Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 8th April 2025

Lasting gift

By Dongyun Kwon

A past Badger Creek Primary School pupil donated two woodcarvings to his old school.

Mervyn Bullas, 85 years old, travelled from Dromana, Mornington Peninsula to Badger Creek to attend the centenary event of his hometown community hall.

As part of the event, he toured his primary school which has been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

“I couldn’t believe how well the brand-new system that they have for education,” the 85-year-old said.

“I thought it was magnificent and it’s time to do a little bit of input from my point of view.”

Previously, Mr Bullas donated a woodcarving of the school logo in 2011.

He made busts of two Australian animals, a kangaroo and an emu, this time.

Mr Bullas’ family members have attended and still attend Badger Creek Primary School over generations.

Daniella Bullas, a grandniece of Mervyn Bullas, went to the school and currently works for the school as an educational support worker.

Kathryn Douglas, Mr Bullas’ extended family member, didn’t attend the school but now works there as a classroom teacher, and her son Will Douglas is a Grade 5 student at the school.

Turn to page 12 for the full story

Urgent care debate

By Dongyun Kwon

According to Star Mail’s federal election survey, the readers of Mountain Views and Upper Yarra papers raised the need for urgent care and emergency services in the Yarra Valley.

The majority of the respondents indicated Healesville Hospital and Yarra Valley Health (Healesville Hospital) would be a good spot to have urgent care service.

Last month, the Labor Government announced an election promise to open 50 urgent care clinics across Australia including 12 in Victoria during the 2025-26 financial year.

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

Services for Healesville Hospital Action Group

(SHHAG) has been advocating for establishing an urgent care service in Healesville Hospital, as the closest hospital equipped with the service, Maroondah Hospital, is about 50 minutes away from the town.

SHHAG chairperson Jane Judd said the Healesville Hospital would be the best place for an urgent care clinic.

“It’s a perfect site because they have a GP clinic on site, so there are actually medical professionals up there, seven days a week. They have pathology services, X-ray services, an operating theatre, highly skilled nurses, 19 beds and palliative care beds designated for caring for people at the end of life,” she said.

“It’s co-located on the site with Monda Lodge, so it’s the natural home of an urgent care centre.” Turn to page 5 for more

(L-R) Daniella Bullas, Kathryn Douglas and Will Douglas with Mervyn Bullas’ woodcarvings. (Dongyun Kwon: 470122)

VCAT rules in favour of Wandin Park Estate

By Callum Ludwig

A decision has been reached in the VCAT case between Wandin Park Estate and Yarra Ranges Council.

VCAT members Alison Slattery and Phil West ultimately ruled in favour of Wandin Park Estate, paving the way for amended plans to be passed.

William Anker, the son of John Anker who owned Wandin Park Estate and was the applicant in the case, said they will now be just getting everything ticked off and up to scratch to have the venue up and running as it should have been 12 months to two years ago.

“It’s been an extremely painful process to be honest, there’s been a lot of stress and heartache, a lot of money, I think we’re probably up to about $450,000 we’ve spent on legal fees and consultants in the past 12-18 months,” he said.

“It’s just a ridiculous process we had to go this way, it’s disappointing that we can’t have a round table meeting with the council in person and try and discuss these things,”

“I could fill a town hall I reckon with the amount of people that are frustrated with them, we can’t communicate with them properly, there’s no face to face meetings, like this decision, when they knocked us back on the planning permit, it was made without them even doing a site visit.”

Yarra Ranges Council were contacted for comment.

Wandin Park Estate has hosted equestrian and other events since 1981 and weddings since 2016 and VCAT member Dalia Cook previously clarifying the existing use rights of the venue as a function centre, this hearing weighed up the amenity impact on the landscape of new buildings such as the marquee and kitchen, light spill concerns, noise impact of site use and liquor sale and any traffic and parking issues. Wandin Park Estate engaged experts to provide evidence in this regard while an inspection of the site with all parties present was conducted. The experts were Andrew Partos of Hansen Partnership (Landscape Evidence), Darren Tardio of Enfield Acoustics (Acoustic evidence) and Deborah Donald of O’Brien Traffic (Traffic and parking evidence).

Council argued the application was ‘inconsistent with the existing and preferred landscape qualities, character, aesthetics and amenity of the site and surrounding area’ and did demonstrate that amenity would not be ‘further damaged’ by the use of the site as proposed. A Neighbouring property owner Richard Kean, whose residence is approximately 685 metres to the southwest of the marquee site, also held concerns about the ‘sale and consumption of liquor in addition to the existing uses on site, given the noise, impacts on landscape, visual bulk and light spill that might ensue.’

In the decision, Ms Slattery and Mr West said they do not believe that the built form proposed will detract from the character of the area.

“We find that the extent of the built form is reasonable and allows for landscaping to soften its impact. The siting of built form and setback from the Victoria Road frontage allows for canopy trees and lower order planting to soften the appearance of the building,” the decision reads.

“We agree with Mr Partos from Hansen Part-

nership that the views to the marquee are most readily available from Victoria Road at the entrance to the site, and are limited in that the distance to the view point is greater than 400 metres,”

“Further, we are satisfied that the views from Mr Kean’s property at the frontage will provide some views to the marquee. However, we note that from within the dwelling, which is set well back into the site, views have not been demonstrated as being unreasonable.”

At night, the lighting in the marquee and kitchen area during a function is still visible but the view from most residences exposed to the light will be small.

The acoustic impact of the marquee’s use, with Enfield’s evidence, including actual field measurements, was considered next.

Ms Slattery and Mr West said they are satisfied that Mr Tardio’s recommendation of a music noise limiting device set up and the Venue and Patron Management Plan (‘VMP’) will enable the music noise levels to be controlled to the determined Noise Protocol noise limits.

“Enfield conducted a series of measurements at several locations close by to the proposed venue site during December 2023 and March 2024. Testing was undertaken when music was being played at the marquee (December 2023) as well as targeted testing using pink noise without music (March 2024),” the decision reads.

“Theresultsindicatedthatthemusicnoisewas audible but not measurable in Ross and Gruyere Roads, whilst music noise was measured at 45-47

dB(A) Leq near residences in Victoria Road. The music noise levels in Victoria Road where at or exceeded the music noise limit of 45 dB(A) Leq.”

In order to meet a reasonable music noise level with the marquee of 91 dB(A), Enfield recommended Wandin Park Estate could install a permanent in-house sound system with a software loclable noise limiter that would ensure users couldn’t raise the volume, and that DJ’s and performers be not permitted to use any amplification devices other than the in-house system.

In his statement, Mr Kean said whilst the daylight activities generally have limited impact on local residents, they have incurred some inconvenience from traffic, music and pedestrian noise during the day and night.

“This ranges from the sounds of dawn hot air balloon filling, general loud speaker announcements and music-particularly early morning music blasting from the event organisers as they set up for events,” he said.

“We have never, ever complained about any of the activities and inconveniences experienced until now. On balance we believe Wandin Park does a good job and we have been willing to put up with the inconvenience we get,”

“Our greatest concern with the marquee has been the level of noise we have experienced. The music is loud, clearly penetrating our house till late at night. Based on our actual experience to date, the plan to use the marquee 3 days a week will create considerable disturbance for not only us but many locals, at a level well beyond that ex-

Fire engulfs Glenbrae Equestrian Centre

A raging fire has burnt down horse stables at an equestrian centre in Wandin North. Emergency services responded to reports of a structure fire at the Glenbrae Equestrian Centre at 10.30pm and fought throughout the night to contain the blaze.

Despite losing the stables, emergency services went into asset protection, protecting the arena and the house.

“Emergency services responded to a barn fire in Wandin North on 1 April,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“It is believed the blaze started at a property on Victoria Road about 11pm.”

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pected to be reasonably tolerated in a rural area.”

The main concerns for traffic and parking were to come from traffic and parking impacts on local roads and potential road noise within the venue car park. O’Brien Traffic observed traffic and parking movements at 140-person wedding held in the marquee and a 75-person wedding held in the Woolshed on another section of the property.

O’Brien’s only recommendation for the carpark plan was to amend it so that the proposed dead-end aisles are connected to a roadway at both ends and for a southern exit to be included to help prevent reversing traffic in parking aisles. O’Briend also recommended that the Council ‘undertake a review of the layout and signage’ of four intersections in the vicinity of Wandin Park Estate to address safety concerns due to layout issues and ‘substandard’ signage and line marking.

Ms Slattery and Mr West said they are satisfied that the inclusion of the requirements within the Venue Management Plan (VMP) to be enshrined via permit condition will serve to limit any other unreasonable impacts on the amenity of the surrounding area.

“The VMP also includes positive requirements for procedures to manage noise, patron behaviour, and car parking which we find will similarly limit unreasonable impacts on surrounding properties,” the decision reads.

“For the reasons given above, the decision of the responsible authority is set aside. A permit is granted subject to conditions.”

“An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. No persons or animals were injured during the incident.”

A fundraiser for the equestrian centre was posted onto GoFundMe on 2 April to assist with replacing the lost equipment, which can be found at: gofundme.com/f/glenbrae-equestrian-centre-agistees

“Unfortunately all our hay, feed, tack, rugs etc was in the stables at the time Please any donations would help to try and replace at least some of our things. The donations will be split across all our lovely agistees, if money is not doable anything secondhand will help,” the GoFundMe page reads.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.

An amended permit has been approved for Wandin Park Estate. (File: 442250)

Dangerous crash sites to receive funds

By Oliver Winn

People living in Wandin East, Wandin North and Yellingbo will have a safer driving experience with new funding designated to improve five dangerous crash sites in the Casey electorate.

The Federal Government’s Black Spot Program will fund $3.97 million to install safety features, such as kerb and channel installations, high-friction overlay and road humps.

State Liberal member for Evelyn Bridget Vallence said she’s been advocating for safer roads in the Yarra Valley for years and that it’s been a long time coming.

“Since 2021, I’ve called on the government twelve times in Parliament to fix Clegg Road and Wellington Road, Queens Road, Hunter Road and Beenak Road due to regular accidents and some tragic fatalities,” she said.

“It’s good to see, finally, that vital funds have been allocated to upgrade these notoriously dangerous roads and intersections to make them safer for motorists and pedestrians.”

The safety upgrades being installed are as follows:

Queens Road and Wandin East Road will

have $1.99 million spent on installing a compact roundabout with raised safety platforms on all four approach legs, along with improved signage and line marking.

While Clegg Road and Wellington Road will see new road humps, kerb and channel installations, a splitter island and pavement upgrades totalling at $1.43 million.

Beenak Road and Queens Road will see its intersection realigned to a staggered T-intersection on Beenak Road.

On Macclesfield Road (between Giles Road and 931 Macclesfield Road) $189,660 will go towards applying a high-friction overlay at two bends, improving grip and reducing skidding risks.

Lastly, $359,000 will go into Beenak Road and Hunter Road to install road humps on the approaches to the intersection, slowing vehicles and reducing collision risks.

Senator Lisa Darmanin said every road user will see the difference this investment will make for the communities.

“Safe roads don’t just save lives—they also give communities peace of mind. Whether it’s parents driving their kids to school, workers

commuting, or emergency services responding to calls, these improvements will benefit everyone who travels through the area,” senator Lisa Darmanin said.

But Ms Vallence said the Federal Government should’veactedearlierindeliveringthisfunding.

“I understand accidents happen at the intersection of Clegg and Wellington Roads every 6 weeks on average, so this funding is overdue.”

She was critical of the State Labor Government for taking too long to deliver the works, as while the funding comes from the Federal Government, the works are undertaken on a state level.

“Hunter Road, as an example, has been identified as a Black Spot for over a decade, but despite the intersection with Beenak Road being next to Wandin Yallock Primary School, it’s taken a close election for funding to be announced, and even with that the details about when these projects will be delivered for our community is not clear.”

No timeframe was provided for when these works were expected to be completed.

IN BRIEF

School holidays kick off, drivers urged to stay safe

Road safety enforcement will ramp up during April as police warn motorists to take extra care when travelling throughout Victoria this month. The warning comes as the Victorian school holidays have kicked off. They will last two weeks and conclude with the Easter long weekend. Police are preparing for an influx of motorists hitting highways and major arterials, heading to holiday hotspots across the state and are urging motorists not to be complacent as April gets underway.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said while police did experience slightly lower-than-average road trauma during March, twenty fatalities for the month is still unacceptable as far as they’re concerned.

“That’s twenty families who will spend the upcoming Easter period without their loved ones,“ he said.

“The only acceptable number of deaths on our roads is zero, which is why we cannot afford to be complacent as we head into April.“

In April 2024, there were 17 lives lost on Victorian roads, with three-quarters of these occurring on regional roads.

Of the 17 lives lost during April last year, 11 occurred within 15 kilometres of the deceased’s address. Drivers made up the majority of fatalities with nine lives lost recorded, with a further four motorcyclists, three passengers and one pedestrian killed in fatal collisions in April.

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

Woolworths recall Grinny Pea Puffs food product

Woolworths are conducting a recall of Grinny Pea Puffs Chicken Flavour due to the presence of glass. The product has been available for sale in Woolworths Supermarkets and Metro stores nationally and online.

Products with a best before of 23/08/2025 have been identified as the contaminated batch. Food products containing glass may cause illness/injury if consumed. Consumers should not eat this product. Consumers should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.

For further information please contact: 1800 000 610 or woolworths.com.au

What to do when sheltering from a serious bushfire indoors

VicEmergency advised in a Facebook post today it’s vital to know how to act if sheltering from a bushfire indoors. When it’s no longer safe to leave, there are a number of steps you should take to stay as safe as possible.

Wear protective clothes made from wool or cotton and sturdy shoes. Monitor and defend your property when the fire is nearby.

Only shelter in rooms with an exit to the outside of your property. Stay alert and keep watch of the fire’s progress outside.

Stay hydrated — continue drinking water even if you don’t feel thirsty. If the house catches fire, move away from the affected rooms, closing doors behind you.

On days of increased fire danger, the best advice is always to leave bushfire-prone areas early.

Make sure you have a bushfire plan.

Remember, sheltering in place should only be a last resort.

Readers’ say on election

By Callum Ludwig

With Saturday 3 May announced as the date for the 2025 Federal election, the Star News Group closed its Federal Election Survey to peruse the views of its readership across its publications around the country.

Here’s an overview of what readers of the Star Mail papers (Ranges Trader, Ferntree Gully Belgrave, Mt Evelyn, Lilydale, Upper Yarra and Mountains Views) had to say in the lead up to election day.

Mountain Views readers made up the majority of the 114 respondents (28.9 per cent), followed by Lilydale (26.3 per cent), Ranges Trader (20.20 per cent), Upper Yarra (16.7 per cent), Ferntree Gully Belgrave (6.1 per cent) and Mt Evelyn (1.8 per cent).

Of the respondents, 61-75 year olds were the most prevalent (61.4 per cent of the total), with 41-60 year olds (22.8 per cent), Over 76 (11.4 per cent), 26-40 year olds (4.4 per cent).

