to admire all year round.

The home is spacious, neat and very well presented offering 3 good size bedrooms all with built-in robes plus an ensuite and walk in robe in the main bedroom.

The kitchen is spacious and well appointed, with ample bench and cupboard space plus a separate meals/dining area.

Sit back, admire and enjoy the picturesque views from the main living/family room. Venture outside and entertain all year round with a covered deck area - it’s the ideal spot to relax and enjoy the colourful vista and established gardens with an array of shrubs and trees.

A great family home in a convenient location, situated just a short stroll to local schools, shops and transport.

ADivineOpportunity– ModernLuxuryin aSereneCountrySetting Welcometoyourdreamhome,a 6-year-oldresidenceofferingallthecomfortsandluxuries ofmodernliving,nestledinthetranquilbeautyof acountrysetting.Thisspacious4-bedroom, 2-bathroomhomesitsonanexpansive1600sqm(approx.)fullyfencedblock.Stepinsideandbe greetedbya mastersuitethatfeelslikea sanctuary.Featuringa grandhisandherswalk-inrobe,a fullensuite,anda cozyornamentalfireplace.Threeadditionalwell-sizedbedrooms,allwithbuilt-in robesandceilingfans,offeramplespaceforthewholefamily.Theheartofthehomeisthestunning kitchen,designedtoimpresswitha 4-meter-longislandbenchand asleekgullylayoutthatany chefwilllove.Stepoutsideontothebackverandah,whichoverlooksthebackyardandoffersa magnificentbushbackdrop.Ideallylocated,thishomeoffersthebestofbothworlds!

MagicalRetreatonOver 1Acre,AdjoiningtheYarraRiver

Nestledamidstmajesticredwoodsandgumtrees,thisbreathtaking3 bedroomhomeoffers aunique blendofrusticcharm,modernstyle,andtranquilliving.Thestylishandmodernkitchenisa dream foranychef,completewitha gascooktop,dishwasher,andplentyofroomforentertaining.The diningroomfeaturesstunninglargewindowsthatinvitetheoutsidein,capturingthebeautyofthe gardenandcreatinga sereneatmosphere.Threegenerouslysizedbedroomsoneincludingbuilt-in robesand astudynookinthethirdbedroom,offeringaflexiblespaceforworkorleisure.Theneat, originalbathroomboasts aclassicclawfootbath.Outside,theimpressive ¾verandahoverlooksthe establishedgardens,providingtheperfectspotforrelaxationorentertaining.Thepropertyspans over 1and1/4acres(5059sq.m)ofland. Adamcompletesthetranquil,privatesetting.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

Getlostandimmerseyourselfinruralparadisewiththissensationallargeacreageproperty!Situated onjustunder43acresapprox,borderingHoddlesCreek,YellingboandCardiniabroadacerageand offeringtheultimateescapeinprivateruralliving.Forthehorseenthusiastyouarespoiltforfacilities withmultiplepaddocks,roundyardand averyimpressive,coveredstadiumsize,arenaallowing allyearroundriding.A hugeproBMXtrackperfectforthemotocrossstarormountainbikerinthe family.A massivelockupgarage/shedandcanopythatwillsuitlargetrucks,primemovers,trailers andheavymachinery.Thehomeisjusta fewyearsoldandhasplentyofspaceforthegrowing familyoffering 4bedrooms,plus amainlivingandfamilyroomideallysituatedlookingouttothe sprawlingandpicturesqueacreage.Anenviablelifestylewithsomethingforeveryone!

DavidCarroll

GreatLocation Agreathomeinpicturesqueandcolourfulsettingwithplentyofspaceforthegrowingfamily, offering 3bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobes.Spaciouslivingandloungeareashaveamplespacefor thebigfamilytoenjoy.Thekitchenisopenandhasplentyofbenchandcupboardspaceplusa separatemeals/diningarea.Outsidethereisloadsofroomforthekidsandpetstoexploreand enjoyandwithjustover3300sqmyoucanletyourimaginationrunwildwithideas.Thewideshady verandah’ssurroundingthehomearetheidealspotforoutdoorentertainingallyearround,sitback relaxandadmiretheoutlookandestablishedgardens.A largelockupgarageandworkshoparea withplentyofextraroomfortrailers,boatsandcaravans. Agreatpropertyon asuperbblock.

