Your newly elected Council
Chirnside Ward
Deputy Mayor Cr. Richard Higgins 0429 151 489
CrRichardHiggins@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Melba Ward
Councillor Mitch Mazzarella 0455 462 460 crmitchmazzarella@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Walling Ward
Councillor Len Cox OAM 0417 320 786
CrLenCox@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Streeton Ward
Councillor Jeff Marriott 0455 501 601 crjeffmarriott@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Lyster Ward
Councillor Peter Mcilwain 0455 567 710 crpetermcilwain@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
New Council - breaking records
Ryrie Ward
Councillor Fiona McAllister 0408 349 640
CrFionaMcAllister@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
O’Shannassy Ward
Mayor Cr. Jim Child 0408 079 227
CrJimChild@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Billanook Ward
Councillor Tim Heenan 03 9736 2956
CrTimHeenan@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Chandler Ward
Councillor Gareth Ward 0455 791 038
crgarethward@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Yarra Ranges Council has four newly elected councillors and five returning – following the election results in November 2024.
And we are breaking Victorian records as the Council with the oldest and youngest councillors both serving together. Cr Len Cox OAM, is 88-years-old in January and now in his 40th year as a Councillor with Mitch Mazzarella at 19-years old and just starting out.
Cr Mitch Mazzarella said, “The vast majority of people that I have spoken to are thrilled that there is young blood on the Council, bringing a new and fresh perspective to the table”.
Cr Len Cox OAM has been the only person to have ever represented Walling Ward since its formation in 1997. His consecutive election wins are testament to his commitment to the role, his ability to engage meaningfully with the Yarra Ranges community and his effectiveness as a councillor.
A word from the Mayor
Hello and welcome to the Summer edition of Your Yarra Ranges – a publication covering some of the projects we deliver at Council for more than 155,000 community members across 55 towns.
I’m Cr. Jim Child, and I was recently elected in the O’Shannassy Ward and as Mayor of the Yarra Ranges by my fellow Councillors. It’s a privilege and a pleasure to serve the community for the coming four years.
This is our first edition as a new Council, and we were delighted to find out that we have both the oldest and youngest serving councillors in the whole state. This will ensure that any conversations and decisions we make will include generational views.
Talking about conversations, we will soon be sharing our engagement summary for the recent Council Plan consultation. Over the past 8 months we’ve held several roadshows, provided online opportunities to provide feedback and met with a community panel consisting of 33 representatives to have some robust, challenging and positive conversations about all aspects of Council’s work and challenges ahead.
All this feedback will help form the next Council Plan which will be released in early 2025 for further community feedback, and I strongly encourage everyone in the community to sign up for updates at shaping.yarraranges. vic.gov.au.
There are plenty of other ways you can stay in touch with Council and be informed about the activities and events on offer throughout the Yarra Ranges. Check out page five for a calendar of events or visit yarraranges. vic.gov.au/yrlocal to sign up to our fortnightly e-newsletter, or follow Council on Facebook and Instagram to stay in touch – or get in touch!
Until next time, thank you for reading and we hope you enjoy this edition.
Cr. Jim Child, Mayor of
Yarra Ranges
Nature News
Creating urban habitat for wildlife
Council’s Nature Programs Officer, Hannah Grant recently visited Victoria from Chirnside Park to help her create a haven for wildlife in her front garden.
The visit is part of the Gardens for Wildlife project which Victoria recently joined. Hannah was able to offer advice on removing lawn, managing weeds and working out which plants are best suited to the local soil.
“I would highly recommend other residents join the Gardens for Wildlife program. You’ll learn which flora was originally in your area, whether it attracts birds, butterflies, frogs and so on. I still have a long way to go with converting my garden into a haven for wildlife, but I’m enjoying watching things grow and seeing which birds visit.”
Find out more about the Gardens for Wildlife Program, at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/yrg4w
Do you want to get involved in the Tanks for Platypus program? The program aims to safeguard the health of Monbulk Creek, and subsequently the platypus that depend on it for survival.
It works by eligible private properties having a rainwater tank installed free of charge that can capture and release water into the creek times of need.
So if you’re in Upwey, Tecoma, Belgrave, Belgrave Heights, Belgrave South, Shelby, Sherbrooke and Kallista and near Monbulk Creek call 1300 368 333 or check out yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ tanksforplatypus, to find out more
Hannah Grant handing over 10 free wildlife friendly plants to Victoria.
Projectionist’s stories of beloved cinema People of Yarra Ranges
Brian Luscombe is more familiar with The Memo in Healesville than most people.
A projectionist at the Memorial Hall for decades, Brian ran countless movie screenings at the cinema, swapping reels, organising releases and entertaining generations of locals.
He said that a major part of his job was advocating for releases and special features to come to town.
“I remember calling up 21st Century Fox and asking to put on a double feature –Hello Dolly! and The Sound of Music, and they wouldn’t hear it,” Mr Luscombe said.