No one under the age of 26 responded to the Star Mail survey.

When asked for their least and most important political issues, local readers had varying and even conflicting opinions:

The top five most common ‘extremely important issues’ were Health Services, Inflation (Cost of Living), National Roads and Rail Infrastructure, Climate Change Policies and Electricity Prices.

The issues most commonly deemed ‘least important’ were Broadband Internet Access, Water Infrastructure, Immigration and Border Control, Climate Change Policies and Electricity Prices.

On the topic of energy and the environment, 50.9 per cent of all readers said they want to prioritise reducing carbon emissions, while the remaining 49.1 per cent favoured whatever results in the cheapest electricity prices. A small majority of re-

spondents (58.8 per cent) said they do not support nuclear energy in Australia, but when asked if they would support a nuclear plant in their area, only 33.3 per cent said yes.

Respondents most want to see federal funding for local hospitals increase (54.4 per cent) over local infrastructure projects (19.3 per cent), defence (7.9 per cent), local national highways (6.1 per cent). 12.3 per cent had ‘other’ areas in mind for federal funding.

58.8 per cent of respondents wanted to reduce immigration, with 35.5 per cent wanting to keep it the same and 8.8 per cent in favour of boosting it.

At the time of taking the survey, the majority (55.3 per cent) of respondents indicated they were likely to vote for a major party candidate (Labor or Coalition), while 29.8 per cent indicated they would vote for an Independent candidate and 14.9 per cent for a minor party.

For the remaining questions, respondents were asked to indicate their thoughts on a few topics on a scale from one to five, with a five being the highest.

Respondents were asked how significant social media’s influence is on public discourse and political decision-making in Australia, how important improved national road and transport infrastructure is to them and how concerned they are about global security and housing affordability in their region.

Respondents were particularly passionate about all of these issues, with ‘five’ emerging as the dominant response in every category (in the order previously listed) accounting for 40.4 per cent, 40.4 per cent, 41.2 per cent and 46.5 per cent of the vote.

Social media having a significant impact was a pretty widely shared view with 26.3 per cent of respondents picking ‘four’ as

their answer, 20.2 per cent selecting ‘three’, 8.8 per cent selecting ‘two’ and only 4.3 per cent selecting the lowest option of ‘one’.

Improved national road and transport infrastructure was similarly valued with respondent choices also scaling down from ‘five’; 26.3 per cent voted ‘four’, 15.8 per cent for ‘three’, 9.6 per cent for ‘two’ and 7.9 per cent for ‘one.’.

28.1 per cent picked ‘four’ as a representation of their global security concerns, 13.2 per cent chose ‘three’, 9.6 per cent selected ‘two’ and 7.9 per cent selected ‘one’. 21.9 per cent of respondents rated their concern for housing affordability in their region as a ‘four’, 14.9 per cent at ‘three’, 9.6 per cent at ‘two’ and 7 per cent at ‘one’.

What’s on the mind of Star Mail readers before we head to the polls in May. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Dire need for urgent care

By Dongyun Kwon

The Yarra Valley community would like to have an urgent care clinic in Healesville.

Star Mail conducted a federal election survey over the last few weeks.

One of the five main issues Star Mail readers pointed out in the survey was Health Services.

In another question, about 54 per cent of the survey respondents chose they would like to see federal funding for local hospitals increase. Especially, the readers of Mountain Views and Upper Yarra papers raised the need for urgent care and emergency services in the Yarra Valley.

The majority of the respondents indicated Healesville Hospital and Yarra Valley Health (Healesville Hospital) would be a good spot to have urgent care service.

A Chum Creek resident said she had to go down to Maroondah Hospital for a 20-minute treatment.

“Let’s say something minor that you don’t need to be ambulanced for but that you still need attention, happens to me, at this point, I’ve got to go down to (Maroondah Hospital), I can’t stop in Healesville, there’s not much in Lilydale,” she said.

“I’ve had a couple of experiences. Recently, I’ve gone to Maroondah for relatively simple things, but the whole thing has taken four or five hours.

“You get down there, and you wait an hour and a half to be seen, and then you might be lucky and get a 20-minute treatment, and then you’re now in peak hour, you need another hour and a half to go home.

“It’s just too far to go for something relatively short. It’s just a waste of time.”

She is advocating for Healesville Hospital to be a place for urgent care.

“I like having it in Healesville because Healesville Hospital is 15 minutes from here,” the Chum Creek resident said.

“There are also a lot of tourists who can sprain an ankle or do something minor.

“And if you tell them to go down the line. They don’t even know where they’re going, whereas (if we have one) in Healesville, they can be guided there.”

A Woori Yallock resident also said the nearest hospital with emergency care is far away from his town.

“There were plans for hospital facilities at the old Warburton Sanitarium building, but that never went anywhere,” he said.

“My wife and I have had to call the ambulance over the years. The last episode was (when) the ambulance had to go all the way to Maroondah (Hospital) for my wife at 10 o’clock at night.

“She sat in the waiting till six in the morning

before they did anything. It was a little frustrating.”

The Woori Yallock resident said although the Warburton plan would be a good opportunity, he still thinks Healesville Hospital could be a good place to have an urgent care clinic.

Last month, the Labor Government announced an election promise to open 50 urgent care clinics across Australia including 12 in Victoria during the 2025-26 financial year.

On Sunday 2 March, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said four in five Australians will live within a 20-minute drive of a bulk-billed urgent care clinic, once all of the 50 clinics are open.

“This announcement of 50 additional urgent care clinics if we are re-elected will provide the urgent care people need,” he said.

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

Services for Healesville Hospital Action Group (SHHAG), formerly called Save Healesville Hospital Action Group, was founded in 2012 with the

aim of reviving more services at the hospital.

The group has been advocating for establishing an urgent care service in Healesville Hospital, as the closest hospital equipped with the service, Maroondah Hospital, is about 50 minutes away from the town.

SHHAG chairperson Jane Judd said the Healesville Hospital would be the best place for an urgent care clinic.

“It’s a perfect site because they have a GP clinic on site, so there are actually medical professionals up there, seven days a week. They have pathology services, X-ray services, an operating theatre, highly skilled nurses, 19 beds and palliative care beds designated for caring for people at the end of life,” she said.

“It’s co-located on the site with Monda Lodge, so it’s the natural home of an urgent care centre.

“We were very excited that the Casey electorate has been earmarked for an urgent care centre, if the Albanese government gets re-elected. For us, the issue is where it needs to be, and initially, there was a suggestion that Lilydale might be

a good location.

“I’m sure the people in Lilydale would have been happy to hear that, but it ignored the fact that the vast proportion of people in the rural areas of the Yarra Ranges Council have much less access to health services than the people in Lilydale. Lilydale has Yarra Ranges Health, and Inspire Community Health, is close to the emergency department at Maroondah, and is closer to the other urgent care centres down the line towards Boronia and Kilsyth, so they have options that we don’t have.

“If you are sitting in Marysville, Toolangi, Warburton, Healesville and the surrounds, you have to travel a very long way if you have a child that’s injured themselves, or you’ve injured yourself falling off your bike.”

Yarra Ranges councillors will discuss this issue in the next meeting, which will be covered by Star Mail in the next edition.

Star Mail will also reach out to the federal election candidates for Casey asking their thoughts on the issue.

Upper Yarra residents reveal their thoughts on immigration

By Oliver Winn

Immigration proved to be a touchy topic for Upper Yarra residents, a federal election survey conducted by Star News has revealed.

The topic of immigration was raised in many answers - across the total area covered by Star Mail’s mastheads there were 114 respondents, with 59 per cent wanting the next Federal Government to reduce immigration in the country, while 32 per cent said it should stay the same.

The remaining nine per cent wanted to increase the amount of immigrants in the country.

Some residents felt immigration wasn’t the problem, rather it’s negative stereotyping and underlying racism that’s causing issues in the Upper Yarra and beyond.

Peter, who requested only his first name to be used, said he’s a “firm believer” the majority of immigrants who arrive in Australia contribute to the country.

“The popular press, they talk about the African gangs, they talk about the machete attacks and that sort of stuff, and they say they’re African looking or whatever, and it just gives a negative view of people from overseas,” he said.

Another resident who responded to the survey, Craig Robin, believed Australians are struggling enough already - immigration is only increasing the burden.

“Australians are struggling themselves at the moment without bringing others in,” Mr Robin said.

Being an immigrant himself, Peter said the sort of issue immigrants are blamed for are the result of “major government failings” over the last

few decades.

“They were blaming the immigrants for the housing crisis, I think that’s just so wrong,” Peter said.

“They’ve changed tax laws to make it much better for investors and at the expense of people trying to buy a home and get a home, or build a home.”

But Mr Robin said Australians aren’t coping with living costs and housing prices with the added population of immigrants.

“There’s a lot of people struggling to find a house, so I see the cost of living, everything’s gone up and everything’s quite difficult at the moment,” Mr Robin said.

He said until Australia is at a point where it can accommodate more immigration, the country should “just cut it back for a while”.

The intersection between immigration, skills shortages and housing supply was an interesting trend observed in respondent’s answers.

One respondent said there was “too much rental shortage for Australian options” due to immigration.

According to current listings on realestate. com.au, townships in the Upper Yarra paint a bleak picture for renters as availability tanks:

Warburton (zero), Millgrove (zero), Yarra Junction (one), Woori Yallock (one), Wandin North (one), Seville (one), Launching Place (zero), and Wesburn (zero).

But rental shortages in popular holiday destinations such as Warburton may be due to short stay accommodation such as AirBnb.

In Warburton, there are 136 places available on airbnb.com.au, though the number drops dra-

59 per cent of respondents wanted the government to reduce immigration. (Unsplash)

matically in surrounding townships.

Despite that, every township in the Upper Yarra had at least five short stay accommodations available.

“We need immigrants to bring cultural experiences,” one respondent said.

Whereas another respondent highlighted the need to “prioritise skilled immigration only” to fulfil skill shortages.

Jobs and Skills Australia identified that occupations in regional locations, such as parts of the

Yarra Ranges, had greater skill shortages. The 2023 Skills Priority List (SPL) revealed trades workers as having the highest percentage of occupations with a skills shortage. In the top five least important issues identified on the survey, immigration ranked third least important issue, above climate change and electricity prices but below water infrastructure and internet access.

Out of the 114 respondents to the survey, 61 per cent were 61-75 years old.

Healesville Hospital and Yarra Valley Health could be the good site to have an urgent care clinic for the Yarra Valley community. (File: 179027)

First ‘Meet the Casey candidates’ session

By Callum Ludwig

With exactly four weeks until election day, four of the candidates for the electorate of Casey put themselves under the microscope of local voters in Tecoma.

Held in the Tecoma Uniting Church on Saturday 5 April, Minister Matt Cutler opened the event to a full house before handing over to Foothills Community Care chief executive Stephen Barrington to MC the day.

Labor candidate Naomi Oakley, Independent candidate Claire Ferres-Miles, Greens candidate Dr Merran Blair and incumbent Liberal MP Aaron Violi attended.

Mr Violi and Ms Ferres-Miles live within the electorate, in Lilydale and Upwey respectively, while Dr Blair lives just outside in Emerald and Ms Oakley left the electorate in the last 12 months due to costs.

After some lighthearted introductory questions to settle everyone in, the candidates were then asked to identify the three biggest issues in Casey they have identified.

All four named the cost of living and/or doing business as the first issue put forward to them while they each had a couple of shared or differing views as to what else matters most;

Mr Violi went first and also identified housing availability and affordability, particularly due to the limits large parts of the electorate face due to Green Wedge zoning, and communications infrastructure as key concerns to address as getting ‘foundations right for the future.’

Dr Blair was next and said ‘putting ‘systems in place’ to tax big corporations which could be used to help alleviate the cost of living pressures (inciting a cheer from the audience), climate change and protecting wildlife and the environment were key issues for Casey.

Ms Ferres-Miles picked out housing and climate change as her additional issues to bring to the table, also making the distinction to address a concern that spanned the cost of living, housing and climate change; the insurance industry, citing an unnamed local farmer whose insurance premiums rose from ‘$5000 to $25,000 in three years’.

Ms Oakley picked the particular costs of health, housing and education, as well as improving communications in the region, sticking to emissions reductions targets and renewable energy use nationwide.

Next candidates were asked to make three suggestions to help address the cost of living crisis:

Ms Oakley went first and named a number of Labor policies which are targeted at the cost of living, including the Help to Buy Scheme, $10 million in funding for social and affordable housing and Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) investment, while leaning on her previous lived experience as a renter and sole parent to make clear she doesn’t ‘live in a bubble’.

Ms Ferres-Miles made three suggestions for a supermarket ombudsman to help crack down

on price gouging and anti-competitive practices in the industry, investment in renewable energy batteries for homes and businesses to help give residents ‘control’ of their energy costs and insurance industry reform to assist the under-and-uninsured Casey constituents.

Dr Blair wants to crackdown on illegal price gouging in supermarkets, reduce stamp duty on insurance, add dental and mental health care to Medicare and crack down on the profiteering of the big banks, including through a ‘mortgage keeper product’ for owner-occupiers which would limit the interest rates a bank can charge mortgages for primary homes to only one per cent above the cash rate.

Mr Violi used his background in the food industry to also take aim at the major supermarkets by introducing grocery divestiture powers to break up the duopoly of Coles and Woolworths if needed and hurt them by impacting ‘their market share’, as well as investing in infrastructure and housing and ensure people are able to insure their assets.

On climate and energy policy;

Ms Oakley identified Labor’s efforts to reduce ‘feral animals and weeds’, increase land protection, reduce emissions and hit a target of 82 per cent of Australia’s energy grid being run on renewable energy.

Ms Ferres-Miles expressed her disappointment in the current Labor government’s efforts

(approving new coal and gas projects), the lack of royalties Australia receives for our gas, putting forward a no-nuclear stance and aiming for large-scale investment in solar, wind and batteries, getting many claps of approval from the audience.

Dr Blair similarly disproved of the 25 coal and gas projects approved under Labor, praised the innovation into microgrids and virtual power plants in improving energy resilience which the crowd also enjoyed and called for subsidies to electrify Australian homes, rather than relying on gas.

Mr Violi faced a tough crowd when putting forward his idea to address the ‘three key pillars’ of energy, being price, reliability and the journey to net zero by 2050. Mr Violi said the Coalition want a ‘balanced transition’ from a coal, gas and renewable system to a nuclear, gas and renewable systems. The mention of nuclear energy was heavily booed, with laughs from the crowd after Mr Violi said there would be no nuclear power plant in the Yarra Valley and further boos when attempting to identify the potential for nuclear energy to use existing transmission lines and create zero emissions.

On healthcare and mental health:

Ms Oakley again identified Labor policies to improve bulk billing and invest in Medicare and the PBS, and was unclear on their policy for mental health but said through her experience work-

ing with people experiencing mental healths concerns that she would campaign for more to be done, particularly for those on the NDIS.