13EdwardStreet,Wesburn

HOME FOCUS

A HOME DESIGNED TO EMBRACE SPACE AND NATURE

STANDING proudly at the top of a fully sealed driveway on 3,688m² of lush, landscaped grounds, this architecturally designed, multilevel home is more than just a residence - it’s a sanctuary, meticulously crafted for warmth, connection, and the simple joys of life.

Bathed in golden sunlight through expansive windows, every space feels effortlessly linked to the vibrant gardens outside, where nature weaves its magic into daily living - so much so, you may never need to flick on a light.

Step inside, and you’ll find three distinct living areas, each warmed by its own crackling wood fire heater and illuminated by the everchanging dance of natural light. The formal dining area, embraced by garden views, flows seamlessly into the grand open-plan kitchen -a place where culinary magic comes to life. With granite benchtops, an electric oven and stovetop, an integrated dishwasher, and a walk-in pantry, this kitchen is both a chef’s delight and the heart of the home, overlooking the main family room and the manicured garden oasis beyond.

The upper level is reserved for the luxurious master retreat, accessed via a private parents’ living space that overlooks the downstairs area and showcases stunning cedar-panelled cathedral ceilings. This dreamy escape features a spacious his-and-hers walk-through robe and an ensuite fit for relaxation, complete with a spa bath, shower, and double vanity. Three additional bedrooms are thoughtfully positioned, offering comfort and privacy for family and guests alike. Reverse-cycle heating and cooling ensure year-round comfort, while a powerful 10.5kW solar system enhances

energy efficiency, keeping power bills delightfully low.

An Outdoor Wonderland

Step beyond the home, and the enchantment continues. The gardens, a whimsical blend of cottage charm and native beauty, are designed to be mostly self-sustaining, bursting with color and life through every season. A large, paved entertaining area invites long lunches under the sun and moonlit gatherings under the stars. Just beyond, an expansive open space is perfect for backyard cricket, children’s adventures, or quiet moments soaking in the fresh country air.

For those with a green thumb, a thriving vegetable garden offers a bountiful harvest, adding to the home’s self-sufficient charm. Unparalleled shedding and space for every vehicle

For car enthusiasts, hobbyists, or those running a home business, this property delivers unmatched practicality. A huge 4-car garage with 3-phase power, its own toilet and a built-in workshop provides the perfect setting for restoring classic cars, pursuing passion projects, or running a trade business.

A 4-car carport ensures even more undercover parking, while a second rear entrance allows seamless access for trailers, boats, trucks, or caravans - an absolute dream for those needing secure, off-street storage. With every detail thoughtfully designed to blend comfort, space, and the beauty of nature, this is more than a home - it’s a lifestyle waiting to be embraced. Be quick to inspect, as opportunities like this are as rare as they are magical.

FAMILY HOME ON A FLAT SUNNY BLOCK

TUCKED away in a sunny, flat location, 35 Mahony St offers a spacious and solid family home set on a generous 1104m² (approx.) block. This impressive property features four large bedrooms, providing ample room for the entire family. The master bedroom comes complete with an ensuite, while the other bedrooms are bright and well-sized, each equipped with ceiling fans for year-round comfort.

The home boasts two recently updated bathrooms, offering modern finishes that combine both style and practicality. The heart of the home is the open-plan living space, where bi-fold doors open up to an expansive entertaining area and a flat, sunlit backyardideal for outdoor living and relaxation.

For those who enjoy cooking, the kitchen is complemented by a butler’s pantry, offering plenty of storage and workspace. The home is equipped with both ducted heating and a Coonara wood fire for warmth, while a split system provides cooling in the warmer months, ensuring a comfortable environment no matter the season.

Additional features include a large shed, perfect for storage or as a workshop, and plenty of off-street parking, with space to accommodate a caravan or boat. The property is ideally located close to the town centre, with easy access to all essential amenities, making it a perfect choice for families looking for both space and convenience.

This solid family home offers the perfect combination of modern living and outdoor space, all in a highly sought-after location. Don’t miss your chance to make 35 Mahony St your forever home.

HILLSIDE HAVEN WITH TREE VIEWS

PERFECTLY positioned on an elevated 1,345sqm (approx.) block in one of Belgrave’s most peaceful pockets, this inviting split-level residence combines a calming natural setting with unbeatable access to all the essentials. Whether you’re looking to nest, invest or retreat into the Hills lifestyle, this property offers the perfect balance of space, charm, and location.