“Few weeks later, I see Hoyts in the city and what are they showing? Hello Dolly!
and The Sound of Music. I called them up and said, ‘If it’s good enough for Hoyts, it’s good enough for Healesville!’
“Another time, I organised a screening of Monty Python’s The Life of Brian –that Sunday, every church in town had something to say about me.
“That couldn’t have been better advertising, though – every screening after that was sold out!
He said the old, red chairs at the Memo were so notoriously uncomfortable that people would bring their own seating to movie sessions.
“This one group rocked up with a couch on the back of a ute, brought it right up the
front for a triple feature, then put it back on the ute and drove it home,” he said.
Mr Luscombe said he hadn’t been to see many movies since finishing up as projectionist, but a highlight of his time working at the Memo was screening his favourite film, Hello Dolly!
The Healesville Memorial Hall was opened in April, 1924, as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the First World War. In 2012, it reopened to the community following a major redevelopment.
The uncomfortable red chairs are now long gone, along with the balcony seating. The space is now open and can seat hundreds of people for concerts, movie screenings and community events.
Reflecting on the history of the beloved space, Mr Luscombe is glad to see The Memo still being used as a community hub.
“They’ve done an incredible job with the building, Council. It’s really something special,” he said.
“The space in there is incredible.”
To find out more about The Memo, and to see what movies are available there, and at Arts Centre Warburton, visit yarraranges. vic.gov.au/movies
Award win for storm exhibition
Hard Place/Good Place Yarra Ranges has won the Community Connection Award at the 2024 AMaGA Awards – Australia’s National Awards for excellence in the museums and galleries sector.
This achievement celebrates the stories of seven local young people, who shared their experiences of the 2021 storms through augmented reality, which was exhibited at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.
Judges noted that this innovative and sophisticated project demonstrated exceptional community engagement and
cross-sector collaboration, effectively addressing disaster response and reaching difficult demographics.
By leveraging Yarra Ranges Regional Museum’s relationships and focusing on impactful storytelling, this project fosters lifelong connections and positive outcomes for participants, exemplifying the significant role of museums in both learning and community wellbeing.
Council would like to thank the young participants, its partners at UNSW at the fEEL Lab, The Big Anxiety and dedicated staff who helped bring this project to life.
Photo by magneticshots.
Twilight Market
Shop local at some of Yarra Ranges artisan food, wine and art outlets.
Visit Yarra Valley Farmers Market between 9am – 1.30pm for some fresh local produce Go for a bike ride or walk on the Lilydale-
Citizen Science Event
Bird and Frog Survey at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area. 8am-12.30pm. Bookings required. Call Sue on 0490 747 665 or email citizenscience@fohh.org.au.
Check out your local Neighbourhood House to enrol in a course for the new year yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ neighbourhoodhouses
Creek Hall Centenary 358 Badger Creek Road, 10am-9pm Bush Dance from 6.30pm Call 5962 3639 or email enquiries@badgercreekhall.com.au Outdoor pools are open! Visit Healesville, Lilydale, Olinda or Belgrave!
See a movie at The Memo in Healesville, or the Arts Centre in Warburton Kallista Village Market, 2 Church Street, Kallista 9am-2pm
Visit Karwarra Australian Native Botanic Garden in Kalorama
Check out the timetable at Puffing Billy and jump onboard Visit Birdsland Reserve in Belgrave
dream room workshop for kids Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, 10am-11am | Cost: $15 Bookings required. Call 1300 368 333.
Japara Bridge Maker Space, 49 Durham Road, Kilsyth, 2:30pm-4:30pm
Warburton Trail
Shop local and reduce waste this Christmas
Summer safety
Summer is here and so if you haven’t already, now is the time to prepare your property.
Here are some jobs you can do around the house to be ready for the fire season:
• mow your grass
• remove flammable items from decks and verandahs
• clean your gutters
• move woodpiles away from your home
• prepare your fire plan
The State Government has a new online fire planning toolfireplanner.vic.gov.au - it takes just 10 minutes to complete and could result in saving your life.
Make sure over the summer season you have the VicEmergency app on your phone or stay tuned to emergency broadcaster ABC 774.
For more information on preparing your property visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/environment/ preparingforthefireseason or the CFA website at cfa.vic. gov.au/plan-prepare
Christmas is a wonderful time of community celebrations and the perfect time to shop local. The Yarra Ranges has some amazing shops where you can snap up something creative, tasty or stylish!
So why not visit some of our boutique outlets across the area to make sure you’re filling the Christmas stockings with something super special this year.
And while the festive season can mean a lot of shopping; it doesn’t have to mean a lot of waste.
A low-waste holiday season is easier than you might think, and can be a whole lot of fun!
Try these low-waste ideas:
• Get crafty and make your own decorations.
• Think of an alternative to wrapping paper – wrap gifts in a tea towel so you’re not throwing away wrapping paper.