Ms Ferres-Miles’ major concern was the complete lack of emergency department in the Casey electorate with Warburton Hospital remaining closed and Healesville Hospital’s emergency department having been closed, sharing a story she was told in Hoddles Creek by a resident who was told by emergency responders to drive her husband, who was having a stroke, to hospital herself and on the way was told Maroondah Hospital was on bypass and she had to keep going to Box Hill Hospital. Ms Ferres-Miles also identified the need to increase bulk-billing rates in Casey and approved of adding dental and mental health to Medicare.

Dr Blair wants to triple the Medicare rebate for GPs, increase emergency care clinics across the country, add dental and mental health to Medicare, increase access to Allied Health services and incentivise training for mental health professionals.

Mr Violi pointed to the Coalition’s pledges to invest $400 million into youth mental health, to reinstate the 20 subsidised mental healthcare sessions which Labor cut to 10 and to deliver an Urgent Care Clinic in Healesville.

More ‘Meet the Candidates’ events in Casey are set to be held before election day on Saturday 3 May.

L-R: Labor’s Naomi Oakley, Independent Claire Ferres-Miles, Greens’ Merran Blair and Liberals’ Aaron Violi. (Tanya Steele: 470335)

Wesburn oval deemed ‘unsafe’ by council

By Oliver Winn

As the footy season kicks off, Wesburn Junior Football Club (WJFC) will have to find another oval to use, as the ground was deemed unfit for use.

The decision was made after Yarra Ranges Council sports field and turf team leader Nick Murphy assessed the field, and after discussions with WJFC, they both agreed that the club - and its 260 registered junior players - will have to wait until the ground gets enough rain to soften up.

After years of little maintenance, WJFC president Wayne Morgan said he got the answer he expected.

“We’re pretty much the same boat that the club’s been in forever,” he said.

Mr Morgan said WJFC will have to play at Warburton’s home ground for the season’s first couple of games until rain softens the oval up so it can be cored to allow more moisture in.

“Hopefully by the 27th of April, if we get enough rain to soften the ground a bit, it should be okay to play back at Wesburn again.”

“It’s just a paddock and they [council] don’t want to spend the money on it.”

The club put in grant applications earlier this year for dire upgrades to the canteen’s kitchen, oval fencing, and temporary change room facilities, but these were knocked back by council.

But, after these grants were knocked back, the council then, on its own behalf, announced it would fund the same up-

grades the club had already requested.

“We have acknowledged and supported the growth at Wesburn Junior Football Club through significant investment at this location totalling approximately $280,000 over the last 12 months,” a council spokesperson said.

“This has facilitated oval fencing, upgrades to the kitchen and shutters at the pavilion and the construction of temporary change facilities.”

Mr Morgan said the funding addressed glaring health and safety issues in the kitchen which were bordering on making the canteen unfit for use.

Upon hearing the figure of $280,000 supplied by council, Mr Morgan was incredibly doubtful of the amount council claimed it had cost to provide these bare minimum upgrades.

In the Wesburn Park Masterplan that was approved by councillors in December 2022, the plan approved an $800,000 upgrade to the playing surface of the main oval and the oval’s fencing.

In the Wesburn Park Master Plan all the upgrades servicing the Wesburn Junior Football Club were anticipated to be delivered within a five to 10 year timeframe, despite the oval needing a desperate overhaul now.

The Yarra Ranges Council said in times of dry weather, some grounds are hard until rainfall comes.

“We have a number of level three grounds that are used for competitive sport across the Council. Council does not measure

ground hardness, however,” the council spokesperson said.

Wesburn oval is a level three ground, which means it lacks irrigation or drainage and it doesn’t get fertilised or aerated.

But, Mr Morgan said WJFC still pays a maintenance fee for the oval, and simply wants a load of topsoil to keep the oval in a suitable condition until more frequent rainfall comes and softens the ground.

At 260 junior players registered with the club, Mr Morgan feels the oval should receive a little more priority.

“We have asked the question: ‘Could we improve it to the tier two level?’ But no, we’re told it’s just tier three and that is what it is.”

260 Wesburn junior players will have to share the oval with Warburton Millgrove Football Club. (Supplied)

Reveal the plan, urges community

By Dongyun Kwon

The community wants to know the actual plan of the construction at 1157 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen.

Dixons Creek resident Sue Forrester said she is concerned about the appearance of the construction.

“It presents a really, really unfortunate first image of the Melba Highway once you’ve gone past Yarry Glen,” she said.

“As I’m sure anyone would agree, the amenity of the Yarra Valley is very much based on its landscape, and to have this extraordinary piece of construction, that’s actually been sitting I would estimate for at least five years, is a blight in our environment.”

Ms Forrester runs a B and B accommodation in Dixons Creek and has been involved in the tourism industry for 20 years.

She said many of her customers have asked her about the development.

“It’s more about the impression that it’s giving to not just the residents of our region, but the visitors,” the Dixons Creek resident said.

“We have such a strong visitor economy, very much based around weekend and midweek visitation.

“I can’t imagine that was the actual intention, but it’s certainly the result of whatever planning or lack of planning has accompanied this development.”

The planning permit was first granted in 2017 and amended in 2019.

Star Mail looked into the amended planning permit documents and found out the proposal was to construct a winery including a wine production facility and cellar door sales, restaurant, construction of dam, sale and consumption of liquor.

According to Ms Forrester’s claim, the development seems to proceed “in fits and starts”.

“I think it is being neglected, and I don’t know whether that’s driven because of financial concerns or just plain lack of funds, I don’t know who the company is or the companies are behind it, nobody actually in the region

that I’ve ever spoken with has any clue of ownership.

“While it is ongoing, it is in fits and starts. I drive past there pretty much every day of the week, and occasionally there will be a small crew, three or four men standing around with shovels, not doing very much.

“There might be someone up a ladder. There might be someone hammering something on the roof. There might be one or two vehicles. But essentially, it’s not something that you could say, ‘right, they’re getting on with it, and whatever it’s going to be will be finished soon.’”

Snake found in toilet bowl

By Oliver Winn

A Dixons Creek couple received quite the scare on Sunday 30 March after discovering a snake in their toilet.

Mr and Ms Steele returned home from a school fate, when Ms Steele needed to go to the toilet.

But upon opening the toilet lid, Ms Steele was given a rude awakening - a 70cm copperhead snake was lying on the toilet seat.

“My wife was desperate to go to the toilet, so she came inside very quickly and lifted up the lid and lo and behold, there’s a snake lying on the toilet seat.”

“So she went away and I took a photograph of my photographs and I tried to decide what I was going to do with it. So I raced off to grab a garden rake and I was only gone about a minute and the snake disappeared.”

Scared the snake could be anywhere in the house, the couple frantically searched around, giving the rooms “the best spring clean they’ve ever had”.

But they quickly realised the snake was still hiding out inside the toilet, which prompted them to call a snake catcher.

“Shortly thereafter the snake catcher came and he lifted the lid and in the course of doing that, the snake fell into the toilet bowl,” Mr Steele said.

“It was pretty easy for him then to catch the snake.”

“He had a pair of tongs and he caught the snake and put it in a bucket,” he said.

Mr Steele suspects the snake must’ve made its way through the septic tank, up the pipe leading to his house, and eventually the toilet.

Having completed earth works around his septic tank recently, he theorised that the works must’ve disturbed the snake.

While it’s not common for snakes to be found inside of toilets in Australia, it does happen, and the snake catcher who responded to Mr Steele’s request said it’s a “possibility” to be aware of.

“Because my wife won’t sit back on that toilet, and the snake catcher suggested that we should continue to check the toilet, because you never know, you might find another one of them,” he said.

“The problem is, you just never know where snakes are, and that’s an issue.”

Star Mail attempted to contact the builder, LWY Constructions, to get clarification on the development but was unsuccessful in having an interview with the company.

Yarra Ranges Council couldn’t comment on the issue, as the council doesn’t have a role in determining when developers construct buildings as long as their permit is still active.

The council confirmed the permit for this development has a completion date listed as July 2025, and applicants can apply for extensions of time, which will be reviewed by the council team to consider appropriateness.

In February, Ambulance Victoria (AV) said 129 snakebites had been recorded over the summer.

AV emergency management director Dale Armstrong said of these cases, 125 people were transported to hospital.

“With hot weather continuing, the snakes are out, which means we need to be vigilant,” Mr Armstrong said.

Though summer has ended, snakes such as the lowland copperhead stay active until late April before seeking shelter over the winter.

The construction at 1157 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen. (Stewart Chambers: 469604)

The site taken from one angle. (Stewart Chambers: 469604)

Mr Steele suspects the snake came up through the house’s septic system. (Supplied)

*Children under 16 years of age receive free admission to Healesville Sanctuary, Kyabram Fauna Park, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo on weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian Government school holidays.

Passion leads achivement

By Dongyun Kwon

The passion for cricket and children’s welfare of a Yarra Glen resident was recognised by a regional cricket association.

Yarra Glen Cricket Club junior coordinator Julian Holland received the Volunteer of the Year award from the Ringwood and District Cricket Association.

Theawardrecipientgavecreditforaward-winning to everyone in the club who worked hard.

“I know I got recognition for the work that I’ve put in,” he said.

“But there were other people at the club that have put in just as much work as I have, like Travis, the president, has done a heap of work.

“The ladies in the canteen have done a heap of work, preparing meals on a Thursday evening for the players and organising afternoon teas for home games, so it’s not just me.”

Holland has been actively involved in the club, focusing on junior cricket.

He has coached junior teams for the past seven seasons and has also run the Woolworths Blast Program for kids aged five to 10.

“(Woolworths Blast Program) is a beginner program for young kids. We do lots of cricket drills and games to get them familiar with the sport of cricket,” Holland said.

He has been junior coordinator for six seasons since its inception in 2019-20, has been child safety officer for four years since 2021-22, and was on the club committee from 2018 to 2023.

This season, he coached the Under 14s and Under 10s.

“Under 14s team was a combined team. We only had seven players and were struggling for numbers at the start of the season last year, so I had to try and find another team that might have been in a similar position,” the junior team coach said.

“I contacted Kilsyth Cricket Club, and their junior coordinator said, ‘Yes, let’s go ahead with a merge.’, so I coached this merged team.

“The league (SEDA U14-5) only had four teams in the end. We finished third in the home and away season and then we won our first final against Wandin, and we lost to Mt Evelyn.”

The coach said the Under 10s league is for de-

velopment without official results.

“That’s similar to the Blast Program. There are no results officially published online, and we don’t keep count of runs. We don’t give awards out in Under 10s.

“But the kids still know if they won or lost games. I think we lost two games for the season and won all the others. We did a really good job.”

Holland works for Healesville High School as a PE and maths teacher.

“Coaching kids is easy for me because it’s just what I do, that’s my day-to-day job,” he said.

“I’ve got four young boys and they love cricket.

“I wanted to make sure that there was an opportunity for them to play, but also for all the kids in the town of Yarra Glen.”

The PE teacher emphasised the benefits of being a part of a sport team.

“It helps with children’s physical, social and mental health.,” Holland said.

“That’s why I encourage my children to play team sports.

“We just want kids in the town to play in a team, build friendships, and keep them off the couch.”

Thanks to Holland’s passion and effort, the local cricket club now has a healthy Blast program, four junior teams in total (a junior team in every age group), and three senior teams with many junior players playing senior cricket.

He has also put himself in a senior team as a player but couldn’t play during the latest season due to a knee injury.

Holland was also voted as Best Club Person by the Yarra Glen Cricket Club executive committee and coaches.

Yarra Glen Cricket Club president Travis Gloury said Holland makes everything work and doesn’t look for praise.

“RDCA recognises the person who contributes to a club over a given period, they generally asked for that to be over five years,” he said.

“Julian ticks that box well and truly has been involved with the club since 2017.

“Whatever is required at the time, whether or not it’s something to do with the RDCA, something to do with the juniors or even if it’s on game day for whatever reason, he’ll jump into and work with what he’s got available.”

A toast to the masters!

By Dongyun Kwon

Healesville Toastmasters Club has finally produced a member qualified to compete in the district stage of the speech contest for the first time.

Bruce Argyle, an active member of the Healesville Toastmasters Club, took first place in the Table Topics category of the Toastmasters division speech contest held in Ringwood on Sunday 23 March.

In the Table Topics category, the topic of the impromptu speech is the same for all contestants who only learn about it when they are introduced by the contest chair.

“The topic for the day was ‘What things in life should not be for sale’,” the category winner said.

“I said there were three things, people in relationships, our hobbies and our interests that we enjoy doing, and the things that give us pleasure.”

The division winner has gone through club and area stages to advance to the division level and is now looking forward to competing in the district, the final stage.

Mr Argyle shared tips for public speaking and impromptu speech.

He emphasised the importance of a well-organised structure.

“A good speech should have an introduction, three main points, and a conclusion or a summary,” the Healesville Toastmasters Club member said.

“That is supported by good vocal variety, hand gestures, body language, and eye contact with the people in the audience.

“I suppose the other thing is originality, being original and using your own experience, your own thoughts.”

Toastmasters Club is an international organisation, originally established in California in 1924 by Ralph Smedley.

Mr Smedley came up with the idea that he needed to create a collaborative learning environment to improve speaking ability and con-

fidence.

After 100 years, Toastmasters Club has over 8 million members in over 148 countries.

The Healesville Toastmasters Club was founded in 2007.

“I joined in 2010 mainly to develop speaking and leadership skills, and to become more confident,” Mr Argyle said.

“It’s been a great journey. I’ve been able to put together some great speeches. I’ve spoken at (Healesville) Anzac Day (service) a few times.”

In addition, two other Healesville Toastmasters Club members were successful in the contest.

Edwina Ricci placed second in the Evaluation category and Hannah Poppins placed third in the Humorous category.

Despite the outstanding results, both failed to get a ticket for the district competition as only first-place winners for each category qualified for the next stage.

Mr Argyle will compete in the grand final, against seven other finalists, at the annual Toastmasters Convention held in Melbourne from 16 to 18 May.

“What will happen in our next few meetings is (Healesville Toastmasters Club members) will give me some impromptu topics to practice on,” he said.

“But the trouble is, you don’t actually know what the topic is going to be, so it makes it very hard to prepare.”

Julian Holland received the Volunteer of the Year award. (Yarra Glen Junior and Senior Cricket Club Facebook)

Bruce Argyle (left) with division director Kay McCartney (Stewart Chambers: 469602)

CFA proudly marks 80 years

By Oliver Winn

CFAs all over the state celebrated 80 years of fighting fires and supporting Victorians on 2 April, with brigades throughout the Yarra Ranges taking a moment to reflect on its history within the community.

Lilydale CFA’s history goes far beyond the establishment of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in 1945, as far back as 1887 when it was called the Lilydale Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Lilydale CFA first lieutenant Ron Haines said the brigade was then officially registered as a part of the Country Fire Brigade Board (CFBB) in 1905, before the CFA formed in 1945.