Set well back from the road, a sealed driveway leads you to steps to the undercover front verandah—an idyllic welcome and a beautiful spot to soak in the morning sun or listen to birdsong over an evening cuppa. Elevated above the surrounding landscape, the home enjoys serene treetop outlooks from every angle, creating a true sense of escape.

Step inside and you’re greeted by an open-plan kitchen and dining area that feels bright, airy, and well-connected. The kitchen features a gas stove, a pantry, and a large window that frames leafy views, bringing the outside in. The adjoining lounge, finished with carpet, features a woodfire heater for those crisp Hills evenings, along with a brand-new split system—comfort is well and truly covered. A sliding door opens out to the verandah, making it easy to unwind while immersed in nature.

The upper-level houses three generously sized, carpeted bedrooms, all with built-in robes. The master bedroom includes a split system and direct access to the outdoors— ideal for enjoying the cool evening breeze or

stepping out with a morning coffee. A central family bathroom, separate toilet, and a wellappointed laundry with backyard access complete the home’s practical layout.

Outdoors, the property is landscaped with stone retaining walls and low-maintenance gardens, while the large block provides plenty of space for kids, pets, or your future plans. There’s a 3m x 4m garden shed for your tools and toys, and abundant off-street parking for multiple vehicles.

Location-wise, it’s hard to beat. You’re within walking distance of the tranquil Belgrave Lake Park and bushland reserves, and just five minutes to Belgrave township where you’ll find cafes, shops, and the train station for an easy commute into the city. Fountain Gate and Knox Shopping Centres are just 12 and 15 minutes away respectively, giving you access to major retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options. With schools, public transport, and nature all close by, this home offers the best of both worlds— secluded and central.

A rare opportunity to live amongst the trees without losing touch with the everyday.

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.

ImmaculateHomeon aSealedRoad,WalktoTownLocation!

Thisimmaculate4BRmudbrickhomeona 2621sqmblockincockatooistheperfectblendofrustic charmwithmoderncomfort,witha gated,sealeddrivewayofferingplentyofspacefor acaravan orboat,& walkingdistancetotown.Enterthroughtheundercoververandah,wheretimberflooring &tallceilingscreate awarm,invitingambiance.Thegenerousloungeroom,witha woodfire &s/s foryear-roundcomfort.Thekitchen/diningareabathedinnaturallightfrom alargeskylightisboth functional &elegant.Withexposedbrickwalls,softclosecabinetry& stonebenchtops.Themaster bedroomfeaturingstunningleadlightwindows,WIR& ensuite.Stepouttotheundercoverarea withviewsofthebackgarden.Threeadditionalbedroomsfeatureclerestorywindows.Fullyfenced garden,witha courtyard,veggiepatchwithwateraccess,gardenshed,& fencedrearpaddock.

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

Solid &SpaciousFamilyHomeon aPrivateAcre!

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

Stunning4-BedroomHomeinEmerald. NestledbesideWrightsForest &offeringdirectaccesstolocalwalkingtracks,thisrecentlyupdated 4-bedroom,2-bathroomhomecombinesmodernlivingwithnaturalserenity.Seton aspacious 2925sqmblock,thepropertyhasa private,expansiveoutdoorspacewhilebeingclosetoamenities. Inside,thelight-filledopen-planlivingareafeaturessoaringceilings,floatingfloors&alargeskylight. Theheartofthehomeisthestunningkitchenwith aspaciousisland,modernappliances &a walkinpantry.Themastersuiteoffersprivacywitha walk-inrobe,ensuite& directverandahaccess.3 bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobes, Aseparateoffice &studyareacatertowork-from-homeneeds. Thelargeshed &ampleparkingspaceprovidestorage &roomforrecreationalvehicles.Withits generousyard &tranquillocation,thishomeofferstheperfectbalanceofcomfort &privacy.

Spacious5-BedroomFamilyHomeinPrimeUpweyLocation. This5-bedroom,2-bathroomhomeofferscomfort,privacy &convenienceon a991sqmblock.Enjoy stunningcityviews& breathtakingsunsetsfromthefrontdeck,accessedviathelounge& master bedroom.Thekitchenoverlooksa peacefulreargarden &connectstoa brightdining/loungearea withtimberfloors,tallceilings &plentyofnaturallight.Splitsystem &GDHensureyear-roundcomfort. ThemainlevelincludesthreebedroomswithBIR,a centralbathroomwitha floatingvanity &celestial window.Downstairsfeaturestwospaciousbedroomswithfloor-to-ceilingwindows,tiledflooring& secondmodernbathroom—idealforteens,guests,ora homeoffice.Outside,a singlecarport& fencedbackyardofferspaceforpets,entertaining,orrelaxing.Allwithinwalkingdistancetolocal shops,schools& thetrainstationina peaceful,tree-linedsetting.