• Give experiences – a hot air balloon ride is a very special trip that you’ll always remember.
• Turn off Christmas lights when you go to sleep to save energy.
• Shout someone a visit to one of our fabulous wineries and artisan food outlets instead of buying gifts.
Fire
Danger Ratings
For your survival, leave bush fire risk areas
Take action now to protect your life and property
Be ready to act
Plan and prepare
Wherever you plan to be, always check the fire danger rating and be aware of local conditions.
Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire could be if one started.
They provide information so you can take action to protect yourself and others from the potentially dangerous impacts of bushfires and grassfires.
This system is in use across Australia, so whether you’re at home or travelling, you will see the same system being used.
Remember - Yarra Ranges is in the ‘Central’ fire district.
From our Ridges to our Rivers
ngurrak barring (‘mountain paths’ in woiwurrung,) is 39-kilometres of walking trails connecting local townships through the natural wonders, rich histories and cultural offerings of the Dandenong Ranges.
The trails are made up of five themed experiences: Country, Resilience, Activism, Ways of Seeing, and Community.
Excitingly, two sculptures, titled Storm Leaves, by local artist Anton McMurray have been installed along the Country theme at the trailheads of Kallista and Birdsland, Belgrave Heights.
Along the ‘Ways of Seeing’ theme, in Kalorama, Wurundjeri Elder and master-
weaver Aunty Kim Wandin, and Chris Joy’s (Murrup Biik public art) piece, Djirra Binak will be set in a culturally significant bushland area. Works have begun, and the artwork will be open to the community from early 2025.
In Kalorama Park, the Land Artwork ‘Regeneration’ is also under way. The piece works with the site, focusing on the use of natural materials to create a sculpture, designed pathways and revegetation using native species.
We appreciate your patience while under construction, and look forward to celebrating this beautiful, considered, artwork with the community in 2025.
Warburton Mountain Bike Destination
Construction of the Warburton Mountain Bike destination began in June, and work is progressing steadily on the first few kilometers of trails. Teams on the ground are made up of experienced builders and local riders, keen to be involved in their home-town project from the ground up.
When all stages of the project are complete, the trail network
is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the Upper Yarra Region, injecting more than $31 million a year into the local economy, creating 84 jobs during construction and 148 operational jobs.
Riders will be able to get a taste of the offerings, with the first 30kms of trails expected to open by mid 2025.
Rail Trails
The Yarra Valley Trail continues its progress with construction underway along multiple sections of the trail. Stage 1 of the trail will connect townships and local businesses between Lilydale and Yarra Glen, showcasing the stunning natural beauty of the Yarra Valley along the way.
The renovation of heritage bridges along the trail has begun and are certain to ensure the trail becomes an iconic rail trail experience.
The Yering to Yarra Glen section will continue to be delivered in phases due to wet ground conditions. An additional 1.2km of trail is expected to open by summer 2024-25. Walkers, cyclists and horse riders are already enjoying part of the completed Section 1 of the Yarra Glen Northern Loop, running from Yarra Glen township to Gulf Road, offering spectacular views over the Valley.
The Lilydale to Warburton trail is renowned as one of Australia’s best loved rail trails. With great parking and access at various points along the trail, it’s any easy way to move between the vibrant townships of the Upper Yarra, discovering local food and drink options along the way.
This beloved community asset is celebrating over 30 years of connecting our communities, – share your photos with #yarrarangestrails or #yrsummeronthetrails
Water play parks open
Pack a picnic, the sunscreen, hats and towels and head on down to some of Council’s great outdoor pools and splash parks for some free summer holiday fun! All our splash parks are now open! Outdoor pools are either open now or will be soon.
Seville Water Play
Location: 20-28 Monbulk Seville Road, Seville
Opening times: Everyday between 8am and 8pm
Warburton Water World
Location: 20 Woods Point Road, Warburton
Opening times: Everyday between 8am and 8pm
Lillydale Lake Splash Pad
Location: Lillydale Lake, 435 Swansea Road, Lilydale
Opening times: Everyday between 8am and 8pm
Healesville Outdoor Pool
Location: Queens Park, 5/36 Don Road, Healesville
Opening times: Everyday between 1pm - 6pm Tues, Thurs and Sat 6:30am - 9am
Olinda Outdoor Pool
Location: 79-81 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda
Opening times: Check out www.olindapool. com.au for opening times
Lilydale Outdoor Pool
Location: 26 Market Street, Lilydale
Opening times: Check out www.lilydalepool.com.au for opening times
Belgrave Outdoor Pool
Location: 69 Best Street, Belgrave
Opening times: Check out www.belgravepool.com.au for opening times
Acknowledgement of Country Yarra Ranges Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri and other Kulin Nations as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of these lands and waterways. We pay our respects to all Elders, past, present, and emerging, who have been, and always will be, integral to the story of our region. We proudly share custodianship to care for Country together.