Ex-captain at Lilydale CFA, Frank Whelan, joined the Lilydale CFA in 1961 and is still a firefighter to this day.

Through the stories Mr Haines and Mr Whelan told of fighting some of Victoria’s biggest fires, they both outline the invaluable role the CFA played in protecting the community.

Mr Haines said he vividly remembers the Ash Wednesday fires, where he fought the wild Warburton fire and protected the lives of evacuated residents hiding inside of a pipeline at the Upper Yarra Reservoir.

“We took our tanker to Warburton right up to Reefton and I remember going right up [to the dam] where a lot of the residents evacuated,” Mr Haines said.

“I vividly remember, they all got in the big pipeline up in the tunnel at the Upper Yarra Reservoir, and when I got up there I couldn’t believe how many people were in the tunnel.”

Mr Whelan said Mr Haines’ efforts “basically saved the day”, as he was in charge of a number of tankers that joined together to protect the residents sheltering in the dam tunnel.

Out of the eight main Ash Wednesday bushfires that wreaked havoc on Victoria, the Warburton fire was one of the two where no one died.

“They looked after those people until the fire had passed and it was safe again,” Mr Whelan said.

Montrose CFA volunteer and lifelong resident Eddie Tichelaar joined the Montrose CFA as a junior member when he was only 14 years old in 1977.

He said Montrose CFA was formed in 1938, but the brigade was “severely hampered” at the time of the 1939 Black Friday bushfires due to a lack of resources.

In 1962, the first lieutenant, Ted Adams ac-

quired Montrose CFA’s first siren from the back of a police motorbike, and fashioned it to the top of a pine tree in his backyard. Mr Tichelaar said the fire station built in 1984 is the same one used to this day.

From pouch to parkour - joey finds it feet

Similar to a toddler learning to walk, a little Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo joey at Healesville Sanctuary has been pushing the boundaries by bouncing, cartwheeling and leaping around his habitat as he grows more confident.

Mungili[pron:Moon-gi-lee]isnow10-months old which means he is exploring life outside the pouch and he’s proving to be adventurous.

Healesville Sanctuary mammal keeper Katherine Sarris said he’s full of curiosity and investigating everything as he follows mum around.

“He will follow the keepers, and he even follows his mum onto the scales for the weekly weigh in,” Ms Sarris said.

“Mungili is learning the ropes. Wherever mum goes, he goes. We’ve seen him dangling from the big ropes in the habitat, so we have mulch and pea gravel to cushion his fall if he takes a tumble.

“He is quite hilarious at times. He crashes through the plants, and he tries to get into mum’s way. Mungili likes to go all parkour off the perches.”

Mungili is a resilient joey. If he missteps, stumbles or falls on the ground, He is quick to get back up. Zookeepers pay close attention to this stage of development to ensure he is safe and meeting milestones.

Tree-kangaroos, though they seem out of place in the treetops, are perfectly adapted for life above the ground.

As an arboreal species, they are extraordinary climbers, their powerful claws and muscles allowing them to navigate the tallest trees with ease and grace.

Mungili [pron: Moon-gi-lee] means precious or beautiful in a local dialect from Papua New Guinea where this species originates.

He was named by Zoos Victoria members in February this year. Sanctuary visitors can learn more about Tree-kangaroos at the 11.15am daily keeper talk.

Two species of Tree-kangaroos are native to Australia.

The Bennett’s tree-kangaroo and the Lum-

holtz’s tree-kangaroo. Both species are found in Far North Queensland.

Goodfellow’s Tree-kangaroos are listed as En-

dangered with a decreasing population on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list.

Threats to the survival of this species in the

The CFA’s establishment brought together many small rural fire brigades who were around before the official formation in 1945. Now, 52,000 members proudly serve over 1200 CFAs all over Victoria.

Lilydale Fire Brigade’s tanker had a crew of four, led by lieutenant Ron Haines. (History of the Lilydale Fire Brigade 125 years book)

wild include loss of habitat and hunting. Zoos Victoria is supporting Tree-kangaroos in the wild through its Coffee for Wildlife campaign in partnership with Genovese.

Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo joey Mungili. (Zoos Victoria)

Lasting donation for school

By Dongyun Kwon

A past Badger Creek Primary School pupil donated his talents to his old school.

Mervyn Bullas, 85 years old, travelled from Dromana, Mornington Peninsula to Badger Creek to attend the centenary event of his hometown community hall.

As part of the event, he toured his primary school which has been equipped with stateof-the-art facilities.

“There was a tour organised of the new school, and I took the opportunity with my niece and her husband to go and have a look at the new school,” the 85-year-old said.

“I couldn’t believe how well the brand-new system that they have for education.

“I thought it was magnificent and it’s time to do a little bit of input from my point of view.”

Mr Bullas’ family members have attended and still attend Badger Creek Primary School over generations.

Daniella Bullas, a grandniece of Mervyn Bullas, went to the school and currently works for the school as an educational support worker.

Kathryn Douglas, Mr Bullas’ extended family member, didn’t attend the school but now works there as a classroom teacher, and her son Will Douglas is a Grade 5 student at the school.

Mr Bullas said he enjoys seeing his family members attending the same school.

“I’ve got cousins and children going there currently. There has been a steady dribble of cousins and children from cousins, etc, that have gone to the school,” he said.

“I am a past pupil of Badger Creek Primary School No 3309 commencing June 1946.

“The headmaster at the time was Mr K R Birt who was able to give major direction to my education and future career in the building industry during my seven years at the school.

“After some 50 years of supervising major construction projects in Australia and the UK, woodcarving has become my hobby and continues as a source of enjoyment to this day.”

Previously, Mr Bullas donated a woodcarving of the school logo in 2011.

“The school logo originated from a design by Kym Tyler, a pupil at school,” Mr Bullas said.

“I was so taken with the effort the ex-student had to put into the design.”

He made busts of two Australian animals, a kangaroo and an emu, this time.

“In retirement, what better option is there than to advance a student’s education by giving an example of what can be gained by due diligence to the original source of that education,” the past pupil said.

HICCI is always here for people in need

By Dongyun Kwon

In the middle of the cost-of-living crisis, a Healesville-based charity and welfare organisation hopes its programs’ benefits reach more community members.

Healesville Interchurch Community Care Incorporated (HICCI) mainly runs three programs for people in need; emergency relief, transport, and community meals.

Emergency relief manager Sheree Laumen said HICCI helps out with groceries, medical expenses, clothing and bill payments through its emergency relief program.

“The primary focus for emergency relief is to make sure people have enough food to eat,” she said.

The transport service helps older community members, people living with a disability and their carers to attend medical appointments or social activities.

Transport coordinator Brenda Monk said the transport program aims to help people live independently and stay well connected.

“It’s to keep our community moving, active and being able to stay at home, not relying on living in aged care,” she said.

“Being in My Aged Care is a priority for it. We need to make sure people are registered with My Aged Care to be able to use the service.

“The whole program is run through volunteers, so we’re very heavily reliant on the goodwill of our drivers, who run through pretty stringent tests to be able to become a volunteer. They need to do police checks and all of those things.”

“(The volunteer drivers) put lots of effort into it and get nothing for it. We really appreciate their efforts, and we’re always looking out for more drivers.”

Community meal service Dinner at Darron’s

“The proximity of the Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary (now Healesville Sanctuary) to the school has been a source of subject matter.” Principal Scott Crawford appreciated the special donation.

“With our new school building, it’s a lovely connection to our past,” he said. “It acknowledges the important place that Badger Creek (Primary School) plays in the community as well.”

(L-R) Mervyn Bullas’ extended family member Kathryn Douglas and her son Will Douglas with Mervyn Bullas’ grandniece Daniella Bullas.

Silver for Warby business

By Oliver Winn

A small Warburton beverage business punched well above its weight at the 2025 World AlcoholFree Awards, snatching a silver medal in the face of global competition.

The Hairy Armadillo is run by Warburton local Allan Sweeney and specialises in wine-style non-alchoholic sparkling teas, which he crafts from the ground-up.

The drink which won him the silver medal was the Snow Daisy, which the judges described as “earthy, spicy and aromatic on the nose, with flavours of coriander seed, malt load and raisins on the palate.”

Competing against 36 countries and over 600 entries, Mr Sweeney said the award was validation that he’s heading on the right track.

“Starting any small business is a challenge, but the beverage industry in particular is a different beast,” Mr Sweeney said.

“I’m still learning, but it’s nice to get these things, if nothing else, to validate what we do.”

Mr Sweeney’s obsession with fermenting began in a condo when he was living in Singapore, where he’d get his housemates to be his “chief taste-testers”.

After moving back to Australia at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, he quit his job in IT security and started his business.

Now he operates out of a small space at the Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centre, where Mr Sweeney has spent a long time curating and refining his fermentation processes.

“Starting a beverage company, particularly one which uses more of a complex fermentation process rather than using quick acid ferments, it’s far more complex and the food safety requirements are more rigid,” he said.

Mr Sweeney’s goal with the Hairy Armadillo was to attract new audiences, particularly younger millennial and gen z demographics which were straying away from drinking alcoholic beverages.

He saw a gap in the market for alcohol free alternatives that still had complex taste profiles and weren’t simply sweet tasting drinks.

The Snow Daisy sparkling tea which won him the silver medal was described as a “mature drink”, encapsulating Mr Sweeney’s goal at crafting a “refined moment drink”.

Tea based drinks have long been associated with naturopaths and health gurus, but in the Asia-Pacific region, they’ve been the main choice of beverage.

“It’s deeply ingrained in tradition and ceremony in those places and it’s not a massive step for us to then make a tea sparkling,” he said.

“It adds a new element or dimension to something that’s already existed for thousands of years and it attracts new people to tea in a way that has never been done before.”

Aware of the stereotypes for fermented drinks, the Hairy Armadillo aims to distance itself from the pompous nature of standoffish wine drinkers and the like.

“Our branding, even though we’re very serious about making a premium, sophisticated drink, we’re all about breaking down that elitism stereotype around our branding.”

He said the branding is “playful”, taking inspiration from other non-alcoholic beverage companies such as Heaps Normal.

“You can still talk about the terrier or the singular state that the tea comes from and the flavours and aromas, but ultimately, we’re trying to be more fun and inviting.”

In the long term, Mr Sweeney wants to provide an industry first cellar door experience, where beverage enthusiasts can explore new non-alcoholic drinks in an environment akin to wine tasting.

“I think where the premium non-alcoholic industry is going is to provide very similar experiences to what people enjoy with its alcoholic counterparts today.”

“So it’s either visiting a brewery or a winery and then getting fully immersed in the product, I

think that’s really where the non-alcoholic space will lead to.”

Though the Hairy Armadillo is still in its early stages, Mr Sweeney finds that when he gains new customers, they tend to be loyal and reliable to the brand.

But for now, he has his sights set on continuing to refine his product.

From the drinks crafted in his condo in Singapore to those meticulously borne out of his nano fermentary, Mr Sweeney continues to master his craft.

“We spent years trying to refine this, and we don’t think that we’re there yet, I don’t think we’ll ever rest.”

Dozens of students meet for Youth Summit

Yarra Ranges school students posed questions and reflected on the future at Council’s youth summit hosted in Lilydale on Thursday, 20 March.

Fifty students from six schools attended the event and gave feedback, shared ideas, and learned about the role of local government in their community.

The day concluded with a Q and A panel with Mayor, Jim Child, and Councillors Richard Higgins and Peter McIlwain, with students having the opportunity to pose questions.

Cr Child said that the Youth Summit was the best youth consultation he had been part of and was grateful for the chance to hear so many young voices.

“It was wonderful to hear such creative ideas as well as thoughtful criticism from students. They used their unique experience as young people in the Yarra Ranges to advocate for issues that impact them,” he said.

“Students spoke with passion about public transport challenges, the need for easier access to healthcare, more music venues, lowering the voting age, and more inclusive spaces.”

Teachers took photos of their students sitting in the Council chambers, while Cr Child said, “It’s inspiring to think that these students could end up back here in these very chambers as Councillors.”

Students provided feedback on the developing Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the Council Plan 2025-2029 by ranking proposed actions from most important to least, then sharing a youth perspective on proposed projects.

The students also took part in an engaging where they explored the complex roles and responsibilities of local, state, and federal government.

To reflect on the day, students were asked to

share their big picture hopes for the Yarra Ranges looking 25 years into the future. Students shared feedback such as: “More community festivals and markets.”,

“More safe spaces to hang out or participate in sport during the day and night.”, “More education on Indigenous culture in all schools.” For more information and to have your say on the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the Council Plan and other projects, visit shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Mr Sweeney’s Snow Daisy won the silver medal at the World Alcohol Free Awards 2025. (Supplied)

Yarra Ranges school students attended the Council’s youth summit hosted in Lilydale on Thursday, 20 March. (Supplied)

COMMUNITY COURSE GUIDE

There for the community

Woori Community House is a traditional Community House located in the Yarra Valley. We are dedicated to providing our community with a range of services, including affordable activities and courses, social groups, community events, venue hire and access to low-cost computer, internet and printing services.

Woori Community House supports the WHYLD District which includes Woori Yallock, Hoddles Creek, Yellingbo, Launching Place and Don Valley. As a not-for-profit charitable community-based organisation the community house is governed by a volunteer Committee of Management consisting of elected people from the local community.

If you are interested in our diverse community and have a couple of hours per month that you can dedicate to our Community House we would love to hear from you.

Become a Member to join the Woori Community House committee and help make a difference.

Our Committee of Management are all dedicated volunteers. They meet once a month to bring their enthusiasm and ideas together to help plan Woori Community House’s direction, program and events for the year.

We currently have openings for new Committee Members to join. No experience is needed, just a passion to improve our WHYLD community and work together to help make Woori Community House continue to be accessible, welcoming and responsive to our community’s needs. We will be greatly appreciative of your contribution.

As a Member, you will be supporting your local Community House and strengthening your connection with other locals, as well as having access to free Wi-Fi internet, our book library and our community garden.

You will also have voting rights at the Annual General Meeting and the opportunity to be on

and

Seville Community House Term 2

Check out some of our programs this term at Seville Community House! For the full lineup, visit www.sevillecommhouse.org.au. We can’t wait to see you.

Getting through divorce

Navigating the complexities of a divorce? You're not alone. Come and enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea with our caring legal, financial, and mental health experts. They're eager to answer your questions and provide guidance in a friendly, open discussion. You're part of our community, and we're here to support you.

1.00-4.00pm

Mondays

Come talk to Claire from the Seville CFA about being prepared for the Winter season- includes a practical demonstration of fire blankets and extinguishers. Get prepared for Winter

Friday May 23 1.30-2.30pm

Carers get together

Our quarterly Carer’s group will get together for afternoon teas, a good chat and some creative time. If you identify as a carer, you are welcome!