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

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 Medicinal allotment (6)

4 Propagates (8)

9 Extrinsic (5)

10 Malformed (9)

11 Spiritual (5)

12 Beatles song, –Wood (9)

13 Band member (8)

15 Buy back (6)

16 Gruff (6)

18 Region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea (8)

23 Lasting (9)

24 Dance (5)

26 Pathological self-admirer (9)

27 Ancient (5)

28 Sapling (8)

29 Land surrounded by water (6)

DOWN

1 Division into two contrasted aspects (7)

2 Issue (5)

3 Non-specific (7)

5 Haunt (6)

6 Attain (7)

7 Pleasure (9)

8 Word with same meaning (7)

10 Japanese comic (5)

14 'Back to – –' (6,3)

16 Coniferous tree (7)

17 Labour (7)

19 A native people of Central America (5)

20 Traditions (7)

21 Examined (7)

22 Gentle and kind (6)

25 The press, collectively (5)

Kilsyth Cricket Club’s best and fairest award winners

By Les Hutchings

Kilsyth Cricket Club recently held its vote count for the Club’s Best and Fairest Awards for both the Women’s and Men’s Teams.

In every home and away match, the best three players in each grade are awarded 3, 2 and 1 votes, respectively by three separate people, including the umpire/s and opposition Captain. So, a player can earn a maximum of 9 votes in any particular round. After an exciting vote count, the top three place-getters for both the women and men were as follows:

WOMEN’S BEST AND FAIREST

• First Place: Ashleigh Katoa 63 votes

• Second Place: Avanthi Jayawickrema 35 votes

• Third Place: Belinda Hutchings 29 votes

MEN’S BEST AND FAIREST – THE ANDREWARTHA MEDAL

• First Place: Andy Solomons 66 votes

• Second Place: Anthony Cook 52 votes

• Third Place: Rhys McKean 50 votes

The Awards will be presented at the Club’s Senior Presentation Night to be held on Saturday 26 April at Club Kilsyth.

Kilsyth Women’s First XI Captain Ashleigh Katoa had an outstanding season, leading her team to the C Grade premiership, resulting in back-toback flags for the women. In the home and away season, Ashleigh scored 373 runs at an average of 93.25 from 9 innings. Her highest score was 103 retired not out (13 fours and 3 sixes) with an impressive strike rate of 133.8. Additionally, she scored 38 in the semi-final (run out off the last ball of Kilsyth’s innings) and 73 (10 fours and 2 sixes) in the Grand Final to give her a total of 484 runs at 80.67 for the season. Ashleigh is also a handy bowler, taking 6 wickets in the home and away season (best bowling 2/10), and 1/14 off 4 overs in the Semi-Final. Furthermore, her baseball background makes Ashleigh an excellent fielder with a strong throwing arm, resulting in 2 run-outs and 7 catches during the season. Following her excellent season, Ashleigh has been selected in the Cook Islands International Women’s Squad of 14, who will be playing in the Bali Bash T20 Tournament in April. Cook Islands will be competing in the T20 series against Indonesia, the Philippines and the Australian Indian Women’s Cricket Association XI. Consequently, Ashleigh is set to become Kilsyth Cricket Club’s first ever international women’s player, which would

be something everyone at the Club will be very proud of.

As mentioned above, Andy Solomons won the Men’s Best and Fairest Award. A fully fledged all-rounder, Andy also had a wonderful season in the RDCA’s top grade, the Trollope Shield. As an attacking number 3 batsman, Andy scored 543 runs at an average of 38.79, including 5 half

centuries and a highest score of 85 when he had a strike rate off 144.1. As a medium fast bowler, he also captured 23 wickets at 17.48, with best figures of 5/26 against Ainslie Park. Although not included in the Club’s Best and Fairest Award, Andy was also instrumental in getting Kilsyth into the semi-final out of RDCA’s T20 Tournament in which 44 clubs competed. With the bat, Andy scored 328 runs at 46.86 with a highest score of 85 when he had a strike rate off 223.7. With the ball, he captured 13 wickets at 11.15, including a haul of 6/25 against Seville. Both Ashleigh and Andy will captain the Women’s and Men’s First XIs next season and the club look forward to seeing what they and their respective teams can accomplish.