Saturday June 7 1.00-4.00pm

For questions or more information, contact us at 5964 3987 or info@sevillcommhouse.org.au. You're always welcome hereEveryone’s Community House

Online Bookings: www.wooricommhouse.org.au

Phone: (03) 5964 6857

Email: info@wooricommhouse.org.au www.facebook.com/wooricommhouse www.instagram.com/wooricommunityhouse

Wednesdays

UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF BOOKKEEPING 28th May 5.00pm - 7.00pm Cost: $50.00 per person AUDIOBOOK CLUB 7th May - 18 June th No class 28th May 1.30pm - 3.00pm Cost: $40.00 - 6 weeks WOORI WANDERERS SECRET CLUB! 30th April 2024 10.00am to 1.00pm 1, 2 BINGO! 18th June 7.00pm

Tuesdays

Tuesdays

CELEBRATE NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSES WEEK MORNING TEA 13th May 10.00am to 11.30am

INTRODUCTION TO BONSAI 20th May 6.30pm to 8.30pm $2.00pp donation to Woori Community House LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS FOSTER CARE 17th June 6.30pm - 7.30pm $2.00pp donation to Woori Community House

the Committee of Management that provides support, direction

governance of the House. Members receive a 10 per cent discount on all

our tutored classes and receive a Christmas gift. We hope to hear from you soon. Contact Sonja Mazar at Woori

Woori Community House is looking for new members. (337348)

COMMUNITY COURSE GUIDE

Celebrating four decades

In the heart of Yarra Glen, a small township 60 kilometres northeast of Melbourne, stands a community cornerstone that has been bringing people together for four decades. This year marks the 40th birthday of the Yarra Glen District Living and Learning Centre, an institution that has remained true to its founding vision since 1985: providing a place for people to come together in an atmosphere of equality, to share their skills and experiences, and to enjoy each other’s companionship.

From Humble Beginnings to Community Hub

The Centre’s journey began in rented premises on Yarra Glen’s main street. After securing a grant of $17,000 from the regional TAFE board in 1988, apprentices at Ferntree Gully College of TAFE constructed a portable building that was erected near the old railway station in April 1990. Five years later, the Centre found its permanent home at McKenzie Reserve, co-locating with the tennis club—a move that proved advantageous for sharing facilities.

Today, the Centre continues to be run by a volunteer Committee of Management alongside a paid Office and Program Coordinator.

While the Shire maintains the exterior of the building and surrounds, the Centre’s dedicated team cares for the interior, creating a welcoming environment for the community of 3500-4000 residents.

The Blossoming of a Community Garden

One of the Centre’s most cherished features is its community garden, which has its own rich history. What began in 2008 as a group called “Veging Out”—locals interested in establishing vegetable gardens at home—evolved into something much more significant.

Following the bushfires of 2009, the Centre received offers of help to establish a community garden. By 2013, with funding from Sustainable Gardens Australia and the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, the garden took root as part of the Bush Fire Recovery process.

The project transformed the grounds with garden beds, fruit trees, vegetable seedlings, irrigation systems, and more.

The garden’s development continued in 2017 with landscaping and mulching, supported by a grant from Bendigo Bank Connected Communities Melbourne.

The involvement of John Ferris from Edible Forest Gardens brought new plantings and workshops, transitioning the garden’s purpose to provide activities for the whole community to develop skills and knowledge.

By 2018, secure fencing was installed with funding from the Freemason Foundation Victoria, and today, the garden continues to be a vibrant gathering place.

The garden group meets on the first Monday of each month (except January), welcoming anyone interested in getting their hands dirty while fostering connections with neighbours.

Looking Forward to the Next Chapter

As the Centre celebrates this milestone anniversary, it remains committed to its vision of providing a safe, welcoming environment where skills and ideas are shared, making a difference in people’s lives, and providing a greater sense of wellbeing and belonging.

The newly released Term 2 program offers a fresh selection of activities for all age groups, continuing the Centre’s mission of keeping the community connected. Details of these programs can

be found in the advertisement accompanying this article.

For four decades, the Yarra Glen District Living and Learning Centre has been more than just a building—it has been a catalyst for connection, a source of knowledge, and a cornerstone of community resilience.

As it celebrates its 40th birthday, the Centre stands as a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with shared purpose

and commitment to their community.

Whether you’re a long-time participant or new to the area, the Centre’s doors are open, inviting you to be part of its story for the next 40 years and beyond.

For more information about the Yarra Glen District Living and Learning Centre or to join the garden group, call 9730 2887 or email ygdllc@bigpond.com.

Yarra Glen District Living and Learning Centre is to celebrating a milestone birthday of 40 years this year. (Unsplash)

Domestic issues at home

By Maria Millers

For many of us autumn is the best season of the year, the foliage of our deciduous trees turning on a full colour display, the days crisp and sunny.

It’s also school holidays and a time to spend with family and friends enjoying this wonderful time of the year.

But as Les Murray wrote in The Dream of Wearing Short Pants Forever: Instead, we are cowed by property, by the need to earn, by the law, by despair, by newsprint, by bank balances, by police, by advertising, by clock time.

This sense of being overwhelmed is felt by many of us and put so concisely by an anonymous poet online.

we are all just one small disaster away from sinking, and sometimes you only realise when you’re gasping for air

This is hardly surprising considering the news we are bombarded with daily across our screens and papers: local, national and international.

Confronting images from war zones and devastating natural disasters: earthquake in Myanmar, the Queensland floods and so on are unsettling.

Add the uncertainty of how the interconnected world economy will respond to the tariffs rolled out by the Trump administration and how this could impact on our lives.

All this against the background of the election campaign with the daily activities of politicians on the hustings in full display.

Then there are the ongoing domestic problems: the still high interest rates and cost of living pressures impacting even on those who have good jobs.

The cost of education is a deterrent to many from pursuing a chosen career path.

Regular visits to a GP are curtailed as clinics cut back on bulk billing.

A visit to a dentist is out of reach for many. Even more worrying is the falling standard of nutrition particularly for growing children.

We all now realize that the accepted dream of home ownership may be permanently out of

SPORT

reach for some.

WOORILLA WORDS

That fundamental human right of shelter has become a battleground … Even shelter in the form of renting is out of reach for many and has led to young people moving back home or tragically ending up homeless with nowhere to go.

In Home Poet David Malouf captures how home is more than a physical space it is also an emotional anchor.

The house is a place we come back to, and always with surprise to find how far we have come.

This sense of being overwhelmed and at the same time feeling powerless and insignificant manifests in various ways.

From physical and mental illnesses to antisocial behaviour such as the domestic and public violence we see and fear.

Nor is it confined to adults but seen in the many problems with our youth.

From ‘school refuseniks’ to out of control behaviour and crimes.

The often over sensationalized and out of context reporting makes many, particularly the elderly, feel unsafe.

Emily Dickinson captures this sense of being engulfed by overwhelming internal and external forces, symbolized by the ‘funeral procession’ in her brain.

And then a Plank in Reason, broke, And I dropped down, and down— And hit a World, at every plunge, And Finished knowing—then—”

The often quoted but misunderstood phrase,

‘Australia, the Lucky Country’ was the title of Donald Horne’s 1964 book in which contrary to popular belief he wasn’t praising Australia but critiquing it: ‘Australia is a Lucky Country run mainly by second-rate people who share its luck,’ he wrote.

In fact, he was pointing out that Australia had benefited from its location, resources and the post war boom, but had not earned its success through innovation, creativity, or leadership.

Instead, it had coasted on complacency, conservatism, and colonial privilege.

A bit harsh many would say. And do we still deserve Donald Horne’s harsh assessment?

After all hasn’t Australia punched way above its weight in lots of fields: science, technology medicine, arts and sport?

From medical breakthroughs such as penicillin, cervical cancer vaccine, Cochlear implants to WiFi, the Black Box flight recorder and Google Maps to literature, film, music and sport.

Not bad for a nation of 27 million.

But despite these achievements there is still a lingering sense that our politicians of all persuasions lack vision for our nation and have a tendency to avoid the hard decisions.

We are a safe country with strong institutions and an electoral system widely regarded as one of the strongest and fairest in the world—but like anything, it’s not perfect.

Its strength lies in a highly trusted Electoral Commission that runs our Federal elections backed by compulsory voting, and a preferential system for the House of Representatives and proportional representation for the Senate.

However, the laws around political donations and lobbying are weak with no caps on donations and transparency laws are in need strengthening.

Moreover disclosures are delayed and so can be hidden till well after an election, giving powerful individuals and industries an unfair influence.

As we have seen this week both leaders have chosen to appear with podcasters, influencers ahead of traditional media.

Perhaps it’s a recognition that there are new voices challenging the Luck Myth and are pushing for something better.

These include First Nations activists, youth cli-

mate action, queer and migrant led movements. They bring new voices to areas long neglected.

In essence they are looking for strong and brave leadership.

One of the standout lines about leadership for a new generation was from Amanda Gorman’s poem about hope, healing and leading with unity and strength, performed at President Biden’s inauguration in 2021.

For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.

From The Hill We Climb

Yes there are many problems we face that need a brave commitment.

From someone who is prepared to stand up for principle and the good of the country and put forward visionary policies.

This however takes real courage and leadership and brings us back to Donald Horne’s criticisms so many years ago.

When that happens then we can call ourselves The Lucky Country in the literal sense of the phrase.

Many famous poets have written about feeling overwhelmed by the events and emotions around them, capturing the sense of being inundated by life’s challenges, struggles, or the pace of the world.

These poets offer profound insights into the experience of being overwhelmed by external events, using their unique voices to navigate complex or emotional landscapes.

For those who are feeling the weight of events and the relentless pace and stresses of modern life poet Robert Gray reminds us how we have been conditioned to neglect the recuperative powers of nature.

The city is a jungle of iron and stone, we have been taught to look away from the world of leaves and soil, the whole machinery of work and time pressing down on the veins of the land.”

From Flame Tree by Robeart Gray So on the next sunny autumn day head out into nature whether in your small garden, a walk along your street or to your nearest park or reserve.

Community Barefoot Challenge grand final night

By Ian Milgate

What a night it was, a beautiful Autumn night, with a newly brushed green, saw some amazing bowlingbyalltheteamscompetingfortheCharlesHort Memorial Trophy.

In the semi final The Laneway played Bendigo bank with the Laneway winning convincingly 17/1 while Caddie Shackers played the Terminus hotel with the Caddie Shackers winning 9/1.

The Bendigo bank and the Terminus Hotel played off for third and fourth and with some great bowling from the Terminus team, they finished up beating the Bendigo Bank by nine shots 14/5.

The Bendigo Bank were the leading Team for most of the competition but could not produce the winning form that they had throughout the series.

It came down to The Laneway and the Caddie Shackers to play it off in the final and it was a ripper final with great bowling from all players on both teams.

Each end could have gone either way with Caddie Shackers putting down a bowl, picking up the jack for shot and then the laneway would follow them down, pick up the jack and take shot.

Itwasasgoodasitgets,evenforPennantBowls.

In the end the Laneway were too good with the last shot close to the jack giving them a two-shot win 6/4.

It was a great effort by Beau Greg and Mal from Caddie Shackers (also great golfers), but congratulations to Heather, Lee and Cal from the Laneway who won the Challenge for another year.

“Firstly, I must thank all the teams for competing over the past six weeks, who are made up of local people from local businesses,” Healesville Bowling Club media director Ian Milgate said.

TheteamsthatcompetedthisseasonincludedThe Bendigo Bank, RSL Healesville, the Terminus Hotel,

These are all great local businesses who put their hand up to support this great event, so if you

are interested in putting a team together for the next season starting in October, you will need to find three team members that are available over the six-week period on a Wednesday night from 5.30pm.

All bowls are supplied and there is a very popular sausage sizzle to curb your appetite.

Please feel free to contact Ian Milgate on 0418288037 or Mick Featherstone on 0407177230.

“A special thank you to all of our sponsors who donated prizes throughout the competition and to our club members whom without your help, we could not run the event, and finally, to Mick Featherstone to take the challenge over from Effie Laban andputina100percentefforttomakeitenjoyable for all,” Milgate said.

“See everyone in October.”

Le Pine Funerals, First National Real Estate, Watts River Brewery, Code Art, The Laneway Cafe, Provit Cult, Advanced Agg, Tuck Inn, CWA Healesville, Stevensons Constructions, Jocks Concreting, Total Shutters, Davison Builders, The Caddie Shackers, Have A dig and MacDonald Maintenance.

Winning Team is The Laneway. (Supplied)

A symphony of colour

As the seasons shift to autumn and winter, the Yarra Valley adopts shades of every colour, from its sunrises to its leaves, dazzling with its beauty.

Woori Yallock resident and photographer Tracey Frazer captures the delight of the region in these transition of season photos.

While the Yarra Valley can be blanketed in cold temperatures during these months, the beauty of a frosty morning and glowing sunrise has a certain charm.

(Tracey Frazer)

EASTER 2025

Time for an Easter visit

Hop into Beechworth Bakery Healesville this Easter for a delightful selection of seasonal treats that will make your holiday extra special. Whether you’re craving their freshly baked hot cross buns, Easter-shaped biscuits, or a light and crispy meringue nest, they’ve got the perfect sweet indulgence to celebrate the season. Don’t forget to share the joy with family and friends by sending Easter wishes through their limited edition Easter range—because who doesn’t love a sweet surprise?

They’re open every day over Easter, offering breakfast, lunch, and early dinner so you can enjoy a warm, welcoming experience at any time of the day. Hosting an event or picnic this Easter? The catering boxes are filled with an irresistible mix of savoury and sweet options, making en-

tertaining a breeze. From casual get-togethers to more special gatherings, the catering boxes are packed with fresh, delicious flavours to suit every occasion.

For those dining in, they invite you to relax in the cosy booths, both indoors and out, or enjoy the warm ambience by their fire. The friendly team is always ready to make you feel at home, ensuring you enjoy every moment. Don’t miss out on their signature treats—whether it’s their famous Beestings, the hearty Ned Kelly pie, or the new pie tasting flight for the ultimate experience, there’s something for everyone to savour.

This Easter, let Beechworth Bakery Healesville bring joy to your table. Visit them and discover the taste of tradition combined with a little holiday magic!

Hop into Beechworth Bakery Healesville and say hello to Jackie, Nick and Amy before enjoying a sweet or savoury treat. (Stewart Chambers: 467379)

The Beechworth Bakery’s delicious hot cross buns.

EASTER 2025

‘Eggcellent’ hunts await

The Blue Lotus Water Garden’s Easter egg hunt takes place in the fairy garden with the Easter Bunny and other storybook characters. Great fun for the little ones with children searching for artificial eggs and then swapping what they find with the Easter Bunny for four hen size chocolate eggs. Plenty of photo opportunities. Each egg hunt runs approximately 30 minutes.

SESSIONS: 10.30am and 11.15am each day over Easter.

COST: Egg Hunt Ticket - Child (0-15 years) $9. Must be booked online.

CONDITIONS: All children must be accompanied by an adult with a paid garden ticket.

Good Friday - 18 April 2025

• 10.30am and 11:15am - Eggcellent Egg Hunts with the Easter Bunny and Friends (online ticket required)

• 12pm - Fairy Story in Fairy Garden

• 11am – 3pm Face Painting (additional fees apply)

Easter Saturday – 19 April 2025

• 10.30am and 11.15am - Eggcellent Egg Hunts with the Easter Bunny and Friends (online ticket required)

• 1pm - Storybook Pantomime with Alice in Wonderland, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and their friends. The fun and interactive show runs for approximately 30 minutes in Frog Hollow.

• 11am – 3pm Face Painting (additional fees apply)

Easter Sunday – 20 April 2025

• 10.30am and 11.15am - Eggcellent Egg Hunts with the Easter Bunny and Friends (online ticket required)

• 1pm - Storybook Pantomime with Alice in Wonderland, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and their friends. The fun and interactive show runs for approximately 30 minutes in Frog Hollow.

• 11am – 3pm Face Painting (additional fees apply)

Easter Monday – 21 April 2025

• 10.30am and 11.15am - Eggcellent Egg Hunts with the Easter Bunny and Friends (online ticket required)

• 12pm - Fairy Story in Fairy Garden

• 11am – 3pm Face Painting (additional fees apply)

TICKET PRICES

• Adult $22

• Senior/Pensioner $19.50

• Child – Egg Hunt (Only available online, children aged 0-15 years must be accompanied by adult with paid garden ticket) $9

• Child – Garden Entry Only (children aged 0-15 years, accompanied by adult with paid garden ticket) $FREE

ONLINE BOOKINGS: Blue Lotus recommend visitors book online to avoid disappointment.

Child egg hunt tickets are only available online. You can book tickets at www.bluelotus.com.au Booking fees apply.

OPEN TIMES: Gates will open at 10am and close at 5pm over Easter.

FIND US: Blue Lotus Water Garden, 2628 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction, Victoria Ph (03) 5967 2061 Web www.bluelotus.com.au

Don’t miss the Easter Bunny’s egg hunt at the Blue Lotus Water Gardens. (Supplied)The Mad Hatter and Alice in Wonderland will be putting on a special show too.

Desex cats to stop cycle

If you’ve recently found yourself with a new kitten - courtesy of a neighbour, a friend, Gumtree, or a mysterious meow under your house, you’re not alone.

The feline distribution system is alive and well, andcatshaveafunnywayofchoosingtheirpeople.

However your kitten arrived, we’re thrilled for you.

At Animal Aid, we don’t judge how a cat joins your life - we just want to help you give them the best future possible.

That starts with desexing.

Unplannedlittersareoneofthebiggestreasons shelters like ours stay full.

We know most people don’t intend to contribute to the issue.

It’s just that without the behind-the-scenes view, it’s hard to grasp how serious and widespread it really is.

That’s where we come in - every time the community waits too long, we’re the ones caring for mums and kittens who shouldn’t have had to struggle.

aid Animal

Mark Menze Animal Aid CEO

Desexing your cat helps stop that cycle.

Itpreventsfuturelittersandimprovesyourcat’s health and behaviour.

Microchipping and registration also make sure your pet is safe and always finds their way home.

If you’ve been chosen by the feline distribution system, welcome to the club.

Now let’s work together to keep the system kind and sustainable - for every cat.

Call us a call on 8756 1300 if you are interested in making an appointment to give your cat or kitten the best future.

The thrilling chase continues in Marney’s

Published in June 2023, Some Shall Break is the second instalment in Australian author Ellie Marney’s “None Shall Sleep Sequence”.

The story takes place three months after the explosive events at the end of None Shall Sleep.

It brings Emma and Travis, both in their late teens, back to work as partners in the FBI hunt for a new serial killer in Pittsburgh.

When all evidence points back to Daniel Huxton, the serial killer from whom Emma escaped three years earlier, all parties involved in the new case realise they have a copycat on the loose.

Emma is forced to revisit her past traumas, memories so horrific and painful that they might finally break her.

Yet she is determined no one else should suffer from what she did.

So returns Simon, one of the country’s most infamous serial killers.

The highly intelligent and manipulative

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

20-year-old has been assisting the FBI with insights on the psychological profiles of mass murderers.

But, for this particular case, what terrible price does Emma have to pay? And what kind of impact will it have on her relationship with Travis?

This much anticipated story is full of breathtaking tension and chilling suspense.

Once again the FBI and their associated law enforcement departments have underestimat-

A good video game movie

A Minecraft Movie captures the feel and style of the source game like few other video game adaptations, but fails to craft an engaging movie even as it mines gold with our nostalgia. After stumbling into a fantastical realm made entirely of cubes, a group of friends team up with a legendary crafter named Steve (Jack Black) to save the realm from an evil conqueror.

Like The Super Mario Bros Movie (a 2023 video game movie that made over a billion dollars globally), A Minecraft Movie is upbeat, colourful and will amuse young viewers and nostalgic older players alike, and features several exciting action set-pieces.

However, the awkward humour is sledgehammer-blunt, and the characters are barelywritten or obnoxious (in Jason Momoa’s case, both).

Momoa’s character, washed-up video game champion Garrett Garrison, is also a dated stereotype.

A Minecraft Movie recreates the aesthetics and rules of Minecraft extremely faithfully, but since the game is so whimsical and farremoved from our reality – gravity is more of

a suggestion, you can build giant structures effortlessly and, of course, everything is cubes –a fully-animated adaptation would have been a better choice.

With the “Overworld” being so stylised, especially after the mostly redundant first-act set-up in our world, nothing around the actors feels real – much like the new Snow White movie – and the events therefore carry little weight (despite some surprisingly dark action beats).

A Minecraft Movie is the opposite of the 2008 Max Payne film, which was a decent neonoir crime thriller but a poor adaptation of the Max Payne games.

Both a successful adaptation and a blunt, shallow and superficially fun film, A Minecraft Movie is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

ed the young people they work with – not just Emma, Travis and Simon, but also a wild card that no one sees coming.

Meanwhile, we cannot help but admire the author’s deliberate omission of details about Emma’s past in None Shall Sleep.

Without that careful arrangement, Some Shall Break would not have been such a powerful and profound exploration of complex themes such as trauma, guilt, survival, and the purpose of life.

Also present are the themes of love and loyalty, which are delicately investigated in the connection between Emma and Travis, as well as in the relationship between Simon and his twin sister Kristin.

Emma is a survivor in every imaginable sense, but this does not and should not require her to be emotionally and psychologically indestructible.

The author treads cautiously while illustrating Emma’s state of mind, showcasing her resilience and determination but also highlighting

new book

the vital importance of seeking professional help and understanding the fact that victims of violent and/or sexual crimes are never at fault for the harm that befell them.

The following sentiment from Emma is particularly outstanding: “There’s a seemingly bottomless reserve of these grasping, hungry men. These pathetic, selfish men, who feel entitled to take what they want with no regard for anyone else, and without consequences. She knows them so well, and she doesn’t want to anymore. Doesn’t want to listen to their bullshit. Doesn’t care about their psychology and their monologues, their histories or excuses... She just wants them gone.”

The book’s ending is explosive, an absolute cliffhanger that makes the third and final instalment in the “None Shall Sleep Sequence” urgently necessary.

A closure will mean a final showdown between Emma and Travis and their archenemy Simon!

Highly recommended.

Burrinja Theatre

Pandemonium - Jimeoin

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

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

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

• Season: Friday 11 April at 7.30pm.

Karralyka Theatre

Trash Test Dummies Circus

Winners of the best Children’s presentation at the Adelaide Fringe Festival 2015 and 2016 and runners up for Children’s Choice Award Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2016, the Trash Test Dummies are full of laughs as they are surprises.

This family adventure takes the humble household wheelie bin to new heights.

• Season: Thursday 10 April. Times: 11am and 2pm.

The Round Theatre

Broadway Baby – A Transformational Theatrical Experience

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as powerhouse performer Clare Elizabeth Dea returns with her most dazzling and daring show yet!

Joined by the incomparable Suzanne Andrews on piano and two sizzling cabaret dancers, The Hot Daddies,Clarebringsglitz,grit,andauthenticitytothis one-night only spectacle.

Follow the hilariously flawed and chocolate-obsessed diva Ruby Red as she navigates the highs and lowsofmotherhood,addiction,andlifeinthespotlight. Fromshow-stoppingBroadwayhitstosidesplitting self-help parodies, Clare masterfully blend comedy, music and raw storytelling, serving up Liza Minelliworthy pizzazz with a dash of Brene Brown-inspired vulnerability.

• Season: Sunday 13 April at 8pm.

HIDDEN GEM WITH CHARM AND CHARACTER PROPERTY

HIDDEN GEM – PRIME LOCATION WITH CHARM AND CHARACTER

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

Relax and entertain

This property is made for entertaining

• Freshly Updated oversized rear deck –French doors open on to an oversized rear deck with new decking boards perfect for entertaining or just unwinding after a long day,

• Red brick paved patio – French doors open to a second entertaining space

• Relatively flat, mostly cleared 1-acre block –easy to maintain

Plenty of space for work and leisure!

Massive shedding and secure parking

Great spaces to suit all sorts of requirements

• 15m x 12m shed with two roller doors, concrete flooring, power, water and rear lane access – ideal for a workshop or vehicle storage

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

Plenty of room for trailers, boats, caravans or multiple vehicles

Style, comfort and convenience

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

Generous master suite with large ensuite including a spa bath and shower, and walk in robe

• Wood heating and split system for year-round comfort

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

Main bathroom with a charming claw-foot bath

Located in the heart of Gembrook, just minutes from cafes, shops, and nature reserves, this is the ideal property for those who need space to work from home, store, and play—all while enjoying a peaceful lifestyle.

Opportunities like this don’t last! Call Alison Barkley on 0494 175 410 to inspect.

HOME ESSENTIALS

FOUR BEDROOM HOME IN DESIRABLE CLARKE AVENUE LOCATION

NESTLED in the sought-after Clarke Avenue, this delightful 4-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers a fantastic opportunity to create your dream living space. Set on a spacious, flat 922sqm allotment, this property boasts incredible potential with room for improvement while still providing a comfortable and functional layout.

Step inside to find a cosy lounge with a wood fire, perfect for warming up on chilly nights, and charming floorboards that add character in the home. The large kitchen and

HOME ESSENTIALS

meals area are ideal for family gatherings, offering ample space for cooking and dining.

The main bathroom is neat and tidy, and the generously sized laundry adds practicality to the home. Outside, the low-maintenance yard is complemented by a double carport, providing plenty of off-street parking and convenience.

Located on the sunny side of town, this home is perfect for those looking for a peaceful yet affordable option in a fantastic location. Don’t miss the chance to make this gem your own—schedule a viewing today.

Address: 25 Clarke Avenue, WARBURTON Description: 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Price: $630,000 -$670,000 Inspect: By appointment

Contact: Rebecca Doolan 0401 832 068, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

9WYNNLEAPLACE,LILYDALE

4 Bed, 2 Bath, 2 Car

$1,250,000-$1,300,000 FAMILYFRIENDLYINWONDERFULWYNNLEA

NestledintheprestigiousWynnleaEstateinLilydale,thisbrandnew4bedroom,2bathroomfamily homeoffersmodernlivinginaserenesetting.Thoughtfullydesignedwithcomfortandfunctionalityin mind,thehomeboastsspaciousinteriorscomplementedbyhighqualityfinishes. Attheheartofthehomeisanopenplanlivingareathatseamlesslyconnectstotheoutdoors,with largeslidingdoorsframingthealfrescoareaandgenerousgardenwithhillsideviews.Thestylish kitchen,withstonebenches,Westinghouseappliancesandmodernfixtures,ensuresablendof eleganceandpracticality.Aseparatemediaroomprovidesaversatilespace-perfectformovie nights,aquietretreatforparentsoraplayspaceforchildren.

ClosetoLilydale’sshops,schoolsandtransport,thepropertybalancessuburbancharmandmodern amenities,providingamixofmodernconvenienceandpeacefulliving.Thisismorethanjustahouse -it’saplaceforyourfamilytocallhome.

RichardGoldsmith0407348172

BenHudson0424288954

LJHooker–Mooroolbark 97267711

GORGEOUS RESIDENCE ON OVER QUARTER ACRE

GROWING families with great taste will be enamoured with this impressive family home.

Stylish, spacious, and smartly capitalising on its 1,326sqm (approx.) landscape, you will feel at home with just one step in the door.

Framed by outdoor entertaining spaces, the upper level is bursting with appeal. The open plan dining area and gourmet kitchen with textural tile flooring, striking benchtops, soft close draws, island seating, dark cabinetry, and high-calibre appliances including dual 600mm wall ovens, Fisher & Paykel double draw dishwasher and a 900mm induction cooktop serves as the heart of this spectacular home. The light-filled and expansive living area with terrazzo-style tile flooring, and study nook resides on the lower level to enjoy its own equally impressive outdoor space.

Magnificent bedrooms and bathrooms are also on offer. The parents’ retreat main bedroom boasts a sitting area, walk-in robe, and luxurious ensuite. The family bedrooms share a spa-like bathroom with soaking tub and rainfall shower.

With further features including a generous laundry with butcherblock benchtops, drying cupboard and bonus guest WC, a double garage with in-house and deck/rear access, a sealed driveway with plenty of space to park a caravan or boat, and established veggie beds, this property promises to impress inside and out. Situated within easy reach of Tecoma and Belgrave townships and train stations, a wonderful lifestyle awaits. Join us for a tour today.

Over quarter-acre (approx.) property with sealed drive and double garage

Magnificent kitchen with island seating and impressive appliances

• Generous lounge with tile flooring and study nook

• Idyllic parents’ retreat with sitting area, walkin robe, and luxe ensuite

• Several spectacular outdoor entertaining areas.

NO REASON 4 RUBBISH – FIGHTING LITTER IN THE YARRA RANGES

SINCE 2020, No Reason 4 Rubbish (NR4R) has been making a visible impact across Healesville and the wider Yarra Ranges. What began as a grassroots initiative has now grown into a powerful movement with over 600 passionate members in our Facebook group. From pop-up clean-ups to individual efforts, we’ve removed vast amounts of litter from our roadsides, parks, streets, and bushland—one bag at a time.

Our strength lies in community. Backed by the ongoing support of Yarra Ranges Council, local groups, and the generosity of Bendigo Bank Healesville—who have donated essential gear like rubbish bags, grabbers, and safety vests—NR4R has empowered everyday residents to take action. Whether it’s families, local sports clubs, or solo volunteers maintaining their own “patch,” every hand counts.

Our mission is simple: to bring together people who care for the environment and want to protect the natural beauty of our region. The fight against litter isn’t just about keeping our spaces clean—it’s about fostering pride, responsibility, and connection within our community.