Lilydale Croquet Club’s fine form pushes them to the top

By John Thomson

On Monday 24 March, Lilydale hosted the Ringwood Croquet Club in what was expected to be a very close game with Ringwood in second place on the ladder and Lilydale third.

Craig McCracken and Murray Howlett made up the Lilydale team.

In the doubles, Craig and Murray played extremely well, they could not do a thing wrong, running hoops clearing the opponent’s balls, it all came together for them. Lilydale 7 hoops to Ringwood 1 hoop.

Murray Howlett played in the first singles game. Murray kept up his good form and controlled most of the game, winning 7 hoops to Ringwood 3 hoops. Craig McCracken played in the next singles game. Craig was a bit sluggish getting away and the Ringwood player had built up a lead and was able to hold that lead winning 7 hoops to Lilydale 2 hoops. At the break, the scores were Lilydale 2 games 16 hoops to Ringwood 1 game 11 hoops. With 2 games to play the final result was still up in the air.

Craig McCracken played in the first singles after lunch. Craig had obviously reflected on his previous game and came out and took control from the start. The Ringwood player was trying to get back into the game but Craig had built up a lead and was able to hold it, winning 7 hoops to Ringwood 3 hoops. The last game promised to be a great game with the best players from both clubs going head to head. The Ringwood player got off to a very good start and had the first three hoops on the board before Murray

Howlett got off the mark. Murray fought back and evened the score at six hoops each so the thirteenth hoop had to be played to decide the winner. Ringwood was first to the hoop, both players set up well, unfortunately the Ringwood player madethe wrong tactical decision which let Lilydale in to run the hoop winning 7 hoops to Ringwood 6 hoops. The final score was Lilydale 4 games 30 hoops to Ringwood 1 game 20 hoops.

Lilydale thought that this win would put them into second spot on the ladder, but due to Kew beating top team Monash, Lilydale have rocketed to top spot in Division 1.

The Lilydale Division 2 team played at Monash this week. Lilydale’s team comprised of Alan Jones, Mick Crawley and Kerri McCracken. Mick Crawley and Kerri McCracken played in the doubles. This game was closely fought with both teams going hoop for hoop until Lilydale managed to pull away by a couple of hoops and went on to win 7 hoops to Monash 5 hoops. Alan Jones played in the first singles. Again, this was a close-fought game with both players running consecutive hoops until late in the game when Alan was able to get ahead by a couple of hoops and win 7 hoops to Monash 5 hoops. Mick Crawley played in the next singles game. This game was almost a carbon copy of the first two games with play being even until Lilydale was able to sneak way and win 7 hoops to Monash 5 hoops.

At the lunch break the scores were Lilydale 3 games 21 hoops to Monash 0 games 15 hoops. Lilydale had won the day with two games to play. Kerri McCracken played in the first game after lunch. The Monash player got off to a good

,start and was able to build up a handy break and then maintain the break to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops. Alan Jones played in the last game. Monash started well and was able to build a good lead, Lilydale fought back but it was all a bit late as Monash went onto win 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.

The final score was Lilydale 3 games 29 hoops to Monash 2 games 29 hoops. This win keeps Lilydale in top spot on the ladder.

On Thursday, this week’s handicap team travelled to the bayside suburb of Sandringham. The Lilydale team this week was Murray Howlett, Mick Crawley, Kerri McCracken and Murray McLean.

Murray McLean played in the first singles game. The Sandringham player was starting with a one hoop disadvantage. It was not long before the Sandringham player had made up his one hoop disadvantage and from then on, it was a level play game and the more experienced Sandringham player was able to control most of the game and win 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops.