We’re calling on all “Rubbish Warriors”— friends, families, clubs, and community groups—to stand with us. Let’s work together to keep the Yarra Ranges rubbish-free. Because there really is No Reason 4 Rubbish.

Let’s work together to keep the Yarra Ranges rubbish-free. Because there really is No Reason 4 Rubbish.

Time for a home loan health check!

We’ll

Enquire

OPPORTUNITY TO COMBINE YOUR HOME AND WORK

ONCE the Selby General Store this local landmark property has been renovated, updated and refurbished, ready to be a residence, a new business opportunity, or both

– so it offers a great opportunity to provide some extra service to the local community. The property includes:

• 1275 m2 allotment

2 bedrooms

• Central contemporary bathroom, plus a second toilet

• Living space

• Laundry

• Kitchen -900mm stove, dishwasher and S/S benches Cool room

• Retail area comprising of open plan space

Ducted heating, split system

There are some lovely character features including high ceilings, strapping and some pressed metal ceilings.

You may like to investigate opening that new business opportunity you’ve been thinking of, tearooms, art studio, micro-brewery, tapas bar, physio, wellness studio, craft studio – the options are endless and subject to council approval.

I’m sure the locals would love to see the Selby General Store sign go up again.

If you’ve got the vision, we’ve got the property, so please contact Mick Dolphin on 0429 684 522 or Anthony Iorlano on 0494 142 438 to arrange your inspection today.

NOTHINGTODO!MOVEINREADY!

Escapethecityandembracea serenelifestyleintheheartoftheDandenongRanges ‘Fernbrook’isa fullyrenovated,modernhomeon2,213sqmnestledamongthegum treesjustminutesfromCockatoo’scharmingtownship.Thehomefeaturesanopen-plan kitchenwithCaesarstonebenches, awood fireplace/pizzaovencombo,GDH,spacious outdoorlivingwitha tree-topdeck,firepit& landscapedgardens.Also adoublecarport, woodshed &under-housestorage.Surroundedbystunningwalks& TymonRoadReserve

AnthonyIorlano 0494142438

MickDolphin 0429684522

CHARMINGHOMEON1289SQM

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

JanBrewster 0409558805

AMODERNFAMILYHAVENWITHSPACE

Setonanexpansive2,419m²blockin aquietstreet,thispropertycombinesmodern comforts,spaciousliving& endlessoutdoorfun.Features aluxuriousmainbedroom retreat,study,centralkitchenwitha Europeanlaundry,hydronicheating,gasfire,dbl glazing, amassivecovereddeckwitha built-inpizzaoven,mains-connectedBBQ outdoorsink &toilet,adventureplaygroundfeaturinga drycreekbed,slides,climbing wall &trampolinearea,electricgates,3-cargarage,4-carcarport &a

MickDolphin 0429684522

AnthonyIorlano 0494142438 RURALOUTLOOKON2/3ACRE

Multi-generationallivingand flexibilitycomestotheforehere.Featuresincludethe masterwithrenovatedensuiteanda WIR, arenovatedkitchenincludinganopenplan familyroom,separatelounge,sunroomandanundercoverdeck.Completelyseparate downstairsoffers alargecentrallivingroom,a bedroomwithWIR,anoffice,a fully equippedkitchenanditsownverandahanddecking.Thepropertyalsoincludesmultiple splitsystems, agas fireheater,GDHand3 sheds.Ruraloutlookin aquietpartofEmerald.

MickDolphin 0429684522

AnthonyIorlano 0494142438

LIFESTYLE LIVING ON A GRAND SCALE

A beautiful property with an impressive street appeal boasting plenty of space inside and out, set on just over 3/4 of and acre.

This property is sure to please the growing family with something for everyone.

The classic homestead style home offers 4 big bedrooms plus an ensuite and walk in robe in the main bedroom.

The open plan kitchen area has loads of bench and cupboard space plus a separate meals/dining area.

Expansive lounge/living and family rooms ideally zoned to give the whole family plenty of space to spread out. Head outside and enjoy and explore the outdoors with big wide open spaces all round - it’s a kids and pets paradise.

Covered veranda’s front and rear plus a separate covered entertaining area offer year round outdoor entertaining.

A large garage and workshop provide plenty of car accommodation and with established gardens all round, this is an impressive property from every aspect.

A great property designed with family space in mind and set in the glorious and semi rural surrounds of East Warburton - yet only a short drive to the Warburton township and public transport just a short walk down the road.

4BedroomHomeinDesirableClarkeAvenueLocation

Nestledinthesought-afterClarkeAvenue,thisdelightful4 bedroom,1 bathroomhomeoffersa fantasticopportunitytocreateyourdreamlivingspace.Seton aspacious,flat922sqmallotment,this propertyboastsincrediblepotentialwithroomforimprovementwhilestillprovidinga comfortable andfunctionallayout.Thelargekitchenandmealsareaareidealforfamilygatherings,offering amplespaceforcookinganddining.Themainbathroomisneatandtidy,andthegenerouslysized laundryaddspracticalitytothehome.Outside,thelow-maintenanceyardiscomplementedbya doublecarport,providingplentyofoff-streetparkingandconvenience.Locatedonthesunnyside oftown,thishomeisperfectforthoselookingfor apeacefulyetaffordableoptionin afantastic location.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

GrandScale

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

“BRITANNIARIDGECARAVANPARK”over 8Acres,30Cabins,Lt.YarraRiver Ifyou’relookinga newlifestyleandmaybe acareerchangethiscouldbejusttheproperty. Establishedcaravanparkwith amainfamilyhomeorManagersresidenceof4 bedrooms,“Britannia Ridge”issetonover8 acresofruralandpicturesquesurroundingsandbacksontotheLittleYarra River.Thelocationissuperb,inadditiontothemainhomewhichincludesanofficearea,the propertyconsistsof aseparatedouble2 bedroompartlyrenovatedhomeandover30portable/ mobilehomes.Thereisa largelockupshed,amenitiesblock,excellentwaterstorage,and acurrent CouncilCertificateofRegistrationof aCaravanParkwith51-100sites.Therearecurrentlyapprox.20 occupiedunitswithmostrequiringsomeupdatingandrenovations,theyvaryinsizeandconditionso ifyou’reupfora challengethisisa greatopportunitytocapitalizeonfuturepotential.

FamilyComfortWithConvenienceandViews Agreatfamilyhomein aconvenientandpicturesquelocationwithfantasticeverchangingviews toadmireallyearround!Thehomeisspacious,neatandverywellpresentedoffering3 goodsize bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesplusanensuiteandwalkinrobeinthemainbedroom.Thekitchenis spaciousandwellappointed,withamplebenchandcupboardspaceplus aseparatemeals/dining area.Sitback,admireandenjoythepicturesqueviewsfromthemainliving/familyroom.Venture outsideandentertainallyearroundwitha covereddeckarea- it’stheidealspottorelaxandenjoy thecolourfulvistaandestablishedgardenswithanarrayofshrubsandtrees.A greatfamilyhomein aconvenientlocation,situatedjust ashortstrolltolocalschools,shopsandtransport.

25ClarkeAvenue,Warburton $630,000 -$670,000

INSPIRING AND UNIQUE FAMILY HOME ON THE FOREST’S EDGE

ARCHITECTURALLY designed to capture plenty of natural light and views of the surrounding forest from every window, this enchanting, multi-level family home boasts striking, elevated ceilings, magnificent hardwood Sydney Blue Gum floorboards and a unique, open floorplan.

Be greeted on arrival by a soaring, glass foyer that leads to an almost mezzanine style main living zone, incorporating not only a lovely sitting / TV area and dining space, but also the spacious kitchen with large island bench and 900mm Westinghouse oven. Hardwood timber floors have been carried throughout to provide not only a durable surface but to also give a sophisticated finish to this mid-century inspired home.

Large and light-filled, the lower-level lounge is complimented by a gas log fireplace that has been built into the beautiful original brick mantelpiece – Perfect for colder nights watching a good movie or chatting late into the night with friends. Electric central heating and cooling runs throughout and multiple spilt

systems have been added for that instant, all weather temperature control.

There are four bedrooms, the master suite with full ensuite and private balcony, creating space and privacy for all family sizes while a large walk in storage area could even be converted to a small study nook for extra convenience.

With the popular Sherbrooke Forest walking trails at your back door, allowing your own private access to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, you can simply open your doors and take in the fresh mountain air and harmonious sounds of birdlife, providing you with hours of enjoyment, time and time again.

A sealed driveway, dual parking bay is ideal when you want to leave your cars at home and take a walk to the eateries at the end of your road or, wander into Belgrave Main Street where you can enjoy a movie, grab a drink or jump on a train to anywhere!

An inspiring, creative and truly unique design, this home is no doubt capture your heart.

SharynChandler

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 Beachgoer’s two-piece (6)

4 Masses of bees (6)

10 Cavalry weapon (5)

11 Banishment (9)

12 Root out (9)

13 Popular garden figure (5)

14 Sufficient (6)

15 Brink (4)

19 Actor, – Gosling (4)

20 Family head (6)

24 Hand digit (5)

25 Blend (9)

27 A continuous expanse of land (9)

28 BeautyandtheBeast heroine (5)

29 Bears (6)

30 Brigand (6)

DOWN

1 Follower of a particular religion (8)

2 Australian animal (8)

3 Requiring (7)

5 Argue (7)

6 Very large, horned, planteating animals (abbr) (6)

7 Season (6)

8 Roman garment (4)

9 Goes regularly to (an event, etc.) (7)

16 Executive group in government (7)

17 Exhaustive (8)

18 Sharpest vertical angle (8)

19 Reconstruct (7)

21 A branch of mathematics (7)

22 Adhesive (6)

23 Central Asian fruit (6)

26 Ballet skirt (4)

No. 264

No. 232

New season off with a bang

By David Ball

Yarra Glen’s day at Seville started with Yarra Glen fielding an U.18’s team for the first time in eight years.

Despite being a very young team, the River Pig colts competed hard against a more accomplished Seville outfit.

Lachlan Rutherford kicked a great goal in the second and with two goals to Lachlan Beaton in the third, Yarra Glen were showing plenty of spirit.

The boys tired in the last but kept competing to final go down 3.5 to 15.10.

In a great team effort, best players were Lachlan Beaton, Lachlan Rutherford, Callum Sanders, John Pavic, Kobey Jarvis and Hunter Grenfell.

The Yarra Glen Reserves faced a strong Seville in great conditions.

Despite being competitive around the ball, the River Pigs were not able to connect with the ball as Seville ran and spread, creating many efficient forward moves.

Oscar Grenfell was strong in defence but couldn’t stop the Blues from banging on six goals in the first quarter.

Nathan Harding slotted through Yarra Glen’s only goal in the second quarter as the team was finally able to get some teamwork going.

Yarra Glen never stopped competing but were outgunned by a quicker Seville, 1.1 to 22.15.

Best players were Oscar Grenfell, Keithy Gerovasilis, Max Murphy, Dylan Jarvis, Josh Tilley and Mason Smith.

The Yarra Glen seniors arrived at Seville with just 12 players from last year’s list.

With some returning greats and some fresh new recruits the team started well, matching it with Seville for most of the first quarter.

Some late goals from Seville saw Yarra Glen being 13 points down at quarter time.

The River Pigs worked hard in the second quarter but were unable to match the run and spread of a very quick Seville.

Some wasted opportunities up forward proved costly as the Blues moved out to a 30

point lead at the main break.

In the third quarter, the Yarra boys lost their way as Seville were able to get loose and bang on seven goals to Yarra’s four points.

To their credit Yarra Glen kept Seville to one goal in the last as they also added a goal, going down 4.12 to 16.18.

Goalkickers – Josh Hawkins 3 and Jake Ferris 1.

Best Players – Ben Ashton, Blake Binion, Jake Ferris, Jayden Capuano, Trent Russell and Ben Marsh.

In A grade netball, Yarra Glen faced the strong Seville girls and showed plenty in the first quarter to be just four goals down at the first break.

In the second, Yarra found it difficult to defend against the strong Seville shooters.

After a great third , Yarra Glen kept fighting in the last but eventually went down, 43 to 65.

Best players were Alana McGurgan, Maddy Hargrave and Jasmine Evans.

The B Grade team also faced a strong Seville outfit and despite working hard in all four quarters, the Blues consistently converted their opportunities to win all four quarters to outgun Yarra Glen 62 to 24.

Best Players Skye Corrigan, Kayla Collins and Paige Hunter.

As with all the Yarra Netball teams, C Grade started with a number of new players and had a battle against a stronger and more settled opposition.

Yarra Glen lost 58 to 17 despite all the girls working hard.

Best players were Ashley Shanks, Leah Haag and Emma Myers.

Yarra Glen’s D Grade also came up against a stronger opposition and whilst competing hard they were unable to match it with Seville, losing 15 to 51.

Best players were Chantelle Farley, Sam Chetcuti and Lily Dove.

Next week get down to Yarra Glen to see the seniors, reserves, our new Vets team and all the netballers take on Belgrave, whilst the U.18s take on Yea, starting at 10.50am.

A win for the seniors, loss for reserves

By Hannah Chappell

Round 1 kicked off this week with Coldstream Senior and Reserves Football teams making the trip to Fairpark Reserve to take on Fairpark.

After both teams suffered losses in the previous round, they were determined to bounce back and secure a win.

The Reserves were first up, facing off in a tough contest.

Despite a determined effort and plenty of resilience, Coldstream ultimately came up short against a well-structured Fairpark side.

The team fought hard but couldn’t quite get over the line.

Sean Calcaterra was named our Reserves Player of the Match for his standout performance.

Next, Coldstream Seniors took to the field, with the exciting return of Mitch Edmonds and Dale Jordison strengthening the side.

From the first bounce, it was clear Coldstream were ready to make their mark.

The game got off to an exciting start, with both teams coming out with intensity.

Coldstream quickly gained the upper hand, thanks to quick ball movement and strong defensive pressure.

The midfield battle was fierce, and Darcy Carrigan was everywhere, winning clearances, providing run and carry, and kicking three crucial goals to keep his side in front.

Fairpark responded with some strong play, but Coldstream’s pressure across the ground was relentless.

Mitch Edmonds, back in action, played a key role in the forward line, kicking two vital goals to help extend Coldstream’s lead.

As the game progressed, Darcy Fritsch was in outstanding form, adding four goals to his tally.

His strong marking and clinical finishing proved to be a constant threat in the forward half, pushing Coldstream further ahead and leaving Fairpark with little time to regroup.

Bailey Grant was dominant on the wing, using his pace and endurance to take control of the play.

His ability to cover plenty of ground and

deliver precise passes to set up forward entries was a crucial factor in Coldstream’s success. Grant’s performance earned him the Senior Men’s Best on Ground award, with his impressive two-goal performance and allaround contribution proving pivotal to Coldstream’s victory.