In the first doubles game, Mick Crawley and Kerri McCracken paired up. Mick and Kerri always seem to combine well. The Sandringham pair were starting with a one hoop advantage. Lilydale started strongly and the combined experience of the Lilydale team was the main difference in this game as they went on to have a comfortable win 7 hoops to Sandringham 2 hoops. Kerri McCracken played in the next singles. Kerri was starting with a one hoop disadvantage. Kerri’s good form continued into this game and although it was a little bit closer than the doubles, she was able to have a good win 7

hoops to Sandringham 4 hoops. Mick Crawley and Murray McLean played in the next doubles. Lilydale were starting with a one hoop disadvantage. Sandringham started well on the other hand, Lilydale were struggling with some tactical decisions and also their hoop running with Sandringham winning 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops. At the lunch break, the scores were Lilydale 2 games 21 hoops to Sandringham 2 games 20 hoops. With two games to play the final result will be decided by which team comes out after the break with the best focus. Mick Crawley played in the first game after lunch. Neither player had an advantage or disadvantage in this game, so it was a straight shoot out between the two players. Mick got away first and put hoop pressure on his opponent from the start. Mick kept up his good play throughout the game, winning 7 hoops to Sandringham 3 hoops. This win gave Lilydale the edge but it would be the last doubles game that would decide the day.

The two Murrays, Howlett and McLean paired up for this game. Lilydale were starting with a one hoop disadvantage while the Sandringham team had a one hoop advantage. Because of the handicaps, the game was close, but the two Murrays were slowly working their way into the game and evening up the score and were eventually able to get a small break and go on to win 7 hoops to Sandringham 5 hoops.

The final scores in a close day were Lilydale 4 games 35 hoops to Sandringham 2 games 28 hoops.

Lilydale are second on the ladder and next week they take on the top team in what promises to be one hell of a game.

L-R: Ashleigh Katoa and Andy Solomons, winners of Kilsyth CC’s Best and Fairest Awards. (Supplied)

Barber haircut for Strikers

By Peter Stephenson

A cloudy, humid Kennel was the scene on Saturday for Barkers’ first home league game of the State 2SE season. Having beaten North Caulfield 2-1 last week, they anticipated a sterner test today, as they faced Peninsula Strikers, a side that had beaten them in their last 4 meetings, scoring 16 goals in the process. Barkers made one enforced change to last week’s side, with James Barber replacing the injured Aaron Porcaro, and Caleb Haberle set to debut from the bench.

In the first minute, Barkers put a ball in from the left for Christian Sapardanis, who shot at Ben Caballero in the Strikers’ goal. After that, the pattern was a wave of Strikers attacks repelled by determined defending from Barkers. First, the ball on the right was laid back for Ethan Goulding for a shot past the post. Then they attacked on the left, with Campbell Steedman crossing a ball which flashed across the Barkers’ goal.

On 17 minutes, a ball from the left found Steedman, whose deft shot hit the post as Barkers keeper Vladi Velikin dived to cover. Then, Cooper Andrews turned and shot, but the lack of power saw Velikin gather safely. Barber was working overtime to contain the threat of Steedman and Andrews – an interesting tactic from coach Dave Stack, as Barber usually plays up front.

Strikers continued to attack, and on 25 minutes, Goulding hit a shot well over the bar. Then, on the half hour, a dangerous Strikers ball on the left was cleared by Porcaro with two forwards closing in. Steedman had a run and shot wide, then Riley Anderton laid back for Matthew Harrington, whose shot hit the bar. Next, Harrington floated a ball in from the left, but Porcaro headed clear. On the half hour, having absorbed a ton of pressure, Barkers ventured into Strikers’ territory. Ross Clark robbed the ball and ran on to send the ball out to Sapardanis, whose first-time shot was blocked by Caballero. Then Marcus Watson sent a low free kick in from the left wing, which was scrambled clear from the near post. Two minutes before the break, a Sean Perrin corner from the left was punched clear from under the bar by Caballero – half-time 0-0 in a fascinating battle. The second half began with Barkers maintaining the momentum they built at the end of the first. Watson was fouled just inside the attacking half, and Clark’s free kick found Tristan Walker, who put the ball into the 6-yard box, but Strikers scrambled clear. Then Antho-

ny Di Crea slipped the ball inside for Clark, who hit a lovely curling ball to the right wing to find Walker in space, but he shot over.

On 53 minutes, Strikers had a corner on the left, from which Steedman scooped the ball over the bar. Then just before the hour, the best chance of the game fell to Clark, whose snap shot from 20 yards forced a brilliant tip wide from Caballero. Watson’s weekly bicycle kick came on 64 minutes. Walker sent Sapardanis down the right, he crossed to the far post and Watson had a try at the spectacular, to no avail.

Unlike the first half, which was all Strikers, the second was an even, gritty contest where no quarter was asked or given. On 67 minutes, a looping Strikers free kick on the left was punched clear by Velikin at his near post. A few minutes later, Watson was put in the clear, but a heavy first touch allowed a defender to get back and tackle. As the game wore on, it was time for the captain to step up.

With 11 minutes left, a Barkers corner from the left was cleared on the far side out to Walker. He laid back for Harry Rushton, who put the ball back into the centre, where Watson had a shot which was superbly pushed away by Caballero. Perrin was first to the rebound, and he calmly picked his way past the defence to slot home from close range to give Barkers the lead.

As with North Caulfield the previous week, Strikers gave Barkers a nervous last 10 minutes. Kyron Kerr curled a ball from the right to the far post, where Jaiden Madafferi headed against the post. Then Jacob Pay unleashed a screamer which brought a spectacular diving save from Velikin. In stoppage time, Velikin made a crucial grab before Haberle almost iced his debut cake, but was thwarted by the keeper. Full-time: Barkers 1-0 Strikers.

Strikers will go away from this game wondering how they didn’t score, but for Barkers, this was an outstanding defensive performance against a strong opponent. All across the back line there were towering displays, but by common agreement, it was Barber, having his first start, who was the rock upon which this win was built. Elsewhere, Barkers looked comfortable on the ball when they got it, and Barkers top the early ladder along with Skye United, the only two sides to have won their opening two games.

The reserves lost 1-3, with the goal coming from Hamish Campbell. They have won one and lost one and lie 7 th in the 12-team ladder. Next Saturday, Barkers travel to local rivals Knox City – kick-off 1pm (reserves) and 3pm (seniors).

Awards presented at Yarra Ranges Little Athletics

By Jamie Strudley

Yarra Ranges athletics would like to thank the wonderful families and athletes who have contributed to the 2024/25 Summer Track and Field season.

Special mentions Cameron Yorke and Mark Peel for being our competition directors over the summer season.

There are many others who have spent countless hours to make the season such a success.

This year 315 athletes registered.

On Saturday we presented out end of season awards to our Little Athletics community. Our main award winners:

■ Don Cruise award: Byron Stark.

Petra Sank award: Andre’ Johanson. Rob Belli award: Zoe Clarke.

■ Presidents Award - Flynn Mullens and Hayley Corrigan.

■ The Family Thank you: The Peels and The Dunlop’s.

Distinguished Service Awards: Uli Homann and Jane Pointon.

7 year service awards: Lexi Aders, Tori Kincaid, Caitlyn Pointon, Mitch Pointon, Xander Sommers, Chloe Head, Koby Stephens, Harlem Willis.

■ 10 year service awards: Wilbur Davidson-Tuck and Finn Rossthorn.

■ Sprint Athlete of the year: Ivy Ingle and Koby Stephens.

■ Hurdles Athlete of the year: Brookley Horsburgh and Kristian Sultana.

Distance Athlete of the year: Brienna Coffey and James Crome-Smith.

■ Jumps Athlete

■

Walks

Bugden.

Thank you to to the huge team of volunteers who help each week to make athletics happen.

Programming, announcing, communica-

tions, equipment, coaches, starters, results, timing, team managers and canteen helpers. Well done to our age group leaders and ALL parents who have timed/raked/measured/spiked/cleaned/set-up/packed-up and many numerous tasks that are required to run athletics for our athletes on a weekly basis.

Thank you also to the YRA committee members for investing so much time into our club.

Congratulations to our U17 athletes who have graduated, Stephanie van Bemmel, Sasha Maggs, Keira Taylor, Wilbur Davidson-Tuck, Andre’ Johanson and James Crome-Smith.

While many of us head into the Cross Country season starting Saturday 26 at Lilydale lake, we look forward to seeing our Track and Field athletes back in October for another exciting season of Little Athletics. 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.

Harry Rushton in action for Mooroolbark against North Caulfield. (Supplied)

of the yea: Mackenzie Graham and Brock Peel.

Throws Athlete of the year: Shania Tove and Wilbur Davidson-Tuck.

Athlete of the year: Tillie Sommers and Xander Sommers.

Multi-Class Athlete of the year: Matilda

Andre Johanson won the Don Cruise award. (Supplied)

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 Ron Munday

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

3rd Generation Bomber

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

Chill out, watch the footy

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

Retired

4. What’s your favourite type of cuisine?

Pizza, Italian

5. What are 3 words that describe you best Honest, Reliable, Capable

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

Electrician

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

My parents (no longer with us)

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

Just Do It