Senior Scores: ■ Coldstream: 15.7 97

3.15 33

■ Fairpark: 7. 6 48

■ Goal Kickers: B Duke 1, S Kollosche 1, D White 1 Netball Scores: ■ Grey Team 43 defeated Vermont 30

■ Black Team 39 defeated Glen Waverley 28 ■ Blue Team 34 defeated Montrose 24

■ Pink Team 28 defeated Waverley 21

■ Green Team 25 defeated Montrose 19

Horse Talk

By Anita Prowse

Rain stopped for Saturday’s Shirley Heights Equestrian Centre’s Dressage In the Little Yarra Valley, and the winners were: Grand Prix: Faye Hinchcliffe on Revelry R, Inter A: Kerry Goldthorpe on Ml Aber Je Suis Charlie, Inter B: Jenny Bray on Camden, Inter 1: Ashleigh Atwell on Champagne Perrier, PSG: Jessica Dertell on Daminia LP, Adv 5.2: Zali Mills on Royal Diamond Jubilee, Adv 5.3: Tamara Campain on Belrock World Domain, Tamara also won the Advanced Jackpot, Med 4.2 & 4.3 & Jackpot: Zali Mills on Royal Diamond Jubilee, Elem 3.2 & 3.3 & Jackpot: Ann Smiley on Lynlea Riverdance, Nov 2.2: Georgia Spangaro on Lord Wimborne, Nov 2.3: Zali Mills on Yondella Davinci, Novice Jackpot: Kerry Goldthorpe on Greenbanks Valente, Prep .2 & .3 & Jackpot: Katherine Arton on Jaramlee Winnifred, Congratulations to all competitors, organising committees and officials for a

Dylan Jarvis of Yarra Glen kicking the ball into Yarra Glen’s forward line. (Supplied)

Seniors celebrating win. (Supplied)

Riding on Revelry R, Faye Hinchcliffe won the Grand Prix at Shirley Heights Equestrian Centre’s Dressage. (Supplied)

131 point victory

Warburton-Wesburn’s senior women travelled to Officer for the first round of the season on Saturday 5 April.

It was triumphant win for the Upper Yarra women’s side, scoring an outstanding 132 to Officer’s single point to kick off their season’s campaign.

Scarlett Henderson claimed best on ground with her performance, kicking eight of the team’s 18 goals. The team added 24 points to their total score.

Rounding out the best on ground was captain Emerson Woods, Hollie Eckhardt, Madi Ward, Lilian Pagels and Ruby Ross.

Warburton-Wesburn will travel to Thornton Recreation Reserve for round two to face Thornton Eildon Senior Women on 12 April.

Woori Yallock women lose out to Pakenham

By Brendan Donovan

In perfect conditions, round one kicked off the season for Woori Yallock Football and Netball club.

The women’s footy team had ascended the ranks and moved up a division, where they faced a tough grand finalist Pakenham team.

It was a very tight game on the ground, with both sides clashing and countering throughout the match.

The close battle was reflected on the scoreboard too.

Hitting the front in the third quarter, the Woori girls played their hearts out.

Unfortunately though, the Pakenham team were too strong, and Woori couldn’t quite hold on Nonetheless, it was a great start for the year for the women’s footy.

The reserves started the year with a great win, full of great ball movement and attack on the footy.

It was a great effort from the young kids, it was the first win in round one for the reserves in a number of years.

In the senior game emerald came out and hunted the footy and capitalised on our turnovers.

A reset at quarter time proved helpful, and

It was a good game, and hopefully signifies a good performance for next week’s big matchup.

the

there were wins to the

D and B grade teams, beating Emerald, while the U15’s C and A teams lost out to Monbulk.

Wandin reign down on their rivals

Wandin’s began their 2025 AFL Outer East campaign with their traditional season opener against local rival Mt Evelyn.

Wandingotofftothebeststartpossible,kicking 48 points to Mt Evelyn’s meagre 7 in the first quarter.

Every time Mt Evelyn attempted to regain control, Wandin’s pressure was too much for them to handle.

By the second quarter, Wandin had doubled their score to 90 while Mt Evelyn struggled to break past 17.

The match’s trajectory only continued the same path Wandin had set at the start, with Wandinputtingupanother57pointscompared to Mt Evelyn’s 10, leaving the total scores for the teams at 147 to 26, respectively by the end of the third quarter.

By the fourth, Wandin had managed a brilliant score line of 175 points, while Mt Evelyn could only manage 34. Aaron Mullett and Joel Garner’s efforts in the forward line particularly stood out in the dominant display.

Top Dogs on the day were Mullett, Garner, Cody Hirst, Brodie Atkins and Patty Bruzzese. MtEvelynwillbesignificantlybetterthanthe result suggests but Wandin have set a standard early in the year.

Hollie Eckhardt was among the best players for Warburton-Wesburn Senior Women on Saturday 5 April. (Stewart Chambers: 469871)

Stacey Jolly (Officer Snr Women) and Lilian Pagels (WarburtonWesburn Snr Women). (469871)

Breana Granger (Officer Snr Women) tackles Sally McIntosh (Warburton-Wesburn Snr Women). (469871)

Warburton-Wesburn captain Emerson Woods. (469871)

the kids started to generate energy. Taylor Gibson had an incredible game at full forward with a best on ground display kicking 11.1

The young fellas, Spencer, Ryan, Ormsby, Smith, and Ray all played pivotal roles complementing a tough display from the midfielders.

In

netball,

U17’s

Woori’s reserve team got their first round one win in a number of years.

Women’s Reds start strong

By Sarah Bailey

In the autumn sunshine, four senior teams at Healesville Soccer Club headed onto the pitch last weekend to start their 2025 season campaign.

Following the incredible success and steely determination of 2024, all senior teams are facing a new challenge in 2025.

The men are heading into Men’s Premier League 2 (MPL2) and MPL2 Reserves and the women into Women’s Premier League and Division 1.

They have all worked incredibly hard through preseason, and with many new and returning players, it’s going to be a season to watch.

New players are always welcome.

While they played away for their first games, the club couldn’t kick off 2025 without a celebration, so next week with four home games we’re going to bring the cheer to Don Road.

Juniors are into preseason and looking ahead to another great year.

There are a few spots in the girls U8, U12 and U16 teams and the boys U14 and U16 teams.

Email info@healesvillesoccerclub.com.au

Healesville Women’s Reds 2-0 St Paul’s

Healesville’s Reds secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory in the season opener on Saturday, guided by guest coach Brian Winrow, the club’s Development Coach.

A mix of first-time players, under-16 girls and experienced athletes, the diverse line-up highlighted individual strengths and skills.

St Paul’s played a very physical game that put pressure on Healesville.

Their aggressive challenges sent several of the Reds to the ground.

Captain Sally Clinton’s leadership on the field kept the team focused and composed.

Healesville’s defence stood firm, with a solid back line and excellent communication.

Rhiannon Kelly’s experience and leadership shone through in defence and Jessica Phillips demonstrated her strength and reliability.

Jade Rogers, the Reds’ striker, was a constant threat.

Her speed and tenacity kept St Paul’s defence on high alert, and she opened the scoring early, lifting the team’s spirits.

Mia also impressed, breaking through the

Yarra Valley men’s unravel to Eastern Eels

By Andrew Woolley

Round one vs Eastern Eels Away:

Yarra Valley Men’s First team kicked off the season away at Eastern Eels, with Round one being played at Town Park, Croydon.

The match started sharply, with both sets of players eager to get their first touches for the year and put in their first tackles too.

With both fixtures last year ending in draws, it was an even contest for the first few minutes, until a late tackle led to an ankle injury to Valley’s youngest starting player, Fergus Smith, who was unable to take part further in the game.

An early substitution saw Winjo Williams take his place up front.

Eels drew first blood, with striker Tattersall hitting a low shot that deflected off the boot of Valley’s Joel Ryan, and left keeper Aden Kerridge wrongfooted as it spun into the goal.

It was virtually Eels’ first attack of the game and against the run of play.

Having scored early, Eels grew into the game and Valley now had to withstand a period of pressure from their hosts, until the 30 minute mark where new signing Mitch Anderson came on in the place of Jack Eyssens in the attacking positions.

Mitch spurred the Valley on, with plenty of attacks coming down his left-hand side of the field, and we had the ball in the net courtesy of Josh Tomlinson, before it was ruled out for offside.

Moments later, a cross-come-shot from Anderson saw the parity restored with a great strike from out wide, making an instant impact.

Valley looked the stronger team going into halftime, until a miscommunication from Brandon Watson and Kerridge in the defensive penalty area, saw Tattersall once again punish the Valley back line.

Half time, 2-1 to the hosts.

Valley started the second half with fresh legs in the form of youngster Alex Ronalds up top, with Eyssens returning to the fray.

A quick tactical change saw captain and talisman Eamonn Kinsella move into the heart of the midfield, leading to a period of high pressure from Anderson and Eyssens. Valley had several chances in short succession, but lacked the cutting edge in the final third to make it count. Until player-coach Tervel Atanasov stepped up with a calm effort from 25 yards out to pass the ball into the bottom corner, where the opposition goalkeeper was unsighted and unable to keep it out.

Scores back level at 2-2 with 30 minutes to play.

Some tactical adjustments were made, with Valley changing personnel and formation, utilizing a 3-4-3 to showcase the young talent of Gus Vukman and Liam Spicer on the wings.

opposition’s defence for a brilliant run, only to be denied by the keeper.

However, moments later, she doubled the lead with a second goal, sending Healesville into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.

St Paul’s came out aggressively in the second half, dominating the early stages.

However, Healesville remained resilient, with Evelyn constantly putting pressure on the opposition’s defence, her pace proving to be a valuable asset.

The Reds held firm to secure a 2-0 win. The match showcased the new squad’s potential, adaptability and excellent teamwork.

It was an especially memorable day for mother-and-daughter duo Noriko and Hana, who played their first ever match together.

With 20 minutes to play, Valley were suddenly back on top and looked much likelier to score.

All the possession was dominated by Oscar Lyons and Kinsella in the middle of the park, with the changed centreback pairing of Caleb Serci and Joel Ryan, who had been solid all game, mopping up any counter attacking threat.

It seemed only a matter of time before the boys in navy blue would find a way through, but it wasn’t to be.

Eels hit on the counterattack, with a long ball in behind that saw Tattersall complete his hattrick as he knocked it tantalizingly close to Kerridge, who couldn’t keep Eels from re-taking the lead with less than five minutes to play.

A late bad tackle on Williams saw him take his marching orders for a red card for retaliation, before Eels sealed the final score of 4-2 with a 90 minute strike after a mix up in the Valley midfield.

Whilst it wasn’t to be, there were plenty of positives to take into next week’s clash against Doncaster Rovers, who visit the home ground of Millgrove in Round two.

Valley look much improved compared to last season, which saw them finish 8th and narrowly avoid relegation.

They will be looking to bounce back and move up the ladder in just seven days’ time.

Reserves:

The reserves team started the season with an away game to Easter Eels in Croydon.

Led by James Wolf and Francis DeVarga as captain and vice captain, the team started well in the first five minutes

scoring through returning recruit Jack Rinke.

The first half was total domination from Yarra Valley with chances coming and going via Georgie Lyons, Jack Rinke again, Alex Ronalds and Thomas Mills.

A squandered opportunity from Paul Healey five minutes before the end of the first half should’ve seen us going into the half time break 2-0, but from a mere three meters out Eastern’s goalkeeper pulled off an incredible reflex save to keep the score at 1-0.

Changes were made going into the second half with Finlay Kerridge, Josh Allender and Aden Kerridge getting decent minutes and with fresh legs on the pitch, Yarra Valley took control once again with a lot of creativity in the midfield and some solid defensive work from the skipper and his deputy in the back four along with Allender and Hugo Concalves.

Liam Spicer playing his first game between the sticks was a memorable one as he kept a clean sheet and with Yarra Valley walking away with the chocolates, 1-0 at the end.

Next Game Saturday 12 April.

Round two has all senior mens and womens playing at home at Millgrove Recreation Reserve.

Please come on down and support.

Yarra Valley First and Reserves Vs Doncaster Rovers: 1pm and 3pm

Yarra Valley Women Vs Bayswater Women: 1pm

Yarra Valley Thirds Vis Doncaster Rovers: 3pm

Troy Veenker wins Warburton’s Twilight Shootout

The V.V.Vs:

A smallish field played on Monday 31 March with a result coming for Vicki Hottes, with a solid 17 points posted.

This wasn't expected, as Vicki had been grizzling on about the inconsistency of her game. Well, no holes scratched suggest that consistency has returned.

Annelies Duivenvoorden grabbed the runner up prize, after a tight countback, with 16 points scored.

Wednesday 2 April was the Stroke and M. McGrann bag-day qualifier: Stroke can make some of our regular mid-

week players freeze, whilst others thrive on the extra challenge it throws out there. Jack Sheehan certainly thrived by recording a Nett 68 to easily win the day, meaning he qualifies for the playoff, and has earnt the top voucher in B Grade, on offer.

The runner up in this grade was that hot young golfer in Angus Hall, who also recorded a Nett 68, but lost in a tight countback. Balls only reached down to 72 here.

InAGrade,NeilLeckenbyflewhomewitha Nett69,tojustbeatSethSpenceley,whoposted a Nett 70. Balls here reached down to 74. There were 4 only NTP winners because Hatty did his usual trick, and

grabbed 2 of them, for excellent teeshots on both the 1st and the 9th.

Captain Whitehead grabbed one on the 3rd, Ross Machar took home the one offered on the 12th and Steuart Hawke won the 15th NTP.

TWILIGHT: On Thursday 3 April, Warburton G.C. held its iconic Twilight Shootout at our beautiful course, which as usual, was in impeccable condition.

10 qualifiers started on the 1st hole, which is a sight to see.

In other words, 10 tee shots played, 10 approach shots played, 10 anxious and nervous players all putting out, in their turn.

Our first elimination, most unfortunately, was young 13-year-old tyro, Manny Humphris, which clearly disappointed many of the 40 plus observers who wanted to see this future star progress further than the 1st hole. But to his great credit, and that of his proud parents in attendance, Manny accepted his fate with great maturity and grace.

Well done anyway, Manny, and at your age there will be many more chances.

Ironically, another future star, young Angus Hall, was the next to be eliminated on the tough Par four second hole. This was ironic because Angus was easily the top qualifier.

Yarra Valley Soccer Club’s senior mens team lost 4-2 to the Eastern Eels on its first game of the season. (Supplied)

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FOOTY TIPSTERS

Q&A Ashleigh Skillern

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

Richmond Tigers because there is no other team with a great theme song, best players and just generally a great club.

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

Camping

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

Yep love it

4. What’s your favourite type of cuisine?

Good Steak

5. What are 3 words that describe you best Large, Loud and Funny

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

Rich lol

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

Michelle Pfeiffer as she has had an interesting life and she is also my hall pass

8. What advice would you offer to your younger self? Work hard, play hard